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WORLD CUPPA

World Cup Games Have Legs in Aspen

By David Frey, 6-30-06

At the Jour de Fete bakery and cafe, the specialty of the day was soccer, served up in a big World Cup.

It was France versus Spain, tied at 1, and you can imagine where the loyalties lay in a place called Jour de Fete, where the staff really does speak French.

"Don Perignon!" shouted a guy in a yellow shirt, his sunglasses perched on the brim of his baseball cap.

Make that 2-1, France.

About 10 people crammed into the cozy cafe, speaking both French and English. It was a moment that spoke to Aspen's image, or at least its self-image, that while the rest of the country may think the World Cup is some sort of protective clothing for soccer players, in Aspen, or at least in certain quarters, it draws a crowd.

It was a different crowd downvalley at the El Horizonte restaurant the week before when Argentina took on Mexico, when a packed crowd cheered on Mexico. Surely there was a crowd somewhere in Aspen cheering for Argentina, but not there. Never mind the fact that the owner is Salvadoran.

Wait. What's this? France blitzes from across the field. Spain's nowhere in sight. Is that an empty goal box?

Make that 3-1.

The crowd eupts and departs. Strangers say farewell, in whatever language.

"Wait,' an American says to his French compatriot. "Let me ask you a question. Are you coming back for the England game?"

The Frenchman nods.

"Are you rooting for England?"

He nods again.

"OK," he says. "I'll see you then."

The Frenchman gets on his cell phone, and starts to talk in Spanish.

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