Winter Park, CO Lunch – Carvers

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Chris

Winter Park, CO Restaurants

We had a chance to get out and hit an old Winter Park favorite for lunch today. Carvers has been around for since 1983 and has gone through a couple of different owners and has been open for dinner some parts of the year and then closed for other parts of the year. Currently Carvers is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Carver Brothers Bakery first opened on June 1, 1983, in Winter Park, Colorado. It was started by Jim, Bill, Sara and Eleanor Carver.

Today the old time bakery serves up some fine breakfasts and lunches including great Eggs Benedict variations. Today we had a Frito Pie chili bowl and an egg white omelet with bacon. Yummmm!

Carvers strives to use only the freshest, locally-grown products available including 100% cage free eggs with no added hormones or antibiotics. The same can be said for the 100% naturally grown beef…It’s locally raised in Colorado without adding hormones or unnecessary antibiotics. All bread products served are made in house daily including the bread accompanying our breakfast entrées, all sandwich buns and to-die-for cinnamon rolls. The extra attention sets them apart from other places and will bring you back time after time.

Check out the full Carvers menu.

CARVERS is little hard to find because they are one of the only sucessful business not on Main Street. They are located behind Cooper Creek Square in downtown Winter Park. If driving, turn west on Vazquez Road from HWY 40 and pull into the free parking garage located 100 yard from your turn on the right. You will find them at the west end of the mall. There is also parking available by accessing us from Lions Gate Road. Call if more info is needed, (970) 531-7120!

Check out Winter Park Lodging Company’s list of favorite Winter Park restaurants.

New Winter Park Area Restaurant: The Ditch

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Chris

The Ditch – Fresh Burgers and Tamales

We have another new restaurant here in the Winter Park/Fraser area. The Ditch specializes in burgers, tamales and delicious homemade New Mexican Food. Menu extends to sandwiches, frito pies and don’t forget the homemade hatch green chili! Red or green!

The Ditch is housed in the same roadside building that was previously home to the “Thai Place” and before that the infamous Fraser Brazier.

Open 7:30am till 8pm with extended hours on the weekend The Ditch is a great stop for homemade food that won’t kill the budget. Currently they are serving soft drinks and will decide in the future about getting a beer and wine liquor license.

On our stop at The Ditch we had a burger, chicken burrito smothered Christmas style (red & green) and the kids had a corn dog and chicken tenders. The food was tasty, affordable and quick. Kids loved the corn dog and I’m sure we will be making a few more stops for that culinary delight.

The Ditch is brought to us by Dustin and Scotti, longtime visitors from the Denver area. Give The Ditch a try if you are craving some fresh, quick affordable grub – better prices than Micky D and whole lot healthier.

Mailing Address
PO Box 965
Fraser, Co 80442

Physical Address
409 N Zerex St
Fraser, Co 80442

Email
scotti@theditchon40.com

Website
TheDitchOn40.com

Wine and Dine at Deno’s – Winter Park, CO

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Chris

Deno’s Mountain Bistro – Winter Park, Colorado

Looking for that classic ski town bar and restaurant on your stay in Winter Park? Deno’s is your place.

Seems like the place has been here for 100 years with the eatery on its third generation of owners. Now Nick and Teddy Kutrumbos are running things and they have a great menu with a quick and personable staff. Deno’s also has an extensive wine list with some rare finds in their upstairs wine cellar.

Nothing fancy at Deno’s – no valet parking or maitre d’ in a tuxedo – the world is stressful enough with adding to it with pretentious ski restaurant behavior. Deno’s is simple – to provide an oasis of relaxation in this busy world and to serve terrific food in portions so generous that you’ll probably have to take some home. If the upper dining and pub level is occasionally a little loud, Deno’s asks for forgiveness. Some people relax louder than others. The blend of sports, music, good food and relaxation is the ski resort standard and should have you kickin’ late into the night.

Deno’s features Micro Brews on from Colorado’s finest breweries. 10 beers on tap!There are 9 TVs and a HD projection screen, plus satellite coverage so you can watch you favorite sports event (NFL, MLB Packages).

Deno’s is on the Winter Park Lodging Company VIP discount card. With the WPLCo VIP card you will get a free dessert with the purchase of a bottle wine. So make sure to book with WPLCo for your Winter Park Resort lodging.

