Page 11 - June 2015 Dining Guide

doors, I wasmade to feel welcomeand taken care of. The light,contemporary interior décor was matchedby friendly, helpful and efficient service. The server, ofcourse, was well acquainted with every item on the menu, but when I chatted up the gentleman who refilled my water glass, he too had an impressive command of what to recommend. On his advice, I ordered the carrot cake for dessert. I was not disappointed.“We feel like we are inviting people into our home whenthey come in,” said Cahill. “When we do our server training, we include everyone who works here because we believe that aspect of education is so important.”When I visited, I enjoyed a “natural” filet – so called because it is raised without hormones, antibioticsor steroids. Just like all the beefon the Eddie Merlot’s menu, myfilet was prime grade beef, adesignation given to less thantwo percent of all beef raised inthe U.S. I’m usually a meat-and-potatoes girl, but my server recommended the cauliflower gratin, and because I was in an adventurous mood, I gave it a go. Itwas a delicious mixture of perfectly cooked vegetables covered in a pleasantly gooey cheese sauce and delicately topped with breadcrumbs. I may never go back to potatoes.The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, the perfect place for an intimate group to celebrate a special event. But, specialoccasions sometimes meanhosting more than a single tablefulof people. Eddie Merlot’s can accommodate events for groups large and small for everything from cocktail receptions to full sit-down dinners. Happy hour – which features $3 off cocktailsand wines by the glass – is from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. , Monday through Friday. On Friday and Saturday, live music creates a festive and relaxing atmosphere in the lounge from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. The restaurant is open daily for dinner beginning at 5 p.m., but during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, lunch is served for patrons looking fora festive way to celebrate during the workday. Breakfast and lunch service are also available for private events.Loyal diners are rewarded at Eddie Merlot’s through membership in a loyalty rewards programcalled The Platinum Club. To join, diners pay a one-time $25 fee and then receive dining credits and rewards for money spent at the restaurant.“We’re really excited to be open here in Colorado,” said Cahill. “We’ve had a great reception.” For more info about dining or event planning at Eddie Merlot’s, visit www.eddiemerlots.com.“We hope to see you soon!”303-785-6520The Connection Food & Dining 11