As the New Year peeks over the horizon like sunrise on our beloved Bells, we wanted to set aside a few moments to muse over the most exciting events of 2018, and all the wonderful things we’ve got planned for The Little Nell in the coming year. We hope you’ll join us as we raise a glass to our community—both the guests who visited from virtually every corner of the globe, and the locals lucky enough to share the magic of Aspen with us throughout the year.
Summer 2018: Garden of Earthly Delights
In a place of such sensorial abundance, it can be a challenge to truly set oneself apart. But that’s just what The Little Nell did in 2018—and what we’ll continue to strive for in the future.
In May, our Element 47 Wine Program was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a finalist in the category of Outstanding Wine Program. Under the leadership of Carlton McCoy, our celebrated wine team traveled to Chicago for the awards ceremony. While we didn’t take top honors in 2018, it was extremely gratifying to be counted among the industry’s crème de la crème; the team looks forward to reaching new heights in 2019.
Summer’s full swing brought a swell of new temptations our way, starting with the FOOD & WINE Classic in June. In partnership with Blackberry Farm, The Little Nell was pleased to present the Friends and Fellows Ride + Lunch—a 32-mile scenic cycling loop from our doorstep to Ashcroft Valley and back, followed by a multi-course meal complete with expert wine pairings. Our own Executive Chef Matt Zubrod worked side-by-side with his counterpart at The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney, to create an unforgettable experience for riders. A portion of event proceeds benefited the Sam Beall Fellows Program.
Other 2018 FOOD + WINE Classic highlights included exclusive five-course wine dinners with Bordeaux’s Château Palmer and Napa’s Harlan Estate, each offering rare bottles and special director-led presentations. And, for those unable to secure a coveted spot for these ticketed events, there was always a Champagne Party at Chair 9—with nightly DJs and drink specials from Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot.
But perhaps one of our proudest moments this past summer involved grills and tenderloin, as we bellied up to red-checked banquet tables for the 3rd Annual Aspen BBQ Cook-Off at Ajax Tavern. As one of eight chef teams vying for the honor of best BBQ in town, we were thrilled to help raise nearly $100,000 for the Aspen Homeless Shelter.
Fall 2018: Further Beefing Up our List of Accolades
This past September, The Little Nell was proud to be one of just 15 North American Relais & Châteaux delegates featured in a new coffee table book, The Art of the Garden: Landscapes, Interiors, Arrangements and Recipes Inspired by Horticultural Splendors, published by Rizzoli and recently featured in Vogue. The beautiful book is available now in our boutique, enabling our guests to take a tiny slice of their time with us back into their own homes.
Fall also kicked off a new stampede of accolades for our 100-head herd of Emma Farms Wagyu Cattle, which holds an exclusive contract with The Little Nell in service of Element 47’s award-winning menu. Widely considered to be the best-tasting beef in the world, Wagyu is at the heart of a handful of truly exceptional dishes created by Executive Chef Matt Zubrod—including Wagyu Steak, Wagyu Burgers, Wagyu Tartare, Wagyu Tacos and more.
2019: Far-Flung Adventures Await
One of our favorite things about what we do at The Little Nell is helping our guests embrace the abundance of the area with our year-round Nell Adventures program. From off-road stargazing to backside skiing and even taking the joystick controls on a snowcat, each adventure is accompanied by our signature five-star service and steeped in the beauty of our surroundings.
In 2019, we’re excited to take the adventure a bit further afield with the introduction of Nell Escapades: a limited-space travel program designed to extend your experience with us into entirely new environs. Our first escapade, in partnership with CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures, is a six-day immersion into the pristine backcountry terrain of British Columbia’s Cariboo Range. Your luxurious accommodations at Valemount Lodge will be hosted by three members of The Little Nell’s Executive Staff: Managing Director Simon Chen, Wine Director and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy and Executive Sous-Chef Keith Theodore from January 18–26.
Kick off 2019 with the trip of a lifetime—get additional details here, then call us today at 970-920-4600 to secure your spot.
