Zengo, my favorite Asian Latin Fusion spot is dishing up some new things.

Zengo is one of our neighborhood favorites.  They whip up what I consider to be the best Tuna entree in town, offer one of the best patio’s for late summertime dining, and more than a few of my friends consider their Mojito the ultimate Denver drink.  They also do something all of us in the neighborhood by offering some locals deals for those of us who share an address in Riverfront Park.

Cheers Zengo, we love that too.

So I was pleased to get a chance to sample some of their new menu offerings at a press dinner last night.     Here’s that menu in case you want to duplicate it for yourself and try all the new dishes…

Welcome Cocktail
Pomegranate Kumquat Caipirinha
Leblon Cachaca / Muddled Kumquats / Pomegranate / Ginger

First Course
Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings
Pork / Crab / Linguica Sausage / Green Onion / Jalapeno Ginger Black Vinegar

Second Course
Crispy Shanghai Spring Roll
Chicken / Shrimp / Tempura Baiano Bamboo / Carrot / Mushroom / Won Bok Sichuan-Acai Berry-Giner Dipping Sauce

Third Course
Coconut Crusted Bholino De Bacalhau (our favorite)
Coconut / Salt Cod / Potato / Serrano Green Onion / Cachaca-Soy Hot Mustard Sweet and Sour Sauce

Paired With

Coconut Batida Cocktail
Fresh Coconut Water / Boca Loca Cachaca / Muddled Lime

Fourth Course
Picahna Steak & XO Style King Crab
Dry Aged Top Sirloin / King Crab / Hot Bean Paste / Broccolini / Black Bean Ginger Sauce

Paired With

Szechuan-Tini
Gin / Junmai Sake / Muddled Cucumber / Szechuan Peppercorn

Dessert
Coconut Tapioca
Mango-Kumquat Gelee / Lychee Sorbet / Schiso

Paired With

Spiked Acai Tea
Green Tea Vodka / Acai Liqueur / Acai Berry Juice / Lychee

The menu started today so you don’t have to wait to give it a try.

Now you might think this is the something new I wanted to share.  In a way it is.  All the dishes were delicious.  Denver can always use some good soup dumplings (Lao Wang Noodles on Federal is still my favorite) and Zengo delivers as it always does across the board.  The Picahna Steak was amazing.  I still don’t think anything will sway me away from my adoration of their tuna as my Zengo top pick, but this comes close.

And of course XO sauce on anything will be a success.  Have you had their XO Edamame?  If not forget everything else and start with these delicious spicy green delights.

But I digress… the big news is that Zengo is opening a wine bar.  Yes folks, add another addition to the plaza when Zengo blows through the adjoining wall to create their own new wine bar space I believe is going to be called “Al Lado” (means next door).  The chef kindly shared the name but I didn’t ask the spelling.

I’m guessing a spring time opening but only time will tell when this new treat will open.  I asked about their ability to get some outdoor seating as that spot (previous offices) doesn’t have any currently and it sounds like the answer is…. maybe.

New menu, new wine bar… sounds like just one more reason to love living downtown.  And the trend is to break down a wall.

Z-Cusine broke down their wall to add the À Côté wine bar.  Colt and Grey is breaking down a wall (and adding a basement) to create Saint Ellies… now it’s Zengo‘s turn.

Zengo’s new menu additions are a special Shanghai-Sao Paulo tasting available until March 31st so don’t put it off.

Happy 2012 to you and yours from New Era Realty!

A New Year brings much optimism to the real estate market based on recent and longer term trends.  As we saw throughout most of 2011, the inventory of available Denver condos and homes dropped substantially throughout the year and December was no exception.  With the inventory of available properties down almost 40% from the same period in 2010, Denver reached a 12 year low of inventory on the market!  We have to go clear back to 1999 when we had a month with only 11,000 active listings on the market.  And what followed?  Properties appreciated 8% until the inventory reached 27,000 active listings in 2007.   Only when the housing supply reached the then, current demand, did prices begin to level out.  The question we must ask is whether we are on the verge of home values rising again?

