Telluride, CO – The warm, glowing windows at the top gondola station between the town of Telluride and the ski area at Mountain Village offer the allure of something special. And Allred’s delivers. As diners walk down the entry hallway, they are welcomed to one of the most unique dining experiences in Rockies, with a cozy bar and restaurant, a spectacular menu and views to match. Already an icon among mountain resorts, Allred’s is set to raise the bar again with the addition of new General Manager Mario Petillo.
Petillo has been in the restaurant industry for 40 years and knows a thing or two about how to make it work. His humble beginnings were in Salerno, Italy, off the Amalfi coast where he washed dishes at his sister’s restaurant when he was 13. From there he went on to Italian E.N.A.L.E. Hotel School in Rome, interned at a couple of hotels in Germany and Switzerland, and began his career with Sitmar Cruises.
After working with Sitmar for 10 years, Petillo began working in traditional restaurants and later consulted for dining establishments in southern California. In 1990 he opened his own restaurant, Raffaello Ristorante, in Orange, Calif., and then Allegro Ristorante in 1998.
Deciding to mix it up, Petillo moved to Florida in 2005 and immediately knew that it was not for him. He was offered the opportunity to open a restaurant in Sausalito, Calif., which he left for just as Katrina was hitting the Gulf of Mexico. This forced his road trip north and, looking at the map, Petillo spotted Telluride where his good friends Paolo Canclini and Carmela Sanna owned Rustico Ristorante. He stopped in for a quick visit that turned into an extended stay.
After six years as the face of Rustico, Petillo is now joining the team at Allred’s and looking to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and a menu that appeals to everyone.
“We are looking to expand the menu in order to appeal to a larger clientele,” said Petillo. “It is an amazing space with a beautiful kitchen, and I would love to see more and more people returning because it is the best dining experience in town.”
“We are thrilled to have Mario on board,” said Telluride Ski & Golf Executive Director of Food & Beverage George Bigley. “He is one of the best known faces in Telluride, and we look forward to adding his energy and expertise to the Allred’s experience.”
This summer Allred’s is offering “Happy Night” with $10 quickies including a glass of wine and an appetizer all night in the bar. Entrees include a range of options from what’s reportedly the best grilled cheese sandwich in Telluride to locally grown RL steaks, as well as vegetarian and gluten free dishes. Look for more changes to come as Petillo adds his touch to the restaurant’s menu.