I just spent a few days in New York City for some general rest and relaxation plus a healthy dose of NY culture. While there I had a few famous people sightings… 14 members of the New York Giant’s offensive line was heading into Smith & Wollensky for a team dinner while I was there, Rob Lowe was cruising into the Ritz Carlton spa when I was strolling around Central Park, I sat next to Robert Horay at Rue 57 for lunch (nice guy) and then walked by the Writer’s Guild strike where I saw Michael Moore and my favorite… Tina Fey.

You have to understand the irony of me seeing Tina on this trip to New York. I was only recently introduced to 30 rock and was instantly hooked. The show is witty with smart humor and great characters. It has been a LONG time since I found something this hilarious and I admit I am hooked on the pretty, smart and funny Tina Fey who co-produces, writes and stars in her 30 Rock show. After checking out the online episodes from this season I filled my Netflix queue with the past season.

Just the week before some colleagues joked and were a bit surprised that Tina was in my top 5. Imagine their shock on finding out I got a chance to meet her. What an awesome profession, making people laugh. I admire her and what she does writing for 30 Rock. You just need to believe and follow your dreams… hmmmmm, maybe meeting her was a sign.

The talented Mrs. Fey was, as you would expect, very nice. I met her at the site of Columbus Circle where the writers strike line had just ended. She was with Rachel Dratch talking and preparing to head out when I introduced myself, shook her hand, and asked her how the strike was going. Her eyes sparkled, she smiled, and shared with me that she thought it would be over soon.

Tina, i certainly hope so. Good luck guys!

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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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Since I have my scooter now and am searching for excuses to use it (ie “sure I’ll go pick up lunch” or “lets get carry out, I’ll fly”) I thought it might be a fun time to try and find the best breakfast pastries, breads, etc. in Denver. So every morning before work I jump on my scooter and cruise out to search out something I can bring back and share with the office.

Not exactly Magellan setting out for the new world, but a good enough of an excuse to cruise around as any. Plus I get to share my finds with others so maybe there is some good karma there as well.

The ground rules are easy. I don’t want to get in my car so the distance shouldn’t be too great (not that I wouldn’t scoot far, I just don’t have that much time before work) and any pastry could work. Bagels, croissants, donuts, etc. Just as long as it counts as breakfast fare.

Day one I scooted up through the Highlands. I remembered seeing a number of bakeries around the 32nd street area. Sure enough, just past Duo I saw a familiar sign for a bakery. It was Rosales Mexican Bakery located at 2636 W. 32nd Ave. I parked my scooter and shot inside.

First of all, the bakery looks like a wonderful spot for great authentic cookies, sugary breads, and other sweet delights. For breakfast fare the options were equally as sweet. Already prepared were a number of sugared donuts, Pan Dulce, and other tempting items.

I asked about other donuts they might have and they said they were about to slather up a number of fresh donuts with some Mexican chocolate sauce. That works for me.

Minutes later I am headed out the door with a dozen donuts under my arm. 6 sugar coated and 6 smothered in chocolate. Not exactly a health breakfast but a little indulgence now and then is good for the soul.

I brought the first day’s bounty back and they got quickly snatched up. The most popular… the chocolate. The donuts themselves had an even richer, more sugary texture than most donuts. Perhaps a characteristic of the Mexican Bakery technique.

And there you have day one of the pastry quest.

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Well it has been quite some time since we did any Denver Best Polls and I am sitting here on Monday night trying to decide where to get some carry out from. I am really in the mood for Indian food and have only tried a few in town, mostly for lunch.

I need to change that.

I just have to decide who to try first, and second, and third, and so on. Why don’t you share your vote for who has the best Indian food in town, and feel free to comment on why.

Let’s hear it Denver

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This past weekend and today I took a small step forward in reducing my carbon footprint. As of this morning I am an officially licensed motorcycle licensed scooter driver.

