As soon as I saw the sign, I knew I could not pass up Rasta Pasta. There is a restaurant by the same name in my hometown and in Breckenridge. I popped in to ask about the owners and was directed to speak with their daughter. I asked where she was from, and before I could tell her where I was from, she said "Colorado!" Obviously I was not the first Coloradoan there.
Returning for a late lunch, most of the plastic tables were empty but since I was traveling alone I chose to take a seat at the bar. The bartender was friendly in explaining about the menu while he mixed up a sweet Panty Ripper of coconut rum, orange juice and grenadine. I pursed the pages of creative recipes deciding between pasta dishes with an island twist, Thai curries and peanut satay with the option to add meat or shrimp. I chose the veggie garbanzo bean red curry ringed around the plate with a yellow curry surrounding rice with a dab of mango chutney sprinkled with raisins for $10US. It was a wonderful blend of flavors and the raisins really made the dish.
The chef, Star, came out to check on how I liked it, and we started chatting. She was curious about the restaurant in my town because she creates most of the recipes. I told her the vibe was similar, friendly people and reggae music but they stick to pasta dishes, nothing like her curry. This a great laid back place to go if you are dining alone and don't want to be or a romantic spot with a table on the sand. Prices range from $8-15US.