Colorado Kitchen?

[beauxgoris]

I drove by this restaurant the other day - it looked nice, but I don't know anything about it. Can anyone offer me a review of the place.

Thanks!

[Pesel]

Colorado Kitchen----quirky is a good word. Quirky AND snotty waiters...I hope they don't bring the attitude to Silver Spring if they do open here. The food is good but lacking, not great, but the so-called attitude will try and make you feel they are great.

[JDN74]

I went once, and they were--I swear--out of food.

I suppose this is a good sign, if you're among the lucky who can actually eat, but well, for the rest of us, it wasn't such a winner.

[DanielK]

Did you try to go on a Sunday night? Her kitchen is the size of a postage stamp, and when you're on her weekly newsletter, they often predict that a busy Friday/Saturday will wipe them out for Sunday night. They don't take reservations, but it's always good to call ahead.

[beauxgoris]

What time to they open? We wanted to go tonight (damn it's cold out!) - I'm running out to vote - but I'd like to get there early tonight (if we go) so we can get a seat.

[Lydia R]

Kitchen space is tight. Colorado Kitchen opens at 5p. They sold out the December Burger & Chicken nite by 8p [in my 1/29 post upthread] . According to their newsletter, here's the list of ingredients consumed December 11th in the three hours between 5p and 8p :

"90 guests in about three hours. And in that time we would blow through two cases of chicken (about 40 orders); 1/2 bushel of collard greens; 3 pounds of bacon, 25 pounds of onions; 15 pounds of seasoned flour; 5 gallons of oil, 3 pounds of butter, 18 turkey burgers, 32 burgers."

The dining room seats about 40-45 diners, so this would be two seatings worth of covers. This is making me really hungry, but I already have evening plans tonight.

[Rick]

Can someone please tell me what time them open for Sunday Brunch and what your favorites are for brunch? We'll be visiting from out of town next weekend and are thinking about having brunch here before we leave.

[Steve]

Fried catfish - best on the planet. Also scrambled eggs, home fries and bacon. Donuts for certain.

I do not like the shrimp and grits, french toast, or waffles. They are all more fancy than good.

[humblegourmand]

Pretty sure it's 11am on Sundays. I second Steve -- donuts and eggs with home fries!

[beauxgoris]

So has anyone been to "fried chicken night" the past 2 months? I keep missing it!!

[Agora]

I live in Reno, NV and just saw this restaurant on Food Network ... I'm really intrigued by the Ham and Gruyere Napoleon. Has anyone had this? What is it?? I only caught a fast glance and really want to know more :)

[Lydia R]

Agora, sorry don't think it's on their limited and seasonal menu anymore. The FN first aired this episode in November 2006.

Chef & Robin started a MySpace page and it might be a good way contact them. They don't take reservations so there isn't a dedicated hostess/reservationist to easily field phone calls.

http://www.myspace.com/coloradokitchen

[Agora]

Thank you, Lydia. I didn't want to call, but I will check out the myspace page. I totally missed that FN episode when it first ran, apparently.

:)

[beauxgoris]

Are they still doing a "Fried chicken night"? I want to go in April if they are!

[crackers]

Nope. Closed (or will be shortly). http://www.rasmus.com/auction_detail....

[Geoff]

Sad to see this. FYI I just called them to see if they were still open for a while; answering machine gives no hint of closing.

[beauxgoris]

Are they relocating or closing all together? I'm confused - their lease is up - but the place looks like it's for sale?

[crackers]

The lease is up, and the contents of the restaurant are going on the auction block. That has "closing all together" written all over it but thus far the restaurant's chef and owner, Gillian Clark, has chosen to remain publicly - and uncharacteristically -silent. She has been working on trying to rennovate and open a place in Silver Spring for a long time now, but it's about a year past its expected opening date...so anybody's guess on that. The working name of the new place is "General Store and Post Office Tavern" (known in certain circles as the G-Spot for both obvious and perhaps more obscure reasons.)

Tonight you might be in luck if you're looking for a final meal there.
A recent email sent out by the restaurant says that at 6pm. they are hosting a charity fundraiser dinner. For $25.00 you get soup, fried chicken, applewood-bacon collards bacon and cornbread and a beer or bottled soda or iced tea. Proceeds from the dinner go to support mental health care for veterans, the Washington Peace Center , and the Social Justice Scholarship Fund. You can call the restaurant for reservations or send an email to [e-mail].

[chaofun]

The Washingtonian blog about the closing:

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarti...

[Night Owl]

The donuts at brunch are rrrrrreally good. And I second Steve on the burger (Fridays and Sundays only?).

[beauxgoris]

Good to know - I really want to try this place!

[MartyL]

Burgers also available at Friday lunch (when they are open for lunch), and on the first Tuesday of each month, on burger and fried chicken night (get there early).

[beauxgoris]

^^Is "fried chicken night" the first tues. of every month - or every tues.? THAT I need to go to!

[MartyL]

For now, first Tuesday of every month -- with cornbread and luscious collard greens

[beauxgoris]

I am SO THERE! Thanks for the rec!

[Lydia R]

MartyL >> Burger & Fried Chicken night is currently held on the SECOND Tuesday of the month:
http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?...

Burger & Fried Chicken night sold out by 8p last month. It's good for an easy first visit to CK. The regular menu, brunch and beers will keep CK on your radar [photo of stacked meatloaf is from new winter menu].

There are no reservations and only 40-48 seats - plan accordingly.

[beauxgoris]

^^Ooh - thanks for the update. I'd hate to get there early for fried chicken and have it be the wrong night!! So I guess this Feb. it will be on the 12th!

[beauxgoris]

I'm planning on going this week to tried the fried chicken!! I'll report back after!

[humblegourmand]

I've had some really stellar brunches at CK (donuts, and some of the best scrambled eggs ever) but haven't ventured over for the burger or fried chicken yet. Will look for your report!

One thing I remember from a couple of meals is that CK either doesn't allow or doesn't encourage substitutions to what's on the menu. Not sure if that's still the case.

[beauxgoris]

Anyone else planning on going tomorrow for the once a month fried chx?

[DanielK]

It's oft reviewed here and in the local media. Search the board - just typing "Colorado Kitchen" in the search box on this page got 7 hits...

It's classic American food, prepared wonderfully. Quirky place, quirky owner, but great stuff. Brunch is among the best in the city.

[beauxgoris]

^^Thanks for the info. I did do a search and it's name came up here and there (and their brunch sounds like it could be worth checking out) - but I was hoping to have a thread just about them (since I didn't find one).

[Steve]

Some of the food is a big hit, and some of it misses the mark, but all in all it's a wonderful place to have around. In a lifetime of eating fried catfish, I find Gillian Clark's is easily the best. I believe it is usually available Friday lunch (the only midweek day CK is open for lunch) and during Sat/Sun brunch. Her hamburger (limitewd availability) is also my favorite in the city, and pork chop for dinner, well, you can't go wrong. I always call before traveling there to make sure they really are going to be open.