Women Only Beer Club

If you thought craft beer was only for men, then Denver’s Highland Tap & Burger would like to provide you with some valuable education. A restaurant created with Colorado craft brews in mind, Highland Tap & Burger wanted a beer list that men and women, beer geek and beer novice, could find enticing. The menu they created does just that and at the same time introduces Colorado’s world class breweries to all its patrons.

However, Highland Tap & Burger did not stop there, taking their passion for the craft brew to a whole new level by developing a “Craft Ladies Beer Club” to further spread the passion for the craft. This club meets two times per month with a professional from the craft brewing industry that helps to educate Denver’s finest women about the many craft beers brewed right in their neighborhoods and beyond, also offering a chance for these women to do what they do best – socialize, of course!

These women can then return to Highland Tap & Burger with a significant other to show off their newly acquired craft brew education, and to further explore Highland Tap & Burger’s never-ending selection of craft beer. On draught, Highland Tap & Burger offers anything and everything, literally, and particularly in terms of Colorado craft beers. Pick the Colorado city, and they will bring you the brew. Beers from Boulder, Fort Collins, Lyons, and of course, Denver, make the list among others.

Of course, Highland Tap & Burger extends their drink options beyond the tap to include local, domestic and international wines and creative cocktails that integrate the flavors of Denver with an added zest of citrus to put you in the right after work mood. The classic “Denver Donkey” will never lead you astray made with Spring 44 Honey Vodka, Goslings Ginger Beer and a squirt of fresh lime. Keep things warm and spicy with “Ginger Fresca” composed of Skyy Ginger Vodka, Sprite, and a splash of sweet O.J. Of course, in light of Halloween, you might enjoy the mysterious “Dark & Stormy” made with Goslings Black Seal rum, Goslings Ginger Beer, and a squirt of fresh lime. Choose any of these cocktail medleys and you will see how Highland Tap & Burger does magic with their splashes and squirts of lime and O.J. mixed with spicy Ginger beer on occasion.

Whether this work week leaves you in need of a glass of wine, a flavor-filled cocktail, or a quality craft brew, Highland Tap & Burger has the supplies to satisfy the appetite of the beer geek, the wine snob, and the cocktail lover. Their unique and popular Women Only Beer Club provides education to Denver’s “Crafty” women and proves that women like beer too. Paired with enticing cocktails full of orange and lime zest and wines from around the world, drinking at Highland Tap & Burger is sure to be a pleasure-filled and possibly even an educational event that no Denver drinker, crafty or not, should pass on by.

Highland Tap & Burger is located at 2219 W. 32nd Ave. Denver CO 80211; Tel: 720-287-4493; Email: info@highlandtap-denver.com

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

In addition to a “Crafty Ladies Beer Club,” what other club does Highland Tap & Burger host? Hint: This club is a bit more active and prefers to have a portion of each meeting outdoors.

Tune in this coming Friday for the answer!

The answer to Tuesday’s blog question: “What does the acronym SAME in “SAME Cafe” stand for?” Answer: The acronym SAME stands for “So All May Eat,” which falls in line with SAME Cafe’s company motto: “Everyone regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy food while being treated with dignity. Good food for the Greater Good.” To learn more about SAME Cafe check out last Friday’s blog!

Eating for the Greater Good

An ordinary cafe from the outside is doing extraordinary things on the inside for the Denver community by making healthy food available to all. The name is SAME Cafe, and it is not the same cafe you went to yesterday for lunch. Much different than that other cafe, this cafe has no set prices. ‘No set prices!’ you may think this is a hoax, but you will be happy to hear that this is most certainly not! SAME Cafe asks that you only pay what you feel the meal is worth.

Keep in mind a meal at SAME Cafe is quality down to every ingredient that comes from mostly local, organic Colorado farmers. Using whatever is in season, SAME Cafe creates a new menu each day featuring pizzas, soups, and salads that taste of simple homegrown comfort. Veggie noodle soup, leek soup, mushroom garlic pizza, and a meat-lovers pizza of pepperoni, ham, bacon and green olives are just a few of the delicious options you can feast upon for the price of your choosing.

