The inaugural Vail Beaver Creek Restaurant Week came to a close on Sunday October 6th 2013. Thus far the community feedback has been tremendous. The past two weeks local and destination guests alike have headed out to both Vail and Beaver Creek village to sample the variety of $20.13 offerings. The perfect autumn scenery set the stage for this year’s event and it sure did set the bar high! The diverse culinary offerings truly paired perfectly with the stunning autumn views.
The catchy Dining at Altitude tagline and website certainly did catch the attention of our local community and those visiting the area. Event Producers Matt Morgan and Brian Nolan felt the high country culinary celebration provided diners with spectacular varieties and values which brought people out, trying new restaurants and new featured items. Paul Phillips from Tavern on the Square, in Lionshead villages, said they’ve seen it “as a positive across the board” and had diners calling and coming in for their 3-Course $20.13 Paella offer. Phillips also mentioned how great the press was for the local restaurant crowd and that it definitely “created a buzz” throughout Vail.
Nicole Whitaker, from Manor Vail Lodge, noted that Restaurant Week “has been a great talking point and the guests love the idea of checking out the partners while they are here” it also added content and value to their “social media and eblasts as another good reason to come to Vail in the fall.” The diverse specials were also recognized, as the Lodge at Lionshead concierge staff noted “since it was just about every restaurant in town, there were enough options for people to find a good deal.”
Though the two mountain villages have previously combined efforts on a handful of Valley-wide events, Vail Beaver Creek Restaurant Week represented a new and truly special collaboration effort between the two communities. Without such great partnership and communication the event would not have been the success it was. The driving force behind the event’s development and triumph was truly the local participating restaurants. Without their willingness to try something new and to think outside the box with their offers, the ten day event wouldn’t have been nearly as appealing.
Additionally, the community support was astounding and was what allowed it to get off the ground in the first place. Without the local partnership of the Town of Vail and Beaver Creek Resort Company, or the additional support of Vail Resorts, the Vail Valley Foundation and the Vail Valley Partnership, Vail Beaver Creek Restaurant Week would not have been possible. All played a critical role in the event’s success and huge thanks are owed to each of the community partners. When reflecting on the event Brian Nolan, event organizer, said “we truly appreciated the support of our community partners and their willingness to come together to put on this great, new fall event”
For more information on Vail Beaver Creek Restaurant Week or to view the incredible list of $20.13 restaurant specials and lodging offers visit http://diningataltitude.com/.