Date Night Destination: The Pepper Tree

Have you ever wanted to dine by candlelight with the one that you’re with or with someone that you’re definitely interested in? What about dining by candlelight with a fantastic view of Colorado Springs? If this sounds like a perfect dinner date to you, then dining at The Pepper Tree may be right up your alley.

The Pepper Tree is definitely one of the most romantic spots in town. You get an absolutely stunning view with some of the finest steaks and seafood that you’ve ever treated your palette to. The restaurant specializes in dishes prepared table side so that you can see exactly what you’re getting and what’s going in them.

If you are a fan of fantastic steaks, then look no further than The Pepper Tree. It’s most popular steak, and signature dish is the Pepper Steak. It’s a filet mignon with mango chutney and cracked pepper that is flamed at your table.

The atmosphere is very formal; you’ll feel like you’re dining with the stars. This is really fine dining at it’s best, so be sure that you are prepared to handle the bill once it comes. Plates range from $30 and up.

Have you ever dined at The Pepper Tree?

photo credit: TheBusyBrain

Seafood and Wine, the Perfect Combination

Hey Talon Hill! The summer is alive with wine tastings galore, and Colorado Springs is definitely keeping you up to date on all there is. This week, there is a lovely summer seafood and wine reception at Gertrude’s on Wednesday, July 28 from 6 to 7:30 pm.

There’s nothing that I love more than a nice grilled salmon at a family cookout during the summer, or a plate full of Shrimp Alfredo or scampi! At Gertrude’s (2625 W. Colorado Blvd), I’m sure you will have an amazing dinner that will put my favorites to shame.

At the seafood and wine reception, you will taste 6 delicious white and red wines along with immaculate seafood and other fun treats. The price of the meal is only $30, and that includes tax and tip. Isn’t that amazing? For reservations, be sure to call 471-0887.

Go out in Colorado Springs and taste the summer!

Free Food @ Chick-fil-A!

Hey Talon Hill! You like free food right? Who doesn’t? Well, Chick-fil-A is giving away free food today in honor of ‘Cow Appreciation Day‘. All you have to do is dress up in all of your bovine finery.

Rules state that if you dress fully like a cow, then you will recieve an entire meal free for breakfast, lunch or dinner,  from participating Chick-fil-A locations. For those a little more reluctant to go all out with the cow costume, Chick-fil-A will still give you a complimentary entree if you sport some kind of ‘cow like’ accessory. They even have a starter kit available on the website in order to urge you along. You will need Acrobat Reader to view it.

Luckily for you Talon Hill, there’s a Chick-fil-A right not too far from the complex on Briargate Blvd. Directions are listed below:

Directions from Talon Hill (11 min)

Head east on Ramtron Dr toward Lily Lake Dr. Take the 1st right onto Voyager Pkwy. Turn left at N Academy Blvd. Turn left at Briargate Blvd. Make a U-turn. Destination will be on the right.

The Blue Star…Sleek, Versatile, Local

If you are new to Colorado Springs, then I am speaking directly to you because anyone who has lived here for any length of time has experienced the sleek, versatile, local restaurant icon known as The Blue Star. This chic eatery shines with over 500 selections of the finest wines known to man.  I’ll let you in on a little secret, their wine is fine, but their food is impeccable  and the service is personal.

There are three distinct dining opportunities within The Blue Star. When I visit, it’s usually for cocktails with friends in the Cocktail Lounge. Although, the lounge is upscale, it’s more modern and relaxed. Here, you can just unwind and grab a great burger or tapas when you get hungry.

Are you planning an evening out for your anniversary and want a memorable dinner in elegant surroundings? Then, I recommend the Dining Room. It’s stunning with the beautiful, polished hardwood floors, white tablecloths and a view of the open kitchen. The Blue Star Dining Room features traditional American Cuisine, however there is nothing mediocre here. Try the Red Bird Chicken Crust (Pine nut crust, lemon dill pesto capellini, grape tomato salad). It’s delicious!

Now, if you are looking for the ultimate dining experience, escape from the norm and dine in the Wine Cellar. You’re surrounded by hundreds of bottles of wine and it’s perfect for private parties or business meetings.

Another thing to know about The Blue Star is dining there won’t break the bank. Dinner entrees run on average about $25 and Lunch around $12.

Wine tastings are a familiar event at The Blue Star. In fact, I can tell you Colorado Springs’ locals adore the Wine Tastings which take place every 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, beginning at 6:30 and reasonably priced at $30. Spend your evening exploring 4 new wines and 4 new tapas. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

The Blue Star is approximately 15 miles north of Talon Hill, toward Gleneagle, and located at 1645 South Tejon Street in beautiful Colorado Springs. Get directions here.

If you would like more information or to make reservations, please visit the website for The Blue Star.

Photo courtesy of  The Blue Star Press Materials.

Dat’s Italian! Enjoy the “Flavor of Our Family”

If you love the rich, traditional flavors of Italy, you should visit Dat’s Italian restaurant in Colorado Springs. Four generations of the Tarsetti/Alfiero families have passed down their original Italian recipes to culminate into some of the best homecooked, authentic Italian dishes.

