Relaxing Foodie Adventure Takes Caren To The Mountains Of Vail

Photos courtesy of Caren Austin

Welcome back my fellow foodies!

There are so many things I love about Spring and Summer in the mountains, and there is nothing more beautiful than spending a few days in Vail Colorado. Recently I got the opportunity to visit The Hythe Hotel at Lionshead Village in Vail, where I spent a luxurious weekend of fun and food. I was super excited to stay at the hotel for many reasons, one of which is Revel Lounge. Word on the street is that this is the place to go for après ski lunch or dinner, or to relax and eat well after a day of mountain activities in the summer.

I arrived at the hotel and was amazed by how beautiful and unique it was. The lobby is a nod to everything Vail including artifacts from the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division. The founders of Vail Mountain met while in this Army division, and The Hythe celebrates that throughout the hotel. There is art inspired by old ski lifts, and World War II training photos scattered throughout the hotel. There is also a 10th Mountain Whiskey bar in the hotel which serves up some amazing après libations. The rooms at The Hythe are large and so cozy. Some have fireplaces which is a fabulous addition on those cold winter nights. I noticed that every night they have a Raclette cheese tasting in the lobby which is a nod to Vail’s European roots. It was delicious and a great start to my foodie adventure. I was hungry for dinner, and Revel Lounge was calling my name, so let’s eat!

Revel Lounge is an open spaced restaurant that is modern and welcoming. They want the guests to “come and revel” when they eat there. The restaurant serves elevated alpine cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in the dishes whenever possible. I started with the blistered shishito peppers and the grilled artichokes. These were a perfect start to my meal and a great snack if you are just looking for a small bite. I had my eye on two certain dishes on the entrée menu, so I decided to order them both. The Outlaw Roasted Chicken came first. The chicken was roasted with local beer, and a spice mix that was out of this world. They wouldn’t reveal the recipe to me, and I was ok with that because that will make me come back to have it again and again. 

This is not your typical roasted chicken, it is extraordinary, so you must try it, trust me. The Western Slope Rack of Lamb was out next. This is a dish they are famous for, and I now understand why. It was the best lamb I have ever had. The rosemary infused grits that the lamb was served on top of was so yummy, I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Revel Lounge is not your ordinary hotel restaurant. Expect a lunch or dinner that will take you into foodie heaven, and you never have to leave your hotel. The menu changes seasonally and the chefs are really taking mountain cuisine to a new level. I was so impressed with Revel Lounge; it was top notch.

The next day I spent hours in the Well & Being Spa in the hotel. The spa has a cornucopia of treatments, so if you book an appointment, go there early, and spend some time in the Himalayan salt room. It was so relaxing, and the salt has many healing properties. The salt room is included in your treatment, so don’t miss it! The spa is beautiful so treat yourself when you are in Vail.

I headed out to the patio for smores by the fire, which they have every night and chatted with some guests who all had the same impression of The Hythe. It is a relaxing hotel where you feel like family, and I certainly did. It was time for me to go home in the morning and get back to reality, but I will be back soon. What a great escape to the mountains I had! Summer is just around the corner, so I am looking forward to my next visit already. Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well and be well.