Deno’s Contact info:

Address 78911 US HWY 40, Winter Park, CO 80482

Phone 970-726-5332

Website http://www.denoswp.com

Elevation Pizza Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Chris

Pizza Delivery Winter Park, CO

Elevation Pizza is the Winter Park areas newest pizza maker. And boy are the pizzas here tasty and they deliver to the comforts of your own home or condo.

Elevation Pizza is the place to get a giant pie in Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. From fresh made pizza dough to homemade San Marzano tomato sauce, we invite you to choose from familiar favorites or signature styles with unique flavors and blends, all topped with high-quality ingredients. Located in Fraser in the Fraser Valley Center (near ALCO). Dine in, carry out, and delivery available to Winter Park/Fraser-area. We also can take care of your group catering needs.

Elevation Pizza is also on the Winter Park Lodging Company Vip discount card. As a guest with WPLCo you the second pizza of your liking at 50% off with the purchase of a regular menu priced pizza. That is a screaming deal to feed the masses after a day on the slopes and remember they will deliver to your door.

Check out the Elevation Pizza Menu.

Our favorite here at the Winter Park Lodging Company office is the Adam Bomb. This a spectacular pie with pepperoni, hatch green chills, a smear of cream cheese with San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese…. Yum!

Elevation Pizza Contact info:

970.726.0066

Web: www.elevationpizzaco.com

Only those staying with Winter Park Lodging Company get the Elevation Pizza deal so remember to book your Winter Park vacation lodging with WPLCo.

Steaks and Chops in Winter Park, CO

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Chris

Strip & Tail Winter Park, Colorado

Had a chance to get out and visit one of the new restaurants here in Winter Park. Strip & Tail opened about three weeks ago in the space once occupied by The Sushi Bar and before that was home to Lost Boys Hamburgers.

Strip & Tail remodeled the space and it turned out magnificent. There are two large screen tv’s behind the bar and the bar has been completely redone. The color scheme is now tasteful off white and homey wood. In short the space is very classy with a mountain feel.

I started out with some happy hour calamari that was served with cocktail and bbq sauce. The entree was a double cut pork chop with steak fries and creamed spinach. The entire meal was very tasty as was the bottle of Emeritus Pinot Noir. Owner/Barkeep Steve provided great service and conversation about Timmy Tebow, the Broncos and the NFL in general. I had a flan for dessert with a dram of tawny port… delicious.

Strip & Tail has a great happy hour with food and beverage specials. They serve a kobe/wagyu strip steak that looked fantastic that I will need to return for. The meal was one of the best I have had in Winter Park and I highly recommend Strip &Tail.

Strip & Tail is on the Winter Park Lodging Company VIP discount card. Make sure to stop by after you hit the slopes or after your mountain bike ride. Great steaks and chops in the town of WInter Park with a great brew and wine collection.

Strip & Tail Contact Info:

Address
78259 US Hwy 40
Winter Park, Colorado 80482

Phone
970.363.7047

Email
ssbromberg@comcast.net

The blues are BACK in Winter Park!

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Chris

If you’re a fan of the fantastic live Blues shows that Grand County Blues Society hosts in Winter Park, it’s been a long couple of months for you waiting for the next show. We’re in luck though: this FRIDAY, November 11th at 9PM, Smokin’ Moes welcomes back Samantha Fish and Kate Moss for a night of rockin’ blues! Samantha Fish will be jamming on her guitar as if she’s been playing for a liftetime instead of less than a decade, and will be accompanied by special guest Kate Moss. We’ll likely hear a lot of music off Samantha’s first solo album released in April, called Runaway.

American Blues News reviewed one of her songs, 4 Non-Blondes, as being part Rolling Stones, part John Lee Hooker, and part Dukes of Hazzard car chase. In other words, Samantha knows how to play the blues, and we’re guaranteed another amazing show this Friday. Kate Moss will certainly only add to the party; she’s no stranger to the guitar herself. With these two on stage together, be ready to dance.

