Jen and I really like this little place even though it's in a kitschy little strip mall. It provides a healthy and good Cherry Creek / Downtown quality meal right near our house. The only complaint we've ever had is that it's a little too brightly lit at dinner time.
Last night we wanted to grab a quick bite to eat near the house and this fit the bill perfectly. Jen was looking for a lighter entree with a good white wine and was not disappointed. She had Cod with a scallion risotto and a Gruner Veltliner. It turned out to be a really good pairing.
I opted to try a menu item that's always puzzled me - a Chicken Fried Lobster Steak. I could never imagine why someone would want to mess up a really good piece of lobster by chicken frying it. And those of you who know me, know that I love just about anything fried.
The waiter told me it was one of their most popular dishes though so I gave in to my curiousity. It was served in a tarragon cream sauce (think gravy) atop risotto and green beans. It was serious comfort food and was VERY GOOD. I have to admit though, I still would prefer the lobster straight up with butter and not chicken fried. And this was a serious piece of lobster - I was really impressed. I would definitely order this again.
The steak medallions with wild mushroom bread pudding (the other most popular dish) looked seriously amazing. I'm going to have to go back soon to try this dish.
http://www.240union.com/_home.php
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Best Lasagna I've Ever Had >>> Jen's Creation from Michael Chiarello's Tra Vigne Cookbook
A few nights back Jen made the best lasagna I've ever had. And it contained no pasta.
Those of you who know me, know that I love my meat, ricotta and pasta lasagna, but this was to die for - and much healthier.
It had four layers of thinly sliced, breaded and fried eggplant, alternated with layers of goat cheese smothered in a layer of the most amazing tomato sauce I've ever had (basically a vegetarian bolognese). It was topped with whole wheat bread crumbs and browned. >>> PERFECTION.
Click "Read More" to see the recipe:
Those of you who know me, know that I love my meat, ricotta and pasta lasagna, but this was to die for - and much healthier.
It had four layers of thinly sliced, breaded and fried eggplant, alternated with layers of goat cheese smothered in a layer of the most amazing tomato sauce I've ever had (basically a vegetarian bolognese). It was topped with whole wheat bread crumbs and browned. >>> PERFECTION.
Click "Read More" to see the recipe:
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Cafe Brazil - 4408 Lowell Blvd., Denver (44th and Lowell near Tennyson area)
Jen and I have been to this place several times. Every time I go, I like it.
Tonight we had the Camarao com Cachaca and the Cazuela Colombiana. The Camarao com Cachaca is large prawns sauteed with garlic, shallots, and bell peppers in a coconut milk sauce with Cachaca, a dry sugar cane liqueur. The dish is served over herbed rice. Very good.
The Cazuela Colombiana is a stew served over rice and contains prawns and chicken simmered in a spicy herbed tomato broth with cayenne pepper, grilled onions and gorgonzola, garnished with green onion, cucumber and Italian Parsley. It was really good and had a nice kick to it.
Jen and I both really like this little place.
http://cafebrazildenver.com/
Tonight we had the Camarao com Cachaca and the Cazuela Colombiana. The Camarao com Cachaca is large prawns sauteed with garlic, shallots, and bell peppers in a coconut milk sauce with Cachaca, a dry sugar cane liqueur. The dish is served over herbed rice. Very good.
The Cazuela Colombiana is a stew served over rice and contains prawns and chicken simmered in a spicy herbed tomato broth with cayenne pepper, grilled onions and gorgonzola, garnished with green onion, cucumber and Italian Parsley. It was really good and had a nice kick to it.
Jen and I both really like this little place.
http://cafebrazildenver.com/
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Briarwood Inn - 1630 8th St., Golden
So Jen and I were out on Saturday running errands and stumbled across Briarwood Inn. She had actually been there before for High Tea with her Mom, but had never eaten dinner there.
Fortunately they were still doing the 5280 Restaurant Week menu so we decided to try it (otherwise, this is definitely a special occasion place).
After we sat down and studied the place for about 5 minutes, we both laughed as we had the same thought.
This is the place "the greatest generation" (thanks Tom Brokaw) goes when they want to have a night on the town in Golden. Hehehe ... still laughing ... This is your Grandpa and Grandma's swanky restaurant.
With lots of lace, Victorian curtains, dark wood and waiters that wear argyle vests, this is a trip through yester-year. It's funny how places like this can give you that nostalgic homey feeling though. Like when you eat at Furr's, or play golf on a retirement village golf course.