With no cash register and just a donation box, you may wonder how this business keeps afloat. SAME Cafe is fueled by the donations of its patrons and the labor of its volunteers. Anyone has the opportunity to volunteer to wash some dishes or mop the floors in return for a warm meal. It is with such an ingenious infrastructure that SAME Cafe has become such a success, even making the news nationwide on both CBS and NBC’s nightly newscasts. TIME Magazine also caught onto the buzz, writing an article titled, “Where ‘Check Please’ is your call.”  SAME Cafe even has a summary on Wikipedia.

The beauty of this little cafe is that everybody wins in the end. Whether they volunteer for a warm meal or simply give a donation for some delicious, healthy and organic food, everyone together is working towards a greater good. Who would have thought you could pay it forward while dining out on tasty food? Now you know, SAME Cafe is no ordinary cafe, but is wonderfully different, and shall we say “priceless.”

Check out a video of SAME Cafe here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUui1kZyYac

SAME Cafe is located at 2023 E. Colfax Ave Denver CO 80206; Tel: 720-530-6853.

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

What does the acronym SAME in “SAME Cafe” stand for?

Tune in this coming Tuesday for the answer!

The answer to Tuesday’s blog question: “Why will you find dirt enclosed in plastic on Row 14’s walls?” Answer: Row 14 has dirt on their walls to showcase the farms, ranches and vineyards that supply them with their high-quality meats, veggies, and wine. Row 14 has such passion for where their food and wine comes from that they wanted to display their enthusiasm with putting some actual dirt on the walls. Head to Row 14 to see this novel display. It will surely make you smile and perhaps even make you think a little more about where you food and wine from your favorite restaurant comes from.

Unleash your Inner Wine Critic

photo credit: rpeschetz via photopin cc

There may be few places in Denver where you can spend an afternoon or an evening experimenting with tasting different high-quality wines, critiquing each as you go, and not break the bank. For some, such a night in which you can taste wine after wine as if money grows on trees might be a long-held fantasy. If so, your fantasy has come to life and can be played out at Denver’s Row 14 Bistro & Wine Bar.

With a “wine by the glass” list that includes an astounding 40 wines and a bottle list that includes an additional 50 wines, you won’t ever have to drink the same wine at Row 14, unless you want to, of course. As if this is not enough, Row 14 offers two wine flights that rotate on a weekly basis. This makes Row 14 the ideal wine bar for letting out your adventurous side, enabling you to experiment and discover new wines every night of the week, if you so choose.

On top of this extensive wine list, Row 14 makes their wines affordable in an effort to prove to their guests that good wines don’t have to be expensive or complicated. In order to achieve such quality for such a price, the owner and wine director David Schneider sources select wines from around the world, always keeping affordability and potential food and wine pairings in mind. It is through these extra efforts that Row 14 achieves its goal of making wine accessible, fun and affordable. Voted Top Wine List in Denver in 2011, it is safe to say that Row 14’s economical wine list does not cut any corners on taste.

Thus, for all of those wine lovers seeking an afternoon or evening of taste testing new wines, Row 14 is your sure destination. For those a little new to the world of wine, especially in terms of wine and food pairings, Row 14 always has a featured wine and food pairing that includes $5 happy hour wine. This is just another way Row 14 makes wine drinking simple and accessible. For Denver-ites and visitors to the Mile High City, there is no better place to unleash your inner wine critic than Denver, your pocket book will thank you for it!

Row 14 is located at 891 14th St. #100 Denver CO 80202; Tel: 303-825-0100. Email: info@Row14Denver.com

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

Why will you find dirt enclosed in plastic on Row 14’s walls?

Tune in this coming Tuesday for the answer!

The answer to this past Tuesday’s blog question: “What is another name for a root beer float that refers to a farm animal? Hint: This name allegedly was created in Cripple Creek, Colorado when the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company was booming.” Answer: “The all-American Root Beer Float is also known as ‘Black Cow.’ The name originated after the owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company caught a glimpse of the snowcapped Cow Mountain under the moonlight and thought it resembled a scoop of vanilla ice cream floating on top of his blackened Cow Mountain.”

