Broadmoor’s Summit gets new toque for top spot
After all the hoopla over Rolland “Rollie” Wesen — son-in-law of celebrity chef Jacques Pepin — being the top toque at the Broadmoor’s new Summit restaurant, there’s been a passing of the whisk. Wesen has resigned.
His reasons aren’t clear. But he told me he loves Colorado and wants to stay in the Pikes Peak region. He also said he has the highest regard for The Broadmoor.
Chef Bertrand Bouquin — hardly a second stringer — will take over for Wesen. He was hired to head up the hotel’s Penrose Room, which is being remodeled and is scheduled to reopen in early spring. He came to The Broadmoor from the famous Mobil Five-Star Maisonette in Cincinnati when it closed in July.
Bouquin (pronounced boo-CAAN) had been working in the hotel’s Tavern, where he was helping to redesign the menu there.
Chefs’ Gala on tap
Like to try new restaurants? Then here’s your opportunity to sample an array of local restaurants (and catering companies) at one time: The Colorado Springs Chorale Chefs’ Gala at The Broadmoor International Center, 5 p.m. Feb. 19. More than 20 chefs will put their best dishes forward for a chance to win coveted awards.
Cost is $90 per person. Seating is at tables of 10. Buy nine tickets and get a free one ($810 per table). Call 634-3737 or e-mail csc@cscho rale.org for reservations.
Here’s a peek at who will be scooping the good grits:
- Heidi Cottrill of Amusé Gourmet Inc.
- Gene Kalesti of the Antlers Grille at the Antlers Hilton
- K.T. Trombley of Bella Panini in Palmer Lake
- Derek DeVries Howard of Black Tie Gourmet Deli & Catering
- James Davis of the Blue Star
- Rebecca Christensen of Blue Vervain in Manitou Springs
- Lawrence A. Johnson of Briarhurst Manor Estate in Manitou Springs
- Vito Iacobbo of Charles Court at The Broadmoor
- Michael Wood of Cheyenne Mountain Country Club
- Bill Poulin of Cheyenne Mountain Resort
- Scott Savage and Doug Blazavich of The Cliff House at Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs
- Jackie Williams of Cunningham’s Catering and Supper Club
- Tajinder Dhillon of Taste of India
- Brandon Martin of The Famous
- Andrew Darrigan of The Food Designers Fine Catering
- Nita Faust of The Herb Garden Bistro in Monument
- Ivan Sisneros of Liberty Heights Retirement Resort
- Eric Viedt of The Margarita at PineCreek
- Steve and Kaye Carlson of The Melting Pot
- Otho Spencer of Otho’s Gourmet 80906 Cafe
- Camron Welch of Sonterra Grill
- Mickey Harden of the Tavern at The Broadmoor
- David Platzer of the Tavern at The Broadmoor
- Mark Clements of Wyndham Colorado Springs
- BB Bean Coffee Roasters
Shuttered
- Zeb’s Restaurant, 945 S. Eighth Street, an icon beloved for its steaks and ribs, is closed.
- Cactus Rose, 13990 Glen-eagle Drive, which had one of the finest views in the Pikes Peak region, is closed.
Coming soon
- A second Springs outpost for The Pita Pit will open early to mid-February in the former Giovanna Cafe location, 773 W. Garden of the Gods Road.
- Look for the second Borriello Brother’s Thin Crust Pizza to open mid-March in the former Gourmet Pantry location, 4510 Oro Blanco Drive.
Seafood deal
Red Lobster is kicking off its Jumbo Shrimp celebration with five dishes. Choose two of the following: Jumbo Shrimp Scampi, Jumbo Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp, Jumbo Crunch-Fried Shrimp, Garlic Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Skewer or a new preparation, Lobster, Crab & Seafood Stuffed Shrimp (butterflied jumbo shrimp stuffed with lobster, crab and seafood, topped with Monterey Jack cheese and creamy lobster sauce).
Sushi extravaganza
The west side has expanded its Asian offerings with the opening of Sakura Japanese Restaurant at 3117 W. Colorado Ave., in the Red Rocks shopping center.
GO! Editor Warren Epstein, a sushi fanatic, loves the place, and finds the sushi chef on par with the chefs at Tako and Ai Sushi.
The specials are particularly creative. The Spicy Tuna Sandwich, for instance, looks like a traditional American sandwich cut on the diagonal. But on close examination, it’s clear that the “bread” is actually sesame-covered sticky rice. It’s a thrifty and remarkably filling meal at $5.75.
Besides sushi, Sakura also offers a full complement of teriyaki and tempura dishes.
The restaurant currently has a grand-opening special: free soda with lunch specials.
CONTACT US: Send tips about restaurant openings, closings, menu changes and food specials to teresa.farney@gazette.com or call 636-0271. Do you own or manage a restaurant? Please send us your e-mail address so we can keep in touch and let diners know what you’re doing.
