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To Note: They have event space downstairs, but the 'wine room' is a bit contrived, the chairs and linen are outdated, and the ceilings are low.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

Churchill Bar Review

CHURCHILL BAR @ THE BROWN PALACE

Desirability: 6 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions: This is my favorite cigar bar in Denver (though I am eager to try Del Frisco's in Greenwood Village). I don't typically like mixing smoke and food, but they keep this place well ventilated, so it's acceptable for a bite when it's not too crowded. They use the Ship Tavern's Menu which offers decent food with classic American menu options.

I don't come here for the food though; I come here for the service, full bar, and very good cigar menu (they even sell a small selection of cigarettes). Yes, the cigars and wines are a bit over-priced, but the ambiance and staff are worth it. They work hard to make you feel welcomed,and unhurried. The cushy seats and plush couches are nice touches - plus, they have all the smoking accouterments you'd want to enjoy your smokey pleasure.

Additional Note: You can access free wireless internet here. On occasion, I'll even come here to do work or host a business meeting - it's always a hit!

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Calamari - Tavern Club - Quesadillas - Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Most Recent Visit:  11/11/2011
Amount Visited:  25+
Experiences:  Bar

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

Hodsons Bar & Grill Review

HODSONS BAR & GRILL

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:  This is a standout restaurant in the Streets at SouthGlenn that boasts great food, friendly and attentive staff, and a sleek interior. It doesn't hurt that there is a ton of parking just across the street, a huge movie theater for entertainment, and a daily happy hour from 3-6pm and from 9pm to close.

They opened up their doors tonight to help benefit the wonderful non-profit I am the Chair of Board for, Learning Ally (formerly RFB&D). For all tables that dined here on behalf of Learning Ally, Hodsons pledged to generously donate 25% of the proceeds to our organization. The owners even dined here tonight to show their personal support (what a classy touch!).

This restaurant will definitely be a go-to for me.

Some Food/Drink Tasted:  Spinach & Artichoke Dip - Calamari - Rotisserie Chicken Salad - Portabella Napoleon - Penne Hodson - The Hodson (Buffalo) Burger - Lobster & Bacon Macaroni & Cheese - Sweet Potato Fries - Warm Oatmeal Cookie Bar - Pressed Chocolate Cake 

Most Recent Visit: 11/07/2011
Amount Visited:  5+
Experiences:  Dinner

Address:  6851 S. Gaylord Street, Centennial, CO 80122
Website:  hodsonsbarandgrill.com  Phone: (720) 457-3852
Social Networking:  Facebook /Hodson's Bar and Grill  - Twitter @HodsonsBarGrill

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