December 2011 saw many positive trends that lead us to believe prices are ultimately going to rise this year, barring any major setbacks in the financial markets or the overall health of the Colorado and U.S. economy.  The number of under contract and sold homes and condos were up 5% and 4% respectively from the previous year.  The average days on market for all properties fell nearly 7%, with condos fairing much better at a near 20% drop in days on market!  In fact, the inventory of Denver lofts and condos in the Metro area fell nearly 50% from the same time last year.  This reflects the trend of “affordable housing” selling quickly in the current market (recall that the average condo is selling for $166,000).  The average value of homes and condos was flat from December 2010 at an average sales price of $254,000.  This is really nothing to complain about compared to the national housing trends.  And again, as supply continues falling while demand increases, prices should rise!

If you or someone you know is searching for a home or condo right now, and depending on your/their budget, you are likely experiencing the lack of inventory first-hand.  As a buyer, you need to understand the market segment you are shopping in and the potential challenges you face.  In the past 12 months the price of homes under $85K has risen a massive 19% (think competitive offers are the norm and bidding ABOVE list prices is very common).  Homes between $85K and $135K are up 10% (still very competitive for any buyer in this segment).  Homes from $135K – $210K are up 6% (and guess what, the new listings that hit the market that are priced and show well in this segment sell in days, not months!).  At all of these lower priced segments, owner occupant buyers are also competing with investors (many of them cash buyers) who see the opportunity to purchase income producing rentals.  It’s only when you hit prices above $300K that prices are still falling (down 13% for homes priced above $460K for instance).

If you are considering selling your home under $315K and can price it according to current market value, NOW is the time to list it.  If you are over $315K, depending on where you live the current market may still be beneficial to you (especially if you own a home in Central Denver).   If you are considering buying a home under $315K, be prepared to compete with numerous buyers for the same home, be willing to pay at or above list price and make sure you work with a buyer’s agent who is actively and aggressively finding properties for you as they hit the market.  If you are buying a home over $315K, you will still have some negotiation room and more inventory to choose from, but your days may be numbered given current trends!  In the past few months we sold several higher priced listings near or at list price.

As always, we are up-to-date on the latest market happenings.  Please don’t hesitate to contact New Era Realty whenever you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home!

Being on the cutting edge of improvisation is like trying to run a 400 meter race against a cheetah. You probably won’t make it to the finish line. But every once in a while something happens that is so far ahead of the curve it is beyond it. The use of improvisational games in performance are an example. The Nutrino project instant movie was another.

Similar to evolution, improvisation has these moments of monumental leap that can change the playing field forever. The difficulty with these leaps is that those making them can’t see beyond where they currently are, and much like improvisation they won’t know until it’s over if what they have done is a monument or simply another block on top of the pyramid of improv.
I personally think “Like This Show” at Bovine Metropolis Theater could be monumental. When we get to the other side, we’ll have to see if there is a pyramid or simply a cornerstone piece, either way, it is monumental fun putting this show together and a challenge, and after all isn’t that the point?

“Ladies and gentleman please turn on your cellphone, the show is about to begin.” This unexpected call to action is how “Like This Show” begins. This new social media/improv show at the Bovine Metropolis Theater combines the instant funniness of improv with the collaborative power of social media.

“Like This Show” is an improv show that utilizes social media in a way that it’s never been used before,” said Artistic Director, Eric Farone. “Usually with theater, the audience is asked to turn off their cell phones and not be active participants in the show. This show will ask people to tweet, and text, and update and become active participants in the show.”

“I think it will add another layer of interaction that the audience hasn’t seen before,” said Managing Director Kent Welborn. “It will make the audience even more part of the show.”Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Linked In, tools that have become so prevalent in our society, that they have in some ways replaced the normal communication “Like This Show” is a way to embrace the existence of social media with traditional human interaction.

“It changes social media by making it more social,” said Farone. “It allows the audience to interact with the players onstage, and with other members of the audience.“

The virtual becomes real again, The framework of this show allows a real-time interaction with social media onstage, and with some of the groups exploring new ways to use social media in their improvisation, they will be creating something of the moment, not only on stage, but globally, and instantly published to the community and world.

“Like This Show” combines so many elements of what theater can be, it blends concept art, the well-made play, audience participation, and creates something that hasn’t been seen before, and will no doubt be hilarious.

“I am excited to see how it turns out,” said Managing Director, Kent Welborn with a smile. “I’m excited to see how the social integration gets socially integrated.”

When asked about the limits of improvisation that are being pushed with this show, Eric Farone paused reflectively.
“I think it’s improv with an extensive social media influence,” he said. “It might have the potential to become an entirely new form of improvisation.”

