Colorado’s mountain resorts thrive on peddling burgers, steaks and tacos. A rare Mediterranean respite from the typical mountain fare is found in Crested Butte’s Pitas in Paradise. Cool steel-and-concrete décor lends Pitas a sense of escape from the former mining town’s historically unwavering architecture, just as its gyros, flaky spanakopita and smoky Baba Ganoush provide a detour from the town’s ample selection of steakhouse fare.
The vegetarians flock to Pitas’ bounty of meatless selections. The tabouli and orzo-heavy salads are full of lemony flavor, and the richly Indian rice bowls – curried and creamy – are filling despite their lack of meat. The slow-roasted lamb in the gyros, however, is good enough to sway even the most ardent tofu lovers. It will have you thinking they should switch the name to Paradise in Pitas. The free wireless Internet and bar-mounted computer terminal make Pita’s a cool place to get a little work done between Siracha-soaked bites. Don’t miss: Saganaki, a brandy-soaked and flaming plate of breaded and grilled mozzarella.
Get there — 212 Elk Ave., Crested Butte
Got eats? Know a great high-country restaurant/bar/café/burrito stand? Send tasty tips to outdoorextremes@denverpost.com.
