Pepi's in Vail, CO

A Day in Vail

It's hard to believe it's been a year since Don and I joined our kids in Colorado. I'm thinking back to a wonderful lunch we had in Vail, with our son and daughter-in-law.

We spotted this corner restaurant, when we first hit the touristy town. We'd never been to Vail before, so we were going with the outward appearance. I was game to dine a place that looked like a cute little Swiss chalet, tucked into the  mountains.  

Interior

The interior was pretty sweet, too. The door was propped open to let in the fresh mountain air.

Soft lamps hung down from the pretty wooden ceiling.

There were shelves with copper knickknacks and framed paintings, that reminded me of "Heidi's" grandfather.

Menu Posing

I made Scott and Chali pose with the menu and the painting on the wall.

Scott looks a little young to be the storybook grandfather, but his beard fit the part.

The Gramshammers from Austria

We learned a little about the owners, by reading the back of the menu.

Pepi was an international ski racer and a member of the Austrian "Super" Ski Team from 1955 to 1960.  He's pictured with his wife Sheika, who was once a dancer and model. They came to Vail in 1962 and opened Pepi's, two years later.

Pepi is in the House

As we studied our menus, I happened to notice a fellow in a purple shirt and gray vest. He seemed to be getting quite a bit of attention as he headed out.

I asked our server and she said that was indeed Pepi. He was 87, I believe and had just finished his lunch.

Food!

Luckily, we were are all fans of German/Austrian food! We were starved.

Don and Chali ordered the mussels and were both happy.

Scott and I got Jagerschnitzel and Hungarian Veal Goulash... or was it Wiener Schnitzel!!? Why do I let a year go by before posting? 

I do remember the Spatzle was smooth and buttery and red cabbage was tangy good. We were mighty content on that day in late May.

Pepi's Bar

This is the room where Pepi had enjoyed his lunch. I believe we were told that the Gramshammers live in the hotel above.

The bar was empty when I passed through in search of the restroom.

Celebs

​I got sidetracked for quite a while, studying the walls of photos. 

Pepi and Sheika evidently met a lot of famous celebrities over their years, hosting guests at their hotel and restaurant. Sophia Loren, Cary Grant, Dustin Hoffman and Leonard Bernstein...

I didn't get a photo of the Gramshammers with President Ford, but there's a photo with Arnold! The Fords spent a lot of time in Vail and Pepi and Sheika were frequent guests at the White House. 

Thinking Back

So we are staying close to home this Memorial Day weekend. No travels or dining out, due to the pandemic.

We're just thinking about some of the fun places we ate and visited a year ago. 

Here we are heading back to our car after our feast. I believe those may be leftovers that Scott is carrying.

Sadly, I did a little internet search just now and learned that just a few months after our visit, Pepi died. He passed away on August 17 at the age of 87. We were so very lucky to catch a glimpse of Pepi. May he rest in peace.