steamboat zest restaurant guide

ExplorEStEaMboat.coM SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 47ExplorEStEaMboat.coM SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 47

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Photos by Chris McGaw

Stories by Eugene Buchanan

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S a v o r i n g t h e M o u n t a i n

For complete restaurant listings,

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ExploreSteamboat.com.

ExplorEStEaMboat.coM SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 47ExplorEStEaMboat.coM SUMMEr 2015 EXPLORE | 47

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Stories by Eugene Buchanan

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With one of the best locations on Yampa Street, multiple Best of the Boat winner Sake2U serves the only jet-fresh sushi in town, all in a warm and welcoming family-friendly setting on the banks of the Yampa River. Owned by brothers Kier and Eric Delaney, who have a combined 50 years in the restaurant business, it offers seasonal nightly specials as well as American fare to accommodate all palates.

Its sushi offerings are inspired by 28-year-sushi master Koji Maesato, as well as chef Chad Whitaker from Vail’s Yama and Frisco’s Kemosabe. Together, they churn out such favorites as the Bula Roll, Tree Hugger, Miles of Smiles and Steamboat Crunch Rolls. Other Asian-infl uenced fare includes curry and teriyaki dishes, blackberry-glazed short rib and a fresh catch of the day. Also try the fi let with

lobster mashed potatoes, a nightly Surf & Turf special and a smorgasbord of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“We’re far more than a great sushi restaurant,” says Kier, adding that the restaurant can accommodate large parties and even private groups. “It’s excellent food in a casual environment, in a setting that’s welcome to everyone.”

All this can be enjoyed overlooking the river on the second fl oor patio and in the outside seating area downstairs, with libations poured from a friendly, full-service bar. Visit during one of town’s best happy hours from 3 to 6 p.m. daily with two-for-one drink specials including well drinks, house wine, hot sake and domestic drafts. Also check the schedule for live music, which blends in perfectly with the lapping of the river outside.

SakE2u

609 yampa St.

970.870.1019

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 fl ies 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.

“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.”

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 shuffl eboard 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.

Carl’S TaVErn

Seventh & yampa streets

970.761.2060

Carlstavern.com

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Collin Kelley owner

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John Gamradt owner & Chef

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Photo by Chris McGaw

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 brick-lined oven.

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

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 yellowfi n tuna.

Enjoy it all in a family-friendly 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.

CugIno’S

41 eighth St.

970.879.5805

Cuginosrestaurant.com


With more than a decade-long 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.

While its menu accommodates every taste under the sun, its award-winning Eggs Benedict top the list, coming in an array of themes, from the portobella mushroom and asparagus-filled Hiker to the portobella, ham, Swiss cheese layered croissant of the Parisian or the crab cake. Other favorites include a variety of omelettes, specialty waffles and whole wheat pancakes, as well as Skillets, from the ham, bacon and hollandaise-filled Cambridge to the seasoned steak strips, roasted peppers, onions and cheese Texas Skillet.

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.

Its large capacity also makes it perfect for family gatherings, business meetings and more, complete with a free private meeting room with Wi-Fi and customizable menus. Patio Seating Available

“It’s our large menu served in a relaxed environment with friendly service that sets us apart,” says Bradley.

ThE Egg & I

325 anglers drive

970.871.4633

theeggandirestaurants.com


56 Photos by Chris McGaw

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.

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 golfi ng. For the kids, it also offers a game room with shuffl eboard, billiards and foosball.

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.

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

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

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

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.”

SaddlES

2200 village inn Court

970.879.2220

SheratonSteamboatresort.com



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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

SlopESIdE

torian Plum Plaza

970.879.2916

SlopesideGrill.com

60 Photos by Chris McGaw


The home of great, authentic Mexican

“comida,” La Fiesta Grill and Cantina is a classic-style Mexican restaurant offering true family dining and Mexican culture through a fresh spin on traditional Mexican fare.

Chef Edgar Ruiz combines such old-world fl avors 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 gluten- and 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 fl avored margaritas, including cucumber, spicy mango, avocado, grapefruit and jalapeno infused. La Fiesta also stocks more than 50 varieties of tequilas to bring even more fi esta to your dining experience.

la fIESTa

Central Park Plaza

970.879.6393

lafiestaColorado.com

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.

E3 strives to source fresh ingredients locally and offers a jet fresh catch of the day, wild game, and, of course, E3 certifi ed steaks and chops, all cut daily in-house and cooked to perfection on our top-fi re, char-broiler.

