Epicurean Encounters: Zolo, Boulder, CO

After a month of rain, we were like prisoners in solitary confinement desperate for sunshine. When the sun finally shown, we did not hesitate to soak it up on Memorial Day. On a whim, we decided to brunch at Zolo's as we're walking to the Boulder Creek Festival. We were confident Zolo's offerings would be more desirable than any fair food.
Zolo is part of the Big Red F Group which includes Jax Fish House, West End Tavern, Lola, Centro, and The Post in Louisville. In fact, Zolo started it all 21 years ago and is still standing strong. Anchoring a corner, it shares the Village Boulder Shopping Center with Lark Burger and Pizzeria da Lupo. The festive space is graced with gorgeous artwork inside and out from local artist and patron, Kevon Krasnoff, who specializes in painting on wood boards. Be sure to admire the sculptures at the entry.
We were seated promptly without reservations which would be unusual on any weekend but more so on the day of the Bolder Boulder. Contrary to what you might think, Zolo was bustling. The place was filled with post run imbibers including a rowdy group of 50 downing Tequila shots. The handsome waitstaff donned black shirts of their choosing and dark denim jeans.
Our server greeted us equally swiftly. The offering of $3 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's (individually shaken with your specification of heat) was too good to pass up. Much more difficult was choosing an entree. Several items tempted me such as the Duck Confit Hash and Blue Corn Pancakes. Alas, the culinarian in me settled on the Southwestern Benedict. Hollandaise can be tricky to make and maintain and not easily made at home. Don was almost swayed by the enticing savory dishes but succumbed to the Stuffed French Toast.
We had to wait quite a while for our drinks. Fortuitously, our seats allowed spectacular views of the Flatirons to entertain us. If it is available, be sure to ask for the two top by the window. My Mimosa was sweet and bubbly and served in a champagne flute with an orange wedge. Don's Bloody Mary was by far the winner with sufficient kick for the most discerning imbiber and proper garnishes of pepperoncini, olive, and lime.
My Southwest Benedict would have been perfect had the eggs been properly prepared and the plate properly wiped. Unfortunately, instead of poached eggs, they were soft boiled. No liquid gold gushed out when I pierced the egg as anticipated. This egg would not have passed the practical at Escoffier. The patty of Mexican chorizo sausage was mildly piquant thanks to the addition of pablano pepper. Silky and rich, the chile hollandaise did not over power. Seared kale and swiss chard provided a touch of bitterness to compliment the rich dish. Buttery, house made English muffin was more akin to a biscuit. Some of the edges still retained a crisp crust. The dish was accompanied by well cooked and seasoned crispy country potatoes.
Don's Stuffed French Toast appeared minimalist until you tasted it. Stuffed with caramelized bananas, drizzled with pecan maple syrup, and dusted with ancho chile sugar, this dish will conquer the most ardent sweet tooth. As if that wasn't enough, the whole thing is dipped in a nutty batter and deep fried. This is a dish made for black coffee.
If you have never been to Zolo, or if it has been a while since you visited, I would recommend you give them a try at brunch. The selections are varied, the prices are good, the staff friendly and efficient, and the artwork interesting.