TABLE TALK: These dishes are too good not to share

Recently, I’ve stumbled across several dishes that were so good I can’t keep them to myself:

• Cioppino, served at Gertrude’s Restaurant, 2625 W. Colorado Ave., was the entree course during a recent progressive dinner in Old Colorado City.
Owner Tom Lazaron and his chef have perfected a masterpiece, which he tells us is offered as a special for dinner.
“I’m getting salmon this weekend and it will definitely be featured for the next few weeks,” he said.
A large bowl of shellfish and salmon costs $27.95. Call 471-0887.

• Fusion Tasting Plate, served at the The Mountain View Restaurant in the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road. The trio of small dishes consisted of Ancho Buffalo Short Ribs, Adobo Pork and Stuffed Poblano with potato-corn hash. All had deliciously bold flavors. Though the restaurant is better known for its buffets, the à la carte menu is worth a look to find some amazing, gourmet fusion dishes.
“This is a new concept we call ‘Colorado Fusion’,” said Brother Luck, the executive chef. “We take local Colorado ingredients and give them a southwestern flair.”
The new fall/winter menu will start Monday. Call 538-4000.

• Veal special at Fratelli Ristorante Italiano, 124 N. Nevada Ave. Chef and owner Armando Palomba, sautéed a thin, breaded piece of veal and topped it with his version of caponata, a mixture of eggplant, onions, tomatoes, anchovies, olives, capers and vinegar. His version of the condiment was slightly spicy and more chunky than others I’ve tasted. So many diners asked for a repeat that Palomba will serve it again this weekend. For $28, you get the tasty veal entree, bruschetta, soup or salad, house breads and risotto. Call 575-9571.

Uptown style
Saigon Cafe, 20 E. Colorado Ave., has had a major face-lift inside and the more contemporary sign on the outside is your first tip. The space has been expanded into the far west side of the building, which had been a barbershop. Dark window shades and shiny wood table tops with slim-legged chairs add to the upscale feel. The menu, thankfully, is the same: noodle bowls, curries and spring rolls.

Early taste of the season
A perfect way to kick off the holiday season is by attending the Gingerbread & Jazz Gala at Child Nursery Centers, 104 E. Rio Grande St., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Guests will hear music by several jazz bands while mingling and nibbling on fine food and drink. Cost is $100 per person. Call 632-1754, ext. 23.

Meal deal
Drop in at Kressas Kitchen, 660 Peterson Road, and pick up a punch card. When you get 10 meal punches, the next one is on the house. Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Call 550-0324.

Revolving doors
Casa Diego’s, 1455 Cipriani Loop in Monument, has closed. Owner, Tony Terrones, says the high lease and lack of traffic were reasons for moving on. He plans to open a similar concept on the 16th Street Mall in Denver.
In the meantime, Eric Harstad, who manages Easy Street Cafe in the Hub Car Wash, 6995 Lexington Drive, plans to move the eatery to the former Casa Diego’s. Easy Street Cafe will close Nov. 8 and reopen in Monument on Nov. 23 with a new name: Eric’s Monument Grille. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. A brunch buffet will be featured 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. The lunch menu will be available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Openings
• Panera Bread is open at 2430 N. Nevada Ave., in University Village. The bakery-cafe will offer handcrafted and freshly-baked artisan breads, bagels, pastries and specialty cafe-menu items.
• Smashburger is open at 5230 N. Nevada Ave., in the same shopping center. In addition to the regular menu, they are introducing a new menu with Colorado flavors and traditional comfort food. New items include a Colorado Smashburger, Colorado Dog and Fried Green Chilies.
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Send tips about restaurant openings, closings, menu changes and food specials to teresa.farney@gazette.com or call 636-0271.
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