Asher on Aspen: Fondue, foie gras, and French flair

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Aspen, the French Alpine Bistro, fondly known as the Creperie, feels like stepping into a rustic European hideaway. As I walked through the door, I was greeted by the warm glow of dim-lit chandeliers and the sensational smell of Gruyère cheese. The ambiance? Pure romance. Imagine the charm of a vintage French chalet intertwined with the moody allure of an art deco lounge. It’s the kind of place where time slows, conversations flow, and every detail invites you to linger just a little longer.

A chilled glass of champagne appeared before I could even settle into my seat — a sparkling start to the evening. But the cocktail list caught my eye, filled with concoctions as intriguing as the surroundings. I couldn’t resist the Pink Panther, a blend of French vodka, Sicilian blood orange, mango, passion fruit, and a hint of bubbles. The drink felt like summer in a glass — bright, bold, and just the right amount of tartness. My companion opted for the El Amor, a heady mix of jalapeño-infused Mezcal, passion fruit, fresh orange juice, and lime.

The appetizers arrived, and I was instantly transported to a world where food is not just nourishment but an experience. The foie gras was a revelation — Hudson Valley foie gras, each bite a decadent contrast of rich, velvety smoothness. It was served atop toasted brioche, the crispness of the bread playing off the silky foie gras, with a dollop of lingonberry compote adding a tart finish. Then came the Baked Goat Cheese on a crispy baguette, drizzled with truffle honey. The cheese was warm and gooey, and the honey added a fragrant sweetness that left me wanting more.

But the true star of the evening was undoubtedly the cheese fondue — a bubbling cauldron of molten Swiss perfection. This luxurious blend of Gruyère, Beaufort, Comté, and Vacherin, combined with white wine and a splash of Kirschwasser, was the epitome of comfort. I could only imagine how divine this would be after a long day on the slopes. Paired with warm, crispy bread, apples, and potatoes, each bite was a cozy indulgence. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, freshly-shaved truffles were sprinkled on top, adding an earthy richness that elevated the dish to another level.

As I settled into the booth, I couldn’t help but smile at the charm of the place. The rustic barn wood panels, adorned with plush, overstuffed pillows, beckoned me to lean back and relax. Soft sheepskins draped over the chairs, and the gentle flicker of candlelight danced on every table, casting a warm, intimate glow. I casually sipped on my wine, while my eyes wandered to the old-world antiques and cherished family heirlooms that graced the walls, each piece adding a touch of history to the room’s romantic air.

For the main course, my dining companion and I both settled on the Truffle Gnocchi-flette. Picture this: pillowy potato gnocchi swimming in a creamy sauce, studded with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and melted Gruyère, all topped with more of those divine truffles. Each bite was a symphony of flavors — rich, savory, and utterly indulgent. It was the kind of dish that makes you forget about everything else and just be in the moment.

When dessert arrived, I was already full, but my love for sweets made it impossible to resist. The Schokoladepalatschinke — a chocolate crêpe filled with a luscious chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, strawberries, and bananas, all topped with crème Chantilly — was the perfect finale to our meal. It was decadent, yet not overly sweet, a perfect balance that left me completely satisfied.

As we finished our meal, I took in the atmosphere one last time. The dark vintage wine bottles lining the walls, the soft strains of French jazz music in the background, and the flicker of candlelight made it feel like we were worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Aspen. If you’re looking for an authentic mountain lodge experience with a romantic twist, the French Alpine Bistro is where you’ll find it. Every detail, from the food to the service, to the ambiance, is crafted to transport you — if only for a night — into the heart of the Alps.