Leave Room For the Strudel at Bonnie’s Restaurant, Aspen

Each year, the opening of Bonnie’s Restaurant equals the beginning of the ski season. This is the original on-mountain spot to hit for breakfast or lunch. Two Germans built what was then Gretl’s in the 1960s and ran it into the 70s before selling it to Bonnie Rayburn. The current owner, Brigitte Birrfelder, hasn’t changed much since the doors were first flung open and Bonnie’s has the sort of cosy, rustic charm you’d expect from an old-school ski lodge.

Many describe Bonnie’s as the soul of Aspen. You might have a supermodel or Hollywood star sitting at the next table. It could be someone who works on the mountain but has the day off. 

At breakfast time, they stop for the famous oatmeal pancakes – apparently a favourite of Elle Macpherson – omelettes and freshly baked muffins. Later in the day, it’s all about the white bean chilli soup served with homemade bread (introduced to the menu by Bonnie), pizzas, bratwurst with sauerkraut and potato salad, and the apple strudel, still made to Gretl’s original recipe. There’s also a tempting array of homemade desserts, like banana cream pie, strawberry shortcake and carrot cake.

On one of Aspen’s famous bluebird days, you might want to find yourself a spot on the two-tiered deck, grab a cup of coffee or a mulled wine, and just watch everyone else making their way up and down the mountain.