M and I made it back to Milagro recently. It was excellent. I started with the sangria. Nice. Then I went with the sauvingon blanc that they have by the glass. M stuck with the house coin margarita with a Cointreau floater. We did the chips, salsa, and they ordered the guac, too. Last time we had to doctor the guac a bit to make it interesting. This time it was much more flavorful and spicy.
As far as entrees, we kept it simple. We each got an a la carte burrito smothered in green chile (no sour cream, please). One was shrimp and one was chicken. Both were fantastic. We did the old split/exchange so that we could each enjoy both.
It was such a warm night, we decided to have the sundae they offer for dessert. Tasty vanilla ice cream (gotta love those little black specs in your vanilla) with mango (?) and pineapple. Really hit the spot.
So far, every time we've gone, we've been able to get a seat outside. I fear the day it will be too packed for such consistency. We'll just have to try to keep to more off-peak days and times.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Hillcrest Grill
I'm falling behind! It was a while ago that KB and I brought baby J to the Hillcrest Grill, and I haven't had a chance to write about it yet. It's somewhat representative of the summer in general, though. So many big plans, not so much time to get it all done, and before you know it, school will be back in session, the leaves will be turning, and... It's probably best not to get caught up in thinking like that. Be in the moment... Be present... Breathe....
I'm okay now. Anyway, back to the Hillcrest. It had been several months since I had been there, and M and I were always saying it would be a great place for KB, C, and baby J to check out because it's so kid-friendly. So KB and I got together and made it over there. We sat outside because it was such a stunning evening. (Now you know it was a while ago considering the temperatures we've been having lately).
We started out with two of the white wine sangrias. They were so good, they didn't last very long. For fear of sucking down way too many of those, we both went with white wine after that. I did the Sonoma Cutrer chardonnay. KB had a pinot gris that she enjoyed. Baby J was thrilled to have his crayons and something to color, even thought it was more of an abstract piece by the time he was done with it.
You can tell these guys are used to dealing with kids. Ordering milk to put in J's sippy cup was no sweat, and even when a dish got broken, the server was cool as a cucumber. That kind of positive tone was so great and really helped contribute to an even more relaxing vibe.
As far as the food goes, we got some mini burgers for J, and even though KB and I both ordered the tilapia special, I had mentioned how good the pot roast mini sandwiches were, and so we put in for an order of those, as well. Of course, the mini pot roast sandwiches were great, especially with the horseradish sauce it comes with. the tilapia was also good, and while I did't finish all the greens, I liked that it had the summery presentation of being on greens with a nice fruity viniagrette.
All in all, a really pleasant meal, much to the credit of our laid-back server. It also doesn't hurt that it's pretty close by, too.
EOD Bathroom Rating: I didn't get a chance to go to the bathroom while we were there last (I keep forgetting to check them out). If I remember correctly, there's one single, largish bathroom with a door right off the east side of the dining room. I'll check next time.
I'm okay now. Anyway, back to the Hillcrest. It had been several months since I had been there, and M and I were always saying it would be a great place for KB, C, and baby J to check out because it's so kid-friendly. So KB and I got together and made it over there. We sat outside because it was such a stunning evening. (Now you know it was a while ago considering the temperatures we've been having lately).
We started out with two of the white wine sangrias. They were so good, they didn't last very long. For fear of sucking down way too many of those, we both went with white wine after that. I did the Sonoma Cutrer chardonnay. KB had a pinot gris that she enjoyed. Baby J was thrilled to have his crayons and something to color, even thought it was more of an abstract piece by the time he was done with it.
You can tell these guys are used to dealing with kids. Ordering milk to put in J's sippy cup was no sweat, and even when a dish got broken, the server was cool as a cucumber. That kind of positive tone was so great and really helped contribute to an even more relaxing vibe.
As far as the food goes, we got some mini burgers for J, and even though KB and I both ordered the tilapia special, I had mentioned how good the pot roast mini sandwiches were, and so we put in for an order of those, as well. Of course, the mini pot roast sandwiches were great, especially with the horseradish sauce it comes with. the tilapia was also good, and while I did't finish all the greens, I liked that it had the summery presentation of being on greens with a nice fruity viniagrette.
All in all, a really pleasant meal, much to the credit of our laid-back server. It also doesn't hurt that it's pretty close by, too.