The food was very good but I think the regular menu is WAY overpriced. As I said above, fortunately they were still doing the 5280 menu.
The appetizer tray is included with all entrees on the regular menu but was an add on to the 5280 menu. It was well worth it though as it includes a huge shrimp cocktail along with various selections of pate, tapenades, etc. Honestly, more restaurants ought to consider including appetizers with their entrees. This is the way a meal should be.
For our dinner entrees, Jen and I both ordered the Pepper Steak (sirloin steak medallions in a peppercorn and cognac cream sauce). It was very good, although it was unable to match the similar Steak Au Poivre that is our favorite at Capital Grille. The cognac cream sauce was thickened with flour and was more of a gravy than a sauce - not a serious problem for yours truly, but Jen thought it was just wrong. The reason I bring up the comparison to Capital Grille though is that in terms of regular menu prices, Briarwood is actually higher.
It was a fun experience, but I could never recommend going here (other than for the appetizer tray) unless its on a seriously discounted menu such as the 5280 restaurant week menu.
To just share an appetizer tray and some good wine and get your geriatrics fix - this is a good choice.
Fortunately they were still doing the 5280 Restaurant Week menu so we decided to try it (otherwise, this is definitely a special occasion place).
After we sat down and studied the place for about 5 minutes, we both laughed as we had the same thought.
This is the place "the greatest generation" (thanks Tom Brokaw) goes when they want to have a night on the town in Golden. Hehehe ... still laughing ... This is your Grandpa and Grandma's swanky restaurant.
With lots of lace, Victorian curtains, dark wood and waiters that wear argyle vests, this is a trip through yester-year. It's funny how places like this can give you that nostalgic homey feeling though. Like when you eat at Furr's, or play golf on a retirement village golf course.
The food was very good but I think the regular menu is WAY overpriced. As I said above, fortunately they were still doing the 5280 menu.
The appetizer tray is included with all entrees on the regular menu but was an add on to the 5280 menu. It was well worth it though as it includes a huge shrimp cocktail along with various selections of pate, tapenades, etc. Honestly, more restaurants ought to consider including appetizers with their entrees. This is the way a meal should be.
For our dinner entrees, Jen and I both ordered the Pepper Steak (sirloin steak medallions in a peppercorn and cognac cream sauce). It was very good, although it was unable to match the similar Steak Au Poivre that is our favorite at Capital Grille. The cognac cream sauce was thickened with flour and was more of a gravy than a sauce - not a serious problem for yours truly, but Jen thought it was just wrong. The reason I bring up the comparison to Capital Grille though is that in terms of regular menu prices, Briarwood is actually higher.
It was a fun experience, but I could never recommend going here (other than for the appetizer tray) unless its on a seriously discounted menu such as the 5280 restaurant week menu.
To just share an appetizer tray and some good wine and get your geriatrics fix - this is a good choice.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Samba Room - 1460 Larimer St., Denver
Tonight we went with our friends Lisa and Aruna to Samba Room which specializes in latin cuisine. Because it's restaurant week in Denver, in addition to their standard menu, they had the special 5280 menu (a multi-course meal for $52.80 per couple).
For my appetizer, I had pork tamales in a sweet and spicy tamarind sauce. Seriously awesome - they were the highlight of the meal. I will definitely remember these the next time I'm trying to find a good happy hour place.
For my entree, I had a grilled Argentinian Skirt Steak in Chimichurri Sauce - it was really good and well prepared.
For dessert, I selected an Empanada filled with a combination of Cream Cheese and Goat Cheese and drizzled with Mango sauce. To my surprise I got one of the appetizer Empanadas filled with beef and corn but drizzled with Mango sauce. Hahahaha ... LOL. I've never had mango paired with beef and corn before, and I probably won't again, but it was hilariously good. I was worried that the Cream Cheese / Goat Cheese combo might be too rich anyway.
Jen and I had been wanting to try this place for a long time - it's definitely a good place for apps and drinks.
Here's a link, but as a warning this is one of those obnoxious Flash websites:
http://www.sambaroom.net/
For my appetizer, I had pork tamales in a sweet and spicy tamarind sauce. Seriously awesome - they were the highlight of the meal. I will definitely remember these the next time I'm trying to find a good happy hour place.
For my entree, I had a grilled Argentinian Skirt Steak in Chimichurri Sauce - it was really good and well prepared.
