Kelly Liken Returns With New Project in Vail

If you are missing the beautiful ingredient-driven cuisine of chef Kelly Liken in Vail, we have good news and not-so-good news. The Top Chef contestant is working on a new restaurant, in partnership with Johannes Faessler and the Sonnenalp Club. The not-so-good news is that you'll have to be patient. The dining concept, which will open take the place of Balata, will open in June of 2016.

"I've been looking for the right opportunity to continue my hospitality brand in the Vail Valley," Liken said in a press release. "The Faesslers have a long history in the area and truly understand hospitality. I'm excited to bring my culinary perspective to the Sonnenalp Club and provide a fresh new option for Club Members and locals alike."

The Sonnenalp Club launched a variety of improvements early this year. It added sports memberships and full membership offerings and partnered with ClubCorp of America. It also launched Vertical Family, the only program of its kind in the Vail Valley. A new health and fitness facility is in the works and the new restaurant is next on the path to raising the bar. 

Balata, the current restaurant, will be open through October 25, 2015. It will reopen for the winter season, December though the end of February. Renovations for the new restaurant will begin in March.