While there are countless restaurants offering a cut of good ol' hearty beef, there are too few truly great steakhouses in the world. You can always snag a steak at your local Applebees or Sizzler, but that doesn't mean it's fresh, nor is it (probably) top quality. In that aspect lies the first distinction of what makes a great steakhouse. If the grade of the meat isn't there, then no matter how the cook prepares your meal, you're likely being served a subpar meal.
I've had my fair share of steakhouse experiences, and I can say that the biggest aspect, besides the quality of the cut and the ability of the preparer, is the overall atmosphere and the capabilities of the bartender. I was once a bartender in one of the biggest clubs in Columbus, Ohio (which was equally a club, bar, restaurant and concert venue) – it was packed daily and throughout nightly, with all sorts of crowds – and from that experience, and my once hefty fascination with alcoholic beverages and bar life, I believe I can say that I have all of the qualifications necessary to make these upcoming statements about this one time that I found myself in a small, yet charming Colorado town, where I stopped for dinner one night at a local gem...
The Ore House in Durango, Colorado was a surprise to me – but in a very good way. The atmosphere was comfortable, with a southern motif, yet provided plenty of gazing opportunities, as the decorations and the general look and feel takes you on a trip through history of Durango and the Four Corners region. It wasn't long before the feisty, young, and witty bartender whipped us up some whiskey concoctions, and began talking to us about anything and everything that came to her. She was both entertaining, and a hoot – she had us laughing from the get go, keeping us on our toes. The quality of her mixology rivaled only one other bar that I've given my patronage to – and that was in Columbus, Ohio as well. It's rare to find a bar that specializes in custom, high quality mixes, bitters, and various concoctions. She was a master behind the bar, explaining her learning and experimental process to create some of the most unique, yet delectable cocktails.
After some friendly and amusing banter between the bartender and a few other patrons surrounding the bar, our entrees came out, sizzling and smelling of heaven – do you think heaven could smell as good as a fresh charred steak? My mouth began to water, and within mere seconds I was knife and fork deep into my meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their food – it was absolutely breathtaking, seriously! They specialize in serving the best food quality possible, with local farm-ranged top quality meats, with no antibiotics or hormones, or additives – that's a rare thing now-a-days, eh? Sad, but true.
After some friendly and amusing banter between the bartender and a few other patrons surrounding the bar, our entrees came out, sizzling and smelling of heaven – do you think heaven could smell as good as a fresh charred steak? My mouth began to water, and within mere seconds I was knife and fork deep into my meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their food – it was absolutely breathtaking, seriously! They specialize in serving the best food quality possible, with local farm-ranged top quality meats, with no antibiotics or hormones, or additives – that's a rare thing now-a-days, eh? Sad, but true.
The Ore House Restaurant
147 East College Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5707
www.orehouserestaurant.com
147 East College Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5707
www.orehouserestaurant.com
While my meal was comped by the lovely folks at the Ore House, this review featurette is 100% my own opinion.
RSS Feed