Fidel's: Palisade's Neighborhood Cocina & Bar Hits Home
Photos by Kim Fuller.
Spoke and Vine is our go-to motel pick in Palisade, and what a joy to find a chips and salsa coupon for Fidel’s waiting in our room the last time we stayed. In just about 10 minutes you can walk from the motel to downtown Palisade, to Fidel’s Cocina & Bar, and even if you just go for the chips you’ll stay for the rest.
“It’s like we’re welcoming you into our house,” says Jody Corey, co-owner of Fidel’s. She and husband Jeff Snook opened Spoke and Vine in 2019 after an extensive renovation of the property, and in the spring of 2022 opened Fidel’s after taking over the restaurant space that was the Palisade Café and reimagining it. It’s easy to point out that these two know hospitality, and they’ve really dialed in what it takes to make every guest feel at home.
After visiting Oaxaca in southern Mexico, Corey and Snook were able to refine the theme, aesthetic and flavor inspirations for Fidel’s.
“We wanted to make it feel like a vacation,” Corey shares. “The rugs came back from Oaxaca; the macramé came back from Oaxaca. We just wanted to make it feel like you’re transported, and make it feel cozy.”
Fidel’s hits the sweet spot that’s casual yet quality. Friendly service and fresh ingredients make it easy to settle in for just a drink or for a full meal.
“Everything is made in-house, and everything is prepped so frequently, because we want to make sure everything is super fresh,” Corey shares.
In their roaster out back, the kitchen roasts its own red peppers to make romesco sauce and poblano peppers to make the chili relleno. Mezcal cocktails are made to order; chips and corn tortillas are sourced from La Milpa Tortilla Factory down the valley in Grand Junction.
“It’s that level of care that really does matter,” adds Corey.
The space really gets bustling once mealtime crowds fill in and bellies are warmed with salted rims and spicy bites. Mezcal lovers will be in heaven here with cocktails like the Jamicon, made with Ancho Reyes chile liquor, hibiscus simple syrup, fresh lime juice and mezcal, of course. Salsa, guacamole and all of the appetizers are full of authentic flavor; don’t miss the tempura-fried poblano peppers that are served with chipotle romesco and citrus chili aioli.
An array of taco options fill a full section of the menu. We especially like the Bomb Ass Fish Taco, a tempura wild caught market catch with jalapeño lime crema and chipotle romesco sauce on a corn tortilla.
It’s fun to note that Fidel is the name of Corey and Snook’s dog. He came with that name when they rescued him, and they say his personality is full of spice.
“We named the restaurant after Fidel the dog, because he’s vibrant and playful,” as stated on the restaurant’s website. “Much like the thoughtfully crafted dishes and drinks you’ll find on our menu.”
Originally published in the Winter 2023-24 issue of Spoke+Blossom.