The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa is excited to usher in a new culinary concept at its award-winning hotel in Avon. Colletta is the new Italian restaurant replacing Stoke & Rye on the lobby level and it just opened on June 22.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Colletta to the community. A great deal of thought, planning and passion has gone into creating an experience that feels both elevated and approachable,” said Sarah Grasseschi, assistant director of food and beverage for The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa. “Our goal is to provide guests with a place where they can gather, celebrate and enjoy exceptional hospitality in a warm and inviting atmosphere.”
Executive chef Angel Muñoz, who has been with The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa for years, is excited to bring this style of cuisine to the guests of the hotel and the locals.
“Colletta was designed to be a gathering place rooted in Italian-American traditions. The restaurant is ideal for larger groups as we offer a family style dining experience with robust dishes that are meant to be shared,” Muñoz said. “Colletta is also a great new destination for couples and smaller groups with our a la carte menu.”
Enjoy the Peachie Spritz which features Italicus, peach, grapefruit, bitters and sparkling wine. Courtesy photo
Colletta, which means collection in Italian, is part of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which has other Colletta restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia and Cary, North Carolina. It also has steak, seafood, sushi and other concepts in locations like the Carolinas, Florida, Arkansas, Washington, D.C. and Tennessee.
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“We’re incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the Vail Valley community. Opening a restaurant is never just about a newly designed space or a menu, it’s about the relationships you build along the way. We look forward to getting to know our neighbors and offering everyone a seat at the table,” said Steve Palmer, founder and chief visionary officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group.
The new Colletta Restaurant at The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa just opened in Avon on June 22. Colletta Restaurant at The Westin Riverfront/Courtesy photo
The menu boasts Italian classics like scratch-made pastas and house-made pizzas, which will be updated seasonally with fresh ingredients. As a chef, Muñoz said that learning and practicing Italian techniques is a way of honoring one of the most influential culinary traditions in the world.
“Italian cuisine reminds us that behind every dish there is history, territory, family and a very clear philosophy: respect the ingredient and cook with intention,” Muñoz said. “Preserving these traditions — while respectfully reinterpreting them — allows us to keep the essence of good cooking alive around the world, while continuing to grow, learn,and contribute something of our own to that global culinary conversation.”
The menu has an extensive pasta selection with tagliatelle, radiatori, spaghetti, ravioli and agnolotti.
“I think people will enjoy our traditional Italian favorites, especially the chicken parmesan, lasagna bolognese and polpette. We also created some special dishes to showcase the unique flavors of the Vail Valley, including Colorado bass, ravioli puttanesca, elk saltimbocca and rabbit piccata,” Grasseschi said.
Italy is known for its wine and own spin on cocktails, so guests will find an extensive Italian wine selection, classic and modern cocktails, aperitivo-inspired offerings as well as local craft beers and a variety of non-alcoholic options.Â
“Whether someone is joining us for a celebratory dinner, happy hour, or simply a glass of wine and a pizza, there will be something for everyone to enjoy,” Grasseschi said.
Speaking of pizza, if you just want to come in for a pie and a drink, Colletta is happy to serve up its house-made pizza.
“Our pizza reflects a true artisan approach, rooted in the spirit of Italian tradition and the warm, ingredient-driven philosophy of Indigo Road Hospitality Group culture. Each pie begins with a carefully crafted dough—slow-fermented to develop deep flavor, light texture, and a delicate, airy crust,” Muñoz said. “We’ll have house-made sauces, fresh cheeses and seasonal toppings layered with intention.”
The menu at Colletta ranges from a charcuterie bar for starters, to pizzas, pastas, entrees and desserts. Colletta Restaurant at The Westin Riverfront/Courtesy photo
Even though Colletta is located inside The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, Chef Muñoz wants everyone to know they are welcome.
“It is definitely very important to serve a mix of flavors to draw in both resort guests and locals. We will be also hosting a wide variety of community events, including year-round culinary events like pasta making classes and wine dinners,” Muñoz said.
For years, the property hosted a very popular F.A.C. (Friday Afternoon Club) on its expansive patio that overlooks the Eagle River and offers great views of Beaver Creek and sunsets in the western sky. Colletta is excited to bring those weekly parties back but with an Italian twist. This F.A.C. stands for Friday Aperitivo Club. Aperitivo in Italian means a pre-dinner drink or snack ritual so look for Colletta’s Spritz Bar and pizza specials. F.A.C. starts on July 3 and runs through Sept. 4 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. These festive summer gatherings will feature a mix of DJs and live local music. The line-up for July includes:
July 3: Groove Syndicate
July 10: DJ Krusher Jones
July 17: Jason Gregg
July 24: DJ BeBell
July 31: Groove Syndicate
