Drove down to the Springs for a date at Warehouse on a Wednesday night. The restaurant at 7:30 was pretty much deserted, which sort of put a damper on the vibe for the evening.
I have a confession. I...love....carpaccio. Knowing this about myself I jumped on the opportunity to try bison carpaccio for the first time. The plate was gorgeous and full of little delectables to complement the bison. The bison had been smoked, which imparted a lovely bbq-ish richness, however it wouldn't have been better had they used a cold smoking process. The smoking cooked the outer inch or so of the meat, ruining its cold raw flavor.
For my main I ordered the boar with chipotle clementine glaze. The plate looked lovely, but the first words out of my mouth were, "Wow, that's a lot of food." For the $27 I expected something more refined. I'm always about quality, not quantity (see my review of Beatrice and Woodsley). Half of the plate was covered in polenta sticks, and the boar itself was pretty dang tough. Now I know that boar by its nature is a tougher meat, but with proper and loving cooking it can be fall off the bone tender. This was not. I though I was going to break my knife trying to get through it. The flavor though was good. My biggest annoyance is that the plate was full of stuff that wasn't even mentioned on the menu. Steamed baby carrots, broccoli, etc. A glance at my date's plate showed me that these are the default veggies that go on every plate. I hate that. It's just plain lazy cooking. Everything on the plate should mean something. Every element should contribute to one perfect bite. This plate was just busy.
On a brighter note, our waitress was wonderful. Attentive and charismatic. They also have a great selection of local Colorado wines. I should mention that the whole menu is local, but local or not, it should still be inspired.
In the end, I will never go back; even if my car breaks down a block away in the Springs. It's just not worth it.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Beatrice and Woodsley
One word...gorgeous. From front to back, top to bottom this place is beautiful.
I arrived a B&W on a Monday night in search of some small plates, tasty drinks, and cozy atmosphere. This restaurant is beautiful. You feel like you're sitting in the middle of an aspen grove, or that you've wandered into Rivendell (LOTR, anyone, anyone? So...moving on).
My date ordered a gin and tonic, and I, not being able to make up my mind just said, "I'll have the same."
The waitress looked at me with a knowing eye and responded, "Do you like earl grey?"
How did she know? "Why yes, I love earl grey."
"You should try our earl grey infused gin and tonic. It's not on the menu, but it's really good."
And it was so very very good. Very aromatic, floral, and perfumey. I could feel it in my nose
For our meal my date chose the cheese plate, and I chose the savory bread pudding. The cheese plate was a lovely trio of cow's milk cheeses: a French blue, Italian fontina, and English Stilton (my new favorite). The cheeses were accompanied by fresh berries, delicious white bread, and a raspberry and blueberry jam served on a large spoon (my date said it tasted like "melted smoothie"). My only small complaint is that is was a little tricky to tell what to do with the jam, and it was a little hard to eat out of the spoon.
Then something happened. Our bread pudding arrived. In all its beautiful and delicious glory: a wedge of pudding, speckled with wild rice topped of by fresh basil chiffonade and carrot mousse all on top of an amazing sorrel cream sauce. I constructed my perfect bite, and died a little on the inside. My date was not as speechless, "That's f****ing delicious." True dat.
Overall, too short a stay at B&W. I will for sure be back...like tomorrow night.
I arrived a B&W on a Monday night in search of some small plates, tasty drinks, and cozy atmosphere. This restaurant is beautiful. You feel like you're sitting in the middle of an aspen grove, or that you've wandered into Rivendell (LOTR, anyone, anyone? So...moving on).
My date ordered a gin and tonic, and I, not being able to make up my mind just said, "I'll have the same."
The waitress looked at me with a knowing eye and responded, "Do you like earl grey?"
How did she know? "Why yes, I love earl grey."
"You should try our earl grey infused gin and tonic. It's not on the menu, but it's really good."
And it was so very very good. Very aromatic, floral, and perfumey. I could feel it in my nose
For our meal my date chose the cheese plate, and I chose the savory bread pudding. The cheese plate was a lovely trio of cow's milk cheeses: a French blue, Italian fontina, and English Stilton (my new favorite). The cheeses were accompanied by fresh berries, delicious white bread, and a raspberry and blueberry jam served on a large spoon (my date said it tasted like "melted smoothie"). My only small complaint is that is was a little tricky to tell what to do with the jam, and it was a little hard to eat out of the spoon.
