Wow! It’s been a while. So much has happened. I’ve moved to TX (yea, yea I know, but it’s Austin.), it’s been a busy year. But, that’s no excuse! I’m climbing back up on this horse that I’ve aptly named “Blog” and giving this another shot. So, tonight I’m bringing the thunder and updating on a lot of things all at once. I’ll try to go chronologically.
Denver Restaurant Week 2012
A bit about Restaurant Week. These happen all over the country during some of the slower restaurant seasons to drum up some business and hopefully procure some new patrons. The price, at least in Denver is $52.80 for 2 people and includes a 3+ course meal from a stylized menu. Drinks are not usually included. This is my favorite week all year (besides Thanksgiving, duh) as I can save my meager earnings from the LQ and eat like it’s my last day on earth and some of the top eateries around town. I highly recommend it, but the #1 thing to remember is… treat the staff with respect! They are working their asses off during this time and people still tip like shit. Tip your waitstaff!
Highland Pacific
http://www.highlandpacific.net/
Check out this amazing restaurant in Denver called Highland Pacific! My friend Ben Stephens and I went here for one of the nights of Restaurant Week. Stunningly fresh oysters from the East and West Coasts of our country. We also divulged in their hush puppies (below), which were by far the best in recent memory. We also had an insanely decadent main course, but by then we were 2 glasses of wine deep and I forgot to photograph the food. Hey- I’m still learning…
DUO Restaurant
Next is my favorite, DUO, located in the Highlands. The owners of this place also opened up Olivea off 17th, which has more of a European/Meditteranean menu. Check them out here: http://www.olivearestaurant.com/
Anyway, back to DUO. The chefs are inventive, the menu is seasonal and the food is (when possible) locally sourced. A great place for date night or girls night. Or any night!
The table (actually Ben) decided to splurge on a GREAT bottle of wine, which we accompanied with an amuse bouche of marinated olives. Have I told you how awesome Ben is?
After this amazing meal, everyone was more than satisfied with the treatment we received. The wine was great (yea, that’s the telegramme chateneuf-du-pape, baby.) the salmon you see here was cooked to perfection with sausage and a red fruit reduction. I’m a lucky girl.
WaterCourse Foods
Eileen is one of my best girls up there in D-Town. We were both bitching about never doing anything bit bar hopping, so one cold,cold night, we ended up at Watercourse. Yes, it’s vegan/vegetarian, but I swear to god- THE BEST in its class. Miss Eileen had these freaking DELICIOUS Black Bean Tacos. For reals. Amazing.
I went the heartier route and got the Country Fried Seitan with gravy and green beans. Tasted just like chicken!
Barley Swine
Down here in Austin, my friend John Tomlin introduced me to my favorite. Restaurant. Ever. Barley Swine. I have no photos, but this place is a must. Small and located on S. Lamar next to a killer cheese shop, this mini-strant seats 40 in an intimate setting. Be prepared to wait!!! But it’s worth it. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its own simple flavors. But when combined- holy god! Unreal. The wine selection does not suck and if you happen to come across a 2003 Munia Reserve 100% Tempranillo somewhere- do yourself a favor and pounce on it! Snatch it up, damnit! What a beautiful expression of a bottle.
Here again is the website to this little gem. If you don’t know, now you know…
Local Apprentice 