DISHING IT OUT: Steamboat's New Restaurant Roundup

It’s been an unusual year, to say the least, but that hasn’t stopped these local restaurateurs from putting their best foot—and food—forward by opening their doors and offering new flavors to Steamboat’s burgeoning, ever-changing, always evolving dining scene. From French-inspired fine dining and gourmet burgers to locally sourced organic American fare, these new eateries make it more challenging (and more fun) than ever to answer the question, “Where should we have dinner tonight?”

YAMPA VALLEY KITCHEN

WHAT IT IS: The tagline at Yampa Valley Kitchen is “uncompromised food,” which means they’ll only use local, sustainable and organic products, down to the salts, oils, and spices to create their daily breakfast and lunch menus (open 7:30 am – 3:00 pm). “We are all about using quality ingredients and sustainable products,” says owner Hannah Hopkins. “Our menu changes often because it’s based on availability. Part of our mission statement is, if we can’t get it, we won’t serve it.” STYLE OF FOOD: “We are seasonal, creative, and chef inspired,” but nothing too fussy: “American, quality comfort food, home cooking.” ON TAP: “Our zero-proof craft cocktails are great for during the day, but can also be made with alcohol, since it’salways happy hour in Steamboat.” MUST TRY: “Our crepes are awesome–the lemon curd crepe is our must try. Also, Gravlax on rye, the Kimchi Reuben and we have soft serve ice cream from Boulder Ice Cream that is hormone and antibiotic free; it’s so good!” 207 9TH STREET 970.875.3989 //yampavalleykitchen.com

APRÈS BURGER BISTRO

WHAT IT IS: The perfect pitstop if you’ve worked up an appetite on the slopes and need a burger to go with that beer. You’ll find everything here from creative gourmet burgers and elevated bar food to salads and healthier fare like seared ahi, open daily from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. “We try to use as many local ingredients as we can. We want to support other local businesses,” says owner Antonio Jarana. STYLE OF FOOD: Make no mistake, it’s a burger place, but to define the “trendy, upscale bistro” vibe Jarana is going for, the menu offers a few gourmet twists like the ahi tuna burger with wasabi aioli and even a few vegetarian friendly options, like the brussels sprouts appetizer or burrata salad. Your health-conscious friends can go for a gluten free bun or lettuce wrap. ON TAP: Belly up to the historic bar, created for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, for local microbrews or a cocktail made with spirits from Steamboat Whiskey Co. MUST TRY: “The Après Burger with goat cheese, friedgreen tomato, arugula, and our house made roasted garlicaioli is very popular.” 2500 VILLAGE DRIVE 970.761.2354 //apresburgerbistro.com

SAUVAGE

WHAT IT IS: Fine dining, Steamboat-style. Sauvage (yes, that means “savage” and is further explained with the tagline, “where the wild meets perfection”) offers 3, 5, and 8 course tasting menus. “Our menu is about quality ingredients, but we want to make it accessible, something everybody can experience,” says Executive Chef Garrett Kasper. “It’s cordial fine dining but also very affordable and comfortable. We take our food and our service seriously, but we want to be approachable.” STYLE OF FOOD: “We’re French-ish in terms of our French influence, technique, and wine list, but more contemporary than the old French classics.” There is also a bistro style mezzanine menu for more casual options like burgers, duck confit, beef short ribs, and the beloved French onion soup as well as brunch. ON TAP: A sommelier-curated French wine list and craft cocktails. MUST TRY: New Zealand venison, shipped in fresh and seared with a huckleberry and juniper berry jus.” Don’t miss the Colorado pumpkin soup and the Mulard duck breast. 910 YAMPA STREET #104 970.761.3737 //sauvage-restaurant.com

HYPNOTIC CHICKEN

WHAT IT IS: A creative hybrid between fast-casual dining, a hip bar, and a convenient quick-serve style restaurant. Whether grabbing food to-go through the drivethrough or meeting friends for happy hour, Hypnotic Chicken offers mouth-watering staples around one central theme—chicken tenders. “We wanted to offer a place that was convenient for families, and a place where you can feed everyone with high-quality, delicious food, grab a cocktail, all in a short time and at an affordable cost,” says Kari Ann Partovi, owner of Hypnotic Chicken with husband Jason. STYLE OF FOOD: In addition to chicken tenders, they offer sandwiches, salads, wings, and sides. ON TAP: You’ll find local beers from Colorado including Steamboat’s own Storm Peak Brewing Co and Yampa Valley Brewing Co. MUST TRY: “Our chicken tenders are, of course, amazing, but I think our chicken sandwich is a must, served with a hearty coleslaw on a brioche bun. Don’t miss our DiscoWaffle Fries featuring sweet potato waffle fries toppedwith gravy, cheese, bacon, green onion, and bbq sauce.” 255 ANGLERS DRIVE 970.875.3989 //hypnoticchicken.com

PRIMROSE

WHAT IT IS: An upscale-casual, chef-driven restaurant serving hand-cut steaks, seafood, and a raw bar, something you can’t find elsewhere in Steamboat. “We aren’t married to one type of cuisine,” restaurateur Collin Kelley says. “You might have a plate with Asian, Italian, and French flavors all at the same time. It’s really based on the chef’s creations.” When asked about the name, “I’ve always been attracted to native Colorado wildflowers. The primrose fights through adversity and the toughest of conditions, and there’s real beauty in that.” STYLE OF FOOD: A heavy focus on the raw bar with lobster, oysters, and scallops, but additionally, you’ll find local hand-cut steaks provided through the 4H program and local produce and greens on the menu as well.ON TAP: The bar is stocked with more than 300 whiskeys and a robust wine menu with 24 wines available by the glass. “We also have Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas and build your own bloody marys,” Collin says. MUST TRY: Start with something from the raw bar like the diver scallops, or try the pork or lamb, sourced locally. 1110 YAMPA STREET 970.761.2860 //primrosesteamboat.com