Table Talk
The past several weeks, I’ve fallen for some featured dishes at some of my favorite eateries.
First up: The Wines of Colorado, 8045 W. U.S. 24 in Cascade.
I feel a little treacherous about my switch of allegiance from the Colorado Wine Burger ($8.50) to the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8.95) at this restaurant.
It wasn’t an easy step to change up my order. As a matter of fact, I ordered the pork sandwich to take with me the first time I spotted it as a special. The next time I coaxed my husband to order the pork number so we could share a burger and the sandwich. But from here on it will be the pork sandwich calling on our next trip up the pass.
Not only is the pork beautifully smoked and fall-apart-tender, it is topped with Mae Ploy, a sweet chile sauce from Thailand that makes the sandwich sing.
Next up: Second Street Art Market and Wine Bar, 366 Second St. in Monument.
Heather Buchman, who owns the shop with her husband, Douglas, is the mastermind and chef behind the menu, which started out as a limited tapas offering. A few months ago she expanded the menu to include hot plates and is offering dinner service.
At the moment my favorite hot entree is the Sausage Sampler ($15). The sausages — Numberger-style bratwurst, beer bratwurst and Weisswurst — are shipped in from Wisconsin and are some of the best I’ve tasted. But what takes the plate over the top is the German-style mustard-and-curry ketchup served with the meats, that Heather makes, and is served with the meats. German-style potato salad and simmered red cabbage come with the meal, too. For dinner, at the same price, you get a choice of soup or salad.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Mondays from 5 to 10 p.m. buy one entree and get the second one free. Call 488-2506.
Finally: Summit, 19 Lake Circle at The Broadmoor.
Bertrand Bouquin, the executive chef there, has introduced a new winter menu with a lot of inspired dishes. My pick is the Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder with apple cider-red cabbage confit and brown sugar-and-paprika chips ($19). It’s a delightful taste sensation and the pork is meltingly tender. Call 577-5896.
Kid deals
Gather up the kids and plan to check out the new Kid’s Menu at Chipotle. The price is right at all the eatery’s locations on Sundays during January: Kids eat free when parents purchase a burrito, full-size salad, burrito bowl or an order of tacos.
New pastry instructor
Robert Lane will take the position of pastry instructor at Paragon Culinary School, 3125 Sinton Road. He most recently was a pastry chef at Daniel (Boulud) in Palm Springs, Fla. He was originally from Philadelphia, where he worked at such impressive restaurants as Le Bec Fin and Morimoto.
Green award
Pizzeria Rustica, 2527 W. Colorado Ave. in Old Colorado City, was named a Bronze Achiever in the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program. The program recognizes businesses that demonstrate sustained superior environmental performance and operate at a level that goes beyond compliance with environmental regulations.
Opening
Asian Restaurant, 2821 Dublin Blvd., is open serving a wide range of Asian foods, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Lunch specials (served daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) range in price from $5.99 to $7.99.
Spicy Stir Fried Shrimp ($7.99) boasted six huge, perfectly fried shrimp on a bed of fried rice. The meal included a bowl of soup, egg roll and fortune cookie.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Coming soon
Heart of Jerusalem Cafe II is scheduled to open the first week of January at 718 Manitou Ave. in Manitou Springs.
There will be an expanded menu with shish kebab and other Mediterranean favorites.
Hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
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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.
