BeSt Steak: the famouS, a Steak houSe
best fine dining: the blue star
Bartender
Coffee PlaCe
28 n. tejon st., 636-2244, gasolinealleycs.com
Multiple locations, starbucks.com
dancing on the bar is part of the job sometimes at Gasoline alley, a nightclub that prides itself on having the hottest bartenders in town.
what can we say about starbucks, except that it’s seemingly everywhere? the world’s no. 1 specialty coffee retailer, this giant chain of coffee shops is the perfect place to network, meet an old friend, catch up on work and, oh, yeah, drink coffee.
Gold: aurora edwards
Silver: Kristi nelson Bronze: Cody rilo
Gold: starBuCKs
BreaKfast
Silver: PiKes PerK Coffee and tea Bronze: aGia soPHia Coffee sHoP and BooKstore
Multiple locations, villageinn.com
steaK
Gold: VillaGe inn
founded by Colorado natives, the lengthy list of omelet choices at this national chain is available all day long. on weekends, locals line up for a table. Choose from the list or customize your own. Silver: tHe oMelette Parlor Bronze: eGG and i restaurants and oliVe BranCH restaurant
sunday BrunCH
Gold: laKe terraCe dininG rooM at tHe BroadMoor 1 lake ave., 577-5771, broadmoor.com
it’s more than just a brunch, it’s an experience. walk into an elegant, enormous room with a piano player tickling the ivories softly in the background. Be escorted past a bubbling fountain and seated by a wait staff that delivers impeccable service. then feast your eyes on the massive array of offerings before you. we recommend you have a strategy that includes the carving table. save room for the Bananas foster, served hot from the pan. Silver: tHe sunBird Bronze: VillaGe inn
Gold: tHe faMous, a steaK House 31 n. tejon st., 227-7333, thefamoussteakhouse.net
the dark leather, polished booths and swanky atmosphere set the scene for an eatery that’s all about indulgence. if you want to splurge on steak, this is the place. the meat is the best money can buy: gorgeous, marbled usda Prime beef, aged to bring out the flavor and slapped with just a hint of seasoning. try the huge shrimp cocktail to get you started, or sumptuous sides like creamed spinach and asparagus with hollandaise. Silver: texas roadHouse Bronze: steaKsMitH
fine dininG
Gold: tHe Blue star 645 s. tejon st., 632-1086, thebluestar.net
the changing menu offers flashes of creativity, splashes of brilliantly blended flavors, and even Cracker Jacks, as featured in the Bristol’s Beehive Honeywheat soup with asiago, vegetable stock and blond roux. Silver: tHe faMous, a steaK House Bronze: ConsCious taBle
Business lunCH Gold: nosH
121 s. tejon st., 635-6674, nosh121.com
ever brokered a deal over Brussels sprouts? at nosh you might. they’re halved, roasted, tossed with Kochujang chili sauce, and then sprinkled with candied lemon zest and Manchego cheese. or try the Mushroom Medley sandwich, made with a rich, earthy mix of mushroom, roasted peppers and onions, spinach and white cheddar. Silver: tHe faMous, a steaK House Bronze: MariGold Café & BaKery
first date
Gold: tHe MeltinG Pot of Colorado sPrinGs 30-a e. Pikes Peak ave., 385-0300, meltingpot.com/colorado-springs
the decor is classy and dark, the pace is leisurely, and the seating is private, particularly if you request one of the curtained booths. for the next several hours, indulge in a four-course dining experience that includes a cheese fondue, salad, entree fondue and dessert fondue. if you don’t get a second date, don’t blame us. Silver: Mona lisa fondue restaurant no Bronze
32 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2012 I THE GazETTE