Maya at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
Maya at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a taste of old Mexico located in the mountain town of Avon just below Beaver Creek Resort. Maya, in the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, is one of 20 different Latin-inspired restaurants in the portfolio of Chef Richard Sandoval. Maya is his first concept of the “Modern Mexican Kitchen”he opened in New York City in 1997; since then, his empire has spread throughout the world.
Mexican-born Sandoval learned the biz from his restaurateur father, but the flavors of his childhood wafting from his grandmother’s kitchen influenced him most. At Maya, he’s replicated those traditional recipes and added a contemporary spin.
The menu reads like a page out of his grandmother’s cookbook: Huitlacoche Enchiladas, Chipotle Camarones, slow-roasted Pork Carnitas, Calamar Azreca, Pozole, and the signature dish—three kinds of Mole, each with 30-40 different ingredients over four choices of protein. Guacamole is prepared tableside, as it’s done at the best restaurants in Mexico City, and Queso Fundido cheeses melt atop a burner on your table. Vibrant flavors of Mexico dance in your mouth, making each bite a little celebration.
Among the sweet offerings are classic Churros served with dipping sauces of chipotle caramel and canela spiced chocolate, traditional Flan, and crepes with caramel.
Maya tastefully channels a Mexican hacienda with dark woods, amber glass lanterns and native tile and pottery. On the large mountainside patio overlooking the Eagle River, comfy sofas around glowing fire pits provide a cozy setting for apres ski and late-night happy hour from 9-11 p.m.. ($2 tacos, $5 marge and $4 bites).
Specialty margs and more than 100 agave-based spirits and house-infused tequilas are featured from the bar. Sunday brunch is an all-you-can-eat-and-drink affair for $35. The hotel offers free valet parking for Maya diners.
126 Riverfront Lane
Avon, CO 81620
Reservations: 970-790-5500
by Claudia Carbone for Mountain Town Magazine
