Monday, August 30, 2010

New York Pizzeria in Denver Colorado

New York Pizzeria

Address: 600 Holly St
Cross Streets:
Phone: 303-316-7353
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D:Mon-Sat, D:Sun

Pizza does not need fancy ambience; it just needs to be great and that’s just what it is at New York Pizzeria. Enter the small room with linoleum floors, order at the counter, grab one of the few tables and get ready for your pie. The thin, crispy crust folds easily and is packed with quality cheeses, excellent tomato sauce and all the classic toppings. There’s none better! Calzones, strombolis and hero sandwiches come on hot baked bread. You can also get pasta with marinara, garlic bread, meatballs or sausage, along with a nice salad with good homemade dressings. Looking for more New York flavor? Grab a Sabrett hot dog, Coney Island potato knish or a specialty pie. Finish with cheesecake or cannoli. Carryout and delivery are available.

miniBAR in Denver Colorado

miniBAR

Address: 2623 E. 2nd Ave
Cross Streets: 2nd Ave & Clayton
Phone:
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: D; Daily

miniBar brings new excitement to Cherry Creek North with a concept that appeals to all. The space is small, long and narrow with fuchsia and silver on the walls, white modern seating with sofas and tables, terrific lighting with chandeliers of martini glasses, and lots of big windows that open to the patio. The patio has comfortable table seating in a tent to keep the heat out and to enjoy the small plates great and wine and drink list. Tables are brought inside when the weather is bad---so no problem dining at any time.

Start with great tastes of spiced nuts, crostini of dried tomato pesto, roma tomato, garlic, olives and basil, deviled eggs mixed with Serrano ham, peppers, olives and aioli, and the best dates stuffed with Manchego cheese and wrapped in apple wood smoked bacon.

The cheese plate features several choices of cheese and the salumi plate brings a selection of meats. More great tastes (big enough to share) include flatbread and dips, caprese salad on arugula with tomato vinaigrette, beet and pear salad with goat cheese, smoked salmon on flatbread, and Cobb salad. Do not miss the BBQ baby back ribs, shrimp escabeche, and chicken forestiere. The prices are affordable, the food is great, and the place is a delight. Chef Michel Walhaltere does an incredible job with this concept and has created another winner in the area. Order up, have fun, and return often to enjoy the scene.

Milwaukee Tavern in Denver Colorado

Milwaukee Tavern

Address: 201 Milwaukee Ave
Cross Streets: 2nd & Milwaukee
Phone: 303-320-4710
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D-Daily

It's a bar---a sports bar--and lots of fun. The folks from Brooklyn's, Corky Douglass of Tante Louise (yes, really), and several others got together and decided it was time for fun in Cherry Creek. Milwaukee Tavern features a huge bar, TVs everywhere and simple seating. Huge windows open up when weather permits and there is not only a pool table but a miniature bowling alley. The fans gather and it is upbeat and a happening. As food is part of any party, the menu is short and fills the need for some really good bar food or casual meal. Start with the "amuse" (Corky's words) of a glass of cheese puff balls, happily refilled as needed. Appetizers include artichoke and shrimp dip, chicken fingers, nachos, sliders, pot stickers and little spankies. The salad list includes a wedge, fiesta, romaine and a terrific entrée chopped cobb full of goodies and topped with homemade blue cheese dressing. Burgers, a steak sandwich and fish and chips with parmesan fries head the main course choices. Pork tenderloin with spicy red pepper mayo, grilled tomato and cheese, and a turkey club are winners in the sandwich category. It's simple and a great way to make a "strike" for a very casual lunch or dinner.

