Castle Rock hot spot serves luxe lunch vibes

Yes, but: The dinnertime menu is pricey.

Pro tip: There's a hack for that — it's ... the lunch menu.

• The French call it petit plaisir — a simple indulgence that's about appreciating a small, enjoyable moment.

What to order: I got the Diablo Sandwich ($22), which features buttermilk fried chicken with Swiss cheese, jalapeño pickle slaw and "rooster" aioli served on a pillow-soft bun.

• The chicken's breading was melt-in-your-mouth tasty, and the slaw-aioli combo packed just enough heat to make me savor each bite.
• On the side was a heap of truffle fries.

My wife ordered the Brinkerhoff Burger ($23), made with in-house ground beef, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickles on a house-made bun.

• Plus, more truffle fries.

In the (dining) room: Five people waited on us over our 45-minute stay.

• We watched a storm roll over the foothills through the restaurant's massive windows.

What they're saying: "Is that man picking weeds in a suit?" my wife asked.

• Yes. Yes, he was.

By the numbers: One sandwich, one burger, one iced tea, one Diet Coke.

• $57.98, with tax, before tip.

The bottom line: I'm still thinking about that chicken sandwich.