Calling a Colorado restaurant “Summit” isn’t exactly a modest move. It’s clear from the beginning that the about-to-open eatery at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs plans to make a national impression.
I toured the restaurant Friday, and it’s a beautiful $5 million space set just across from the hotel’s entrance. It’s away from the famous inn for a reason – Summit plans to stand alone.
The restaurant was designed by Adam D. Tihany, the guy behind such striking joints as Per Se, Mandarin Bar, Agua and Aureole. Its wine cellar is reminiscent of the glass wine tower at Aureole in Las Vegas. It is the centerpiece of the restaurant, set behind the 15-stool bar with a giant, revolving industrial turret that holds 1,400 bottles.
Chef Rollie Wesen explains that Summit’s accents reflect Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose and his penchant to race up Pikes Peak. “Movement and transportation,” Wesen says.
Wesen may not yet be a celebrity chef, but he’s the next best thing. The affable and articulate cooker is married to Claudine Pepin, daughter of the father of celeb chefs, Jacques Pepin.
The menu is rather modest in pricing, with the most expensive item $28. The dishes sound familiar and look delish.
And there is a little whimsy at Summit. Note the glass-encased brass screws and bolts set in the wall to direct you to the rest-rooms.
To make sure Summit does not go unnoticed, three public relations teams are lined up to beat the drums locally and nationally. The press starts eating there in two weeks. You’ll be hearing more about Summit.
Wine
Colorado wine writer and James Beard Award winner Jennifer Rosen takes some jabs at her ex-husband, KOA conservative talker Mike Rosen, in her latest online column.
She writes that Mike always orders big “oak-beglobbed” red wines, even if they don’t fit the food. “But, Mike always orders it because it’s the most expensive wine on the list and therefore it’s the best, right?”
She forgives him because he doesn’t have the time to read a wine list. He’s got a lot on his mind, “what with making the world safe for country clubs and capitalism.”
A watered-down version appeared in the other paper Nov. 2. Jennifer said on the phone from Paris on Monday that she had to tell many of her friends she wasn’t mocking Mike. “I assured people that it was all friendly stuff,” she said. “We both joke a lot about him.”
o the MAX
Max Martinez brings his annual MAX holiday fashion show to the Sherman Street Event Complex on Saturday night – so let’s party. Andi Smith and Lisa Speaker chair the ever-popular parade, a benefit for Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center. Doors open at 8, show at 9:30, dancing afterward. Call 303-307-7335 or go to a MAX store.
City spirit
Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz are at the Pepsi Center on Jan. 30, tix on sale 10 a.m. Saturday through Ticketmaster … Paris DeLane (formerly with Sonia Dada) sang the national anthem at Monday night’s Nuggets game and sings tonight at Soiled Dove … Sez who: “Donald helped me realize that happiness can’t buy money.” Ivana Trump
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears on Fox 31 News. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com.