“Like This Show”
Plays Friday Nights at 8:00 P.M.
At Bovine Metropolis Theater
Price: $16, Eligible for Groupon Reservations

Gotta admit it’s pretty funny… and that the game winning throw is the topic of late night television is a sign we are doing something amazing.

The Union Station Neighborhood is growing up.

The dust has settled on the Historic Union Station debate leaving plans underway for a new hotel. The arguments for the hotel involved financial models and a world of NPV’s and IRRs (I imagine, that’s what I’d look at) but what I prefer to talk about urban planning elements.

I’ve listened to a number of my friends share their hopes for the project including a few architects and planners. For those who love the hotel solution it means a 24 X 7 influx of energy and activity.

I remember roughly 6 years ago the topic was how to make Downtown Denver more of a 24 X 7 city. Why, you might ask? Have you ever visited a city that clears out when the offices empty out. You may have visited one of those cities on a business trip or vacation. Perhaps that’s the city you moved from. You know what I mean… by 6:30 the city is a ghost town.

I’m not a fan of those cities.

I like cities where the streets are filled with foot traffic. I like eyes on the street for crime prevention. I remember reading a simply story written (I think by an Urban Planner) that talked about the 24 hour city where the streets were always alive. By the time the entertainment, bars and late night diners were closing down the early morning bakers and vendor were starting up their storefronts or kitchens.

The hopes for the hotel are to help contribute to a 24 X 7 city. It must be a good idea, because I hear rumors of another hotel in Union Station as well. Add in the new King Sooper (at least that’s the brand in the rendering) at 20th and Chestnut and the new Union Station Neighborhood is rocking.

Need a little more… how about more bodies with the Manhattans new phase of it’s Apartment Building on Bassett and 18th. More? How about the sale of land at 20th and Little Raven to AMLI, a Chicago Developer planning a 242 residence apartment complex. And the new grocery store will have 307 apartment units above it per designs at the Architect Mulhern Group Website.

Hotels, Apartments, Grocery Store…. sounds like a lot of bodies are going to keep those streets alive.

Cheers Denver!

Happy Thanksgiving Denver!

Today I just thought I’d share a little video about some great wine pairings and since the topic around the table consistently includes sharing whatever great wines we have found around town.

So… one thing led to another and the idea for a Denver Wine Talk Forum came up. Let’s hear your favorites around town and which little wine nook you found it at. Cheers!

Okay foodies and booze hounds… a new speakeasy has opened up on Tejon across from LoHi Steak Bar.

November 15th marked the opening of William & Graham in LoHi. I haven’t been yet so this is more of a neighborhood service announcement so comment here on your experience. I can’t wait to give it a shot.

The front is a bookstore where they take your reservation to go beyond the facade and enter the restaurant bar area. Food and drink are supposed to be great.

UPDATE –

Couldn’t resist so we stopped in to check it out and ended up scoring seats at the bar and stayed rooted to that spot. This place is amazing and so are their amazing mixologists behind the bar..

Order a drink they made up for me last night… It’s called “The Urban Brain”. This cocktail masterpiece was created by Williams and Graham mixology master Heshoa Smyth. He wrote down the ingredients for me and said he’ll make it for anyone who comes in and asks for it.

1.5 oz Wodka Vodka
0.5 oz Dimmi
0.5 oz Vida Mezcal
1 inch Muddle Cucumber
1/8th Muddle Aijou Pear
½ oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Ruby Grapefruit Juice
½ oz Habanero Honey Juice
Garnish Salt Rim + Smoked Mynthe Cucumber Slice

Go, go now. Go before everyone knows about this place and you can’t get a seat and…. wait a minute.

What am I thinking… I need to keep this place a secret so Ali and I can always get a seat.

Forget what I said. Why don’t you just stay home and watch a the new Ashton and Kim reality dating show.

It’s been a busy 2011.  Linger opened (best views and location… and what a great reuse of a Mortuary).  Ale House opened (best summer beer drinking location).

I’m sure many other opened.   But this past weekend I found my favorite new opening of 2011 with Charcoal.

I won’t repeat their menu.. you can check it out at their website charcoaldining.com.

For simplicity let me just say that among our table of four there was not one dish we didn’t all love from small dishes to large.  It’s a mix of European traditional food and modern techniques.  I loved it.

