Announcing Element 47 – Aspen’s Newest Restaurant

We’re excited to announce the name for our redesigned restaurant! Plans are underway to remodel The Little Nell’s famed Montagna Restaurant in the fall of 2012, with the award-winning restaurant re-emerging as Element 47 on Thanksgiving Day.

Element 47 is silver on the periodic table, a precious metal firmly tied to Aspen’s past. Aspen was founded as a mining camp during the Colorado silver boom of the 1880s.

New to Element 47, and a major departure from the current prix fixe menu format at Montagna, guests will choose from a menu separated into four distinct “elements” labeled Garden (vegetable dishes), Sea (fish), Sky (poultry) and Field (beef, game, etc.). Each quadrant will include appetizers, sharable items and entrees. Colorado agriculture will be the focal point of Chef Robert McCormick’s menu, drawing from local produce and livestock as well as sustainable seafood from both the East and West coast.

Wild Mushroom Tortellini with Wagyu Bresaola and Pears

Wild Mushroom Tortellini with Wagyu Bresaola and Pears – a new creation from Chef Robert McCormick

“This remodel will help us create a more approachable and inviting dining experience where guests can join us for just a few small plates or a multi-course dinner,” said Sabato Sagaria, food and beverage director at The Little Nell. “The décor will be contemporary and warm, and our commitment to sustainable, local food and drinks will be stronger than ever.”

The Little Nell hired 2012 James Beard Restaurant Design award-winner Bentel & Bentel to spearhead the renovation. Design elements include a fortified connection between the vibrant bar scene to the dining room, a focus on large-scale artwork, a glass wine wall incorporating the restaurant’s Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning cellar and lighting that will provide a distinct look for each meal period. The space will also include natural elements such as stone, sumptuous wood, blackened steel and rich leather seating softened by luxurious fabrics and wall coverings.

The restaurant will close Sept. 10 for the renovation, with the final dinner service on Sept. 8. From Sept. 5-8, the restaurant will be offering a special three course menu for $58, as well as 15 percent off all bottles of wine. Live music will be provided by Steve Peer on Saturday, Sept. 8, as a final goodbye to Montagna.