Tabernash Tavern is situated in a renovated building from the turn of the last century in 'downtown' Tabernash, Colorado, nestled between Granby and Fraser/Winter Park. Much of the original wood has been salvaged, creating a charming, rustic western ambiance. Despite having only 13 tables, the restaurant seemed to be managing staffing challenges; however, the team worked well together to provide friendly service, if not always attentive.
Chef Alberto Sapien describes the menu as "internationally inspired." I found it eclectic, though some dishes, like the Maryland Chicken Parmesan, left me puzzled. Nevertheless, the food was well-prepared and flavorful, with options for everyone, including steak, seafood, vegetarian dishes, and comfort foods made with locally sourced ingredients.
We began our meal with a Mexican Wedge Salad, which was anything but traditional. Eleven ingredients adorned the chilled iceberg wedge, including tomatoes, jalapeño bacon, roasted corn pico, scallions, bleu cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, spicy pecans, salted tortilla rajas, chopped egg, fresh ground pepper, and chunky bleu cheese dressing. While the salad could benefit from some editing, it was delicious.
The Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut in saffron citrus broth, accompanied by asparagus, fennel, white beans, and heirloom tomatoes, was a standout dish. The fish had a light golden-brown sear, with a moist and flaky texture. It was served with Grana Padano tater tots, which were golden and crispy on the outside with a fluffy, cheesy interior. What's not to love about that?
Another highlight was the Charred Lamb Rack with a chimichurri rub. The Colorado lamb was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and accompanied by red chimichurri spaetzle, miso-glazed baby carrots, and asparagus. However, the spaetzle's texture leaned toward dense and rubbery, a minor disappointment in an otherwise excellent entrée.
On the other hand, the "We're in the Wild Meatloaf," made with antelope, wild boar, and venison, fell short. The lean meats lacked fat, or sauce, resulting in a dish that missed the mark on flavor. It was served with cheddar mashed potatoes, truffle-salted onion rings, and sautéed vegetables.
While there were minor hiccups, they didn't overshadow our overall positive experience. I would happily recommend Tabernash Tavern to anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal in a pleasant environment. read more