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

SEE SAPHIRE.HTM - BUSINESS IS SOLD

No longer known as the Gore Creek Grill. This restaurant has been purchased by the owners of the Uptown Grill in Lionshead and has been renamed Sapphire.  Unfortunately we've not had time to review it.

The following is out of date and should be ignored.

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Last summer's remodel of the old May Palace Chinese Restaurant in the building next to the Lancelot and directly overhead of Up-The-Creek produced a new jewel of an eatery in town.

Owned and operated by the same people from Michael's American Bistro, for my money this is a better value and better quality than the original. Some will argue that point, but this concept has been well thought out and executed. The focus seems to be more seafood-ish and in all honesty, the comment "repeats" in the title suggest that I have done the same menu more than once.

And that truly is the case. My staple fare on both visits has been the mussels in a fresh tomato/curry sauce followed by a sampler plate of four different cold water oysters. Coupled with a nice sourdough bread selection - - and one of the well priced white or red wines, a couple can easily escape the evening with happy tummies for under $70 - which includes an extra good tip. Now that may not sound like a bargain, but let us suggest that for downtown Vail, it's really not too bad.

Highlights: So far it's difficult to find fault here. The limited number of items I've sampled have been close to perfection. The wine list is eclectic and well priced. Coffee was rich - the desert was scrumptious. But we've only scratched the surface menu wise. Let's pray for long term consistent quality. It has to be at least rated and may be worth more.

Lowlights: I'm searching hard to find some. Frankly the noise level is the only problem - and that - only when kids inhabit the table too close to your party.

Reviewed by ORP on 3/11/98

Previously reviewed: La Bottega - Alicante - Kaltenberg Castle -

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