EOD Bathroom Rating: I didn't get a chance to go to the bathroom while we were there last (I keep forgetting to check them out). If I remember correctly, there's one single, largish bathroom with a door right off the east side of the dining room. I'll check next time.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Brix
Got a call from the bibliochicas about going to a late showing of The Sisterhood of the traveling Pants. I know. I know. It was actually pretty good and probably as close as possible to the book. I can't imagine a guy stepping foot in a theatre showing the film, but I enjoyed it.
Anyway, we went to Brix for a drink beforehand. I had been doing the Dr. Miracle's Magical Leek Soup thing from French Women Don't Get Fat (see the Mel's entry), and was ready for some solid food.
I started with a prosecco. Very refreshing! I ended up getting the Moroccan Chicken because I had enjoyed it one of the last times I was there. It was good, but not as succulent as I remember it being. But still darn good, don't get me wrong. KW had eaten before we got there, so she opted out of dinner. N had the crab cakes and something else that I can't remember. She seemed to enjoy it.
I forgot that Brix can be quite the "scene." While we were waiting for KW, N and I were hanging out in the very intimate waiting area. The bar was packed with people (a lot of guys, actually). This was around 8pm on a Wednesday. The ladies and I had no problem sitting in the back area, where it is more quiet and subdued, but there was this other group of gals who wanted to wait to be seated in the front of the house -- where all the action seemed to be.
I don't mind all that sort of thing, as long as it doesn't get in the way of good food and good service (which it didn't). Our waitress was cool, and I've always had a great experience with the bartenders up front (when it's less of a scene).
EOD Bathroom Rating: Three and a half out of five flushes. Clean, trendy, but VERY RED and therefore difficult to see how you look in the mirror .
Anyway, we went to Brix for a drink beforehand. I had been doing the Dr. Miracle's Magical Leek Soup thing from French Women Don't Get Fat (see the Mel's entry), and was ready for some solid food.
I started with a prosecco. Very refreshing! I ended up getting the Moroccan Chicken because I had enjoyed it one of the last times I was there. It was good, but not as succulent as I remember it being. But still darn good, don't get me wrong. KW had eaten before we got there, so she opted out of dinner. N had the crab cakes and something else that I can't remember. She seemed to enjoy it.
I forgot that Brix can be quite the "scene." While we were waiting for KW, N and I were hanging out in the very intimate waiting area. The bar was packed with people (a lot of guys, actually). This was around 8pm on a Wednesday. The ladies and I had no problem sitting in the back area, where it is more quiet and subdued, but there was this other group of gals who wanted to wait to be seated in the front of the house -- where all the action seemed to be.
I don't mind all that sort of thing, as long as it doesn't get in the way of good food and good service (which it didn't). Our waitress was cool, and I've always had a great experience with the bartenders up front (when it's less of a scene).
EOD Bathroom Rating: Three and a half out of five flushes. Clean, trendy, but VERY RED and therefore difficult to see how you look in the mirror .
Friday, July 08, 2005
Mel's Bar & Grill
I'm not sure exactly what the circumstances were that led M and I to find ourselves at Mel's recently. I'm also not exactly sure what day it was, other than the fact that there was a quiet-ness to Cherry Creek North that late afternoon. Monday, perhaps? Tuesday? In any case, we were there, ate a very pleasant meal outside on the front patio, and had a great time.
I've been reading this book called French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. I know... I know... stay with me... And I could go on and on about the various specifics of the book, but one thing that's for sure is it's given me quite the champagne jones lately. I bring this up because both M and I started our meal with a champagne (M had the California sparkling wine and I had the French stuff) and the carpaccio with arugala and Parmesan. It was a very enjoyable pairing!
For dinner I had the risotto with fresh peas, lima beans, asparagus, and artichoke. Sooo good, and didn't seem too heavy in spite of the potential richness. I think it was all the veggies. M had the halibut and it was good, but my dish was better. The wine we had with dinner was Tortoise Creek sauvignon blanc (with the twist top!). Cheap and nice. As M pointed out, the two glasses of bubbly were more than the bottle of white.
E.O.D. Bathroom Rating: I didn't use the facilities this time, but if I remember correctly, you have to go out into the atrium of the mini shopping plaza Mel's is connected to. I don't remember loving that, but if the bathroom is nice, it's not so bad, I guess.
