Mountain Mayhem: Bon Appétit à Betula

Since opening in 2018, Betula Aspen has drawn guests from around the world for its French Pan-American cuisine, creative cocktails, thoughtful service, and chic yet approachable atmosphere. A DJ plays most nights in the lounge, which is piped into the restaurant and bar as well as the private dining room, or a soundtrack centered on Afro House beats sets the tone for a sophisticated scene. I always feel transported to a French setting when I find myself there for drinks or dinner or stopping by to see friends. 

A spin-off from Bonito Saint Barth, which debuted in 2009, Betula is derived from the Latin word for birch trees, reflecting Aspen’s natural surroundings. Both restaurants are light-filled, open-air when the weather permits, and have stylish interiors washed in white — from the walls to the fabrics. 

Laurent Cantineaux and Juan Carlos Perez Febres are partners in Bonito and Betula, with Cantineaux serving as executive chef for both, while Perez Febres is a Venezuelan architect and restaurateur. Laurent and his wife, Alicia, who is originally from Venezuela where the couple first met, made the move to Aspen with their two daughters to open the second restaurant.

The idea to expand from the Caribbean to Colorado came from the encouragement of frequent Saint Barth guests who either spend time or live in Aspen and thought the concept would resonate with this audience. Soon after opening, Betula began to develop a following and continues to see many of the same guests in both destinations, keeping the circle in motion for celebrating the finer things in life in two exquisite settings. 

At the end of the on-season, they offer a special menu, and this fall, it’s been extended for a longer duration than in previous years, running Tuesdays through Saturdays, starting at 6 p.m., until Oct. 11. 

“This tradition, imported from Bonito Saint Barth, is our way of thanking the local community, who are often busy during the season and have different budgets than our visiting tourists,” noted Alicia.

The two-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person features some of their most popular dishes, like Tuna Tacos, Cherry Tomato Fennel Salad, Grilled Scottish Salmon, and more. A special selection of handcrafted cocktails is also available for $18.

The season will wrap up with a closing dinner and celebratory party for the last night of the prix fixe on Saturday, Oct. 11. DJ Natti will be on the decks, known for creating an energetic atmosphere, which is sure to make the evening even more memorable, especially when complemented with their signature Yellow Paloma bird cocktail. 

For reservations and additional info, visit betulaaspen.com.