For all its bona fides as a mountain town, Rossland tend to roll up its sidewalks early. And for years the ski-bum assessment has been, “If this town had just one more cool restaurant and watering hole…” Now entering its second season, Fuel Gastropub might just be the spot that cements Rossland in the upper pantheon of ski towns.
Located in the iconic Rossland Filling Station building on Columbia Ave., Fuel feels decidedly upscale. But the date-night-worthy décor should’t deter dirtbags: there might be real linen on the table but there are plenty of puffy coats draped from chairbacks.
The menu rotates regularly but always favors local and organic ingredients. In-house smoked meats highlight a diverse menu, but there plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. (The gastropub also serves a full breakfast menu.) The bar offers a full collection of beer, wine and spirits, but don’t skip the Caesar, Canada’s answer to the Bloody Mary. If the celery-stick garnish seems too staid, go for the fried-chicken Caesar; it’s a one-stop combo of fat, salt and booze that’s ideal for après-ski. //
