Braised Cumin Chile Lamb Shank
LA ROSA SOUTHWESTERN DINING 25 Colorado 105, Palmer Lake, 368-7676, larosasouthwesterndining.com Here is the newest and possibly the only eatery in the region where you can tuck into a plate of authentic New Mexico-style food. That’s because Marina La Riva, one of the owners and the main force behind ingredient sourcing, goes back to Albuquerque, where she grew up, to buy chilies and other necessary ingredients to ensure the best flavors. Few dishes on the menu disappoint, but the lamb shank ($20) is braised to fall-off-thebone tenderness with spices that enhance the flavor. It is finished with a thick coating of brilliant New Mexico red chili that is a flavor sensation. It’s served with pinto beans, shredded lettuce, rice and a flour tortilla.
Three Color Pudding LEMONGRASS BISTRO 6840 N. Academy Blvd., 592-1391
This is one of the few Vietnamese eateries in the region that doesn’t pay homage to Saigon in its name. Don’t be fooled, though. This is the place to have authentic French-infused Vietnamese dishes presented in a clean upscale space. The family-owned eatery features the predictable dishes of the homeland (noodle bowls, lettuce-wrapped egg rolls) but you’ll find some other dishes with a twist on the traditional, such as the Lemongrass Three Amigos, a combination of chicken, beef and shrimp in a hot and spicy lemongrass sauce. Save room for a special dessert: Three Color Pudding ($4.50). It’s a hard sell on paper. But once you taste this refreshing Vietnamese sweet you’ll become a fan. Three colors refers to the cooked beans, which are layered with tapioca, Jell-O, fruit (longan, mango, durian, lychee or jackfruit), and coconut cream. The dessert is pure perfection at this popular Asian eatery.
fine dining ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ • 934 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1430,
adamsmountain.com Gourmet organic, local cuisine that is heavily vegetarian. Try the huevos rancheros with the blue corn tortillas. ........................................................................................................ $$$ΩRp
ANTLERS GRILLE • 4 S. Cascade Ave., 473-5600, antlers.com The hotel’s breakfast restaurant offers a buffet and à la carte menu. Open MondaysSaturdays for breakfast, with Sunday breakfast and brunch. .................................................... $ THE BLUE STAR • 1645 S. Tejon St., 632-1086, thebluestar.net
This sister restaurant to Nosh flashes a wide and deep wine list, as well as a great happy hour, tasty tapas and a consistently good and wide-ranging lunch and dinner menu. Check out the half-price wine by the bottle on Sundays. ................................................. $$$ Ω
TERESA J. FARNEY’S PICK: BONEFISH GRILL • 5102 N. Nevada Ave.,
598-0826, bonefishgrill.com This eatery specializes in market-fresh fish and other wood-grilled items. The recipes are innovative, with some contemporary renditions of the classics. The chef-driven menu and fresh cocktails will indulge your senses. The Maryland Crabcakes — two jumbo lump cakes with red remoulade — are delicious. The Chilean Sea Bass is rich, melt-inyour-mouth fish that is tender and buttery. Dish not to miss: Bang, Bang Shrimp ($8.90). .............................................................. $$$ Ωp
BRIARHURST MANOR ESTATE • 404 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1864, briarhurst.com This cozy Victorian-mansion-turned-gourmet-dining-experience is a favorite wedding venue. .......................................................................................................................................... $$$$ΩR THE BROADMOOR RESTAURANTS • 1 Lake Ave., 634-7711, broadmoor.com
Charles Court: Elegant dining featuring American-style cuisine with an extensive wine list. ................................................................................................................................................ $$$ Rp Lake Terrace Dining Room: Perennial favorite for the huge buffet on Sundays that includes multiple carving and action stations. ............................................................. $$$$Ωp Penrose Room: It’s the only five-diamond and five-star restaurant in Colorado or the neighboring states. You can expect perfection of food and service. ........................... $$$$p Summit, 9 Lake Circle, 577-5733, 577-5896: A casual yet elegant contemporary bistro, serving excellently prepared food at good prices. ...................................................... $$$ The Tavern: The stunning garden room has been revamped and the menu retooled à la a French-style steakhouse. The kitchen does a solid job with meat and seafood. ....... $$$$
TERESA’S PICK: CAFÉ 36 • 30 W. Dale St., 477-4377, csfineartscenter.org/ cafe36.asp A perfect spot for ladies who lunch. The talented chefs prepare seasonal foods in creative ways. The Sunday brunch, which you can order off the menu, is a favorite. The Relleno and Eggs comes with a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with a savory cheese blend, baked and finished with corn salsa, cilantro sour cream and two eggs any style, over country potatoes. Dish not to miss: Bittersweet Turtle Pie ($6). ................................................................... $$Rp
8 / 2013 DINING GUIDE / THE GAZETTE