Month: December 2024

24 Carrot Bistro Shines

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24 Carrot Bistro
578 Briggs St.
Erie, CO 80516
303-828-1392
www.24carrotbistro.com

American | $$$

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Wood for days. The inviting space is right in the heart of Erie, CO.

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For an appetizer, we ordered the P.E.I. mussels with Corn Maque Choux, Chorizo, Cajun Spice, Scallops, and Homemade Cornbread. These Prince Edward Island mussels were sweet and cooked perfectly.

IMG_3838My wife’s Crab Cakes were served with Mixed Greens and a Spicy Caper Rémoulade.

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The Alaskan Halibut was served with Sundried Tomato Farro, Bacon, Seared Chard, Pole Bean, Saffron Beurre Blanc, Tarragon Oil, and Micro Greens.

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The Pan Seared Duck Breast came with Savory Bread Pudding, Grilled Peaches, Summer Succotash, Tart Cherry Coulis, and Bravo Radish.

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For my entree, I chose the Grilled Petit Filet with Herb Goat Cheese Panisse, Grilled Summer Squash, Serrano Ham, Garlic Scape Persillade, Fennel, and a Red Wine Demi Glace. Prepared to perfection, this steak was super flavorful. The best I have had all year.

IMG_3850Dessert was an Orange Butter Cake with White Chocolate Sauce, Orange Syrup, Creme Chantilly, and Sage Meringue. The cake was moist with a subtle orange flavor making it a great way to end a wonderful meal.

Erie, CO is a charming small town about 20 miles north of Denver. The wait staff was professional and extremely knowledgeable about the menu and their beer and wine selection. During summer, there is some outdoor seating. Reservations are strongly recommended. For added fun, the street is blocked off for a farmers market on Thursday evenings from May to September. There is plenty to see if you get there a little early.

If you are in the Denver/Boulder area, put 24 Carrot Bistro on your fine dining bucket list. You don’t want to miss this gem.

The Inn at Little Washington: A Culinary Jewel Maintaining Its Michelin Crown

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The Inn
Middle & Main Streets
Washington, VA 22747
540-675-3800

American | $$$$

Inn at Little Washington Main Building
The culinary world continues to celebrate the unmatched brilliance of The Inn at Little Washington, which has retained its prestigious three Michelin stars for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition solidifies the Inn’s position as the pinnacle of fine dining in the Washington, D.C., area and among the elite few in the United States.

A Legacy of Excellence
Nestled in the quaint Virginia town of Washington, just 60 miles west of the nation’s capital, the Inn owes its legendary status to the relentless dedication of chef and proprietor Patrick O’Connell. Over the past 46 years, O’Connell has cultivated an environment where culinary artistry meets theatrical elegance, ensuring that every guest’s experience is as memorable as it is delicious.

In a statement, O’Connell expressed pride in this enduring recognition, noting how each accolade serves as fuel for innovation and a testament to the Inn’s commitment to excellence. As of 2024, The Inn at Little Washington remains the only three-star Michelin establishment in the D.C. region, joining a prestigious list of just 14 such venues in the United States.

The Art of Hospitality
The accolades are not merely for the cuisine. Renowned chef and author Jacques Pépin, a long-time friend of O’Connell, lauds the Inn for its warmth and hospitality, describing it as “a great place to go over and over again.” This balance between sophistication and approachability has made it an international destination for gourmands and travelers alike.

Chef Thomas Keller, a Michelin-starred luminary in his own right, praised O’Connell as a visionary, noting his unwavering commitment to a singular establishment. “Patrick transformed The Inn at Little Washington into what it is today—a masterpiece,” Keller said, highlighting O’Connell’s dedication to both culinary and experiential perfection.

Creating Dreams, One Plate at a Time
The Inn’s attention to detail extends far beyond the kitchen. From the meticulously curated ambiance to its world-class service, every aspect of the guest experience reflects O’Connell’s pursuit of perfection. Chef Eric Ripert, another three-star Michelin chef, described O’Connell as “relentless, passionate, and unstoppable,” marveling at his ability to bring dreams to life for his guests while living his own dream.

A Destination Worth the Journey
For food enthusiasts, a visit to The Inn at Little Washington is a rite of passage. Its reputation for excellence, paired with its scenic location in rural Virginia, ensures it remains a beacon for culinary pilgrims worldwide. With its unwavering commitment to innovation and hospitality, The Inn continues to set benchmarks for others in the industry to aspire to.

In retaining its three Michelin stars, The Inn at Little Washington reaffirms its place not only as a regional treasure but also as a global icon in fine dining. Chef O’Connell’s passion and dedication ensure that every guest who steps through its doors embarks on an unforgettable journey, one that blends artistry, hospitality, and a touch of magic.