I am so glad the United States was the country so many Italians chose to call home many years ago. Italian cuisine has become such an integral part of our dining culture. Although Dat’s Italian only recently opened in April, I have already had dinner there 3 times. Personally, I prepare really good Italian food at home, but there is something about the atmosphere and the flavor of the restaurant that draws you back. Not to mention the delicious cuisine.

They offer all the traditional favorites on the menu such as Lasagna, Chicken Cacciatore and Spagetti and Meatballs, however, this is not your American mama’s Italian! The Lasagna ($8.75) features homemade lasagna noodles, sweet Italian sausage, six Italian cheeses and either Meat or Red sauce. Now, the Chicken Cacciatore ($7.75) is chicken, slow-cooked in Chianti, served over Garlic Bread with a bold and slightly spicy Red sauce.  You can choose Red, Meat or Alfredo sauce to have on your Spagetti and Meatballs ($7.75) and it comes with two enormous meatballs.

One of my favorites is the “Setti” Soup ($7.50). It is a yummy, hot chicken broth laced with Parmesan dumplings and fresh chopped spinach. Served alongside is Garlic Bread and fruit. I’ve enjoyed this dish 2 of the 3 times I have been there. Dat’s Italian also offers the Children’s Plate ($4.75), which features traditional Macaroni and Cheese and Spagetti and Meatballs, fruit, Garlic Bread and a beverage.

If you want  a salad with your entree, there are several to choose from, but I suggest the Italian Tomato and Cucumber Salad ($2.75). Don’t forget dessert. Pignoli ($3.25) and Anisette ($2.00) Cookies are available for an after-dinner delight or you can take home a box!

Dat’s Italian Restaurant is only 11 miles from Talon Hill and is located at 2514 West Colorado Avenue. For more information or directions, call 719.632.3287 or visit the website at DatsItalian.com.

Photo courtesy of  K.Hurley

Looking for a Great Grilling Idea for Memorial Day?

Here is a delicious recipe for Grilled Cheddar Burgers with Applewood Smoked Bacon along with a Grilled Sweet Onion and Tomato Salad. This is summertime on a plate!  Have a terrific Memorial Day cookout!

Nothing But the Best for Mom: The Broadmoor Lake Terrace

Make reservations now
for Mother’s Day Brunch
at The Broadmoor Lake
Terrace Dining Room.

 The Broadmoor will provide a lavish brunch on Mother’s Day featuring over 70 items, ice sculptures and live, relaxing piano music. The recommended dress is “Dressy Casual,” meaning leave your shorts and flip flops at home. Choices will include Prime Rib, Honey-Baked Ham, Eggs Benedict and Omelets, Belgian Waffles, Blintzes, Bagels and Lox, Fresh Fruits, Salads, Pastries, Desserts, plus The Broadmoor’s famous Bananas Foster and the Chocolate Fountain!

Reservations: 1-800-631-6869 or reserve online at www.broadmoor.com.

Photo courtesy of  Jeffrey Beall

Friday Night Recipe!

Enchilada Casserole

I love Mexican food and this casserole is no exception. I have tried this recipe before and it’s very delicious and not too difficult to make. This recipe could even become vegetarian by simply leaving out the chicken. So please check it out and let me know what you thought. Do you have any recipes of your own you would like to share? If you email them to the Leasing Office, we will post them on the blog, Facebook and Twitter. (TalonHill-AsstMgr@comcast.net)

Check out Friday Night Enchilada Casserole!

Have a GREAT weekend!

What is your favorite
restaurant in Colorado
Springs and why?

Just click on “Leave a Comment” above left.

Photo courtesy of  David Boyle

Broadmoor’s Golden Bee Restaurant

Discovering hot, new nightspots is somewhat of a hobby for me, although, in this case, it was not the uncovering of trendy new club, but an authentic 19th-century English pub complete with a ragtime piano player!

Ensconced in English charm, The Broadmoor’s  Golden Bee arrived in Colorado Springs in bits and pieces. In 1961, this unique restaurant was reassembled from a collection of panels and fixtures shipped from a dismantled 19th-century English pub.

The Golden Bee offers its patrons an adventure in dining while serving traditional pub cuisine. Start with an appetizer such as the Devonshire Cheddar Cheese Soup. For the main course, Shepherd’s Pie comes highly recommended. Also on the menu are hearty sandwiches, fish and chips, soups and salads.  For dessert, try the Apple and Berry Crumble. It’s delicious!

Don’t forget, beginning at 8:30 nightly,  Bud Kruezer, pianist, combines classic songs with the sounds of a ragtime piano! It is not uncommon for the uninhibited and adventurous types to grab a songbook, raise their mugs and sing along! Prices are extremely reasonable…between $9 and $14.

If you would like more information or for reservations, please visit the website for Broadmoor’s Golden Bee.

Photo courtesy of  Hyougushi

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