Mad Greens in Denver Colorado

Mad Greens

Address: 222 Columbine
Cross Streets:
Phone: 303-662-8119
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours:

Mad Greens brings the latest craze in dining to the new Centennial Shopping Center across from Park Meadows. The idea is refreshing, as is the small space that is bright and fun. You choose your salad from the written menu, the blackboard or create your own combinations for a healthy and delicious meal. The ingredients are super fresh, the combinations endless and servings very generous. Start with the “designed” salads: Mad Caesar (traditional with croutons and parmesan), Don Quixote (greens, mango, avocado, corn, cheese), Dionysus (romaine, onions, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, feta), or the Ty Cobb (romaine, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, onion bleu cheese). That is the beginning of selections. Create your own with lettuce, veggies, toppings, and dressings—with chicken, calamari, tuna, steak or portobello as extras. If you prefer, get that salad wrapped in a huge pita as a sandwich. Soups change daily. Be sure to enjoy great cookies and brownies for dessert. Both owners are culinary graduates from upscale restaurants and are delighted with their concept based on serving the best quality of ingredients for simpler food. Open for lunch and dinner, Mad Greens is a perfect stop for that perfect salad and more.

Little Ollie's Chinese in Denver Colorado

Little Ollie's Chinese

Address: 2364 E. 3rd Ave.
Cross Streets: 3rd and Josephine
Phone: 303-316-8888
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: l-D:Daily

Little Ollie’s, the very popular Chinese restaurant in Cherry Creek, continues to bring in fans who enjoy the great food and atmosphere. The gorgeous patio sports a Chinese motif that adds a new dimension to the ambience. Inside, the bright, black-accented décor sets the scene. Daily lunch specials bring in the crowds for a quality, affordable meal. At dinner, the place rocks. Indulge in lettuce-wrapped chicken and sweet barbecued spareribs for starters. For your entrée, try Ollie’s steamed sea bass prepared in a light ginger sauce or tasty black-bean sauce. Other entrées range from mu-shu pork, Mongolian beef, and curry chicken to crispy duck and fresh Maine lobster stirfried with ginger and scallions. All items can be prepared hot and spicy or a little less fiery depending upon your preference. Wines are exceptional for a Chinese restaurant. No wonder there is never an empty seat at Little Ollie’s. As is the wish of Chinese foodies, Ollie’s “delivers.”

Kona Grill in Denver Colorado

Kona Grill

Address: 3000 E 1st Ave.
Cross Streets: Cherry Creek Mall
Phone: 720-974-1300
Price: $$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: L-D:Daily

Located in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center near valet parking, an adventure in dining awaits guests of Kona Grill in the energized yet casual atmosphere. The place is great looking. The sushi bar, with a huge aquarium on the back wall and an open kitchen, provides two interior focal points. The room has great lighting and comfortable seating. The bar area is both inside and out, and the aquarium wall can be seen from both sides. The patio is awesome, complete with heat lamps for cooler evenings. The contemporary American cuisine, spiced with Island accents, features an array of sushi, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, noodle dishes, Island pizzas and entrées. Among the signature dishes are macadamia nut chicken, Big Island meatloaf, five-spice baby-back ribs, lemongrass-crusted swordfish, sweet chili-glazed salmon and Kona steaks. Guests also enjoy the happy-hour specials served in the lounge. In addition to discounted drink prices, Kona Grill’s happy hour features half price on selected appetizers, island pizzas and sushi rolls. This is a big bargain, as portions are huge for sharing. A good wine list, nice service and affordable prices add to the scene.

Hapa Cherry Creek in Denver Colorado

Hapa Cherry Creek

Address: 2780 E. 2nd Ave.
Cross Streets: 2nd and Detroit
Phone: 303-322-9554
Price: $$$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: L-D:Daily

High-tech modern décor meets terrific sushi and combines for a great night out in Cherry Creek for food, drinks and a busy bar scene. Enter the modern space, snag a seat at the sushi bar and watch the chefs create works of art that taste as good as they look. Start with any of the great sushi rolls prepared before your eyes. For appetizers, try the spicy panko-crusted calamari with mango-chili dipping sauce or salmon-wrapped avocado topped with Japanese aioli and puffed under the broiler. Spicy tuna poke (chunks of very fresh tuna) served over seared-taro cake combines great texture and taste. Enjoy traditional sushi rolls or some interesting varieties, such as “climax” and “orgasm” rolls. Grilled chicken on bok choy and Hijiki rice makes a wonderfully flavorful cooked entrée. End with hot banana-bread pudding and caramel sauce.