One added bonus: the Blues Society is kind enough to appreciate Verteran’s Day at the show, so any Verteran plus one guest will get into the show FREE! Guess what else? If you’re a guest of Winter Park Lodging Company, mention it at the door and your ticket will be on the house too! If you didn’t book with us this time, your ticket is $10, but it’s for a good cause: the Grand County Blues Society is a non-profit, so all the cash they collect at the door goes toward keeping Blues in the School and Blue Star Connection successful programs. Plus, our donations and ticket purchases help us to to keep bringing great live blues music back to Winter Park as often as we can. So, after you’re done waxing your skis for the early opening of Winter Park Resort this Saturday, come out to Smokin’ Moes for a great night with us. Want to make a weekend out of it? Give Winter Park Lodging Company a call to set up your lodging, lift tickets, ski rentals, and some free tickets to a great show!

Winter Park, Colorado Thanksgiving Dinner Options

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Chris

Thanksgiving Dinner in Winter Park, CO

The weather has taken a turn here in Winter Park and we are on our way to the opening of ski season and then we are at the favorite of all holidays, the day of giving Thanks. Thanksgiving this year is November 24th and that is eight days after the of Winter Park Resort. Hopefully, we will be giving thanks to all the snow that is on the ground this year (Thank You La Nina).

There are a whole lot of options this year for those wanting to get out of the house and let someone else stuff that turkey and make those candied yams.

The Lodge at Sunspot on top of the Winter Park Resort slopes will again offering a spectacular spread. The meal starts with a lovely gondola ride to the top on the Zephyr Express chairlift.

Buffet Menu:

Salad Station – chef tossed to order Caesar and/or field green salad w/ champagne vinaigrette and ranch dressing. Served w/ fresh bread & butter.
Chef carved turkey and prime rib w/ a jus and horseradish sauce.
Mashed potatoes w/ giblet gravy and sweet potatoes.
Soup du jour.
Herbed stuffing.
Sautéed baby carrots and green beans.
Desert Bar – pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate trilogy and assorted mousses.

Thanksgiving Buffet: $49.95 Adults / $19.95 Children 10 and under (Buffet Only)

For reservations, call 970.726.1446.

Price includes gondola ride, buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, and dessert. Sales tax and gratuity will be added. Alcohol and specialty beverages are additional.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch will also be offering traditional Thanksgiving Dinner in one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado. If you are looking to be pampered let DTR make Thanksgiving a snap. Give a special Thanks at Devil’s Thumb. Hang up the apron and let Chef Evan do the cooking this year. Besides a gourmet meal, you’ll get to relax and enjoy the day. Now that’s something to be thankful for! Advance Reservations Required.

Dinner at Heck’s 11:30am – 8:30pm $49
Dinner at the Ranch House Restaurant 4pm – 9pm $59

- A la carte options also available
Looking to stay intown for your Winter Park Thanksgiving?

Randi’s is offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner . They will be open 11-8 serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner & several select menu items for those who are not into the Thanksgiving grub. Randi’s is also a great place to catch those Thanksgiving NFL games or to escape from the family overload. If you haven’t seen the new bar at Randi’s you are missing out. It’s a great place to catch a game and have a cold brew.

Deno’s is also offering a Thanksgiving Dinner and selections from it’s menu for those that are opposed to turkey. Check out their menu below:

Lets give thanks to what a wonderful place that we have here in Winter Park, Colorado? Looking to have a Winter Park kind of Thanksgiving? Check out Winter Park Lodging Company’s Winter Park, Co Thanksgiving Lodging.

Best Bars in Winter Park, CO

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Area Best Bars

Beers and skiing go hand in hand like ski condos and hot tubs. We have finished, finally, the best burgers review for Winter Park, CO and since ski season is just about here we thought we would do what are the best bars here in Winter Park and the surrounding Fraser Valley.

There as many kinds of bars as there are beers and there is a place for each and every one of them. Local pub, restaurant bar, shot bar at the ski slope, sports bar, bar at the pizza place, the night club bar …. lotsa bars and we have them all here in WP.

What is your favorite and why is the question? Is it the selection of beers on tap, great location and view, the hotty slinging the swill, the bartender hooks you up with with free suds, great people watching (both sexes), what gets you to head out and plop your dollars on that bar?

