Table Talk for March 15, 2005

Après tea…Beer and nachos giving way to tea and clotted cream? It does indeed at Vail’s Wildflower restaurant. Chef de cuisine Steve Topple’s one-and-a-half-year stint at London’s Waldorf Hotel inspired him to bring the high-tea tradition to the mountains. Topple encourages skiers (and nonskiers alike) to trade in the suds for a cuppa, dainty finger sandwiches, scones, and chocolate éclairs. Pop in for a spot of tea ($15 per person) every afternoon from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (until mid-April). 174 E. Gore Creek Drive, Vail, 970-476-5011.

Kiss me, I’m Irish (or not)…Everyone knows diets don’t count on holidays—St. Patty’s day is no exception. Chow down on McCormick’s Fish House & Bar’s corned beef and cabbage, Irish lamb stew, Reuben sandwich, or the Dublin mixed grill to the tune of bag pipers. Or go green at Strings’ happy hour (4:30-7:30 p.m.) with Guinness milk shakes, Leprachaun-tinis, and $4 well drinks. After saying slaìnte (Irish for “cheers”) dine on Noel Cunningham’s corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, mist salad, and Irish trifle dessert. McCormick’s Fish House & Bar, 1659 Wazee St., 303-825-1107; Strings, 1700 Humboldt St., 303-831-7310.

Raise your glasses…Wine lovers worried about the fate of Adega’s wine program after sommelier Chris Farnum’s departure can say cheers to his replacement—almost. Adega chef and operating partner Bryan Moscatello says they’re getting close to a hire. “We’re talking to a few people—one is a good friend of mine,” says Moscatello. Whether it’s the unnamed buddy or another candidate, Moscatello stresses that the right fit is imperative. In the meantime, Moscatello says both managers Julie Jensen and Aaron Foster have jumped in and really stepped up the wine service. 1700 Wynkoop St., 303-534-2222.

Gather ’round The Kitchen table…Every Monday evening, The Kitchen restaurant in Boulder hosts a Community Night where neighborhoods, friends, and strangers convene at a long community table. Chef-owners Kimbal Musk and Hugo Matheson cook off the menu and dishes are served family-style. For $35 per person (not including beverages), you can taste the Kitchen’s rustic Italian and French cuisine. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and you do need reservations. 1039 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-544-5973, www.thekitchencafe.com.

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