ParkerViews.com - Parker, Colorado Reviews

The Warhorse Inn

2009-02-13T06:13:00.006-07:00

The Webmaster says: [Went there for breakfast]. As for the building, the interior is beautiful. Makes it feel homely and cozy with all of its rich wood structure. What I am impressed the most with is the building's history. It's one of the true landmarks of Main Street and Parker itself.

As for the food, the gravy for the biscuits was superb! It made the biscuits nicely soft and very tasty. I found the ham portion to be large, but lacking in flavor. That was taken care of by dipping the ham in the gravy cup. The eggs, nothing special. The fruit cup was tainted by the taste of grapefruit, not something I like.

As for the service, it was excellent. The server (Nick, who unfortunately will be gone until August 2009) was extremely polite and courteous. He was attentive without being intrusive. At the right time, he would frequent our table to keep my delicious coffee hot.

As for the atmosphere, very pleasant. Since it was early Thursday morning, I believe only one other table was occupied. Their conversation did not interfere with ours. The booth we sat at was comfortable on the seat and the table gave us plenty of real estate.

The worst part of The Warhorse Inn is the parking. I believe you are supposed to park in the same lot as the Tail Gate, but to walk from the lot to the Warhorse, you have to traverse over mud that was filled with trash. I did not see a clear path. Puts a negative on what would otherwise be an attractive building.

Overall, I would give The Warhorse Inn 4 out of 5 Parker Pops.

The Parker Pundit says: [Also was there for breakfast]. The building is historic and nicely done on the inside. I had the eggs benedict, which for the price ($10 and change) was (ah, the conumdrum ... should eggs benedict be a single item, hence a single verb use, or because there are two eggs, a plural verb use?) is not that great. The coffee was luke warm initial, but when a new pot was brewed, was hot (can't account for the initial luke warm since we arrived at 7:00 a.m. when War Horse opens for breakfast). Service was very good. The owner, Steve Strain (I believe that is correct) was there, but never came over to introduce himself or say hello (for the life of me I can't figure out why most restaurant owners, who should be outward going and gregarious, aren't - get with it owners, your patrons want to be more than just someone to whom food is served - they want to be a part of the business). The food overall was underwhelming, which may explain why the two times I've been there, there have only been a few other patrons. One of these days I'll try it for dinner. Last visit: 2-12-09

Stafford Electric

2009-02-13T06:01:00.004-07:00

The Parker Pundit says: We needed an additional outdoor light installed, and while the project fit a DIY (do it yourself) profile, we chose to hire an electrician. We have used several over the years, but in this case Mrs. Pundit found Stafford through the local yellow pages. Scott (the owner and I gather principal person except when there is added work to do) was very timely in his on-site visit to assess the work to be done and give an estimate (he charges $35 for same unless you hire him to do the work). His fee for the work seemed high, but he could do it the next day and his work was neat and he used all the right material for what was done (the Pundit has more than a passing familiarity with electricians and electrical work). I'd give him 5 Parker Pops except for the expense. Last used: 2-10-09

Cafe Monet

2009-02-02T22:52:00.024-07:00

The Parker Pundit says: I've seen Cafe Monet many times when I've stopped at Posh Pasteries to satisfy my very hollow sweet tooth (not certain I've ever heard "hollow sweet tooth" before, yet a person who consumes large quantities of alcohol will be referred to as having a "hollow leg" so why not use the analogy?). Cafe Monet is in the Northwest corner (or just about) of the strip center (unfortunately very dated) at the Southwest corner of Plaza and Parker Road. I went with low expectations, because for the more than four years I've lived in Parker, only a couple of people I know have ever eaten there and most have said good things and one a not so good thing (but for the life of me I can't remember what that not so good thing was). Well, based on a recent (and first) dinner there (and now a more recent and second dinner), Cafe Monet is THE nice restaurant in Parker (Vines used to be for me, but Cafe Monet is now the one), with reasonable (very reasonable it seemed to me) prices. I am a fan of Gabriel's in Sedalia (if you haven't been there, go at least once, and make certain you get Vera as your server), but Cafe Monet is every good as Gabriel's and one can save a half week's wages in gas money not having to drive all the way to Sedalia. So, GO TO CAFE MONET. Food is fabulous. Service is wonderful. The house pinot grigio (Placido) is stunning. Food is fresh, plentiful, inexpensive, and delicious. What a delightful find! And it only took me 4 & 1/2 years. Last visited: 2/12/09

