Friday, May 20, 2005

Denver Restaurants

15 Degrees1965 15th St.Boulder303-442-4222
The big winner for upscale, but casual, dining is 15 Degrees in Boulder. When you take a top chef from Aspen, a great front of the house/wine guy from Vail and talent from all over, put them together as partners, the result is an incredible dining experience. 15 Degrees is open for dinner only. The menu runs the gamit from vegan to meat, pleasing every taste. 15 Degrees is the hottest number in town, and the temperature keeps rising.

240 Union240 Union303-989-3562
Take sixty feet of open kitchen, add a great looking room and top it off with incredible food and wine and you have a description of 240 Union. A gem in Lakewood, 240 Union has now become a spot where a short drive is no problem. Owner/chef Matthew Franklin is a genius in his kitchen where the menu changes seasonally. The food served is awesome, and you can watch the chefs at work. No telling what Matthew will feature as his dishes change with the season. Michael Coughlin, co-owner, takes over the front of the house, and the super wine list is his baby. It is not only reasonable, but also fun to read and is user friendly. He and his staff provide the service to match the food. It all adds up to one of the best in Denver.

Aubergine225 E. 7th Ave.303-832-4778
Tiny restaurants are appearing all around the metro area, and Aubergine is a perfect example of what makes intimate spots so appealing. Aubergine simply has it all. Only fifteen tables inside and a small patio for dining, weather permitting. The cafe menu is short with very interesting choices, more of a share and enjoy array. Mediterranean and northern Italian dishes are the main influence There is a selection of featured dishes each day, meat, fish, pastas, calzones and more. Don't forget the super wine list, and fabulous desserts. Sunday night is most special, with Judy Roger's roasted chicken for two. Aubergine gets raves from every critic in the area.

Barolo Grill3030 E. 6th Ave.303-393-1040
Barolo Grill is the place everyone wants to be. I'm one of the fans who can hardly wait for the next time. Open for dinner only, the ambience is charming, the theme upscale Italian Farmhouse. The feeling is comfortable, the place always full, the diners always happy. Service is great and Blair Taylor, owner, is there to charm and delight his guests. His humor, wine knowledge and friendliness are not to be missed. The food has a northern Italian flare. The chef and wait staff visit Italy once or twice a year to find new and exciting menu items. This is definitely a place to go while in Denver.

California Cafe 8505 Park Meadows Center Drive 303-649-1111
Park Meadows Mall is the home of many restaurants, and California CafÈ is by far the most upscale and sophisticated spot in the area. It is a beautiful space with wonderful dÈcor. Great design in several areas and you can ask to be seated by the fireplace or waterfall. The huge open kitchen is terrific, as diners watch their food being prepared. The menu is very California, as the chain originated there. Like so many multiple spaces, this does not appear to be a chain. It is the only upscale dining spot while shopping at the Park Meadows Mall.

Cucina Leone763 S. University 303-722-5466
Cucina Leone has been a favorite for take out gourmet food since its opening in 1994. Now it is a lot more than divine carry out, which does continue to thrive and is a big part of Cucina Leone's appeal. But more exciting is the lovely dining room with quiet surroundings, and classical music in the background. Enjoy a meal of appetizers, great pizza or fabulous entrees, and of course, very special desserts. It's casual and a perfect experience.

Denver Chop House and Brewery1735 19th St.303-296-0800
Located in the historic Union Pacific building in Lodo, directly across the street from the ballpark, the Denver Chop House is easily one of Denver's favorite hot spots. The cuisine features American favorites, it's a steak house with a kick. The kick is, it has many choices for the non-steak goer or even the vegetarian to go ponder. The ambience is fun, as the restaurant stays with the railroad's forties hey-day motif. Furthermore, no seat is a bad seat! Big fun booths line the walk ways so one can partake in conversation or glance over the bar towards huge metallic tanks which brew the restaurant's specialty beers, or catch a glimpse into the chef's galley via the open kitchen. Furthermore, there is never a shortage of people to see during your visit, the restaurant is more often than not on await, so get on the list and venture back to the Caboose for a before dinner cocktail. Always mobbed and lots of fun, especially around game time.

