The Westside Story, Vail, Colorado's Best Restaurant
Vail Restaurants
by Westside Willie on 07/07/11
Well, it might be a little unusual for one Vail restaurant to promote another here in town but I have to give a shout out to a few. You see, I've been dining out a little more than usual because of the summertime visits from friends & family and I've really enjoyed some of my meals. First, a shout out to Guiseppe and Alisha at Zino's in Edwards. Been there a few times in the last month and they're just killing it...spot on with their meals and their service! Nice work Zino's. Another Vail Restaurant I've visited recently is LaTour. Now, they might be a bit on the pricey side of a nice meal on the town but the food was delicious and the service was right on. No complaints at all. For now, these 2 Vail Restaurants are on top of their game. So, if you've filled up on The Westside in the morning and can't make it here in the evening, then I'd suggest one of these 2 restaurants.
Ryan-
To Vodka,With Love, Wilbur the Pig
by Westside Willie on 03/13/11
There is a reason vodka is the #1 selling spirit not only at The Westside Cafe in Vail, CO but at every bar & restaurant around the world. Vodka is diverse, mixes well in cocktails & is great in a martini. There are are numerous variations of the "plain" vodka, distilled, distilled 2x, distilled 3x, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Potato, Grain etc...
Then you get into the different flavors of the infused vodkas. Absolut Citron was the leader with the rest of the brands soon following. After all the fruits were experimented with resulting in flavors such as Absolut Acai, Absolut Pomegranite etc...then came the vegetables, think pepper infused vodka. Then the combinations came and all of a sudden there were 30 different types of vodkas from which to choose.
However, a "new" vodka has hit the shelves running (well, as fast as a pig can run.) Now, don't jump to conclusions before you taste it because it might not have a good rign to it but it is delicious. It is Bacon Infused Vodka. Yes, everything taste better with bacon and now Vodka does too.
The Westside Cafe is the first restaurant in Colorado to carry the Bacon Infused Vodka and has found the magic marriage to couple it with.
Bacon Infused Vodka mixes amazingly with our House Made Bloody Mary Mix to make the Bacon Bloody! This drink has become so popular with our guests that it is hard to keep it in stock, literally. The Bacon Infused Vodka adds a beautiful smokey aroma to the Bloody Mary and is accompanied with a Brown Sugar Baked strip of Bacon actually in the drink! In addition, our vegetable skewere with 7 different ingredients on it comes with the drink as well. And of course, the 7 oz. side car of beer is always right by the Bloody Mary!
This new Bacon Bloody not only taste great but looks great too. It is not unusual to see our guest whipping out their camera's to capture the moment to share with their friends.
Next time you're here do yourself a favor and order one of The Westside Cafe's amazing Bacon Bloody Mary's, you'll be glad you did.
May The Agave Spirit Rise Up!
by Westside Willie on 02/10/11
The days have having your go-to Tequila on the rocks with a wedge of lime might be coming to an end. However, this is not a sad thing necessarily. Let me explain...There have been an influx of high-end tequilas to hit the market lately ranging from Repasado, to Mezcals, to blanco & anejos! These are all different varieties of tequilas, each offering a unique taste all to itself. However, don't be afraid to spice up this already complex taste with purees, juices or syrups that will ensure your tastebuds go on vacation, if not your entire body! Below are a few recipes that we, here at The Westside Cafe, would recommend.
The Millington
1 ¾ ounces Silver Tequila
1 ounce kumquat marmalade (or orange marmalade)
½ ounce Grand Mariner
½ ounce fresh orange juice
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
Rim a rocks glass with salt. Pour all ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake and pour into glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Tequila Sunset
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1 tsp. agave (or honey)
¾ ounce lime juice
3 dashes pumpkin spice seasoning
1 ½ ounces Silver Tequila
1 ¾ ounces apple cider
1 egg white
In a shaker, stir light brown sugar, agave, lime juice and pumpkin spice seasoning until dissolved. Add ice and tequila, apple cider and egg white. Shake vigorously, garnish with a dash of cinnamon and serve in a snifter glass.
