Over the past two weeks, readers may have noticed the Estes Valley Voice’s first two restaurant reviews featuring the Fairway Clubhouse Tavern, “From France to the fairway,” and Prospect Bistro, “New downtown bistro serves Estes history in a glass.”

As we started making a list of local dining spots, we were surprised by just how many options the Estes Valley has to offer — from old favorites, with some under new ownership, to newer eateries. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a full meal, a craft cocktail, a cup of coffee, a food truck treat, or a gourmet cupcake, there is no shortage of places and flavors to explore.

That is why we are launching a regular feature called Mountain Menus.

Before we go further, readers should know a few things about how we approach restaurant reviews.

When an Estes Valley Voice writer reviews a restaurant, the food or beverage is never paid for or comped by the establishment. Before publishing the first issue of the Estes Valley Voice 23 months ago, we created a Purpose, Mission, and Values statement outlining our journalistic philosophy. It states:

“Impartiality and independence are essential in journalism. Outside of private, personal relationships, our journalists do not accept gifts, free meals or drinks, tickets, travel accommodations, or other perks. Period. There are no exceptions to this rule.”

The policy also states that EVV journalists pay for their own meals while covering events or restaurants and submit expense reports for reimbursement.

To maintain that independence, we will dine anonymously. We will not tell restaurant staff we are there to conduct a review. In some cases, we may follow up afterward with questions or an interview with a chef or owner, but we want our experience to reflect that of any other customer.

If you happen to see one of the Estes Valley Voice writers eating out, don’t assume they are writing a review. They may just be having lunch or dinner.

Some publications assign stars, forks, or letter grades to restaurant reviews. We are not going to do that. Instead, we will simply share our experience — what stood out on the menu, how the food was presented, the atmosphere, the service, and anything else we believe readers would want to know.

We also will not publish harsh takedowns. That does not mean we will avoid constructive criticism. If the music is too loud for conversation or a dish misses the mark, we may say so. But restaurants, like any business, can have an off night. If we have an unpleasant experience, we will likely return another time before deciding whether to write about the establishment at all.

Our goal is not to play “gotcha” with local restaurants. We want to celebrate the best of Estes Park’s dining scene and encourage readers to try somewhere new — or revisit an old favorite they haven’t enjoyed in a while.

While we plan to run Mountain Menus as a regular feature, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be weekly, and there may be occasions when we group two or more establishments in one review.

We are also looking forward to a new initiative that the Estes Chamber of Commerce plans to launch, Estes Park Restaurant Week, Nov. 13-22, coordinated by Val Thompson.

Thompson, who has led the March “Dine Around” program in Estes Park for many years, is partnering with local restaurants to create a new culinary attraction aimed at boosting visitation just before the start of the holiday Catch-the-Glow season.

While full details about restaurant week have not yet been announced, participating restaurants, bars, bistros, bakeries, cafes, and candy emporiums will offer a prix fixe lunch or dinner menu, or another promotional special, priced between $15 and $75. The website and logo design for the program are top-shelf.

The deadline for restaurants to register is June 1. Interested restaurateurs can click here for more information.

Until then, here’s to celebrating the people, places, and flavors that make Estes Park unique. Bon appétit.