bongomama's Profile
Near Brown Palace
The Brown Palace is at the end of the 16th Street mall which is home to all kinds of fabulous food carts - many of which serve a decent breakfast burrito. Simply hop on the free shuttle and look for lines. Also, for standard diner breakfast check out Rocky Mountain Diner. Its is a bit closer than Sam's #3 and does a decent plate of huevos rancheros.
Hot Tamales in Denver?
I agree with La Casita - fabulous tamales. Also check out La Popular on 20th and Lawerence. Their tamales have a thicker masa than La Casita, but are always fresh and tasty.
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La Casita
333 N Main St, Springville, UT 84663
What to do with dandelion greens?
I let a patch of dandelion greens grow unharmed in my garden just so I can make Mark Bittmans Green Mashed Potatoes. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/dining/111mrex.html?_r=1&ref=dining
The creaminess of the potatoes makes a perfect foil for the bitterness of the greens. Add garlic to the potatoes and you've got the perfect side to roasted chicken.
Gourmet magazine to close
As a Gourmet subscriber who has no interest Bon Appetit, I just canceled my subscription and will receive a refund for the remaining issues. 1-800-365-2454. If sizable percentage of other Gourmet subscribers do the same, that will hurt Conde Nast more than angry emails or letters.
Denver: moving - looking for "my place"
I live in Westminster and its kind of a culinary wasteland. We end up eating in Downtown Denver a lot .
For great coffee and sandwiches check out HiRise - a newish bakery/cafe on 22nd and Larimer. They make and bake everything there, have a dog friendly patio, free WiFi and free parking on 22nd St. Love their bagels and cinnamon rolls.
Good Greek in Denver?
Sadly, Diana's has been recently sold and its not the same.
Another Greektown treasure on Colfax is Omonia Bakery. Bakalava, powdery wedding cookies, anise biscotti, spanakopita and kataifi... too many goodies to mention. The owner will make you a thick greek coffee so you can sit with your treats there, but I'd rather get a box of goodies and be a glutton in private.
I-25 Denver to Albuquerque
I second the rec for Green Chile Cheeseburgers @ Bobcat Bite. I'm one of those odd birds who isn't a burger person, but theirs were so memorable that the mere mention of their name makes me salivate....
Denver Tech Center - Updates please
Tuk Tuk Thai @ I-225 & DTC Blvd is quick, easy and affordable. I love their yellow curry.
www.tuktukthai.com.
For upscale (and expensive) Chinese check out Jing. Don't let the uber-hip decor fool you. The food is surprisingly good and good for groups.
http://www.jingrestaurant.com
Although you've specifically said you want to avoid chains - Il Fornaio on Belleview and Ulster transcends prototypical Italian chain food. They are easy to find, have a great patio and decent wine list. I've been there more times than I can count and have never been disappointed.
http://www.ilfornaio.com/?page=138&restaurant_id=3161
best foodie meal for anniversary in Denver
I just (re)visited Vesta after many many years. Throughout the whole meal I kept asking myself "Why did it take me so long to get back?" It was fun and fabulous. Although its not new, the menu still felt fresh and the jalapeno ponzo sauce is one of the sexiest sauces in town.
trying to become a green chile convert, denver
I'll second the recs for the green chile @ Santiagos, and Jack-n-Grill on Federal and 21st (ish) does a good job too. Some folks swear by the green chile at Brewery Bar, but I haven't been impressed.
The *best* green chile in town is at Tacos de Mexico on 7th. You could put their sauce on top of a .33 cent Little Juans frozen burrito and make it a thing of beauty.
Downtown Denver Resturaunts
I second most of the recommendations.
Fruition is not walking distance from the mall- but is an easy cab ride and worth the trip.
Rioja has a wonderful weekend brunch.
In May the weather is usually gorgeous, so the patio at Via would be a great choice - especially for lunch or happy hour.
Or stock up on special little snacks at Cooks Fresh Market http://www.cooksfreshmarket.com/directions.html on 16th and Glenarm and take the shuttle to the end of the line and head to Confluence Park by REI to watch the kayakers. After that, walk over to The Savory Spice Company and stock up on smoked sea salt. Finally, don't miss Wen Chocolate's handmade chocolate truffles - they are exquisite!!
There are also several cooking schools downtown that feature classes with leading Denver chefs. Check out Cooks Street http://www.cookstreet.com/ or Mise en Place http://www.miseenplaceschool.com , both easy walking distance from 16th St Mall.
New Places to try in Boulder/Denver & surrounding areas
I work downtown Denver and try to visit Rioja at least once a month for lunch. Its consistent and the service is top notch. I don't have a favorite item, because everything becomes my new favorite the minute I try it.
Denver/Boulder: Please choose my lunch!
Have you been to Domo on 10th & Osage in Denver? I think that nothing is better on a winters day than a big bowl of soba noodles.. and theirs are divine. Its the kind of place you want to linger, perfect for those lazy days after Christmas.
Good Brunch/Diners Between Denver International and Boulder
Another vote for Lucilles!! I've been going there for 20 years and its always great - don't skip the beignets and chicory coffee.
But if you are like me and tend to like your eggs covered green chile - drive a bit of the way (maybe 15 minutes its just off I-25) , and hit Tacos de Mexico in Denver on 6th Ave and Sante Fe. They have the best breakfast burritos on the planet, which makes up for the the very divey atmospere and the fact that they don't take plastic.
Help me with 2 recommendations- Denver
Vesta Dipping Grill is fantastic for groups (http://www.vestagrill.com). I've been there many times and never had a bad experience.
I also second the recommendations of Lucille's and El Taco de Mexico for breakfast - both are long-time favorites.
Jason Sheehan @ Westword
Jason turned me on to the Hurraches at Los Carboncitos and for that... anything he does or says can be forgiven.
Two Turkey Questions
I'm trying Alton's honey brine recipe (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_29147,00.html?rsrc=search)
this year... but can't resist making a few changes.
Will add a bunch of smoked sea salt to the liquid and am toying with the idea of adding a bottle of tequila for flavor. (Doing a Southwest themed dinner this year). Would the alcohol make the bird too mushy?
