Rico Hotel, Colorado 2011

Rico is a small town outside of Telluride. After our last trip, we decided to stay out from town and make use of the various lakes (fishing) and trails (hiking) that we did not try last time.

Built in 1925 as a resting place for the employees of the Rico Argentine Mining Company, the Rico Hotel provided the perfect place for us to stay. This restored boarding house is full of charm and history. I only wish it was deep in winter so the huge fireplace in the lobby was roaring for me. I adore fireplaces.

The hotel

We stayed in the top floor apartment. Because we were still in the off season for tourists, we had a 4 room apartment for an outstanding price. I couldn’t get enough of the light, furnishings, and atmosphere.

I would love this table and light each morning to photograph breakfast. And Mr.Eamonn O’Hara had no idea how close he came to missing a table. If this would fit in my suitcase, all he would have found was an apology letter and some cash.

This table is in the lobby where we ate breakfast each morning. And this is the table that has inspired us to re-think our whole kitchen/dining room project. This one almost found its way to Alabama, too.

The food.

Argentine Grille is where renowned Chef Eamonn O’Hara creates fascinating flavors using regionally cultivated ingredients. After a relaxing beverage in front of our roaring fire, join Chef Eamonn O’Hara for a sumptuous dinner at the Grille. Chef O’Hara is the former Executive Sous Chef at the world famous Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles, California, where he had the privilege of working with the world renown Wolfgang Puck. He now brings his experience and critical acclaim to the quiet town of Rico, Colorado. His use of local organic meats and produce gives the Argentine Grille’s cuisine a distinctively regional flavor.

Breakfast each morning included fresh fruit, breads with butter, eggs, and wonderful breakfast casserole with sumptuous cheeses. Fresh brewed coffee and squeezed juice rounded out a breakfast dream.

On our second day after a full day hike, we decided to stay in and eat at the Argentine Grill. I’ll never forget this wonderful dining experience! The staff were warm and friendly and it felt like I was a guest in someone’s home.

Stephen got a sirloin burger with cheese and salad. He said the salad was so good, he could have had a bowl of it by itself. I had chicken pasta with fresh broccoli and mushrooms. I could only eat half, but I can tell this wasn’t hormone chicken. Dessert speaks for itself. Seriously Decadent Chocolate Cake. It usually comes with ice cream, but I didn’t want or need the additional sugar and the waiter easily accommodated my requests. I loved the fruit on the side. I’ve never had blueberries and chocolate, but I certainly will again.