Elway's Cherry Creek in Denver Colorado

Elway's Cherry Creek

Address: 2500 E. 1st Ave
Cross Streets: 1st & University
Phone: 303-399-5353
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: L-D:Daily, BR:Sun

Elway's has definitely made its mark in Cherry Creek. Located on the west side of the shopping center, the exterior is stunning. As you enter, a huge, granite water wall captures the eye. To the right is a beautiful bar for gathering or dining, with warm woods and burgundy upholstered barstools to set the scene. The dining area is warm and inviting, with brown and burgundy tones throughout, stunning chairs and booths, and soft lighting. The room is large but sectioned by private dining areas for more intimate conversations. General manager Tom Moxey is a big part of the success here, with his incredible charm, caring, and magical presence. Executive chef Tyler Wiard completes the package with his amazing talent in the kitchen. Start with appetizers of fried calamari with bits of corn, jalapeños, zucchini and peppers, combining for a spicy flavor overall. The tuna tartar with avocado and three dipping sauces and lamb fondue are fabulous in presentation and taste. The Caesar, wedge with bacon, tomato and mozzarella make great salad choices. The Cobb, shrimp, and Asian chicken salad are perfect to share or enjoy as a main course. The steak entrées are all prime, offered in two sizes for different appetites--sirloin, porterhouse, filet, rib eye and prime rib arrive cooked as ordered, full of flavor and tender to the bite. The best steak ever is the totally awesome bone-in filet. Several fish options such as lobster, salmon, hamachi and more please. Don't miss the fabulous half chicken, amazing pork chop and rack of lamb. Fun entrées include meatloaf, an awesome smash burger and a braised short rib. For sides, choose amazing potatoes au gratin potatoes, onions, creamed corn, spinach, crab fried rice or veggies that include addictive ratatouille and very special asparagus. Desserts are just plain fun, but totally decadent and divine--s'mores, warm chocolate-chip cookies, gelato and tiramisu cones are great, but the ding dongs, brownie à la mode with chocolate and caramel sauces, and banana-cream pie might be the best sweets in town. The extensive wine by the glass list, along with the regular offerings, makes for delicious pairings with every course. Service is topnotch, with a well-trained, attentive staff to care for guests. The bar and patio rock at all times and with live music, the fun never stops. Lunch and weekend brunches continue in the great style as dinner. This game plan adds up to a Super Bowl winner for Elway's

Eggshell of Cherry Creek in Denver Colorado

Eggshell of Cherry Creek

Address: 235 Fillmore
Cross Streets: 2nd and 3rd and fillmore
Phone: 303-322-1601
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours: B-L:Daily

Need a morning pick-me-up? Head to the new location of the very popular Eggshell for a great breakfast or lunch. The space is open, light, and bright with soft colors, a focal bar, and white linens on the tables. There is a patio to enjoy your meal and watch the scene. The smiles and charm of this Cherry Creek spot will help immediately, as will the cup of freshly brewed coffee that arrives almost as soon as you take your seat. Choose from over 60 breakfast entrées, including meats and eggs, specialty omelets, hot and cold cereals, waffles, pancakes, and even breakfast pasta. The expanded lunch menu is terrific with gourmet Panini, divine soups, sandwiches and salads, and Mexican dishes that bring many more options. You can just grab a cup of Joe and a pastry for a takeout breakfast. And now, there is wine and your favorite morning cocktails to complement your meal. The best part is you can indulge in breakfast or lunch anytime.

earls Cherry Creek in Denver Colorado

earls Cherry Creek

Address: 201 Columbine
Cross Streets: 2nd and Columbine
Phone: 303-320-3409
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D: Daily

earls opens in Cherry Creek North. The place is huge with a busy bar area filled with guests enjoying wine, drinks and food. The bar is beautiful and TV fans can enjoy the games as they gather with friends. The dining room is large with big windows, wood, and black and brown colors throughout. The spacious booths have black cut velvet backs and the tables boast comfortable brown leather chairs. Start with spinach and artichoke dip, grilled shrimp or chicken tacos, pork potstickers, shrimp rolls, tuna, and wings. Soups include clam chowder and green chile soup and several breads are on the menu. Hot chicken Caesar, Santa Fe chicken and Mediterranean spinach salads make great entrees or perfect for sharing. Sandwiches range from a selection of burgers and ahi tuna to chicken and pulled pork. Pastas and big bowls bring more choices. Grilled salmon, Cajun blackened chicken, ribs, and a variety of steaks top the entrée list and several sides please all. End with brownies, chocolate sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake or sundaes. The wine list is great, the service terrific. earls brings another dining spot to Cherry Creek North where casual, fun restaurants are the trend—and earls is one of these.

