Three Rivers Outfitters – Garlic Mike’s

Combine a scenic float down the Gunnison River with a tasty dinner at Garlic Mike’s for a memorable summer excursion. Begin the adventure from Three Rivers Resort in  Almont at 4pm.

After a 10-mile trip downriver you’ll arrive at the riverside restaurant approximately 5:30 for a feast including focaccia bread with garlic spread, soup or salad, choice of entree from a special menu, dessert and non-alcoholic drink.

The dinner float trip is available any night of the week with 24-hour notice and a minimum of four people. Cost is $53 per person, $33 for ages 10 and under. The float trip is perfect for multi-generational family groups.

Accolades for Garlic Mike’s include awards for best waiter and chef to best restaurant, date place and wedding reception. Owner/chef Mike Busse proclaims this the best Italian food west of Jersey – from which he hails. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week with indoor and outside dining available in summer. For more than a decade Garlic Mike’s has been a family favorite whenever we’re in the Crested Butte/Gunnison area.

Located at the confluence of the Taylor River and East River forming the Gunnison, Three Rivers Resort offers cabin and jeep rentals in addition to outfitting services for fishing, rafting and kayaking. For more adventure they’ll book horseback rides, rock climbing instruction, hot air ballooning, mountain bike and hiking guides or offer trail suggestions for the more independent outdoor enthusiast.

Book your dinner float trip by calling either Three River Resort at 888-761-3474 or 970-641-1303, or Garlic Mike’s at 970-641-2493.

Gunnison & Almont, Colorado

The Perfect Landing Restaurant at Centennial Airport continues their anniversary special through the month of May. Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the special menu includes:

• Center cut filet dinner
• Teriyaki glazed salmon filet dinner
• Alaskan king crab legs (1/2 pound)
• Maine lobster tail
• Shrimp scampi
• Bottle of cabernet or chardonnay

Each for only $10

The filet is served with mashed potatoes and green vegetable, the salmon with rice and veggie. The crab legs, lobster and shrimp are a la carte items. Order the filet dinner, add a lobster tail – quality surf and turf for $20.

On our last visit we ordered a bottle of wine and were delighted with the Salmon Creek cabernet. We usually share a salad ($5), either the Perfect Salad of spring greens, craisins, pecans and bleu cheese crumbles with an orange balsamic vinaigrette, or a traditional Caesar. On our next visit we’ll order the Grilled Caesar. The basket of crusty in-house baked bread always empties at our table.

We’re declining desserts these days but the Perfect Landing key lime pie can’t be missed. I’ve heard good reports on the chocolate soufflé cake but we’re sticking with the key lime pie.

As diners have heard about the anniversary special the restaurant has been very busy; by 6pm every table is filled, with people waiting. The wait staff have been up to the task with cheerful efficient service. I wouldn’t go without a reservation. Last week we went at 5pm and had the rest of the evening for an activity.

In addition to excellent food and service we enjoy the music of Boogie Bob at the piano and panoramic views of the Rockies as the sun settles behind the Continental Divide.

When You Go: The Perfect Landing opens for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. Phone 303-649-4478 for reservations.

Find It!

Perfect Landing Restaurant at Centennical Airport

After a wind blown visit to Castlewood Canyon State Park we take sanctuary at the first church built in Castle Rock. Today the Old Stone Church serves cuisine instead of a congregation. Where the confessional once stood a table for two awaits diners as does the choir loft.

We always enjoy the creative dishes from chef/owner Jeff Richard. Trained at The Culinary Institute of America, Richard features fresh ingredients with a sense of adventure. I like the southwest influences and order the shrimp enchiladas with goat cheese and chipotle cream. A half-dozen grilled shrimp fill each enchilada. Packed with flavor, I soak up every drop of the chipotle cream with tortillas and the Mexican rice.

Bob chose the Old Stone Church because he was lusting after their salmon. Java salmon is rubbed with coffee, ancho chile powder and brown sugar, served over a goat cheese pasta and topped with a corn relish. Sighs of contentment come from his side of the table.

While we waited for the entrees we dipped warm pita pieces in a thick sauce of herbs, red pepper, red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Although we didn’t have any on this visit every soup I’ve ever tried at The Old Stone Church has been perfect. I especially remember the cream of asparagus on our last visit. I believe Chef Richard shines when it comes to soups and sauces.

Locals consider the Chaplain’s Bar, next to the dining room, their secret. From 3-6pm  they relax with $5 appetizers and drink specials.

The only complaint I’ve ever held is that we’ve never had a host/hostess that seemed glad you’ve walked in the door. Once we start interacting with the wait staff we feel welcome and receive good service but the initial greeting could certainly be improved.

