Steamboat Zest restaurant guide

S t e a m b o a t

ZEST Stories by Eugene Buchanan Photos by Chris McGaw

Exploresteamboat.com

summer 2015 explore | 47

Savoring t h e M o u n ta i n For complete restaurant listings, menus, hours and more, visit ExploreSteamboat.com.

46 | EXPLORE SUMMEr 2015

Exploresteamboat.com

S t e a m b o a t

ZEST Stories by Eugene Buchanan Photos by Chris McGaw

Exploresteamboat.com

summer 2015 explore | 47

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SakE2u lobster mashed potatoes, With one of the best locations on Yampa Street, a nightly Surf & Turf multiple Best of the Boat special and a smorgasbord winner Sake2U serves of vegetarian and glutenthe only jet-fresh sushi in free options. town, all in a warm and welcoming family-friendly “We’re far more than a great sushi restaurant,” setting on the banks of says Kier, adding that the Yampa River. Owned the restaurant can by brothers Kier and accommodate large Eric Delaney, who have parties and even private a combined 50 years in groups.

“It’s excellent food the restaurant business, in a casual environment, in it offers seasonal a setting that’s welcome nightly specials as well to everyone.” as American fare to accommodate all palates.

All this can be enjoyed overlooking the river on Its sushi offerings are the second floor patio and inspired by 28-year-sushi in the outside seating area master Koji Maesato, downstairs, with libations as well as chef Chad poured from a friendly, fullWhitaker from Vail’s Yama service bar. Visit during one and Frisco’s Kemosabe. of town’s best happy hours Together, they churn out from 3 to 6 p.m. daily with such favorites as the Bula two-for-one drink specials Roll, Tree Hugger, Miles including well drinks, of Smiles and Steamboat house wine, hot sake and Crunch Rolls. Other Asiandomestic drafts. Also check influenced fare includes the schedule for live music, curry and teriyaki dishes, blackberry-glazed short rib which blends in perfectly with the lapping of the river and a fresh catch of the outside. day. Also try the filet with

609 yampa St. 970.870.1019

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Carl’S TaVErn One of Steamboat’s most popular summertime restaurants and bars, Carl’s Tavern is named after Carl Howelsen, the Norwegian who brought skiing to Steamboat.

Its fare flies out of the kitchen just as Howelsen did off the ski jumps he built a stone’s throw away.

Owned and operated

by Collin and Noella Kelley, the focus is on fresh, every step of the way. A graduate of Johnson and Wales University’s culinary arts school in Denver, Collin’s background includes chef stints at Denver’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. It all shows in mouth-watering meals designed to replenish those lost carbs from the day’s adventure.

The atmosphere keeps visitors coming back as well. Voted best bar in town for several years running, its large, circular bar lets patrons socialize and watch the day’s games on nine HD TVs, with beer and food specials served all day.

Large windows keep the atmosphere open and airy, as does the The Antler Room, a game room including booths, pool tables, a shuffleboard table, Touch Tones jukebox and twelve HD TVs. Throw in a great daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring $2 oysters, 50-cent wings, $2 draft beers, $3 domestic bottles and $5 premium well drinks, as well as over 160 types of whiskey and a full array of draft beers, and you have a place Carl himself would be happy to call home.

“It’s all about creating really good food,” he says, touting everything from homemade wing batter to pot roast marinated for two days. “We make everything from scratch.”

Seventh & yampa streets 970.761.2060 Carlstavern.com 50 | EXPLORE SUMMEr 2015

Photos by Chris McGaw

Collin Kelley Owner

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Photo by Chris McGaw

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John Gamradt Owner & Chef

CugIno’S Located at 41 Eighth St. just off Yampa Street, Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant prides itself on being “not the only pizza and Italian restaurant in town — just the best.”

Serving Steamboat for nearly 30 years and one of the most welcoming and energetic restaurants in town, Cugino’s focuses on affordable, Italian cuisine and pizza in a family-friendly atmosphere void of pretension. With meals prepared by new owner and 26-year-chef John Gamradt, who has trained under some of the best chefs in New York City, its sauces and pastas are all made from scratch, with its pizzas, strombolis and calzones baked in a bricklined oven.

sauced Cugino’s Ultimate or meat-topped Capone.

For midday meals, try a variety of sandwiches and wraps, (like the Philly steak Cugino’s Special, Meatball, Eggplant Parmesan or Cugino’s Wrap, as well as an array of antipasti, wings and salads — favorites include the caprese and yellowfin tuna.