Daphne's in Denver Colorado

Daphne's

Address: 393 Corona
Cross Streets: 3 & 4th and Corona
Phone: 733-1212
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours: B-L: Daily

A good sandwich is all about the quality of bread it’s made with and Daphne’s Deli owner, Denise Anderson, clearly understands this. Not only are the sandwiches at this Alamo Placito neighborhood deli made with fresh and well paired ingredients, the selection of Udi’s bread makes this deli stand out above the others. With mismatched tables and chairs and an array of newspapers and magazines arranged haphazardly, Daphne’s atmosphere is eclectic yet cozy. While you’re there grabbing a sandwich, feel free to take home some artwork as well. The decorative artwork, mostly by locals, speckles the walls and is for sale. Daphne’s greatest art masterpiece, (although not for sale), is the large hanging chalkboard menu that beholds 28 delicious sandwich recipes. Choose one from the menu or make up your own. Select from sourdough, lite rye, French or wheat. Included are a pickle and your choice of one side. Options for sides include; coleslaw, fruit, chips or red-skinned potato salad, depending what is available that day. Sandwich favorites include the Jersey; ham, pepper jack cheese, tomato, avocado and house made Cajun sauce, the Alamo Placito with pastrami and egg salad and the ham and Gouda (the staff recommends to add avocado and grill it!). Another favorite is the Lola; fresh mozzarella, pesto, oil and vinegar. Get the ultimate sandwich fix with the Vester; ham, turkey, avocado and ranch dressing. Classics like the Club, the Reuben, meatball, tuna and chicken salad are also available. If it’s a lighter dining day you can order a half sandwich for only $4.75. Most sandwiches are affordable and will cost you around $7. Coffee beverages, Naked juices, Izze sodas and homemade smoothies are available to quench your thirst. Daphne’s offers delicious salads, cookies and biscotti as well as Moe’s Bagels and Mame’s Burritos, but get there early because they run out of these fast. If you’re staying for the lunch rush, it’s a good idea to grab a seat before you order. The front patio gets great early to mid-day sun and you may also get the chance to hang out with Daphne herself, owner Denise’s Saint Bernard. The staff is extremely friendly, fast and efficient so don’t forget to tip your “maker.” Daphne’s also has free WiFi and cool tunes.

Cucina Colore in Denver Colorado

Cucina Colore

Address: 3041 E. 3rd Ave.
Cross Streets: 3rd Ave. and St. Paul
Phone: 303-393-6917
Price: $$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: L-D:Daily

Cucina Colore, with its upbeat, modern dining room and bar in the heart of Cherry Creek, offers guests contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh and seasonal ingredients. The design is modern, warm and friendly, as people enjoy meals in cozy booths or savor a drink at the bar. Behind a wall of glass windows and doors, a small sidewalk patio offers a front-row seat for people watching. A plate of bread with balsamic vinegar and herb dipping sauce arrives as you are seated. Follow with a light Caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil drizzled with olive oil, or try the beef carpaccio with arugula and shaved grana cheese. The ahi tuna "crudo" with endive, mache, strawberry and papaya citronetta bursts with flavor and taste. Wood-oven-fired pizzas are perfect with traditional Italian toppings in contemporary combinations. All the pastas make great entrées, especially the ravioli steeped in rich brown sugar and balsamic sauce, with a few leaves of sage to cut the sweetness. The most exciting "pastaless" lasagna combines eggplant, roasted tomato, spinach and smoked mozzarella--satisfying any taste with its combination of veggies topped with a perfect marinara. Meat eaters will enjoy the New York strip or juicy pork chops, while the fish preparations are unique and enticing. Pay attention to the daily specials. For dessert, indulge in vanilla-bean mascarpone custard, the decadent chocolate oblivion, or the ethereal peach bread pudding in rich caramel sauce. With friendly service and an excellent wine list, Cucina Colore well deserves its status as a favorite for dining in the Cherry Creek North area.

