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

No longer in business - space has been taken over by Elway's Steak House.

The Wildflower

Here's a somewhat pretentious dining spot in the heart of Vail Village that we perpetually avoid visiting because of that specific adjective.  This fall Sue was adamant that we needed to try it again, which we did last weekend.

The lure was this restaurant's 21st year in business celebration which led them to offer an appetizer and an entr�e for $21 per person.

Our starter was a complimentary kir royale and accompanying bread plate.  Nice.  Sue ordered a seared scallop appetizer and I opted for a crab cake - the latter was tasty but the sauce was a bit on the sweet side.

Prior to our entrees we were served an amuse bouche of some type of filled wonton, the contents of which I cannot describe.  Sue's entree was a seared lamb loin served over couscous.  Mine was a grilled rib eye on a base of horseradish potatoes.  We chose one of the few reasonably priced wines - a tasty Volpolicella based Italian red.

Meal Highlights:  Presentations of all the courses was outstanding.  The kir was a nice touch as was the wonton.  Flavors of the main courses were terrific for both of us.  At the completion of the meal we ordered a variety cheese platter as a desert course which was outstanding (albeit the cheeses being too cold) that easily could have served a party of four.  The wait staff did a fine job all the way around.

Lowlights:  Both Sue's lamb and my steak were significantly undercooked.  We ordered each be prepared "medium" knowing that they'd probably come out of the kitchen on the rare side, but this was a bit too raw.  While we sent neither back, the thought did enter our minds.  Frankly I personally do not enjoy the style of service which calls for silver being replaced at the end of each course, but that's my problem.  Clearly the Wildflower is one of the top four or five dining spots in the village and deserves at least a one  rating and probably a bit more.

Reviewed by ORP on 11/06/05

Previously reviewed: La Bottega   Alicante   Kaltenberg Castle   Gore Creek Grill   La Tour  Bighorn Bistro  Larkspur  Sapphire Tavolaccio  Mezzaluna The Left Bank  Billy's Island Grill  Sweet Basil

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