The Valley Sun

Half a Sun Valley Club "Club Sandwich" and a cup of soup for $8? It's what makes slack worthwhile!

Slack: characterized by slowness, sluggishness, or lack of energy <a slack pace>

As a longtime local, I have to admit that spring slack is my absolute favorite season. It’s not that I can’t embrace the electric vibe of excitement winter brings with it, or that I don’t adore the infectious energy of summer, it’s just that slack is when the locals get their town back.

In the months of April and May, you will see those fabled “gone fishin’ till summer” signs in Wood River Valley shop windows, and dogs do actually lie undisturbed on Main Street. But one of the best aspects of this monumental slowdown are the locals’ specials. Restaurants all over town (well, at least the ones that stay open) offer amazing deals as a way of saying thank you to their most loyal clientele – and to get some bums on those seats before they get too dusty.

Of course the resort gets in on the action too, ramping up some of its regular year-round specials, as well as bringing out some choice ones just for the “shoulder season.” Here’s a quick roundup of some of my favorite spring specials in Sun Valley.

While the high-powered-career woman is not a type often found in Ketchum, hard-working small-business woman is. If you‘re one of those, why not treat yourself to that lunch out with girlfriends you’ve been promising yourself all winter but just couldn’t find the time for? The time is now, round up the ladies, head to Gretchens and enjoy half-price entrees and, most importantly, half-price wine, any Tuesday or Thursday in May.

Pacific Ahi Tuna grilled medium rare, served with pineapple chutney, lime aioli and organic greens on a brioche bun is the perfect accompaniment to lunch with the ladies.

For the families who need something to do with the little ones now that Dollar Mountain has said farewell for the season, pop in on Bald Mountain Pizza for some cheap, nutritious entertainment. Let the tykes build their own unlimited-topping pizza for just $5 (daily 5-9 p.m., now through June 6). Plus, get free tickets to a movie at Sun Valley Opera House following the carb overload.

Pile your pie high with Bald Mountain Pizza's unlimited toppings for $5 deal.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, golf widow/er, or just enjoy a spectacular view, make sure to stop by Sun Valley Club, arguably the resort’s hottest lunch spot, and chow down on the spring dining special of a cup of soup and 1/2 a sandwich for a just eight bucks. (runs from Monday through June 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

Skiers, when the mountain closes this Sunday, channel the resort’s famed Austrian ski instructors and drown your sorrows at the newly remodeled Konditeroi. This Austrian gathering place has gone back to its Eastern European roots and is offering German beer and a house-made brat for $12.99 through June 7, a bargain for such a scrumptious taste of Sun Valley history.

Catch up on more delectable offerings from the resort’s 17 restaurants here, and follow Sun Valley Resort Dining on Facebook to make sure you don’t miss out this season.

Happy trails!

Jennifer Tuohy

Email restaurantreservations@sunvalley.com for details on any Sun Valley restaurant.

John Murcko,Director of Culinary Operations, and Tim Silva, Sun Valley General Manager, could not be more pleased with the new Konditorei

The completely reinvented Konditorei Restaurant in the Sun Valley Village will open Saturday, December 22, and all the amazing culinary and creative talents behind the project are in a merry mood. As I happened by the bustling scene Thursday morning, I had to pop in to preview the progress.

Simply put, the new Konditorei is stunning, cozy, charming. From the open pastry kitchen, laden with sweet delights of every imaginable variety, to the comfortable couches surrounding the fire, the Konditorei promises to be the new hot spot at which to gather, eat and relax.

Here is a sneak peek at the great, and delicious, things to come!

–RES

Baking is an around-the-clock pursuit in anticipation of the opening

Take a seat, relax and warm up by the fire

Hand-painted flowers on the ceiling show an amazing attention to detail

Banquettes provide a cozy spot to enjoy the new breakfast and lunch menus or a sweet treat

"Konditorei" is German for amazing pastries and the new restaurant lives up to its name

An artist's rendering of the completed, reinvented Konditorei

The question? What is perhaps the most compelling reason to visit the newly reinvented Konditorei Restaurant, Short Line Deli and A La Mode cocoa/ice cream parlor in Sun Valley Village next week? Sixteen varieties of hot chocolate, for starters.

But there are many other reasons not to miss the grand re-opening of the Konditorei. General Manager John Gaspa, taking a short break from preparations, explained all the new opportunities for gastronomical joy in the Village. His excitement and commitment to the project was infectious.

“We are adding beautiful, fresh, locally-sourced food to a classic institution in Sun Valley,” he explained. “We are paying tribute to the Resort’s European heritage, with a nod to the Alps, while offering some of the best food in the Valley.”

John Gaspa shows off the space that will next week be A La Mode

The Konditorei anchors what is sure to be a culinary crossroads in its stunning new space, the result of a massive facelit and reconstruction that has been underway all fall. An iconic new clock tower will be a focal point of the exterior and the interior’s inviting space will focus on a roaring fireplace. Menu items pay homage to Sun Valley’s European roots offering gourmet Belgian waffles, croque monsieur, crepes, bratwurst and spatzle. But there are also vegetarian options, salads and many delicious sides and smaller plates. Of course, there will also be pastries, hand-crafted in the European tradition (hence the name, “Konditorei” – German for a pâtisserie and confectionery shop). Pastries, many menu items and hand-crafted coffees will also be available to grab and go. The Konditorei will have a “soft” open on December 20 and 21 and will serve lunch only. Breakfast and lunch will be served beginning on December 22.

Next door, the new Short Line Deli will offer fresh sandwiches made with the best ingredients (including the “Earl Holding” – layered with house-made hot corned beef, coleslaw and Swiss cheese) and will also open on the 22nd. The prepared food at the Deli will be a great choice for an active Sun Valley day or even a quick workday lunch. John said come Symphony season this summer, gourmet baskets will be the envy of the picnic grounds.

Last, but certainly not least, is A la Mode. This fantasy cocoa parlor in winter/ice cream parlor in summer (though all items will be available year-round) will appeal to the inner child in everyone. The cocoa menu is a dream. Specialties include the Peppermint Patty (milk chocolate cocoa, white chocolate whipped cream, crushed peppermint with a peppermint stick); the Cinnamon Swirl (dark chocolate cocoa, cinnamon whipped cream, cinnamon stick); and the truly decadent Banana Split (milk chocolate cocoa, strawberry and banana whipped cream, candied pineapple, marshmallow). There’s Huckleberry, Orange Dreamsicle, Rocky Road, Sea Salt Caramel – cocoa at its most imaginative. There are also sundaes, shakes, root beer floats and other tasty treats.

The Konditorei will be the perfect place to eat when exploring the Village's Winter Wonderland

John thinks big and plans to “bring life to the Sun Valley downtown Village.” He explained, “It’s going to be a highly interactive project. A La Mode will offer candy and hot cocoa making classes. If there is a new fabulous children’s book, a must-read, we will bring the author to Sun Valley. Music will be a vital part of the project.  Over the holidays, we will be serenaded by carolers, entertained by one of the world’s best Zither players. Come fall, expect a beer garden on the patio, wine tasting – the possibilities are endless.”

John’s overriding theme for the restaurants is quality, quality, quality. All Sun Valley culinary properties are moving toward a reliance on locally-sourced food, a close relationship with Idaho growers, food crafted from the very highest caliber ingredients. The emphasis is on healthy, fresh and packed with flavor.

Stay tuned for a review of the Konditorei next week and make sure to put a visit to the Village, and a stop at the Konditorei, Deli or A La Mode, on your holiday calendar.

–RES

Workers were busy putting the finishing touches on the restaurants on Friday

Construction was well underway in October