Reader: $13 for a friggin’ cheeseburger?

Since Tom Ryan founded Smashburger, it’s no surprise that his namesake Tom’s Urban 24serves a good burger. “Made with eight ounces of ground Angus, the patty isn’t smashed to order, as it is at Ryan’s other joint — that technique doesn’t work as well on a chargrill — but it…

Tonight: Great Minds Drink Alike at Central Bistro & Bar

Central Bistro & Bar, 1691 Central Street, is hosting a beer dinner featuring Great Divide Brewery at 6:30 p.m. this evening. The restaurant still has seats available; but space is limited, so call 303-477-4582 to check availability. Keep reading to view the menu. See also: – Best Barrel-Aged Cocktail 2013…

Tom’s Urban 24: Is this upscale diner ready for prime time?

You might not know the name Tom Ryan, but you’ve probably heard of Smashburger, the fast-casual concept he founded in Denver in 2007. Smashburger has been a smashing success, expanding to 200 locations worldwide in just a few years and nabbing the Forbes title of “most promising company” in America…

Tom’s Urban 24: Is it ready for prime time?

You might not know the name Tom Ryan, but you’ve probably heard of Smashburger, the fast-casual concept he founded in Denver in 2007. Smashburger has been a smashing success, expanding to 200 locations worldwide in just a few years and nabbing the Forbes’ title of “most promising company” in America…

Photos: Jax Fish House hosts the first High West Oyster Fest

Aw, shucks! Last night Jax Fish House and friends threw a great party at the Boulder Theatre for a great cause: Veteran’s Expedition, which helps returning vets. The annual oyster celebration started sixteen years ago at the Jax in Boulder; this year it morphed into the first annual High West…

Beer calendar: high hopes and heavy hops appear for Rockies opening day

The massive Craft Brewers Conference, an annual industry-only meeting, wrapped up in Washington, D.C. last week, but a beer-themed art exhibit and auction, Amber Waves, sponsored by the Dogfish Head and Victory breweries continues through Friday. And it features a cool sculpture piece by Denver bottlecap artist Amanda Willshire of…

Guess where I’m eating a French toast torta?

Forget pancakes and waffles. The newest craving of breakfast-goers appears to be leaning toward tortas, in this case, a French toast torta. It’s savory, sweet and so much better than anything made with Bisquick or pulled from a L’Eggo My Eggo carton. Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus:…

Five retro foods and drinks that should be resurrected

There are certain snacks and sips that were just too good to last forever — but they damn well should have! Some really great ideas didn’t last much past their initial hype; the companies responsible hurled them almost as quickly as they’d unfurled them. And while discontinued items do, on…

Pho 96 keeps it warm and simple

In A Federal Case, I’ll be eating my way up Federal Boulevard — south to north — within Denver city limits. I’ll be skipping the national chains and per-scoop Chinese joints, but otherwise I’ll report from every vinyl booth, walk-up window and bar stool where food is served. Here’s the…

Celebrate American craft spirits at DStill this evening

DStill, an American Craft Spirit & Cocktail Showcase, takes place tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. at the McNichols Building, 144 West Colfax Avenue. The event is a collaboration between the Colorado Distillers Guild, the Colorado Bartenders Guild and Eat Denver — and just happens to coincide with the American…

Guess where I’m drinking a flight of eight beers?

Beer, say some, is what makes the world go round. And here, at this center of suds, there’s seemingly enough beer to sink the world — or, at least, the stomach of one food writer whose belly sloshed for hours after the last drop was drained. Can you guess where…