EMP WINTER HOUSE TAKES ASPEN BY STORM

Originally published January 17, 2019 for Aspen Peak

EMP Winter House hit Aspen like a culinary electromagnetic pulse.

You could argue that fine-dining is all about pairings: salt and acid, alcohol and protein, forks and knives. At the Dec. 14 preview of EMP Winter House, the Eleven Madison Park outpost at The St. Regis Aspen, the most elegant combination was our hosts, chef Daniel Humm and restauranteur Will Guidara. Together they own Make It Nice, the hospitality group behind Eleven Madison Park, Made Nice and the NoMad hotels.

Their “kid-brother” enthusiasm delighted the room as they explained the origins of their new Aspen eatery, which goes as such: a few years ago, Eleven Madison Park needed to close down for the summer months to do a renovation. They didn’t want to lose their team which was earning such accolades as “World’s Best Restaurant” and so they thought, “let’s do what the rest of New York does for the summer and go to the beach.” EMP Summer House was born and went so well, they were forced to think of how to keep the magic going all year long. “Hey, summer at the beach, winter in the mountains.” From there, the summer staff traveled from the East End of Long Island to Aspen where they developed a new menu inspired by chef Humm’s Swiss childhood.

Inside, you’ll find an elegant fine-dining experience. We enjoyed a torchon of foie gras with black truffles, lobster thermidor, and Zurich-style veal. Outside, you’ll find an absolutely charming yurt village that has become theaprès-sensation. The menu features the infamous Humm Dog, chicken schnitzel, bone broth, burger and fries.

For one weekend only—Jan. 24-26, EMP is bringing in another NYC-born food sensation, however on the other end of the price spectrum. Shake Shack is popping up for lunch in the yurt village featuring chicken schnitzel sandwiches and an Alpine swiss burger.

For fans of chef Humm, reservations can be made with an American Express, or you can say hello as he breezes past you hiking the Bowl.