Dining Surprises at The Brown Palace

Palace Arms, in Denver

I have always been intrigued by images I've seen of the historic Brown Palace, in Denver. Unfortunately, the hotel was out of our price range during our recent Colorado road trip. Even a meal at the hotel's Palace Arms seemed to be over budget. Don and I settled for a drink at the Churchill Bar.

Entrance to Palace Arms & Churchill Bar

Just stepping through the doorway from the hotel's grand atrium/lobby was a thrill. I stole a glance into the dining room, before we turned right, into the classy cigar bar. We skipped the cigars, but ordered some very festive martinis. 

Traveling With a Cookbook

It was killing me to be so close to the Palace Arms dining room, without experiencing a meal. Don and I were traveling with our vintage, Ford (motor company) Cookbook and we had spotted the Palace Arms in the Colorado section. When the book was printed in 1954, The Palace Arms was a new addition to the (then) 62 year old hotel. I was curious to compare the Napoleonic decor of the illustration, to the dining room today. I pretty much doubted they still served French Pancakes!

Sneaking a Longer Peek

It was getting late, so I figured I'd dash over (with my book) to the dining room for a better look.  The host welcomed me in, but he was way too young to be amused by the old cookbook. I noticed a woman, who was just getting ready to leave. She'd been dining alone, so I caught her eye and asked about her meal. "Did you have French Pancakes?" I added with a chuckle, as I pointed to the recipe in the book.  She was my age, which was probably why she was intrigued by the cookbook.  We chatted more and I learned that her son happened to be the executive chef.

Stories With Mom and Chef

Chef Kasper came out of the kitchen while we were chatting. His mom, Teresa introduced us, which meant I of course, had to share the book. He laughed at the recipe for French Pancakes. We talked about his culinary career, which was mighty impressive for such a young man. We chatted ourselves right into the Independence Dining Room with the historic mural/wallpaper. Kasper laughed at his memory of decorating the elegant room with dinosaurs, once. It was for a little boy's Make-A-Wish celebration. 

Photo Time

Before heading back to Churchill's, I offered to use Teresa's cell phone to take her picture with Kasper. (We moms like pics with our sons) I wished her a safe trip back to Kansas and told her she should be incredibly proud of that boy of hers. Then both mom and son were kind enough to do the cookbook pose for my camera. They stood by the flag collection, which is shown in the book illustration.

Surprise at the Bar

Don had wondered why I'd been gone so long.  Not long after I finished explaining my disappearance, Chef Kasper and few assistants, swooped in and surrounded us with some specially prepared dishes.

Surprise Feast!

Kasper lingered briefly as he explained the dishes he'd created. Before darting back to the kitchen, he poured warm syrup on his spontaneous creation of French Pancakes, with feta and cherries with a flan-like lid! I was too stunned to absorb all his words! But the flavors were unforgettable! Garden fresh, cucumber and caviar salad... delightfully rich lamb with peas and mushrooms... I think! I so wish I could have recorded his descriptions!

Days Later

The next day, I emailed photos to Kasper and thanked him for the amazing food experience. He encouraged us to return for a full meal the next time we passed through. He also mentioned that he could help us with hotel rates, if we did find ourselves back in Denver.

Long story short, Don and I altered our road trip.  A week later, we returned to Denver and this time we stayed at The Brown, thanks to Chef Kasper!

Another Surprise

Shortly after checking into our hotel room, we answered the door to room service. Once again, I found myself feeling sort of speechless. Champagne, fruits, sweets, bread and cheese? Luckily our dinner reservations were on the late side!  

Working Up An Appetite

Just steps from our room, we could see when the afternoon tea ended and the evening jazz quartet arrived. It was a lively Friday night and we were able to enjoy the festive atmosphere before heading to the Palace Arms, for some serious dining!  

Getting Started

Don and I felt like V.I.P.s when the hostess ushered us to our comfy table by the stained glass window. Our gracious waiter, Harrison flawlessly served us... when Chef Kasper wasn't serving us, himself.

Harrison offered a menu, but he gave us another option and we chose it. We decided we were game for being served the Chef's Choice. Harrison told us with a smile, "We'll just keep bringing food until you've had enough!"  

We started with a tomato and Feta salad, served on a salt block.  The chilled block kept the veggies crisp and cold, only melting enough to add a bit of salty flavor!  I might add, the bread that came before, was mouth watering. It was hard to hold back.

More and More and More!

The timing of our dishes added to the decadent experience. Four more courses came before dessert. Nothing felt hurried or overdone or uncomfortably formal. Kasper slipped out each time to squat down by the table and explain each dish.  He and Harrison never intruded or lingered too long. We seemed to have enough time between courses to miraculously work up an appetite for the next. Everything from the food on the plates to the timing of the service, was totally balanced.

4 More Dishes

Each dish arrived with surprises! Once again, I found myself unable to remember all the details! There were so many new flavors and surprising combinations. There was buttery salmon with caviar and mouthwatering greens. The crispy pork medallions sat on a heavenly hominy sauce, with a surprise of baby corn... which was really a custard, shaped like corn! My favorite was the beef filet with mushrooms. When the glass covers were lifted from our plates, we were hit with a poof of aroma... smoked beef and mushroom! Yum!

To the Finish

I still can't figure out what Kasper did, that created a sizzling excitement when he poured our tea! The dessert of rhubarb and pine berries, also had a story I can't explain. Mostly the balance of sweet and sour brought back my own childhood stories, of eating crunchy rhubarb, dipped in sugar, as a child! (Kasper's is much better!)

More Talk and Surprises

Don and I had more questions while we finished up our dessert. Since we were the last diners, Kasper pulled up a chair to chat. We sipped tea and Kasper guzzled some water, refilled by Harrison a couple times. We asked about how Kasper got interested in cooking, as a young boy.

We talked about the places he has lived and we even talked about his dog.  But mostly we talked about food and restaurants. My biggest surprise was learning that all the dishes he'd served us, he was trying for the first time! Kasper has a passion for creating and presenting food. He seems incredibly serious for such a young man. And he was incredibly generous when he sent us off with a bag full of jams, sauces and breads.

Thanks!

Once again, Don and I were full of huge thank-yous! Our special hotel rate, helped us go ahead and splurge on a special dinner. I'm very sure our bill didn't reflect all we ate. And I know for sure, we ended up with a whole lot more than a good meal. We have a memory now, of being treated like a King and Queen, at the Palace Arms. That may be as close as I ever get to being treated Royally anywhere!  

It's been nearly 2 weeks since our feast and I'm still trying to process how it all fell into place. We're back home in Texas now, but I'm about ready to go back and figure it all out!