Enjoy it all in a familyfriendly atmosphere inside or out, with two patios offering fresh air with your fare. It’s also a great place for a casual drink, with a full selection of beer, wines and specialty drinks — try its mojito or Italian margarita.

Cugino’s also has two great happy hours, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. until close.

Choose from such pastas as the seafood-filled Godfather, Eggplant Florentine or homemade lasagna. For pizzas, try such favorites as the pepperoni, mushroom and olive Howler, white-

41 eighth St. 970.879.5805 Cuginosrestaurant.com SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 53

The Egg & I With more than a decadelong history as one of Steamboat’s favorite breakfast spots, the Egg & I is conveniently located in Sundance at Fish Creek halfway between downtown and the mountain. The eatery was established in 2004 by locals Bradley and Courtney Moline, and its winning formula has made it a local favorite ever since.

Its Southwestern fare is also popular, including such favorites as Huevos Rancheros, Sunrise Chile Rellenos and Santa Fe Huevos. Non-egg dishes and specials like the Mediterranean Frittata and Egg Byte omelette cater to the weight-watcher crowd.

Cappuccinos, lattes and other specialty coffee drinks wash it all down, as do flavored hot chocolates for the kids and pure squeezed orange juice.

For lunch, comes creative sandwiches, salads and homemade soups.

While its menu accommodates every taste under the sun, its awardwinning Eggs Benedict top the list, coming in an array of themes, from the portobella mushroom Its large capacity also and asparagus-filled Hiker makes it perfect for family to the portobella, ham, gatherings, business Swiss cheese layered meetings and more, croissant of the Parisian complete with a free or the crab cake. Other private meeting room with favorites include a variety Wi-Fi and customizable of omelettes, specialty menus. Patio Seating waffles and whole wheat Available pancakes, as well as Skillets, from the ham, “It’s our large menu served bacon and hollandaisein a relaxed environment filled Cambridge to the with friendly service that seasoned steak strips, sets us apart,” says Bradley. roasted peppers, onions and cheese Texas Skillet.

325 Anglers Drive 970.871.4633 TheEggandIRestaurants.com 54 | EXPLORE SUMMEr 2015

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Photos by Chris McGaw

SaddlES Summertime dining doesn’t get any better than Saddles at the Sheraton, located slopeside at the base of Mount Werner.

The restaurant offers something for everyone in an atmosphere overlooking the green, grass-covered slopes of Mount Werner and Burgess Creek coursing through the Promenade.

“We incorporate seasonal fare into a variety of our dishes throughout the year,” says Przymus, touting everything from Palisade peaches to local artisan cheeses.

Offering great mountain views and an expansive deck, Saddles is a hot spot for lunch and late night lounging. It’s also a great social space to meet for specialty drinks, beer and wine after a day hiking, biking or golfing.

For the kids, it also offers a game room with shuffleboard, billiards and foosball.

“We utilize a lot of great Colorado products in our dishes,” he says.

When it comes to dining, Saddles relies on the expertise of executive chef Scott Przymus, who brings a Colorado-based theme to his concoctions, from succulent appetizers to scrumptious entrees.

Przymus also works with local farm co-ops for sourcing, as well as local ranches for such meats as beef, elk, buffalo and venison.

Lunch starts daily at 11 a.m. with happy hour following from 4 to 6 p.m. and dinner going late until 11 p.m., all menus serving an array of shared plates, small plates, sandwiches, salads and entrees.

“It’s a great spot, with a great location, staff and ambiance,” Przymus says.

“And the food is even better.”

2200 village inn Court 970.879.2220 SheratonSteamboatresort.com SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 57

Slopeside There’s a reason Slopeside, located at the base of the mountain, has been voted best on-mountain après for four years running in Steamboat’s Best of the Boat contest.

and tables in the main dining area.

Wherever you sit, get ready for great-tasting food. For appetizers, try the Nacho Platter, Grilled Artichoke, Fried Ravioli or Cheese Fries. Hint: Add the pork green chili and bacon.

Where else can you walk or bike up to live music, order beer or other summer drinks from a new outside, granite-countered bar, munch down a Mount Werner-sized plate of nachos and then relax in the sun to celebrate your day in Steamboat? Throw in chillin’ at the “beach,” the restaurant’s popular pint pass, homemade pizzas and crackling firepits, and you won’t want to leave until well after the late-night happy hour which serves up $8 pizzas and $3 beers.

