It’s Greek to me
Rare meat, fine wine defines Mediterranean table

Jake and Telly’s kicks off the New Year with a special wine dinner on New Year’s Eve. Similar wine dinners, each with a different theme, are held monthly at the restaurant.

Wine is big here: Jake offers 43 different wines by the glass, the largest selection in town. “Wine is a major thing in Greece and it has been for years,” he says. “There’s some stellar world-class wines coming out of Greece right now.” Greece is not the only country represented on his shelves (which will also get an update soon with some fancy new wood and glass.) He spends almost a full year making his selections for the restaurant wine list, which could explain his long series of Wine Spectator awards. In 2008, he is spreading good cheer by lowering his prices: $4-6 a glass for wines that typically cost $7-8 elsewhere.

The restaurant, which enjoys a great spot overlooking Colorado Avenue from the second floor of a distinctive building at the Pikes Peak intersection, will get a new awning in February to enclose and heat what is currently an outdoor patio above the street. A bright neon sign is planned to more boldly announce its occupant.

Jake and Telly’s is hardly a newcomer on the Colorado Springs scene, however. It celebrated its tenth year in business last year with a sumptuous banquet featuring a whole roasted lamb. (Lamb is the most abundant meat raised and served throughout Greece.) Jake — who is newly engaged — seems to know everyone who walks in the door, enveloping each with an enthusiastically hearty welcome. Intense gray eyes sparkle behind his neatly clipped beard and exuberant smile. “Sales are going up every year,” he says. “And we have lots of new things coming up.”

Jake and Telly’s is casual yet elegant, slightly exotic yet warmly welcoming, a wonderful combination that produces a unique and charming dining experience perfectly suited to Old Colorado City’s genuine vibe. Get away from the big box stores and the chain restaurants, and expect instead big-hearted European hospitality as soon as you walk through the door. Be sure to take a few moments to gaze at the family pictures and read the assorted articles lining the walls at the bottom of the stairs and along the entryway. It tells a story of family, food — and the joy of life, well lived. Located at 2616 W. Colorado, phone (719) 633-0406 for reservations or CLICK HERE for hours of operation and more info.