Alpino Vino (a review) of Telluride Ski Resort's New European Hütte

Earlier this month Mary Dawn and I thought we would treat ourselves to the new Alpino Vino restaurant, close to the top of Telluride Ski Resort.

Telluride Ski Resort says the following:

NEW! Alpino Vino (12,000 feet)
High upon the mountain, Vino Alpino, a European style hütte near the top of Gold Hill, offers renowned wines, fine cheeses, soups, sandwiches and appetizer plates. Opening its doors for the first time this winter, Vino Alpino's spectacular views coupled with comfortable cozy ambience provides a perfect retreat from the slopes.

It is very easy to break the "il salvadanaio" here, so expect to spend some $$$.

Overall, I thought the food was good, but I will leave the official review to Mary Dawn:

We had a most delightful luncheon in the cozy hütte, Alpino Vino, at the top of Gold Hill.

We just had to try it, being European food and wine junkies, and to our delight, found that they offer a creative array of light luncheon fare, from a rich Gorgonzola soup, to toasted Italian sandwhiches to beautiful cheeses to pair with one's wine.

For wine lovers, they specialize in an enchanting selection of "flights" of red and white wine to choose from (a "flight" is typically three types of wines to taste - usually 1/3 a glass each), and when one finds the one that he/she is partial to, one may also purchase them by the glass or the bottle. Although many of their wines are from Italy, they also offer wines from "Down Under" and the States.

Even though this was a "wine" bar, Michael decided to sample their 2-Below from New Belgium micro-Brewery, while I was left to sample the wine. I chose a red flight from Italy, which, to say the least, was quite interesting.

As we were not that hungry, however anxious to sample their menue, we asked if we could split a vegetarian toasted Panini style sandwich called a Panzanella. They were happy to serve us on two plates, which was a nice touch and the sandwich, oozed with roasted vegetables, pesto, and flavour and satisfied our palate to the "T". Indeed I, who would "NEVER" touch an olive, ate my whole half undisturbed, noting that the flavour of the sandwhich as a whole, overcame the single flavour of the Olives that were rightfully embedded within the creation, enhancing the overall experience of the senses.

The wait staff was quite accommodating and friendly, and we were impressed by their quite appropriate boiled wool vests that they were wearing, supplied by no other than, "you-know-who" Alpen Schatz! We were, I gotta say, quite proud!

On the whole, the ambiance, service, menue and beverage selectiono make Alpino Vino the most classy and of course traditionally European place to stop for a rest on a good ski day whilst on the Mountain.

Click below for photos of Alpino Vino posted on my flickr account. (http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Alpino+Vino&w=61434819%40N00)



If you go, please leave a comment, on what your thoughts were.

Buon appetito <- click for audio.


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