A Whole Different Diva!

I'm embarrassed how I've neglected this blog. GALA Festival 2020 was planned and thanks to the Pandemic, postponed. My Chorus (Denver Women's Chorus) has opted out of attending as a group for the postponed festival in July. It doesn't seem safe and we would in no way be ready to perform since in-person rehearsals are not happening and who knows when it will be safe to sing together again.

I've updated a few of my past entries as many places have closed. Some before the pandemic, some after. I will do my best to update as I see changes.

I'm not dining out but I am doing take out. 

I don't know what this forum will become, but I would like to continue, if for nothing else to try and stay current and have some sort of human interaction. 

TTFN

Follow me on Twitter

Check out where I am and what sounds good. Follow me on Twitter @galadendinediva

Squee! Light rail from Denver International Airport to Union Station, just in time for festival!

Denver's Light rail system has been expanding and trains traveling from DIA to Union Station (The A line) will be going starting in the spring of 2016. Just in time for GALA 2016!

http://www.rtd-denver.com/Fastracks.shtml#fastracks-map

Make a Reservation on Your Smart Phone

Just wanted to remind everyone who might want to make reservations online, I use the the Open Table App on my Android phone. It is so easy to use and very convenient if you want to check availability and/or do something last minute. If you are not familiar with Open Table, take a look first by going to http://www.opentable.com/. If you like what you see register (its free) and then get the app in the Android Market. No need for a computer or Wi-Fi, and you will have a reservation at a great place to eat.

The Low Down on Lo-Do - UPDATED

If you have a bit more time and want to relax you can head down to Lower Downtown, or what we like to call it: Lo-Do. Many place in Lo-Do are easy to get to on the Free Mall Ride or walking depending on where you are.

The Mercury Cafe is all organic, community friendly and pride themselves on using as many local suppliers as possible. They are largely vegetarian (not all though) with many gluten free options and everything is cooked from scratch. For breakfast have whole grain or Gluten free hotcakes with an assortment of toppings, an organic egg omelet (veggie or meat options), tofu scrambles or the Santa Fe Breakfast: beans, quinoa, corn, cheese and green chili. The brunch/lunch menu has delights such as Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, Sauteed Vegetable (Open-faced) or roast turkey sandwiches or Diva Favorite Ham & Cheese potatoes which are simply delicious.  For "Supper" have Shish Kebobs, Elk Steak, Garlic Linguini or grilled Tempeh with Black Bean Sauce. They also do small plates if you just want snacks. Open for Breakfast/Brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) and Dinner (Tuesday-Sunday, 5:30-11:30 p.m.). No Credit Cards. At 22nd and California (2199 California St) its a quick walk: From 16th and California, head Northeast on California Street towards 17th St (opposite of the Arts Center) and its about 6 blocks. http://www.mercurycafe.com/organic.html

CLOSED-If you are in the mood for Spanish Tapas head to The 9th Door. Serving both old-school favorites as well as new style tapas, there are many tasty treats that will tease the taste buds. There are many vegetarian and Gluten free options. Cold Tapas like Cured meats or cheeses (or a combo of both) or Pera Rollos (Fresh pears, arugula, and Idiazábal cheese rolled in Serrano ham). There is huge assortment of hot Tapas like Albondigas (Lamb Meatballs with delicate almond mint sauce) or Dátiles (crispy Serrano ham-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds and drunken goat cheese) and many more in various sizes. Open for Dinner daily Monday-Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. (happy hour 4:30-6:30 p.m.), Saturday-Sunday 5:00 p.m. Located at 1808 Blake St, take the Free Mall Ride to Market Street station and then walk to 18th and Blake.
http://www.the9thdoor.com/thestory.html

If you are curious about another place not mentioned here, just ask....

Downtown and Drama Free

Want to do something a bit more simple, or maybe you are pressed for time? Here are some options for you if you need to grab a bite with a little less drama.

Cafe Options is a fast casual lunch spot that not only has good eats but also supports a good cause. Work Options for Women (WOW) exists to help women end the cycle of poverty by providing them with the work and life skills to become self-sufficient. 100% of the proceeds from your lunch go to WOW and the food is good. Diners will enjoy salads, hand-crafted sandwiches on artisan bread and soups made from scratch. Everything is made on site, house-roasted meats and fresh baked pastries, even the pickles and mustard. For breakfast choose from  breakfast burritos (meat or Veggie), freshly baked Quiche of the day or bagel Sandwiches. For lunch have a sandwich: Like the Goodfella, with Italian sausage, spinach, roasted pepper schmear, and Parmesan on ciabatta, or a Grilled Veggie Bomb with grilled zucchini, carrots, tomato, cucumber, avocado, sprouts, hummus, and roasted red peppers on baguette. Have some soup of the day (various combinations are available depending on your appetite), or a Cobb or Tabbouleh Salad. Of course there is espresso bar and Free Wi-Fi if you need it. Located on the 16th St mall at Curtis (1650 Curtis St) so it is a quick walk up from the Denver Performing Arts Center. Hours are 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Mon-Fri, so its ideal for a late lunch or early dinner. http://cafeoptions.com/index.html

