By Margaret Malsam
The Broadmoor’s culinary excellence is rooted deep within its history. When mining millionaire Spencer Penrose opened The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs in 1918, he charged his executive chef with bringing inventive and international cuisine to the West. Coming from a prominent Philadelphia family, Penrose was raised to appreciate fine cuisine and wines, and he made sure that both were available to his discriminating guest, which included many U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and celebrities. To this day, Penrose’s influence can be felt in the professionalism of the hotel’s culinary team.
The historic Broadmoor in Colorado Springs
During Prohibition days, he stored cases of fine wines and spirits in tunnels connecting the Broadmoor’s buildings with his nearby El Pomar mansion. Later the El Pomar was converted to a retreat center.
This luxury hotel was officially christened “The BROADMOOR.” Legends linger about what prompted mining millionaire Penrose to officially spell his resort hotel with a raised “a” in the middle. Some people said Penrose built the hotel to spite the Antlers’ hotel management who rebuked him for riding his horse into the bar, and that he raised the A in Broadmoor to insult the Antlers. Since “Broadmoor” had already been copyrighted, his unique styling also created a name that could be trademarked. Earlier Penrose purchased the Broadmoor Casino and Hotel site plus 400 adjoining acres for his resort hotel.
With 18 different restaurants, cafes and lounges, guests have a choice of casual and fine dining experiences. From casual fare to Sunday Brunch, and dining in the award-winning Penrose Room, there is something to please every palate.
The Penrose Room is the only restaurant in Colorado to earn the prestigious Five Star Five Diamond award.
While attending conventions, I’ve dined at many Broadmoor restaurants. One of my favorites is Lake Terrace (the hotel’s original dining room), which offers a great weekday breakfast. On Sunday, the dining room staff pulls out all the stops for its famous brunch, which is an extravaganza accented by ice sculptures and live classical piano music.
For a memorable evening, dine at the Penrose Room, which is the only restaurant in Colorado to earn the prestigious Five Star Five Diamond award. It offers sophisticated contemporary cuisine with an extensive European wine list, live entertainment and dancing in an elegant setting with panoramic mountain and lake views. Jackets are required for gentlemen. Afternoon tea is served here Monday through Saturday. I’m sharing a recipe for a mixed berry dessert that I received from the Penrose Room chef.
Charles Court restaurant offers a seasonally-driven menu highlighting Colorado ingredients. Chef Greg Barnhill prepares meals with fresh locally and nationally-sourced produce and meats. Its contemporary country-manor decor lends warmth to a fine-dining setting. Its patio dining offers spectacular views of Cheyenne Lake.
The Golden Bee offers after-hour fun with a ragtime pianist leading lively sing-alongs in the evenings.
For more casual dining, the Tavern is the place to go. Since 1938, the Tavern has been serving great steaks and seafood. More than 1,000 antique liquor bottles from Penrose’s day have been preserved to decorate the walls. With warm paneling and a glass-enclosed Garden Room, the Tavern features American cuisine in a comfortable setting and live music on most evenings.
Ten glass windows curve around the exterior of the Summit dining room interspersed with structural columns paneled in wood. This contemporary design reflects the beauty of Pike’s Peak and the Victorian majesty of the Broadmoor. To echo a mountain theme, a slanted, stone-flanked entrance suggests a mineshaft opening. Guests enjoy year-round favorites and seasonal selections with an innovative wine and cocktail program.
The Golf Club Dining Room focuses on casual, outdoor dining in a family-oriented atmosphere. Window walls open onto an expanded awning-covered patio. Golf Club Grille has a takeout menus for golfers, tennis players and spa goers. Those basking in the spa or gathered around the pool also can enjoy food and beverages from the informal Spa or Pool Cafes.
For after-hours fun, I like the Golden Bee where a ragtime pianist leads a lively sing-along in the evenings. Located obscurely under the International Center, this hideaway is modeled after a 19th century English Pub. When you enter, a waitperson sticks an embroidered Golden Bee emblem on your jacket and invites you to join the musical fun. In addition to its old-London style pub beers and ales which are poured by the “yard” in tall standing containers, the Golden Bee serves Devonshire cheddar cheese soup, steak ‘n potato pie, and hearty sandwiches. See the recipe for their zippy cheese dip from the book, Historic Recipes in Colorado.
The Hotel Bar isn’t just for enjoying an appetizer with a cocktail – it’s a comfortable meeting place for an afternoon or evening with friends. The bar’s hand-painted murals depict adventurous trips of Penrose’s guests. In the 1920s, he invited men from the East Coast to experience Colorado for themselves. During their stay, they were treated to bi-plane races, excursions up Pikes Peak, hunting, shooting, riding, golf and fine dining.
Other dining spots are the new West Lobby Bar with a tapas menu that can be paired with signature cocktails and wine, Julie’s European-style café with informal indoor and outdoor seating, the Mountain Clubhouse open during golf season, and the Espresso with gourmet coffee and signature pastries.
