The Urban Brain Best of Denver 2008

Food & Drink

• Best Pizza
• Best Sunday Brunch
• Best Indian Restaurant
• Biggest Cougar Bar

Urban Places & Spaces

• Denver’s Best Neighborhood OVERALL - You pick the reasons
• Most Dog Friendly Neighborhood
• Best Neighborhood for Singles
• Best Neighborhood for Architecture
• Best Neighborhood to Invest in
• Denver’s Safest Neighborhood
• Best Neighborhood to live without driving
• Best Neighborhood to Raise a Family
• Best Neighborhood for Foodies

Other

• Denver’s Best Cab Company

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So I finally got a chance to do the famous Winter Park Ski Train. With my ties to Vail it took me a little longer to give this a shot, but I am glad I did.

I’ll do a quick summary for those of you who are thinking about it. First of all, groups are the best. We had a group of 107 folks so we pretty much ruled a car and a half. At first I think everyone worried about seats and being right next to each other but the reality is that with train travel everyone is walking, talking, leaning, moving pretty much all the time. It’s a social scene on wheels.

The views are amazing, although again this became second place quickly to everyone being social. Yet far more scenic than a flood of taillights on I-70.

If you live downtown the Ski Train has a special appeal. We walked over the bridge in Riverfront Park right at 7:00 for our 7:15 departure. I personally set my alarm for 5:30 to take the pup for a long walk and to give me quite a bit of time cushion just in case, so it is not a good night to plan a big Friday out on the town.

Then on the train everyone greets each other, has fun, and kicks back and RELAXES all the way up. No white knuckle driving, no fighting traffic, and there is always a place to buy coffee or breakfast only a short walk away. Some slept, some read the paper, most chatted. Nice.

On the way back this gets magnified into a huge social gathering. Beverages flow throughout the car, there is laughter everywhere and no one is driving. What a great solution for downtown residents… instead of trying to balance doing apres with the drive home and fighting crowds on that sometimes painful return the ski train becomes the apres location. No risk, no worries. One person said it was just like staying in the mountains with no worries about the commute. Considering I carried my skis there and back in less than ten minutes I’d have to agree.

Some bits of advice for you…

Avoid car 2. It’s behind the engine so the front is sealed. Don’t worry, you don’t get any fumes but the lack of ventilation gets TOASTY. We had folks stripping down to the minimum so maybe chair two will be the naked car. Your choice.

There isn’t much you can do about this worry, but if you get behind a slower train your trip could take a bit longer. This happened on our way up but not on our way back. Not too bad, some folks slept longer and the train is comfy. But keep this in mind if you are making strict plans involving timing and make sure you have a puppy sitter on reserve in case your return is late.

Get your food or drink quick if you want it. They sold out of burritos pretty fast on the way up and while they had beer all the way through the trip back, the Stella was the first to go. Don’t forget they close the catering car when they think they are 30 minutes away from the station. This might be longer so if you want stock up before they close.

There is a great lounge car with scrabble and other games. Consider grabbing a spot there for awhile if you have a small group but be quick if you want a seat.

We will be doing the Ski Train again. Give it a shot for yourself. I forgot to mention that the train stopped on a cross track exactly where another train was heading at us. The folks in our car started getting a little bit nervous as it got closer.. and closer… and closer. Then we quickly moved, picture is one of others below.

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After returning from Tokyo and loving the train system there, whether local subway style across town or the speed trains out of Tokyo Station, i reminded myself how much I love train travel. Kick back, have a beverage and lunch, read a book, look out the window, and arrive relaxed. [Read more →]

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I set off for Tokyo on Monday morning to see another part of the world. Tokyo has always been one on my list of places to see, and certainly to eat. I even held off on Sushi for a week beforehand just to get ready (Tokyo Training). I had saved up some points on my United Mileage plus to save me some bucks and with a little schedule adjustments found dates for a week of exploring.

My early morning flight out of DIA took off a little after 8 am. With little sleep from the night before, either from nervousness or excitement, it was an easy crash on the plane. I slept the entire way to my midway stop in Vancouver. [Read more →]

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I just got an email asking if I could spread the word about a new rooftop Terrace opening up.

Of course I will, especially since with this beautiful weather I can think of few things nicer than sitting outside with friends enjoying the weather and having a cocktail.

ROOFTOP TERRACE AT VITA IS OPEN

DENVER, August 30, 2007.  Just when it seemed Highland hot spot Vita’s celebrated ambience couldn’t possibly get better, owners Mark Schuwerk and Jay Beckerman took it up a notch with the opening of their new rooftop dining space. Boasting a breathtaking view of downtown Denver, the casual but elegant deck offers diners a new way to enjoy al fresco dining. The rooftop patio features a full bar, cocktail tables, elegant European rope lighting, and an unparalleled panorama that extends from the Flatirons and Long’s Peak to the Ramparts and Pike’s Peak.

