Come for the food, stay for the wine! Located at 1115 Pearl Street, Gemini is already a force to be reckoned with in Boulder’s restaurant scene. Twin sisters Catherine and Elizabeth Neckes, along with their husbands, Michael Mehiel and Brian Pierce, followed their hearts to the Front Range in hopes of building a home as well as a restaurant of their own. After a challenging yet rewarding process, they were able to secure Gemini’s historic spot in Downtown Boulder.
With ambition and excitement, the four of them began designing their dream restaurant, named Gemini as an ode to the twins. With beautiful exposed brick, beadboard ceilings and unique glass light fixtures, its interior is warm and inviting. And with the delicious Spanish tapas-focused menu and easy-going service, Gemini is a space that can meet any moment. Whether that be a casual night out or a big celebration, the owners say Gemini is “a gathering spot for all, where the wine flows and the food hits the spot.”
With a commitment to sourcing high-quality local and organic products, Gemini’s menu is meticulously curated. It's inspired by Basque and Catalan cuisines but is rooted in a New American ethic. Chef Brian drew inspiration from his time working in New York City and abroad. Before opening the restaurant, Brian even snuck a quick trip to Barcelona and San Sebastian for ample inspiration.
Appetizers range from mixed olives and pan con tomate to local meats and cheeses. The tapas and larger shareable mains certainly won’t disappoint. Gemini offers unique, seasonal dishes that will excite your tastebuds with options of vegetarian, meat and seafood plates. The owners' favorite new dish on the menu is the whole roasted quail with dirty wild rice, guanciale and spinach, made even better when paired with the Quinta do Montalto Medieval de Ourém, a dark and dreamy rosé wine (certified organic) from Portugal.
Even after feasting on quail, beef and pork meatballs in tomato sauce or tortilla de papas, you’ll still want to stay for dessert. While Catherine is a partial owner of Gemini, she also works as Gemini's Pastry Chef and is in charge of the wine program. The dessert menu is inspired by Spanish flavors and classic ingredients, with options from sorbet to my favorite, the crema Catalana. Catherine's wine list features selections from Spain, Portugal and the West Coast, including low-intervention and organic offerings. If you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, traditional Spanish beverages like vermouths, sherries, ciders, and Spanish gins are on offer, along with a seasonal cocktail program and Colorado craft beers.
Above all, Gemini is a family (literally). But really, they care about their employees, farmers, ranchers, neighbors, guests and the food they serve.
“Restaurants are about community," Catherine says. "Though we are new to the Boulder community, we are humbled by the warm and gracious welcome we’ve received, and we look forward to setting down lasting roots.”
GeminiBoulder.com