Cafe Monet - Country French & Italian Cousine
Receives 5 out of 5 Parker Pops

  10471 South Parker Road
  Parker, Colorado 80134
  Phone: (303)840-0004
     Web: CafeMonetInParker.com

Buy American

2009-01-29T17:34:00.004-07:00

One of many reasons our (USA's) economy is in the condition it is in is because for the last 20 years or so we have stopped insisting on, and buying, products made in the USA by companies headquartered in the USA. If we (Americans) want to pull the USA out of this recession, it will take buying locally and definitely buying American products made by American companies.

So, what can one do? Well, get rid the Honda and buy a Ford, for example. But most importantly, with the upcoming SuperBowl (Feb. 1st), buy beer made in America by American companies. Coors is NO LONGER an American company. Budweiser is NO LONGER an American company. Both are owned by foreign companies, which means ALL THE PROFIT from the sale of their beers goes overseas. What to do? Buy Samual Adams. Buy Fat Tire. Buy other micro-brewed beers made by companies which are American companies. Let the profit STAY IN THE USA. It is that profit which will be used to keep jobs and/or create jobs.

It is up to each of us. Beer is as good a place to start (and end for that matter) as any.

The Webmaster

2009-01-28T16:41:00.001-07:00

The Webmaster is Michael Titera. This site would not exist without him, because the Pundit doesn't know jack about how to make a website. All the Pundit knows is how to comment (pontificate some might say). Anyway, Michael is a wonderful guy. Knowledgeable, funny, patient, and VERY talented. I am blessed to be able to call him "friend."

Michael maintains his own website (titera.com) and MOST days writes an interesting e-mail called "Sip of the Day." It is so named, I guess, because Michael is a Coca Cola freak (in the interest of full disclosure I prefer Pepsi, but I do drink Coke too - Michael, however, is one of those freaks who doesn't believe there is a drinkable drink other than Coke) and his "nick" is "the Coca Cola Kid." He has other nicks but we won't go into that right now.

Other full disclosure: he works for Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. I maintain my brokerage account at Schwab. Michael has included a link to Schwab which I might not have, but since he controls the website I am totally at his mercy. Anway, Schwab is a good company. One of these days I'll write about my rep who works there.

Egg & I

2009-01-28T15:09:00.001-07:00

This breakfast and lunch spot is in the old Le Peep location. I'm not certain what happened to Le Peep, but I heard rumors. Le Peep was good. Egg & I is good. I have not been there for lunch, but have for breakfast. Service was good and food was fresh and tasty. I didn't really notice much difference in the layout from when it was Le Peep. On the West side of Mainstreet, between Parker Road and Dransfeldt.

Lifetime Fitness

2009-01-28T10:37:00.005-07:00

If you like loud music and lots of ads for Lifetime (gee, if you are already THERE, why do they need to advertize to you???), and you don't want to use your iPod or MP3 player (you won't be able to hear your device over the sound system), then this is the workout place for you. Quite an incredible facilty. About 165,000 square feet with everything one can need or use to get or stay in shape. The building (I'm told) cost $42,000,000 to build, so I guess Lifetime either needs a LOT of members or a lot of members buying extra services (like a personal trainer). The biggest drawback, from my viewpoint, is that Lifetime plays its own "channel" of music and ads, and does so at a volume which all but assaults one's hearing. One good point: even when the parking lot is full, there are always machines available (and free weights) to use. Amazing place in that regard. By the way, if you are older or not into rap music or techno music (or ads for Lifetime and for Lasik eye surgery), then you may want to try elsewhere. Last visited: March 24, 2009

Mainstreet "Renovation"

2009-01-27T13:00:00.004-07:00

Our "leaders" in Parker have half destroyed the small town ambiance of downtown Parker by tearing out the trees in front of Vines and Tailgate and "widening" the sidewalks. The sidewalks were fine as they were. The trees in the center section were beautiful. Now lower downtown (can Parker have a LoDo?) looks like any other small town downtown. A real travesty. Those incumbants in office who voted to make the changes need to be voted out the next time (2010 I believe) we have a municipal election. I could rant on and on but who wants to listen. We've all seen the results, and the results stink.

