Vinue Bar Review

VINUE

Desirability: 6 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:  Vinue opened in the late summer of 2011, right around when I moved to Denver ... coincidence? I think not! I am thrilled that this wine bar is here in Cherry Creek. It is just what this neighborhood needs to stay classy-chic and modern. You can pick from almost 70 types of wines and champagnes, in 3 different pour sizes, from a lot of impressive wine dispensing machines. And, yes, they do offer a full bar complete with specialty cocktails. They also offer food from charcuterie platters, to tapas, and even dessert!

It's always fun to introduce people to this venue, especially wine lovers, because they are like a kid in a candy store. I came here for a casual business meeting tonight, and the cushy lounge atmosphere relaxed everyone and encouraged great conversation.

The owners are fantastic - I can't wait to host an event here!

Most Recent Visit:  2/08/2012
Amount Visited:  10+
Experiences:  Lounge, Bar

Address: 2817 E. 3rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
Website:  denverwinebar.net  Phone: (720) 287-1156
Social Networking: Facebook /Vinue Food & Wine Bar
- Twitter @VinueWineBar

Panzano Restaurant Review

PANZANO

Desirability:  5.5 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:   I had another great dinner here. I was glad to see that it was busy, even in the earlier part of the evening on a Monday. The crowd here is as eclectic as the food, which makes the vibe comfortable and energetic.

I should mention that it is a bit expensive to dine here, but it's worth it. There are a lot of positive points about Panzano: they use local and organic ingredients as much as possible - their extensive gluten-free options taste great - they have a fantastic wine list - the service is formal and attentive - atmosphere is inviting and great for friends, business meetings and dates - they are conveniently located next to a parking lot - oh, and I've enjoyed almost everything I've eaten here. To be fair, one suggestion I have is to ease up on the use of olives.

I still haven't had time to try their daily happy hour between 2:30-6pm in their lounge, but I will!

To Note: They have event space downstairs, but the 'wine room' is a bit contrived, the chairs and linen are outdated, and the ceilings are low. A thorough revamp should do the trick.

     Try:  Pappardelle alla Bolognese

     Skip:  Pancetta Avvolta Radicchio

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Crespelle ai Funghi - Anatra Mousse - Pancetta Avvolta Radicchio - Zuppa di Giorno - Jewel Lattuga - Caesar - Pesce Fresco - Costole Breve - Pappardelle alla Bolognese - Carbonara a la Panzano - Patate Dolci - Risotto - Sweet Potato Mash - Tiramisu

Most Recent Visit:  2/06/2012
Amount Visited:  5+
Experiences:  Dinner

Address:  909 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website:  panzano-denver.com  Phone: (303) 296-3525
Social Networking:  Facebook /Panzano

Previous Posts:  December 2011

Golden Saigon Restaurant Review

GOLDEN SAIGON

Desirability: 6 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:  This is the best Vietnamese restaurant I have ever been to. The food is delicious!

This restaurant is tucked away in an unassuming location, so it's like a hidden gem even though they've won Aurora's Best of the Best 2010 Award. I was thrilled to find it on a hunt for a lunch spot ... now I eat here at least once a week. The seating in the restaurant is comfortable, you can order sake, beer and wine here, and the people who work at Golden Saigon are kind and efficient. 

Other reasons why I like this restaurant, is because they only use fresh ingredients, which you can notice in the quality of the dishes, they are generous with their portions, and have reasonable prices (especially for their lunch specials). Don't forget to request a 'spicy' addition to any dish for heat-seekers. 