Breaking the Law
1 ounce Mezcal Reposado
1 ounce Dimmi Italian cordial
¾ ounce lime juice
¾ ounce chipotle chili agave
2 dashes summit summer orange bitters
Muddle one cucumber slice. Shake and double strain in a Collins glass. Top with soda, and garnish with a grated orange zest.
As always, enjoy your Tequila, but please, enjoy your tequila responsibly.
Hope to see you at The Westside Cafe, Vail's Best Restaurant, soon!
A little Humor seen around Vail Restaurants...& A Contest
by Westside Willie on 01/17/11
We've all seen a good bar sign hanging up in a restaurant here and there. Heck, even The Westside Cafe has one of the best amongst Vail Restaurants:
It's simple, just reads "Free Beer Tomorrow."
Quick, witty; puts a smile on your face right?
Here are a few other bar signs that we like...
1. "Drink here, 4 out of 5 accidents happen at home."
2. "If you drink in advance, please pay in advance."
3. "Not responsible for anything said after 3 beers."
4. "Please don't drink on an empty wallet."
5. "If you drive your husband to drink, please, drive him here."
6. "Reality is a delusion created by an alcohol deficiency."
Witty, funny, smile on your face.
Well, we're holding a contest. Submit your best "Bar Sign" to our e-mail: WestsideCafe@comcast.net.
We'll choose the best one to make a sign out of and hang up in The Westside, Vail's best restaurant.
Whoever submits the sign we choose will recieve a $50 gift certificate to be used however you'd like. Simple, witty, smile on your face!
Don't delay, contest ends January 31, 2011.
Good luck!
The Westside Cafe-
World's Best Bloody Mary
by Westside Willie on 01/06/11
Have you seen it lately? It's huge and delicious! Everybody's talking about it! It's the new & improved Bloody Mary at The Westside. They already had an amazing bloody to begin with, but they've recently stepped it up a notch. Must be the New Year or something. Whatever it is, it's perfect. It now comes in an 18oz. Goblet with 9 different garnishes on top PLUS a sidecar of beer! If it's not the best bloody mary you've ever had then I don't know what is. Of course it's their same recipe that put them on the map in the first place, made with house infused vodka and their own 10 spice bloody mary mix. Do yourself a favor and stop into The Westside to have a Bloody, you'll be glad you did, guaranteed.
Hang Outdoor Lights Safely...
by Westside Willie on 12/08/10
Just a few tips from The Westside.
According to the Home Safety Council, flals are the number one cause of home injuries and deaths. Falls from ladders while hanging outdoor lights acna be particularly serious, since the injury may be compounded by falling on sharp bushes or tree limbs. Plan to do your decorating in daylight and weell in advance of winter snow & ice. And follow basic ladder safety rules whenever using a ladder: Straigh or extension ladders should be tilted at about 75 degrees. That means the base should move one foot out for every four feet of height. The ground under the ladder should be firm and level. As always, it's good to have a spotter holding the ladder as well.
Good luck this holiday season. Come on into The Westside for breakfast, lunch or dinner to warm up after decorating.
The Westside family.
The History of Christmas...
by Westside Willie on 12/08/10
Christmas is surrounded by myth, legend and tradition and most of us consider ourselves familiar with most of the customs surrounding this festive season. However, there is always room for a few more facts and figures, so we hope you enjoy our brief 'did you know?' yuletide guide!
Did you know...?
An old wives' tale says that bread baked on Christmas Eve will never go moldy! Christmas pudding was first made as a kind of soup, including ingredients such as raisins & wine. Decebmer 25th was not celebrated as the birth date of Christ until 440 A.D. In 1649, Oliver Cromwell abolished Christams and declared it to be an ordinary working day. Anybody caught celebrating Christams was arrested. The first British Christmas card was sent in 1840. The British Post Office delivered Christmas cards on Christmas morning til 1961. Daily newspapers were published on Christmas day until 1912. The first Christams stamp was released in Canada in 1898. Christmas crackers were invented by Thomas Smith. Having imported a selection of novelties from France to sell as Christmas gifts and finding they were rahter unpopular, he wrapped them up into a tube and added a "snapper" to make them appear more interesting. Last but not least...On Christmas Eve, 2002 one of the most significant restaurants in Vail opened...the one and only...Westside Cafe! On a side note: The Westisde won't be open on Christmas day as we all really enjoy spending the holiday with our friends and family. Sorry for the inconvienence. We will be open again on the 26th! See you soon.
