Guess where I’m drinking this Whiskey Mule?

I’ve always been fond of Moscow Mules, but I’ve been trying to have a vodka-free 2012. That took mules off the table until I sat down here and found on the menu a Whiskey Mule, made as doubles in an 18-ounce mug. Can you guess where I’m drinking? Special bonus:…

Simply Sloppy Joes will close tomorrow in Lakewood

For nine years, Simply Sloppy Joes has been dishing up sloppy goodness in Lakewood. But when the last sandwich has been served up tomorrow, the business will close its doors for good. See also: – Garbanzo’s opens in Lakewood, the first of many restaurants in the Denver West Project -…

New Year’s Eve celebrations: sixteen sweet options

Still trying to decide what you’re doing on New Year’s Eve? Restaurants and bars around town are offering celebrations large and small, extravagant and intimate. Keep reading to see just some of the options (and if you know of other worthy end-of-the-year events, share the info in the comments section…

La Cave now serving new American cuisine, wine and tapas in Lakewood

Among the restaurants opening late this year was La Cave, a spot in the hangout-hungry western suburbs that “provides New American Cuisine that is created with international flavors, fresh local ingredients & a zest of originality!,” according to La Cave’s website. But diners might be less interested in zest than…

Guess where I’m drinking this Cognac-based drink

I’ve had many bad experiences with Cognac, so when the bartender suggested I try a Cognac-based drink named “Year of the Dragon,” I had mythical monster-sized doubts. But since the Year of the Dragon is almost a memory, I mustered up the courage to slay another fear in 2012. And…

Denver’s Gluten Free Gladiator is Mr. May

According to some of our prognosticators in “Trends Without End,” this town’s gluten-free obsession will only grow next year — and that’s just one reason to pick up the 2013 Gluten Free Calendar. A more compelling reason? Mr. May is Denver’s own Brian Gansmann, who had close to twenty years’…

Jezebel’s opens today in LoHi

Over a year after Wanda James and Scott Durrah closed 8 Rivers in LoDo and returned to Highland, home of Denver’s original 8 Rivers and also the couple’s own home, they’re finally ready to open Jezebel’s in the corner space at 3301 Tejon Street. Those who enter that space will…

Trends without end: Dining insiders offer predictions for 2013

What will be the big culinary trends in 2013? As we prepare for a new year in gastronomy, we posed that question to dozens of people in the local food business, everyone from chefs and pastry magicians to restaurant brokers and PR consultants, from brewers and grape gurus to brokers…

At 4G’s on Federal, the food is not the topic of conversation

In A Federal Case, I’ll be eating my way up Federal Boulevard — south to north — within Denver city limits. I’ll skip 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 my second…

Lil’ Devils is taking a bite out of the former Barker Lounge

Broadway continues to be one of the town’s fastest-evolving areas, with the three blocks south of First Avenue seeing incredible changes in 2012. After numerous delays, Gary Lee’s Motor Club & Grub finally opened this spring; after even more months in the planning, Punch Bowl – Social Food & Drink…

Year in Review: Red Star Deli lost its star chef

This week’s Westword has no fresh restaurant review, since the issue is devoted to a look back at 2012 — the big stories, the small triumphs — as well as predictions of culinary trends to watch for in the new year. I’ve reviewed sixteen spots since I joined the Cafe…