Why You Should Have a Cocktail with Your Dinner (at Summit)

The Westside! at Summit restaurant

Tonight I was invited to the Craft of the Cocktail Dinner at Summit restaurant at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In bucking the trend of the upcoming food and wine festivals, Summit restaurant at The Broadmoor demonstrated how well a nicely crafted cocktail goes with an amazing dinner. Each of the five courses was paired with a unique cocktail made from Colorado spirits and fresh ingredients from the Summit kitchen. Here's a few highlights from the dinner.

Best Stand-Alone Cocktail

While many went with another, I'd say the best stand-alone cocktail was their first one which was Monkey Business. The Sauvignon Blanc by Infinite Monkey Theorem in Denver, mixed with Dry Sack Sherry, Yellow Chartreuse, and Strawberries made me think of a warm summer day, sitting on a patio with a Hawaiian shirt, shades, and sunblock.

Best Pairing

The Ahi Tuna Tartar with Tabouleh went really well with the citrus flavor of  The Westside!, a version of the Southside, with Jackelope Gin from Peach Street Distillers and homemade limoncello from Summit's own Kirsten Schopen.


Best Meal Course

While the Braised Veal Shoulder with Fennel came in a close second, I'd have to give top honors to the dessert which was Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout Float. It's just genius when you mix Chocolate Sorbet, Coffee Whipped Cream, Raisin-Ginger sauce with alcohol and make it work. Probably the most innovative example of mixing cocktails with dinner.

Honorable Mentions

The Papa's Peak, a version of the Papa Doble is made with Montanya "Oro" Rum from Silverton, Colorado. It was smooth and mild, and went well with the Halibut Cheeks with Meyer Lemon Risotto. For those who prefer some real "hair" on their cocktails, The Wild West Sazerac is made with Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, Amaretto Disaronno, Grand Marnier, Benedictine and Pernod Foam.

Kudos to Summit restaurant for incorporating local spirits into their world class menu.

For more info on dining events, visit www.broadmoor.com.

What's your favorite cocktail? Share it here.

Spring Colorado Travel Deals

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

With Spring Break in full swing, here's a batch of Colorado travel deals for the Spring Ski Season, family travel, and a luxury getaway to Colorado Springs. Details provided by the Colorado Tourism Office are below.

The Family That Stays Together… The Inn on Fall River in Estes Park is offering a “Get Away Together” family package, which includes two nights in a two bedroom cabin with wood burning fireplace and private hot tub; half day snowshoeing adventure (10 and older); wildlife tour (10 and older); or a photography safari (12 and older) plus hot cocoa and S’mores for the fireplace. Package cost is $480 plus tax; available through May 19, 2011.www.InnonFallRiver.com; 800-255-4118 

Plan a Colorado Springs Getaway. The Broadmoor Hotel is offering a Spring Break Getaway package from March 1-April 30, 2011.  Starting at $90 per person, per night (a 40 percent savings) enjoy luxe accommodations at The Broadmoor; 50 percent discount at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; 15 percent discount on retail purchases; complimentary spa day pass and access to The Broadmoor Movie Theater. Kids 10 and under eat free with an adult. Subject to availability; restrictions apply. www.broadmoor.com 

Boulder Ski Escape.  Now through April 17, the Boulder area offers spring escapes as little as $67.50 per person at nearly every hotel in Boulder.  The package offers accommodations and ski lift tickets at Eldora Mountain. Some deals include breakfast and transportation. www.boulderskiescape.com

This Weekend: Snow Ball Music Festival at Restaurant Avondale

The Snow Ball Music Festival (March 4-6) in Vail Valley will kick off with a VIP party at Restaurant Avondale, inside the Westin Riverfront at Beaver Creek tonight between 10 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

Produced by Bliss Studios, the event will cap off the opening day of the Snow Ball Music Festival which combines great music and great snow conditions. Restaurant Avondale provides a prime location for the VIP event, which is near the main music stage area, and provides spectacular views.

Fashion models from Wilhelmina Denver will be modeling ski and snowboard fashions from SKEA, Steez Gear, and Firehouse Now. Appetizers from Restaurant Avondale will be served, full bar and drink specials from Red Bull, VIP Bottle Service, and music by Guns in the Sun DJs. MTV will broadcast from the event, with The Hills' Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth making an appearance.

Tickets are $30 and are available in advance at http://snowballmusicfestival.com or at the door.