Stronghouse & LittleHouse

Melissa Plantz George Mays Melissa Plantz Melissa Plantz

STRONGHOUSE

With distinctive menus and spaces, new eateries share focus on exquisite food, friendly vibe

BY LINNE HALPERN

Check out the intersection of Pacific Avenue and South Fir Street and you may be surprised by this little corner’s culinary and artistic renaissance. Along with the opening of the new Ah Haa School for the Arts building and buzz of the Telluride Transfer Warehouse come two new eateries that have quickly become hubs for local gathering.

Enter Stronghouse and LittleHouse. Juxtapositions between old and new, historic and modern, abound in this town — and these two establishments continue that storied dynamic.

LittleHouse, on West Pacific Avenue, is a new concept by Telluride’s own Ross Martin and Erich Owen, owners of the National. Best friends for over 20 years, Martin and Owen are on a mission to fill all the gaps in Telluride’s foodie map. Housed in a brand-new building with a sleek, glass exterior, LittleHouse boasts a casual but contemporary feel. The restaurant, with its delicious deli-style menu, makes for an all-day cafe that caters both to the busy local on a lunch break and the family of visitors seeking an easy dinner beyond pizza and burgers.

The menu, developed by Executive Chef Will Nolan, features European influences and a bit of Southern flair. Dishes like shrimp & grits, mac ‘n’ cheese du jour, and vegan butternut squash lasagna round out grab-and-go-style salads and sandwiches. This winter, the team is upping their homestyle takeout selection. Martin notes that visitors to Telluride (and local families alike) can place orders for large-format, group dinners like Caesar salad, meatloaf and au gratin potatoes to enjoy at home.

The building’s front features a retractable

‘I WANTED TO PRESERVE THIS PIECE OF TELLURIDE HISTORY.’

Victoria Chapus

Melissa Plantz

& LITTLEHOUSE

door that creates an unbeatable indoor/ outdoor setup. Summer days see the patio bustling with energy and during the winter, skiers can walk up Oak Street, enjoy an exquisite, gourmet lunch and be back on the slopes in 30 minutes. “It makes for a fun neighborhood spot,” Martin says. “And on those March days when everyone is itching for warmth, the sun starts coming across our deck and it feels incredible.”

Around the corner on South Fir Street, friendly Stronghouse Brew Pub makes its home in Telluride’s historic Stronghouse Building, built in 1892. Stronghouse owner and longtime part-time resident Victoria Chapus knew it was meant to be when the historic stone structure — home to a slew of different businesses over the years — came up for sale. “I wanted to preserve this piece of Telluride history,” she says. “The building was always part of the fabric of town. Our goal was to make the brewery just as much a part of the community.” A major restoration was called for. The walls were reinforced and the interior stripped back to its original glory. Today, a mahogany Brunswick bar from the 1880s anchors the space, alongside a manual lift and oversize scale that are original to the building.

Chapus brought on local brewmaster Sam Enders, who has developed four core beers with an additional seasonal selection. Lagers, IPAs and a signature Honey Ginger Blonde Ale are the most popular orders.

And though the brews are the focus, the food here is not to be overlooked. The menu, from Executive Chef Mike Moran, features alpine comfort food with fresh, local ingredients. Pub mustard and beer cheese (to accompany the stellar homemade pretzels) are made from Stronghouse brews, as is Moran’s delectable coconut porter brownie. Says Chapus, “It’s about making connections and celebrating people, friendships, and adventures.”

Melissa Plantz

‘IT MAKES FOR A FUN NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT.’

Ross Martin