The Flying Fork — Restaurant in Paonia

I am a truck driver that had a delivery at West Elk Mine. However due to no phone reception, I drove South to the nearest town. I then called Flying Fork Restaurant to see if I can place a food order to go. I explained who I was and I was told by the host that they are no longer doing any to go orders because they are booked up with reservations due to Mother's Day. After I parked my truck at the nearby school, I started seeking other places to purchase a meal. I proceeded to walk a mile towards the town. As I approached Flying Fork Restaurant, it appeared from looking in the windows, that the dining room was empty. What I didn't see was that they had an outside back patio. I then proceeded to call the restaurant again and inquired about ordering food to go. I was told by the host that he was unsure. I then requested to speak with the manager. The manager told me that he didn't want to do to go orders because he's expecting his second rush of reservations. I then responded by saying, "What does reservations have to do with a takeout order??" I then also told the manager it feels as though I have to beg for food. I told him that restaurants thrive off customers near and far and to reject someone's service for a takeout order is beyond ridiculous!!! He responded by saying rudely that he can throw some noodles together for me. I declined. In my opinion, To deny a patron of any kind takeout for any reason at all is despicable!!! The manager didn't give 2 shhh, the host was rude, and they treated me as though I wasn't worthy of their food!! I'm just a truck driver who was looking for a hot meal. Don't worry I will never ever go to this place or even recommend this place to...

The family who is running this place now is really great. I like them alot. Super nice and welcoming. The food is pretty decent, although I did have higher hopes for it. The last time I went in, I came in through the garden and was made to feel like I did something wrong. There is no sign telling you where to come in. The "main entrance" takes you to the bar area. Its just a bit confusing, buuuut I'm sure they'll get this all dialed in. They just opened.

Biggest thing that will keep me from coming back is that there is a reallly awful wine selection. ZERO italian wines. Nothing elegant and balanced. There is this common misconception around here that its better to serve local products. Normally I would 100% agree, but definitely not with wine. It'd be best to have a local selection AND a list of several really great wines from other places. Alfred Eames has some good vintages, but the rest of the list is garbage.

This is a small critique, but the bathroom could use some decor. It's like using a bathroom in a school or office building. Smells like cleaner and is kinda dingy. Would love to see more attention to detail.

All in all I'm happy they are open and hope they do well. I'm sure things will...

Our experience at Flying Fork made me proud to be an American. Because only in America could we spend a day hiking in and out of a gorgeous canyon (Black Canyon of the Gunnison, SOB Draw trail) and then, in a tiny little Colorado town, find the best Italian style pizza we've ever had. And we've been to Florence.

We ordered an app sized portion of the Ravioli as an appetizer, which was delicious. Then we had the Pesto pizza and the Porcini pizza the aforementioned best Italian pizza we've ever had. Crispy all the way through, amazing fresh ingredients, and parmesan cheese baked into the crust.

Next time we'll probably swap the Ravioli for a Tiramisu dessert and we'll specify that we want an outside table for our reservation. Only downside was we were sorta shoved into a weird corner table and gazed longingly at the beautiful outside terrance tables. But again, the best Italian style pizza...