Our Philosophy
In both our restaurant and shop we strive to create a gathering place that both locals and tourists can enjoy. The service is knowledgeable and friendly. Our employees love food and beverages, and openly share their favorite items with guests. There are no white tablecloths at Meat & Cheese, instead we have created a space that is aesthetically pleasing with indoor, outdoor and bar seating. We know things are going well when guests are chatting up the table next to them and sharing food.
Our menu changes seasonally, but we keep a few staples on the menu year after year. We love interesting wines and we offer a selection that includes Pet Nats and Natural Wines. Our draft beers and cocktails are also changing from day to day and we do our best to support brewers and distillers who are dedicated to their craft.
In the shop you will find products made by small companies whose people are doing what they love – from a small goat cheese producer to a Greek olive oil company. Our products are curated to offer a unique selection of gourmet foods and housewares.
Our History
Before there was Meat & Cheese, there was Avalanche Cheese Company. Founded in 2008, Avalanche was a 130-acre goat dairy in Paonia, CO with a herd of 200 mixed-breed goats. Goats were rotationally grazed on pasture in order to provide the best milk possible for the cheese. The creamery was located in Basalt, CO and provided artisanal goat cheeses to the restaurants, shops and hotels in Aspen, CO. In 2012 Avalanche also began making cured meats. The meats and cheeses won numerous awards from the American Cheese Society and the Good Food Awards. In 2016 we closed the doors to the creamery and sold the farm. Just another, sad, small-farm-going-under story that is all too common today. Luckily, by that time Meat & Cheese was a big success and we are still able to support small farmers, artisans, vintners, brewers and distillers – as a retailer rather than a manufacturer.
