Oro, a new restaurant concept for The Mining Exchange, 123 E. Pikes Peak Ave., is projected to open within a few weeks. The name Oro translates to gold in Italian, which according to a press release plays upon Colorado’s gold rush era by fusing Italian food heritage and the spirit of the Rockies.
The eatery, formerly the rustic, warehouse-style Springs Orleans, has been transformed into an elegant, bright interior with blond hardwood flooring and golden-hued upholstery on banquette seating and dining chairs. The once massive open kitchen has been separated from the main dining area with a wall. There’s a slightly curving hallway leading to the kitchen pass through for picking up food orders. The original bar extends along the west side of the room almost the entire length of the dining room. The warmth of the room is invitingly stylish.
As for the menu, “It is conceptualized by Aaron Barnett (a James Beard Award nominee) with the Giant Squid Ink culinary group,” said Zach Miller, general manager for The Mining Exchange Hotel. “He (Barnett) has several popular eateries in Portland (Oregon). Our current task force chef, renowned for his restaurant experience in Portland, will be executing Barnett’s menu for first opening months until a permanent chef is appointed.”
Oro will be a refreshing, new take on the former Louisiana-themed restaurant. The press release notes that Barnett’s menu is expected to feature Colorado-raised lamb and bison and local fresh produce. The menu selections will include pasta dishes and signature entrees like whole roasted bronzino with salsa verde and the 20-ounce bistecca (steak).
Never heard of bistecca steak? Bistecca alla Fiorentina, also known as Florentine steak, originated in Florence, Italy. It’s a thick-cut T-bone steak that is traditionally cooked over a wood fire and simply seasoned with a shower of salt, pepper and drizzle of olive oil.
When Oro opens, the hours will be 4 p.m. to close daily. Visit orocoloradosprings.com.
Colorado Springs gets new pizza eatery offering Neapolitan pies, massive sandwiches | Table TalkWine dinner series
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, 306 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs, is offering a series of wine dinners over the next several months at 6 p.m. The executive chef, Marcelo Baca, kicked off the series March 27 with a Duckhorn winery No Decoys wine dinner. For $110, a four-course dinner paired with the outstanding wines was served. Baca’s Ecuadorean heritage was reflected in several dishes, especially with the scallop and shrimp ceviche. Not only was it a spectacular presentation but it was a delicious pairing with the winery’s sauvignon blanc. Here’s a look at the upcoming dinners. Details: 719-785-1000, facebook.com/thecliffhouse.
• April 24, Chateau Ste. Michelle single vineyard cabernet sauvignons,
• May 22, prisoner wine dinner,
• June 24, Martin Woods wine dinner,
• July 22, winery to be announced,
Spring wine fling
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, 3011 E. Colorado 50, Cañon City, will have the Spring Wine Extravaganza on the winery grounds, 1-4 p.m., April 26. It’s an opportunity to sample a variety of wines produced and hand-selected for the event by winemaker Jeff Stultz. The featured selections will be a combination of newly released and gold medal- awarded wines. Stultz will hold barrel tastings in the production facility and guests can also purchase selections of past vintages from the Wine Library.
The Cañon City High School Culinary Arts Program will provide hors d’oeuvres to enjoy with the wines and enjoy gypsy jazz stylings of local musicians The Jazz Cats. The winery will offer ticket holders special one-time pricing on all the featured wines. There will be additional discounts on wine and merchandise purchased in the tasting room that day.
Tickets are $45 and $35 for Congregation Wine Club members. Purchase tickets at the winery tasting room or by phone, 719-276-5191 or 877-422-9463, or online at abbeywinery.com.
New Colorado-themed eatery in Old Colorado City features seasonal menuItalian passport wine dinner series
The Pizzaria Rustica, 2527 W. Colorado Ave., Passport to Tuscany dinner benefits CASA, 6 p.m. April 29. For $89 (plus tax and tip), you get a five-course dinner with Italian wines. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nonprofit organization that assists victims of child abuse, neglect and severe domestic conflict. For dinner reservations, call Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beers & Spirits, 719-475-9700.
Meet the Maker series
The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., kicks off the Meet the Maker series with Buffalo Trace Distillery at Bar del Lago at 2 p.m. May 2. For $75, you will join Matt Ray, the distillery master mixologist, for a hands-on cocktail exploration featuring Broadmoor Barrel Buffalo Trace Bourbon & Wheatley Vodka Cocktails. This mixology event will include a welcome reception, interactive cocktail demonstrations and small bites.
Here’s the lineup for future events:
• July 31, bourbon tasting and dinner with Jefferson’s Bourbon.
• Oct. 14, wine tasting and dinner with Heitz Cellar.
• Nov. 11, whiskey tasting and dinner with Buffalo Trace Distillery.
• Dec. 4, whiskey tasting and dinner with Angel’s Envy.
Colorado Springs wine and spirit expert opens new tasting room venue | Table Talk
For more information, go to broadmoor.com/events,
Food & Wine Classic returns
The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen has announced the schedule of events and seminars for the weekend of June 20-22. Seminar registration has opened to all ticket holders and the most popular seminars are expected to fill up immediately. Tickets are available now at classic.foodandwine.com.
The programming lineup will spotlight new culinary trends, all-star talent and global flavors. Headliners include Padma Lakshmi, Ayesha Curry, Kristen Kish, Tyler Florence, Stephanie Izard, Kwame Onwuachi, Nancy Silverton, Maneet Chauhan, Tiffany Derry, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Claudette Zepeda, Martin Yan, Andrew Zimmern and Wylie Dufresne.
The event will feature 80 cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, panel discussions and spirits tastings throughout the weekend, combined with five Grand Tastings where attendees can sample ingredients, dishes and drinks from more than 150 winemakers, chefs, distillers, destinations and lifestyle companies.