Flickering tea lights, a softly falling fountain, original stained glass windows and music creates a relaxed, a reprieve from a busy day, atmosphere. I feel I must confess we don’t come to the Old Stone Church frequently enough.

Find It!

Old Stone Church – Castle Rock, CO

When You Go:

Old Stone Church Restaurant

210 3rd Street

Castle Rock, Colorado

303-688-9000

Open Tuesday – Saturday

Lunch 11am-2pm

Dinner 5-10pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

It was a gray and damp Thursday night when we realized it was our last chance to take advantage of the Dinner Deal at South Broadway Grill in Denver. Listeners to the Warren Byrne Restaurant Show on KEZW 1430 Radio hear about a weekly Dinner Deal – a great incentive to get out to restaurants we’re unfamiliar with or to revisit tried and true favorites. The Meal Deals usually run from Saturday through Thursday evenings; we never cease to be amazed at how Thursdays slip up on us each week.

We abandoned the comfort of home and headed to South Broadway Grill which opened a few months ago. The location first saw a Mr. Steak restaurant back in the \’60s and has seen numbers of eateries come and go. The completely redone interior  is pleasing in its sleek urban simplicity, contemporary art and floral highlights. Bob immediately noticed an impressive orchid on the hostess stand. The host assures us that it’s real. We later learn that co-owner Carolyn Kinsella is a talented floral designer.

Carolyn along with husband Val Erpelding also own the extremely popular Breakfast on Broadway and Flower Wraps, a unique flower shop and full-service cafe.

Dinner started with the Broadway Salad – fresh spring greens, dates, figs, toasted almonds, goat cheese dressed with the house vinaigrette and topped with polenta croutons. I loved the salad, next visit I may make it my entree. Bob selected the grilled sole with a creamy caper sauce served with mashed potatoes and spinach. He ate the whole thing – there was no need for a to-go box. My choice was the pasta Fabiano. Sauteed chicken breast, broccoli,roasted cashews and penne pasta in a basil cream sauce. The cashews added a nice texture and flavor to an otherwise rather bland dish. A little added salt helped bring out some flavor. The ice tea received excellent reviews from both of us.

 A serving of chocolate chip caramel bread pudding to share capped our Dinner Deal. I watched dishes coming out of the kitchen, a number of sandwiches looked very appealing as did the buffalo short rib stroganoff. The clientele spanned the range from young singles watching a ballgame while eating at the bar to three-generation families with Grandma in a wheelchair. I’m thinking one of the circular corner booths will be just right for the next girls night out.

South Broadway Grill has a neighborly feel, I can imagine dropping in often if it were in my neighborhood. We found warmth and comfort in the food, service and setting even on a gray, damp evening.

When You Go: South Broadway Grill is located at 2200 S. Broadway, Denver, CO - one block south of Evans. They haven’t yet put up a web site, call 303-993-2301 for information.

After our first visit to Sunnyside Cafe my comments came down on the side of mediocrity. After an early appointment we went back for a mid-morning breakfast and found the results much more pleasing. Two menu pages are filled with appetizing morning selections – scrambles, omelet’s, skillets, benedicts, pancakes, waffles, french toasts. A half-dozen South of the Border specialities  and Louisiana hot-links and eggs offer spicier options. Plus we find all the traditional dishes of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham steak , steak, chicken fried steak, hash, biscuits and gravy.

We both ordered Sunnyside Slam  -  two eggs, two bacon slices, two sausages (links or patties), and two whole wheat pancakes. I chose cranberry almond pancakes for an additional 99¢. All was well prepared and hot when it arrived at the table. Three stars to Sunnyside for serving warm syrup. I never to cease to be amazed at how many breakfast restaurants plop a pitcher of cold syrup on the table, it isn’t that hard to go the extra step.

The whole-wheat cranberry almond pancakes were wonderful; I’ve been lusting for a second batch ever since that visit. I usually order a glass of milk with breakfast and request it be served with the meal. Our waitress had to be reminded of the milk and the glass size was the same as Bob’s small orange juice.

I believe Sunnyside still has service issues to work out but I’ll definitely go back for breakfast. It will be a hard choice – repeat the pancakes or the Sunnyside croissant of two eggs scrambled with bacon, sausage, ham and cheddar cheese served on a buttery croissant.

Sunnyside Cafe serves a sunny start to the day.

When You Go: Sunnyside Cafe is located on South Colorado Boulevard just a few blocks south of C-470, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. They’re open Monday – Friday 6:30am-2pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am-2pm; breakfast menu available until close.

Golden Shanghai on South Parker Road serves up a golden experience. For several weeks I’ve felt the need for a Golden Shanghai dinner, tonight we satisfied that need. From the initial greeting to the final thank you all was as it should be for a pleasant dining experience.

