The Fort

Posted By Dale Fine on July 27, 2008 5:00 PM

The Fort is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains with the lights of Downtown Denver just under a half-hour drive away. Constructed of adobe brick, the restaurant is based on a replica of an 18th-century fort and includes a tent, stone-based campfire, and trading post which doubles as a souvenir shop, on its grounds. The only thing that outdoes The Fort's tasteful Southwestern decor is the meal itself.

Each meal starts with a breadbasket that includes moist mini-pumpkin muffins and ciabatta rolls dusted with Southwestern spices. For appetizers, consider an order of stuffed peanut butter jalapenos. The creamy texture of the peanut butter coupled with the spicy pickled jalapenos bring out the tantalizing sensations of both pleasure and pain which make you crave even more. If pickled jalapenos aren’t your thing, then perhaps the buffalo empanadas would be more to your liking. These are served with two types of salsa (described as “spicy and spicier”) with a citrus finish.

Think game and steak for the main course. The Washtunkala Cast Iron Kettle is actually a buffalo stew served in a mini-cast iron kettle. The stew is loaded with buffalo tips and served in a rich demi-glace with just enough green chiles for an underlying bite. For something a little more conventional the 14-ounce buffalo strip steak is also exceptional.

Although The Fort is a little more expensive than your typical Roadfood restaurant, for a taste of the Old West, it's well worth it.

Peanut Butter Stuffed Jalapenos

Buffalo Empanadas

Washtunkala Cast Iron Kettle