How To Get All Your Christmas Shopping Done Easily!
by Westside Willie on 12/08/10
The perfect gift for anybody of any age is a gift certificate for lunch or dinner at The Westside Cafe. They are perfect for a number of reasons:
They always fit! THe recipient can share them! They are never the wrong color, the wrong model, the wrong style or the wrong anything! They don't require batteries! They aren't loud, bright or in any way annoying! They don't require a visit to the mall. We'll mail it to you! Everyone has to eat!
And...at The Westside Cafe, they do it in style! To help you along, we have a pretty darn good deal going right now: Buy $25 get a $5 gift card for FREE! | Buy $50, get a $10 gift card for FREE! | Buy $100, get $25 for FREE!
This unbelievable offer will end on Dec. 24th, 2010 so hurry. Or, you can call us at 970-476-7890 or purchase online here. Won't it feel great to have your shopping
Merry Christmas. :)Done!
Halloween is Behind Us, Thanksgiving and Christmas Ahead!!!
by Westside Willie on 11/10/10
So, how was Halloween? Scare anybody, get scared, win any costume contest, try any of the fun cocktails?
Well, since we're not quite onto Thanksgiving I'll keep this post realively quick. I'll give you a few odd cocktails to try for the next week in order to prepare for any Thanksgiving festivites you might have.
Some of these cocktails are a bit quirky, but don't-hate-em-til-you-try-em.
1. Pickle Back...This works well with either Tequila or Whiskey (I prefer Tequila). Take 2 shot glasses...fill one with Tequila, the other with Pickle Juice...yes, Pickle Juice right outta the jar works well. Shoot the Tequila, chase it with the Pickle Juice. Sounds awful, Taste fantastic!!! Trust me on this one.
2. Radical Razz...This is a great cocktail to enjoy in a pint glass while running the vaccuum around the house. Fill glass with ice...add 2 ounces of Vodka, 1 ounce of Chambord and top the rest off with soda water. Shake in a mixer, add a lime wedge and drink, drink, and drink some more. It's delicous!
3. Vodka / Midori...well, this one is just plain easy & good. Equal parts Vodka & Midori over rocks. Super refreshing, super tasty! For a little burst add a splash of soda water!
Enjoy those 3 drinks for now. Thanksgiving drinks to follow next week. Have questions / comments, let us know.
Ryan-
Halloween Cocktails For Those Halloween Parties!!!
by Westside Willie on 10/13/10
There is only one thing that can combat the spirits from the grave on October 31 and that is spirits in your glass. There is a wide variety of spooky combinations that should be experimented with on Halloween. Afterall, if it turns out bad give it to somebody else and tell them Happy Halloween! Then go make yourself something better. Here are a few recipes from The Westside Cafe that can guide you through those oh-so-scary-spirits of Halloween. Good luck and remember, the more you experiment, the more fun you'll have. Happy Halloween!
Midori Melon Eye-Tini
1 ¼ oz. Midori Melon liqueur (The green stuff you never use.)
¾ oz. Citrus vodka (Use whatever brand you'd like. It really won't make a difference.)
½ oz. Agave Nectar Syrup (This is delicious and should be used in a lot of other drinks...but it usually isn't. You can find it at your grocery store...just ask somebody, it's usually hard to find.)
2 oz. Ginger Ale
2 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix (You know, the same stuff that is in your margarita.)
3 orange wedges
2 basil leaves (Tear them in half to release the flavor / aroma)
Strawberry sundae syrup (The stuff Nestle makes)
1 red seedless grape, to garnish (Looks like an eyeball...hence the spookiness)
1 basil leaf, for garnish (Adds a nice aroma when drinking.)
In a shaker glass, combine Midori Melon liqueur, Citrus Vodka, agave syrup, orange wedges and basil leaves and muddle together. Add ice and sweet and sour mix. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled Martini glass drizzled with strawberry sundae syrup to give an effect of a bloodshot eye.
