City: Colorado Springs, CO

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (719) 599-4776

Address: 4605 Centennial Blvd.

Insider Pick:

Description: The word around town is, if you want a Broadmoor quality meal at half the price, head to Marigold. Serving contemporary American cuisine with a French influence, owners Dominique and Elaine Chavanon are always there, overseeing the kitchen and bakery, respectively. Voted the best power lunch site by local surveys, it’s a great place for a sandwich on their excellent homemade breads, a pizza (big enough for two . . . we like the Greek pie), or a bowl of French onion soup. Salads are crunchy-fresh and include lots of veggies. Dinner entrees come with a bright, crisp side of fresh vegetables, too! And whatever you order, if the creamy scalloped potatoes don’t come with it, order them as a side. They may be the best you’ve ever eaten. Try the lamb (rack or chops) for a real culinary treat, or get anything with a sauce concocted by the chef. His sauces are killer. The beef bourguignon is a customer favorite, too, and sells out every time it’s on the daily specials menu. And be sure to check out the excellent wine list. We’re not kidding when we say you’ll be sorry if you don’t save room for dessert. Consider the double chocolate mousse cake, the fruit tart, or napoleon for a to-die-for ending to your meal. No room? Take something to go. Though the food is tops, the atmosphere and dress are casual. This place is so busy it’s a good idea to get there early for any meal (and make a reservation at dinner). Closed Sun.