Then something happened. Our bread pudding arrived. In all its beautiful and delicious glory: a wedge of pudding, speckled with wild rice topped of by fresh basil chiffonade and carrot mousse all on top of an amazing sorrel cream sauce. I constructed my perfect bite, and died a little on the inside. My date was not as speechless, "That's f****ing delicious." True dat.
Overall, too short a stay at B&W. I will for sure be back...like tomorrow night.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
15 minute lunch
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
1.5 28 oz cans chopped tomatoes
.5 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cayenne
.5 tsp cumin
1 tbls parika
salt
pepper
1 slice whole wheat bread sliced in half
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 tbls butter
1. Add tomatoes, cream, and spices to small sauce pot on medium heat, and blend with immersion blender until to desired creaminess. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Melt 1/3 of butter in small non-stick fry pan. Toast bread inside side down until golden brown. Add second 1/3 of butter, flip toast and top one half with cheese. Make into a sandwich and toast first side, and then second side with remaining butter.
Serve in warm bowl with sandwich on the side.
1.5 28 oz cans chopped tomatoes
.5 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cayenne
.5 tsp cumin
1 tbls parika
salt
pepper
1 slice whole wheat bread sliced in half
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 tbls butter
1. Add tomatoes, cream, and spices to small sauce pot on medium heat, and blend with immersion blender until to desired creaminess. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Melt 1/3 of butter in small non-stick fry pan. Toast bread inside side down until golden brown. Add second 1/3 of butter, flip toast and top one half with cheese. Make into a sandwich and toast first side, and then second side with remaining butter.
Serve in warm bowl with sandwich on the side.
Chili Verde Redux
This is not Benny's. THIS IS A GOOD THING.
Had a wonderful night at Chili Verde last night. Took a first date there, which I thought was a bit of a risk, but it turned out to be a great decision.
I arrived a little bit early so I sat at the bar and chatted up Eder, his wife, and his dad, who are all some of the most warm and kind people I have met. Order a Dos XX lager for which they gave me a glass. Andres, the patriarch, did the gentlemanly thing of pouring my beer. I was quickly brought a basket of light and crispy chips with their signature chili sauce, salsa, and pinto beans. (A NOTE: for those of you whining about the amount of beans and salsa that you get, ORDER MORE, they will bring it to you). Eder made me a glass of pulque for me to try: a traditional mexican drink made with fermented mango juice mixed with tequila. It was delicious.
When my date arrived our waitress kindly brought my untouched chips to our table (I didn't want my first impression to be a massacred bowl of beans with two chips left in the basket. I'm a lady, people). Once we sat down I order a small bowl of the refried black beans to have with my chips. The brothers tell me that black beans are more traditional than pinto, and they are unbelievably delicious.
For our appetizer we decided to try the mixed ceviche (shrimp and fish). Previously I have only had fish, and he had only tried shrimp, so it was a good compromise. As I remembered the ceviche was refreshing and full of creamy avocado. A perfect start.
I wish I could say I went out on a limb and tried something new, but I love their Mole too much. Mole again, delicious again. I'm also totally fine with the smaller portions, they are the perfect amount to not feel completely like a stuffed pig afterwards, and they are appropriate for the price. It's about quality, not quantity.
My date ordered the fish tacos, and kindly let me Great-White style have a bite (I'm pretty sure that my eyes do roll back in my head). In the tacos a smokey and creamy chipotle sauce complements the light and flaky fish, and there is the added surprise of melted cheese. All in all, a fabulous combination.
For dessert I insisted upon the Obelix Crepe served with dulce de leche made with goat's milk. The goat's milk lends a slightly tart flavor to the sweet dessert that couples nicely with fresh banana and strawberry.
I will happily continue to patronize Chili Verde. The family is friendly, the food is authentic (all family recipes from Puebla), and the interior inviting. It is clear that they have hired extra staff in an effort to improve their service. Every bit of our service last night was exceptional.
Had a wonderful night at Chili Verde last night. Took a first date there, which I thought was a bit of a risk, but it turned out to be a great decision.
