Think about holding special event at area school

A high school campus does not probably leap to mind when searching for wedding venues. But you'd be remiss if you did not check out Fountain Valley School of Colorado.

This little gem is at 6155 Fountain Valley School Road, east of south Hancock Boulevard, hidden from view and surrounded by vast, rolling plains and huge shade trees. There's a cluster of adobe buildings, including a newly remodeled dining hall.

I recently got a tour of the dining hall and learned of the opportunities for renting areas of the school from John Casto, a certified executive chef who is the general manager of the kitchen for the school.

"It's not widely known that the school property is available for events like conferences and weddings," he said. "On weekends and during the summer, when students are away, we welcome having groups here."

He showed me the courtyard behind the Hacienda, the admissions office, attached to the original farmhouse dating from the 1930s.
"This is a lovely place for parties because the patio here has covering in case of rain," he said.

When it comes to planing menus for events, Casto likes to work one-on-one with guests.

Call 391-5314 to schedule an appointment with the facility-rental coordinator or for more information.

Pancakes for all
Saddle up and head for Deb's Coffee House, 2 S. 25th St., to feast at the Cowboy Pancake Breakfast 8:30-11:30 a.m. May 24. It's a benefit for the Old Colorado City Sesquicentennial Monument that will be built in Bancroft Park. Cost is $5, $4 for ages 60 and older, $3 for ages 4-12.

Chef shuffle
Collin Smelser has been promoted to executive chef at Plate World Cuisine, 9420 Briar Village Point. The young chef got his culinary start under Craig Hartman when he was executive chef at The Cliff House. Smelser earned his degree in culinary arts at the New England Culinary Institute. On his return to Colorado Springs, he continued his training with Ryan Blanchard at Walter's Bistro. Smelser followed Blanchard to Plate World Cuisine.

One of the first things Smelser started at the eatery was Plate Night, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. He developed a tapas menu to enjoy with $5 Van Gogh martinis and live music. Call 475-8000.

New hours
Pizzeria Rustica, 2527 W. Colorado Ave. in Old Colorado City, is now open noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Breakfast deal
Stevie Ray's Eastside Grill, 3020 New Center Point, has a new Breakfast Stimulus Package - two eggs, potatoes and toast for $1.99. Add meats for $1. The deal is available 7 to 9 a.m. Mondays through Fridays.
-
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.