The rundown: Coming off a successful year at Venga Venga Mexican Cantina in Snowmass (opened in 2010), chef Richard Sandoval proves he gets the ski-country crowd. This time, he’s taking on fine dining with a Latin American twist at the Westin Riverfront near Beaver Creek. Look for small plates (perfect for après-ski) or full-blown entrées that sing with south-of-the-border ingredients and flair.
What to order: Ceviches; rack of lamb with chorizo meatballs and pomegranate-mint salsa