“We wanted to create a space that was sophisticated and fully embraced the unobstructed view across downtown,” Schuwerk said. “At the same time, we wanted to provide a secluded place where people could relax and linger over a cocktail as they drink in Denver’s best view.”

Beckerman added, “Not only does our new deck significantly expand our serving capacity, it offers a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic evening on the town. ”

On the new Rooftop Terrace at Vita, guests who tire of the panoramic downtown view (hard to imagine) can simply wrap themselves in the embrace of the sparkling light columns and imagine themselves transported to an Italian grotto or a starlit Amalfi Coast beach.

On Tuesdays, Vita caters to wine enthusiasts and offers ½ price bottles. Vita’s extensive fresh cocktail menu makes it a popular destination with the cocktail crowd. Vita offer 2 happy hour’s daily; 3:00 pm- 6:30 pm and one for the night owl’s starting at 9:00 pm and until close.

Located in the former Olinger building at 1575 Boulder Street in the Lower Highland area, Vita is open 7 days a week from 3:00 pm – Midnight (Sunday through Thursday), and 3:00 pm – 2:00 am (Friday and Saturday).  Vita also offers Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm with a happy hour from 3:00pm – 6:30 pm.

For more information about Vita and to make reservations visit the web site at http://www.vitadenver.com/ or call 303-477-4600.

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For the past few months the newest green movement has been to stop buying the individual water bottles that are sold by the millions over the counter and ending up in trash cans everywhere. The solution is to reuse higher quality bottles like Nalgene or to just drink out of the tap (Which most water is anyway).

This is old news. But people still don’t listen so it is worth repeating. Go by a Nalgene for Pete’s sake. Buy two or three and keep rotating them in the dishwasher so you never have an excuse. I’ll even think of a fun logo for this site and make my own if it helps…. hmmmmm not a bad idea. But anyway, the point is about the Air Grocery Bag.
The New News (redundant) that I wanted to focus on is about a great environmentally friendly solution to grocery bags. If you thought that water bottles were an issue just think of how many plastic grocery bags walk out of Whole Foods and every other grocery store every day. The answer is FAR TOO MANY.

This past weekend I bought a solution for me. A company called Granite Gear is selling a product called an Air Grocery Bag. Awesome and compact this is a wonderful solution that you can use over, and over, and over, and over. And it fits in my scooter or glove box with almost no space taken up. Cool.
So go buy one. Now. Stop using throw away bags.

Actually, every little bit helps so I just like to share with everyone all the ideas out there. Do what you can, maybe even a bit more. You don’t have to be perfect (I certainly am not) but every little bit does make a difference.

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Grab your cruiser bike, road bike, mountain bike or trick bike and head over to the the Colorado State Capital in Downtown Denver tonight (Saturday) for the Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Bike Ride.

This just sounds fun to me. Cruising through the streets of Denver with the soft glow of the moon showing you the way. And with a “Gonzo” wave of folks taking off in the later start and a costume contest element I think half of the event is just about having fun and, as is a common theme for me, being a kid again.

Now my favorite is a snow shoe under a full moon where the light from moon bouncing off the snow literally makes it bright as day. But for city living this sounds like the same great idea. And don’t forget it goes to benefit a good cause…

Proceeds from the Kaiser Permanente MOONLIGHT CLASSIC benefit SENIORS INC.

Created in 1969, SENIORS INC. is a non-profit agency dedicated to promoting independence and enriching the quality of life as we age.

The organization sponsors programs and services throughout Colorado which help and encourage the elderly to live independently, and support opportunities for older adults to continue to learn, grow and contribute to society.

Contact Seniors Inc. at 303.300.6900 or at www.seniorsinc.org.

Here are the details…

The event will start and finish at the foot of Colorado’s most recognizable landmark - The Colorado State Capitol in downtown Denver. The 15-mile course will tour other landmarks, new and old. A shorter 8-mile course will also be available. Registration and the 180 Energy Drink After Hours Cycling Bash will take place on Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.The Family Wave of riders starts at 10:30 p.m. and the “Gonzo Wave” begins at 11:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the Kaiser Permanente Moonlight Classic benefit Seniors Inc., a non-profit agency dedicated to promoting independence and enriching the quality of life as we age.

For more information and to register to participate, visit www.moonlight-classic.com or call 303-282-9020.

Where: Downtown Denver - The event will start and finish at the foot of the Colorado State Capitol
When: 8:30 p.m.

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Always on the lookout for something new and cool in the world of green the folks at Revolution Cleaners has opened a “Green Cleaning” business here in Denver. I was surprised to find out how few people even knew about them. And I hate to admit that I had no idea what the heck Green Cleaning was. I knew it was supposed to be good for the environment but I didn’t know why or how. My shirt, pant, and other cleaning has increased a ton since I moved from my fleece worshiping days in the mountains. Back then a pair of jeans, some clogs, and a fleece top were the bulk of my wardrobe.