Fourth Story2955 E. 1st Ave.303-322-1824
This is a restaurant atop a bookstore. The store is the Tattered Cover, possibly one of the most famous book stores in the country, and the restaurant atop, the Fourth Story, is equally as well loved in the Denver area. It is perfect from beginning to end. The food is spectacular, under Chef David Steinmann, who is creative and talented with his eclectic cuisine. Terri Hannifin runs the front of the house with the same talent and charm as chef. The service is perfect, the view divine, and the wine list is one of the best in town. This is a chapter of a book that has a perfect ending.

Full Moon Grill2525 ArapahoeBoulder303-938-8800
The moon shines brightly over the Full Moon in Boulder. Owner, Rick Stein has put together a restaurant that can't be beat. He heads the front of the house, and the results are superb. The decor is very different with banquettes along the wall looking out the big picture windows. As you enter, you can peek into the open kitchen and visit with Bradford Heap, chef/partner. Very tall, talented, and charming, he will happily tell you about the evening's features and what's hot in food. The cuisine in northern Italian, and Brad does it perfectly. Boulder and Denver both rate this as one of the top dining choices in the area.

Ilios1201 Broadway303-623-3663
Looking for the sunny Mediterranean and unable to afford the airfare. Well come on over to Ilios where the atmosphere is about as sunny as Greece. Brightly printed tablecloths, lots of fun art, and an open kitchen make it family fun. Gather round the bar, or your table, and enjoy some sunny food. There is something for every taste and mood, from tapas, pizzas from the wood burning ovens, to lots of entrÈe choices. The wine list is very nice and reasonable as well. Located very near the Art Museum and Library, it is a great spot near those spots and downtown Denver.

India's3333 S. Tamarac Dr.303-755-4284
Indian cuisine is a favorite on both coasts, all around Europe and in Denver as well. The food is full of flavors, not necessarily hot, but with spices and sauces with great taste and appeal. All dishes are available mild, medium or blow your head off so inform your waiter. The food of India is great, and India's remains Denver's first choice for this cuisine. They do everything right in an upscale atmosphere and excellent food. Sharing family style affords the opportunity to taste everything. There are lots of wines, but go for the beer. The place is very upscale with lovely linen, decor and service. Everything is prepared to order, so don't be in a hurry. India's is a real favorite of locals.

Jax Fish House1539 17th St.1540 303-292-5767
Lodo is full of restaurants of every kind, but the biggest standout is a tiny spot called Jax. It is a true gem. Very simple in dÈcor, but fun, there is a huge bar to enjoy several varieties of oysters and appetizers as you wait to be seated. No reservations, but no one cares. The fresh fish is fabulous, very fresh and prepared with terrific flavor. The only downside of this fabulous place is the noise, but so are most eateries in this area. No matter how many new entries come on the scene, Jax remains everyone's favorite.

Modena2690 Baseline, Boulder303-554-56442nd & Detroit, Denver303-322-9554
Modena is a family style Italian restaurant that will keep you coming back. Go with friends who like to eat-and eat the same things you do. Portions are gigantic and the food is outrageously good. One order is enough for two elephants or three or four diners. Mark Gordon, chef/owner has mastered the art of cooking and pleasing the crowd. Service keeps pace with the food, top notch. Prices are incredibly affordable. You betcha, it is a winner.

Morton's of Chicago1710 Wynkoop303-825-3353
Morton's boasts the best steak in the country and does an excellent job of proving it. One of Denver's most popular steakhouses, it deserves the honor. Your visit is designed for you to enjoy every minute of the experience. Find dining, fine wines and wonderful meat, fish and more. Truly a treat, and a great part of Lodo.

