CLOUD NINE ALPINE BISTRO –ASPEN
Aspen Highlands (On-Mountain)
Date dined: 3.24.12
Photo courtesy of: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/dining
I have never been skiing in the Alps but I imagine if I did this is exactly what it would be like. The scenery, the outfits, the ski chalets- all of it. Chef Andreas Fischbacher’s alpine menu at Cloud Nine exhibits all the European flair one could ask for with items such as raclette, strudel, elk and other game meats.
At 10, 740 feet above sea level not only is this an incredibly gorgeous place to enjoy your meal but it is also a very unique experience and not necessarily because of the food, which is actually pretty mediocre. In the afternoon hours, skiers looking for a break will stop in for a bite to eat, a cocktail, oh, and don’t forget the dancing. Yes. Cloud Nine becomes a crazy dance party right on the mountain. Remember that mom that you saw in a full body silver ski suit flying down the slopes? She is on top of the table next to you, ski boots and all. If you cannot already tell, reservations here are compulsory.
The food is hit or miss. To begin, we had the option of a wilty salad or a soup (butternut squash) which I was told was “ok” for a mere $18.
Mixed Greens
Butternut Squash Soup
Each day there is a special in addition to the [understandably] very limited menu. I chose to share two main dishes with my friend and snuck my fork into a couple of others to get the full effect.
The elk osso bucco was decently flavorful but not very tender. Even the bone marrow inside was somehow tougher than usual. It was served with a side of average ratatouille and oven roasted garlic-rosemary potatoes.
Elk Osso Bucco
The seared duck breast came served on a flatbread baked with fontina and mozzarella cheeses, forest mushroom ragout and tomatoes. The duck was room temperature and almost tasted lightly smoked and was sliced on top of the flatbread which was a little soggy under all the cheese. The mushrooms added some earthiness while the duck added a gamey flavor.
Duck Flatbread
The cioppino was a traditional mix of seafood in a light tomato and fennel stew with saffron. I had a scallop which was nicely cooked and tender.
Cioppino
Maybe the best dish, though certainly not the lightest, was the gnocchi in a creamy truffle sauce. The airy pasta pillows were filled with a tender ragu.
Truffled Gnocchi
While the food may not be the main attraction at Cloud Nine, the atmosphere certainly is. Visitors to Aspen should absolutely make this a priority destination. A word of caution to those who over-imbibe – you do not want to be carried down the mountain in one of those stretchers. That’s just embarrassing.
- The Whole Crew
Also check out this post on www.Dwellable.com
I agree about the food being mediocre. As you say, you aren’t there for the food as much as the scenery, company, and above all, the dancing on the tables. I would suggest to do something more interesting like the Fondue or the Raclette, otherwise, food isn’t totally worth it.
What a great crew and such a fun time!
Hi,
My name is Jane and I’m with Dwellable.
I was looking for blogs about the Aspen Highlands to share on our site and I came across your post…If you’re open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
Hope to hear from you 🙂
Jane