Cherry Cricket in Denver Colorado

Cherry Cricket

Address: 2641 E. 2nd Ave.
Cross Streets: E. 2nd Ave. and Columbine St.
Phone: 303-322-7666
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D:Daily

The Cherry Cricket has been attracting crowds ranging from high-power executives to rowdy sports fans for many years. Pool tables and dartboards keep this place jumping. The food is good—really good. Forget everything you ever thought about bar food. Burgers are made to order with a list of toppings that will keep you experimenting for weeks: from blue cheese and avocado to green chilies and bacon. A favorite sandwich at the Cricket is the hot avocado melt (fresh avocado slices and cheese on grilled sourdough bread). Big flavorful salads and addictive green chile add excitement to the menu. With 19 beers on tap and 60 different bottled varieties, they are sure to have your favorite. The Cherry Cricket is the perfect destination for out-of-towners and suburbanites who come to Cherry Creek North to shop. This will certainly break you of your chain-restaurant habit.

Cherry Creek Grill in Denver Colorado

Cherry Creek Grill

Address: 184 Steele St.
Cross Streets: 2nd and Steele
Phone: 303-322-3524
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D:Daily

Formerly known as Bandera, this restaurant brings the taste of down-home American cooking to Cherry Creek. The large room buzzes with business people and young couples gathered around a U-shaped bar. Large, comfy booths accentuated by dark wood and exposed brick replace the usual dining-room tables. New management means new rules: no one is seated until the entire party has arrived, and don’t sit if you are not ordering an entrée. They suffer here from a disease called unfriendly. But the place remains full. The young and energetic staff gets food out quickly, and the quality is nice. Start off with the essential cast-iron skillet cornbread, served fresh from the oven and still in the skillet. For your meal, enjoy tender wood-fired, spit-roasted chicken served with a mound of mashers. Other great choices include slow-roasted prime rib, beef ribs, barbecue salmon, beef filet, pork or fish of the day. For something lighter, grab a chicken sandwich, cheeseburger or a blackened fresh fish sandwich, all served with homemade slaw and fresh potato chips. Desserts include crème brûlée, banana cream pie or an Oreo ice-cream sandwich. The new patio brings additional seating—a precious commodity in Cherry Creek. This dog-friendly place offers bones at no charge to take home to Rover and water bowls outside just in case you came with your four-legged friend. At least they’re dog-friendly!

Campagna in Denver Colorado

Campagna

Address: 1120 E. 6th Avenue
Cross Streets: 6th and Downing
Phone: 720-389-9773
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: D: Daily, BR-Sun

Enter Campagna to the bar area where you find fans gathering to enjoy drinks, food and chatter. The dining room is warm colors of gold and rust, casual, with booths and tables topped with brown paper to set the scene for salumi and pizza. Start with frito misto, risotto croquettes, capanata, tuna carpaccio, calamari, and a wonderful baked eggplant with fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta and tomato pecorino. Choose cheeses, meats and combinations from the salumeria list. Pizzas shine with marinara, salame, prosciutto with egg, Quattro formaggio, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, and eggplant, or build your own. There are daily specials and delicious desserts to round out the menu. The wine list is very nice and affordable, service friendly and caring. Campagna is a great choice for neighborhood fun and a welcome addition to the East 6th Avenue dining scene

Campagna in Denver Colorado

Campagna

Address: 1120 E. 6th Avenue
Cross Streets: 6th and Downing
Phone: 720-389-9773
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: D: Daily, BR-Sun

