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

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/

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

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 @TomsHomeCookinhttp://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.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

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.

Monday, May 7, 2012

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.



Saturday, April 21, 2012

Downtown Coffee, Breakfast and "Quickies"

There are many Starbucks around the downtown area and although this is OK (lately they have done some great things for our community) but, I wanted to offer some alternatives. I also find if you want something to eat with your coffee that is more than just a muffin or scone, Starbucks can be a bit lacking.

Located on 14th and Curtis Street, Backstage Coffee is on the same block as the arts district, just around the corner from the small Garner Galleria Theatre. The coffee they serve is exceptional (local roaster Pablo's) but you can also get something great to eat besides the usual coffee shop fare. Things like empanadas, sandwiches, breakfast burritos (including a vegan variety) pizza and even some occasional gluten free items.  They even serve beer, wine and some cocktails. Easy, tasty and the service is very friendly. Great people watching too!

CLOSED-The Market on Larimer square (14th and Larimer) is also a great place for a quick coffee, but they are also a deli, bakery, and specialty food shop that will give you lots of variety; Breakfast, hot food, sandwiches and salads. They have yummy desserts too. Have a seat inside or on the patio: http://themarketatlarimer.com/

Sam's #3 is a local diner with ties to the theatre district and our community. They are local, family owned and serve Greek, Mexican and American diner classics. You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner but they also have a full bar if you like a bloody mary or mimosa with your breakfast or burger. Good food, and really close by at 15th and Curtis Streets:  http://samsno3.com/

CLOSED-Also close by the arts district and convention center in the Spire building at 14th & Champa is Crave Dessert Bar & Lounge.   Like Backstage they also serve excellent local coffee (Nova Roasters) with sweet and savory pastries, afternoon high tea / light lunch fare and unique specialty cocktails and snacks for night time. This is a great place to unwind any time of day: http://cravedenver.com/about/about-crave/

Bye bye for now, but I welcome comments and questions.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Early Planning

Right now I am sure you are planning for your trip here, so here are a few online places to check out the Denver dining scene. As I said before we are an underestimated culinary city. In reality we are a diverse, cosmopolitan dining mecca. We are not just steak and potatoes, no cow town food here. We are home to super star chefs cooking some great food in restaurants with atmosphere, personality and charm. We also have some great ethnic food, diners and coffee houses.

Some resources I have made available (links are also listed to the right): Westword Magazine just came out with their "best of" edition for the year: http://www.westword.com/bestof/2012/section/food-and-drink-35100/ . Here you can see staff picks for things like best wine bar or best late night happy hour. Very useful especially when you want brief descriptions and you want to get your appetite going. It's also good for preliminary planning and seeing what is available.
On the Cafe Society Blog you will find restaurant reviews and gossip from the Denver culinary community. Here is a link to their picks for Denver's top 10 New restaurants:
http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2012/03/denvers_ten_best_new_restauran_1.php
Also check out Table Talk, 5280 Magazine restaurant blog: http://www.5280.com/blogs/tabletalk.
Now that you have some resources you can get started on your culinary journey deciding where you might want to sing for your supper. The Diva will have more to come soon.