Matsuhisa – Apsen

Matsuhisa served me outstanding sushi with a distinct creative flair in Aspen, Colorado.

When you have two different friends highly recommend a spot for dinner, I feel a compulsory need to satisfy my curiosity. When I told Ted that I was going to Aspen, he raved that he’d loved Matsuhisa. Same with William, who I met at Robb Report’s Newport Beach event earlier in the year. As I’d previously visited Nobu in Los Angeles for dinner, it was wonderful to make my way to Matsuhisa for the same.

Driving and parking in Aspen was surprisingly easier than I assumed it would be. As I didn’t know exactly what time I’d arrive at The Hoffmann Hotel Basalt Aspen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, I opted to not make a reservation. However, that was not a problem.

Within minutes, I was soon downstairs and at the sushi bar.

First, I must say that I loved the decorative textures presented in the restaurant. The bamboo and the rich red and beiges tones set the stage to compliment, but not overpower the food presented.

I began the night with the MATSUTINI (Roaring Fork Vodka & Sudachi Shochu, Passion Fruit, Japanese Yuzu, Champagne Topper).  It was the right cheers to the moment and brought a sense of completion to the day of travel. I finally felt myself settle in.

Out first was my order of NEW STYLE SASHIMI (Salmon – Garlic, Ginger, Chives, Sesame Seeds, Yuzu Soy, Lightly Seared with Hot Sesame Oil and Olive Oil). This dish was simply magnificent. The sesame oil and yuzu pairing was a match made in culinary heaven. It’s always a delight when a simple dish is actually wonderfully complex.

Next up were the KUSHIYAKI SKEWERS (Beef – with sides of teriyaki and wasabi pepper sauce).

With my vantage point at the bar, I loved seeing the chefs masterfully prepare platters for guests. The creations looked as beautiful as I knew they would taste.

I followed the skewers with orders of NEGITORO (Blue Fin Belly and Scallion) and NEGIHAMA (Yellowtail and Scallion).

Wanting to try just one more item before heading back to my hotel, I asked my server for her suggestion. She raved about the  CRISPY TUNA ROLL (house special), sighting the flavors and texture of the roll making it stand out on the menu as her favorite. So, I ordered it with a class of the house Rose wine, the 2022 Chateau d’Esclans’ “Whispering Angel” from Cotes de Provence, Provence, South of France.

Over the course of my dinner, I loved viewing the dishes that were prepared and served.

As I settled my bill, I felt a sense of delicious satisfaction. My dinner at Matsuhisa was a lovely introduction  to the quality cuisine and fun to come during my visit to Aspen, Colorado.

- -