Vail has made way for many traditional restaurants over the decades, but as the appetite for more inspired concepts has been growing only a handful of establishments have fulfilled the craving.
Enter Slope Room, the stunning and delectable darling of Gravity Haus Vail. We’re so glad you’re here.
The boutique hotel in Vail Village has just completed an impressive renovation, yet Slope Room set the tone early last year. Contemporary style is woven through the warm colors and plush furnishings. Settle in at the large right-angle bar or dine in an indigo velvet banquet. Slope Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and as the light in the dining room changes throughout the day, each meal time has its own inviting vibe.
The allure feels a little edgy and unexpected, like the best back alley bistro one might uncover on a night out in Paris. Most striking might be photographer David Yarrow’s piece Last Orders that hangs as playful folklore and serves up a dreamlike interpretation of the Wild West.
The craft cocktail menu plays to saloon-style roots with lots of added flair. Try the Corn Old Fashioned, made with whiskey, elote liqueur and charred corn.
Both executive chef Alberto Soto and chef de cuisine Frank Blea bring something to the table that makes Slope Room’s menu special. Chef Blea has a talent of creating menu items that are both familiar and fun, while chef Soto executes his vision of cuisine that is intentional and cohesive.
Soto shares how the innovation of the Slope Room’s contemporary alpine fare starts with sourcing many of their products locally.
“We are letting our ingredients speak for themselves and highlighting partnerships with farms and ranches,” says Soto. “The inspiration for the menu comes from our experiences and our story, all while highlighting thoughtfully sourced ingredients.”
To start, pick some sharable items so everyone can have a taste. Don’t miss the Colorado Wagyu Hot Stone, a signature appetizer at Slope Room. Local Wagyu comes raw and ready to sear with accouterments of shiso chimichurri, shishitos, ahi amarillo and pickled red onions.
A glass of Pray Tell Chardonnay is an ideal accompaniment to the Sesame Crusted Scottish Salmon entree, plated with nori dumplings, miso and bok choy.
Many more dishes are waiting to be explored, but be sure to save room for dessert. Executive pastry chef Sara Figueroa is developing new delicacies for Unravel, the coffee and café arm of Gravity Haus, and for all the Gravity Haus properties in Colorado. Order the Raspberry Cremeux, an orange flax cake with chia seed brittle and beets for a unique and elevated sweet finale.