All of the beef offered at E3 comes exclusively from E3 Certifi ed 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

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 Hour. Favorites include lobster mac and cheese, sliders and Truffl e Fries. For great Mexican cuisine, be sure to visit E3’s sister Restaurant, Cantina, at 818 Lincoln St., 970.879.0826, SteamboatCantina.com.

Reservations can be made online.

E3 ChophouSE

701 yampa St.

970.879.7167

e3Chophouse.com


Brandon Pfaff exeCutive Chef

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Don’t let its small, intimate space fool you. Located on 11th Street and Lincoln Avenue, downtown behind Riggio’s, some of Steamboat’s best Asian-influenced fare can be found at Sumatera, which offers authentic “Ring of Fire” Pacific Rim cuisine highlighting flavors ranging from the Indonesian Islands and Singapore to Thailand and Japan.

Every summer owner Lia Blarecoats travels to Indonesia to experiment with and bring new recipes to Steamboat. The result is a mouth-watering menu offering a sizzling assortment of Asian fare that would shine in large cities, let alone Steamboat.

For appetizers, try such favorites as Lia’s Famous Spring Rolls with rice paper, vermicelli, avocado, cucumber, basil, carrots and creamy peanut sauce, with shrimp, tofu or chicken; Momo steamed dumplings with beef or turkey; or Martabak, a

pan-fried pancake with beef, eggs, scallions, garlic and shallots. It also offers a variety of soups and salads, from Pho, Ramen and Bakso (a metaball soup with cilantro) to Seaweed and Yakisoba (wheat noodles with ahi tuna, wasabi, greens and seaweed).

For entrees, choose from curries, Pad Thais, noodle dishes, sushi rolls and more, as well as skewered Satay and Nasi Goreng, a fried jasmine rice with vegetables. For a special treat (you have to order it two days before), try the Rendang, a slow-roasted beef with coconut milk.

All dishes come in traditional spicy levels of 1 to 5, letting you get as hot as you want. It offers take-out as well as reservation-only dining, along with catering and sushi chefs for private parties.

SumaTEra

1106 S. lincoln ave.

970.879.2929

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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,

baked with that same four-cheese béchamel. For the night owls, late-night, 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 fl oor. 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 fi rst post offi ce and hospital, letting you take in Steamboat’s heritage while placating your hunger or kicking up your heels.

old ToWn puB

600 lincoln ave.

970.879.2101

theoldtownPub.com



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 specifi c 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 fi ngers, onion rings and heaping piles of nachos, as well as ribs, half-roasted chicken, sirloins, rib-eyes 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.

Tap houSE

729 lincoln ave.

970.879.2431

thetaphouse.com




Owned by chef and restaurateur Rex Brice, Laundry is a concept-specifi c 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

in molasses and beer; and French-cured, locally-sourced charcuterie meats, including pork and lamb. Shared plates include the cocoa-coffee-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.

laundrY

127 11th St.

970.870.0681

thelaundryrestaurant.com

KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

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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 award-winning 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

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.

ThE rISTrETTo CoffEE loungE

635 lincoln ave.

970.879.3393

theristretto.com


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For some of the best burgers — and handcut fries and onion rings — in the ‘Boat, head to Back Door Grill at 825 Oak St.

Serving up mouth-watering, all-natural Colorado beef burgers for dine-in or to go, Steamboat’s newest hamburger emporium is the work of Brandi and David Eliason, who bring years of expertise to every succulent bite.

Its edgy burgers are what set it apart, as well as its classic burgers for those with a hankering for a more traditional taste. For burgers,

choose from such classics as the double bacon cheeseburger and Make Mine a Triple to such new school options as the Teryaki Mahalo with pineapple and Swiss cheese and the Twilight Zone with cheddar, bacon, creamy Sriracha and peanut butter (yes, peanut butter). It also offers a new special every week that keeps patrons guessing and coming back for more. Cheeseburger on a glazed doughnut, anyone?

For sides, it serves up a full array of hand-cut fries (try the Philly Cheese

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.

BaCk door grIll

825 oak St.

970.871.7888

BackdoorBurgerGrill.com



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.

Features include a pizza oven imported from Naples and two large, vertical rotisseries for shawarma, a Middle Eastern meat preparation (all beef, pork and lamb is sourced locally). Spanish influences include seafood dishes and hand-ground sausages, with plenty of Greek offerings as well, from classic Greek salads to lamb schwarma. There are also several gluten-free options. It can all be enjoyed inside or out on a European-style, street-side patio.

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.

“It fills a great niche in town, and is a great way for us to experiment,” Collin says. “And it fits in perfectly with everything going on along Yampa Street.”

EurEka

700 yampa St.

970.761.2061


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