If I could give them a suggestion: Offer a delivery service

     Try:  Curry Chicken (spicy) - Chicken with Vegetable

     Skip:  n/a

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Shrimp with Vegetable - Chicken with Vegetable - Mongolian Beef - Curry Chicken - Sesame Chicken - Hot and Sour Soup - Crab Cheese Wonton - Fried Dumpling - Egg Flower Soup - Egg Rolls

Most Recent Visit: 12/19/2011
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences  Lunch

Address: 2648 S. Parker Road, Unit 2, Aurora, CO 80014
Website:  GoldenSaigon.com  Phone: (303) 671-7100
Social Networking: Facebook /Golden Saigon Restaurant

NoRTH Restaurant & Bar Review

NoRTH

Desirability:  4.5 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:  Tonight, I stopped by for drink and snack at the bar. There was a decent crowd tonight, though I've seen better on a Thursday. This is one of the more pricey Cherry Creek neighborhood gems. The atmosphere and food here is their strength. The atmosphere is chic and spacious, and their food is very tasty. Their service could use some work on being attentive and polite, and I'd still like to see them do an overhaul on their wine list (especially by the glass), but I would still come here for a bite or take-out.

To note: They have a Happy Hour menu during the week (only until 6pm), and the outside tables are a nice option that I want to try once it gets warmer.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Roasted Mushrooms, Cipollini Onions, Rosemary Pizza - Heirloom Beets, Arugula, Apple, Hazelnuts, Lemon Crème Fraiche Salad - Caprese, Mozzarella Burrata, Tomato, Arugula Pesto Salad - Tagliatelle - Short Rib “Osso Buco” - Sea Bass - Chicken Parmesan - Nutella Desert

Most Recent Visit:  12/17/2011
Amount Visited:  5+
Experiences:  Bar, Dinner

Address: 190 Clayton Lane, Denver, CO 80206-5675 (multiple locations)
Website: foxrc.com/north.html  Phone: (720) 941-7700
Social Networking: Facebook /Fox Restaurant Concepts  -  Twitter @debbieporterfrc

Previous Posts:  March 2010

Panzano Restaurant Review

PANZANO

Desirability:  5.5 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:   This is one of my favorite restaurants to dine at in Denver. There are a lot of positive points about Panzano: they use local and organic ingredients as much as possible - their extensive gluten-free options taste great - they have a fantastic wine list - the service is formal and attentive - atmosphere is inviting and great for friends, business meetings and dates - they are conveniently located next to a parking lot - oh, and I've enjoyed almost everything I've eaten here. To be fair, one suggestion I have is to ease up on the use of olives.

I'm looking forward to trying their happy hour offered 7 days a week, 2:30-6pm in their lounge (after all, they were voted Best Happy Hour Deal in 2010). 

To Note: They have event space downstairs, but the 'wine room' is a bit contrived, the chairs and linen are outdated, and the ceilings are low. A thorough revamp should do the trick.

     Try:  Pappardelle alla Bolognese

     Skip:  Pancetta Avvolta Radicchio

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Crespelle ai Funghi - Anatra Mousse - Pancetta Avvolta Radicchio - Zuppa di Giorno - Jewel Lattuga - Caesar - Pappardelle alla Bolognese - Carbonara a la Panzano - Patate Dolci - Risotto - Tiramisu

Most Recent Visit:  12/09/2011
Amount Visited:  3
Experiences:  Dinner

Address:  909 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website:  panzano-denver.com  Phone: (303) 296-3525
Social Networking:  Facebook /Panzano

Washington Park Grille Bar & Restaurant Review

WASHINGTON PARK GRILLE

Desirability: 2 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions: Last time I was here, I had a bad dining experience. I was finally encouraged to give this place another try, and thankfully I had a much better experience. The food was still not great, but it didn't turn me off! I sat in the lounge section (to the left of the bar, pictured above), and it was quite nice. The seating was comfortable and the atmosphere was cozy. The staff was friendly and approachable, per usual. 

The prices here are expensive for what you get, but I do like their spirits selection, and discovered that they are slightly better priced (I had the Oban) than their wine list.

Happy Hour Deals: They have great specials like half off premium wines on Wednesdays, $3 Thursday Ladies Nights drinks, and more!

