The charming exterior with inviting twinkle lights and huge picture windows revealing and elegant & cozy appearing dining area have captured our interest for the past two years. Yearning for a fine dining experience, we finally decided to give it a try. We should have been tipped off when, three weeks and two weeks prior to New Year's eve, we called to inquire about reservations, only to be met with unfulfilled promises of a return phone call to confirm a reservation. However, we were still drawn to the place and ultimately scored a reservation for Valentine's Day. We arrived right on time and were promptly shuffled to our table. Water was promptly served, and those are about the only positives. It was twenty-five minutes before we saw anyone again, dry water glasses and all. Then our waitress arrived uninformed about the menu and appeared irritated when we inquired how the various selections were prepared...I think this is because she simply didn't know. And so much for the pretty pate' of butter that adorned the table.....we never received bread, which all of the other patrons seemed to be enjoying. The appetizers were mediocre at best. Then came the salad, for which I was served the caesar instead of the arugula with balsamic vinagrette I ordered, and waited 15 minutes before being able to flag a bus-boy to herd a waiter to address the problem. They did promptly serve the correct salad. Again, mediocre -- nothing special or unique or exceptionally tasty. On to the main course -- filet mingon -- which was cooked properly (medium), was tender, but lacked flavor and was mediocre at best. Have had much better at a run of the mill streakhouse. Finally on to desserts. We tried the baked apple dish as well as the creme brule. Both were average at best...absolutely no pizazz. and clearly without any semblance of decadence. The all-inclusive menu that evening included a glass of champagne or sherry which we were told would arrive with our appetizer, but we didn't receive it until asking for the third time, well-after the desserts were served. Overall, nothing we tried that evening made any lasting impression or leaves us craving or hankering for more.

We've dined at numerous fine dining establishments in Colorado and across the country. The food's presentation was average for restaurants in this price range and below average in flavor. And the service was terrible. To be fair, however, I do think that our waitress was overwhelmed with too many tables, which reflects poor management. Nevertheless, impeccable service is expected in this price range, and I would have to say that we didn't even receive a standard level of service. Our bill for the evening was $140 (two people) and did not include anything to drink other than water (and the champagne that was included).......an absolute rip-off.

We were hoping to add this to our list of great places to dine in Castle Rock since there are so few restaurants to choose from. I'm nort sure what historical laurels their reputation is relying upon. Overall, this was an utter disappointment and we will not be returning.