Where History Meets Flavor: Spruce Farm & Fish and Hotel Boulderado

Photos Courtesy of Kevin Austin

Hello my fellow foodies and welcome back.  Colorado is chock full of special hotels and visiting them is one of my favorite ways to learn just how historic our beautiful state really is.  The Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, CO seemed like a great place to spend a staycation and learn about the history of this landmark Hotel.  I was also excited to eat at the hotel’s adjoining restaurant, Spruce Farm & Fish, which I have heard great things about.

Walking into Hotel Boulderado is like an immediate step back in time.  The hotel opened with a gala ball on New Years Eve in 1909.  The hotel has welcomed guests such as Ethyl Barrymore, Billy Sunday, Louis Armstrong, and Helen Keller.  The original Otis elevator is still in operation in the lobby, so ask for a ride in it when you are there.  The Arapahoe Glacier water fountain is in the lobby and is the only one remaining in town, so get yourself a cold drink of water when you visit.  If you are feeling another kind of thirsty, License No. 1 is a speakeasy in the basement of the hotel.  It is a great place to check out before or after dinner.  The Corner bar is another restaurant in the hotel which is open for lunch and dinner with lighter fare, a stellar happy hour, and well thought out cocktails.

I was hungry, so we headed to dinner.   Under the direction of Chef Michael Erickson, Spruce Farm & Fish is a farm to table inspired restaurant.  They use local ingredients in their menu, which changes seasonally.  I was lucky enough that Chef Michael sat with us a bit and guided us through our menu choices.  He puts so much thought into every dish, making sure there is something for everyone, and that the freshest ingredients are always used.

We started with one of my favorite things to order on a menu, the Crab Cake, and my husband’s favorite, the Hummus Plate.  The Crab Cake was full of lump crabmeat, and the “drop the mic” blue corn grit cake that it sits on top of pays homage to Chef Michaels southern roots.  The Hummus Plate is anything but ordinary.  Served with charred corn, and an heirloom tomato salad, and grilled flatbread.  It was an edible work of art.  

Chef Michael gave us a few suggestions for the main course.  Since all their pasta is made in house, it was an easy choice to order the English Pea Chitarra Pasta.  House made noodles are topped with a mint pesto and burrata.  It was outstanding!  The mint pesto was a first for me, and it is something I will be coming back for very soon.  My husband ordered the Paillard Chicken.  I truly think the true test of a good restaurant is how they prepare a chicken.  This dish knocked it out of the park. It is simple, but juicy, and bursting with flavor.  They passed my chicken test with flying colors.  There are fabulous cocktails on the menu, and a great wine and beer selection as well.

With the holidays right around the corner, it is a great time to book a room for a staycation at Hotel Boulderado.  Holiday shopping is all within walking distance, making the hotel a perfect launching spot for all your holiday needs.  Spruce Farm & Fish is open for Brunch and Dinner.  Reservations are highly recommended. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a trip to the Hotel Boulderado is magical and historic, and a meal at Spruce Farm & Fish just makes your trip that much better.  Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well.