Vail Village Loses Beloved Blu Cow Restaurant

Aspen —The Blu Cow Restaurant's closure is not just the loss of a local eatery — it's a blow to Vail Village's character. Make no mistake, this is a significant departure from the town's identity. Simone Larese, the owner, is hosting a "black party" on Saturday to bid farewell to the institution, a gesture that underscores the emotional weight of this event. The party's details — a costume contest with a prize of Swiss Hot Dogs, the restaurant's signature item, are a testament to the community's attachment to the place.

Larese's feelings about the situation are complex; she's grateful for the outpouring of support, but also angry about being forced to leave the space by April 15. Her frustration stems from the redesign of the building, which she believes will damage the village's charm. The fact that her family, Austrian immigrants, helped create the Tyrolean aesthetic that Vail Village is known for, only adds to her sense of injustice. "They used us to create the Tyrolean aesthetic, and now they're just discarding us," she said. This statement highlights the tension between the town's desire to preserve its character and the reality of its development plans.

The restaurant has been a part of Vail's history since the 1960s, when Larese's father, Ernst, first started the business. The restaurant's Swiss Hot Dog, perfected over the years, has become synonymous with Vail's unique flavor. Larese's search for a new location has led her to realize that the business' appeal extends beyond Vail - other ski towns have expressed interest in hosting it. This raises questions about the town's priorities and its willingness to preserve its cultural heritage.

Larese's comments about the ownership class and leadership in Vail are worth noting. She believes that they have shown a lack of respect for the town's culture and character, and that this weakness is evident in their handling of the situation. This criticism is significant, as it comes from a business owner who has been an integral part of the community for decades. The fact that she is considering moving the business to another town is a stark reminder of the consequences of Vail's development decisions.

The closure of the Blu Cow Restaurant will be felt by the community, and its impact will be lasting. As Larese prepares to say goodbye to the space, the town's character is being reshaped, and Vail's future is taking a different course. For now, the community will come together to bid farewell to a beloved institution. and to ponder the implications of its loss. Larese's parting words are a stark reminder of what's at stake: "I still do love the place despite how disheartened I am by all of this."