TABLE TALK: Hop a few trains for wines, views

If you haven't treated yourself to a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Vista Dome or the Wine Express, you should make a point of doing it. During August, there's a $10-off special on both options.

The Wine Express Special is $49.95 per person. You'll get a flight of four Colorado wines, paired with appetizers. If you want to do the tasting in the glass-topped Vista Dome, where you can see up the towering walls of the Spectacular Royal Gorge, you can upgrade for an additional $30.

It costs $47.95 for adults to ride in the Vista Dome, without food. And tickets for children up to 12 are $36.50 for the Vista Dome. Meals are served for an additional charge. The specials are only available on 3:30 p.m. departures. Visit www.royalgorgereservations.com to print a coupon to use with your ticket.

Call 1-888-724-5748 and mention code "wine-100" to make reservations for either special.

Making tracks

Another way to get out and enjoy a train ride is to catch the High Altitude Happy Hour on Aug. 22. It's a fundraiser for the Economic Development Council in Manitou Springs.

Meet at 4:15 p.m. in the Cog Railway Depot, with the train departing at 4:45 p.m., and return to the depot around 8 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres will be from the Cliff House and wine will be provided by D'Vine Wines. Cost is $50 per person. Call 685-9741 for reservations.

Monster meal

As if we needed more calories in one meal, Carl's Jr. has introduced the Monster Breakfast Sandwich. It is filled with two eggs, two strips of bacon, a sausage patty and Swiss and American cheeses piled between grilled sourdough bread. The Monster Breakfast Sandwich sells for $2.89 a la carte or $4.49 as part of a combo. Prices may vary.

Shake, sip and pedal

Ruby's Diner, 3020 New Center Point, has introduced a limited-edition milkshake that will be available only this summer: Blueberries and Cream. And now through Sept. 8, guests can visit the Colorado Springs or Boulder locations to enter a drawing to "Win A Schwinn."

Meal deal

If you love the island-style food at Rumbi Island Grill, 7395 N. Academy Blvd., here's another reason to go often: Frequency Cards that never expire. With the card punched nine times for rice bowls, main entrees, salads or sandwiches, you will get one entree for free.

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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.

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