Enter Campagna to the bar area where you find fans gathering to enjoy drinks, food and chatter. The dining room is warm colors of gold and rust, casual, with booths and tables topped with brown paper to set the scene for salumi and pizza. Start with frito misto, risotto croquettes, capanata, tuna carpaccio, calamari, and a wonderful baked eggplant with fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta and tomato pecorino. Choose cheeses, meats and combinations from the salumeria list. Pizzas shine with marinara, salame, prosciutto with egg, Quattro formaggio, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, and eggplant, or build your own. There are daily specials and delicious desserts to round out the menu. The wine list is very nice and affordable, service friendly and caring. Campagna is a great choice for neighborhood fun and a welcome addition to the East 6th Avenue dining scene

California Pizza Kitchen in Denver Colorado

California Pizza Kitchen

Address: 3000 E. 1st Ave.
Cross Streets: Cherry Creek Mall
Phone: 303-388-5686
Price: $
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D:Daily

This giant pizza chain has sprouted up in finer malls everywhere. Light woods and bright colors create an animated, comfortable atmosphere where you can sit and enjoy a quick meal away from the mall's food court. Kids, as well as shoppers, are more than welcome. Order a thin-crust pie covered in toppings that range from roasted duck and shiitake mushrooms to pepperoni and mozzarella. Or go thin and crispy Neapolitan-style with the spicy rustica. In addition to pizza, the place boasts a huge selection of pastas, sandwiches and soups. The salad selection is as popular as the pizza with choices that include Thai chicken, a club, Caesar or chopped. All are offered in half portions, a nice option. Desserts include an old-fashioned apple crisp and a chocolate brownie smothered with hot fudge and vanilla bean sauce.

Bombay Clay Oven in Denver Colorado

Bombay Clay Oven

Address: 165 Steele St.
Cross Streets: Between 1st and 2nd on Steele
Phone: 303-377-4454
Price: $$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: L, D - daily

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and pleasant sounds of live sitar music at this classy Indian restaurant in Cherry Creek. Start with samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas, crisp poppadums with mint chutney or deep-fried chicken pakoras. Tandoori chicken, creamy lamb korma, spicy shrimp vindaloo and several vegetarian entrées entice diners. Native beer and wine nicely complement the meal. For dessert, try the mango ice cream. On Valentine’s Day, indulge in the delicious Kama Sutra dinner, where each course utilizes spices and foods reputed to be aphrodisiacs.

Barolo Grill in Denver Colorado

Barolo Grill

Address: 3030 E. 6th Ave.
Cross Streets: E. 6th Ave. and St. Paul
Phone: 303-393-1040
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: D: Tue-Sat

As soon as you enter Barolo Grill, the energy of the happy crowd greets you, letting you know that you're in for a great evening. Wonderful Italian food, ethereal wines and excellent service make it a great spot for a special occasion, or just a night out on the town. Casual but upscale, the bar is filled with guests who gather to enjoy a drink, eat dinner, or wait for their table in the dining room. The personality of the restaurant begins with owner Blair Taylor, as he greets and charms all, adding a special touch to the experience. Executive Chef Brian Laird brings his great talent to the stove and creates exciting dishes with true Italian flair. Start with the breadsticks and ever-changing dips; then indulge in the divine, warm rolls served with your meal. Quail stuffed with sweetbreads, duck with sweet potato, seared foie gras with dried cranberries and figs, galantine of pheasant and Caprese of beets and mozzarella are some of the incredible first courses. Pastas are marvelous--linguini with crab, sweet peppers and arugula pesto, linguini with ground veal, mushrooms and Marsala sauce, ravioli and amazing fettuccini with porcini mushrooms and fresh truffles. The signature braised duck with olives competes with red-wine-braised rabbit with mushrooms and potatoes. The whole fish in tomato-saffron broth and seared sea bass with baby carrots and purée of potatoes are perfect entrées in the fish selections. Add filet mignon, lamb and an amazing pork shoulder to the selections, and decisions become exceedingly difficult to make. Leave room for decadent desserts, such as butterscotch panna cotta, a trio of chocolates, crème brûlée or biscotti. The wonderful nightly "tasting –dinner" is served with or without wine. Under Taylor's expert hand, the incredible wine list boasts many exquisite Italian varietals. Enjoy the party rooms for special occasions. A night at Barolo Grill will seem like the perfect trip to Italy--almost!