New Saigon630 S. Federal303-936-4954
If you are in the mood for great Vietnamese food, head for the New Saigon Restaurant. The decor is simple, but secondary to the delicious cuisine. The menu is vast and varied. There are numerous items from which to choose, including appetizers and the chef's specialty dishes. Everything is very fresh and each dish has its own distinctive flavor. Service is usually very good but does tend to be a little slow on Friday and Saturday evenings because of the large crowds. The wait is well worth it. Reservations are accepted for parties of five or more. Denver diners consistently vote it the best.

Strings1700 Humboldt303-831-7310The food and service at Strings are impeccable. It all starts when you call to make reservations and the receptionist sounds positively pleased to hear from you. When you arrive, you're greeted by name and shown to "your" table. Even if it's your first time, the staff makes you feel like a regular. It's these small, but very important, courtesies that make Strings so very popular year after year. At lunch it's crowded with 17th Avenue lawyers, with socialites planning the next big benefit and with just plain folks enjoying good food in friendly atmosphere. The lunch specials change depending on the culinary mood of chef/owner Noel Cunningham and executive chef Sean Farley. Dinner is even more exciting, with a cuisine that has something to please everyone. Noel Cunningham is a part of Denver, and Strings a restaurant that you must visit.

Sushi Den1487 S. Pearl303-777-0826
The name, Sushi Den, is as familiar as McDonald's when it comes to Japanese food. That 's where any similarity ends, as the Sushi Den is in the most upscale and beautiful space with incredible food. The decor is high tech, understated but perfect. The sushi bar is the place to sit, but if you prefer there are lots of tables for dining as well. Complete dinners are served which appeal to those who aren't in the mood for sushi. Service is very good, but slow, but it's well worth the wait. Dining at the Sushi Den is a very special treat.

Tante Louise4900 E. Colfax303-355-4488
The night was made for love, the love of Tante Louise, which has been around for twenty years. Corky Douglass is the perfect host. The restaurant is in an old house, full of charm with wood floors, lace curtains, lots of cozy nooks for dining and fireplaces here and there. Modern French cuisine with very American accents describes Michael Degenhart's approach. The results are wonderful in taste and presentation. Each plate is beautiful and the food is delicious. Corky takes great pride in his wine list and both choices and prices are terrific. Service is flawless, so is Corky. It's his expression and describes Tante Louise perfectly.

Today's Gourmet at Highland's Garden Cafe3927 W. 32nd Ave.303-458-5920
This is a visit to a restaurant that is better than going to the Botanic Gardens and fine dining all at once. It is beautiful at Today's Gourmet. The gardens are magnificent, the house is an old house redone with the care and beauty displayed with the flowers that surround it. The food is as wonderful as everything else. The menu changes daily with many features of food that is presented with the same artistic design as you find elsewhere in the surroundings. The wine list is exceptional as well. Pat Perry and her husband Chuck deserve all the praise they receive.

Tommy Tsunami1432 Market303-534-5050
It's a tidal wave, and that's how Tommy Tsunami has hit Denver. The place is outrageous featuring a great bar, giant multi pictured TV on the wall and Harley motorcycle over the bar. Not for sale, although there are bidders. A stock exchange panel, surfboards and modern tables and chairs all add to the ambience. There is a sushi bar to enjoy or the regular menu of dishes that are definitely flavored with Asian accents. Private rooms are available for Japanese style service and/or private parties. Lots of wine and beer and lots of people and a high pitched energy level, tell you that Tommy Tsunami is a happening in downtown Denver.

Zaidy's121 Adams303-333-5336
In Yiddish, Zaidy means Grandpa, and gosh, my Zaidy would have been in seventh heaven at this great Deli. Cases are filled with goodies to purchase for carry out. The baked goods are delicious, hot from the oven each morning. Lots of seating in comfortable surroundings makes it easy to stop in anytime. The patio is great as well. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here. The Jewish favorites are served and done better than I remember Mama making. Huge sandwiches and all those yummy dishes keep the crowds coming to this deli near Cherry Creek.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home