Jim Warren – Cheese Maker

Fruition Farms Dairy

Jim Warren – Cheese Maker/Shepard

It was at Auburn University that Jimmy discovered his passion for food and cooking. His path in food led him to his degree at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. Working with the areaʼs best chefs, Jimmy used that knowledge to land himself a cooking position at Fruition Restaurant in Denver. His work ethic and bright mind propelled him through the ranks of the kitchen to sous chef within a short period of time. Those same qualities are what made him so valuable at the farm.

Without any farming background, Jimmy took to animal husbandry and became the dairyʼs first shepherd. As the year progressed, so did his job description. His capacity for learning helped transition the direction of our cheese making procedures and aid in the development of the dairyʼs first soft ripened cheese.  He is now the lead cheese maker at Fruition Farms Dairy, making delicious cheese like the Shepard’s Halo.

“Gastropub”: The Answer to a Cold Fall Day

If you are not familiar with the term “gastropub” then Jonesy’s Eat Bar located just east of downtown Denver offers the ideal gastropub experience, perfect for any newcomer to this special form of dining. Unlike your typical pub that serves only a fine selection of brews, spirits and “pub grub” to accompany people as they watch a sports game, a “gastropub” serves high-quality eats that will satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds. At the same time, a “gastropub” takes on the best from the world of pubs with a welcoming atmosphere that is as warm and comfortable as any pub, making it a cozy spot to enjoy a meal and a fine drink on a cold, fall day.

Jonesy’s high-quality food includes upgraded versions of some of the classic pub grub. Thus, you can still get your french fries, but at Jonesy’s they will be “World Famous Fries” that include such creative and flavorful toppings as “Cashew Curry,” an award-winning “Bacon Mac n’ Cheese,” the luxurious “Truffle,” the exotic “Thai Ginger,” and an all-American “Buffalo.”

Jonesy’s World Famous Fries

Beginning with the “Cashew Curry” fries, considered a Jonesy’s classic, Jonesy’s makes these delicious fried taters topped with a cheese made from a secret blend of cashews, soy milk, white miso, and madras curry, sprinkled with translucent pickled carrots and onions that gives this dish a colorful, playful appearance. Next, the “Bacon Mac n’ Cheese” is a downright indulgent mix that has been named one of the best dishes in Denver by Westword & Denver Magazine. Pure indulgence may also come in the form of their “Truffle” fries topped with an Italian truffle aioli and real Italian parmesan cheese. Finally, the exotic flavors run wild in the “Thai Ginger” composed of an unforgettable blend of ginger, lemongrass, cilantro, scallions, and sweet Thai chili sauce. For an all-American treat at its finest, the “Buffalo” fries topped with a traditional wing sauce, blue cheese crumbles and dressing is a savory blend with an added zing.

If fries are not your indulgence of choice, Jonesy’s also offers your traditional slider, but of course, in a totally untraditional way.

Jonesy’s Sliders

It does not get much more savory than the “Lamby Joe” made with sweet caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and rich crumbles of blue cheese that set atop a melt-in-your-mouth shredded Colorado lamb that has been slow cooked to a buttery softness. Jonesy’s Turkey Burger gives a taste of something entirely different blended up with the flavors of fennel, garlic, and herbs de Provence topped with crispy onions, romaine, and dressed with a herbed aioli.

Follow these savory delicacies with a table full of classic American sweets. Good ole’ fashioned desserts straight from the classic soda fountain of a bygone era are served up including American floats, Pecan Pie Bread Pudding topped with a Bourbon caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream, and a caramel corn sundae stacked high with two scoops of Denver’s own Sweet Action chocolate ice cream, homemade caramel corn, and toasted almonds finished off with a generous drizzle of a thick, house made dark chocolate sauce.