Restaurants

2009-01-27T12:52:00.004-07:00

There has been a lot made of the restaurants which have closed in Parker, most of the comments talking about the "economy" taking its toll on these establishments. My take is much different. IF those restaurants had provided GOOD service and GOOD food (and GOOD value for the money), they would still be in business. Texas Roadhouse is proof of that (because it provides GOOD service and GOOD food). I do encourage friends (and those 3 people who log on to this website) to frequent our remaining establishments. There are good ones (which I have reviewed in this site) and they deserve our patronage.

A note to the restaurants (I have experience, having owned a piece of three different restaurants in two other states): you are in a SERVICE business. While the quality of your food is important for your long-term success, you are NOT in the business of providing a commodity SO MUCH as you are in the business of providing a SERVICE. Give good to great service and even a so-so quality of food will keep you in business. Provide GREAT SERVICE and GREAT FOOD and you'll be around forever, and make GOOD money.

Target vs. Walmart

2009-01-26T20:14:00.004-07:00

I shop at both Target and Walmart. A close friend of mine pushes Target, though, because of its treatment of employees (which I'm told is better, with better benefits). I like Target better because the isles are wider, the store cleaner, the produce nicely cared for and presented, and (as I said) the better employee policies. The products are about the same at both stores, although there are certain products Walmart carries that Target doesn't. Both stores (if you haven't found either or both yet, then you are really new to Parker) are on the North side of Twenty Mile. Target is on the West side of Dransfeldt and Walmart on the East side. One thing that drove me crazy about Walmart (although Target may have done the same, along with about every other retail establishment everywhere) was the playing of Christmas music beginning around Halloween. What is the thought process of the managers (or of the corporate headquarters)? Even odder when you read from year to year as to whether anyone is allowed to say Merry Christmas, or if Christmas is even mentioned anywhere in an ad, and yet the store plays Christmas music (no words) incessantly. Enough to drive a less than stable person to do postal (although I am aware that our "friends" at the Postal Service may be offended by that reference, but I'm from a town which over 20 years ago had a postal employee shoot 14 of his co-workers to death before then killing himself - enough to want to pass a law allowing assisted suicide). Anyway, I digress (as the Parker Pundit, you may find me doing that alot). Shop at the big boxes if you must, but my preference is Target.

Texas Roadhouse

2009-01-26T20:06:00.002-07:00

The parking lot of Texas Roadhouse speaks volumes as to the quality of the food and the normally impeccable, friendly, and fast service. This chain, from my experience, is only as good as local management. The management at the Parker location (North side of Twenty Mile, just South of Walmart) obviously is excellent. I've never had a bad meal there and only a couple of times less than stellar service. A great place to get a beer and a burger, or a nice steak or chicken. I recall that there are other items on the menu, but being a simple person (meat and potatoes) I haven't gotten into the menu very much, which is pretty extensive. There are peanuts to shell yourself and the rolls, which are brought to the table as you are seated, or shortly thereafter, are replenished if you want them to be (note: starving artists, or college students, could make a meal of the rolls - bread and water, assuming stuff like that is still done). As I recall, Texas Roadhouse is open seven days a week, for dinner only, although on Sunday I think it opens late morning for the after-church crowd. Well worth the visit.

Otto's

2009-01-26T20:03:00.003-07:00

Otto's is an interesting restaurant. I've only eaten there once (I need to go back as I really enjoyed it). I've been there for lunch. You order before you sit down, and once your food is prepared it is brought to your table. I don't remember the menu as well as I should, but I had a burger and fries and both were fresh and tasty. Price is very reasonable. Service is fast and friendly. Definitely good value and a very pleasant atmosphere. At the Northeast corner of Lincoln and Twenty Mile.

