Travel Talk
fast-paced, packed and popular. The Ajax Double Cheeseburger, a favorite, starts with two thin patties of beef topped with sliced tomato, romaine lettuce, caramelized onion aioli and, unapologetically, melted American cheese. It arrives tableside accompanied by a mound of fresh French fries. “The potatoes are hand cut,” says executive chef Matt O'Neill. “We
rinse them really well to get all the starch out, and we blanch them in canola oil for about 7½ minutes to get them soft. We then lay them out to cool. On pickup, we put them in high-temperature oil to crisp them up.” –Dan Leeth
Nearby: Aspen Snowmass gon- dola rides, and hiking trails (www.
aspensnowmass.com/en/events- and-activities/summer-activities); plus Independence Pass, 18.8 mi, 37 min; and Maroon Bells, 11.4 mi, 1 hr 8 min.
Durango
Mahogany Grille 699 Main Ave. 970-247-4433
www.mahogany
grille.com
Glenwood Springs was named MOST FUN TOWN.
The restaurant sits in the 125-year- old Strater Hotel in downtown Durango, a two-block walk from the train depot. The first time my wife and I visited, we had just rid- den the rails back to town after a backpacking adventure in the Weminuche Wilderness, and we were grateful to finally enjoy a mos- quito-free meal that didn’t begin as freeze-dried fare. After a week in the wild, the Mahogany Grille’s quiet, Victorian atmosphere with its name-inspiring use of dark woods seemed deliciously civilized. While its menu is forever
Play More, Save More,
StayGlenwood.com 888-4-GLENWOOD
changing, the Mahogany Grille’s popular Bison Burger is a con- stant. The 1/3-pound patty comes capped with smoked gouda, red onions caramelized in cabernet wine and a house- made mustard aioli. Instead of spuds, they serve this burger with sweet potato fries. I’m not a fan of mushy sweet potatoes, but as fries, they’re a whole different experience. –Dan Leeth
For up to 4 people!*
*Must present ad. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 10/31/12
Nearby: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (www.
durangotrain.com), two blocks; Mesa Verde National Park (
www.nps.gov/meve), 47.4 mi, 1 hr 6 min; plus Chimney Rock Archeological Area (see page 28), 49.5 mi, 1 hr 4 min.
18 EnCompass July/August 2012
www.AAA.com
AAA
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