At the end of such a meal, you will begin to understand where the “gastro” side of things plays into the concept of a “gastropub.” Offering bite after bite of tantalizing eats, Jonesy’s makes going to the pub as much of a culinary indulgence as any.

Jonesy’s EatBar is located at 400 E. 20th Ave. Denver CO 80205 (corner of 20th & Logan); Tel: 303-863-7473.

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

What is another name for a root beer float that refers to a farm animal? Hint: This name allegedly was created in Cripple Creek, Colorado when the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company was booming.

The All-American Float

Tune in this coming Tuesday for the answer!

The answer to this past Tuesday’s blog question: “What famous must-see Denver spot is right across the street from The Corner Office?” Answer: “The Denver Center for Performing Arts is just caddy corner to The Corner Office so you can easily stop by before or after a night of theatre.“

Brett Shaheen’s name is synonymous with excellence in Denver fine dining. His career began in 2001 at downtown hotspot Sambuca as a cook and Sous Chef. In 2006 Brett’s talents took him to a position as Chef d’ Cuisine at Italian restaurant Luca d’ Italia, owned by local restaurateur Frank Bonanno. Impressed with his obvious talents, Bonanno offered Brett the position of Executive Chef at his Larimer Square location, Osteria Marco. Now, with more than a decade of culinary experience, Brett is ready to share the helm with his friend and business partner Jane Duncan Knauf.

Jane Duncan Knauf brings her extensive background in hospitality and food service to The Wooden Table. From 2000 to 2006 Jane worked as a server, then Director of Catering Sales and later General Manager of Sambuca; working along side her now-business partner Brett. After her tenure with Sambuca, Jane moved on to a position as Director of Catering and later Director of Food and Beverage for the downtown boutique hotel The Magnolia. After more than 4 years with The Magnolia, Jane felt that it was time to take a leap of faith, and partner with Brett to breathe life into The Wooden Table.

The Wooden Table … simple dining at its finest.

Dreaming of Office Supplies

Office Supplies from The Corner Office

As the temperature drops and the leaves fall, an afternoon drink in a warm setting where you can snuggle up to the bar and let a mixologist awake you from your work day slumber may indeed sound like a fantasy. At The Corner Office in downtown Denver, fantasies come true and are available to taste in the form of eccentric cocktails and whimsical martinis. Wine and beer are also always on the list as well, but if you want to get a real taste of The Corner Office, then cocktails and martinis should be your drink of choice.

Every one of The Corner Office’s cocktails are crafted with a theme in mind. For a seasonal start that will help you to savor all that fall has to offer, try the “Remember Autumn” made with a sweet and sour mix of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, apricot, lemon and raw sugar. Of course, if you are need of a little bit of romance in your day, there is always the “Johnny Boy” composed of the quality Laphroaig 10 year Scotch, hot jalapeno and sweet caramel. However, if you are feeling too soft hearted, this is not the drink for you as indicated right on the Corner Office menu that reads, “This is a sweet, smoky, spicy, salty, and intense cocktail not for the faint of heart.” For something that won’t pull on your heart strings, sip upon “Life’s a Peach,” a sure winner that will make anyone’s day look a little brighter. “Life’s a Peach” comes in the form of a medley of Seagram’s Vodka, lemon, cardamom, soda water, and of course, fresh peach! Once the experimenting with cocktails is finished, you can always reach for a drink to begin the daydreaming such as the martini known as “Flower Child.” With Elderflower, Green Chartreuse, Creme de Violette, Sauvignon Blanc, and lemon, this drink has the power to make you “dream, dream, dream” like the Everly Brothers do HERE.

For the non-dreamers, bottles of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Beer from Cincinnati, Ohio are available for a bit of a fall kick. Cans are also available for those seeking the more classic form of drinking beer. The Corner Office features a long list of Colorado beers served in cans including Boulder’s White Rascal Belgian Ale, Dale’s Pale Ale from Lyons, Golden’s Coors Banquet, and Durango’s Modus Hoperandi I.P.A. among others. The Colorado beer continues on draft with Tivoli Helles Lager made just minutes away from The Corner Office, and Mama’s Little Yella Pils produced in Lyons, Colorado.