Armando's

2009-01-26T19:57:00.003-07:00

Armando's is an Italian restaurant serving a variety of quality items from a rather entensive menu. Service normally is very good to excellent, although my experience has been less than good with one particular waiter (whom I'd name if I could remember his name). The wine list is okay, but nothing to write home about. Armando's is open Monday through Saturday. It is South and West of Lincoln and Dransfeldt, just East of Lowe's. For some very strange reason which I can't explain (and to my knowledge neither can management), reservations are accepted Monday through Thursday (when it never is full), but not on Friday and Saturday (when it is full). Best to get there before 5:45 p.m. on the weekend to be assured (or almost assured) immediate seating. Last visit: March 2, 2009

Vines Wine Bar

2009-01-25T16:46:00.044-07:00

The Parker Pundit says: This is one of my favorite area restaurants, and the second best in Parker (used to be the best but I've since eaten at Cafe Monet). It is locally owned and operated. The service is normally very attentive, although on busy nights expect some delay. Andrea and Bethany are outstandings servers. The concept is tapas (small portions at small prices) and a vast selection of wines. The tapas come in cold and hot. Some portions are large enough for two to share. It is easy to have a nice meal for two for under $30 total, or if you want some wine and are hungry, can double that or more. Vines is nicely intimate in its layout and because of the friendly service, has a homey feel. Although a year-round eatery, it is particularly enjoyable during winter, especially when it is snowing, as two sides of the building are all glass and the West side faces out onto a park. Watching the snow fall while enjoying the fireplace, a glass of wine, and great food, well, it doesn't get much better than Vines. The biggest downside is the staff likes to play the music on the sound system way too loud, sometimes so loud you have to raise your voice to speak with whomever you are eating. You can ask to have the sound turned down and your request will be honored, but even then it is a bit loud. Vines is on Mainstreet just a bit East of Parker Road. Definitely worth trying. If you like it as much as I do, you'll be there often. Open Tuesdays through Sundays.

Vines Wine Bar & Tapas
Receives 5 out of 5 Parker Pops

19501 E. Main Street
Parker, Colorado 80138
Phone: 303-736-VINES

Email: Vines@VinesWineBar.com
Web: VinesWineBar.com

The Parker Pundit

2009-01-19T13:00:00.003-07:00

The Parker Pundit may be incognito, but he is always working hard to provide you with useful and helpful reviews on all things Parker, Colorado. If you have something you would like reviewed by the Parker Pundit, send an email to: ParkerPundit@ParkerViews.com.

NOTE: Any reference to any person or entity at ParkerViews is done because the Parker Pundit wants to do it, not because anything was paid, given, or offered for the reference. ParkerViews will NOT accept any advertising and will NOT accept anything for what is written about any entity.

As to the Parker Pundit, he is a man of opinion and doesn't mind sharing it. When he writes about an entity, good or bad, he is writing from his own observations, his own opinions, and his own likes and dislikes. You may agree, you may not. Write to him because he is very open minded and will certainly take all comments into consideration. Be factual. He tries to be.

Falcon Brewing Company

2009-01-19T12:00:00.025-07:00

The Parker Pundit says: The Falcon is a great concept, but it lacks completeness. I've eaten there a few times. I enjoyed the food, but the second time there the service wasn't too hot, which was unacceptable given it was a Sunday night and there were only a couple tables occupied. The food tastes fresh and the sweet potato puree is nice (usually hard to find elsewhere). The beer is fresh and for a mini micro-brewery is very well made. The soft pretzel appetizer is really nice (I don't know who got it from whom, but the soft pretzel appetizer is my favorite at Coopersmith's in Old Town in Fort Collins). Falcon is worth a try, but don't expect a lot of ambiance. Do expect good, wholesome food, and (hopefully my one experience being an exception) attentive service.

Falcon Brewing Company
4 out of 5 Parker Pops

19751 Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 805-1133

Email: FalconBrewing@Gmail.com
Web: FalconBrewing.com

Black Bear Golf Club

2009-01-19T11:30:00.002-07:00

Review in process...

About: Carved out of the scenic Parker, Colorado landscape, the 18-hole championship Black Bear Golf Club is positioned among a series of ravines and arroyos – creating one of the most unique golf courses in the Rocky Mountain region. While our course is not for the faint of heart, golfers love the challenge it presents.

(The above is from Black Bear's website. My comments are that I enjoy the golf course. It is challenging, but not unduly difficult. The price is okay for the quality one receives. At times I think the marshall(s) could do a better job of keeping play moving along, but overall it is a great course)

Sip of the Day

2009-01-19T11:00:00.001-07:00

Review in process...

SipOfTheDay.com (aka Titera.com) is a website run by Parker resident, Michael J. Titera.