The Blü Cow in Vail, Colorado
Location
The Blü Cow is located in Vail, Village at the end of Bridge Street near Gondola One. This prime location is perfect for Vail’s busy peak seasons whether you are a skier looking for a great lunch spot or enjoying the charming village in the Summertime. The Blü Cow is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How did an authentic Austrian restaurant end up in Vail, Colorado? Ernst Larese, the founder of The Blü Cow, spent a lifetime traveling the world. He fell in love with Vail, because he could do the two things he was most passionate about; ski and be involved in the food industry.
Concept & Menu
A family-owned restaurant since 1976, The Blü Cow has become a popular spot in Vail Valley. Simone Larese follows in her father’s footsteps by running this causal Austrian cafe. The small eatery focuses on a simple menu, with only a handful of options made to order with fresh ingredients. Their Famous “Swiss Hot Dog” is a crowd favorite and has been in the family recipe book for over 40 years. A daily house soup compliments Vail’s cool months along with a full bar for the perfect après spot.
I highly suggest ordering the Glühwein, a traditional Austrian hot spiced wine!
The Famous Swiss Hot Dog – $13.95
Now what goes into this famous Swiss hot dog, you may ask? It is a simple yet complex bite with not one but two flavorful veal and pork brats, spicy brown mustard, curry spice, chopped onions, parsley, and fresh green arugula, all bundled into a toasted French baguette. The SHD is well worth the price, the pork and veal sausages scream flavor, the spicy mustard sauce gives it a nice kick, while the bright green arugula adds texture and freshness.
Ernest Soup – $8.95
This unique and whimsical soup is named after the founder, Ernest Larese. His secret recipe is a bit like chicken noodle soup but with a few twists, including 23 fresh organic vegetables, chunky homemade noodles, and a flavorful ginger-spiced broth. The fresh vegetables are chopped each morning and add colorful confetti to the broth. This soup is one big warm hug in a cup!
French Beignet Trio – $7.50
For a little something sweet, we ordered their trio of beignets. I was a bit disappointed to find the insides cold still, but our waiter was happy to pop them in the oven to get that ooey-gooey inside we had hoped for. Each beignet was fluffy and filled with three different chocolate sauces. My favorite was the dark chocolate!
Rating
Thank you Simone and Chris for a wonderful experience, the aesthetics, food, and service were spot on. We can’t wait to stop in for another famous Swiss Hot Dog after a long day skiing!