Authentic ethnic cuisines add spice to Summit’s culinary scene
Photos by Richard L Marks
HIMALAYAN CUISINE
Are you curious? Maybe adventurous, too?
Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine may be just right for you. Sometime ago, a Nepalese family from Katmandu felt the exotic flavors of their epicurean culture would appeal to the sophisticated tastes of Summit County’s residents and guests.
Today, Ashim KC, wife Bidhya KC and daughter Navodita KC own and operate Himalayan Cuisine and head a staff of international chefs. “The dishes on our menu are part of our Nepalese culture, and were served to us as children,” explains Ashim. “Their traditional preparation is taught to every new generation in Nepal.”
That skill has been transported around the world and landed in Frisco. “Our most popular dish is Chicken Tikka Masala, as well as its lamb and seafood counterparts,” Ashim notes.
Many Nepalese and Indian dishes have bases similar with dishes served in North America.
But it’s the spices and sauces that distinguish these Asian offerings and impresses upon diners that they’re “not eating in Kansas, anymore.”
Among the culinary delights featured at Himalayan Cuisine is lamb curry cooked in coconut milk with herbs and spices; chicken cooked in a flavorful chickpea batter; or chicken cooked in a traditional hot and tangy sauce.
Then there’s fish curry and shrimp cooked with potatoes and fire roasted eggplant, to name a few.
Himalayan Cuisine serves dinner nightly and lunch Monday through Saturday.
Visit them at 409 E. Main St., Frisco or call 970-668-3330 for more reservations.
CARLOS MIGUEL’S
The cuisine of Guadalajara stands apart from all of Mexico. It was here where Carlos Sedano learned to blend the area’s spices into gourmet dishes.
Six years ago, he and business partner Miguel Martin chose Colorado to introduce Guadalajaran cuisine north of the border.
Today, five Carlos Miguel’s are in Colorado, including one in Frisco.
This upscale Frisco restaurant is as far from run-of-the-mill as possible.
A warm decor wrapped in amber and rust colors encourages guests to relax, while exquisite Diego Rivera art and exceptionally designed pottery compete for their attention.
Indeed, the interior alone is a feast for the eye.
Speaking of feasts, take a look at the extensive menu.
One selection setting Carlos Miguel’s apart is the guacamole, prepared tableside to your specifications from a tempting array of fresh avocados, diced Serrano chiles and a blend of herbs and spices to your taste.
According to manager Aurelio Rodrijuez, “Everything is fresh, never frozen.
The dishes are high class. We have one dish with chicken stuffed with veggies, mushrooms and cheese and, of course, steak mignon, served with potatoes, onions and cheese.
Because there are many vegetarians in Summit, we also have items on the menu for their tastes.”
Carlos Miguel’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. A children’s menu also is available. Located at 740 N. Summit Blvd, Frisco, next to WalMart or call 970-668-4900.
La PETITE PARIS
An authentic French experience awaits patrons who dine at La Petite Paris, a quaint bistro in Breckenridge and the only bistro in the county offering French provincial cuisine.
Proprietress Arielle Coutouzis, a Parisian from a family of chefs, relocated to Summit County after nine years in a number of New York City restaurants.
She had vacationed in Summit previously, fell in love with Breckenridge, “and knew I had to stay here and start a French bistro,” she says.
Chef Josh Hall, who studied classical French food technique at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, prepares the bistro’s French favorites: roasted chicken with risotto, trout amandine, boeuf bourguignon and, yes, steak with fries,
In the tradition of French bistros, Arielle keeps the menu small, changing the selections frequently depending upon the market.
But you always will find exquisite French onion soup, escargot, mussels, frog legs and crème brûlée. Fine dining to be savored and remembered forever.
Enhancing the experience is the French staff and fresh flowers, making La Petite Paris a romantic escape perfect for special occasions.
La Petite Paris has introduced a Sunday Brunch with Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, specialty omelet’s and a ham and cheese dish — topped with an egg for him, sans egg for her.
Dinners are served daily from 5:30 until closing. Sunday brunch is served 10am- 2pm.
Located at 161 Adams Ave. in Breckenridge. For reservations please call 970-547-5335.
Lillian Ross has worked in New York publishing, Montana ad agencies, and the Colorado ski industry. She also has been a travel correspondent for the Denver Post.
