Jonesy’s EatBar is a neighborhood gastro-pub with an indulgent menu sure to turn anyone into a regular: mac and cheese fries; crispy fries covered with a béchamel cheese sauce, and bacon; Lamby-Joe’s, sliders made with braised lamb shoulder, blue cheese, caramelized onion, and bacon; low-country grits, crawfish, shrimp and andouille, the list goes on.  Chef Beau Simmons has the ability to make potentially shabby food both attractive and addictive.  Craft beer, a pleasant wine list, cool cocktails, and a pool table round out Jonesy’s perfectly comfortable atmosphere. Happy hour is Monday-Friday 5-7 and Sunday 3-close.  Recently they added sushi on Saturdays with Nick Howard, formally of Ocean and Izakaya Den.  Sunday brunch is served from 10-3 with bottomless mimosas for $7.50.  An ideal way to keep the weekend going is joining Jonesy’s for “Geeks Who Drink” on Sunday from 8-10.

Jonesy’s EatBar

400 E 20th Ave.

Denver, CO 80205

303-863-7473

Colterra Food & Wine lives in the quiet town of Niwot, surrounded by a beautiful garden full of herbs, eggplant, tomatoes, rainbow Swiss chard and other seasonal greats. This restaurant has the talent, drive and, most importantly, a love that can’t be compared to restaurants in bigger cities.  It is clear that each member of the staff is cared about and that each employee cares.  Everybody is happy to be there whether you are there for a shift or there to dine. It’s a devotion rarely seen in this business full of surly servers and bitter chefs. Aside from the steady adoration of both staff and patrons, Colterra is unique in its strong belief in farm to table.  Chef Bradford Heap is a pioneer and expert in the movement.  He has instilled his extensive knowledge into his staff and has paved the road for his executive chefs Michael Drazsnzak of Colterra and Kevin Kidd of Salt, his other successful restaurant on Pearl Street in Boulder.  I sat down with Chef Michael to talk about what this Colterra magic is.

Cooking for the past twenty-four years and growing up on a four acre farm in Northwest Arkansas made Chef Michael a perfect fit for Colterra’s overall food philosophy of local, organic, sustainable, and delicious.

What sets Colterra apart from other farm to table restaurants?

Our location–there is much more seclusion out here.  We also have a garden on premise.

What is your favorite local ingredient?

That changes from each season.  Right now, I’d say sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes.

What do you cook at home?

Simplified restaurant food.  I eat local vegetables and hormone free meats.  I love to grill in the summer–it simplifies things and doesn’t get the house hot.  I love grilled bread with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Very simple.

What is an under-utilized ingredient in restaurants?

Fresh herbs. My favorite is a sweet herb mix of chives, sweet basil and Italian parsley.  They could be used in a lot more places.

An over-rated ingredient?

Cracked black pepper.  Should be used more sparingly. It has a big flavor and should be used appropriately.  When it’s over used, it loses it significance.

Who do like to cook most for?

My wife.  Why wouldn’t I want to impress her?

This mellow eatery has been feeding and watering (though more watering, I’d wager) the South Denver area of Pearl Street since 1983.  Four college buddies decided they needed a place to drink, borrowed money from their parents, decorated the bar with the attention that is put into a frat house and opened Pearl Street Grill.  It has long been a favorite for business folks during happy hour and late night shwillers.  The Pearl Street Grill has a comfy menu with excellent pub fare, the highlights being from the in-house rotisserie. Now Wynkoop owned, Pearl Street Grill has an extensive beer menu, showcasing a beer of the month and a playful cocktail list.  The patio is discreet, but active.  With summer quickly coming to an end, it is a patio that should be taken advantage of for weekend brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner or even a late night with good friends.

Pearl Street Grill

1477 S. Pearl Street

Denver, CO 80210

Ph: 303-778-6475

On West 32^nd Street you can find almost any type of cuisine and Sushi Hai does not disappoint in holding down the Japanese fort.  If you like a quieter dining atmosphere you can reserve a private table in one of their tatami rooms or request seating in the restaurant proper.  The menu has multiple pages of the freshest sushi, and dishes both unique and traditional Japanese.  If you prefer a more energetic dining experience, The Hai Bar sits below the dining room and boasts a killer martini list, late night sushi menu, pool tables, DJ’s and karaoke on Wednesdays.  Sushi Hai and the Hai Bar have both drink and menu specials nearly every night.