Let’s face it: Colorado was made for hiking. From the highest peaks in North America to the lush forests of lodgepole pine and aspen, wildflower-blanketed meadows that go on for miles to river- and glacier-carved canyons, the Rocky Mountain landscape is ideal for exploring. That also means that there’s a…
Arts festivals are the great cultural equalizers in Colorado: They often feature high-caliber pieces to engage more serious fans while still keeping the atmosphere low-key enough for those who feel intimidated by galleries and more esoteric options. Not an art enthusiast? Most of the festivals also feature great music and…
Al fresco dining spaces have always been popular, but in Colorado — where we treat our dogs like the precious family members they are — patios have also become places for pooches and their peeps to kick back with a cold one and a bite (food only, of course). Pups…
When the weather warms up enough to walk around Denver without a coat, it spurs thoughts of hopping on the mountain bike and getting in some early-season riding. The question: Where to go? No self-respecting mountain biker wants to muck up the trails for the rest of the season —…
Its origins may be in the Deep South, but Denver’s rich and diverse blues scene runs deep as well — and just keeps getting better. For more than 50 years, clubs in the metro area have offered the full spectrum of styles, everything from Delta to Chicago, jump to electric,…
For twelve years, Gypsy House Café has been known almost as much for its Arabian Nights-style mural visible from East 13th Avenue as its Turkish coffee, Best of Denver award-winning hookah offerings and regular open-mic poetry readings. Its status as a home away from home for many in the Capitol Hill neighborhood —…
The singing starts almost immediately, the voice deep and sultry, picking through blues songs in random one- or two-line bursts. It seems a little incongruous that the woman making our sandwiches in a tidy deli called Dubbel Dutch — its storefront painted orange, its shelves neatly lined with packages of…
When the chute opens, all 1,700 pounds of brindle bull burst out. The animal spins, rears and kicks violently, as though his hindquarters are spring-loaded: He can’t dump his passenger fast enough. And within three seconds, the rider is flying to the ground, helmet-clad head hitting hard against the dirt,…
Oh, James W. Denver, you lucky dude. How many people get not only an omelet named after them, but also a wheel clamp and a steak? In 1858, when land speculator William Larimer renamed the St. Charles settlement at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platt e River…
Our cover story this week, “A Cut Above,” is devoted to the Denver steak, a cut promoted as an inexpensive way to enjoy beef that’s never quite caught on. But it might, if you try this fast, easy recipe from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. It takes about 25 minutes…
Like a sculptor prepping an exquisite block of marble to reveal the statue concealed within, Dale Woerner hesitates for a moment, his just-sharpened ten-inch breaking knife poised for the first crucial cut. This well-marbled specimen isn’t a slab of metamorphic rock, though, but a nearly 25-pound chuck roll isolated from…
Change has also been good for the five-year-old Dazzle (930 Lincoln Street). Since manager Donald Rossa and chef Jason Palmer — both late of the Fourth Story (2955 East First Avenue) — came on board last fall, the restaurant has gone to the next level, as has the bar. The…
Change is good. Very good, judging from a few recent meals at Solera. That’s the restaurant now occupying the East Colfax Avenue space that housed the Firefly Cafe for many years and in 1999 became the much more sophisticated Ambrosia Bistro. Mark Gordon, Ambrosia’s chef and co-owner, honed his grill…
Q: I’ve become a big fan of banh mi, the Vietnamese sandwiches with meat, pickled vegetables, cilantro, peppers and mayonnaise on a French baguette. Where can I find them in Denver? A: Banh mi is shortened slang for banh mi thit, or bread and meat, a popular street food in…
The Great Cheesesteak Controversy of 2002 aside (see The Bite, April 18), I haven’t heard much whining about this year’s Best of Denver picks. But that doesn’t mean it’s been all quiet on the Westword front. One woman called to complain about Hapa (2780 East Second Avenue) winning Best Sushi…
After four meals at Decisions, I still can’t decide if this restaurant knows what it’s doing. The basics are there: Decisions serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an area that’s lacking in good options for all three meals, it’s in a good location for downtown business crowds, and it offers…
Q: My husband and I are planning a weekend getaway in Glenwood Springs. Can you suggest some good restaurants? A: Glenwood is one of my favorite getaway spots, and although everyone goes to the Italian Underground (715 Grand Avenue, 1-970-945-6422), I like Florinda’s (721 Grand, 1-970-945-1245), which is next door…
So here we are, 1,730 miles from Philadelphia, and we’re gonna argue about cheesesteaks. What is this, 1975 at the Jersey Shore? I think my flip-flops are broken. The winner of the Best Cheesesteak award in the Best of Denver 2002 was Santoro’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (9500 Heritage Hills Circle,…
Exceptional eateries spring up in the most unlikely places. Most visitors to Golden stick to the main drag of Washington Street, the Boettcher Mansion and anything within walking distance of the Coors Brewery. But it’s time for the town to mark more landmarks in its tourist guide, including the small…
Q: I’d happily patronize restaurants that don’t allow smoking. Where are they? A: The easiest way to find Denver’s smoke-free eateries is to get a copy of the Smoke-Free Dining Guide from Boulder-based GASP of Colorado (Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution). The nonprofit will mail the booklet, which includes over…
The Best of Denver 2002 was a resounding success, at least according to concert promoter Barry Fey, who is always quick to offer feedback. “This time I can’t find anything wrong with your food picks,” says Fey. “What’s up with that?” From steaks to cheesesteaks, Fey has strong opinions on…
Concentrating on Mateo’s classic food while sitting in Mateo’s trendy dining room was like trying to read The Grapes of Wrath in a strip club: Both the food and the setting were worthy of attention, but the combination drove me to distraction. You can’t blame chef Seamus Feeley for trying…
