foodite25's Profile
Strings Denver NYE
Strings just posted their New Years Menu online today. It is a fun take on some New Years Staples, and the menu has the chefs notes on it, looks both interesting as well as ambitious! but above all else, fun! http://stringsrestaurant.com/new-years-menu
Solo Dining in Denver
Just recently had a solo meal at the bar in Bistro Vendome, The food was good, as were the drinks and the bartender Brian treated me like royalty. I'd suggest eating at places with bars as I've often received lesser treatment from servers in Denver that are serving solo diners, unfortunate but true, Table 6 always has a nice little community bar/eating area. The idea of eating at a sushi place that has a sushi bar seems like it might work out very well, and the den has some mighty fine fish!
Denver on New Year's Eve...? [Moved from Midwest Board]
Jason Sheehan wrote a little blurb about Aaron Whitcomb and Strings a few weeks back, mentioned they should be doing a prix fixe menu on New Years, dabbling with the 'molecular gastronomy' techniques if that's up your alley. It is a little off downtown and should keep you clear of the party atmosphere. They also have a new manager on the floor who's doubling as a somelier. Worth a thought.
Private Dining Room in Denver for 80th birthday celebration
The Strings website says they have private rooms that accommodate for up to seventy.
http://stringsrestaurant.com/private-rooms
Denver Restaurant Week - Late Feb
Awesome. I'm unfortunately going to be employed this RW (the past year I wasn't) so instead of eating myself silly for a week, I'll be cooking it silly. But, I've heard nothing but good things about the chef there (James something or other?), and the turnaround in the past (2-3 years? I'm not sure) that he's pulled off. I not only hope it's awesome for you, but am severely jealous that you get to check it out.
Littleton Colorado
My only complaint is that sometimes Michael lets go of the details, for example (I haven't been in a year or so, but) their 'seasonal vegetable' is huge asparagus, and baby carrots, nine times out of ten, not that it's no good, just one of those details that a few other places can hold onto a little better. However, as far as I'm concerned, Michael's bar concept (right next door to Opus) is easily the best bar food in town.
Lack of Denver Chowhound postings
I may be behind the times, but last I knew, Troy Guard had opened up Nine75 on Ninth(?) and Lincoln. Later another location up north (westminister?). You can also still taste several of his signature dishes on the menu at Zengo still (wonton tuna tacos, Angry Tuna Roll, Miso Black Cod, etc..)
Lack of Denver Chowhound postings
Yeah, I agree. I have not been on here (especially not posting at all until last night) for very long, but the denver "foodie" scene as a whole seems to be lacking. Working in many of the 'nicer' places in denver, it seems as eating out at nice restaurants with good food in denver is reserved for those who are out for special occasions, and not to be there for the food (but at the same time, the food culture DOES seem to be growing here.) I guess what I'm trying to say is, yes chowhound bigwigs, give us our own space, and allow our food culture to grow in Denver!
P.S. - Haven't heard from Laslow recently, but he has seemed nothing like a sketchball here in Colorado, I recieved three (or more?) job offers from him "at the new restaurant he was working on." Each in a different location (denver, evergreen, boulder, etc..) but I'd love to see him find a spot in denver that suits him so we can taste some of that lovely food he's so capable of producing here at home.
Denver Restaurant Week - Late Feb
My experiences have definitely been hit and miss situation. Some restaurants see opportunity, while others see hassle. Even more difficult is that a lot of the restaurants you may be used to eating at have to 'tone down' the food to even break even on the week. I've eaten at some of my favorite places during RW only to be dissapointed, because they A: couldn't afford to, and B: couldn't pull off their regular menu items due to the volume.
Moving to Denver
Megiac pretty much hit the nail on the head with her suggestions. A few I'd add to the list are
Zengo - On the trendy and expensive side, but very good in a cool atmosphere.
Vita - Right next to Lola in the highlands, often doesn't get the attention it deserves because of it's super-popular neighbors.
Sushi Den - IMO Freshest fish in the city.
Izakaya Den - SD's sister restaurant located kaddy-corner, tapas fusion menu as well as sushi
Strings - Been in business 20 years, and has fallen off the radar, but should be picking back up with a new chef (Aaron Whitcomb formerly of Table 6, Adega), and a new menu.
I defenitely second
Fruition
Mizuna
Luca D'Italia
and Potager
Littleton Colorado
Opus restaurant in downtown littleton is great, although I'm not sure how far from your work it is. It tends to lean towards 'finer dining' and can put a dent in the old pocketbook, but the service is impeccable and chef Michael Long's food never leaves you disappointed. Great spot for a business type lunch (*cough*expense account*cough*), or meeting up for a good meal after a long days work.
Espresso in Denver
There's a quaint little neighborhood place on Colfax and Marion, about 6 or 7 blocks east of the capital. Caffe Sonora, serving only their own organically grown coffee roasted to preserve antioxidants. Don't be surprised to find yourself in there with the regulars and their pets, but definitely one of my favorites.
Good Luck!