I did a best place to get a beer in Winter Park a couple of years ago and all those places are still around but they are places to get a beer not necessarily bars (splitting hairs maybe?). So we are doing this top five bars for the start of this ski season. Remember we have some new places here in WP so lets not leave them out of the competition. Emilie’s wine bar, The Library Sports and Grill are two of the newbies that should be in consideration. We also have an older list of best patio to get a beer in Winter Park, CO. Lets not leave these, mostly, Winter Park Resort watering holes out of the equation either.

So here is how this works, I will post this blog on the Winter Park Facebook page and you all can recommend away either on the FB page or in the comments below this blog. I will take the top five and give those top five the old college try.

So here goes: What are the best bars in Winter Park, CO?

Best Burgers in Winter Park, CO

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park, Colorado’ s Best Burger

It has taken awhile but we have completed the best burger competition in Winter Park, CO. I have eaten enough burgers to be fairly sure that I will not be ordering a burger in a restaurant for the next couple months. The positive is I have learned we have some killer burgers here in Winter Park.

The original competition was going to be a contest of the top three recommended by our Winter Park Lodging Company Facebook Fans but there were more than three recommendations. I tried all five different burgers in addition to the ever present McDonald’s franchise here in Winter Park, CO.

I have seen some burger reviews break down a burger almost scientifically in how they rate the burger. I was not very scientific at all. If the meat was flavorful and the bun had a good texture and consistency I pretty much thought the burger good, from there it was deciding what burger had the best flavor combination overall.

The restaurants that we visited were Deno’s, The Library Grill, Heck’s at Devils Thumb Ranch, Randi’s and Sharky’s. There was not a bad burger at any one of them. I am a blue cheese lover and most if the time I ordered some kind blue cheese burger sometimes with bacon. At Hecks they had a burger with a nice slice of pork belly that can be seen in the pic on the far right. YUM!!!!!

So the top burger in Winter Park, Colorado goes to……… drumbeat please……..

Deno’s. As I said the competition was close but if I had to rate the five burgers I would go in this order:

Deno’s – great meat but it is the bun that really makes this burger.
Heck’s at Devil’s Thumb Ranch – you can not go wrong with putting a slab of pork belly on a burger. They might even be 1a
Randi’s – may have had the best meat but the bun was “stiff”. Still a really good burger and had some awesome onion rings to go with.
The Library – ordered the Paul Bunyon which is a two patty behemoth that will satisfy any large appetite. The sweet potato fries sound great but are pretty much mediocre.
Sharky’s – don’t know why they are last as the burger was really good but a tad small. They have a homemade bun that is fantastic.

So, there are the best burgers in Winter Park, Colorado from my humble opinion. You can and will not go wrong with any one of these. If you are in a rush, or hungover, you can still hit McDonald’s for that Big Mac or Q/Pounder with cheese but you would be much better off hitting one of these local stops here in Winter Park and Fraser.

Here is the original post for the best burger competition in Winter Park , Colorado.

New Restaurant and Consignment Sports Gear Shop in Winter Park, CO

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Trading Post & Strips and Tails

There are always some store shuffling after and before ski season and this year has been no exception.

This summer we saw the opening of The Library and Emilies Wine Bar right on Highway 40 here and they both have been great additions to the restaurant choices in the WP and the Fraser Valley.

Now leading up to the 2011-12 Winter Park/Mary Jane ski season opening the Winter Park Trading Post sports gear consignment and Surf and Turf Restaurant, Strips and Tails will be opening before start of ski season.

The Winter Park Trading Post will be housed in the old Caldwell Banker building right in US Highway 40 across from Fraser Valley Hot Dog. Strips and Tails is opening in the old Hideaway Bar spot at the end of US 40 across from the Winter Park Lodging Company new offices Pine Tree Plaza. Steve Bromberg is proprietor of Strips and Tails. Steve presently operates The Bistro at Iron Horse in the winter and Mackinaw’s Bar and Grill on Lake Granby in the summer.

I don’t have much word on the Winter Park Trading Post but it sounds like it will be like most sports gear consignment stores in ski towns. One of our favorites is Boomerang Sports in Steamboat Springs, CO. As I said Winter Park is definitely in need of a consignment sporting goods operation.

So, ski season will be here soon and we are ready for some new shops, eateries and a whole bunch of fresh snow.