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Summit County: A Delicious Escape

Publisher Picks for Hot Spots & Hidden Dining Gems for Your Winter Getaway

01: Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant, Airport Road Breckenridge

If you haven’t been to Breckenridge Distillery in a while, you may not have this spot on your “must-do” list when you are visiting the area.  The extensive expansion has made quite the difference.  This award-winning distillery opened in 2008 and added the Restaurant and gorgeous patio in 2016.  Iconic in-house Chef, David Burke, is a two-time James Beard Foundation Nominee and the only American chef to receive the Diplome d’Honneur from Meilleur Ouvriers de France.  During the day, Chef Burke and his team dish up truly inspired BBQ (pictured) in a casual, yet classy setting.  But as the sun begins to set, the whole place is transformed into an upscale dining experience with exceptional service and menu items described as “Modern American Cuisine with Altitude.”  Enjoy dishes like Chargrilled Sous Vide Octopus, Volcanic Salt Seared Filet, and if you are feeling really adventurous, you can take on the $180 locally sourced Centennial Farms Wet Aged Tomahawk Rib Eye.  And of course, pair any of the delectable food items with some of your favorite Breck spirits, distilled right next door. 

Pro tip : Make a reservation if you are going for dinner, this place is in demand.

02: Castaways Cove, Riverwalk Breckenridge

When you think of Breckenridge, the first thing to come to mind is probably skiing, or hiking, or a cute mountain town retreat.  What about a Tiki Bar?  That may sound like a stretch, but Publisher pick number two is just that!  Castaways Breckenridge sits just back from the Riverwalk and is truly a hidden gem that we hope you seek out.  From Spam Musubi to Mochiko Chicken, your palate will be delighted; but our favorite menu item - the Bowls.  Order a Bowl and you can mix-and-match your base, topping and sauce for a perfect custom meal.  Be sure to order a side of the Mac Salad and relax in this laid-back quiet spot with a Tiki style cocktail served in Insta-worthy mugs & glasses.    

Pro-tip : Three words - Sake juice boxes (For adults). 

03: Bread+Salt, Downtown Frisco

Need a little fuel to begin your day?  Start it off at Bread + Salt, a cute corner café where the mission is to serve fresh, local food that’s also downright delicious.  Because they strive to use local ingredients and house-made items, the menu can change but no matter what the offerings are on any given day, you won’t be disappointed.  

Pro tip : Order the Roasted Apple Challah French Toast for the table as a breakfast appetizer or for dessert, although you may not want to share it.   

04: LiLi’s Bistro, Dillon

When you pull into the parking lot of the little strip mall that houses LiLi’s Bistro, it’s not exactly a “wow” moment.  Not yet at least but trust us and go inside anyway – the best part is coming.  LiLi’s is bright and clean and has gold encrusted pictures on the wall that they make and sell on the side.  It really doesn’t look like any traditional Mexican spot, but the food… the food is authentic and interesting, and honestly; it’s just good.  The menu has character too, with sassy cocktail names, addicting apps and a kid’s menu that’s got jokes – this is the kind of place where you can enjoy a good meal but also feel like you are in good company.  

Pro tip : It’s not on the menu, but the skinny margaritas made with agave are perfection. 

05: Tacos Tequila Bar & Grill, Dillon

While I’m sure the food and drink here are good, I truthfully wouldn’t know.  Because I don’t come here for the meals, I come here for the pastries.  Having been raised in Arizona, there is nothing quite like the thrill of finding the local spot that displays a case full of assorted Panadería de México, churros and my absolute favorite, that creamy custardy flan.  Skip the restaurant seating area and head straight for the bakery display-case corner.  Here you will find the pan dulce and other goodies, many at just $1 apiece.  Fill a box and enjoy them with coffee for breakfast, as a midday snack, or to close out your day on the slopes with a sweet treat!  

Pro tip : Cash only. 

06: Broken Compass Brewery, Airport Road & Now South Main Street Breckenridge

In Colorado, breweries are like coffee shops - there seems to be a craft brewery or local taphouse on every corner.  The mountains are no exception and for our last (but certainly not least) Publisher pick, we are introducing you to one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon with a view – Broken Compass.  Opened in 2014, with a second tap room new to the Breckenridge scene as of this year right downtown, this local gem brews and pours unique and delicious beers from the highest quality ingredients and purest water to delight anyone’s discerning taste.  Jason (The Big Beard on Campus) and wife, Jo Ford, founded the brewery with the understanding that sometimes getting lost helps you find your way and Broken Compass has been part of their passionate journey and destination all at once.  Check it out next time you’re in town and be sure to visit their website for live music, trivia and food truck events. 

Pro tip : Grab that growler (or two). You won’t find this beer at your local liquor store because in the spirit of keeping it local you’ll be hard pressed to find it down the hill. 

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