Charlie Dolan and his sister, Molly Dolan, have the restaurant industry in their DNA.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business for 20-plus years,” Charlie said. “Molly was the dessert girl at a restaurant our mom opened when she was 5 years old. I was a cook in the kitchen when I was 12, so we’ve both pretty much been in the business since childhood.”

That lifelong training made it a natural fit to open Harding on Main, 605 Main St., Canon City, which debuted in March 2025 with a silent partner.

Not long after opening, we took a road trip to see what Charlie calls an “upscale infusion with bold flavors.”

He delivers, with a menu influenced by spices and techniques from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Mexico — an ambitious range that feels cohesive rather than scattered.

An April wine dinner, “The Birth of Venus,” sealed the deal for a return visit.

The Italian-inspired multicourse meal featured Molly’s house-made amaro, tuna carpaccio, fresh pasta with polpette di pesce and a standout porchetta.

We left happily loaded with to-go boxes and already talking about a return.

The porchetta was the showstopper — thinly sliced, tightly rolled with herbs, fat and crisp skin, then brightened with house-made apricot mostarda.

It was a four-star bite, rich but balanced with just enough sweetness and acid.

Molly deserves special applause for her spirits, cocktails and wine pairings.

“I infuse spirits with lavender, rose petals, makrut lime leaves, Szechuan peppercorns, gentian, orris, grapefruit and lemon,” she said.

The result is a sensory spark — Szechuan peppercorns delivering that signature tingle without overwhelming — perfectly priming the palate for each course and adding an unexpected layer to the evening.

We returned for Saturday prime rib night. “I butcher a prime rib into 40-ounce portions,” Charlie said. “Then do a high-heat roast and lower the heat to slowly bring them to medium rare.”

Served on a wooden board with mashed potatoes, jus and horseradish cream, it’s generous enough to feed three eager eaters or four moderate ones — and worth building a weekend plan around.

Reservations are required for prime rib Saturdays, and wine dinners pop up regularly — just one more reason a scenic hour drive to Canon City pays off.

Hours are 11:30-2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday lunch and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday dinner, 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Details: 719-618-9578, hardingonmain.com.

Keep the sweet streak going
The “it” event for sweet-tooth indulgence is back. Kidpower’s Chocoholic Frolic returns June 13 to The Pinery on the Hill, bringing together more than a baker’s dozen chocolatiers, bakeries and confectioners for an evening of grazing.

Expect plenty of decadent bites alongside savory options, a cash bar and live music to round out the experience.

Tickets are $95, with proceeds supporting Kidpower’s mission to provide educational programming that helps young people in Colorado stay safe, strong, connected and protected.

The popular online silent auction runs June 11–14. Details and tickets: kidpowercs.org.

From sweet to savory
Tapas meet open-air dining as Tapateria brings back its seasonal Paella on the Patio series.

The popular event returns Sunday, with additional dates June 14, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18.

Guests can settle in for one of three seatings, noon, 2:30 p.m. or 5 p.m., to enjoy one of Spain’s signature paellas, prepared in traditional style.

The $49 per-person price includes a glass of house wine, sangria or beer, making it an easy, leisurely way to dine through the warmer months.
Reservations are required; call 719-471-8272.