Cornell makes Adam's cafe a part of its culinary series

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 2, 2005 | by TERESA J. FARNEY THE GAZETTE

At first, David and Farley McDonough -- owners of Adam's Mountain Cafe, 110 Caon Ave., Manitou Springs -- thought they were being tapped for yet another handout. Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., contacted them to participate in what they call a "Cross Country Gourmet Series."

"I thought, oh, no, another group wanting us to donate food," David said. "But we were surprised to learn they were going to do all the work. They just wanted us to give them recipes, let them duplicate our restaurant and come to the event if we wanted."

Cornell is among the most prestigious academic institutions, competing for students against Princeton, Harvard and Yale. Food service is a major marketing advantage Cornell uses to attract students. The Cross Country Gourmet Series pairs Cornell chefs with restaurants anywhere in the country whose menu offerings are distinctive. Two or three restaurants usually are chosen each year.

Adam's Mountain Cafe was on the short list this year.

The eatery caught the attention of Richard Anderson, leader of the Cross Country Gourmet Series, while he was in Denver two years ago on a business trip. Friends had recommend Adam's to him.

After several meals at Adam's, Anderson notified owners in February that they were being considered. In April, the McDonoughs got word that they would be featured on campus Nov. 5.

In preparation for the weeklong event, Cornell sent staff in June to photograph the interior of the restaurant, including the work being done in the kitchen. The idea was to re-create Adam's Mountain Cafe on the Cornell campus during the event.

On Nov. 5, the McDonoughs, along with their pastry chef, Carol White, attended the multicourse dinner for 250 at Cornell. The menu included Caribbean Jerked Chicken, Peanuted Salmon, Rural Italian Lasagna and Senegalese Vegetables. Desserts included Chocolate- Hazelnut-Toffee Tart, Apple-Almond Streusel Pie, Rice Pudding and Adam's Carrot Cake.

Through the remainder of the week other meals were offered using these recipes and others from Adam's.

The winner? The Planet Burger.

"This recipe may remain on the campus menu," David said. "It's interesting -- there's interest in vegetarian meals all over again."

The McDonoughs have something else to be proud of: Twenty years in business -- a big accomplishment for independently owned restaurants.

Fun-due

Love to dippity-do at fondue joints? Then Club Fondue is for you.

The Web site, www.meltingpot.com is hosted by The Melting Pot, 30- A E. Pikes Peak Ave.

As a member, you will get special offers at the eatery and notices of VIP events. When you join, you'll get a complimentary chocolate fondue for two on your next visit to the restaurant.

Bottoms up

As if you need help celebrating during the holiday season, MacKenzie's Chop House, 128 S. Tejon St., has daily specials to entice the thirsty.

You can get half-price martinis 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Then take the edge off the effects of drinking on an empty stomach by enjoying such twoone appetizers as calamari, artichoke dip and Kobe beef nachos.

Then there's Micro Mondays, with $2.50 draft microbrews all night. Tapas Tuesdays offers this deal: Buy two tapas and get the third free. Wine Lover's Wednesdays are when you can get 50 percent off selected bottles of vino.

For Tejon Street neighbors, present your business card with a 80903 ZIP code on Thursdays during happy hour and get your first round free. On Shaker Sundays, all martinis are half price. Cheers!

CONTACT US: Send tips about restaurant openings, closings, menu changes and food specials to tfarney@gazette.com or call 636-0271. Do you own or manage a restaurant? Please send us your e-mail address so we can keep in touch and let diners know what you're doing.