Colorful Fall Getaway At The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Photos courtesy of Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Welcome back my fellow foodies, and happy Fall! On a whim, I decided to adventure out to Avon, Colorado because I heard the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa had opened a new rooftop bar called Lookout Bar. I also have been wanting to try the in-house restaurant at the hotel, Stoke & Rye. I decided to take a few days off with a friend to head up there before the flakes start falling and things get a bit more crowded, so off we popped for our little mountain foodie adventure.

I have been to the Westin Riverfront many times, but never this time of year, and I was lucky to catch the aspen trees still showing off their colors. The rooms are beautiful, and the outdoor heated saltwater pool adds a very special touch. The AAA Four Diamond resort is truly a ski in/ski out resort in the Winter, and a magical place in all 4 seasons. I was excited to try the Lookout Bar and have a nice relaxing dinner with friends upon arrival, so as I always say, let’s eat.

Lookout Bar is a hop skip and jump away from the main building at The Westin. It sits on the top floor of the new One Riverfront development and has the most beautiful panoramic views I have seen in a long time, especially with the fall colors popping! They have a menu that has a Nordic nod to it and will be perfect for Après after a day on the slopes to hang out with friends or family and share a nosh. Their cocktail program is named after many runs at Beaver Creek which makes enjoying time there even better. The sliding windows were completely open on the day I was there, and I just took a breath in and realized the view alone is something truly out of this world. I can only imagine sitting there when the snow is falling, sharing a charcuterie board, and looking outside into a living postcard. Reservations will be a must during peak season, so book early as this is a place not to be missed.

Photo courtesy of Caren Austin

After a few cocktails, we headed to Stoke & Rye downstairs in the main building of the Westin Riverfront. Stoke & Rye is chef Richard Sandoval’s modern American grill with a Colorado twist. The menu is approachable, but with elevated dishes. With all of Richard Sandoval’s culinary awards, I knew this restaurant was going to be a winner. The restaurant is beautiful, earthy, and rustic, just what we were looking for on this chilly night.

To start off you must order the house made rolls. Seeming simple for a starter, they aren’t. Served with house made maple butter, rosemary and sea salt, they were the best rolls I have ever had. Trust me, order them, then you will want to take some home to heat up the next morning. We also shared the Black Mussels “Mariniere”. The mussels were served with grilled sourdough and were perched on top of a broth of wine, garlic, cream and parsley with a side of fries to dip into this magical broth. The sourdough bread had a bit of smokiness to it and was perfect with the mussels. For the main course, we ordered the Pan Seared Salmon, Grilled Hanger steak and the Cacio E Pepe. All were plated and prepared beautifully, but I must talk about the Cacio E Pepe.  

Photo courtesy of Caren Austin

I have been to Italy searching out the best Cacio E Pepe, and I can honestly say, this was my favorite right here in Colorado. Served tableside and assembled in front of you in a massive Grana Padano wheel, this dish was worth every single calorie. It is served with pork belly to add that bit of smoke flavor. This dish is where a lot of our forks kept going until every bite was gone! This winter, they will be adding a bit of shaved black truffles to this unbelievable entrée. There are a lot of steak options on the menu, and a Bison Burger that looked delicious coming out of the kitchen. I don’t think you can go wrong here, no matter what you order, including house made desserts, a cocktail and massive bourbon menu, and a stellar wine list. 

Photo courtesy of Caren Austin

After a day of Colorado fun, Stoke & Rye is the perfect ending before heading back up to Lookout Bar, having a nightcap in the lobby, or just tucking yourself into bed to get ready for another gorgeous Colorado Day.

I had to make a trip to Spa Anjali the next morning for a massage before I left because the spa at The Westin Riverfront is truly 5 stars, so when you are there, you must go. Reservations are highly recommended prior. 

The Lookout Bar is open from Thursday – Monday 3pm – 9pm and Stoke & Rye has changing hours seasonally so check the website prior. A huge bonus is that Stoke & Rye is also open for breakfast before you hit the slopes for a day of adventuring. 

I am always sad to leave The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, but now Lookout Bar has given me another reason to come back and adventure more in Avon Colorado. I’ll be back soon, but this time with skis in hand and a few more layers of clothing. Ready for ski season!!  

Until next time my fellow foodies. Eat well, drink well, and be well.