Three Tomatoes Steakhouse & Club at Fossil Trace | Golden
The biggest stereotype of clubhouse restaurants is that they aspire to the trappings of fine dining without the resources—which usually translates to nice atmosphere, decent food and uneven service. But Three Tomatoes, open year round at Fossil Trace Golf Club, breaks down that idea—as evidenced with its strong showing in this magazine’s annual CAGGY award for Best Food.
With snow enhancing the stunning view from the dining area, I found myself craving soup. A rich Roasted Butternut Squash was sweet and warm, but I went ape crazy over the Clam Chowder, a creamy New England-style concoction boosted by tender bits of mushrooms and a boatload of clams. Quantity is quality— what a concept, huh? The Spinach Salad brimmed with goodies—caramelized pears, shallots, dried cranberries and pecans, tossed in a maple-nutmeg vinaigrette. Get it with feta or goat cheese.
Savory burgers top the lunch menu. The Angus Burger can be supplemented with a wealth of add-ons, and the Fossil Burger comes with aioli, lettuce, tomato and onions on an egg bun; both come with homemade Fossil Chips, thick and crispy. Of the sandwiches, the Turkey Pesto with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, a flavorful pesto spread and field greens satisfied, but it was trumped by the Southwest Chicken Poblano, the perfect sandwich—a fireroasted chile on a chicken breast with pepper jack cheese, avocado and spicy mayo. An inexpensive way to visit Santa Fe!
Pictured Above: Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Pictured Above: Southwest Chicken Poblano Sandwich
Entrees include a grilled New York Strip, Rib Eye and Filet to justify the steakhouse appellation, and a Pan Seared Salmon, Rack of Lamb and Half Roasted Herb Chicken ably represent classic dinner fare. Sometimes nothing but pasta will do, and Three Tomatoes puts out two fine dishes. One is the Cavatappi Pasta, curly macaroni tubes with wild mushrooms, a rich cognac cream sauce and shaved Grana Padana cheese. The other, a dreamy Scallop and Lobster Mac & Cheese, adds some mollusky magic to the classic comfort food.
For dessert, I couldn’t choose between White Russian Crème Brûlée (a little vodka and Kahlua mixed into the custard base and hard caramel top, honoring my inner Big Lebowski) or a rich, decadent Dark Chocolate Soup with Frangelico and white chocolate shavings. So I ordered both. I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure…
13050 Illinois Street, Golden; 303-277-8755;
threetomatoessteakhouse.com
Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.
