Mawa’s Kitchen is a short drive from downtown Aspen and across the street from the airport. So it’s particularly useful if you forgot to stock the kitchen on your Cessna (chef Mawa McQueen has offered private jet catering for years). Order some vegetable maffe over jasmine rice, or the seriously spicy jerk salmon with sweet plantains and a seasonal fruit relish. They also serve brunch on weekends, and make an excellent takeout lunch or dinner if you’re exhausted from a day on the mountain. McQueen Hospitality’s sister spots, The Crepe Shack and Mawita, are also worth checking out.

photo credit: Mawa's Kitchen