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."

Smuggler's Brewpub Now Open for Business

For those of you who prefer handcrafted beer over wine, the Grand Valley offers plenty of choices: the Rockslide, Palisade Brewery, Kannah Creek, Ale House and now, Smuggler's Brewpub and Grille.

According to the Grand Junction Free Press:

"Smuggler’s originated in Telluride over 12 years ago, expanded to Montrose 2 ½ years ago, and Mesa Mall will be their third location.

"Smuggler’s Brew Pub & Grille will offer loft and outdoor/beer garden seating, live music and an original line up of 14 handcrafted ales and lagers, an original root beer and crème soda. Their menu boasts a wide variety of fare from sandwiches to fresh salads to steak and shrimp, all at moderate prices."

"Smuggler’s menu is online at www.smugglersbrew.com. Check out its award winning brews located on page 7 of the menu; the Colorado influence is evident with names like Shred Betty Raspberry Wheat, Rocky Mountain Rye, Wildcat Wheat, and San Juan SkyHop."

"For more information, reach Metz at (970) 729-1910."

More Brewpubs Tap into Grand Valley

The Grand Valley has its own fair share of microbreweries. There's the the Rockslide, Palisade Brewey, Kannah Creek and the Ale House. Move around to Moab or Montrose, and there's still good homemade beer on tap. Another brewery plans to open in the old Krispy Kreme building on the fringes of Mesa Mall by Thanksgiving. Back in August, the Grand Junction Free Press wrote this article under the headline, "Smugglers Brewpub prepares to tap into Grand Junction." Reporter Josh Nichols wrote:

"The owners of a Telluride-based microbrewery that’s been serving up beers for more than a decade have wanted to tap some kegs in Grand Junction for several years.

"They recently discovered their opportunity — in the form of what used to be a doughnut shop.

"Michael Metz and Scott Strong, owners of Smugglers Brewpub in Telluride, hope to have their Grand Junction pub opened by Thanksgiving in the former Krispy Kreme Doughnuts building, which has sat vacant since the doughnut shop closed its doors in August 2007."

You can read the rest of the article here.

Reporter Strong On Palisade Wines, Weak On Local Eateries

First, the good news: Writer Niki Hayden visited the Grand Valley and wrote a lyrical description of the Palisade, Colorado, wine region in the August 2008 edition of the Front Range Living e-newsletter. Not only does Hayden give a full wine tour, she also celebrates the natural beauty of the area. Here is an excerpt:

"When it comes to great wines from river valleys, France has the Loire. Germany owns the Rhine. California claims Napa. In Colorado, it's Grand Valley, nestled between rock walls east of Grand Junction on the Western Slope. The Colorado River trickles alongside a carved canyon. Master winemaker Ben Parsons, who got his start at Canyon Wind Winery in Palisade, says 'wineries are located in the most beautiful parts of the world.'"

Hey, when you're right, you're right. The photos include gorgeous shots of Horse Mountain, the Colorado National Monument and several tasting rooms. But sadly, Hayden gave more print and links to Grand Junction restaurants than to Palisade eateries. Place like Inari's, the Red Rose Cafe, and the Palisade Brewery did not make the cut. A word to the wise, reporters, try them all when you come to town. You can read the full article here.

Sodas Into Ice Cream? Palisade Brewery's Proposed $100K Expansion

There's room for beer and soda in Colorado's Wine Country. Heck, there's even room for ice cream. If the Palisade Brewery has its way, it will be able to deliver on all three treats.

In order to keep its clientele seated in the winter months, the Palisade Brewery is proposing a $100,000 remodel of its facilities. The local brewpub is dreaming big. The owners dream of, "doubling the size of its kitchen, making their own Oktoberfest brew and turning some soda flavors into ice cream," says the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. Read about it here.

The Palisade brewery has teamed up with Jackson Hole Soda Company to produce hand crafted soda pop. Their Sarsaparilla soda pop has been featured on the Food Network's "Unwrapped," while their Huckleberry soda pop won a bronze medal from the North American Brewer's Association.

Limited seating and a wish to expand its menu are driving the brewery's remodeling plans. Drop by for dinner sometime after you check into the hotel.