Dining on the Rail - UPDATED

Feel like hopping on the train to grab something good? Of course I have a few couple of suggestions.

CLOSED-Tom's Home Cookin' at 800 E 26th Ave (@ Clarkson St) is just a block off of the light rail line and very easy to get to. Think southern classics like Bar-B-Q Pork, Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and the like. For sides there is creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes that are really buttery and lots more. They also do a delicious peach cobbler that you can get as one of your "veggies" don't you love it?
They do a $10.18 lunch special where you get 1 entree item, 2 sides/veggies and a drink. Portion sizes are huge so take your appetite with you (or share with a friend). Open for lunch only (Monday - Friday) and Cash only so plan accordingly. Daily menu varies so call for the menu (303) 388-8035 or follow them on Twitter @TomsHomeCookin.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toms-Home-Cookin/190025544342434

To get there on the light rail catch the D line - going to 30th & Downing at the 16th and California Station. Get off at 27th and Welton then walk 1 block east to 26th Ave and Clarkson St.

Welton Street Cafe, located right on the light rail line (2752 Welton Street) serves great southern food with real southern hospitality. My first visit was recently and I had the best fried catfish ever! Dinners come with 2 sides and choice of bread; I had the red beans and rice, Mac and Cheese (which was so smooth and creamy) and for my bread I had the fry bread. They have daily specials that I can't wait to try. 
Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner:  Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. and Sun 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Welton-Street-Cafe/275511383975

To get there on the light rail from Festival Village, catch the D line - going to 30th & Downing at the 16th and California Station. Get off at 27th and Welton and it is right on the line. 

The Buckhorn Exchange Although this is not a DIVA favorite, it is Denver's original steakhouse that opened in 1893. In a building that is an historical landmark, it is the oldest restaurant in Denver that holds the #1 liquor license. Besides all of that it is also a unique dining experience. They are most famous for their Rocky Mountain Oysters but they also serve a variety of wild game, steaks, chops, ribs, anything you can get at a steak house. Reservations are recommended.  http://www.buckhorn.com/

Catch any line (D, E, F, H) at the 16th and Stout Station (southbound trains) and get off at 10th and Osage. It is right across the street from the station.

For more info on RTD LightRail go www.rtd-denver.com.

A Few Downtown Favorites

I try to visit my favorite places now and then to remind myself why I like them so much. I thought I would provide a few of my favorite bites by some of our superstar chefs, that are walking distance of  Festival Village.

Rioja (1431 Larimer St - in Larimer Square) - Executive Chef/Owner Jennifer Jasinski serves up Mediterranean dishes inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the Fresh Bacon appetizer (cardamom spiced Kurobuta pork belly, Madras curry scented garbanzo bean purée), it is to die for. Chef's special handmade pastas (Hazelnut Ravioli, or Porcini Gnocchi for example) are also excellent. For entrees, there is a seasonal vegetarian dish (to be determined), along with my current favorite: Grilled Filet of Beef, cannellini bean purée, tarragon-mustard marinated fava/garbanzo beans, oven dried tomatoes, bone marrow compound butter, Bordelaise sauce; so delicious! They also have a great wine list with servers who have knowledge if you need advice. Weekday lunch is available with some menu differences (allegedly you can still get the Fresh Bacon appetizer), and weekend brunch. The desserts are awesome too! Be prepared to spend a bit more here but it is worth it. Check out the menus and wine list: http://www.riojadenver.com/ 

CLOSED-Euclid Hall Bar and Kitchen is a sister restaurant to Rioja located just around the corner from it, in Euclid Hall, an 1883 building at 1317 14th Street. An American tavern that boasts high quality pub food with an extensive beer list (including some gluten free options), and creative cocktails. The menu is very diverse and even a larger group will find something they like. Sausages are made in house, the Boudin Noir is particularly tasty.
Try a Roasted Beet Salad, some Fried Cheese Curds or the dish that keeps bringing me back; Bruleed Beef Marrow Bones, for the carnivore. Poutines (french fries with cheese curds and gravy) as some may remember from our days in Montreal are listed separately. There is a vegetarian choice here with the Wild Mushroom and Porcini gravy. I am fond of the Roasted Duck, which I often eat by itself.
Their entrees are a range of special versions of classics like Chicken and Waffles (the bird is fried quail), Veal Schnitzel (Quebecois style), and a seasonal vegetarian option, which currently is a grilled Camembert and Pear sandwich. Sides can also be enjoyed as meals as there are many veggie and starch options. They are open later than some, 2:00 am (kitchen closes an hour earlier) every night except Sunday, if you want to grab a bite after one of the late small group concerts this could be a great choice. http://euclidhall.com/index.html

Osteria Marco also in Larimer Square (1453 Larimer), Chef/Proprietor Frank Bonanno's, casual Italian osteria is delightful and one can enjoy snacks and drinks or have a several course meal. Start with a selection from the Formaggi and Salumi bar. Try a Classic Caesar salad or the unique Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Pancetta and red onion. For snacks try some Meatball Sliders or the Arancini - tomato basil risotto rolled up in a ball and fried is fabulous. Diners wanting a little more than snacks have the option of Paninis, Pizzas and even entrees like Eggplant Parmesan made with fresh mozzarella, Pan Seared Scallops and Maple Glazed Duck Breast to name just a few. The wine list is all Italian and huge but don't be afraid to ask your servers, or just order a cocktail. Citrus used for the cocktails is squeezed daily and there are lots of choices. http://www.osteriamarco.com/

Getting hungry? The Diva needs to eat...Ask the Diva questions or make a suggestion below or shoot me an e-mail.

Breakfast Part 2: Special Needs

As many in the community have special needs regarding their diet I thought I would add a couple more places for breakfast that may accommodate these needs. I was also given some suggestions by a few community members who are a bit more informed than I.

Snooze an AM Eatery, located at 2262 Larimer St (Park Ave and Larimer St), in lower downtown provides great Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch, things like Pineapple upside down pancakes, sticky bun french toast and several different Benedicts. They are known for accommodating special diet needs and encourage you to ask your server if you need something special. They also serve primarily organic and always seem to have gluten free and vegetarian items already on the menu. You can also enjoy full Bar and Espresso bar. They are always busy so plan some time to wait, especially on the weekend. Hours are weekdays 6:30 am - 2:30 pm, 7:00 am - 2:30 pm Sat and Sun. http://www.snoozeeatery.com/.

Watercourse Foods although a little further away at 837 E 17th Ave (17th Ave and Emerson St in Capital Hill East of Downtown) is worth the trip if you prefer vegetarian and need a hearty delicious vegetarian meal. Try a scramble made with your choice of cage free eggs or scrambled tofu, breakfast tacos and sandwiches, or banana bread french toast. There are also some gluten free and vegan options. Great place for all three meal options:  Mon-Th 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Fri - Sun 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. To get there from Festival Village on the 16th Street mall: catch the # 20 bus on 17th Street (any X Stop) and get off at 17th Ave and Clarkson Street. 
http://www.watercoursefoods.com/.


Ask the Diva a question by sending me an e-mail: galadenverdiningdiva@gmail.com or write a comment below.