From the pizza oven, comes more than a dozen homemade pies featuring such mountainthemed names as the ACL (pepperoni and mushroom); Vagabond (roaster garlic, olive oil, spinach, sundried tomatoes, feta and mozzarella); White Out (four cheeses and white garlic sauce) and the Chutes (Italian sausage, tomatoes, red onions and mushrooms).

There’s plenty to do inside as well, where you can watch your favorite ballgame on nine regular and one jumbo 64-inch HD TV — all with every Direct TV sports package under the sun. Looking for a more conventional dining experience? Choose from a multitude of cozy booths

For entrees, try the Rocky Mountain Ruby Red Trout; the Boca Shrimp, featuring tender Gulf shrimp sauteed in olive oil and garli;, the Grilled New York Strip with a 12-ounce cut, aged 21 days, hand-carved and grilled to your liking or the Baby Rack Ribs, with cowboy barbecue sauce.

Torian Plum Plaza 970.879.2916 SlopesideGrill.com 58 | EXPLORE SUMMEr 2015

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Photos by Chris McGaw

la fIESTa The home of great, authentic Mexican “comida,” La Fiesta Grill and Cantina is a classicstyle Mexican restaurant offering true family dining and Mexican culture through a fresh spin on traditional Mexican fare.

Chef Edgar Ruiz combines such old-world flavors as chipotle, cilantro and distinct cheeses, with beautiful presentations and fresh ingredients in a restaurant that’s “para la familia,” following the most valued of Mexican traditions.

Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking and traditional dishes of old Mexico, his recipes retain an authenticity everyone will enjoy.

Choose from a variety of fajitas — including skirt steak, grilled chicken, jumbo shrimp and chipotle chicken — as well as taco platters, including the ever-popular $2 tacos. La Fiesta also offers a full line of salads and a Healthy Choice

menu, including the Spinach Enchiladas with pico de gallo smothered in tomato sauce. It also offers a full line of vegan, vegetarian and glutenand dairy-free options.

Other popular dishes include the Shrimp Cabo Wabo (jumbo shrimp, sautéed onion, celery and mushrooms simmered in chipotle and cabo wabo tequila sauce); Chicken Mole (grilled chicken topped with sweet red chili sauce); and Chile Rellenos (large poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, egg-battered and pan-fried with black beans, corn pico and ranchero sauce).

On the cantina side, choose from a variety of flavored margaritas, including cucumber, spicy mango, avocado, grapefruit and jalapeno infused. La Fiesta also stocks more than 50 varieties of tequilas to bring even more fiesta to your dining experience.

Central Park Plaza 970.879.6393 lafiestaColorado.com SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 61

E3 ChophouSE Created by the LaRoche family, E3 Chophouse is one of Steamboat’s premier dining experiences. With immaculate landscaping and over-sized doors opening to the banks of the Yampa, E3 is a beautiful place to enjoy meals created from the best seasonal, all-natural ingredients. Everything is made from scratch in house including sauces and dressings, freshly baked breads and desserts.

starts with cattle that are humanely raised in an all-natural environment free of hormones, steroids and antibiotics. As a result E3 is able to offer top quality and delicious tasting beef, all the while being conscious of their environmental footprint.

The meat is processed locally and aged 21 days before arriving in Steamboat to provide the best, most tender, Angus in the valley.

For lighter fare, enjoy lunch on the river or E3’s ever popular Happy E3 strives to source fresh Hour. Favorites include ingredients locally and lobster mac and cheese, offers a jet fresh catch of the day, wild game, and, of sliders and Truffle Fries. course, E3 certified steaks For great Mexican cuisine, be sure to visit and chops, all cut daily E3’s sister Restaurant, in-house and cooked to Cantina, at 818 Lincoln St., perfection on our top-fire, 970.879.0826, char-broiler.

SteamboatCantina.com.

All of the beef offered Reservations can be at E3 comes exclusively made online. from E3 Certified cattle.

