Table

Rated 4 star more for the experience (communal table) rather than food and the wine pairings that come with it. The dinner dishes are executed well, but somehow the chef is not feeling too excited to try on new creative dishes.

Amazing culinary experience. We had an interesting group and left with 20 new friends. The food-​beer pairings were perfection.

Midge Knerr, inn keeper of The Lodge at The Stanley Hotel, was the inspired person who put this rotational «guest-​chef» driven enterprise into effect. It’s a dinner — with prix fixe cost and a set menu — for all twenty or so guests at «table» each Friday and Saturday which is served in a private dining area at The Lodge and is by limited reservation only. The menu varies from week to week depending on the guest chef — for example this week the amuse bouche which kicks off the meal was a bone marrow feature prepared in a way which highlighted the quality of the premium meats from 7x cattle company. There was a steak course of unrivaled quality, with astounding sides, as well as multiple courses followed by a beautifully crafted dessert course. Each layered course is accented with a complementary wine or liquor depending on the week… you will never get a better chance to sample five wines or artisan beers or fine Colorado or premium liquors AND take part in a group family style seating that features a dazzling array of culinary selections like this. We’ve attended more than one of these nights and was impressed with the humor, camaraderie and fun when sharing dinner with 20 people at one table. The price is a flat rate that includes all of the meal and liquor or alcohol. You don’t choose your meal but are simply presented with the evenings offerings. It changes each week and the menu is posted in advance on their website at
. It’s a delightful way to spend an evening and we typically stay the night and make a getaway of it. Totally worth the drive to Estes and if you stay in the lodge, you get a lovely continental breakfast in the morning. A foodie’s indulgence. Enjoy!

It is rare I write a 5-​star review, but the experience I shared with family and friends at TABLE at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO, is nothing short of phenomenal. From the beautifully decorated dining area, which offered privacy and intimacy, to the multi-​course, perfectly paired culinary offerings, the experience is not to be missed. I look forward to returning soon, and can honestly say it’s one of the best meals I have ever experienced.