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The Little Nell, Aspen’s slope side luxury hotel dazzles with its signature restaurant, Element 47.
Named for silver on the periodic table, and a nod to Aspen’s rich silver-mining history, the restaurant formerly known as Montagna underwent a $2.5 million makeover in late 2012 and debuted with a hip, contemporary look.
The décor — comfortable banquette seating, soft lighting, and large-scale modern artwork — is sophisticated, yet approachable. So is the dinner menu, with seasonal appetizers, medium plates and entrées focusing on locally sourced produce, meat and game, as well as sustainable seafood. The fine-dining restaurant’s wine collection is outstanding: 20,000 bottles are on hand for discerning diners.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The à la carte menu changes seasonally, so a duck dish you enjoyed in December may not be the same in June — or there may not be a duck entrée at all. Executive chef Keith Theodore may even change ingredients based on the freshest produce available that week — or that morning.
- The interior design at Element 47 is sophisticated and sleek, contemporary and comfortable. The room’s main hues are silver, gray, dark brown, black and navy.
- From the hostess to the sommelier, and from your main server to the back waiter, staff is on hand to ensure your dining experience at The Little Nell’s signature restaurant is superb.
Things to Know
- Element 47 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The bar, adjacent to the dining room, is a lively spot, especially in the late afternoons in the winter months, for après ski. The bar offers snacks, sides and mains if you’d like a bite to eat while enjoying a drink.
- The full bar has a Colorado Well, meaning it features a selection of artisanal Colorado-made spirits and beers. Additionally, the bar features seasonal cocktails, handcrafted ingredients and custom garnishes, including herbs picked from The Little Nell Garden.
- The wine collection at Element 47 is composed of 20,000 bottles, about 600 of which are displayed in an impressive wine wall that connects the bar and the dining room. Overseeing the wine list is wine director Chris Dunaway.
The Food
- Dishes that feature flavorful, locally raised wagyu beef are gems at any meal.
- Hudson Valley’s foie gras is also a menu standout that should be ordered whenever possible.
- The excellent cheese course, which highlights cheeses made in Colorado paired with nuts and fruit, is absolutely one of the best things to order.
- The homemade Parker House rolls start off every meal. These treats are paired with Element 47's signature European salted butter, along with a rotation of homemade infused butters.
Getting There
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