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...
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Food Truck Extravaganza, In the Heart of Downtown!
The food trucks are coming...The Civic Center EATS Outdoor Cafe launches today in Civic Center Park and will go every Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. until September 27. This means we can grab an awesome outdoor lunch in the heart of downtown for two days during the festival, how great is that! This event also will feature some live local music, eats from more than forty different food trucks, great views of the park and festival goers can enjoy Denver's summer weather and can hobnob with some locals. A smaller-scale "hump day" cafe will hold down the fort most Wednesdays.
A few of the food trucks being featured are Vegan Van (Thursday only), Sully's Slice Truck and Biscuit Bus to name a few. This is the seventh annual and part of the proceeds benefit the Civic Center Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to the restoration of historic Civic Center Park. http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org./event-civic-center-eats_49.html?ref=home
A few of the food trucks being featured are Vegan Van (Thursday only), Sully's Slice Truck and Biscuit Bus to name a few. This is the seventh annual and part of the proceeds benefit the Civic Center Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to the restoration of historic Civic Center Park. http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org./event-civic-center-eats_49.html?ref=home
Monday, June 4, 2012
Updated - Off the Beaten Path: Suburban Favorites
If you are renting a car while in town, these gems are very special and are worth venturing into Denver's neighborhoods and suburbs.
Tocabe - yes, its Native American food! Fry bread tacos, either stuffed or served flat, steak or chicken at a counter set up similar to Chipotle where you order and they make it. Pick your bean type, toppings and salsa. I love the stuffed chicken taco with the hominy salsa. They have great green chili stew and buffalo ribs with blueberry sauce, unique and yummy. Located at 3536 W 44th Ave (Corner of Lowell and 44th) in Denver's Berkeley Neighborhood, good eats and charming too. http://www.tocabe.com/
Duo - Celebrating its 10 year anniversary. Located in the charming Highland neighborhood at 2413 W. 32nd Ave (cross street is Zuni) this is a hidden gem with a relaxed vibe, and mellow environment where diners can take as much time as they wish.
They are passionate supporters of local organic farms, purchase products from many of these local suppliers and they can provide a gluten free menu on request. They also have a James Beard Award nominated Pastry chef who has created some of the most heavenly desserts I have ever tasted. Something else to note is Duo's wine list, which although is smaller than other restaurants there are some exceptional wines, that are reasonably priced. Of course the menu is seasonal and varies, but the experience is always spot on. Open for Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday (closes 9:00 p.m. Sunday) or weekend Brunch 10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Reservations recommended at dinner.
http://duodenver.com/index.html
Cafe Jordano - This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Dishes here are incredibly special and filling. Real stick to your ribs kind of stuff, and in my opinion they have the best fried calamari in town. Entree highlights: I love the Pasta Barbaresca which is penne pasta with grilled sausage, white sauce and melted mozzarella or Spaghetti Alla Pescatore, spaghetti with shrimp, mussels and fish in red sauce. Have wine with dinner or not, there are some good Italian bottles for $15 - $20. Pizza isn't served here but portions are huge so make sure you're hungry. Unless you have a big party (6 or more) they don't take reservations and dinner gets very busy so it's good to go right at opening (5:00) or after 8:00. If you want a bit more mellow have lunch instead with a smaller menu. Located in Lakewood just northwest of Denver at 11068 W Jewell (Kipling and Jewell) in a strip mall, it is definitely off the beaten path but worth the trip. http://cafejordano.com/
Tocabe - yes, its Native American food! Fry bread tacos, either stuffed or served flat, steak or chicken at a counter set up similar to Chipotle where you order and they make it. Pick your bean type, toppings and salsa. I love the stuffed chicken taco with the hominy salsa. They have great green chili stew and buffalo ribs with blueberry sauce, unique and yummy. Located at 3536 W 44th Ave (Corner of Lowell and 44th) in Denver's Berkeley Neighborhood, good eats and charming too. http://www.tocabe.com/
Duo - Celebrating its 10 year anniversary. Located in the charming Highland neighborhood at 2413 W. 32nd Ave (cross street is Zuni) this is a hidden gem with a relaxed vibe, and mellow environment where diners can take as much time as they wish.
They are passionate supporters of local organic farms, purchase products from many of these local suppliers and they can provide a gluten free menu on request. They also have a James Beard Award nominated Pastry chef who has created some of the most heavenly desserts I have ever tasted. Something else to note is Duo's wine list, which although is smaller than other restaurants there are some exceptional wines, that are reasonably priced. Of course the menu is seasonal and varies, but the experience is always spot on. Open for Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday (closes 9:00 p.m. Sunday) or weekend Brunch 10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Reservations recommended at dinner.
http://duodenver.com/index.html
Cafe Jordano - This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Dishes here are incredibly special and filling. Real stick to your ribs kind of stuff, and in my opinion they have the best fried calamari in town. Entree highlights: I love the Pasta Barbaresca which is penne pasta with grilled sausage, white sauce and melted mozzarella or Spaghetti Alla Pescatore, spaghetti with shrimp, mussels and fish in red sauce. Have wine with dinner or not, there are some good Italian bottles for $15 - $20. Pizza isn't served here but portions are huge so make sure you're hungry. Unless you have a big party (6 or more) they don't take reservations and dinner gets very busy so it's good to go right at opening (5:00) or after 8:00. If you want a bit more mellow have lunch instead with a smaller menu. Located in Lakewood just northwest of Denver at 11068 W Jewell (Kipling and Jewell) in a strip mall, it is definitely off the beaten path but worth the trip. http://cafejordano.com/
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