The review. An in-depth analysis of new and existing restaurants in the Vail Valley.

BUSINESS HAS BEEN SOLD - NEW OWNER AND THEME

A synthesis between the defunct Uptown Grill in Lionshead and the recently purchased Gore Creek Grill by the former restaurant's owners is ........

Sapphire

Joel and Susan Fritz gave up a lousy Lionshead location (in the Vail 21 Building) & picked up a better space with preexisting equipment in the heart of Vail Village.  Sited on the creek of that name the old Gore Creek Grill had a decent reputation primarily for seafood dishes.

The new operation retains some of the old and adds enough new variety to create a very pleasant overall dining experience.  Bistro probably best describes the layout and atmosphere.  They serve both lunch and dinner.

Highlights:  We like the casual atmosphere & location on the creek.  The obligatory bread offering was excellent and nicely presented.  The wine list was extensive although not inexpensive.  Our tempura asparagus appetizer was unusual and delicious.  My entree of angel hair pasta with rock shrimp and scallops could not have been better.   It simply was perfect.

Lowlights:   In all honesty our wait person was pretty much without personality - and this on a night when the place was all but deserted.  Sue's strange lamb chop dish was clearly over spiced and both of us found it relatively unappealing - although that's a matter of personal taste.   The raspberry cr�me brulee was tasty but obviously had sat around for a period of time after preparation.

There's no question that the Fritz's are good operators.  This is a place that we'd return again - but possibly only in the off season.  It's worth at least one .

                                                                                                        Reviewed by ORP on 11/09/02

Previously reviewed: La Bottega   Alicante   Kaltenberg Castle   Gore Creek Grill   La Tour  Bighorn Bistro  Larkspur  Sapphire

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