The sixth-generation family-owned E3 Ranch in Fort Scott, Kansas gives their cattle room to roam and to grow naturally because E3’s ranch-to-table concept

701 yampa St. 970.879.7167 e3Chophouse.com 62 | EXPLORE SUMMEr 2015

Brandon PFAFF Executive Chef

Photos by Chris McGaw

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Sumatera Don’t let its small, intimate pan-fried pancake with space fool you. Located beef, eggs, scallions, on 11th Street and Lincoln garlic and shallots. It Avenue, downtown also offers a variety of behind Riggio’s, some of soups and salads, from Steamboat’s best AsianPho, Ramen and Bakso influenced fare can be (a metaball soup with found at Sumatera, which cilantro) to Seaweed and offers authentic “Ring of Yakisoba (wheat noodles Fire” Pacific Rim cuisine with ahi tuna, wasabi, highlighting flavors ranging greens and seaweed). from the Indonesian For entrees, choose from Islands and Singapore curries, Pad Thais, noodle to Thailand and Japan. dishes, sushi rolls and Every summer owner more, as well as skewered Lia Blarecoats travels to Satay and Nasi Goreng, Indonesia to experiment a fried jasmine rice with with and bring new vegetables. For a special recipes to Steamboat. The treat (you have to order it result is a mouth-watering two days before), try the menu offering a sizzling Rendang, a slow-roasted assortment of Asian beef with coconut milk. fare that would shine All dishes come in in large cities, let alone traditional spicy levels Steamboat. of 1 to 5, letting you get For appetizers, try such as hot as you want. It favorites as Lia’s Famous offers take-out as well as Spring Rolls with rice reservation-only dining, paper, vermicelli, avocado, along with catering and cucumber, basil, carrots sushi chefs for private and creamy peanut sauce, parties. with shrimp, tofu or chicken; Momo steamed dumplings with beef or turkey; or Martabak, a

1106 S. Lincoln Ave. 970.879.2929

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old ToWn puB With an emphasis on fresh, the historic Old Town Pub is Steamboat’s longest-running eating and drinking establishment.

Making everything from scratch with a seasonally rotating menu, it offers something for everyone, from families to foodies.

An approachable yet creative menu offers such mouth-watering favorites as the Kentucky Hot Brown with house-brined turkey, grilled tomato, béchamel and a poached egg. Also try any variety of its scrumptious Mac & Cheese,

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baked with that same four-cheese béchamel. For the night owls, latenight, stone-baked pizza — some of the best pizza in the ‘Boat — is served until 1 a.m. every evening to stave off the hungriest of appetites.

A full lineup of music ensues every week, with an open mic night on Mondays and live music every weekend, your invitation to take a spin on the dance floor. Or simply kick back and enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine on micro brew straight from the tap.

Old Town Pub’s dinning room is

great for groups and families and its award-winning bar is popular with locals and tourists alike. All this can be found on the corner of Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue downtown in a historic building that housed the town’s first post office and hospital, letting you take in Steamboat’s heritage while placating your hunger or kicking up your heels.

600 lincoln ave.

970.879.2101 theoldtownPub.com

Photos by Chris McGaw

Photos by Chris McGaw

Tap houSE Perfect for everyone from families to sports fans, the Tap House offers Colorado craft beers, food and fun in the heart of downtown. It has 21 draft beers, all from Colorado, complete with beer towers that let you tap at your table. It also hosts “tap room takeovers” focusing on a specific brewery.

With a “more-the-merrier” ambiance, the Tap House is able to accommodate groups of up to 100 people, perfect for bringing your team in after the big game, and offers 50 HD TVs with complete

sports programming. It also offers NTN Network, free sports trivia and poker games, a game arcade and the best collection of sports memorabilia in town.

Traditional sports grill food includes burgers, battered chicken fingers, onion rings and heaping piles of nachos, as well as ribs, halfroasted chicken, sirloins, ribeyes and more. Burger favorites include the Fire Burger with fresh jalapenos, cream cheese and hot barbecue sauce; the three-cheese

Hat Trick; and the Rodeo, with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and onion rings. Its award-winning wings are braised in such sauces as oriental barbecue, buttery garlic parmesan and dry-rubbed Jamaican jerk — get them half price on Tuesday Wing Day.

729 lincoln ave.

970.879.2431 thetaphouse.com SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 67

laundrY Owned by chef and restaurateur Rex Brice, Laundry is a conceptspecific restaurant located in the historic Soda Creek building downtown. It offers casual elegant dining, blending rustic charm and a contemporary urban, at-home atmosphere.

Using local products and slow cooking and smoking, it encourages plate sharing, with 95 percent of its offerings priced less than $15. Specialties include the Best Ribs Ever, brined in whey, smoked for four hours and braised 68 | EXPLORE SUMMEr 2015

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in molasses and beer; and Frenchcured, locally-sourced charcuterie meats, including pork and lamb.

Shared plates include the cocoacoffee-smoked bison short ribs with aged Manchego cheese, apple- and hickory-smoked brisket philly, brussels sprout hash and spicy shrimp pow-pow.

