Today’s topic is wine, wine, and more wine!

Urbanites are social. We throw our dinner parties, our martini balls, our football get togethers, and our impromptu late nights with friends. So what do we consider a bare essential…. our wine store and having a great selection available for us.

So join me in getting to know Little Raven Vineyards and Peter Klann, Proprietor.

Peter, can you tell me what first attracted you to wine, what you love about it and a little bit about your background?

Shortly after moving to Colorado in 1976 my wine adventure began in the cellar of a neighbor who had an extensive collection of French and German wine. I have traveled to several of the major wine regions in the world to further my education. My formal wine education includes advanced Sommelier and Advanced Wine and Food paring certificates from the IWG.

What was your inspiration for Little Raven Vineyards and the wines you select? [Read more →]

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Some friends and I were trying to think of a nice spot for dinner last night. We had 7 people, voracious appetites, and were craving some good wine. Add to that the fact that we didn’t want to take multiple cabs but instead preferred to walk and we were left with one clear choice…. Vita.

Vita is a new restaurant that opened up two weeks ago. It is located by Lola in the lower highlands area, just over the two pedestrian bridges from Riverfront Park for our walkable group trek. It was a good thing we called for a reservation because it was packed.

Cozy and warm, with subtle lighting and floor to ceiling glass walls that look out to the city, Vita is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. We had a large table right on the glass [Read more →]

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It’s snowing.

I have been back in Denver for less than 24 hours and the snow is falling again. Reports started at 8 to 12 inches and now I have heard quotes of one to three feet. I only have one thing to say about that.

Awesome!

I am a true snow lover. I love the pure white, the falling flakes, the blanket across the city. I love it so much that I think I may be a snow beacon. A snow beacon is someone who calls to the snow, when they are there the snow will fall. When I still lived up in the mountains last October, November, and December we got some major, and I mean major, snow dumps that allowed me to enjoy one of the most spectacular ski months of my life. I had just wrapped up one chapter of my life and had time in December to do nothing but ski, and so I called to it. And the snow came.

Then… I move to Denver and the winter comes and I miss the snow. So I call to it and we get a terrific snow storm just before I leave town. Then I get back and miss the snow and I must miss me too because it has returned. I have been told that this snow is unusual for Denver, not since many many years past has it been like this. And hence, I think I am a snow beacon. And I am loving it, so don’t mess with my fantasy.

That is not the real purpose of this post. This post is all about people, not snow. It is merely snow that draws people out and makes them a bit more real, pure, and approachable. The best description I heard was someone commenting on all the good will that existed in the streets, the cafes, and the gathering places around our city. I saw people helping others shovel their cars out, helping others push their car our of stranded trenches, and helping others by holding open doors and welcoming them to their table for a cup of tea. And the observation someone made, which stayed with me, was how wonderful everyone seems to be with each other when we are all in contact with each other, by foot, by sharing a table, sharing a seat on the light rail, by passing on the street compared with the attitudes and distance that exist when we travel inside our steel automobiles. Can we learn something from this blizzard?

During Blizzard #1 my lady and I got a chance to play in the snow. We cross country skied to breakfast at Gallop Cafe, using the streets as our trails and getting a few chuckles from folks we passed. We relaxed in their cozy environment with open faced sandwiches and what has to be the best bloody mary I have had in Denver. No kidding, it was huge with a literal vegetable garden inside (pickes, peppers, veggies, yum) and it was also served with a small beer chaser. Talk about cozy, I was in heaven. And everyone was so nice… everywhere. People were on the streets, walking to get coffee, or food, or perhaps stocking up on spirits for an evening by the fire. Whatever they were up to they were right there and they was a real connection with them as we traveled the city by foot. And that mattered.

For dinner we hiked back across the new Highland Pedestrian Bridge and hit Z Cuisine for some cozy dinner, a glass of wine, and some delicious food with our friend Pat. Pat had hiked her butt down from farther up the Highlands after being stranded in DIA for over 24 hours and had similar stories of meeting total strangers and bonding, sharing a meal and a glass of wine. I think she even got a date out of it.

So, my point is to welcome this second snow storm and wish with all your might that we get three feet or more. And if that does happen, go out and xx ski, snowshoe, or hike across your cubby in the city. Explore the local restaurants, meet your neighbors. Remember that two types of restaurants seemed to be open in the first round. One was the hotel restaurant, which is a fail safe that takes care of its lodgers. The other and even more special spot is your true local bistro. The staff and owner usually live within a few blocks, and they tend to be there for their neighborhood. As the folks at Z cuisine said, this is their neighborhood and it was important for them to be open. You wont find that with the big chains (except Starbucks, they are ALWAYS open and do get some kudos for that).

So go enjoy a Gallop Bloody, go have a french dessert with a congnac, go laugh with friends and walk home in knee high snow.

And when the snow has all melted and the roads are open again, try and remember what was so special and keep repeating it.

Happy skiing folks, and lets hope it really dumps.

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The snow is dumping, and I love it.. but that leaves the question of where you can grab some grub in the middle of a blizzard. My lady and I ran downtown and hunted up two spots still serving Dinner. The trick, you see, is to check the hotels first. They tend to stay open to feed their guests. The two we found were the Panzano in the Hotel Monaco and the Restaurant Kevin Taylor at the Hotel Monaco. Call the first to make sure nothing has changed from yesterday.

If you know of some other restaurants open today, please blog them here and share. Thanks!!

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Okay, so I love the snow and the beautiful storm that is blanketing Denver is beautiful. I am not happy that my travel plans are in the garbage, and even more unhappy that the airlines don’t have a solution, or seem to be concerned that the next flight I might catch is literally on Christmas Day.

