It would seem I am on a roll, and not a good one. Back-to-back terrible dining experiences in Denver have me wondering why I bother eating downtown at all, especially when there are so many solid eateries up north, just minutes from the office. (more…)
May 2008
If you can’t arrest a gay couple for trying to get married, at least you can fine them 41 bucks and dish out 28 hours of community service. That’s the punishment doled out to Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder, a couple convicted Wednesday of trespassing for staging a sit in at the Denver county clerk’s office in protest of the Colorado law banning same-sex marriages. (more…)
May 2008
Overall
• CRITICS: Rioja, Larimer Square
Picking the best of Denver is really a state of mind. With so many great options offered by the Kevin Taylors and Frank Bonannos of the world, it can be darn right difficult to say with confidence that any of the elite restaurants are truly and consistently better than the others. That being said, more often than not, when hunger strikes us in a fancy mood, we pick Rioja. Part of its charm is being located in the historic Larimer Square district. The menu created by owner and executive chef Jennifer Jasinski always surprises. Examples include risotto stuffed calamari and Colorado classics such as a leg of lamb that always shines. The scene inside bustles and there are a bevy of entertainment options available just a short walk away following dinner. It’s all just amazing.
Breakfast
• CRITICS: Duo Denver, Highlands
This is a seasonal menu so don’t be disappointed if the following recommendation isn’t available on the brunch menu when you get to this Highlands gem—something else will shine just as much, trust us. The Cider Glazed Pork Benedict is not only delicious, but it is perhaps one of the most creative breakfast dishes you’ll every taste. Poached eggs are served with grilled sourdough and roasted cider glazed pork with a grain mustard sauce. It is absolutely divine. So is the rest of the menu—you really cannot go wrong.
Date Night
• CRITICS: Z Cuisine, Highlands; Cruise Room, Downtown
Z has received plenty of hype from virtually every publication that serves Denver—it’s all deserved. The tiny French sidewalk café seats about 20, tops (although with the recent opening of its wine bar next door, seats will be a little easeier). You’ll play footsie under the table (you have no choice since the intimate dining room is so small), munch on a blackboard menu that changes nightly and features the best French food outside of Paris, and sip on tasty a rosé to wash it all down. Once you’ve finished your leisurely dinner, head the two miles to downtown and check out the Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel. Fashioned after, you guessed it, a cruise room, enjoy classic martinis in a chic environment that serves as the ultimate backdrop to end a date night.
Steakhouse
• CRITICS: Del Friscos, Denver Tech Center
The drive all the way down south to the Tech Center is worth it for that special occasion steak dinner, whether it be for a bachelor party, birthday or retirement. The steaks are the best of an incredibly good and crowded chophouse market in Denver. The service is absolutely impeccable—a fleet of waitstaff is there to do little more than refill water glasses while someone else pays close attention to the wine situation while yet another clears crumbs constantly while yet another ensures you get the perfect steak, which is the reason you are visiting after all. Stay for a few hours—you’ll need the extra time to digest and sip cognac.
April 2008
Bar
• CRITICS: Tavern Uptown, Uptown
There is now a Tavern Downtown, in Lowry and the Tech Center. None of them pass muster when measured against the original (that’s not a knock on the others as much as it is a testament to the Uptown location). Big leather couches surround a fireplace in the main room that make for the best seats on a cold winter night. But it’s summer now, so bypass that and head to the massive patio outside that has its own bar and grassy area. You can see the skyline in the background and are only steps from the mini bowling alley that eats dollars quicker than the Rockies can hit balls out of Coors Field just a mile away—and it’s soooo worth it.
Bloody Mary
• CRITICS: Gallop Café, Highlands
We never thought the best purveyors of the classic Sunday morning drink would be from Wisconsin. But the Midwestern touch added to their massive bloodies—a side of Pabst Blue Ribbon—pushes it over the edge. The funny thing is, it didn’t need a PBR kick with its spicy, housemade mix and forest of veggie accompaniments. This will no doubt cure any hangover or start a leisurely day on the right track. (more…)
April 2008
You are beautiful.
In some way, Margaret Cho believes it to be true, regardless of your size or skin tone. (more…)
April 2008
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