Novo Coffee gets some national buzz

Is it uncouth to boast that we here at Westword were among the first to sing the praises of Novo Coffee? We knew the stuff coming out of this family-owned roaster was so good that we tagged along when one of its founders went in search of a mythical bean…

Denver taps another Beerdrinker of the Year finalist

For the second year in a row, a Coloradan has been nominated as one of three finalists in the Beerdrinker of the Year contest, which will be held February 27 at 2 p.m. at the Wynkoop Brewing Company. But Logan Perkins of Denver has a high hurdle, since last year’s…

Guess where I’m drinking?

Yes, I’m drinking a margarita, it’s not the weekend and the sun is still out. Why should that be a surprise? But the margarita was surprisingly good, especially since my expectations were so low at this bar within a fast-casual restaurant. And the reason it was so good? They make…

Say olé! to Cafe Rio Mexican Grill

If Chipotle, Qdoba, Illegal Pete’s and Chez Jose aren’t enough to satisfy your seam-busting burrito cravings, there’s a new contender in town that might. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, 610 South Colorado Boulevard, which shares the same small mall address as a new Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill and Panera Bread (opening February…

Swirl Girl: Upgrade your wine drinking habit

A new wine is a lot like a new lover: At first glance, you’re intrigued. After a few sips, you’re truly curious, maybe even smitten…eager to learn more about this potential suitor. But whether you fall head over heels for the new wine has as much to do with your…

Pour on the love: Bloody orange mojito from 1515 Restaurant

Denver’s Independent Network of Restaurants (DINR), the group responsible for Harvest Week and A Saucy Affair, is asking its member restaurants to spread the love…through their liquid assets as part of DINR’s Valentine’s Day Cocktail Contest. The competition, which has already kicked off, continues through Wednesday, February 10, at which…

Guess where I’m eating?

So far as I know, there’s only one restaurant in the state whose chef reels in guests with his “angry trout,” an apt description of the contorted fish in the above snap whose tail had been flipped under his belly and thrust through his mouth. At which restaurant, within 100…

Libby Langdon fumbles her Super Bowl party ideas

Cheap and easy — no, I’m not talking about your mom, but throwing a Super Bowl party. It’s cheap and easy, at least according to Libby Langdon, whose impeccable party credentials include hosting her own show on HGTV and being the makeup guru on Rachael Ray’s show. And what does…

Tonight: Vino 101 brings Latin wine to the masses

Wine enthusiasts — who perhaps don’t quite reach the level of oenophile, but nevertheless enjoy their fermented grapes — are generally familiar with French, Californian and even Australian wines. But there’s a knowledge gap when it comes to Latin wines — a gap that Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace,…

NFL TAGs Troy Guard as a super chef at the Super Bowl

When the New Orleans Saints pummel (wishful thinking) the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV this coming Saturday, February 7 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Troy Guard, executive chef/owner of TAG, 1441 Larimer Street, will be representing the culinary chops of the Mile High City at the “Taste of the…

New locally-driven food shop opens in the Highland neighborhood

The newest food-related addition to the Highland neighborhood, In Season Local Market, is a tiny shop with big ideas. Located at 3210 Wyandot Street, In Season opened its doors this past Saturday. According to co-owner Todd Stevenson, nearly 400 people wandered through the 180-square-foot space that day, checking out the…

Guess where I’m eating?

There are few things more rewarding than wrapping your jaw around a fat Italian sausage that’s spicy, flecked with fennel, squirting juices, mounted with peppers and onions and served with a heap of righteous french fries. Where dat? Special bonus: Every Friday, anyone who gave the first correct answer to…

Guess where I’m drinking?

I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I can’t stand going out with a man who orders a Cosmopolitan. Oh, whatever. You wouldn’t fault me if I said I couldn’t stand going out with a man who wears three-inch heels. Look, it’s just not manly. Order a vodka…

Culinary calendar for the week: Stout month and Superbowl Sunday

It’s Stout Month at Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery — and all its satellite brewery locations — which means beer educational classes galore. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Superbowl Week, and we’ve also got the best places to grub on Sunday when you’re watching the game. Here’s…

Swallow this: Cookbook uses semen as main ingredient

Semen is not only nutritious, but it also has a wonderful texture and amazing cooking properties. Like fine wine and cheeses, the taste of semen is complex and dynamic. Semen is inexpensive to produce and is commonly available in many, if not most, homes and restaurants. Despite all of these…

A bunch of burger joints coming this month

Although H Burger Lounge, the premium hamburger/contemporary cocktail joint going into 1555 Blake Street, doesn’t look like it’s going to open today, as the owners — the Jet Entertainment Group — once predicted, work on the place is progressing, and H Burger’s facebook page now gives a target date of…

Wen Chocolates shop to melt away

Sad news for sweets lovers: Wen Chocolates will close its doors at 4 p.m. on February 14 — Valentine’s Day. “I love that shop, and all of the wonderful friends we’ve made in the neighborhood and around Denver,” says owner/chef William Poole. “But I found myself wanting to be outside…

Restaurant Roll Call for January

RESTAURANTS OPENING IN JANUARY Ali Baba Grill, 5380 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Englewood Andy’s Asian Express, South Federal & Iliff Big Papa’s BBQ, 5151 South Federal Boulevard Crepes on the Go, Streets of Southglenn Denver Biscuit Company, 3237 East Colfax Avenue Gaslamp, 1437 Market Street Little Anita’s, 5545 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada…

Tonight: Jordan Rubin shares his story

When Jordan Rubin was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease — a chronic digestive illness that affects the immune system — he was not in good shape; he weighed only 104 pounds, and his doctor said he had the worst case of Crohn’s he’d ever seen. Rubin wanted his life back, so…