Garlic Mike's
Italian Cuisine
From Wine Trail Traveler Newsletter, August 2008
Garlic Mike’s Restaurant, Montrose, Colorado
After a delightful time tasting Cottonwood Cellars wines at Kagan and Baron Fine Art Gallery in Montrose, we were looking forward to dinner. What a delightful surprise awaited us at nearby Garlic Mike’s restaurant. Garlic Mike’s offers Italian cuisine and a delightful eating experience in its large Italian-styled restaurants, complete with red- checkered tablecloths.
The rustic Italian décor provides a friendly atmosphere. Our group was escorted to a long table where we were able to spend several hours enjoying great food and conversation about Colorado wines. Mike Busse planned a detailed menu that featured Cottonwood Cellars wines.
The appetizer was Imported Australian Salmon Carpaccio with a Lemon-Dill Aioli paired with 2006 Cottonwood Cellars White Pinot Noir. The white Pinot Noir was slightly sweet and fruity. The second course was Fresh Mozzarella Caprese with grilled Eggplant and Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Reduction Drizzle paired with 2005 Cottonwood Cellars Classic Blend. The wine was a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and had a long aftertaste.
Next, we had Roasted Pork Roulade with Fontina Cheese and Fuji Apples served with a Rosemary- Garlic Polenta and Fresh Local Spring Creek Asparagus and paired with 2004 Cottonwood Cellars Lemberger. Next was Pan Seared Sirloin of Beef with a Grilled Plum and Blackberry Chutney served with a Walnut Risotto and Fresh Zucchini. The 2003 Cottonwood Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was served. Dessert was the Classic New York-Style Cheese Cake paired with 2006 Cottonwood Cellars Gewurztraminer.
Mike Busse, Chef and Owner, received a round of applause for the excellent dinner and hard work. Mike is friendly, enthusiastic and wanted to share the credit with the chef in the kitchen who received our praise along with our server who was always available and quick to respond.
Mike Busse, mastermind behind Garlic Mike’s success, began his interest in food when he cooked family dinners. In an email, he quotes his grandfather saying, “In his Sicilian accent, ‘You eat this, and you’ gonna have a good time’!” Mike decided to pursue culinary school and attended the Academy of Culinary Arts in New Jersey. When Mike moved to Colorado, he started Garlic Mike’s in Gunnison and renovated and opened a restaurant in Montrose. Today Mike says, “I love what I do!”