Now that I have balanced this with an urban style (I never said a good one) I actually have clothes that need some more attention. So if I am going to have them professionally cleaned I would like to think I will be green doing it. Hence I hunted down the green cleaning option in town and wanted to learn about their business.
And of course the geek in me (which is probably alot) wanted to learn the science behind it as well.
So on my last drop off to their shop, I asked if the owners would like to share with us some more details about their business and the science of green cleaning. They happily agreed. The following interview was sent by email…

Noel, many folks don’t know about Green Dry Cleaning. Can you give us a high level overview of the difference between your process and standard dry cleaning?

Dry cleaning isn’t really dry; rather, it’s cleaning without water. Standard drycleaning uses perchloroethylene (more commonly called PERC) as the primary solvent. Traditional machines are simply large washing machines that use PERC instead of water. PERC-exposure has been associated with lots of health problems, including being identified as a hazardous substance by the EPA. It is also one of the most common contaminants in groundwater. Cleaning in PERC requires drying of the garments at a high temperature. Our process doesn’t use PERC, or any other hazardous substances. Our two dry cleaning process’ use liquid carbon dioxide and water. Both are naturally occurring in the environment and in your body.

For the extra geeky among us who love the technical details… how exactly does your process work? [Read more →]

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Why is this person so happy. Because while it is dumping rain outside and other poor souls are driving with white knuckles fighting traffic, the elements, and sleep she is cozy in her train cabin sipping a drink, reading a book, and watching the beautiful outdoors go by.

This is what we need from Denver to Vail (With a stop in Summit of course). I just drove down from another mountain excursion this morning and while I was blown away as always by the view, I couldn’t help but think how nice it would be to have been sitting and reading my paper while making the journey.

And this was a beautiful uncrowded day. But when I went up on Sunday I-70 was PACKED with cars heading down. Nothing compared to the ski season but certainly another reason to get on a train.

Just picture this. You head over to Union Station and grab a nice warm cup of coffee, a newspaper or book, and some of your best buds. You load all of your stuff onto your train car and grab a wonderful cabin with benches and curl up. The snow outside is dumping and the weather is freezing. The roads are going to be icy, if open at all. But you will make the trip to Vail in bliss surrounded by laughter, warmth and friends.

When you are hungry or thirsty you eat and drink. When you have to use the bathroom you do (but leave your cabin for this). When you are tired you sleep. You are safe.

The train might even have a dining or bar car where you can grab a bite or a drink. The folks going to and from the mountains might be the perfect audience to make this work. Or who knows what other luxury is possible. Perhaps a massage after hours of pow pow skiing or rock hopping biking.

Or maybe the train simply has seats that look out the mountains and allow all of these comforts with gorgeous views. Either way, it is a better experience than driving in a car.

And would you like to know what makes it even better? If it is planned out right we can

1: Promote alternative transportation

2: Reduce many many carbon footprints (my biggest violation is that drive to and from the mountains)

3: Make it a fun, fun journey for many people.

So why am I bringing this up again? Because I want to get started with planning, designing, and more before we go and add another lane of traffic to I-70. Or at the bare minimum we can try and send a message that we support this direction and promote the idea that it might happen (hopefully sooner rather than later).

And yes, I know there are challenges. But those challenges become greater every day that we continue doing short term solutions such as expanding lanes. Let’s support a long term solution with environmental responsibility.

Plus it will be more fun. And just to see if there is an interest out there please show your support at this ipetition here. Maybe it will even show enough support to encourage a private investment firm to get involved as discussed in the Denver Post. It doesn’t matter who does the train, what matters is folks get out of their cars.
Pass it on!!

Here is the scoop from when it was voted down from High Speed Monorail

Colorado I-70: state says highway, not monorail (1/13/05)
Denver, Colorado. Colorado transportation officials are sticking to their belief that a high-speed monorail is not the way to solve highway congestion from Denver to Vail. Their vision is for more pavement, by widening Interstate 70 through the busy mountain corridor. Last month the state released a draft environmental review that favors widening I-70, while rejecting both a high-speed monorail or a conventional rail line as too costly. In the first of ten public hearings on the I-70 mountain corridor study, almost 200 people showed up Wednesday to voice their opinion. Most of them favored monorail and said CDOT’s idea to widen the highway will be outdated when completed by 2025 as proposed. A plan for a Colorado High-Speed Monorail using inverted-T rail technology lost steam when Colorado voters turned down money for a test track in 2002. That proposal was described derogatorily as a “Disneyland ride” by Governor Bill Owens, which helped sway voters against the ballot measure.

The vote below is for the blog…. the real vote is available

clicking here!.

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Wow, this was one incredible Fourth of July and there was no more exciting place to be than the Glass House.

But lets just document the day in order [Read more →]

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