Aspen is paradise nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, a perfect center dividing the continent with the gift of endless beauty. In this unique location, a vibrant City provides locals and guests the best that life can offer. Enter the beloved Aspen restaurant scene. Aspen Rotary was humbled to have some of the top business leaders in our community spend their valuable time, sharing their business experiences.
In a creative open forum panel format organized by Christina King, the restaurant stars in attendance were: Wendy Mitchell of Avalanche Cheese, Meat & Cheese Restaurant, and Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar; Christopher Lanter of Cache Cache and Home Team BBQ; Samantha Cordts-Pearce of CP Burger, The Monarch, Steak House and The Wild Fig; Barclay Dodge of Bosq Aspen; Rob Ittner of Rustique Bistro and Cooking School of Aspen. Leading the discussion with the question- what does it mean to have a restaurant in Aspen, the panel identified three major difficulties that guided the first of three definable periods in the morning conversation.
The offseason led the conversation as the number one challenge to operating a successful business in our community. As Aspen residents continue to currently enjoy the ample parking and no lines at Starbucks, restaurants in Aspen are either closed or working tirelessly to make up for the noticeable lack of paying customers. Samantha Cordts was very clear in her description, “it’s easy to do business in the heart of season, very difficult in the offseason.” As high rent payments continue, businesses are forced to balance the low point. For the owners, with the deep roots of understanding the natural cycles of a tourist destination like Aspen, all have found this balance. For some like Barclay Dodge, the off-season offers an “amazing time to take some time off, as most restaurants operate 365 days a year.”
The second period focused on staffing issues and family challenges. It brought the realities of what it takes to operate in an extremely difficult business. The owners eloquently described their lives as restaurant operators, reflecting the theme of Queen’s famous 1991 hit The Show Must Go On. The third period focused on the quality of food and the philosophy of farm to table in Aspen. It was reassuring to know that all owners are committed to utilizing local and fresh products, however, winter in Colorado once again reveals the limitations. As Dodge pointed out, “in the season, farm to table is great, but sustainable farm to table has become an upsetting phrase, especially in the winter.”
With some great questions led by moderator King, and many engaging questions from Rotarians, the Thursday meeting was rich with information and provided a higher level of understanding. The challenges and joys of doing businesses in Aspen as described by all of the restaurant stars on stage resonated the unique beauty that surrounds our community. By supporting our restaurants, especially during the off-season, we are simply preserving our paradise. DINE LOCAL!
Guests: Susan O’Neal, visiting Rotarian (Washington DC and Scottsdale, AZ); Skippy Mesirow (Christina King)
Speakers: Wendy Mitchell, Christopher, Samantha Cordts, Barclay Dodge, Rob Ittner
Aspen Rotary President Craig Mellville announced that the Board is holding its next meeting Friday, May 12 at the Mountain Chalet, and that there is a Sponsorship Committee meeting at 4:30.
Steve received a a thank you card from Aspen the high school scholarship recipient. The student plans to use the money to pursue a degree in engineering.
Robin: Thank you for those who helped with speech competition. Thanks Susan and all who helped.
Below is a summary of the event by Jeanette Darnauer:
Sixteen Roaring Fork Valley teenagers participated in the Rotary Club of Aspen’s Second Annual Extemporaneous Speech Contest. McKinley Mueller from Glenwood High School won the first place award of $1,000. Second place went to Sophia Mitchell from Aspen High School who took home the $500 prize. Chloe Brettmann, also from Aspen High, won the third place $250 prize. Students from Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale also participated.
The students were allowed 20 minutes to select a topic from among six different questions, use their cell phones to research the topic, determine their position and write notes on their supporting arguments before presenting their five minute dissertation to the five judges. Thirteen Rotarians and friends acted as judges and the support team.
“I was thrilled to see such a broad show of support from students throughout the Valley,” says contest Chair Robin Smith, co-owner of Meridian Jewelers. “This is an opportunity for these teenagers to practice one of life’s most critical skills.” Next year, Smith hopes to expand the contest to include even more participation from downvalley schools.
Nineteen local businesses provided gift bag goodies, snacks or other support to the contest: 520 Grill, CP Burger, Ryno’s, Taster’s, Peaches, Mawa’s Kitchen, Home Team BBQ, Hickory House, City Market Aspen. Clark’s Market, Paradise Bakery, Grateful Deli, Radio Boardshop, Marmot, Explore Booksellers, CosBar, Meridian Jewelers, Aspen Strong Foundation and Darnauer Communications.
The contest is the brainchild of Rotarian and parttime resident, Susan O’Neal, the primary sponsor of the event.
Finally, after further review, it is noted that Christina King is the fastest Rotarian to receive a blue badge.
May 18: Angie Callen, Executive Director of the Red Brick Center for the Arts May 25: Diarmuid O’Connell, Vice President, Tesla Motors
A reminder to all Rotarians that guests are free for the month of May.
HAPPY BUCKS benefits The BETA SERVICE Club of Aspen High School (Kathleen M. Klug, Ph. D. and Sheri Smith, Mentors)
Proceeds this months during Happy Bucks support the service projects of our 100+ students. The service hours to our community, school, and other NPOs is significant and in any given year 10,000 plus volunteer hours.
Maurice is happy that Ward Houenstein made it to the run off election for City Council
Jeanette- congrats to Robin for a great speech event
Phil- shared with all members an incredible piece of American history, a picture of Manilla 72 years ago featuring of the renewal of the Rotary club of Manilla, which happened while the battle of Manilla was taking place on Feb 28, 1945. This was the first Rotary club in the Philippines that opened. Proudly he was in attendance, not more than about 100 yards from the picture.
Susan: Great job Robin for the speech contest and all that made it a great event
Roger- happy because we won WWII
Steve—redundant but worth it— Aspen Rotary does a lot of great things for kids in this valley and world. Regarding the speech contest, we are doing something really good for students to encoraurge them to stand up and speak publically. Thanks to Susan and Robin!
John—happy to have supported Skippy Mesirow's campaign who garnered 700+ votes for City Council.
The Aspen Rotary Board meeting was held Friday, May 12. A full Board update will be featured (with quotes) in the next edition of the Bulletin.
Ducky Derby:
Frieda reported that we are making progress on Ducky Derby sponsorships. Thanks to John Sarpa of Aspen Valley Hospital, the committee has broke the $50,000 mark (currently at $52,000). Traditionally the middle of May is the deadline to get sponsors on Duck papers.
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Aspen.
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