"The Mommies," Melanie Asmar, December 16, 2010
Instead of complaining about local businesses, why don't the catty mommies do something about keeping children out of the local restaurants? I can't tell you how many times I have had a meal ruined because some Highland Mommy brought her spoiled brat of a child into a local drinking establishment. Children shouldn't be in Mead Street Station, Highland Pacific or Mondo Vino. If the businesses have to allow these little trolls in, could we at least enforce some sort of leash law? Here is a clue, Highlands Mommies: Stay out of the bars and do your job as a mommy.
James Novak
Denver
Here is the truth, and some of you who are not natives may have no idea what this is truly about. North Denver was built on families — huge Italian families that worked together to get by during war and the Depression. Northwest Denver finally has this back! Without the double-income families with children, this would still be a sorry, beaten-down corner of Denver. The Highlands were rich in history but full of low-income rentals and crime.
If the people who hate the Highlands Mommies so much would take the time and look at the value of their homes in the Highlands, they may be more open-minded and have a little more patience for the fussy child in the adjacent table at dinner. Without that influx of money, there would not be those restaurants, bars and shops. My assumption is that the people who truly hate this group are not natives; they are transplants who need a history lesson. If this is not the area or group of people you enjoy, there is always Aurora! Happy holidays.
Nick Quintana
Denver
Editor's note: For dozens of additional comments on Melanie Asmar's Highlands Mommies piece, go to westword.com.
"Star Struck," Laura Shunk, December 16
I read the front section of Westword weekly and enjoy the exposé articles. Caught the Barolo review and gagged.
I have no quarrel with Laura Shunk's review of Barolo, as I have other priorities. But methinks she doth protest too much! Her review is confirmation that we have class distinction in this country. Puh-leeez, does she really want to eat in a restaurant with so many multi-syllabic entrees? Then worry about the attention she didn't get at the bar?
Sorry, but if Laura were my date and she started in on her "walk-through" re: the wine list, then explained the "parameters," blah, blah, blah — I would be heading for the door! Would have gotten myself a bottle of vintage Tokay and eaten a good meal in some lesser-known establishment with a wholesome girl who would settle for a less pretentious setting. No crabbing about the $200 tab, no concerns over what the valet was doing, no, no, no.
Bon appétit!
Ric Rivera
Littleton
We have been customers of Barolo Grill for many years. We are definitely foodies who care not only about delicious food, but excellent, friendly service and a comfortable, happy atmosphere. We find all three of these elements at Barolo.
We are always trying new restaurants, and some of Laura Shunk's $200 choices are our favorites, too, but the one restaurant that we always return to is Barolo Grill. The food is memorable, the waitstaff is one of the best in Denver (including the bartenders and the valets), and, of course, it's a great space. We always marvel that they are able to maintain and improve upon their preparation and presentation.
It almost seems like Laura was dining in a different Barolo Grill, in an alternate universe. By the way, we've ordered many other great dishes at Barolo over the years, but we always return to the duck. And we don't drive a sleek luxury vehicle, just a modest 2005 Toyota Camry.
Roberta Rosen and Ivo Roospold
Denver
