With culinary events sweeping Colorado (Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic, Denver Five) and celebrity chefs at every turn (Top Chef’s Kelly Liken, Food Network Challenge host Keegan Gerhard, the darling Jennifer Jasinski) it’s safe to say that our fair state has become one of the nation’s most talked about gastronomic hubs. And our favorite mountain town is no exception. This weekend marks the 22nd year for the Taste of Vail, and the lineup is as impressive as the festival’s famed backdrop. With thirty restaurants strutting their stuff, foodies will be in culinary heaven. Main events include a lamb cook-off and après ski tasting, mountain top picnic and grand tasting and auction, 
while scintillating seminars like Davidoff Cigars and Craft Distillers, Port and Chocolates and a “Speed Dating” Wine Tasting round out the mix. What’s more, over a dozen wine dinners will be taking place, ranging from Tequila, Mescal and Beer at The Sebastian, to Colorado wine maker and distiller Lance Hanson at Restaurant Kelly Liken. Tickets are still available, and range from $75-$495. Taste of Vail 2012, April 5-7, http://www.tasteofvail.com/.
What gal doesn’t love to dine in high style? Our favorite spot for food and fashion? Park Meadows, of course. With fabulous eateries around every corner, Colorado’s only retail resort knows a thing or two about dining and shopping. Now, they’re taking it to a new level with two smashing promotions during the month of March. The first, Dine and Be Rewarded, is a match made in retail heaven. For every $75 tab you rack up from selected Park Meadows restaurants, you’ll receive a $25 Park Meadows gift card. Just like that. The best part? You can earn a new gift card each and every day of the month. Just think….that power lunch can get you one step closer to those Jimmy Choos you’ve been eyeing at Nordstrom. 
Your next happy hour could nab you oodles of jewels at the new flagship Forever 21. Your romantic anniversary dinner? Lingerie from Victoria’s Secret, of course. The purchasing possibilities are literally endless, and more than thirteen restaurants are on the list of participants. What’s more, for every $25 you spend at the center’s culinary hotspots, you’ll get a complimentary valet parking pass. Simply show up with your receipt at Guest Services to redeem. Plus, from now until March 9th, eight of the posh eateries at Park Meadows are also participating in Denver Restaurant Week, where $26.40 for one or $52.80 for two gets you a delish multi-course meal. With deals like these, you can make reservations every day of the week, with a new outfit to go along. For a complete list of restaurants, rules and regulations, please visit www.parkmeadows.com. Dine and Be Rewarded at Park Meadows, through March 31st. Denver Restaurant Week at Park Meadows, through March 9th.
We all love a little bit of sexy Latin flavor, and now, we can get it while spending our snow-filled weekends swooshing down Beaver Creek Mountain. Cima (Spanish for “peak”) recently opened its colorful doors inside the Westin Riverfront Resort. The latest in acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval’s portfolio of chic eateries, Cima takes over the former Avondale space, and with vibrant style. The menu boasts fanciful, modern interpretations of Latin cuisine that flawlessly blends South American style with mountain town comfort. Much like its predecessor, Cima’s lunch, dinner and Latin brunch offerings are replete with fresh market produce, sustainable seafood, locally raised meats and specialty products from regional purveyors. And with top shelf selections of Tequila, Pisco and Cachaca, Cima’s bar is a stylish showcase for Latin spirits. Our favorite part? Hora Feliz (Happy Hour)…offered daily in the bar for gals coming in off the slopes. Muy caliente! Cima, at The Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek, Ring 970.790.5500, www.westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com or richardsandoval.com/cima.
