Bella Vino Restaurant is being recognized as our December 2024 Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month. The Member of the Month program is an ongoing effort by the Chamber to provide the community and visitors with information about businesses and organizations in the area and promote patronage of our local resources and small, independent companies.
The RACC recently chatted with local business owners and husband and wife duo Chris and Taryn Lee with Bella Vino Restaurant.
1. Who are the owners of Bella Vino Restaurant and what do you love about owning a business in Ridgway?
We are Chris and Taryn Lee and we have three young kids that also love to help us "run" the restaurant. We love being in Ridgway because it is a great community and we have been able to meet so many new people from Telluride, Montrose, and all around Ouray County. Being here we are able to cater more to the local community instead of mostly tourism-- and that is at the root of what we love to do!
2. What is your personal favorite dish on your menu and why?
Chris: Our house specialty is the Beef Wellington, it is what we are known for. I do love the Beef Wellington, but my favorite is the rotating fish special. We use the freshest fish available and it is always different. Our chef is an amazing Saucier and I love the specials he comes up with.
Taryn: I'm a dessert girl! So, while I love our entire menu, I would still choose the Black Nasty (chocolate fudge pie) as my favorite menu item! Pair that with a great glass of wine and I'm happy!
3. Why is the winter and holiday season a great time to dine and drink at Bella Vino Restaurant?
We have an intimate atmosphere and with it being the slower season, it is a great time to enjoy meals with friends and family with less hustle and bustle of the summer season. We also decorate the space so it is welcoming for the holidays which adds to the overall ambiance. We are family friendly and love having families that want to take their kids out for dinner! We are also a great date night spot or a place to dine with friends.
4. Do you have any favorite activities during the winter months for visitors and neighbors to enjoy?
Right now we are featuring week night specials that are meant to cater to the local community. We have Date Night on Sundays, Martini Mondays, Wine Wednesdays, and Pasta Night on Thursdays. We only offer these special nights during the winter and spring months.
We also do wine tasting dinners which are really fun events. We create a special menu and pair it with different wines. We usually have 5-6 courses and the food creations are exquisite. We love hosting these dinners because it is a fun change and allows our guests to experience high end, fine dining as well as specialty crafted food and wine pairings.
5. Anything else the community should know about Bella Vino Restaurant?
We really want the Ridgway community, as well as all of Ouray County, to know just how thankful we are for the support and love we have received. We could not have made the move from Ouray to Ridgway without our friends, family, and supporters! We are about to celebrate 2 years in Ridgway and we absolutely love being in our own space and a part of this community. So, thank you!
6. Why did you wish to become a member with the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce?
It's important in a community of this size to work together and support each other. We feel that being a part of the Chamber is a good way to get to know and support others in the community.