I arrived a little bit early so I sat at the bar and chatted up Eder, his wife, and his dad, who are all some of the most warm and kind people I have met. Order a Dos XX lager for which they gave me a glass. Andres, the patriarch, did the gentlemanly thing of pouring my beer. I was quickly brought a basket of light and crispy chips with their signature chili sauce, salsa, and pinto beans. (A NOTE: for those of you whining about the amount of beans and salsa that you get, ORDER MORE, they will bring it to you). Eder made me a glass of pulque for me to try: a traditional mexican drink made with fermented mango juice mixed with tequila. It was delicious.
When my date arrived our waitress kindly brought my untouched chips to our table (I didn't want my first impression to be a massacred bowl of beans with two chips left in the basket. I'm a lady, people). Once we sat down I order a small bowl of the refried black beans to have with my chips. The brothers tell me that black beans are more traditional than pinto, and they are unbelievably delicious.
For our appetizer we decided to try the mixed ceviche (shrimp and fish). Previously I have only had fish, and he had only tried shrimp, so it was a good compromise. As I remembered the ceviche was refreshing and full of creamy avocado. A perfect start.
I wish I could say I went out on a limb and tried something new, but I love their Mole too much. Mole again, delicious again. I'm also totally fine with the smaller portions, they are the perfect amount to not feel completely like a stuffed pig afterwards, and they are appropriate for the price. It's about quality, not quantity.
My date ordered the fish tacos, and kindly let me Great-White style have a bite (I'm pretty sure that my eyes do roll back in my head). In the tacos a smokey and creamy chipotle sauce complements the light and flaky fish, and there is the added surprise of melted cheese. All in all, a fabulous combination.
For dessert I insisted upon the Obelix Crepe served with dulce de leche made with goat's milk. The goat's milk lends a slightly tart flavor to the sweet dessert that couples nicely with fresh banana and strawberry.
I will happily continue to patronize Chili Verde. The family is friendly, the food is authentic (all family recipes from Puebla), and the interior inviting. It is clear that they have hired extra staff in an effort to improve their service. Every bit of our service last night was exceptional.
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Cheeky Monk
Firstly, the selection of quality beers at the Cheeky Monk is pretty exceptional. I'm not a huge beer buff, but I like drinking the stuff, and have yet to be disappointed by the Cheeky Monk. Ask your server for suggestions, they are quite knowledgeable. Prices during happy hour (3pm-7pm, 10pm-close) are really great as well. Half off on draughts ain't bad.
The food doesn't knock my socks off, but it's good. I have had both the Italienne Mussels as well as the Mushroom and Creamed Leeks Mussels. The frites are crisp and delicious, with a subtle hint of sweetness that is unexpected and quite nice. They bring you a soft baguette to soak up your mussel sauce which is great, but if it were toasted, it would be even better. I just wanted a bit more crunch.
Ordered the dark chocolate and orange fondue. My big beef was that our fondue was over cooked-super separated, clumpy, and greasy. I tried my best to whip it into shape to no avail. However the flavor was fantastic, and went great with my Chimay Triple.
The huge disappointment of the whole experience was their crappy website. Note to businesses: just because your website is Flash, doesn't mean it is useful or worthwhile. Firstly, try to turn off the music. I dare you. Then try to find any information about their happy hour. You won't find it. That's dumb, plain and simple.
The food doesn't knock my socks off, but it's good. I have had both the Italienne Mussels as well as the Mushroom and Creamed Leeks Mussels. The frites are crisp and delicious, with a subtle hint of sweetness that is unexpected and quite nice. They bring you a soft baguette to soak up your mussel sauce which is great, but if it were toasted, it would be even better. I just wanted a bit more crunch.
Ordered the dark chocolate and orange fondue. My big beef was that our fondue was over cooked-super separated, clumpy, and greasy. I tried my best to whip it into shape to no avail. However the flavor was fantastic, and went great with my Chimay Triple.
The huge disappointment of the whole experience was their crappy website. Note to businesses: just because your website is Flash, doesn't mean it is useful or worthwhile. Firstly, try to turn off the music. I dare you. Then try to find any information about their happy hour. You won't find it. That's dumb, plain and simple.
Pictures of My Offal Dinner at Opus
Top: Peanut Butter Spring Roll with various types of jellies and jams
Middle: Sweetbreads with oxtail jus and mustard crusted lamb kidneys
Bottom: Garnishes for Sea Urchin Pho
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Snooze
Anyone who doesn't think the food at Snooze is delicious needs to get the taste buds checked. Really!