     Try:  n/a

     Skip:  Brie & Artichoke Dip

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Crispy Calamari - Lump Crab Cakes - Sliders - Bruschetta Sampler - Baked Brie, Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Most Recent Visit:  11/02/2011
Amount Visited:  2
Experiences:  Bar, Dinner

Address: 1096 South Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80209
Website:  washparkgrille.com  Phone: (303) 777-0707
Social Networking: Facebook /Washington Park Grille  -  Twitter @WashParkGrille

Previous Posts:  August 2011

Capital Grille Restaurant Review

 

CAPITAL GRILLE, DENVER

Desirability: 6 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:  I've been to this Larimer Sq. location a few times, and this evening was one of my best dinning experiences. The dinner special I had was delicious and the staff was extremely accommodating and attentive.

This chain restaurant has been able to maintain a high-end boutique steak house feel in every location I've dined at. I've been impressed at the chain's consistent and reliable fresh quality food, excellent service, and impressive wine list. If you like you waiter, remember to get his/her name as you can request them for future seatings.

Also, a nice insider tip: if you want something offered at a different Capital Grille (like caviar or particular bottle of champagne), you can call ahead of time and they will ship it to your restaurant’s location.

     Try:  Dry Aged Steak Au Poivre - Lobster Mac N Cheese - Seasonal Mushroom Medly
     Skip:  Creamed Spinach

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Dry Aged Steak Au Poivre – Calamari – Oysters – Shrimp Cocktail – Wedge Salad – Tomato Salad – Filet Mignon – Swordfish – Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – Lobster Mac N Cheese – Seasonal Mushrooms – Creamed Spinach – Asparagus – Truffle Fries

Most Recent Visit: 10/27/2011
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 1450 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80202 (multiple locations)
Website: thecapitalgrille.com  Phone: (303) 539-2500
Social Networking:  Facebook /The Capital Grille  -  Twitter @capgrillelsq

Previous Posts:  January 2010

Chinook Tavern Restaurant Review

CHINOOK TAVERN

Desirability: 3 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions: I was first impressed with the spacious bar/lounge, restaurant and additional private room. The super high ceilings, the airy feel, uplifting light wood tones, and interesting lighting. Once seated, I went from feeling intrigued to feeling a bit exposed and lonely - there was no one in the restaurant!

I ordered and waited, and waited ... and waited for some dinner rolls. Then, I waited, and waited ,and waited for my salad. Then, it's repeat the same for my entree, coffee and dessert. I like a relaxing meal, but I didn't plan on it lasting 3 hours. The food was good, but skip the dessert (a bit dry) and coffee (a bit weak).

The bar section is quite attractive (pictured above), so it'd be great for an after-work happy hour drink. Also, the space is accommodating for a large private cocktail function - just make sure the contract ensures it's staffed appropriately.

Most Recent Visit: 10/23/2011
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences:  Dinner

Address: 6380 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (multiple locations)
Website: chinookdenver.com  Phone: ‎(720) 266-6000
Social Networking: Twitter @ChinookTavern  -  Facebook /Chinook Tavern

Corridor 44 Bar Review

CORRIDOR 44

My Opinions: We all know that I love the bubblies ... especially in the Rose family. Tonight, I  quenched my thirst with their flight of 3 sparkling roses - the presentation was enticing ... my drinks set on a wrought iron spiral flute holder, and the pours all complimented each other.

This place was packed, yet the bar service was still attentive and friendly - nice work! The crowd was an "interesting" mix of 70% classy, 25% tawdry, and 5% sloshed, but it wouldn't be a good Friday night without some amusement, right?! Also, the prices are quite fair, especially for their bottles, so I will be back to try some more flights, some more bottles, and maybe even something from their food menu.

Most Recent Visit: 10/21/2011
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Bar

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

Address: 1433 Larimer Square, Denver, CO 80202
Website: corridor44.com  Phone: (303) 893-0044‎
Social Networking: Twitter @Corridor44  -  Facebook /Corridor 44

Previous Posts:  November 2009

Lash Envy (Denver) Review

LASH ENVY

My Opinions: I wasn't sure I would find a comparable lash company in Denver, but Aly Warren's Lash Envy office (near the Cherry Creek Mall) does great work. They use Xtreme Lashes and my stylist, Jacque, is able to artfully apply a significant amount of lashes to make my lash line look full and natural.