Whether you are looking for a new cocktail, a means to dream, or a taste of some fine Colorado beer, The Corner Office has all the office supplies you are looking for. All together, The Corner Office puts on a fantastical show that is best witnessed from a cozy bar seat on a cool autumn day. If this sounds tantalizing, then perhaps you can simply tell your boss that you are headed down to The Corner Office to get your much needed office supplies for the day. It would not be a complete lie, after all.

The Corner Office is located at 1401 Curtis St. Denver CO 80202; Tel: 303-825-6500.

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

What famous must-see Denver spot is right across the street from The Corner Office?

Tune in this coming Friday for the answer!

The answer to this past Friday’s blog question: “Before owner Kevin Morrison of Pinche Tacos began Pinche, what famous Colorado sandwich chain did he begin? Hint: The name refers to the crunchy tang served with every sandwich.” Answer: “Kevin Morrison founded the Spicy Pickle, a renowned sandwich shop along the Colorado front range, before he embarked on the adventure to create Pinche Taqueria.“

Street Taco Perfection

Pinche Tacos “Carnitas” topped with avocado cream and picked red onions
Photo taken by: Rebecca Cox

Perfection is a strong word, but with a few bites into a Pinche taco served warm with the delicious insides dripping out the back down onto your hand and arm, you will begin to experience the pleasures of street taco perfection. Perhaps you would not expect such perfection from what seems from the outside to be a hole in the wall taco joint with a plane facade of red brick hiding the gastronomic pleasures that are held inside. A few steps closer and you might here the words, “Dame Lengua!” being exclaimed, traveling beyond the walls with an enthusiasm that makes one a bit curious what all the fuss is about.

The spanish words “Dame Lengua” which in english means “Give me Tongue” is the name of one of Pinche Tacos regional street taco perfections that is novel enough to the typical American eater to make it a delicacy. Yes, it is made from tongue if you are reading this wondering. The taco is carefully stuffed with braised beef tongue that has been seared to a crispy perfection on the grill and is topped with Pinche’s famous tomatillo salsa and guajillo honey mayo that will surely make you lick your fingers in search of more spicy sweetness.

If the idea of consuming tongue, even in its most delicious form, is not at all appetizing to you, don’t be wary because Pinche Taqueria has more tacos than you will be able to choose from. For a taste of a classic Pinche treat, Pinche’s “Carnitas” Taco made with crispy, roasted pork paired with an generous drizzle of avocado cream is an all time favorite.

Pinche Tacos “Carnitas” topped with avocado cream and picked red onions
Photo taken by: Rebecca Cox

For a lighter version, try the “Pescado” stuffed with chipotle and beer battered fish served with a pineapple guacamole and a splash of lime to finish it all off. The vegetarian may feast upon “Rajas con Crema y Maiz,” a veggie delicacy of roasted chile poblano, creamed chipotle corn, cotija, and sour cream. Last but certainly not least, one cannot leave Pinche without indulging, and I mean indulging, in their housemaid cinnamon churros that are served with a Mexican hot chocolate dipping sauce that is so good you will have to restrain yourself from picking up your spoon.

When it is all over, and you have had a full meal filled with street taco perfection, you may not be surprised to hear of the many accolades awarded to Pinche. Westword Reader’s Choice Best Street Taco, 10 Best Tacos in America according to epicurious.com, and Best New Restaurants in America by Bon Appetit’s Top 50 are just a few of the tributes paid to the home of taco street perfection.

Pinche Taqueria has two locations in the Denver area including its original location just steps off E. Colfax at 1514 York St. Denver CO 80206 & its new location in the Highlands at 3300 W. 32nd Ave Denver CO 80211.

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

Before owner Kevin Morrison of Pinche Tacos began Pinche, what famous Colorado sandwich chain did he begin? Hint: The name refers to the crunchy tang served with every sandwich.

Tune in this coming Tuesday for the answer!