With that said. If you want to eat here you will have to wait. It's just that simple, and you need to get over it. Patience is a virtue, and good things happen to those who wait, so suck it up, buster. Here's what you do, go put your name down, go run some errands for 1.25 hrs, and come back five minutes before they told you to. Chances are you'll be seated pronto, and in the meantime you've worked up a healthy appetite.
I have been to Snooze about four times, and every time I have had phenomenal service by some very fun/flamboyant waiters, amazing food, and yummy brunch cocktails. Again good things happen to those who wait, so don't begrudge them if service is a little slow. They're busy; enjoy your morning!
My favorites thus far have been (in no particular order), steak and eggs benedict served with smokey and savory poblano peppers, doused in homemade hollandaise. I don't even like hollandaise and I could drink this stuff from a gallon jug. Pineapple upside-down pancake topped with sumptuous creme anglais and cinnamon/ginger butter--delicious as an appetizer (why don't we always have those at breakfast?). The creme de la cream, however, is the breakfast sandwich. Made with eggs, swiss cheese, regular or french toast (duh, french), your choice of breakfast meat (duh, sausage), and your choice of dipping sauce (duh, homemade house raspberry jam--order extra jam, trust me). Here's what you do: cut off bite of sandwich making sure you have all 5 layers (french toast, cheese, egg, sausage, french toast) and slather it with a healthy dose of the jam. That perfect bite is better than sex. I'm not kidding. To top it all off you also get a side of hash browns which are divine with a little bit of ketchup. This sandwich is not the flashiest thing on the menu, but it is unreal.
If you go to Snooze with a few friends, I recommend doing what my friends and I like to call a "Benediction." Everyone orders a full order of one of the several styles of eggs benedict (when they have it, try the pulled pork benedict on corn bread), and then you need to get a side of pancakes (cause you need something sweet). Then everyone gets an extra plate upon which they put half of their portion. You pass all the plates around so that every gets to try each incredible eggs benedict concoction. That's how we do in D-Town.
As for cocktails: their bloody mary's are entirely homemade, and the secret ingredient is Marmite. Hair of the dog, anyone?
With that said. If you want to eat here you will have to wait. It's just that simple, and you need to get over it. Patience is a virtue, and good things happen to those who wait, so suck it up, buster. Here's what you do, go put your name down, go run some errands for 1.25 hrs, and come back five minutes before they told you to. Chances are you'll be seated pronto, and in the meantime you've worked up a healthy appetite.
I have been to Snooze about four times, and every time I have had phenomenal service by some very fun/flamboyant waiters, amazing food, and yummy brunch cocktails. Again good things happen to those who wait, so don't begrudge them if service is a little slow. They're busy; enjoy your morning!
My favorites thus far have been (in no particular order), steak and eggs benedict served with smokey and savory poblano peppers, doused in homemade hollandaise. I don't even like hollandaise and I could drink this stuff from a gallon jug. Pineapple upside-down pancake topped with sumptuous creme anglais and cinnamon/ginger butter--delicious as an appetizer (why don't we always have those at breakfast?). The creme de la cream, however, is the breakfast sandwich. Made with eggs, swiss cheese, regular or french toast (duh, french), your choice of breakfast meat (duh, sausage), and your choice of dipping sauce (duh, homemade house raspberry jam--order extra jam, trust me). Here's what you do: cut off bite of sandwich making sure you have all 5 layers (french toast, cheese, egg, sausage, french toast) and slather it with a healthy dose of the jam. That perfect bite is better than sex. I'm not kidding. To top it all off you also get a side of hash browns which are divine with a little bit of ketchup. This sandwich is not the flashiest thing on the menu, but it is unreal.
If you go to Snooze with a few friends, I recommend doing what my friends and I like to call a "Benediction." Everyone orders a full order of one of the several styles of eggs benedict (when they have it, try the pulled pork benedict on corn bread), and then you need to get a side of pancakes (cause you need something sweet). Then everyone gets an extra plate upon which they put half of their portion. You pass all the plates around so that every gets to try each incredible eggs benedict concoction. That's how we do in D-Town.
As for cocktails: their bloody mary's are entirely homemade, and the secret ingredient is Marmite. Hair of the dog, anyone?
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