Springs Orleans

Last Sunday, we went to the Springs Orleans restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs (123 East Pikes Peak) after seeing "Midnight in Paris" (which was delightful, by the way). First impressions when we walked in - great ambiance. The hostess, however, was a bit "surly" and when she seated us, she indicated a table adjacent to the kitchen. We asked to be seated at the next closer-to-the-door table and she indicated that was okay. Then, she set the menus and wine list down without another word - no "Enjoy your meal" or "Here's the menu" or "Your server will be here in a moment." While we groused a bit about that greeting, we perused the martini menu, wine list and food menus. Our server (Eric, I believe) was both friendly and personable - and we ordered a couple of Sazerac martinis (which we found we don't care for. No, the drinks were good, just not our cup of tea, if you will.). Eric returned at the proper interval and we ordered: Gorgonzola fettuccine with Buffalo shrimp for me and a bowl of the spicy gumbo for Mike. While we sipped out Sazeracs, we noticed the open brick walls, interesting artwork and table spacing (which was generous). The bar area looked spacious - and inviting!  (I'm sure we'll hit happy hour there soon.)  One thing we enjoyed was that the acoustics kept the noise level down, so it was pleasant to carry on a conversation. Our food came quickly, and it was excellent! My pasta was cooked just right and the presentation was beautiful. Mike said his gumbo was great - spiced just right - not too hot to enjoy, but hot enough to enjoy! We were very satisfied with our dinners. As a splurge, we ordered desserts - vanilla bean cheesecake with Tuaca carmel sauce and white chocolate, blueberry and pecan bread pudding with blueberry coulis . The cheesecake was simply unremarkable - good, but nothing that would set it apart. The carmel sauce was sparingly drizzled on the plate and I didn't detect any additional vanilla flavor. Mike said the same about the bread pudding - not enough "extras" to make it stand out. It tasted more like plain bread pudding. While we were commenting on this, a gentleman from the next table asked if we'd like to try the strawberry shortcake. We said yes, of course, and as I asked him what his connection to the restaurant was, he said he was the owner! (I imagine some of our comments were overheard by him.) Anyway - owner Perry Sanders - who was very enthusiastic about his shortcakes - brought us two strawberry shortcakes - which were good. Again, nothing really remarkable enough to make them stand out - although the shortbread was perfect. As we left, the "surly" hostess did in fact smile and wish us a "Good Evening." I don't know if the owner overheard our conversation about her earlier and said something. Anyway - overall - we put this on the "Do Again" list - especially for dinner - but would avoid the desserts until they pump up the flavors. And - I really can't wait to stop there for beignets and café au lait.