Altitude-high food porn from the Taste of Vail

Never mind that the mountaintop picnic at this year's Taste of Vail was nearly blown into oblivion by 50 mph wind gusts that knocked over tents, and, in some cases, a few snow bunnies who were tipsy to start with, thanks to the high volume of alcohol that was being...

By Lori Midson

April 11, 2011

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Never mind that the mountaintop picnic at this year's Taste of Vail was nearly blown into oblivion by 50 mph wind gusts that knocked over tents, and, in some cases, a few snow bunnies who were tipsy to start with, thanks to the high volume of alcohol that was being poured at 10,350 feet above sea level.

But while the swirling gales incensed a few of those bunnies whose prom-style updos didn't survive the brisk breeze, most of the guests were too busy getting their grub on to care. There was plenty to eat at the picnic: pork belly (natch), ribs (here, there and everywhere), elk sloppy Joes, porchetta sandwiches, and my favorite dish of the weekend, tongue tacos.

Herewith, the highlights.

Chocolate-banana panna cotta from Atwater on Gore Creek. Barbecued ribs from Blu's. Brisket from the Ore House. Crab deviled eggs from Game Creek.

Beef tongue taco with cilantro, crumbled Cojita, onions and salsa from Ludwig's. Porchetta and pork belly sandwich with Parmesan shavings, olives, arugula and fig spread from Vail Marriott's 7 One 5. Italian beef slider with smoked marinara from Two Elks. Chefs from Bistro 14. As you can see from the empty bottles, the champagne flowed freely as this year's Taste of Vail.

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