“One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well, if one has not eaten well…”  Virginia Woolf.

This is one of the epicurean sayings painted on the walls of the Red Umbrella Deli & Catering, an establishment that has been serving great food in Castle Pines North for the past two years.

The Red Umbrella, located in the Safeway shopping center, is owned and operated by Mark Pridgen and Marilyn Curtis, who have each been working in the food industry for more than 20 years.  The two met while working together at Tony’s Meats & Specialty Foods in Littleton, and decided to go into business together. 

“Not only did we choose to place the Red Umbrella in CPN because we’re both residents here and the commute is great, but we really enjoy the neighborhood and the people who eat here,” says Pridgen.

Everyone from moms with kids, to business people, to construction workers line up for lunch at the Red Umbrella.  The Deli serves fish and seafood, prime meats, top-grade deli meats from Boars Head, fresh produce, cheese from around the world, and market-fresh baked goods.  They offer breakfast burritos, great soups, salads, sandwiches and delicious-looking prepared foods for lunch, and even more for take-home dinners.

“People come in all the time to pick up our ready-made foods. All you have to do is heat them up when you get home,” exclaims Pridgen. 

“We have regular customers who come with their own pots, pans and serving platters.  They ask us to cook food using their pots and pans, and we then put the cooked food on their personal serving dishes. I guess they want it to really look like they cooked the food themselves!” says Pridgen.

The catering part of this restaurant is thriving, and may be even busier than the walk-in deli itself.  The Red Umbrella will deliver catering anywhere from Colorado Springs to Downtown Denver.

Word has it that The Red Umbrella has great holiday hams, tenderloin and prime rib. So, if you’re looking to cater an upcoming holiday party, place your order soon by calling 303-663-5696.