PHAZE: drinks

So the night finally arrived, our last night is Aspen, and we were determined to make it a special one!

So off we went to the J-Bar at Hotel Jerome; the local watering hole.

Hotel Jerome is one of Aspens poshest hotels, designed to rival establishments such as that of the Savoy in London it has become a regular hang out for celebrities such as; Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Jack Nicholson and Bill Murray.

The Mason Jar is pretty popular here...

And of course the cocktails were fantastic...

The toilets were pretty beautiful too...

Polo Neck: H&M (here)
Skirt: River Island (similar here)
Lipstick in AMSTERDAM: NARS (here)

As the night drew to an end we took a drive up Independence Pass to gaze at the stars...

Although we were all more than sad to be leaving Aspen, we all knew it was on to Vegas!

Goodbye Aspen, we'll be back soon.

Always on the look out for new and exciting places to eat, it was suggested that I try The Clink, a restaurant run by prisoners from HMP Cardiff.

The concept of the restaurant is to promote a rehabilitation and reintegration program for inmates and is committed to reducing reoffending rates in Wales.

Situated just outside the prison walls, and devised by Chef Alberto Crisci MBE, The Clink charity helps train inmates to the standard similar to that of a 5 star hotel or restaurant, with the aim to help graduates find employment within the Welsh catering industry.

Jacket: Ebay (here)
Tunic: Zara (similar here)
Leather Jeans: River Island (similar here)
Clutch Bag: Yonks (here)
Boots: ASOS (sold out)

Everything from the interior to the food and service was first class, made all the more special by our waiter Lee.

The starter was a choice between Char-grilled Veg, with Basil Sorbet and Smoked Tomato Jelly or Peppered Strawberries and Goats Cheese Salad with a Ribbon of Cucumber.

The fish course was a choice between Sea Bass, Thai Green Risotto, Thai Asparagus and Tempura Langoustines or Seared Halibut, Confit of Chicken Wings with a Potato Puree.

The Entree was then either Crown of Wood Pigeon, Warm Salad of Fennel Spinach and Orange with a Peppercorn Sauce or Honey Roast Pork Belly, Scallops and Bourdin Noir with Caramalized Apples and Celeriac Puree.

Dessert was then a choice between Textures of Cherries; Jelly, Sorbet, Compressed and Puree or Chocolate Espresso Mousse, Panacotta and Coffee and Caramel Ice Cream.

Which was a big hit...

A different yet truly special dining experience. All the guys worked particularly hard and the teamwork and solidarity was almost tangible. It was really heartwarming to see these guys working so hard to actively make a change and a difference in their lives.

ALL ALONG...

'I've committed a crime, now I must serve my time,
Six months inside should almost change my mind.
I'm sitting in my cell, watching the clock,
Waiting for the screw to unlock the lock.
My Father told me,
A true man is never ashamed to shed a tear,
So I cry myself to sleep at night,
Waiting for the next day of light,
But forever drifting in a state of fright,
I got this noose around my neck tight,
The bully's won.
For the rest of his life, he'll be ashamed of what he'd done.'

by Daniel Compton - HMP High Down

After such a beautiful meal it was then off to my favourite night spot for a few cocktails...Lab 22!