The office is located in an apartment building, this surprised me on my first visit because I was not advised, but once inside, Aly maintains a clean and calming environment for you to get your application done. The prices are fair and they even sell some great products like a natural lash stimulator formula, brow pencils and grooming tools. To note: I've been happy with the staying power these lashes have. I can go 4-5 weeks before another application, and they use a quick drying glue that reduces irritation.

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

Most Recent Visit: 10/18/2011
Amount Visited: 2
Experiences: Lash Application

Address: 3329 E. Bayaud Avenue, Suite 804, Denver, CO 80209 (multiple locations)
Website:  LashEnvyinc.com  Phone: (303) 717-5247
Social Networking: Facebook /Lash Envy

Washington Park Grille Bar & Restaurant Review

WASHINGTON PARK GRILLE

My Opinions: Though this places looks more upscale, I'd opt for the brother restaurant, Wash Park Tavern. The Wash Park Grille's bar section was surprisingly dingy/dive-like, but offered a good selection of libations, so I'd come back for a drink. 

Upon getting seated outside, I had the chance to try some starters, and decided not to try anything more because the food was a turn off ... especially the baked brie, spinach and artichoke dip. The ingredients did not seem fresh, the flavors tasted off, and the dishes were not well prepared. On the upside, the staff is friendly and approachable. 

The prices here are expensive, especially for what you get (including the wines by the glass and bottle list). I have heard this place is decent, so perhaps I just caught the chef on a bad night. We shall see!

Desirability: 2 of 6 acclamations

     Try:  n/a

     Skip:  Brie & Artichoke Dip

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Sliders - Bruschetta Sampler - Baked Brie, Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Most Recent Visit:  8/10/2011
Amount Visited:  1
Experiences:  Bar, Dinner

Address: 1096 South Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80209
Website:  washparkgrille.com  Phone: (303) 777-0707
Social Networking: Facebook /Washington Park Grille  -  Twitter @WashParkGrille

Mellow Mushroom Bar & Restaurant Review

MELLOW MUSHROOM - CENTENNIAL 

Notables:

Casual	Trivia Nights	Good Bartenders
Moderately Priced		Gluten Free Options

My Opinions:  So glad we gave this place another try ... but we will only sit at the bar from now on (I'm still cringing from my first, and last, dinner in the dining room). As always, the bartenders were friendly, efficient and fun. The food came out hot and tasted delicious. I really enjoyed the regular pizza and my family enjoyed the gluten free option. Though gluten free dough is healthier for you, but I had to try the regular crust. I'm glad I did because  it was fluffy and flavorful.

To Note: This restaurant hosts trivia nights often, which is fun, but be warned that the room gets loud.

     Try:  Spinach Artichoke Dip - Spinach Salad

     Skip:  Field Green - Steak & Cheese Hoagie

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Spinach Artichoke Dip - Caesar Salad - Field Green Salad - Spinach Salad - Gluten-Free Pizza - Pepperoni Pizza - Meatball Hoagie - Steak & Cheese Hoagie

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 5/11/2011
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences:  Bar, Dinner

Address: 2154 East Commons Avenue, Centennial, CO 80122 (multiple locations)
Website: mellowmushroom.com/centennial  Phone: (720) 353-4300
Social Networking:  Facebook /Mellow Mushroom - Centennial  -  Twitter @MMCentennial

Previous Posts:  April 2011

Izakaya Den Bar Review

IZAKAYA DEN

My Opinions: As far as Japanese restaurants go, this place really commits. From the Japanese construction to the custom made chairs and kimono fabric lanterns, I was impressed. What a great interior, and, though not a huge space, it boasts a wide variety of seating options (sushi bar, regular bar, main dining room, bar room high tops, patio). The staff complimented the food and ambiance quite nicely - they were friendly, efficient, professional and welcoming.

