When I first decided to write a blog I was so excited. I thought, finally I'll be able to reach people as obsessed about design, art, architecture, and lifestyle.
What is my first topic of discussion? Well, let's see...Do I write about my latest design project? Introduce my favorite furniture line? The clam linguine I just cooked? No, no, something different.
No pressure. Here it goes....
We are on the cusp of this years Fall season. Today, the weather is practically perfect. The sun is out w/ a sprinkling of fluffy clouds and in between the warm air there is a hint of a crisp coolness. Fall is approaching.
So, in honor of this in between stage of seasons I'd like to start out with my "go to" Restaurant list. There's still time to take advantage of outside patios, bike paths, & farmers markets before we're knee deep in snowy winter.
My guide to Denver restaurants:
1. Lola MexicanRestaurant (my favorite):
Why? Why not, is more like it. They serve guacamole table side and they have the best margaritas. Not the premade mix that makes you regret you ordered it in the first place.
** after Lola these are not in any particular order**
2. Parisi Italian Market & Deli:
If you have ever traveled to Europe and are searching for authentic Italian food in Denver, visit Parisi. The owner is from Florence and created the perfect Italiano atmosphere, including a Trattoria. Delish sandwiches.
This is the fancy Parisi downstairs. Upscale Italian. They serve a very large Bistecca served on a classic white plate with a side of spinach which takes you right back to Italy, Florentine style. And the lobster ravioli.........to die for.
4. Lo Hi :
Laid back atmosphere & food. Really good vibe for a nice glass of champagne.
5. Duo:
Best Brunch in town. French pressed coffee at your table. Fresh squeezed mimosas.
6. Pablo's Coffee:
Best coffee in town. If you think you're local coffee shop has the best coffee. Think again. Ask your bari sta where they purchase their coffee & I almost guarantee they'll say "Pablo's".
7.Sushi Den:
Freshest Sushi in town. The reason I know this is b/c my brother took me to the best sushi restaurant in Seattle. The pieces of fish melted in your mouth. As soon as I came home to Denver I ran to Sushi Den to compare. Hard to believe, but comparable. Order the Jalapeno sashimi.
8. Sushi Sa sa:
Main Chef & owner, came from Sushi Den. Equal quality of food w/ a unique flair to their rolls & apps. Minimalist, contemporary, interior.
9. Protos:
Italian style oven baked pizza (thin crust). Unique combinations of pizza toppings to please everyone at your table. Small simple interior w/ pizza kitchen exposed. If you can, snag the round booth in the back.
10. Forest Room 5:
This is the bar to go to when your friends can't make a decision, but for some reason everyone always agrees on FR5. Fun, weird atmosphere, & they have a delicious small plates menu. During the summer, they project old school films on the adjacent apartment building outside in the foresty patio.
11. Gallop Cafe:
Best Bloody Marys in town. I tried roughly 7 different local hot spots. Nothing compares. It is like a meal, it's the perfect consistency, temperature, spices, and garnishes. (All of their food is good.)
12. El Camino:
Simple, fresh, taco menu with fresh made guacamole & queso (the queso may not be fresh, but it's good so no one really cares). Inexpensive & casual. Packed house on the weekends.
13. Palettes:
The food is consistently great. High quality, simple meals reflect the Denver Art Museum's classiness. Sitting on the patio in Spring takes you to another place......another city.
14. Beatrice &Woodsley:
Interior Design is weird, smart, and unique to Denver. Go to the bathroom! They definitely pay attention to the details! Pair this with the staff that tries to come off snobby, but in the end are knowledgeable & friendly. They sell flites of wine & give you a label to take home so you remember your wine selection. Food is ok, but the wine list is more impressive.
15. LaLas:
Flat bread pizza (Protos is still my fav.) is unique & delicious. They have the best music play list in town. Family nights every Sunday. $9.95 per person off their set menu. Great deal!
16. Museum of Contemporary Art Cafe:
Shake things up and have a drink at the MCA Cafe. The views are incredible & the architecture and design of David Adjaye is impressive.
17. Deluxe:
Great Steak and Papas Frites. You must sit at the bar and watch the chefs do their thing.
18. Delight:
Connected to Deluxe. Extensive drink list. Including, the rare blue cheese stuffed olive martinis. The small menu is quite good. Order the oyster shooters and deviled eggs.
19. Cherry Cricket:
Best Burgers in town. Make sure to get the "little" cricket burger (my fave is blue cheese w grilled onions) so you save room for the fried macaroni wedges.....mmmmm, dipped in ranch dressing. So good.
20. Root Down:
The place to meet for happy hour or a nice dinner featuring organic entrees. Retro design in the newly renovated fill-up station.
21. Mezcal:
2 words, Queso Fundido! A fun place to start your Friday w/ fresh margaritas (no mix) and sample top Tequilas.. Afterward, head over to Atomic Cowboy for more drinks & if you're still hungry, a late night slice of pizza.
22. Happy Cakes:
Best cupcakes in town. Typical size cupcakes should be & the moistness of the cake makes you want to eat 10 more of their creative flavors.
Enjoy!
mjh
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