TABLE TALK: Black Bear menu honors the King of Pop

Victor Matthews, chef/owner of Black Bear Restaurant, 10375 Ute Pass Road in Green Mountain Falls, couldn’t resist using the untimely death of Michael Jackson to create a memorial menu.

He doesn’t mean, in any way, to moonwalk on Jackson’s grave or be disrespectful. He’s merely trying to use his culinary skills to note the pop star’s passing.

Cost is $50; the menu should be available through the weekend.

• Course 1: “We are the World”
World Fusion light Curry Cream Soup with elements of France, Italy, India, USA, Japan, and China.
• Course 2: “Beet It”
Salad of Marinated Organic Beets, with Smoked Cheddar and macerated fruit.
• Course 3 (intermezzo): “Thriller”
Granita based on bar recipe for a Zombie.
• Course 4: “Dirty Diana”
Based on classic Steak Diane with brandy peppercorn sauce, but also with olives, like a dirty martini.
• Course 5: “Black and White”
Dark and white chocolate gateau with crème anglais.

Tea above it all
Looking for some lesser-known attractions to keep visitors busy? How about tea and a tour of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle 6113 N. Daniels Park Road in Sedalia?

The 10,000-square-foot castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the Rockies, was built in the 1920s.

Its 26 rooms are filled with some of the original furnishings, and fine art hangs on its walls.

At the English-style afternoon tea you’ll be treated like royalty. The tea includes scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, pastries and sweets. Then you’ll a guided tour of the castle.

Teas are offered at 2 p.m. every first and third Saturday, and every second and fourth Wednesday. Cost is $40 per person. Reservations are required by calling 1-303 688-5555.

Visit cherokeeranch.org to learn more about the ranch and castle.

30 years and counting
The Colorado City Creamery has been in business for 30 years, and the owners will celebrate for the rest of the summer. From 1 to 4 p.m. daily through September, drop in for such specials as:

• Two Cent Tuesdays: Buy an Old Vienna hot dog and soft drink at regular price and get a Jr. Cone, any flavor, for just 2 cents.
• Thirty Cent Thursdays: Every Thursday, buy any size cone and get a second one-scoop cone for a mere 30 cents.
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CONTACT US: Send tips about restaurant openings, closings, menu changes and food specials to teresa.farney@gazette.com or call 636-0271. Do you manage a restaurant? Send us your e-mail address so we can keep in touch.