It was my first visit here for their happy hour, and I was pleasantly surprised of how packed the place was with good-looking, well-dressed professionals (bonus)! I enjoyed a tasty "5's at Five" menu that had a good variety of discounted dishes and drinks. I am looking forward to coming back and having a sit down dinner here and trying their brother restaurant, Sushi Den, that's conveniently across the street.

     Try:  Hoisin Duck Crostinis

     Skip:  n/a

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Edamame - California Roll - Hoisin Duck Crostinis

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/07/2011
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences: Bar

Address: 1518 S. Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80210
Website:  izakayaden.net  Phone: (303)777-0691
Social Networking:  Facebook /Izakaya Den

Tea at the Brown Palace Review

AFTERNOON TEA @ The Brown Palace

My Opinions:  I've had plenty of tea times in my life, mainly in Boston, so I was extra excited about trying out this one since it was to celebrate my mother's birthday and it was in the lobby of one of my favorite hotels in Denver.

The food was good and priced fairly, but the service was mediocre ... something disappointing since their restaurant and bar have great service. I liked the live piano music although it ended surprisingly early - I had one of the first reservations and the pianist stopped playing around 1:30pm ... I believe the tea seats until 4pm - not sure what happened here today.

All-in-all, I was glad to try this tea once; it was worth the experience. Going forward, I look forward to trying tea times elsewhere in Denver.

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/07/2011
Amount Visited:  5+
Experiences: Afternoon Tea, Bar, Dinner

Address: 321 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website: brownpalace.com  Phone: (303) 297-3111
Social Networking:  Facebook /The Brown Palace  -  Twitter @BrownPalace

Mellow Mushroom Bar & Restaurant Review

Mellow Mushroom in Centennial 

My Opinions: Service makes all the difference some times.  The first time I came here was last month, we sat at the bar and had the BEST time - largly in part to the top notch bartender. The food was good, and I think it may have tasted even better because we were happy with the service.  We couldn't wait to come back, so when I flew in to Denver today we  rushed over, and then ...

This time around, we sat in the dining room and were sorely disappointed with the service, food and overall experience. We will come back for the Gluten-Free food and drink, but we will only to sit at the bar.

To Note: The restaurant hosts trivia nights often, which is fun, but prepare for it to get loud.

     Try:  Spinach Artichoke Dip - Spinach Salad

     Skip:  Field Green - Steak & Cheese Hoagie

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Spinach Artichoke Dip - Ceasar Salad - Field Green Salad - Spinach Salad - Gluten-Free Pizza - Pepperoni Pizza - Meatball Hoagie - Steak & Cheese Hoagie

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 4/06/2011
Amount Visited: 3
Experiences:  Bar, Dinner

Address: 2154 East Commons Avenue, Centennial, CO 80122 (multiple locations)
Website: mellowmushroom.com/centennial  Phone: (720) 353-4300
Social Networking:  Facebook /Mellow Mushroom - Centennial  -  Twitter @MMCentennial

Hotel Teatro Review

HOTEL TEATRO

My Opinions:  Free water bottles in the room? Free mini-fridge? Free fresh fruit in the gym? ... SOLD!

What a wonderful boutique hotel. Located across from the new Four Seasons Denver, Teatro offers excellent service, sizable rooms, and finishing touches like a gym, two restaurants, being pet friendly, and being EPA Certified.

I am looking forward to staying here again very soon.

Address: 1100 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website: www.hotelteatro.com  Phone: (303) 228-1100
Social Networking: Twitter @HotelTeatro  –  Facebook /Hotel Teatro

The Avenue Grill Restaurant Review

The Avenue Grill 

My Opinions:  I'm here visiting family for the Christmas holiday and, as a tradition, we try a new Denver restaurant each year. The Avenue Grill was quite a fine find.

