by Patty LaTaille
Grimo’s
6380 U.S. Hwy 285
Poncha Springs, CO (719) 539-2903
Grimo’s restaurant has been a mainstay in Poncha Springs since 1985 – continuing to be family-owned and now operated by Frank Grimo. It’s a delightfully stereotypical “Italiano” sort of place; complete with a red, white and green striped outside awning, red linen tablecloths and napkins, bottles of wicker-wrapped Chianti bottles and sparkling colored Christmas lights. (Think of visiting your Italian grandmother’s house in years past, but without the plastic covers on the furniture.) Good smells, good food – and Italian operas or Frank Sinatra crooning in the background.
Ushered to a table by the window, we appreciated the excellent service and attentive wait-staff throughout our dining experience.
The wine list is extensive and daily drink specials are on the chalkboard at the entrance. We ordered a vodka martini – dirty – and “Lambrusco” – a chilled cheap red wine. The glasses were a tad small, but the drinks were fine.
Entrees consist of any type of pasta imaginable, beef, chicken or seafood, and chef’s specials.
My group ordered the Linguine with White Clams, Fettuccine Alfredo (with prosciutto and broccoli), and Stuffed Shells Florentine (with spinach and ricotta, romano and mozzarella cheeses).
Arriving first was the minestrone soup – always tasty – but curiously not a bean to be found. The basic salads were served with a generous helping of blue cheese crumbles, and then a basket of soft white French bread with herb butter appeared.
The entrees arrived with attractive presentations, and in just the right amount of time. The linguine had shells placed on top – leading the diner to believe there were real clams in the sauce and not just ones from a can. The fettuccine was not as cheesy as the diner preferred, and the prosciutto was similar to bacon. I found the stuffed shells to be perfectly cooked and in a tasty marinara sauce. The main courses were remarked upon as “average size portions” and “good comfort food.”
The dessert tray – greeting you as you walked in the door – looked too good to pass up. The chocolate toffee mousse cake, served with whipped cream and a bright red maraschino cherry – was the proverbial “to die for” treat. Desserts also included a tiramisu, fried cheesecake, cannolis, key lime pie, chocolate and strawberry mousse, and spumoni ice cream.
The restrooms are in need of a re-vamp, but as a whole, the ambience was pleasant and conducive to conversation. Our group departed with appetites sated, and charmed by the feel of “Little Italy” in Poncha Springs.
Picked For: Three-course meal: soup, salad & decent portions – quaint Italian atmosphere – cozy romantic (best in the winter) get-away place – fabulous desserts.
Open Tuesday through Saturday:
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
