The Destination: Aemono Fine Foods & Catering

The Odometer: 330 miles from Denver

To be an official mountain town, you must have a stellar sandwich shop. The options should have the classics (roast beef), the portables (wraps), and veggie options (avocado). Not surprisingly, Telluride has several restaurants that cater to the take-it-to-go crowd, but my favorite is Aemono Fine Foods & Catering.

With more than a decade of experience feeding hungry crowds at altitude (and with two locations), this crew knows how to stuff a sandwich. I decided to test their expertise and ordered a warm sandwich with bacon, Brie, and apple. This modern classic is so ubiquitous on menus that I’d sampled another inferior version the day before at a different spot.

Hoping to erase the memory of that meal, I nibbled on Aemono’s version. Served on focaccia bread with miso-Parmesan aïoli and greens, the Brie melted to hold together the ingredients intact (in other words, there were no errant apple slices sliding out). I had planned to pack the sandwich on a hike, but it was so tasty that I finished it while standing on the curb outside the shop. Next time, I’ll just grab a seat inside.

Take Two: If you are still hungry and looking for a cooler option, nosh on the tomato and fresh mozzarella sandwich, which comes with fresh basil, roasted peppers, rosemary-balsamic vinaigrette, and focaccia.

105 S. Davis St., 970-728-4748; 156 Society Dr., Unit A, 970-728-2085, aemonofinefoods.com

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Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner is a Denver-based writer and the former Articles Editor for 5280.