Century House Restaurant Opens in Palisade

For a sleepy little town, Palisade offers several high quality-restaurants that are patronized by the entire Grand Valley. The list that includes Inari's Bistro, the Red Rose Cafe and the Palisade Brewery just got a little longer as the Century House enters the fray. The eatery is a steak and prime rib joint in an authentic Victorian farm house.

The staff at the Business Times of Western Colorado writes:

"A restaurateur has opened a second operation in Palisade, offering what he bills as a fine dining experience at affordable prices.

"Bruce Jensen has opened the Century House at 349 W. Eighth St. The restaurant is open for dinner from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are accepted for parties of eight or more by calling 970-464-9202."

"Jensen also operates the Packing Shed Restaurant, located adjacent to the Century House, which he opened in June 2004. The Packing Shed serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday in a diner-style setting."

"From the time I opened the Packing Shed Restaurant, I had a vision of renovating this building into an upscale restaurant," Jensen said. "After four years of planning, hard work and persistence, my vision has now become a reality."

'The Century House originally was constructed in 1905 as a farmhouse. Much of the original wood has been preserved in the flooring, windows and cabinetry. The decor blends turn-of-the century ambiance with warm wood tones and antique finishes."

"Jensen said the menu offers value and variety with such featured entrees as chicken, prime rib, pork, steaks and vegetarian lasagna."

"Dinners are priced at $9.95 to $19 and include a choice of soup or salad. Beers, liquors and wines are available."

"Jensen earned a bachelor's degree from the hotel and restaurant management school at the University of Denver."

New West Magazine Features Carlson, Grande River Vineyards

'Thyme To Travel with Rochael Teynor" in New West Magazine featured several wineries from around Colorado's Wine Country. Teynor writes:

"At Carlson Vineyards, winemakers Mary and Parker Carlson offer a taste of their Peach wine served warm with mulling spices (warm peach cobbler in a mug) – perfect for an autumn evening. Another favorite – and the winner of several awards – is their Laughing Cat Riesling, which is produced from 100% Colorado-grown Riesling grapes. With subtle notes of apple, apricot, and pear, it is a semi-sweet wine that is a perfect complement to light fare featuring prosciutto or ham, chicken, seafood, cheese and fresh fruit. Carlson Vineyards is open year-round for tours, tasting, and retail sales, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information call (970) 464-5554.

"Owners Stephen and Naomi Smith opened Grande River Vineyards winery in 1990. With the stunning Bookcliffs rising above the vineyard, it is the ideal setting for this award-winning vineyard. Grande River grows all of the grapes for their wine and supplies fruit to many other Colorado wineries as well as wineries in several states.

"Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah – three prominent red grape varieties – together make up about half of Colorado’s grape production. After sampling their Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, and Meritage Red, it was hard to choose a favorite, but I decided the Viognier will be replacing my usual selection of Gewürztraminer and Beaujolais this Thanksgiving. Grande River Vineyards’ tasting room is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 1-70 at Exit 42, Palisade, CO 81526/(970) 464-5867."

There's also nice plugs for Inaris Bistro and for the Wine Country Inn.

You can read the article here.