The Barolo Grill in Denver, Colorado: A Taste of Italy

May I first say, -- I was so excited to see this restaurant in the AC list for critique! While traveling through Denver, Colorado on a trip from Houston, Texas to Gillette, Wyoming, finding ourselves suffering from too much fast food (one too many burger and fries in the car meals), we decided to take a trek off the freeway and find somewhere to stay, somewhere to sit down and eat, and somewhere with dining atmosphere. We were searching for a meal that we didn't have to order by number, or specify 'combo'! I am a great fan of Italian foods, love pastas, Italian wines, and Spumoni! (Spumoni is an ice cream molded in layers, usually having cherries, nuts, and other fruits blended.)

Once we checked into our hotel we did a search for Italian restaurants and found the listing for Barolo Grill. Oh-My-Gosh! What a find! We were there on a week night and found virtually no wait, and needed no reservations. I would recommend a reservation for the weekend hours though. Barolo is only open for evening hours, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. They do have a bar area that opens at 5:00 p.m. and we were able to pause there for a few minutes to enjoy a cocktail before being seated.

The menu impressed me - the selections were unique allowing for family choices yet still catering to a distinguished palate. I found foods that would be pleasing to children as well as vegetarians. I ordered from the A la carte menu, choosing an Antipasti of sauteed prawns with sliced artichokes, followed by a salad of baby greens with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. These two items were wonderful! However, the main meal item remains forever in my memory! I chose the potato gnocci with lump crab and seafood bisque. Oh My! I was in heaven!

There is also an extensive wine list, but because I was not sure what would pair with my menu choices I referred to the waiter and his selection was wonderful!

Barolo also offers a 'Tasting Menu' that consists of five courses and can be paired with appropriate wines, and I have no doubt the wait staff would be very knowledgeable and helpful with choices. The selections on the Tasting Menu were extensive and would make such a wonderful dining experience for a celebration! I did note that there were private dining arrangements that could be made with choices of various wine rooms for seating. I made a note that if I am ever able to return I would love to dine in a wine room with a close group of friends, and try the Tasting Menu! As I said - the main meal I did have remains forever in my memory and I have no doubt that every menu item is just as satisfying.

Before dessert discussion - I must tell all that the atmosphere was so relaxing! I believe that a group of four, or perhaps a family or four would enjoy the dining experience. As I stated above we were there during the week and had arrived early, needing no reservation, and finding no wait to be seated. I would recommend a reservation with a group of four especially with children along. As our meal was coming to an end I did notice that the restaurant was getting busy, it seems that locals in Denver like to dine a little later that we cross-country travelers! The wait staff was excellent, and we wanted for nothing! The food preparation and service was prompt, the presentation was elegant. We were dressed in a business casual style, (no jeans or t-shirts) but as I looked around I did note that the dress seemed to go from suits/ties and dresses to clean jeans with collared shirts. The ambiance seemed so relaxing in part to what appeared to be an indirect lighting, as well as a Tuscany feel to the wall decor.

Dessert! I am, and always have been a fan of Spumoni! However, for this meal and with the dessert menu choices we opted to share a dessert and chose the Creme Brulee, a custard dessert with a caramelized sugar glaze. The choices offered vary from a selection of cheeses to Gelato (!),-- another of my favorites.

Barolo Grill offers a truly unique dining experience for a one-time visit, or for a weekly retreat. One can see the menu items and prices on line at their web site, and I do seem to note a slight change in the menu items and a few price changes since we were there, however it is very economical. (see www.barologrilldenver.com)

I would welcome any comments from readers that have dined at Barolo! Please share your menu choices with me as I will definitely go back!