Food Around the World!

Story and Photos by Ron Stern

Riviera Restaurant, Glenwood Springs

The dark exterior colors and neon sign from the 40’s belies what you will find inside this Glenwood Springs, Colorado gem. Owner Colleen Stuart has remade what was formerly known as the Riviera Supper Club into her own vision that is now just called the Riviera Restaurant and one that is both visually pleasing and mouth watering.

The interior is surprisingly bright having had a facelift in 2005 with blond, natural hardwood tables and chairs, contemporary glass dishes and walls covered with colorful paintings from local artists. This has created a fun and inviting atmosphere and one that is conducive to hearty appetites.

I started my experience with one of their pinktinis, a citrus flavored martini using x-rated fusion liqueur vodka. This was tart yet smooth and there are another 28 martinis from which to choose on the menu.

Next up was the Riviera signature salad ($6). My ample portion was creatively plated and chilled and was simply comprised of Romaine lettuce and blended with home-made bacon gorgonzola smoky ranch dressing. These tastes perfectly matched each other and I can honestly say that this was one of the best salads I have ever had in my life. I would drive the 4 hours or so from my home in Fort Collins again just to have this again.

For my appetizer I tried the coconut tempura shrimp ($8), something I am always a little reluctant to do so far inland. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness and flavor of these hand-battered, plump treasures of the sea that came accompanied by a sweet chili-ginger sauce. The sweetness of the sauce and crispy texture of the perfectly fried tempura all worked well together for my palate.

For my main entrée I had the recommended Colorado rack of lamb with demi-glaze rosemary (seasonal), served with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Very few restaurants I have visited know how to prepare a good lamb and this is one that does. Mine was tender, flavorful and not cooked to the point of becoming too dried out.

I topped off my evening with a traditional chocolate mousse that was cold, rich, creamy and decadent.

Dining at the Riviera is like eating in a cozy art museum and there is even a huge painting of a martini attached to the ceiling. Colleen Stuart goes to great lengths to ensure that her customers are well attended and that the food is always home-made and fresh. The Riviera is located at 702 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. They are open every night from 5 pm- 10 pm and reservations are always a good idea at this popular local eatery.

Ron's articles have been published in Shape Magazine, Mobil Travel Guides, La Jolla Today Magazine and many others. His luxury columns have included stories about Silverseas Cruises and some of the top resorts and hotels in the world. To contact Ron, visit his website at www.ronsterntravel.com or by email at travelwriter01@comcast.net.