Little India was the audience favorite at Artopia

Despite its name, Westword’s eighteenth annual Artopia spotlighted much more than art. Across this year’s five venues, the event also featured food from Little Man Ice Cream, The Shoppe, El Camino, Little India, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Sushi by Night, Mustard’s Last Stand and DJ’s Berkeley Cafe. We asked Artopia attendees…

Guess where I’m eating kabobs with a huge mound of rice?

Right, so this was a weird experience: a friendly and earnest server who simply couldn’t get our order right — and it wasn’t a difficult one (a plate of kabobs, one of which was beyond funky and not in a good way) followed up by an employee who came storming…

A second helping of Cafe Society

Gretchen Kurtz reviewed True Food Kitchen, which opened last fall in Cherry Creek. Lori Midson interviewed Shaun Motoda, chef of TAG|RAW BAR, for Chef and Tell. See also: – True Food Kitchen is good…and good for you – Shaun Motoda, chef of TAG|RAW BAR, on the perfect bite and his…

Guess where I’m drinking a hot toddy?

The hot toddy is a cocktail steeped in history, and while there are numerous recipes for the soul-warming drink, the one in the above snap, concocted with Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, bourbon, lemon, English breakfast tea and simple syrup, and capped with a bitter chai foam, is in a class…

Photos: Southern Hospitality brings “sexy back” downtown

Southern Hospitality is now serving in the 116-year-old St. Elmo building at 1433 17th Street. This link in the Manhattan-based chain — which was co-founded by Justin Timberlake — is currently in a soft opening phase, with plans for grand opening event soon. Here’s an early look at the digs…

Reader: If you skip Aurora, you’re missing out on amazing food

On Monday, Visit Aurora launched its first online voter’s choice poll, Aurora’s Eats & Drinks, to pick that city’s favorite restaurants. And while voting continues on the poll through March 11, Cafe Society readers are already weighing in — some saying that they’d never eat in Aurora, others insisting that…

Kale calling: Five dishes featuring the antioxidant powerhouse

It’s been a good year for the cabbage family. First crispy Brussels sprouts elbowed their way onto menus, and now kale is following in its cousin’s footsteps. At True Food Kitchen, which I review this week, this leafy green is used in many ways: as a drink, with apple, cucumber,…

Guess where I’m eating buffalo meatloaf?

Brrrrrrr! It’s frigid out there, but on days like this, a plate of buffalo meatloaf with mashed potatoes (not so sure about the out-of-season asparagus, however) is the key to a full belly and a warm body. Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first…

Round two with Shaun Motoda, chef de cuisine at TAG|RAW BAR

Shaun Motoda TAG|RAW BAR 1423 Larimer Street 303-996-2685 tagrawbar.com This is part two of my interview with Shaun Motoda, chef de cuisine of TAG|RAW BAR; part one of our conversation ran yesterday. Favorite Denver/Boulder restaurant(s) other than your own: I love the Cherry Cricket because their burgers are so consistent…

Sam’s No. 3 about to make it three with Glendale spot

The original Sam’s Coney Island opened back in the ’20s, when it was a favorite with everyone from judges to janitors. But by 1969, when Sam’s No. 3 opened on Havana Street, it was the last Sam’s left. Now, though, the Sam’s empire is growing again…and will soon actually have…

Booze bandits break into Central Bistro & Bar

Central Bistro & Bar, 1691 Central Street, was broken into earlier this morning, but all the assailants were interested in, apparently, was alcohol. See also: – Denver’s ten best new restaurants of 2012 – Reader: Lance Barto’s departure from Central Bistro & Bar is “shameful” – Hot damn! Central Bistro…

Las Islitas gives a taste of Nayarit’s seafood specialties

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…

Cooking with Pete and Barb Marczyk: Chocolate bundt cake

Pete Marczyk and Barbara Macfarlane do not leave their work behind when they leave Marczyk Fine Foods and head for their great old Denver house with the big, new kitchen. They often bring some of their market’s choicest ingredients home with them and cook up a feast. Despite the fact…

Guess where I’m drinking…with Catholics?

I’m not Catholic, but if I were, alcohol is the last thing I would give up. And judging from the sign that hangs at this watering hole, it’s not expecting anyone else — Catholic or otherwise — to give it up either. Can you guess where I’m drinking? Special bonus:…

True Food Kitchen is good…and good for you

It wasn’t until dessert that the server cracked a grin. Not a polished smile, because the young man in TOMS and a relaxed white shirt had been giving those all night as he answered questions, delivered plates and filled glasses. Grins are different, involving not just a curve of the…