I was first impressed with the interior - it was warm, inviting, and a bit fancier than I had imagined given the exterior (love that!). I did get a peak at the bar that looked like a fun time! Once seated, the service was excellent (friendly, attentive and knowledgeable) and the menu was enticing. Not only did they offer great food choices, many with a Thai flair, they also could make most dishes gluten free, they had a vegetarian option AND they had a late night menu!

The food tasted great and the cocktail menu was creative; I would definitely come back here. What a great Christmas Eve dinner!

     Try:  Ravioli - Filet - Grilled Salmon
     Skip:  Tiramisu Roll

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Fondue Style Smoked Cheddar - Chicken and Spinach Potstickers - Tempura Prawns - Wild Mushroom Ravioli - Charbroiled Ribeye - Grilled Salmon - Tiramisu Roll - Crème Brulee

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Most Recent Visit: 12/24/2010
Amount Visited:  1
Experiences: Dinner

Address: 630 East 17th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
Website: www.avenuegrill.com/  Phone: (303) 861-2820
Social Networking:  Facebook /AvenueGrill

Willow Creek Restaurant Review

Willow Creek Restaurant
My Opinions: Any place that gets two thumbs up by my mom is good in my book.

RIP Aspen Grill, and your replacement is wonderful!  The owners of Willow Creek are a married duo that have come from managing the upscale restaurant at the Brown Palace in Denver, and, since they have family in Evergreen, they went for this restaurant opportunity.

I had my first Buffalo Burger here and it was very good - nice and lean, but not dry. Actually, all the food was tasty, fresh and well-presented. They offered a nice wine list by the glass and by the bottle. The interior hasn't changed much, so it's still a cozy atmosphere with a great view, outside dining, and an open layout. Across the lake, you can see the Evergreen Golf Club ... the course that I played just yesterday. I look forward to dining here again during my next visit.

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Garden Salad - Housemade Mozzarella Cheese - Buffalo Burger - Roast Chicken Pasta - Semifreddo

Most Recent Visit: 8/19/2010
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Lunch

Patronage Inclination: Occasion

Address: 29029 Upper Bear Creek Rd. #105, Evergreen, CO 80439
Website: www.willowcreekevergreen.com   Phone: (303) 674-9463

Tuscany Tavern Restaurant Review

Tuscany Tavern

My Opinions:  I try to always eat or drink here at least once when I visit my family in Colorado. This last time I was here, I noticed a new doctor's office on the top floor complete with a plethora of reserved spots in the parking lot.  Thankfully, the owners were neighborly, and gave back some of the front spots for the rest of the businesses in this complex. Tuscany Tavern has been here for over 10 years, and has brought a lot of business and attention to this real estate, so hopefully they stay for at least another 10 years!

The management, service and food is consistently excellent.

This is a great restaurant in the unassuming town of Evergreen, CO. The owners are a fixture; their friendliness and energy sets a great tone for everyone else. The bar experience is just as nice as the dining room, and in the warm weather, there is a beautiful outside dining option.  They recently opened up a larger function space next to the main restaurant to accommodate private parties and events ... I hope I have the opportunity to plan an event here.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Bruschetta – Caprese Insalate – Apple Chicken Insalate – Chicken Piccata – Meatball Sub - Pizzas - Crab Cakes - BLT - Eggplant Parmesan

Patronage Inclination:  Frequent

Most Recent Visit: 8/18/2010
Amount Visited: 25+
Experiences: Lunch, Dinner, Bar

Address: 32214 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, CO 80439
Website: http://www.tuscany-tavern.com  Phone: (303) 674-3739
Social Networking:

Older Posts: March 2010

Restaurants & Bars to Avoid

Restaurants & Bars to Avoid

(my opinions as of March 2010)
... View Places to Enjoy!

BOSTON & SURROUNDING

• Pairings at the Park Plaza (Restaurant & Bar)
• Cafeteria (Restaurant)

DENVER & SURROUNDING

Nothing to "avoid" yet

LAS VEGAS

Nothing to "avoid" yet

MIAMI & SURROUNDING

Nothing to "avoid" yet

NEW YORK CITY

• Butter (Restaurant)