The Little Diner

It's hard to find a legit diner in Vail. Many are touristy, over-priced with crappy service from young, attractive seasonal workers who really don't give a damn.
However, The Little Diner is an exception--and exceptional. Open from 7: 30 am to 1 pm and serving breakfast the whole time. I can honestly say that this is the best breakfast I've had since Ireland.
I couldn't decide between the biscuits and homemade sausage gravy and the corned beef hash... So I got both! Yes I know, I'm doomed when my metabolism catches up with me.
The hash came topped with two perfectly poached eggs and the biscuits were homemade and warm and... Foodgasm.
As for the ambiance, it's a horseshoe bar around the open kitchen. I had a conversation with the chef while he made my breakfast which was fully awesome.

All in all I highly recommend it!

Mmm... Breakfast.

Fresh biscuits, sharp cheddar cheese, fried chicken, poached eggs and chipotle hollandaise.
All made in house. Life is good.

Knowing bartenders

The best part about knowing your bartenders is that they are always looking for someone to experiment on.
Josh made me his new invention, a panty-dropper made with mint, cucumber-infused gin and ginger ale.

<3

Beef carpaccio

So. Good. Seared NY strip steak, fried capers, horseradish aioli, arugula, shaved parmesan and truffle oil.

Total foodgasm.

Key lime semifreddo parfait

One of my desserts at the restaurant. I burned myself so I'm officially a pastry b*tch now!

"Westside Cafe" Vail, CO.

My new favorite place for apres/happy hour if you're not living in a pretentious ski town, is Westside.
I believe everyone is familiar with their epic bloodies and truffle fries but they also have outstanding beef carpachio and amazing eggs benedict.
The breakfast comes in a multitude of benedicty varieties, including crab cake eggs benedict. The carpachio is pounded thin and topped with arugula tossed in truffle oil, fried capers, shaved parmesan and some kind of herb cream dressing that indices foodgasms.
Service is great, ambiance relaxed and it's always spotless. My only complaints are that the restroom is not actually in the restaurant and that they are a little lenient with the intoxication levels of their regulars.

All in all, four and a half shiny objects!

Hangover cure

Bacon bloody mary with a beer sidecar and truffle fries.

The bloody is made (at the request of yours truly) with half habenero and half bacon-infused vodka and served with candied bacon.