It is also worth sharing their philosophy on wine.  Basically… wine goes with every meal.  Charcoal helps you to accomplish this by finding affordable delicious wines (or perhaps they just don’t mark them up as much as most restaurants) and offering smaller size glass options.

Thanks Charcoal.  I’ll be back.

Here is the summary from their website on who Charcoal is…

The story of Charcoal Restaurant is based on a single premise: Offer great food and wine with excellent service in a fine dining atmosphere at affordable prices. The team of Charcoal Restaurant absolutely believes it is possible.
OUR STORY
Our food is contemporary European cuisine cooked with classic and innovative techniques.

CLASSIC. The classic comes under the direction of Executive Chef Patrik Landberg and his team.  Chef Landberg’s extensive culinary credentials makes Charcoal Restaurant a fine dining experience of the first caliber. The kitchen only uses the highest quality ingredients prepared in a simple and clear presentation style. Our goal is to let the primary ingredient be the star, not mask it through too much sauce or garnish. Many items on the menu are carefully prepared to be as flavorful and healthy as possible. The menu is designed to allow you to have a selection of small, appetizer or full size entrees.

INNOVATION. The innovation comes from the custom designed “Bincho” grill.  Bincho cooking is believed to have originated in the 8th century and, while used throughout Asia, is often identified with Japan. The making of Bincho charcoal is time consuming involving multiple refining steps of burning the wood over a kiln until it reaches temperatures of 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit and several days of curing. The end result is charcoal that burns at an extremely high temperature and is virtually smokeless in comparison to other charcoal. We only use charcoal that comes from sustainable forests and contains no fillers or volatile substances- just pure hardwood. Because of the high temperature, food is cooked quicker. Meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Vegetables retain their flavor. Many of our signature dishes are prepared on the Bincho grill.

SERVICE. Our staff, led by Front of the House Manager, Aric Sandoval, is trained not to be pretentious or overly formal. They are trained to help you relax and enjoy the dining experience while still providing expert and informed service. We want all customers to be treated equally with warmth and respect.

WINE. Wine should be drunk with every meal. However, the pretentiousness and often-stratospheric price makes, for many, wine a special occasion. At Charcoal Restaurant, you can have a flight, half pour, full pour or bottle at affordable prices. We choose our wine, not just on taste, but also on what offers great customer value. Our custom designed Napa wine dispenser allows you to sample many wines by the glass.

ATMOSPHERE. We created a restaurant that is refined, yet comfortable. A mixture of old and new. Relax in any of our zones of comfort: the patio, lounge, bar, dining room, grill or, for a truly exquisite experience, reserve our private dining room. For a lucky few, in the dining room, reserve our chef’s table and interact and enjoy the culinary expertise of Chef Landberg and his team. We hope you notice our antique chandeliers from South America as well as our Colorado custom designed grills. We did not overlook the small details like changing tables in the bathrooms and purse hooks throughout the restaurant. The sound system was specifically designed to provide different acoustic levels throughout the restaurant so no matter where you are, you can enjoy our thousand song music library.

THE SPECIAL TOUCHES. If you feel like dining at home, use our convenient on line ordering of delicious Bincho boxes, filled with specially prepared kitchen creations. Lastly, to make your arrival and departure extra comfortable, use our reserved parking close to the restaurant.

We are proud to open our first restaurant in the Golden Triangle. We will be good neighbors.

Read the Charcoal Dinner Menu.

Grow a Moustache to help kick Cancer’s butt… of course I’m in.  Magnum would do the same thing.

Cancer sucks. It doesn’t matter what kind of cancer… they all just suck. It is a terrible disease that touches all of us.

The American Cancer Society’s 2011 report indicates that 1 in 3 women will develop cancer and 1 in 2 men will develop cancer. That’s right men, flip a coin and there is a heads or tails chance that you will develop cancer in your lifetime.

This has got to stop.

So that is why when I learned it was Movember I had to get involved. Movember is… (From their website)

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

Once registered at www.movember.com, men start Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

So please spread the word and for those who have enjoyed my writing here at The Urban Brain, or those who haven’t and just want to do a good thing, please donate here.

Keep your eyes peeled for my fugly face trying to grow a moustache around Denver and spread the word about this great cause… in fact after you are done donating please facebook, tweet, or do whatever magic you can to share this post and news of Mike’s Amazing Moustache Movember Movement.