Man About Town

Meet Ryan Fletter of Barolo Grill

No one is busier than the man who oversees everything at the Michelin Guide-award winning Barolo Grill.  The legendary restaurant that’s one of the best in Colorado has Ryan Fletter’s fingerprints all over it. The man has seen some things in the past thirty years, so it was a no brainer to sit down and learn more from our latest Man About Town.

What do like most about working in Cherry Creek?

I grew up in Cherry Creek and it’s the place where I have spent the longest part of my life, it is very emotional for me.

Any favorite neighborhood haunts? The Artisan Center on 3rd and Detroit St. has always been such a unique and magical neighborhood store, it is truly special! And I love the Cherry Cricket, it’s one of the most epic favorite spots in Cherry Creek when burgers or a Greek salad are on the brain and in the blazing hot summertime.

Can you talk about The Rolling Stones joining you for dinner earlier this year? Several of the bandmates and crew just booked last minute and came in late for a nice meal. Mick Jagger’s personal assistant “loved the duck” and threatened to return another evening to have our signature dish. I will never forget the night Mick Jagger walked into the Barolo Grill back in 1994 and I served him fresh pasta with fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Regret for the things we have done can be tempered by time, it’s the regret for the things we did not do that are inconsolable……basically, just go do things!

What’s the last book that left an impression on you? The book Ikigai by Hector Garcia/Francesc Miralles. It’s the Japanese term used for defining the reason to live and the continuous pursuit of purpose, while making the very most out of our lives.

What’s something that most people don’t know when it comes to owning a restaurant like Barolo Grill? I must have a very high pain threshold as well as a high tolerance for strange behaviors by humans, therefore, I might be especially more able to weather some things that could bring others down to their knees.   

What are three things you can’t live without?  My wife, Extra virgin olive oil, Barolo wine

Who are your five dream guests to join you for dinner and what are you eating? Steve Martin, Martin Short, Maya Angelou, Paul Rudd, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We are sipping Barolo wine and eating pasta with porcini mushrooms, fresh sliced heirloom tomatoes, grilled zucchini, cherry pie and vanilla gelato.

The most fun you’ve had in a city is where? Rome. An amazingly fun city!

Currently, what’s your favorite menu item at Barolo Grill? Agnolotti del Plin, stuffed with mascarpone cheese and roasted corn…tiny little pillows of heaven!

What would you tell your 18-year-old self now? Have less worry and strive for more joy, we all have less time than we think and to fully embrace and connect is the real goal to strive for in life.

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