How does this reduce my carbon footprint? Well so far whenever I had to get somewhere quick or without the time or the convenience of jumping on my bike I would pull out my keys and jump into that gigantic SUV I bought back in 2000 to travel across town. I keep the beast because (1) it is paid for and (2) I have a 125 lb pup along with tons of gear that I need to carry between Denver and Vail whenever I get a chance to enjoy the mountains. [Read more →]

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Sometimes people and places surprise you in a wonderful and sincere way. This is exactly what happened when I made a recent trip to Rosa Linda’s Mexican Cafe in the Highlands on 33rd near Tejon.

It had been a particularly long day and it was approaching almost 9:00 before we finally got around to even thinking about dinner. This was a couple days ago and it was a mid week night with cold weather and perfect hibernating weather. It was one of those times where the weather just calls for cozy warm food as a cure. In the course of several lunch time orders we had enjoyed Rosa Linda’s several times, but I had never actually gone in. We pulled up their website and ordered their famous “Best of Denver” which included a shredded beef or chicken burrito, one award winning chili relleno smothered in green chili, and rice and beans plus some chips and guac.

Our order was carry out so I quickly headed over there and walked in. Rosa Linda’s is a quaint little spot on 33rd with warm light flowing out of their windows to the street.

I had arrived a little bit early and our meals were not yet ready. I looked around and the wonderful little tables and booths, the years of decorations on the walls, and the different lamplights and decided to have a seat at the bar. Rosa Linda’s just gives off such a warm vibe. It was impossible to resist sitting down for a second and after watching a couple of margaritas heading to a nearby table I decided to sample one myself. The margarita was awesome. But the real story is about Eric Aguirre who was managing the restaurant and his lovely family that started and own Rosa Linda’s.

As I sat there on my stool enjoying my the salt on my Margarita I got the opportunity to chat with Eric. I had never heard the history of Rosa Linda’s and I was quite simply… touched.

There are so few true family businesses. Rosa Linda’s, however, is one of them. Eric shared the details and it is a great story that goes a little like this.

Eric’s parents, more than 22 years ago, opened up Rosa Linda’s in a part of Denver now know as the Highlands but previously just “North”. At that time, you may recall, the neighborhood had a little different feel than it does today. Apparently, many folks advised against the idea of opening this restaurant, but the dream would become reality. They started with a family approach, four children and expecting the fifth. That family approach has carried on since with great rewards.
Since 1985 they have fed the folks in their neighborhood, and their great reputation has spread. One promise they made when they started has also continued. That promise was that if the restaurant made it, they would give back by feeding the homeless every Thanksgiving. That continues today and now includes Christmas as well.

They have a wall of fame that includes years of best of Westword and many other rewards. And last week they won their newest award, best cactus. I tried a cactus taco and it was awesome, and the award is well deserved.

And continuing in the family tradition, they are going to be starting something new. One of the sons is a chef and will be offering a special night once or twice a month where the restaurant will be closed for regular dinner and they will be hosting special chefs dinner with tequila tasting. These new special nights are planned to start in the next month or two.  Registration is from the web site, so make sure to visit.

Great food, great people, check it out.

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Here is another great spot you have to try. Tom’s Home Cooking located in Five Points is some awesome southern delights.

Fried catfish, fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas and more are there for your selection. During lunch you want to get there early. 11:30 is the magic number for me. And there will be a line when you get there and the line will be longer when you leave.

The operation is simple enough. Imagine the soup nazi from Seinfeld without the attitude. Folks churn through the assembly line and call out their main course plus two sides and you get it handed to you, in your styrofoam box, and you are off. Oops, I almost forgot the cornbread and drink are included. This is important because they brew and serve authentic sweet tea. The folks I know from the South swear it is the real thing, and they consume it by the gallon when we go.