A pot of hot tea is brought to the table as soon as we’re seated. We selected the family dinner for two at $13.95/person. Each person receives soup, choice of egg drop, wonton or hot and sour, an egg roll, cheese wonton, rice and any entree on the  menu priced up to $9.95. Bob ordered wonton soup and hot and spicy chicken, Nancy went for the hot and sour soup and pork with garlic sauce. Soups were  flavorful and served piping hot, of the two we prefer the hot and sour. Vegetables used in the entrees were fresh and cooked to perfection – maintaining a bit of a snap. All dishes can be ordered with no vegetables, no sauce,  or sauce on the side and can be prepared hot, mild or not spicy at all. MSG is not used in any dishes at Golden Shanghai.

We resisted the temptation tonight but I highly recommend the plum wine ice cream, it’s a lovely ending for a Chinese dinner. Individually wrapped almond cookies are presented along with traditional fortune cookies. My fortune said to, “Trust your instincts.” I believe we did just that by heading to Golden Shanghai for dinner.

Service matches the quality of the food, attentive without intrusion. From the outside Golden Shanghai looks like just another Oriental restaurant in a strip mall. Inside the dining room is attractive with tall, padded booths along the walls, and well spaced tables in the center of the room. An alcove offers a degree of privacy for small groups (I would guess up to a dozen). A well-kept aquarium and small bar complete the room.

Beyond the Chinese dishes you expect are specialties like lobster in garlic sauce, Cantonese or Szechuan style. I’m not a scallop person but I hear the sesame scallops are to die for. In addition there are a number of Southeast Asian fusion dishes on the menu. Golden Shanghai always appears to have a devoted take-out clientele and delivers in the immediate area.

With the quality of food, preparation, service and ambiance it is no wonder Golden Shanghai has been named one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in the country.

I went hungry and totally concentrated on our meal. When all was said and done I realized I should have taken pictures, my mistake. Check Golden Shanghai’s website to see their photos and menus. Then, stop in and have your own golden experience.

We now know what all the regulars are wise to about dinner at Wisdom’s in Tumacacori, Arizona. The doors open at 5pm. On a March Tuesday night there will be a full house by 5:05. They haven’t even had time to remove the “Closed” sign.

The day before on our way to Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company we noted the number of cars at an adobe roadside restaurant. The sign above the door read, “Wisdom’s.” That’s all it took for me to be intrigued, I did a bit of Internet searching and decided we couldn’t leave the area without partaking of a little Wisdom’s for ourselves.

In search of birds at Madera Canyon we made lunch a Drumstick ice cream. We were saving ourselves for an early dinner at Wisdom’s and ordering dessert – the fruit burrito they’re credited with “inventing”. We literally pull into the parking lot at 5pm – WWV time according to Bob’s watch. By the time we make it to the front door every table is taken – inside and out.

We’re lucky to grab a couple of seats at the bar where owner/family patriarch, Herb, sets up a steady stream of drinks. I start on a margarita served in a pint glass fruit jar. Before long I’m in conversation with two ladies from Green Valley (20+ miles north), they’re absolutely rapturous discussing Wisdom’s menu. They tell me Tuesdays are 2-for-1 margarita night and you need to get in line 20-30 minutes before opening.

While I’m getting the low down on what to order one of Herb’s sons comes over and asks if we’re willing to share a table. A couple at a four-top feel guilty since so many are waiting and they have two empty chairs. We join a retired couple form East Lansing, Michigan who winter in Arizona. They too are Wisdom’s regulars and highly recommend the tortilla soup. It looks delicious – I so badly want to put my spoon in their bowl and try a taste, but I resist. We’re also told to order the dessert fruit burrito as we order the meal and one can get mini-margaritas.

We decide on one cherry burrito – split in half with a scoop of ice cream for each of us. Bob selects the bacon wrapped shrimp served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, tortillas, rice and beans. I want to try a half-dozen items but settle on a chile relleno, turkey enchilada, rice and beans. Food arrives hot and tempting and oh so good. No wonder people drive for miles to eat at Wisdom’s. Our dinner partners introduce us to Herb’s granddaughter, Sasha. I’m guessing she’s about 10 years old and already a charmer.

Not that we’re at all hungry for dessert but we both dive into the cherry burrito – yummy! Local legend has it that one afternoon a tortilla spread with jam fell into some hot cooking oil. Quite by accident the fruit burrito had its start to becoming famous. Apple, peach, cherry and blueberry always appear on the menu plus a daily special – banana cream the night we were there. I was curious but stuck with cherry. The hot, crisp fruit-filled burrito is rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Wisdom’s has been owned and operated by the same family since 1944. It ’s the kind of place that feels like everyone is a regular yet you’re not out of place as an outsider. Before the Green Valley ladies left they came to our table to see what we ordered and how we liked it. The food is worth waiting for and the margaritas strong – there’s no way I could have two and not fall peacefully to sleep.

