Diane Snider, chef of Row 14, on hiring the smart ones

Diane Snider Row 14 Bistro & Wine Bar 891 14th Street 303-825-0100 row14denver.com This is part one of my interview with Diane Snider, exec chef of Row 14 Bistro & Wine Bar; part two of our chat will run tomorrow. Diane Snider had her first food epiphany in the sixth…

Speaking Spammish at Iwayama Sushi & Da Big Kahuna Bistro

For more than a year, Mark Antonation ate his way up Federal Boulevard. With that journey done, he’ll now explore different cuisines from around the globe right here in metro Denver, one month at a time, in Ethniche. This strip mall has a different vibe than the endless blocks of…

Reader: Just call it what it is — Gringo de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo brought the crowds to Civic Center Park this past weekend, where they listened to music, looked at lowriders, and ate such American inventions as the Pueblo slopper — an open-faced hamburger smothered in green chile. Authentic Mexican food? No — but then, Cinco de Mayo is not…

Review: Jax Glendale is a net gain for the Denver dining scene

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar 650 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale 303-756-6449 Years ago, when I heard about the Seafood Watch pocket guide produced by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I printed it out and tucked it in my wallet. Then, before ordering at restaurants, I’d scan the list to see…

Photos: May the Fourth dinner at Session Kitchen

South Pearl Street turned into a galaxy far, far away Sunday night, when Session Kitchen hosted a special Star Wars-themed “May the Fourth” dinner, complete with such dishes as Chewbaklava and Flan Solo. Photographer Ursula Romaine was on hand to document all the out-of-this-world action, keep reading for a taste…

Clancy’s Irish Pub closes in Wheat Ridge

While other bars around town were getting ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Clancy’s Irish Pub was pouring its last beer on Sunday. After that, the Wheat Ridge saloon closed its doors for good; the building where it’s been housed for over four decades is slated for redevelopment. See also:…

Parallel Seventeen will become P17, a “true neighborhood bistro”

When chef Mary Nguyen opened Olive & Finch in December of last year, gracing the Uptown neighborhood with an adorable cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and baked goods, she was determined to create a European-style, community-driven cafe and market that was reminiscent of her travels throughout Europe, where cafes,…

Reader: I’m always disappointed when a BBQ joint closes

You could hear Jason Sheehan crying back in Philadelphia: The last outpost of Big Papa’s BBQ, the place that inspired his “I Believe” essay on barbecue that became a segment on NPR’s “This I Believe” series, has closed on East Evans Avenue. Back in 2005, in his review of that…

Chipotle offers educators a lesson in appreciation today

Reachers are often under-appreciated and usually underpaid — but today Chipotle is taking notice of the great service that educators do for our communities and giving thanks, if only in a small way, with a big free burrito. See also: Big Papa’s closes its last location, but lives on for…

Jammin’ Joe’s closes Wheat Ridge location

Metro Denver is down to just one Jammin’ Joe’s BBQ, the self-proclaimed specialist in “Appalachian barbecue.” Just two months ago Joe’s had three locations, but now it’s just left with the original Jammin’ Joe’sat 2600 High Street. See also: Photos: Jammin Joe’s BBQ is smokin’ in Wheat Ridge…

Free food, fish and fundraisers on this week’s culinary calendar

It’s Cinco de Mayo today, and although the city celebrated this unofficial holiday over the weekend, there’s still plenty to do in Denver today — and all week. In addition to Mexican beers and margaritas, the culinary calendar includes private chef dinners, a chocolate festival and even some free food…

Guess where I’m eating a cocky doughnut?

It take balls to swallow a twelve-inch doughnut iced with the words “Don’t be cocky.” Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first correct answer to a Guess Where post — on the Cafe Society blog, not on Facebook — is entered into the contest…