“For this foodie audience, it doesn’t get much better.”

— Colorado Press Association Judges’ summary, 2019 First Place, Best Serious Column, “Food Matters” by Amanda Rae, Aspen Times Weekly

“A voice for restaurants and the food community here.”

— Andrew Travers, editor, Aspen Times Weekly

“Fabulous job. Our office has seen an increase in people calling to start composting in response to the piece.”  

— Liz O'Connell, City of Aspen Environmental Health and Sustainability Department

“You captured the essence.”

— Killeen Brettman, Hotel Jerome

“I’ll bet your wonderful article helped [us] get this grant! Thanks again.”

— Linda Romero Criswell, Carbondale Community Oven

“Outstanding…just f*cking sings…last line arrives with a perfectly timed wallop.”

— Michael Miracle, editor-in-chief, Aspen Sojourner magazine

“You surpassed our expectations and we are thrilled.”

–Eaden Shantay, owner, True Nature Healing Arts

“You were my secret weapon from day one.”

— Seth Rogovoy, editor-in-chief, Berkshire Living magazine

“Prolific…with a lifetime of experience in restaurants and hospitality”

— Ali Margo, “A Love Letter to Aspen’s Restaurants: ‘The Aspen Cookbook’”

“I forwarded your article to all the women in my realm! You are an inspiration.”

— Carole “Aspen Matchmaker” Gunther

“I LOVE YOUR COLUMNS.”

— Alycin Bektesh, reporter, Aspen Daily News

“Man, you’re good! A really fun read.”

— Breckie Hunt, founder, Mauka Frozen Yogurt

“You weaved all the information together seamlessly. When I've been interviewed before, there was always incorrect information in the article, but not with you, at all!”

— Sheridan Semple, HNP, CCA, CCA

“This book is so well done in so many ways...near perfectly organized, structured, and paced. From the cover and interior design to the well-written recipes...I don't think there are many ways to improve this book. ”

— Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards judges, for “The Aspen Cookbook” (Nov. 2020)

"Amanda Rae Busch gave [“The Aspen Cookbook”] staying power. She did more than just assemble 100+ recipes, she created a book that feels like Aspen. And who doesn’t want to feel—and eat—like that?"

— Amanda M. Faison, Ski Magazine

“It’s a memory of Aspen”

— Tiziano Gortan, L’Hostaria Ristorante founder, on “The Aspen Cookbook” in 5280 Magazine

“A colorful feast that celebrates local food and the community of Aspen.”

— Spoke + Blossom on “The Aspen Cookbook”’

“The hard-bound books have raised roughly $250,000.”

—Megan Tackett on “The Aspen Cookbook,” Aspen Daily News

“It means a lot to get some publicity for my new business. I appreciate you taking the time to bring attention to local farmers in the valley.”

— Ben Armstrong, production and soil manager, The Farm Collaborative

“An absolute dream.” 

— Miriam Stevens, Murphy O’Brien Public Relations

“Your writing captured the magic moments of our lunch discussion perfectly.”

— Marisa Hallsted, founder, The Mindful Vine

 “We love the article, it’s already plastered on the wall in the kitchen by our proud team!”

— Lindsay Cagley, Limelight Hotels

“I love your style and can’t thank you enough. Now that you are rated A+ bottling crew, we hope to see you again on the line!”

— Connie Baker, head distiller, Marble Distilling Co.

“Terrific! Thank you so much for capturing our spirit so well.”

— Samantha Cordts-Pearce, founder, CP Restaurant Group

“The eyes that we needed!”

— Katie Norton, director of operations, Happy Place Productions

“Your writing style is very fun to read (not just saying that)…the team at ORD will be absolutely thrilled. Hope to work together again.”

— Sean Matthews, HMSHost

“Amanda Rae, food columnist for the Aspen Times Weekly, lured me in with her stories about stretched rice in Tokyo.”

— Christine Benedetti, editor-in-chief, Aspen Magazine

“I read so many stories about various different clients all the time; this was one of the most enjoyable. Thank you for bringing [chef] Will’s personality right off the page…for capturing his creativity, color, and general culinary rock-star genius-ness. I love it!”

— Sarah-Jane Johnson, founder, Road Map Consulting

“Holy moly! Thank you for such a wonderful article, I love the Willy Wonka parallels. I'm going to run with that!”

— Craig Fulmer, founder, Rock Canyon Coffee

“You’re a gifted writer. Thanks for 'getting it' so clearly!”

— Emily Hightower, founder, Ondalu/Intrinsic Way

“So nicely written. Better yet, people have read it and are coming in to try bb's!”

— Christina Garrigues, manager, bb’s kitchen

“We are so lucky to have support from you as we venture into this next chapter in Aspen.”

— Holly Ruth Finigan, founder, Dining Sourcebook

“Great writing to support and illuminate us. Thanks for being open to something new and different and relating it in such a positive, and so well-written, container.”

— David “Starbear” Avalos, chef, True Nature Healing Arts

“Totally fabulous.”

— Brigid Finlay, Wagstaff Worldwide

“LOVE this piece.”

— Rebecca Cole, Wagstaff Worldwide

“You’ve got the right personality, you know how to approach it, and you put it on paper! Not many can do the whole circle.”

— Muffin Dole, Bonnie’s Restaurant on Aspen Mountain

“OMG, I’m in tears! You are the BEST writer! I might have to ‘borrow’ this as my website copy….”

— Sara Broome, founder, Sara B. Fit

“WOW.
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW.
What a great and kind article.”

— Shae Singer, founder, Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus

“You quoted Proust in an article about f*cking Teo's. You are insane and amazing.”

— Justin Cormier, fellow former resident of Pittsfield, Mass.

“I decided I wanna make time for you because you’re a great writer. Very eloquent. Nailed it! Wow, that was great!”

— David Roth, chef and restaurateur, Peach’s Corner Café Aspen

“Usually super prompt—that's why I love working with you.”

— Courtney Hollands, editor-in-chief, culture: the word on cheese

“You’re the blooming best, I hope you know that!”

— Kevin O’Hara, the donkeyman

“Bucket list item #521: contribute to an Amanda Rae food column! Swell food writing.”

— Corby Anderson, friend and reader

“You know your SALT! I had never heard of a salt pig. Love it!”

— Todd Shaver, Aspen Business Luncheon

“Featuring all your favorite dishes from local restaurants…I’m destined to eat myself sick.”

— Lorenzo Semple IV, Aspen Daily News columnist, on “The Aspen Cookbook”

“Congratulations to this year’s Wintersköl slogan contest winner, Amanda Rae Busch! This slogan highlights the celebration in a spirit of togetherness and our gratitude for the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley.”

— Aspen Chamber Resort Association, “Where Would We Rather Be, Wintersköl 2023”