But sometimes you just have to take life as it is, laugh and enjoy. And so I took my pup for a hike across Commons Park and joined the other true snow lovers with their dogs, their skis, their sleds, and even their snowboards. Schuss on fell Denverites, for my lady and I are off for a dinner at one of the few restaurants still open. We will travel by foot and enjoy a warm cozy dining experience as the snow falls outside. If you couldn’t find anything open during the storm.. here is a hint.. try the hotel restaurants. Here are some funky snow pics!

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Who said there was enough places to get a beer in Denver didn’t know about the North Star Brew Pub, recently opened in the Highlands on the corner of 32nd and Tejon.

It has a neighborhood pub feel in a sunny space, with a staff that is there to createa Cheers like atmosphere (for those old enough to remember that show)

Brewer Kyle Carstens is the beerman at North Star. He spent 15 years brewing at Wynkoop before opening his own place and he knows his beer.

Kyle will have his beers for you, or you can have some of the Micro’s they personnally select. I heard they have PBR’s Schlitz and Hamm’s if you want to go back to old school.

Want some food, great lunch and dinner will be served as well.

North Star Brewpub, 3200 Tejon in Denver. They open at 11am.

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Best to just quote the papers on this one… Check it out and let me know if you agree.

Their website is here.. at the time of this post it was still under construction.

The Lure -

“When The Lure joined the downtown lounge scene earlier this month, it immediately scored points among well-heeled thirtysomethings for its simple approach to style and quality. Chef Eric Roeder designed the menu of elegant dinner entrees and small plates - served until 1 a.m. for high quality late-night eats - and the drink menu leans heavily toward wine, champagne, and high-end cocktails without relying on the overdone crutch of bottle service.

The long, narrow space offers half-round booths down the left side and bar seating on the right, and subtly rustic touches lend the space a vaguely lodge-like vibe. An antler chandelier greets you at the entrance, fur trim lines the kick plate beneath the bar, and exposed brick and stone play up the classy lighting and dark, classic décor.

The Thursday-night ladies’ night is popular already; as a chic variation on the traditional cheap drink specials, the Lure instead advertises half-price bottles of champagne. A $60 bottle of J sparkling wine goes for a mere $30, and a $115 bottle of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label is a deal at $57.” –Denver Post 10/20/06

The Lure, 1434 Blake St.; 303-446-2222.

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For the last few months I have been hearing about a new seafood restaurant in the Highland area by the name of Highland Pacific. Hearing about is not the best description, a few buddies of mine have been RAVING about this new spot in their neighborhood. They go there, throw back oysters and drink beer to their hearts content. I had to check it out.

So this past Saturday we went. After hearing how awesome it was supposed to be we called ahead for a reservation and then headed on over.

First impression, great little place. It’s warm, it’s cozy. The small bar is set up to easily serve a few people their shellfish in comfort with a few tables around for casual dining, plus another small dining room. It wasn’t very crowded, just a steady flow of folk when we got there and throughout our meal. We didn’t need our reservation to have a table, but one never knows so I still recommend it.

We started with, of course, Martinis. My own preference is a dirty martini so you can pair the salty taste of certain oysters with the brine in the Martini. YUM, and when we asked what Vodka’s they carried the response was “we have so many it might be easier if you ask if we have the one you want..”. Good answer.

I recommend getting the Oyster tour, which lets you try a variety. Oysters come in so many flavors, some with hints of melon, others more salty. One we tried made you feel like you just swallowed salt water, probably someone’s favorite but not mine. And I love strong tastes. But without ordering the tour you might miss the subtle differences in the various types from various locations, so give it a try. As Oysters go, I give HIghland Pacific an A+.

We then had the goat cheese appetizer. WONDERFUL!! It had been a chilly night and the warm goat cheese spread over the toasted bread chips wonderfully, paired with marinated tomatos and a great olive spread. It melts in your mouth, and the perfect second course.

For dinner I selected the slow roasted Salmon with lentils. The salmon was cooked perfectly and just floated flavor in my mouth. The lentil pairing went well with the fish, and some greens thrown in with a touch of balsamic. YUM!!

Overall, go check it out. We spent a bit more than we expected, about $140 for two with two martini’s each. But worth it! Next time the fried oyster po boy is on the agenda. If you have been, let us know what you think.

Since I had trouble finding a list of all the types of Oysters Online, if you know of a good web site reference please post it.

If you just want to learn more about Oysters and oyster type you should check out these links…

Oyster types and locations
Wikipedia on Oysters
Oyster Recipes
Kumamoto Oysters
Types of Oysters

Or for a GREAT book on the history of Oysters in New York, and I mean from thousands of years back to today, check out the best seller The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell

Happy Shelling!!

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What people don’t understand about Denver is that we have some of the best Sushi anywhere in the Country. Who cares that we are no where near any ocean, in today’s world the fish is flown FRESH from everywhere, including Japan. Wayne, the owner of Sushi Sasa, has created a marvelous Sushi destination where whatever is coming out of waters across the world tasty, he gets.

I recommend taking a seat at the Sushi bar and putting yourself in their hands. The Chef’s choice is always amazing. If you prefer to hand pick, simply ask what is the best and they won’t steer you wrong. Recently we sampled the Japanese black and red snapper (amazing), the Uni, Japanese needle fish, and so many delicious items that my taste buds are still singing.

The team there is exceptional, and service is always tops. Although I think I may have to give up saki, the pours there are also generous.

Located at Platte and 15th, this location allows for many after dinner retreats too including Paris on the Platte and My Brother’s Bar.

Yum!!

Been there? Tell us what you thought.

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