Many great restaurants opened in 2008, as I discovered while researching the Best of Denver 2009. Root Down, which I review in this week's paper, was not one of them. My favorites:
1) Bones
2) Shazz (same goofy philosophy, same kind of ridiculous name, much better food.)
3) Venue
4) The new 8 Rivers
5) Star Kitchen
6) Bistro One (it has the potential to become great, whereas Root Down has the potential to just make a few bucks before the buzz dies down)
7) Lala's Wine Bar + Pizzeria
8) Beatrice & Woodsley (an avatar of over-thinking and insanity, saved by an insanely over-thought menu that actually fits the space.)
9) Brasserie Felix
10) Indulge
11) Fuel Cafe
12) Masterpiece Delicatessen (best sandwiches around)
13) Las Tortas
As for Root Down, I review it in this week's Westword. Check back here later for the review.