I've been reading this book called French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. I know... I know... stay with me... And I could go on and on about the various specifics of the book, but one thing that's for sure is it's given me quite the champagne jones lately. I bring this up because both M and I started our meal with a champagne (M had the California sparkling wine and I had the French stuff) and the carpaccio with arugala and Parmesan. It was a very enjoyable pairing!
For dinner I had the risotto with fresh peas, lima beans, asparagus, and artichoke. Sooo good, and didn't seem too heavy in spite of the potential richness. I think it was all the veggies. M had the halibut and it was good, but my dish was better. The wine we had with dinner was Tortoise Creek sauvignon blanc (with the twist top!). Cheap and nice. As M pointed out, the two glasses of bubbly were more than the bottle of white.
E.O.D. Bathroom Rating: I didn't use the facilities this time, but if I remember correctly, you have to go out into the atrium of the mini shopping plaza Mel's is connected to. I don't remember loving that, but if the bathroom is nice, it's not so bad, I guess.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Sushi Tazu
It's hard to believe that M and I have never been to Sushi Tazu in Cherry Creek North. We've been to the standards: Sushi Den, Japon, Hapa, Mao, Sonoda's, and Mori. Everyone has his/her favorite, but the two we consistently go to are Sushi Den and Hapa. Now we'll have to include Sushi Tazu in our rotation!
In spite of the throngs of people who kept everyone at Sushi Tazu incredibly busy during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival this past weekend, neither the staff nor the food seemed the worse for it when we sat down in the covered patio area that Monday. M and I ordered a bottle of the pinot grigio they offer, but when we were eventually told they were out of it, they offered us any of the other white bottles (it's a small list) at the same price. We went with a sauvingnon blanc and ordered some food: a house salad (tasty dressing), and a few pieces of nigiri sushi and a spicy tuna roll. While all this was good, the most interesting of what we had came in the form of a shrimp dumpling and some grilled eggplant. I was expecting chopped shrimp, somewhat shumai-esque, but instead it was a whole shrimp, wrapped in the dumpling dough. It was great, and the accompanying sauce was perfectly spicy. The eggplant was a pleasant surprise, too. Skinned, somewhat roughly-cut pieces of eggplant were in a fantastically light sauce that highlighted the flavor of the eggplant. Not too sweet and not too tart. It's just a reminder how rewarding it can be to branch out from what you might typically order and try something new. Really great!
E.O.D. Bathroom Rating: I didn't make it to the ladies room, believe it or not. Any comments from those who may have?
In spite of the throngs of people who kept everyone at Sushi Tazu incredibly busy during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival this past weekend, neither the staff nor the food seemed the worse for it when we sat down in the covered patio area that Monday. M and I ordered a bottle of the pinot grigio they offer, but when we were eventually told they were out of it, they offered us any of the other white bottles (it's a small list) at the same price. We went with a sauvingnon blanc and ordered some food: a house salad (tasty dressing), and a few pieces of nigiri sushi and a spicy tuna roll. While all this was good, the most interesting of what we had came in the form of a shrimp dumpling and some grilled eggplant. I was expecting chopped shrimp, somewhat shumai-esque, but instead it was a whole shrimp, wrapped in the dumpling dough. It was great, and the accompanying sauce was perfectly spicy. The eggplant was a pleasant surprise, too. Skinned, somewhat roughly-cut pieces of eggplant were in a fantastically light sauce that highlighted the flavor of the eggplant. Not too sweet and not too tart. It's just a reminder how rewarding it can be to branch out from what you might typically order and try something new. Really great!
E.O.D. Bathroom Rating: I didn't make it to the ladies room, believe it or not. Any comments from those who may have?
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Milagro Taco Bar
Shortly after M. and I got back from Italy (more about that later), we were jonesing for the kind of food you can only get in America -- Mexican! We were swimming around in the pool (too hot to wait for the adult swim only ten minutes away) when we realized there had been a new Mexican place that we'd been to and really liked, but couldn't remember. (Two weeks of incredible wine, cheese and pasta can do that to the mind.)
Eventually, after recalling that we sat outside, and that our friend KB was there, we finally remembered that it was the Milagro Taco Bar that we had enjoyed before leaving for our trip. We decided to go back that very evening.