At Mad Greens you can build you own salad or wrap and they have an "Interactive Allergy Menu" where you can check what your allergies are and it will find menu ideas for you, pretty cool! Paninis and soups and
desserts along with the build your own options. There are many, even gluten free options (clearly marked on the menu) available for proteins and dressings. Vegetarians can get tofu as a protein and many other
vegetarian options as well. There are two nearby locations: 16th St Mall (Hours M-F 10-8:30 Sat-Sun 10-6) at Stout St or the Denver Art Museum location (Hours M-F 10-6 Sat-Sun 10-6) at 1200 Acoma St: 1 Block West of Broadway between 12th and 13th Ave its walking distance from the Free Mall Ride Civic center Station. http://www.madgreens.com/menu/salad.php

Crepes N Crepes is exactly what it sounds like, a creperie.  They have many savory and sweet options. Dessert crepes with Nutella, banana, strawberries and cream cheese sauce. No matter what time of day I have a Petit Déjeuner-Crepe with eggs, Breakfast meat (Bacon) and Cheddar. Have a plain crepe or one with just butter, make it as simple or as decadent as you like. There is French onion soup, plus a soup of the day and a few salads to choose from. Also get your caffeine fix with espresso and coffee. Want to have a late lunch or early dinner no problem, there is happy hour Tuesday-Friday, 3:00-6:00 p.m. with specials on the crepes, wine or beer. There is also a patio for prime people watching and to enjoy the sunny weather. They are closed Monday but open 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m (Tuesday-Friday), 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (Saturday) and 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Sunday). Located 1512 Larimer St in Writer square, take the Free Mall Ride to Larimer St and walk toward 14th St (Where the Arts Complex is) and look for their blue canape. http://crepesncrepes.com/

Don't forget, I can answer questions...

Cravings: More Downtown Favorites - UPDATED

If you are craving something special the Diva can hook you up. Here are some choices that will satisfy whatever hunger you have. Just take a walk from festival village or hop on the free mall ride.

CLOSED - Row 14 is all about the experience. According to Owner David Schneider "The wine experience that a guest will have at Row 14 is all about trying and enjoying wine without the pretense that can be associated with it,”. And it certainly fits that vision. Want to taste a wine before you invest in a glass, no problem. On my last visit I tasted 3 before I decided. This is especially great if you want to try something different without buyer's remorse. Also nice is the Half glass option, so if you want to pair your wines with your courses, its easy and more economical. The seasonal menu changes frequently and complements the wine selections. For a starter try Philly Cheese steak Empanadas, Salmon Sashimi, or (vegetarian) Watermelon Panzanella Salad, and Chickpea Hummus. Next, enjoy a meat and/or cheese plate, because who doesn't enjoy cheese with their wine? For your feature have the New York Strip Steak with fingerling potatoes, Crispy Brussels, worcestershire reduction (a Diva favorite), OR Alamosa Striped Bass, vegetable stir fry, peppered bacon, pea shoots, soy ginger butter. Vegetarian dishes here are always interesting, currently listed: Grilled Hass Avocado black bean fried rice, roasted beets, coriander chimichurri. There are tasty desserts and a great Happy Hour 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. everyday except Sunday, with a 3:00 p.m. start. Just across the street from the Convention Center (891 14th St) it is close by and highly recommended.
http://www.row14denver.com/

CLOSED - A bit different from Row 14, Ambria is a wine bar with a more energetic vibe. Diners can enjoy small plates to nibble on: Fried Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Quail or Seared Diver Scallops are a few examples. For larger plates try the Short Rib Ravioli or Risotto. They have both regular and late night Happy Hour, and weekend brunch with special items available only for Brunch. Brunch also features bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys if that's your pleasure. Since they have a wide selection of small plates I often go here after the Theatre when I want some tasty snacks and a glass of wine before I head home. Located on the 16th Street Mall in the Tabor Center, just take the Free Mall Ride to Larimer Street. http://www.ambriadenver.com/
 
Tamayo serving upscale and modern Mexican cuisine, is one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown Denver. To start, try the Mahi Mahi Ceviche which is very refreshing for summer, Guacamole made to order fresh or savor a bowl of my favorite: Sopa De Elote (roasted corn soup made with cream, to die for). If you are craving a steak, the Tampiquena served with cactus salad and mole enchilada is excellent. Enchiladas de Jaiba (crab Enchiladas) served with spinach, queso Chihuahua and mascarpone, roasted tomatillo sauce, and cherry tomato-red onion cilantro salad is also really good. Vegetarians can enjoy Mushroom Crepes (Crepas de Huitlacoche) with Chayote salad and chile poblano sauce or Verduras al a Parilla - grilled red & green bell peppers with red onion, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, sauteed spinach,salsa morita and green bean salad. The Sangria is very refreshing and they make some very unique margaritas. Tamayo also has a great Happy Hour (M-F 5:00-7:00 p.m.) at the bar or their rooftop lounge where there is great people watching. Diners for happy hour can choose from small plates like carne asada tacos, carnita tostada, or Vegetarian Sopes depending on availability. Lunch (M-F only) is served 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Dinner is from 5:00-10:00 p.m M-Th and until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Take a walk to the corner of 14th St and Larimer (1400 Larimer St, Larimer square) to have a delicious and unique experience.
http://www.richardsandoval.com/tamayo/index.php

Coming soon: some picks for sandwiches, soups, salads and other delights. Be sure to ask the diva anything you want to know. Post a comment below or e-mail me at galadenverdiningdiva@gmail.com.