TABLE TALK: Smashburger throws us a 'Colorado' twist

When I tasted my first Smashburger burger about a year ago, I thought it was one of the best burgers I’d ever tasted. Now, they have gotten even better. That’s because of the addition of new Colorado-themed menu items.
“We’re a Colorado-based restaurant, and we wanted to create some items that were more like foods eaten in our state,” said Scott Crane, president of the company.

I tried the new Colorado Smashburger and a few of the other new items and loved them all. The featured addition to many of the dishes is very thinly sliced jalapeño peppers that have been breaded and deep fried. Not sure how the jalapeño became our state vegetable, but that’s OK. They’re delicious, not too spicy and habit forming.

Another spicy addition is the pork green chili. An order of Chili Fries — signature crispy Smashfries topped with pork green chili and melted cheese — make you never want to go back to fries prepared any other way.

These dishes are being tested in the Colorado Springs stores, and I’m guessing they will be such a hit that they will become regulars on all the stores’ menus.

Gourmet Dining Card is back
If you missed the chance to experience the fine dining at Flying Horse last year, you have another chance to try it this year. The chefs at the eatery are among the best in the state and you should treat yourself to a meal there.

The invitation allows nonmembers the chance to dine in The Clubhouse until April 30. Call 494-1222 to request a Gourmet Dining Card.

No-fuss holiday meals
Why slave over a hot stove and wash a mountain of dishes on Thanksgiving? Instead of making the meal, make reservations.

Joseph’s Fine Dining, 1606 S. Eighth St., will be offering an à la carte menu 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving day.
Among the menu offerings is Turkey Roulade ($20.99), boneless turkey rolled with stuffing and served with gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and candied yams. Call 630-3631.

More gluten-free options
• All of the Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group restaurants have gluten-free choices on their menus. The restaurants include: Sonterra Grill, 28 S. Tejon St.; Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill, 9420 Briar Village Point; and, Slayton’s Tejon Street Grill, 28 S. Tejon St.

• Oakley’s Café & Bistro at Sundance Mountain Lodge, 1865 Woodmoor Drive in Monument, will make the Taos Mac and Cheese and Sundance Piccatta gluten-free for an additional $1. For more discussion about gluten-free issues, go to gazettedining.freedomblogging.com.

Transformation
Slayton’s Barbeque, 806 Village Center Drive, is closed for renovations. It will reopen as Piazza Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria on Nov. 16. Prices will range from $7 to $13 and they will have California and Italian wines by the glass.

Here chick, chick
Chick-fil-A will open at 575 Garden of the Gods Road at 6 a.m. Nov. 12. But, you can get in the “First 100” line Nov. 11 at 6 a.m. for a chance at a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A Meals. Certificates will be given to each of the first 100 adults in line, 18 and older with identification. For rules visit chick-fil-a.com, click on “restaurant openings,” and “First 100.”
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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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