Beaver Creek Winter Culinary Weekend
What’s better than fresh snow on the slopes of Beaver Creek? Culinary delights accompanied by great wine, specialty cocktails and craft beer after you get off the hill. Beaver Creek’s annual Winter Culinary Weekend brings in celebrity chefs and unique ways to tantalize your palate today through Sunday evening.
Some ticketed events have already sold out, but a few public offerings not to miss include the Apres Village events today and Saturday afternoon. From 3 to 6 p.m. enjoy live music and the ambiance of the festive plaza level of Beaver Creek. Today’s theme is Craft Burgers and Beers while tomorrow’s theme is called Authentically Alpine, which pays homage to skiing’s European roots by serving up Bavarian style dishes and beverages.
Each day, stop by the Bailey’s tent to create your own hot cocoa concoction. There’s complimentary access to this event with tasting tickets available for purchase as you go from tent to tent.
New this year is Synesthesia, which is named for a phenomenon involving the overlap of two senses like taste and hearing. Synesthesia will offer guests the opportunity to savor outstanding bites, treats and libations at the main event showcasing premier chefs from Beaver Creek and guest chefs from throughout the country. The tasting will be followed by an exclusive and intimate concert with Lord Huron. Guest Chefs include Geoffrey Zakarian, Jamie Bissonnette, Chris Czarnecki, and Brother Luck.
The event will be held at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Saturday with the tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by the concert from 8:30 to 10 p.m. For the full event schedule and ticket information, visit http://www.beavercreek.com.
Marc Cohn at the Vilar Performing Arts Center
Love, hope, faith, joy, heartbreak. Those are some of the universal human feelings that are evoked by the words and the music of singer-songwriter, Marc Cohn. Cohn returns to the stage at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Sunday night.
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It’s hard to believe that Cohn released his debut solo album nearly three decades ago with the hit song, “Walking in Memphis” in 1991. Since then he has worked with a variety of artists such as Graham Nash, David Crosby, Shawn Colvin, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. According to Cohn’s website, Raitt stated, “Marc is one of the most soulful, talented artists I know. I love his songs, he’s an incredible singer and I marvel at his ability to mesmerize every audience he plays for.”
Expect to be mesmerized again as Cohn plays the Vilar for a fifth time. He first performed at the 535-seat theater in 2004, followed by trips in 2007, 2013 (with Mary Chapin Carpenter) and 2016. For ticket information, go to http://www.vilarpac.org.
July 4th Fireworks in January
With all this precipitation falling from the sky in the form of snow this winter, it’s hard to believe that Colorado was plagued by a drought this past summer. Fire restrictions were put into place and the annual Salute to the USA fireworks display on July 4th was postponed. Avon still has the fireworks, so they decided to host an evening of family fun by blasting off those colorful pyrotechnic devices at Nottingham Park tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.
Avon’s Salute to the USA fireworks display is one of the largest displays in the Rockies on the Fourth of July, so dress warm enough to watch the whole spectacular show. Fire pits and warming towers will be placed all around the venue. To keep you moving, free ice skating and ice skate rentals will be available as well as live music by the Runaway Grooms. Feed the family with free tacos from Rocky Mountain Taco or grab some spicy chili at the Chilly Chili Cook Off. Please note, the free tacos and skate rental quantities are limited, so come early.
The inaugural Chilly Chili Cook Off is inviting all chili chefs, cooks, and connoisseurs to share their passion and favorite styles of chili with the public. If you think you have what it takes to win, bragging rights and a little cold, hard cash may come your way for your efforts. The winner will receive a cash prize at the end. If you’d like to participate in the Chilly Chili Cook Off, please email mliewer@avon.org or call 970-331-5698. Entries are limited. For more information on the entire event, visit http://www.avon.org/events.
Winter FAC at the Westin
Before or after the fireworks in Nottingham Park, step inside and enjoy the live music, drink and food specials at the Westin Riverfront Resort during their first Winter Friday Afternoon Club of the season. Music will be provided by local favorites The Laughing Bones from 6 to 9 p.m. Winter FAC guests can enjoy $3 tacos, $5 beers and $7 margaritas as well as the full menu of hand-crafted cocktails, Colorado microbrews & bites served at The Lookout lobby bar.
While you are there, check out White Sage, a new boutique featuring Colorado chic clothing for women, jewelry and accessories. White Sage carries a variety of contemporary women’s lines, including Johnny Was, Driftwood, Dylan and Junk Gypsy by Lane.
Maya Restaurant at the Westin is also hosting a five-course tequila tasting and dinner with Chef Richard Sandoval on Sunday. Enjoy a special Mexican menu created by Chef Sandoval, with each course paired with Riazul Tequila.
The event begins at 6 p.m. and costs $85 per person, which includes a personally signed copy of Chef Sandoval’s cookbook, “New Latin Flavors”. Reservations are required. Please call Maya at 970-790-5500 to save your spot.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month so there’s no excuse not to try a new sport or encourage a friend to do so. I am a big fan of lessons. I taught at the Beaver Creek Children’s Ski and Snowboard School and think instruction can not only provide the skills for the sport, but also help you do that sport safely and boost the enjoyment factor even more.
Locally, Beaver Creek Resort is participating in this nation-wide effort. First time skiers and snowboarders can buy two days of adult group lessons and get the third day free. First timers must take all three lessons within a five day period, but that commitment to the new sport within a short period of time is key to learning and sticking with it.
There are also deals for kids who are new to the sport at Beaver Creek. Save $117 when you buy 3 days of kids group lessons. Beaver Creek is so committed to your kids progressing that they have this statement on their website: We promise your kids will learn to ski by their third day of lessons or the fourth day is free.
The Learn to Ski and Snowboard deal is available through February 6. For more information, please call Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School at 970-754-5300 or visit http://www.beavercreek.com.