When we’re anywhere in the Tubac area we’ll become regulars and now we know – get there early!

When You Go: Wisdom’s Cafe is located at 1931 E. Frontage Road (off I-19), Tumacacori, Arizona – 4.5 miles south of Tubac, 15 miles north of Nogalas, AZ. It is a short distance north of Tumacacori National Historical Park. Open year-round, Monday – Saturday lunch is served 11am-3pm, dinner 5-8pm, closed Sundays, daily specials, excellent childrens menu.

New in Benson – Gracie’s Station

I was thrilled when I heard a new restaurant had opened in Benson, Arizona. With much to explore in the area we’ve frequently stopped for meals, never finding one that especially excited us for a return visit. There was no question we would have dinner at Gracie’s Station.

It got even better when we discovered Gracie’s was next door to our hotel. We didn’t have to get back in car, we could stretch our legs and walk to dinner – yea! The building facade reminds us of an Old Western town movie set, a red stagecoach sits out front. The interior is fashioned after a late 1800s railroad station and decorated with railroad memorabilia and historic photographs. Each of three dining rooms reflect unique atmosphere – Jenny’s Hotel, TJ’s Round House and The Brothel. Of course, there’s The Saloon for before and after dinner beverages and Makena Kate Goods & Needs Store for a bit of shopping.

The menu presents a potpourri of choices. There are sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, steaks and pastas. Station Stop Favorites include good old fashioned comfort food such as meatloaf, turkey dinner, chicken pot pie, catfish and chicken fried steak. Each entree accompanied with soup or salad, homemade bread and two side dishes. Skillet corn bread, pueblo pinion-pumpkin bread and forge fry bread fills the enticing bread basket. Gracie’s offers an all you can eat fish fry on Fridays and prime rib on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We’re impressed to find gluten free items on the menu and a note that gluten free pasta can be substituted in any of the pasta entrees. What a nice option for those who need such consideration.

After dinner at Gracie’s we knew that new can be better. Welcome to Benson.

When You Go: Gracie’s Station is located just west of Hwy 90 south of I-10, exit 302, on the west side of Benson, Arizona. Open seven days a week 4-10pm.

One Negative: When we approached the Gracie’s hostess stand a half-dozen employees were grouped around a waitress who was having a hissie fit about something. My impression was that it was a conflict with the kitchen. Whatever the cause it was the wrong place to deal with the issue; not a good first impression for the customers. Hopefully this was an isolated instance and management is wise enough to remove such tantrums from the public view in the future. Our waitress was very pleasant and service oriented.

Going Nuts

Perfectly spaced rows of pruned pecan trees border the rural road on our way to Stahmann’s Country Store. I have one purpose in mind – PECANS. Located a few miles south of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Stahmann’s estate grown pecans is in its 77th year as a family owned business. “Estate grown” means Stahmann’s grow all of their own pecans, never buying from other sources. Acres and acres of orchards receive irrigation from the Rio Grande. From tree to packaging each step is carefully controlled. For instance, Stahmann Farms stopped using chemical insecticides in the late 1980s. Instead, thousands of ladybugs, lacewing flies and natural predators control the harmful green and black aphids.

On our last trip through Las Cruces I discovered the Stahmann store on the historic plaza of Old Mesilla. A couple of tins of cinnamon spice pecans went home with us. Bob swears he doesn’t remember any of this, he sure I devoured them all myself? This time we purchase a half-dozen tins, roasted & salted, cinnamon spice and mild chile dusted. We resist the temptation of pralines, pecan brittle, white chocolate pecans and a dozen more tantalizing treats. I do make sure we tuck a catalog into the bag, making a mental note of their gift packages and assortments the next time I need special presents.

Before leaving we treat ourselves to the richest, creamiest pecan praline ice cream cone I’ve ever enjoyed. And, I’ve tried quite a few in my years. There’s something totally decadent with indulging in such a treat at 10:15 in the morning.

I love the idea of buying food items at their source, seeing where and how they’re grown, what it takes to bring it to my table. I want to go back sometime from May through August when tours are conducted ever Wednesday morning and the green leaves shade the orchard floor.

When You Go: Stahmann’s Country Store, on Hwy 28 south of Las Cruces, and Stahmann’s on the Plaze in Mesilla are open seven days a week. Stahmann’saccepts phone and online orders.

Sad Note: When our car was broken into in Phoenix one of the things that came up missing was our sack of Stahmann’s pecans. Bob moaned, “We hadn’t even gotten into them yet.” I tried to explain to everyone that these weren’t ordinary pecans, these were gourmet pecans. Next time we’ll eat our way out of the Stahmann’s parking lot.