Argyll in Denver Colorado

Argyll

Address: 2700 E. 3rd Avenue
Cross Streets: 3rd Ave and Clayton
Phone: 720-382-1117
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D: Daily BR: Sun

Argyll is a Gastropub—what is that? It is a British term for a “public house” specializing in high-quality food. That totally describes the latest addition to Cherry Creek North. Walk down stairs and enjoy the great looking patio or come on in and take a seat at the bar or comfortable tables with plaid covered chairs, banquette seating, big windows, warm colors, and super lighting. The food is definitely upscale pub food with fresh ingredients and lots of taste and flavor in each dish. Start with a Scotch egg wrapped in sausage, olives in pepper flakes, chicken liver pate or house made chips. Oysters, a poached artichoke with Worcestershire aioli, mussels, “macheese”, and lamb kebabs are other small plates. Add onion soup, carpaccio, asparagus with a duck poached egg and warm frisee, a haricot vert salad, or Caesar and enjoy sharing. Entrees range from half chicken with risotto, short ribs of beef, fish and chips, halibut, hanger steak, rack of lamb, and cassoulet to burgers of every ilk, pasta, and mac and cheese. End with outrageous desserts. There is a great drink, wine and beer list, and service is friendly and efficient. Lunch offers sandwiches that include a duck egg with lardoons, gruyere and frisee or fresh halibut. Argyll is upbeat and fun with good food, affordable prices, and a perfect atmosphere for people to gather.

abrusci Cherry Creek

abrusci Cherry Creek

Address: 300 Fillmore
Cross Streets: 3rd and Fillmore
Phone:
Price: $$
Reservations: No
Hours: L-D: Daily

Abrusci’s is the latest Italian spot to join the Cherry Creek North dining scene. Located in the old Campo space, walk down the path and enter to a huge area with comfortable seating with a focal bar where one can meet for drinks or enjoy a meal. The dining area features big windows, nicely spaced tables set with white linen, and carpet to take away the din making conversation possible, a nice touch to the warm and friendly ambience. Start with great bread and olive oil flavored with mashed garlic for dipping. Appetizers include calamari, a terrific tomato bruschetta, mussels, fried ravioli and a cheese plate. There are several salads and soups for your next course. “From the oven”, spinach lasagna, ravioli and ziti make excellent entrees,
or go for one of the many pasta dishes: marinara, sausage, clams, papardelle with olives and sun dried tomatoes, gorgonzola, and pescatore. Chicken parmesan, marsala, piccata, and half chicken in spicy marinade, or go for the pork, veal, tuna with capanata, hazelnut crusted scallops, or eggplant parm. Your choice of sides is offered with all the entrees. Leave room for tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, and chocolate pate. The wine is very nice, and service shines. With reasonable prices and a bright patio for al fresco dining, Abrusci’s is a fun addition to the area. The original sister restaurant is located on Youngfield.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

101 Asian Fusion in Denver Colorado

101 Asian Fusion

Address: 101 Madison
Cross Streets: 1st Ave. & Madison
Phone: 303-355-1688
Price: $$
Reservations: Yes
Hours: L-D-Daily

Enter this small restaurant and the wonderful aromas fill the air. The place is charming with big windows, and nicely spaced tables with black linen and lovely china. The service is charming and friendly, the food terrific. Start with spring rolls, shrimp tempura, egg rolls, dumplings, coconut shrimp, mussels, and lettuce wraps. These appetizers are enough to make an entire meal, but leave room for more. Soups and salads shine. Royal chicken with cashews, chicken breasts, red and green peppers and onion has that marvelous Thai flavor. Sweet and sour, Yushan, basil and Kung Pao are more poultry choices. Seafood, beef, curries and vegetable dishes offer a huge range of possibilities. Soft shell crab with karee curry is a must, as is the Thai basil tuna seared rare with basil, celery, onion, and asparagus. Crispy or Peking duck are other favorites. The presentation is beautiful as the dishes arrive accompanied by flower radishes and mounds of rice on the colorful plates. End with terrific chocolate desserts, American style and enjoy complimentary orange slices and fortune cookies. The fortune should read “101 Asian Fusion is where you want to return often.”