You know it's summer when you really want to eat nothing but sushi. M and I have had a sushi craving for a few days now. We were going to go out to get some with KB and C on Sunday, thinking C would be off from work. He was, but they had already made plans with some other folks. That was the night we went to Milagro (see Milagro Taco Bar II).
So we tried them again on Monday. Chefs don't work on Mondays, right? Wrong. C had to work, so M, KB, and I had to enjoy our evening at Sushi Den without him. :(
As we set out (we usually all go in KB's car since we live so close and Baby J needs his car seat), we were sure there would be no wait. Not on a Monday at 8pm!!! As you can probably tell, we were wrong. Dang, that place must be making money hand-roll over fist! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself).
But seriously, the only other place I can think of that is that packed that consistently is Benny's. (Another place making mucho dinero, I'm sure). Sushi Den knows what they're doing, obviously, and even though we did have to wait 15 of the predicted 20 minutes for a table, it was totally worth it. We started with the compulsory edamame (I like the way they serve them warm) and another appetizer consisting of sashimi (chef's choice) and freshly grated wasabi. Great.
For dinner, we went with the classics: nigiri sushi -- yellowtail, seared tuna, and salmon; sushi rolls -- shrimp tempura and rocky mountain roll. Sooo good. We also got a bottle of the Grgich Hills sauvignon blanc, which was fantastic. I wonder if you can get that at Argonaut?
Anyway, it was a great time food-wise, drink-wise, and chat-wise. Baby J was working his mojo on a gal at the next table over who had a sexy tattoo on her back. He couldn't look away and was very flirty. The tattoo gal was cool, and played right along. It's only a matter of time before KB and C will pick up the phone at home to a high, giggly voice asking "Is J there?" Kind of a bug-out, actually.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Milagro Taco Bar II
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.
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.
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?
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