A standby in Vail since it opened in 1977, Sweet Basil is not only reliable but reliably terrific. Serving in a refined dining room with picture windows showcasing the surrounding scenic beauty, the kitchen plates up a regularly changing menu using a high proportion of local ingredients like Olathe sweet corn and Palisade peaches. Presentations are creative, with such fare as Colorado lamb T-bones with charred eggplant and Chilean salmon with cultured cream and dill. Lunch dishes are similar, and include a build-your-own Angus burger with premium toppings.