Taste of Vail's white blanket picnic

The snow didn’t stop the food-filled party, beer didn’t hurt either

There was plenty to nibble and nosh on during the 19th Annual Taste of Vail, April 1st-4th, 2009.  38 local restaurants and over 50 wineries came together to feature mouthful after mouthful of delectable creations.  There was plenty of opportunity to spoil your taste buds, among casual events, like the Lamb Cook-Off and Mountain Top Picnic, fine dining at the Chef Showcase dinners, and even a Grand Tasting Dinner and Dance.

Here’s a look at what went down atop Eagle’s Nest during the Mountain Top Picnic, Friday, April 3rd.  It was a party so extravagant, even the snow gods were jealous.  The picnic was held inside a gigantic snow fortress, filled with food and wine galore.  Despite the ever-present blizzard, foodies braved the snow.  They tasted dishes from local restaurants, sampling everything from Restaurant Kelly Liken to Moe’s Original BBQ.–Juliana Broste, Special to Metromix