Posted on: July 19, 2011
The Little Nell Offers New Culinary Adventure
The Little Nell’s culinary adventure includes mushroom hunting and more
The Little Nell // © 2011 The Little Nell
Looking to be one with nature? The Little Nell in Aspen, Colo., is offering a new culinary adventure featuring its local, wild mushrooms. The outing includes mushroom hunting on a full expedition with baskets, mushroom knives and brushes to take along on the food gathering jaunt. Joining the journey is Graham Steinruck, an expert mushroom forager and mycologist. Steinruck show participants how to identify edible mushrooms as well as provide tips for properly picking and cleaning their finds.
Beginning with a welcome toast, participants board the Silver Queen Gondola to reach the top of Aspen Mountain and are then transferred to Little Nell Land Rovers to access secret mushroom hunting grounds. Prized edibles include chanterelle, porcini, lobster, oyster and hedgehog mushrooms. Lunch is served along the banks of a mountain lake.
Each mushroom contributer will have the option to indulge in a dinner, prepared by Executive Chef Robert McCormick with wine at the hotel’s acclaimed Montagna Restaurant, that will include the discovered edible mushrooms prepared into delicate dishes.
Limited spots are available on July 24 and Aug. 14 and 21, with a 10 a.m. gondola departure. The foray and lunch fee is $175; dinner is an additional $98 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.