Everyone in the Vail Valley, from locals to long time tourists, have their favorite fine dining restaurant in the valley. Out of all these gems, Juniper is the diamond in the rough. It’s off the beaten path—in Edwards, not the Beaver Creek or Vail Villages. But it’s worth the trek, using only fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and a fantastic ambiance. Plus, it’s kid friendly! One of the owners has a 3 year old son, and his action figures can sometimes be seen by the kitchen.
Juniper does have a seasonal menu, but every season has delicious items to choose from. In the summer, try the mixed berry and arugula salad or Oregon Dungeness crab cakes to start. In the winter, few things hit the spot more than the butternut squash soup. My favorite dish, one I’d consider being paid in, is the Veal Scallopini. It’s absolutely incredible—the veal is seasoned and cooked perfectly (not rubbery), and the asparagus and tomatoes compliment the dish perfectly. Can’t forget the little nuggets of mozzarella! I’m very hesitant to get chicken at a restaurant—it’s something I can do at home. But not at Juniper—their Herb Crusted Chicken is far better than anything I could ever dream of making! And there’s something for everyone—chicken, steak, veal, fish, seafood, lamb and (seasonally) duck. Can’t beat that!
They’re also very accomodating—food allergies and dietary restrictions can be worked around, and they love their vegetarians! If there isn’t a purely vegetarian dish on the menu during the season, they’ll whip something up by combining different elements from other dishes.
And then there’s the desserts. I definitely would go with the dessert sampler or Charles’s Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake. Charles is the pastry chef. He has a dessert named after him. Yes, it’s that good.
And make sure you don’t skip the drinks. Their watermelon mojito is phenomenal, a perfect compliment to summer fare. Their dessert drinks are the best way to wash down dessert. The wine list is fantastic, and they always have wonderful beers both on draught or in the bottle.
If you’re visiting Vail or Beaver Creek, venture away from the resorts and dine at the restaurant that not only rivals some of the best eateries in New York or Los Angeles, but is a locals favorite as well!
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