Kelly Liken is one of the most celebrated chefs in Colorado—with appearances on shows like “Iron Chef” and “Top Chef”—and a meal at her eponymous Vail eatery makes it crystal-clear why her profile is so high. The seasonally shifting menu exudes creativity, and the wine pairings are pitch-perfect. Liken emphasizes a farm-to-table menu with local ingredients like lamb and striped bass, but expect inventive preparations that let the fresh flavors shine: potato-crusted trout with cherry tomatoes and lemon beurre blanc, for instance, or an asparagus and spring onion salad with a slow-cooked egg.