All this is complemented by a diverse beer and wine selection, a full line of whiskeys and tequilas and special house-infused spirits, complete with homemade tinctures and bitters. Favorites

include Satan’s Whiskers (gin, sweet and dry vermouth, orange juice and Grand Marnier), the Fiery Margarita (spicy, pepper-infused tequila) and the Smoke & Thyme, made with pear-infused vodka. Hit it at happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for drink and food specials.

“We’re trying to bring something new to this community,” says Brice.

127 11th St. 970.870.0681 thelaundryrestaurant.com

The Ristretto Coffee Lounge With a downtown location familiar to many, The Ristretto Coffee Lounge (aka The Ristretto) in Old Town Square delivers more than just your ordinary brew. A relentless focus on quality and coffee craftsmanship means sourcing from nationally awardwinning roasters, and providing expert guidance to help customers navigate a diverse coffee portfolio.

Its “rotating roaster” program highlights recently harvested, freshly roasted, direct trade coffee from six companies, and will soon add in-house roasted selections. Highly

Photos by Chris McGaw

skilled baristas mean flavorful extractions and perfect milk texture for your latte, attentive pour over service via V60 or Chemex, and flawless Hario syphon immersions on industry-leading halogen beam heaters.

Thinking summer? Consider cold brew over ice, nitro-infused or a convenient 12 ounce to-go bottle. Try an affogato, espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato as a warm weather diversion. Complement any drink with liqueurs like Baileys, Kahlua or Amaretto. How about a snack? Two

Le Cordon Bleu culinary graduates bake fresh pastries daily.

The Ristretto is particular about its service, discerning in its offerings and meticulous about crafting your drink. It’s a relaxed environment where people can congregate, talk, write, read, entertain or pass the time.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

635 Lincoln Ave. 970.879.3393 TheRistretto.com

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Back Door Grill For some of the best burgers — choose from such classics as and handcut fries and onion rings — the double bacon cheeseburger in the ‘Boat, head to Back Door Grill and Make Mine a Triple to such at 825 Oak St. new school options as the Teryaki Mahalo with pineapple and Swiss Serving up mouth-watering, allcheese and the Twilight Zone with natural Colorado beef burgers cheddar, bacon, creamy Sriracha for dine-in or to go, Steamboat’s and peanut butter (yes, peanut newest hamburger emporium butter). It also offers a new special is the work of Brandi and David every week that keeps patrons Eliason, who bring years of guessing and coming back for expertise to every succulent bite. more. Cheeseburger on a glazed Its edgy burgers are what set it doughnut, anyone? apart, as well as its classic burgers For sides, it serves up a full array of for those with a hankering for a hand-cut fries (try the Philly Cheese more traditional taste. For burgers,

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or Lucky Spuds) as well as salads, soups, vegetarian offerings and adventure-fueling breakfast items like its Burgerito Burrito or Happy Hangover sandwich.

It all boils down to a passion for fresh, natural ingredients and a love of old-fashioned, all-natural Colorado beef burgers and brews, manifested in everything that comes out of the kitchen.

825 Oak St. 970.871.7888 BackDoorBurgerGrill.com

Photos by Chris McGaw

Eureka Eureka means “to exalt with joy,” and that’s what you’ll do when you dine at this Mediterranean-style restaurant inspired by European street venders.

Opened by Carl’s Tavern owners Collin and Noella Kelley and specializing in comfort foods from Spain, Italy, Israel, Greece, Lebanon, Morocco and France, all dishes are served family-feast style. Lunch can be ordered from the walk-up counter with full service dining available for dinner. Wall-mounted TV screens display what’s available daily, with

the offerings changing depending on seasonality and availability.

Eureka also offers quick and easy food for those on the go. For libations, Eureka maintains a fully stocked bar for cocktails, wine or beer.

Features include a pizza oven imported from Naples and two large, vertical rotisseries for shawarma, a Middle Eastern meat preparation “It fills a great niche in town, and is a great way for us to experiment,” (all beef, pork and lamb is sourced Collin says. “And it fits in perfectly locally). Spanish influences include with everything going on along seafood dishes and hand-ground Yampa Street.” sausages, with plenty of Greek offerings as well, from classic Greek salads to lamb schwarma. There are 700 Yampa St. also several gluten-free options. It can all be enjoyed inside or out on a 970.761.2061 European-style, street-side patio. summer 2015 explore | 71