Mountain Standard to Open in December

Before the end of the year, there will be one more reason to go up to Vail besides skiing: the Mountain Standard restaurant, a new upscale yet comfortable eatery created by the team behind the thirty-five years old Sweet Basil restaurant.

Mountain Standard aims to be a rustic tavern focused on cooking over an open fire. A wood burning grill and rotisserie will be the centerpieces in the space and the menu will feature bold yet simple flavors using the quality ingredients from the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.

The restaurant is located in the spaces formerly occupied by Blu's restaurant and a fly fishing shop around the corner from Sweet Basil in the heart of Vail Village. Chef de cuisine Brian Brouillard now at Sweet Basil will head up the kitchen at Mountain Standard while Executive Chef Paul Anders will oversee the menu and execution at both restaurants.

Mountain Standard will offer lunch, après and dinner serving straight through from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Something to look forward to: Chef Brouillard's rotisserie chicken with creamy wild rice, coal roasted root vegetables and lemon herb gravy.

· Eater Guides: Where to Eat in Vail [EDen]