My husband and I were visiting Breck for a quick, 24 hour getaway from Denver. Our reservation was at 8:30 pm, but we were starving after a long drive and some brief sight seeing, and they were able to seat us around 7:45 on a quiet Thursday night. I selected Ember for dinner because of their delectable looking menu... and boy am I glad I did! The food is absolutely exquisite!
Since this was a special occasion, and my husband and I are such foodies and like to try as much as possible... we started by sharing the Lobster Ramen with watermelon radish, edamame, and yuzu broth appetizer... YUM!!! We were starving after waiting forever, but I'll get to that later.
Next, I ordered the Monkfish with yucca gnocchi, mango chutney, clams, and key lime and coconut broth. Well, let me just tell you, that flavor combination is like a party in your mouth! I love the way it tantalized the senses and my taste buds!!!! Seafood in Colorado can be hit or miss, even in some of the more renowned restaurants, and this was a total hit! My husband had the Duck Breast with confit tabbouleh, a honey goat cheese salad, and fig-kombocha vinaigrette. That confit tabbouleh with the duck was just heavenly!
I am only giving four stars because of our service for most of the evening. Have you ever seen the insurance commercial with the little kids? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAAvZURxFFw That's how my husband and I felt for most of the evening. When we were seated, we probably waited about 15 minutes to order a drink, and maybe another 10-15 before they were brought to the table (which, by the way, were delicious! I had the Pearmintini, and my husband had a seasonal pumpkin ale) Also, she didn't bring us the Papadum that had been brought to every other table around us. Finally, when I was delirious from hunger after 30 minutes of waiting to get a drink, I finally asked her to bring us the bread or whatever everyone else had. She mentioned that it was Papadum, but in a tone that made me feel like an idiot. I eat every type of food on the planet, so I'm familiar with Papadum. She kind of made us feel like awkward 15 year old high schoolers on a first date... I don't know how else to describe it, but that toddler commercial is pretty damn accurate, lol.
That is... until it was time for desert, and our server brought us the desert menu. Once she did, we mentioned we were celebrating my birthday, and her demeanor changed completely! She became friendly and talkative, even comping my dessert! She went from treating us like a couple of ignorant children to best friends... It was a nice turn around, and we will definitely be back.
Speaking of the dessert - I know you will be so full from the unbelievably delicious entrees, but do yourself a favor and order the Butterscotch and Sea Salt Gooey Coffee Cake with cinnamon syrup and coco nib whipped crème. WHOA NELLY!!!!! A simple description can't to it any justice, but this was the absolute highlight of the meal! It was just the right size for the two of us to share, since we were very full, only about 3 bites each. We sure did make the most of it... it absolutely sang when it hit our tongues!!!
Despite the rough patch with the service to start, this restaurant really shines in terms of creative and delectable entrees, as well as ambiance! We will definitely visit again!!! read more