Asher on Aspen: Mountain Thai

Last week, I finally got to dine at sway Aspen, the new, modern Thai restaurant nestled between White House Tavern and Steakhouse no. 316 on Restaurant Row. Since its opening in February, I’ve been eagerly awaiting my chance to check it out. This new spot is a collaboration between New Waterloo and Infinite Hospitality, and it promises to bring a unique dining experience to our beloved mountain town.

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was captivated by the ambiance. Designed by architect Michael Hsu, the space seamlessly blends rich wood tones with playful splashes of color, inspired by Aspen’s mountainous landscape. The atmosphere was cozy, dimly lit, and had a bougie vibe that felt perfect for a summer evening out.

My dining companion and I kicked off our culinary journey with sway’s signature cocktails. I started with the Lotus Margarita, which had a tamarind rim that added a delightful twist. Later, I tried the Monk Water, a refreshing mix of watermelon and mint that was both cooling and invigorating. As we sipped our drinks, we admired the thoughtful design elements that made us feel like we were in a luxurious Aspen oasis.

For our appetizers, we began with the po-pea jay, a refreshing vegetable spring roll packed with vermicelli noodles, crispy garlic, mint, avocado, Thai herbs, and a tangy tomato vinegar jam. We also couldn’t resist the steamed shu mai, featuring seasonal vegetables, a “so-good” vinegar, garlic chips, toasted sesame, and herb oil. These dumplings were so delicious that we debated ordering another round.

Our server, Jon Fasanella, was perfect for this experience. His excitement about the food was infectious. He was exceptional at explaining the modern Thai menu and the restaurant’s concept. He was curious about our preferences and helped us navigate the menu, narrowing down the dishes he thought we’d enjoy the most. We truly enjoyed his affable, lively, and incredibly helpful personality.

For my entree, I let Jon surprise me, and I’m so glad I put this decision in his hands. He brought out their signature dish, the Son-in-Law, featuring tender braised pork shoulder, a crispy farm egg cooked to perfection, thick soy, nahm prik pla, and sticky rice. The mix of textures and rich flavors made this dish an instant favorite. My friend enjoyed the Green Curry, which had pan-seared tofu, Thai eggplant, English peas, roasted corn, and fingerling potatoes. He also got a side of brussel sprouts, which were anything but typical. They were seasoned with fermented black beans, sweet soy vinegar, and garlic. I tried a bit of both dishes, and we both fell in love with everything.

To end our dinner on a high note, we indulged in two mouthwatering desserts: the mango sticky rice and the banana mochi.

This was my first time trying sticky rice, and I was blown away. The coconut sticky rice cream was luscious and rich, perfectly complementing the juicy, sweet mango slices. The addition of pandan added a unique, slightly floral aroma, while the bird’s eye chili provided a surprising hint of heat that elevated the dessert to new heights.

Then came the banana mochi. Picture warm banana dumplings, their soft, chewy exterior giving way to a gooey center bursting with banana flavor. The caramel sauce drizzled over the top added a deep, buttery sweetness, and the hint of rum gave it a sophisticated, grown-up twist. The banana ganache was the final touch, a smooth and velvety chocolatey goodness that tied everything together. Every bite of these desserts was pure heaven. I couldn’t decide which one I liked more; they were both so different yet equally delectable. Even though I was completely stuffed, I couldn’t bear to waste a single morsel of these exquisite treats.

If I had to suggest one improvement for sway, it would pertain to the cocktails. My only critique of the whole dining experience was that the drinks weren’t very strong. I had two cocktails and didn’t even get a buzz. They tasted fantastic, but I wasn’t convinced there was much alcohol in them.

Overall, sway Aspen truly delivers on its promise of modern, elevated Thai cuisine. It brings a fresh and exciting dining experience to the city, perfect for both locals and visitors. With its cozy atmosphere, impeccable service, and a menu that beautifully balances traditional Thai flavors with contemporary twists, the restaurant has undoubtedly become a new favorite of mine. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their offerings.