Once you get your food grab a seat quickly before they all disappear.  If all the seats are gone, just wait a minute or two.  The turnover is quick among these small diner style tables in a small area filled with Southern antiques and signs.  Take a look around at the wall artwork, it is sure to get a laugh.  And you’ll notice there are signs warning of fees for cell phone usage while ordering or just being high maintenance.  This is where the Seinfeld reference comes from.  No catfish for YOU!!

If you are really hungry go ahead and upsize your catfish from two pieces to four, or add on a slice of pie. Either way you will not walk but roll out the door. This may not be healthy for you, but it is good. If it is any consolation, one of the most recent Scientific American articles talks about how it is healthier to eat everything you want and include alot of good stuff than it is to try to never eat anything bad. Really, or maybe we can just rationalize anything.

Yum. This is a gotta do item for anyone in Denver. Let me know what you think.

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I love breakfast. A warm cup of coffee, bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast… or maybe pancakes… or should I do a breakfast burrito.. it all sounds so good. I remember living in the mountains and being the biggest pain in the butt to my friends. Some people woke up early for fresh tracks, I woke up even earlier so I could have a big breakfast before my fresh tracks. My friends would always know it was me because my calls came in the wee hours of the morning looking for breakfast and ski companions as a round robin, hitting their home, their cell, then their roommates cell. Eventually I would find someone who hadn’t gone out big the night before. Okay, I admit I can be a bit of a freak about getting up on the hill early and staying fueled up to ski through the day without stopping… especially on a powder day. And the key to making that happen is a great breakfast.
So of course my time in Denver has been spent hunting down some of the best breakfast spots around. Now imagine how excited I was the first time I went into Snooze. Great coffee, killer pancakes, and a steak and eggs benedict that is out of this world. You will find me there at least once every week, which is made easier by the fact that they are open every day.

The last time I was in there I was with about 12 folks, which gave us a full sampling of the menu. Everything was great, and a few new members of the Snooze fan club were started. So I thought it was time to get to know Snooze and it’s host and owner Jon Schlegel a little better. Join me for an interview with Snooze…

1: Let’s start out basic for folks who have never been in to visit you. Tell us a little bit about Snooze.

Snooze is my dream. I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 13, went to DU for the Hotel, Restaurant School, and have been in fine dining for a while. It’s the package for a breakfast restaurant; focus on great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere.

2: By the way, Snooze is a great name. Where did you come up with that? [Read more →]

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Living in Riverfront Park means you certainly know one pub by heart. And just like that old Cheers show with norm and cliff, the beauty of this gem is that everyone really does know your name. Of course sometimes that is because you had a little bit too much fun the night before and your antics are well remembered. This, of course, is not a story about me and my friends… It is everybody else.
McLoughlin’s is like a den mother that is always there to make sure you are well fed, warm, and never thirsty. When we are working 80 hour weeks they have been kind enough to bring over our lunch and make sure we don’t forget to eat. When we come home late at night and want to regroup with friends for a nightcap they are open until their 2 am closing, no matter how slow their evening is. When you need a great meal and a friendly face they are always there. The people are great, the food is great, and the beer is cold.

And I haven’t even told you how great the summers are sitting out on the patio. That was the best.

During the blizzard when everything was shut down they kept us fed until the last scrap of food was gone. How’s that for reliability.

So join me in getting to know a little bit more about McLoughlins and Jon Koenig General Manager/Owner. [Read more →]

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This was a true statement I overheard during a recent lunch at My Brother’s Bar down in the CPV. I had just finished a physical; which is according to every dudes’ magazine and medical professional is exactly what I should do at my age, and was starving. My morning had been crazy without a second to breathe or eat and the fact that they stole some of my blood left me feeling even more ravenous. So my body was telling me it needed something with a touch of flavor (aka grease) and My Brother’s Bar was just the ticket.

So I belly up to the bar and order myself a J.C.B. If you don’t know what a J.C.B you had better get in there because I am not telling. Don’t take this as me being mean, I just think it is a rite of passage that you go in and order this delicious item along with a brew just like I did when I moved here. [Read more →]

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