Rioja in Denver Colorado

Rioja in Denver Colorado

Address: 1431 Larimer

Cross Streets: Larimer & 14th

Phone: 303-820-2282

Price: $$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L:Wed-Sun, D:Daily,BR:Sat-Sun

Rioja brings excitement to Larimer Square as chef/owner Jennifer Jasinski presides over her restaurant. Fron-of-the-house partner Beth Gruitch complements Jennifer, along with sous chef Dana Rodriguez. The design is chic, classy and upscale with soft colors, glass sculptures and stunning modern artwork. Beautifully appointed tables and soft patterned booths gently accent the patterned carpet. The open kitchen is a focal point, along with an inviting bar. A separate bar for dining and a pizza station add excitement to the scene. The food shines as Jennifer creates an array of impressive Mediterranean dishes. Start with handmade, baked mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, cardamom-spiced pork belly with garbanzo-bean pureé, an heirloom tomato sampler, a mango and crab "sandwich" or the Rioja picnic platter. The crispy flatbread pizza with smoked sturgeon, horseradish crème frâiche and caviar is a perfect example of Jasinski's culinary deftness. Tomato Parmesan soup, cauliflower and apple soup or the house salad of arugula, dates and Gorgonzola topped with almond vinaigrette and roasted beet salad are awe-inspiring second courses. Pasta is a favorite of Jen's, and her creativity is apparent with her choices: fettuccine with mushrooms, lemon thyme gnocchi, seafood risotto and artichoke tortelloni. Entrées include Muscovy duck with duck confit, Petaluma chicken, leg of lamb, cowboy steak, and a fabulous vegetarian presentation. Fish lovers will be delighted with grilled sea scallops, halibut and pan-roasted salmon. The quail on spinach ravioli with hazelnut brown butter is an awesome choice. Preparation is unique with exciting accompaniments to enhance each dish. Desserts include crème brûlée, a chocolate bombe with tuille cookie, fruit tart and an outrageous peanut butter banana cream tart with caramel. The very well chosen wine list and good service attest to the attention to detail in every category. Lunch and weekend brunch are offered as well. Jennifer has won many awards for her fabulous cuisine, and this all-female cast delights lucky Denver diners. A separate bar for dining and a pizza station add excitement to the scene. The food shines as Jennifer creates an array of impressive Mediterranean dishes. Start with handmade baked mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, mussels in Thai red curry broth or sashimi of tuna and tuna tartare. The warm apricot and brie tart and crispy flatbread pizza with smoked sturgeon, horseradish crème fraiche and caviar are all perfect examples of Jasinski's culinary deftness. The duck consommé or house salad of arugula, dates and Gorgonzola topped with almond vinaigrette are awe-inspiring second courses. Pasta is a favorite of Jen's and her creativity is apparent with her choices: "pansoti" (pot bellied cheese ravioli with Pancetta vinaigrette), veal cannelloni, fettuccini with mushrooms and ethereal lobster risotto. Entrees include porcini-dusted striped bass on sun choke puree, duck two ways, stone oven baked Petaluma chicken, rib eye, venison and lamb. Preparation is unique with exciting accompaniments to enhance each dish. Desserts include an amazing beignet with ricotta, pumpkin crème brulee, chocolate tower cake, fruit tart and a huge cup of hot chocolate with truffles. The very well chosen wine list and excellent service attest to the attention to detail in every category. Lunch and weekend brunch are offered as well. Rioja brings great excitement to the Denver dining scene.