City: Boulder, CO

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (303) 747-2556

Description: This tiny mountain hamlet isn’t where you’d expect fine continental dining, but it’s been served here since 1978 by Chef Hermann Groicher and his wife, Mieke, who hail from Austria and Holland, respectively. Secret ingredients include the crisp mountain air and beautiful flower garden, but even if the surroundings weren’t so inviting, the Fawn Brook’s exquisite homemade fare, from beef vegetable soup through dessert, would be memorable. All that attention to homey mountain detail just makes it better. Venison served with wild berries and mushrooms, and roast duckling are favorite meals.Hours vary by the season. During summer, it’s open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. During fall and winter, it’s open weekends, depending on the weather. Reservations are recommended. Call ahead for directions. It’s about 45 minutes from Boulder and a half-hour from Estes Park.