Cozy Up To The Warmth, Beauty And Vintage Feel Of A 1970's Ski Lodge

ASPEN

New Yorkers don't have to travel to Colorado anymore to catch the chilling beauty of an Aspen ski lodge now that ASPEN (30 W. 22nd Street, 212-645-5040), a 4200-square-foot restaurant and lounge, has opened its doors. Owner Greg Brier (Groovejet, Jet East, Jet Lounge,), designer Steve Lewis of SLD Designs (Home, Marquee, Butter) and celebrated chef Gaby Hakman (Ruby's and LuLu's in South Beach, Santa Cafi in Santa Fe) together have transformed part of the Flatiron district into a retro winter wonderland with a restaurant and lounge evoking the feelings of a 1970's ski lodge with a contemporary twist and a creative menu filled with Modern American flare and Western flavor.

Upon entering ASPEN you are instantly transported through a snow laden forest. A long wooden bar welcomes patrons offering libations both traditional and modern. The restaurant boasts a sensual feel combining the ambience of a cozy retro ski lodge with modern day accents. Aspen Birch, original barn wood details, chunky wood tables and a round working fireplace in combination with modern designs such as Lucite deer heads and porcelain antler fixtures all work together to bring patrons a distinctly memorable experience.

One of the most exceptional characteristics of ASPEN is the "Gonzo" private dining room seating 25, complete with its own entrance and a fully staffed bar. Created as an homage to Hunter S. Thompson who served as an inspiration to creative minds all over the world, this room is sure to hold the most unforgettable functions.

"I wanted to create a place where people could experience a period of time that celebrated individuality, creativeness and warmth," explains Owner Greg Brier. "ASPEN is the perfect place where people can come after work and immediately feel relaxed, a place that diners can sit fireside and comfortably experience eating and drinking together."

ASPEN offers small plates ideal for sharing and will serve into the night until 4AM for an all night dining experience like no other. Gaby Hakman has created a menu that is sure to have something for everyone. From classics like Bison Sliders with Chipotle ketchup and Pomegranate and Rosemary Baby Lamb Chops to more sophisticated dishes like Grilled Jalapeno Elk Sausage and Maple and Orange Glazed Salmon with Smoked Bacon, Sweet Potato and Corn Hash, the menu excites even the most discriminating palettes.

Since opening, ASPEN has been featured in Vanity Fair, New York Times, STAR Magazine, Time Out New York, New York Post, Daily News, Daily Candy, In Touch Magazine and others for the entire experience that is ASPEN: from the space to the design to the menu, ASPEN rounds itself out with an eclectic musical landscape of soulful grooves put together by Brier himself, who also owns a small record label. The ASPEN experience is carefully balanced to create a fulfilling phenomenon, with elements specifically tailored to enchant and satisfy every patron.

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