The name "Milagro Taco Bar" doesn't necessarily reflect the intention of the place. You might think, "Taco bar? So will it have self-serve salsa?" Not at all. The feel is definitely more serious (but not too serious), as indicated by the menu and attentive staff. It is definitely not just a taco bar.
The first time we went, I ordered a regular house margarita and the house coin-style marg. The coin style was excellent; much less sweet than the regular. KB and I shared the combination plate that's under the lighter dishes section of the menu. If I remember correctly, there was a burrito, some soft tacos, and (I think) an enchilada. The server suggested the mahi mahi for the soft tacos, and I think we did chicken and some kind of meat for the remaining two parts of the combination. It was excellent. Oh, and I also forgot to mention the goat cheese chile relleno. Interesting, but I have to admit I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the relleno at Tamayo, and the crispy relleno at Brewery Bar II.
Long story short -- we were so psyched to go back that I think our expectations were built up too much. M and I got two entrees from a different section of the menu: the carne asada and the carnitas. The carne asada had a tasty sauce and some slightly more traditional rellenos, but the meat was too fatty. M's carnitas were also too fatty, although the taste itself was good. After expressing his disappointment, he waxed poetic about the carnitas at La Cueva, and we talked about the fact that we should get back over there at some point.
So, generally speaking, I recommend the dishes from the lighter side of Milagro Taco
Bar's menu, as well as the coin style margs. The outside seating area is fantastic, and the servers are doing a fantastic job. I'm not sure why M & I both had fatty meat experiences on our second visit, but maybe is was just something going on that day.
E.O.D. Bathroom Rating: 4 out of 5 flushes - Clean and recently updated to be consistent with the restaurant's theme.
Eventually, after recalling that we sat outside, and that our friend KB was there, we finally remembered that it was the Milagro Taco Bar that we had enjoyed before leaving for our trip. We decided to go back that very evening.
The name "Milagro Taco Bar" doesn't necessarily reflect the intention of the place. You might think, "Taco bar? So will it have self-serve salsa?" Not at all. The feel is definitely more serious (but not too serious), as indicated by the menu and attentive staff. It is definitely not just a taco bar.
The first time we went, I ordered a regular house margarita and the house coin-style marg. The coin style was excellent; much less sweet than the regular. KB and I shared the combination plate that's under the lighter dishes section of the menu. If I remember correctly, there was a burrito, some soft tacos, and (I think) an enchilada. The server suggested the mahi mahi for the soft tacos, and I think we did chicken and some kind of meat for the remaining two parts of the combination. It was excellent. Oh, and I also forgot to mention the goat cheese chile relleno. Interesting, but I have to admit I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the relleno at Tamayo, and the crispy relleno at Brewery Bar II.
Long story short -- we were so psyched to go back that I think our expectations were built up too much. M and I got two entrees from a different section of the menu: the carne asada and the carnitas. The carne asada had a tasty sauce and some slightly more traditional rellenos, but the meat was too fatty. M's carnitas were also too fatty, although the taste itself was good. After expressing his disappointment, he waxed poetic about the carnitas at La Cueva, and we talked about the fact that we should get back over there at some point.
So, generally speaking, I recommend the dishes from the lighter side of Milagro Taco
Bar's menu, as well as the coin style margs. The outside seating area is fantastic, and the servers are doing a fantastic job. I'm not sure why M & I both had fatty meat experiences on our second visit, but maybe is was just something going on that day.
E.O.D. Bathroom Rating: 4 out of 5 flushes - Clean and recently updated to be consistent with the restaurant's theme.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Long Overdue!
Greetings, all. Welcome to my blog: Eat Out Denver! I'm pleased to finally record my dining adventures in the wonderful city of Denver, CO (and beyond).
When people ask me if I have any hobbies, my only answer is "fine dining." This doesn't necessarily mean that every place I dine is on the swanky side. On the contrary, many of my favorite places are actually pretty reasonable, but are definitely fine in the sense that they have great food, drinks, and service.
I hope you find my reflections on the Denver dining scene to be informative and helpful, and I welcome any comments or suggestions you may have for me.
When people ask me if I have any hobbies, my only answer is "fine dining." This doesn't necessarily mean that every place I dine is on the swanky side. On the contrary, many of my favorite places are actually pretty reasonable, but are definitely fine in the sense that they have great food, drinks, and service.
I hope you find my reflections on the Denver dining scene to be informative and helpful, and I welcome any comments or suggestions you may have for me.
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