The answer to this past Tuesday’s blog question: “The Lobby is located in the lobby of the building of what historic Denver hotel? Hint: It is named after a major European city known for its wide streets, grand palaces, gardens, and its pointy, tall landmark.?” Answer: “The Lobby is located in the lobby of what was once the Paris Hotel. Its grand elegance once reminiscent of this beloved European city famous for its grand palaces, wide streets, royal gardens, and its pointy, tall landmark, the Eiffel Tower.”

Paris’ Eiffel Tower

Meet me at the Lobby

Meet at the Lobby

The lobby of any building is a gathering place, a place where people meet and greet, hold a business meeting, or old and new friends enjoy a moment together. In the lobby of one of Denver’s most historic buildings built in the year 1891 is a glimmering red brick, black leather, and hardwood floored restaurant where people meet to linger over liquid pleasures. This little spot is appropriately named, “The Lobby,” and is one of Denver’s most historic drinking spots.

With the history still etched into the original brick work and the old Victorian accents, The Lobby has retained its aged elegance in a manner that is modern as well. Complete with a sort of secret European style garden courtyard in the back, the setting of The Lobby is ideal for anyone seeking a stylish oasis from the city.

Denver’s The Lobby

As you sit down in this oasis, you will be handed The Lobby’s “Drink Book” containing a heading at the top, “Nectar of the Gods.” Among the nectars to choose from is a wide-ranging beer list in the form of bottles, cans, and draught. From a PBR Tall Boy that sizes up to a full 24 oz. to a New Belgium Fat Tire, The Lobby offers tastes and sizes for every appetite.

The Lobby’s Line-up of Beers on Tap

For something novel, The Lobby serves up its own unique “Beer Concoctions” such as the “Hopped Ginger” made with Great Divide Titan IPA and Goslings Ginger Beer. If you are feeling a bit hedonistic, try “Johnny Appleseed’s Guilty Pleasure,” a sinful mix of Leopold apple, Coors Light, and Fee Brothers Bitters.

For wine lovers, The Lobby offers tastes from California and Europe. The Lobby’s guests can sip upon a Pinot Grigio from Campanile Winery in Italy or a Pinot Grigio from Stone Cellars in Napa Valley, California. For a bold red from California, try the Lobby’s Kitchen Sink blend or a spicier Rosemount Shiraz. For a little bubbly, there is always Lunetta Prosecco.

The Lobby’s cocktails extend beyond beer, to include such fall-inspired mixes as the “Big Apple” with Woodford Reserve, cinnamon apple infusion, and Fee Brothers Bitters served on the rocks. Another glass full of autumn flavor comes in the form of the “Apple Cider Margarita,” a unique medley of El Jimador Anejo Tequila, Cointreau, apple cider, and a splash of orange juice served on the rocks and topped off with a cinnamon sugar rim. To finish it all off right, sink your lips around and dip your spoon into a Stranahan’s Root Beer Float topped off with a rather large scoop of vanilla ice cream. After such an ending, you won’t hesitate the next time someone says to you, “Meet me at the Lobby.”

The Lobby is located at 2191 Arapahoe St Denver, CO 80205; Tel: (303) 997-9911. Happy Hour is from Tuesday to Saturday 3-6:30 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 9-11p.m.

Now for the Denver foodie trivia question to see how educated of a foodie you are!

The Lobby is located in the lobby of the building of what historic Denver hotel? Hint: It is named after a major European city known for its wide streets, grand palaces, gardens, and its pointy, tall landmark.

Tune in this coming Tuesday for the answer!

The answer to this past Tuesday’s blog question: “Taleggio cheese is an Italian cheese featured on much of the menu at Trattoria Stella. Approximately how long has Taleggio cheese been a major part of Italian cuisine?” Answer: “The cheese Taleggio has been around since the time of ancient Rome! Cicero, Cato the Elder, and Pliny the Elder all mentioned Taleggio cheese in their writings.”

An interview with Jack Pappalardo, president of Art District of Santa Fe (Denver).  Jack talks about the thriving and growing food and craft beer scene in this up and coming neighborhood.