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We’ve been part-timers in Crested Butte for three years now, and still we marvel at what the town has to offer in the way of great places to eat. As with any mountain town, we’ve seen some of the good ones sadly close down, which is why we feel strongly about supporting great restaurants when we find them. We didn’t hear about Soupçon until we began chatting with neighbors who were effusive about the food and wine and service.

Although the address is listed on Elk Avenue, the entrance to Soupçon is tucked away on a tiny unassuming alley removed from the bustle of Crested Butte’s main street. The building is a quaint miner’s cabin converted to a restaurant with a capacity of about 35. Soupçon offers two seatings a night at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. It is one of those restaurants that most people reserve for a special occasion, but it also has its fair share of regulars. Because of Soupçon’s limited space and popularity, you would do well to make a reservation in advance.

the charming exterior

Soupçon translates into “a little bit”, but what you get is a good bit of fine French cuisine from this self-described French American bistro. The small wait staff is as professional as you can get in a small ski town – certainly the most formal of any places we’ve dined at in Crested Butte and on par with some of the finer establishments of Boulder and Denver. Chef Jason works with his team in the back of the house (a tiny kitchen space), masterfully creating and presenting what is sure to be one memorable meal after another. The menu changes frequently according to the quality and availability of the best and freshest ingredients. Soupçon can also accommodate those with gluten-free or vegetarian requirements.

inviting and cozy inside

the menu

The beverage selection at Soupçon includes their signature cocktails (innovative interpretations of traditional cocktails), spirits, beers, and an extensive and impressive wine list (by the glass, half bottle, or bottle). After you sit down and order drinks, Chef Jason begins your culinary journey with an amuse bouche – simple and luxurious enough to inform patrons of the evening’s delights to come.

amuse bouche: center cut filet mignon tartare

st. germain french 75

some bread to get you started

You would do well not to pass over the appetizers, as they can be every bit as delectable as the entrées. Starters range from simple fare like soup or salad to indulgent foie gras, pork belly, or escargot. But you don’t simply get escargot, for example. The tender escargot are served in a white wine pan reduction with garlic, shallots, and chives in a puff pastry vol au vent. Our crab and avocado tower came adorned with caviar, edible flowers, grapefruit gastrique, and a spiced carrot coulis. Every extra touch serves to elevate the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of each plate.

escargot in puff pastry vol au vent

chilled crab and avocado tower

pan-seared scallops

The entreés truly get to the heart of the matter – after all, you’re here for dinner! Portions are generous, but what I love is how every plate feels like a well-rounded meal unto itself. Soupçon doesn’t just serve a perfectly prepared main dish, but a cast of equally delicious supporting actors. The rack of lamb came with a medley of vegetables – asparagus, beets, oyster mushrooms – and each one was the best asparagus, beet, or oyster mushroom I had ever tasted. Chef Jason builds a masterpiece on each plate from these individual works of art. I love how he respects and works with vegetables and grains and sauces with as much attention and care as the star ingredient. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. I looked for flaws. I found none.

seared duck breast

crispy skin-on sea bass

beef tenderloin

roasted colorado lamb rack

If you pace yourself properly throughout your dinner, you might find room for a sweet bite at the end. Or maybe a liquid dessert is in order from the menu of ports, cognacs, and dessert wines. Soupçon serves Camp 4 (a local Crested Butte roaster) Silver Hammer Organic Fair Trade coffee in a French press, which is an excellent coffee to accompany any one (or more) of the lovely desserts from the menu. Most of the desserts come with multiple tasty components that lend crunch, creaminess, and fruity tartness to the typical sweet profile of your final course. We were particularly smitten with the chocolate napoleon. Even if you don’t think you could eat another bite, go ahead and order a dessert and ask for extra spoons to share – that one bite is worth it.

french press coffee

crème brûlée

chocolate napoleon

Soupçon is an exceptional restaurant that holds its own with the finest dining in Denver and Boulder despite making its home in a charming remote mountain town. Crested Butte’s restaurant scene is full of treasures. Consider Soupçon the crown jewel. Make it part of your next visit, but do make a reservation in advance!

Soupçon
127 Elk Ave. #A
Crested Butte, CO 81224
Ph: (970) 349 5448

Seating times are 6:00pm and 8:30pm nightly. Call for reservations. No reservations accepted via email.

Facebook: Soupçon Facebook Page
Instagram: Soupçon Instagram Page

Full Disclosure: No comps. All opinions are mine.

July 12th, 2016: 9:34 pm
filed under crested butte, restaurants