Awal's Profile
Small Plates in Denver/Cherry Creek
Try Deluxe and/or Delite on South Broadway in Denver. It's just what you're (probably) looking for and not too terribly far from Cherry Creek.
www.delitedenver.com
www.deluxedenver.com
Breakfast in downtown Denver?
Hi Rise (22nd and Larimer) is one block over from the aforementioned Snooze. They are a bakery that does a limited breakfast. Both are walkable if you're staying at one of the downtown hotels.
I actually think Racine's does a pretty good breakfast (6th and Sherman, a very short cab ride). I hadn't been there for years, and went twice recently and was impressed both times.
I do like Lucile's. The original is in Boulder, but there is a good branch at Logan and Alameda (another short cab ride). It's ostensibly cajun/creole, but there are more traditional breakfast options too. The eggs Ponchitrain (over easy eggs on a blackened trout filet) are outstanding.
Jewish style deli food in Denver?
Heidi's Brooklyn Deli is a small Denver-based chain that appears to be franchising outside of Denver now. There are several locations downtown. There's no atmosphere, but they make all their own bread (I like the marble rye) and the sandwiches are pretty solid. It's probably not a first choice (or even second), but if you're interested in being comprehensive, it's worth a quick nosh.
Pizza in Denver
For that type of pizza, I still like Basil Docs. It's not downtown, but I'd assume that they would deliver to wherever you are downtown. I don't know where you're from, but the style is New Haven, CT (although they don't have coal-fired ovens like the best New Haven places).
A lot of people like Marco's. I've been there twice and have been only ok with the pizza. I will tell you that their coal-fired oven chicken wings are fantastic, however.
Crawfish in Denver?
Anyone aware of any crawfish boils being served in Denver. I saw that Pappadeaux down in the Tech Center does something that they call a "crawfish boil". I'm not fundamentally opposed to chains, since they may be my only option here, but I would appreciate it if someone had first- or second-hand knowledge.
Thanks,
Jfood at Stella - Not a Good Experience
I've had three outstanding meals at Stella during my travels to New Orleans and am truly sorry that you missed out on what, when it's "on", has been a tremendous dining experience for me and everyone I've been there with.
That said, your anecdote about the undercooked salmon rings true. I'd say, however, that it is more likely a result of them wanting to get your food out quickly to you (i.e. so you don't have to wait any longer) than having a "hissy fit." A hissy fit is not entirely out of the question, however.
I'd encourage you to try Stella again. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. I still believe it's the best fine dining restaurant in New Orleans right now.
DEN - looking for best Vietnamese, BBQ, Mexican, Italian
I have just a couple of quick impressions. I'm not a huge fan of Luca d'Italia (and I've been there a number of times always hoping for better). I do like Mizuna the "sister restaurant" much more, but it's not Italian. If you really want a great Italian experience, look into getting reservations at Frasca in Boulder.
As far as BBQ in Denver goes, I think you can't beat Brothers. For whatever reason, Denver isn't a great BBQ town but Brothers (a small, local chain) does it pretty well. If I had to say, however, I'd say skip the Denver BBQ unless you are really jonesing.
Tamayo can be very good, and sitting on their roof, watching a sunset, drinking margaritas is a pretty great experience. I haven't tried Lola, but it's pedigree is excellent. I second the vote on Tacos de Mexico (on Santa Fe and maybe 5th) if you're feeling like doing something a little less sophisticated.
New Orleans restaurants (from a Yankee)
I've had reason to be in New Orleans quite a bit for business during the past year. In my opinion, Stella's has been consistently the best restaurant I've eaten at in the city. I'd put it up against the top restaurants around the country. I never hear much local love for Stella's, and I think (a lot of) you are missing out on a treasure.
My second favorite has been Clancy's. The food is solid (although always, strangely a little too salty). But the atmosphere and location is great. For an out-of-towner, it feels like a "discovery."
Other places I have enjoyed quite a bit:
Herbsaint
Cochon
Dizzy's
Po Boys at Hank's Market on St. Claude
Luke
Cuvee
Overrated:
Jacques Imo's (food was eh, but atmosphere is fun)
Peristyle (feels like dinner at Miss Havisham's)
Commander's (talk about not living up to a reputation)
Most other Brennan-clan endeavors (with the exception of lunch at Mr. B's)
I'd be intersted in anyone else's recommendations given the list above. I've never gone to K-Paul's, but still feel like I would/should.
Lack of Denver Chowhound postings
I second the vote for El Coyotito #3. It's close to home. Surprisingly, the ceviche is quite good.
I couple places that come to mind in the same general area:
Basil Doc's Pizza (now a small chain). I went to college in Connecticut, and this is very authentic Connecticut pizza (search for Sally's or Pepe's for more info). Try the clam pizza; it's great.
I like Table 6 (Corona and 6th).
I also like Ocean in Cherry Creek. I was somewhat skeptical at first, but it has fantastic and innovative seafood.
Having grown up in Chicago, I can attest that Mustard's Last Stand is a pretty authentic Chicago-style hot dog joint.
