My Hometown: Welcome to Aspen, With Chef Byron Gomez
My Hometown: Welcome to Aspen, With Chef Byron Gomez
In FTT’s series My Hometown, notable travelers divulge local places they couldn’t live without.
By Esme Benjamin
This month Chef Byron Gomez, a Costa Rican native who cut his teeth at Eleven Madison Park and appeared on Season 18 of Bravo’s Top Chef, Shares his go-tos for Aspen, Colorado. When Chef Byron is not in the kitchen at 7908 Aspen, where he’s the executive chef, he’s taking full advantage of the beautiful Colorado outdoors – snowboarding in the winter and road biking through the summer.
From the best pastry to fuel your morning on the slopes to the best spot for a romantic picnic, you’ll want to save these recommendations for your next trip to Aspen.
My hometown is special because of its magical surroundings and outdoorsy lifestyle.
The best place to stay in my hometown is Hotel Jerome for its history and the W Hotel for the views. The W Hotel has the only rooftop pool in town.
When you're in my hometown, you absolutely need to get the Weekend at Ernie's cocktail (Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin, Grey Goose, Verdenne Curacao, lemon, Verdenne Blue Curacao, lemongrass and passion fruit foam) at 7908, wine at The Little Nell, and the Cheesesteak Eggrolls at local sports bar Zane’s Tavern.
When friends visit my hometown, I always take them to Pine Creek Cookhouse, an alpine cuisine restaurant nestled in the Elk Mountains.
If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, check out Aspen Paragliding or the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Without question, the most romantic date night spot in my hometown is the top of Aspen Mountain. Having a picnic there is worth the trip.
I spend far too much money at the Gucci store.
When you're in the mood for some "me time" head straight to the spa at the St. Regis Hotel.
My secret obsession is the Cronut Doughnut at Local Coffee.
Something only locals know about my hometown is that we offer one of the best burgers in town at 7908. It's off-menu, so make sure you ask.
Don't end a trip to my hometown without having dinner followed by dancing at the 7908 Aspen Supper Club.
FTT's Aspen Recommendations
STAY at The Little Nell, the town's only five-star, five-diamond, ski-in/ski-out resort.
EAT at sushi in a 120-year old Victorian house, at Matsuhisa.
DRINK at Mountain Social Bar & Lounge at the St. Regis – the most elegant après ski spot in Aspen.