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Bloody Rum Punch (Remember the college days with the barrel-o-punch...well, this is the adult version.)
1 750 ml bottle of DonQ Cristal rum
½ bottle red wine
6 ounces fresh lime juice
6 ounces triple sec liqueur
6 ounces simple syrup
2 limes, sliced in thin wheels
2 red oranges, sliced in thin wheels
Add all ingredients into a bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. Serve over ice in a punch glass. You don't want to add ice directly to the bowl since that will dilute the taste. Add ice to the drinking cup then add the punch for a bigger taste! Well, at least the first few times, after that you probably won't notice you're hitting on your bosses daughter (or son.)
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Goblin (Will Get Ya) (This is for those of you that have a leftover bottle of Sake from the last time you tried to make sushi at your house. Now you can put that Sake to good use.)
2 oz. Silver Tequila
2 oz. Leftover Sake (From Sushi Night)
1 stem lemongrass
1 sprig mint
Pinch of ginger
¾ oz. water (Weird, I know, but it is Halloween.)
1 ounce soda water
Cut lemongrass into small pieces and muddle with mint, add all other ingredients except for soda water, shake vigorously, and strain over ice into a highball glass. Drink 'til your eyeballs fall out. (Or you start hitting on your boss since their offspring wasn't interested in you.)
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Tequila Te-kill-ya
1 ½ oz. Silver Tequila
½ oz. Campari (The red stuff you probably don't have at home so you'll need to go buy some.)
1 oz. blood orange juice (This stuff is delicious.)
¼ oz.grenadine (Red syrup that your kids use in their Shirley Temples.)
2 oz. soda water
Blood orange wheel, for garnish (if you happen to have one lying around the house.)
Strawberry sundae syrup (Yes, the Nestle syrup that has been in your pantry for 3 years.)
Build all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice. Add the grenadine at the end. Garnish with blood orange wheel and strawberry syrup.
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The Devil is in the Details
1 oz. Apple Pie Liqueur
1 oz. spiced rum
1 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ oz. Simple Syrup (Equal parts water and sugar boiled together for a few minutes.)
Splash of grenadine
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake-rattle-n-roll. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
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Dracula Juice (This is an easy one without much ingredients...so, After you've impressed your guests with all those fancy ones with tons of ingredients start making this one.)
1 oz. Rum
1 ½ oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 ½ oz. Cherry Juice
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
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Zombie D-Light
3 1/3 oz. Bacardi Rum
1 oz. Grenadine
1 oz. Triple Sec (or substitute Gran Mariner- 'cus I know you have some of that lying around if you live in Vail.)
2 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
2 oz. Orange juice
Just a splash of Bacardi 151 Rum right on top.
Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into tall glass. Float small portion Bacardi 151° Rum. Garnish with fresh fruit.
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Pumpkin Patch Smash!
2 oz. Pumpkin Smash Liqueur (Wait, you don't have this, I know. Now, go to the liquor store and get some. It's Halloween for CRYING OUT LOUD!)
1 oz. Spiced rum
¼ oz. Cream
¼ part milk (Go milk your cow, or just use what's in your fridge.
Shake with ice and strain into a half sugar-rimmed, chilled Martini glass. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Brain Freeze (We've all had 'em from our Slurpee at 7-11 back in the day. Now, relive those precious moments and have one as an adult.)
1 ½ oz. Vodka (Use your favorite kind of vodka for yourself, use the cheap kind for your guests!)
1 ½ to 2 oz. pure lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup.
Combine all the ingredients with ice in that Jimmy Buffet blender you bought for his concert a few years back. Or, pull out the Bullet Blender that your mom bought you for Christmas. Blend until ice is well crushed. Serve in a sugar-rimed rocks glass garnished with a slice of lime.
This list should get you going for your Halloween festivities. Whatever you do, make sure you have a responsible driver with you if you don't plan to crash on the party couch! And, as always, we'll see you in The Westside for a delicious meal the next day!
Happy Halloween and good luck keeping those spirits away.