For dessert, I selected an Empanada filled with a combination of Cream Cheese and Goat Cheese and drizzled with Mango sauce. To my surprise I got one of the appetizer Empanadas filled with beef and corn but drizzled with Mango sauce. Hahahaha ... LOL. I've never had mango paired with beef and corn before, and I probably won't again, but it was hilariously good. I was worried that the Cream Cheese / Goat Cheese combo might be too rich anyway.
Jen and I had been wanting to try this place for a long time - it's definitely a good place for apps and drinks.
Here's a link, but as a warning this is one of those obnoxious Flash websites:
http://www.sambaroom.net/
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Venue Bistro - 3609 West 32nd Ave., Denver (in the Highlands at 32nd & Lowell)
Today was our friend Lisa's 44th B-day (you're welcome Lis). :) Since December, she had told Jen and I that she wanted to try Venue on her birthday, so that's exactly what we did. Lisa's friend Karen also came.
As an avid reader of Westword's dining section, I had read Jason Sheehan's review prior to coming here. In fact, I knew what I was getting before even looking at their menu - The pan seared Pork Tenderloin with cherry studded bacon grits in a maple jus. Sheehan raved about their bacon grits. I was dying to try them.
Unfortunately Venue had updated their menu since his review and this dish was no longer on it. Undeterred, I selected the Shrimp and Grits appetizer (which can also be ordered as an entree). It was seriously fantastic.
The shrimp and grits were drizzled with a Thai green chile sauce that was fabulous. For the meal, I knew I wanted more grits. I pleaded with the waitress about modifying the current Pork Tenderloin selection on the menu to include something close to their original bacon grits. She said, "No problem".
Although she said they could not make the maple jus, the chef had suggested serving it with the aforesaid green chile. I said, "who am I to argue". :)
This was truly one of my favorite dishes of all time. The service was great. The ambiance was unpretentious, and very simple. Very small. The restaurant probably can't seat over 18 people. Prices were good - much better than Duo, Rioja, etc., and the portions were big.
Lisa, Karen and Jen all liked their entrees but weren't crazy about them. They all loved the Shrimp and Grits appetizer though. And they all had serious envy over my pork tenderloin.
There is no doubt we'll go back - the grits are the best I've ever had.
http://venuebistro.com/
As an avid reader of Westword's dining section, I had read Jason Sheehan's review prior to coming here. In fact, I knew what I was getting before even looking at their menu - The pan seared Pork Tenderloin with cherry studded bacon grits in a maple jus. Sheehan raved about their bacon grits. I was dying to try them.
Unfortunately Venue had updated their menu since his review and this dish was no longer on it. Undeterred, I selected the Shrimp and Grits appetizer (which can also be ordered as an entree). It was seriously fantastic.
The shrimp and grits were drizzled with a Thai green chile sauce that was fabulous. For the meal, I knew I wanted more grits. I pleaded with the waitress about modifying the current Pork Tenderloin selection on the menu to include something close to their original bacon grits. She said, "No problem".
Although she said they could not make the maple jus, the chef had suggested serving it with the aforesaid green chile. I said, "who am I to argue". :)
This was truly one of my favorite dishes of all time. The service was great. The ambiance was unpretentious, and very simple. Very small. The restaurant probably can't seat over 18 people. Prices were good - much better than Duo, Rioja, etc., and the portions were big.
Lisa, Karen and Jen all liked their entrees but weren't crazy about them. They all loved the Shrimp and Grits appetizer though. And they all had serious envy over my pork tenderloin.
There is no doubt we'll go back - the grits are the best I've ever had.
http://venuebistro.com/
Monday, February 15, 2010
Rioja - 1431 Larimer St., Denver
Rioja was for a long time one of Jen's favorite restaurants in Denver - no more. I've been there twice previously, but will not go back.
The first time I visited Rioja, I thought the food was good, but boring. Nothing really stood out about their cuisine. Same thing with the second visit. Our friend Lisa has given me shit for a long time about the fact that I believe Bloom is a much better restaurant (and yes - I know Bloom is basically on an arm of Flatirons Mall - this definitely kills part of the experience, but their food is seriously amazing).
Tonight was my third visit to Rioja. Although the menu seemed more interesting this time, I didn't realize that Rioja had become an art food place. Prices had went up and portions were ludicrously small.
I had a Roasted Chestnut soup with foie gras that was really good. We split an appetizer of freshly made fig newtons accompanied by prosciutto, arugula and a balsamic reduction. This was seriously good - the highlight of the meal. But there were only 3 bites - literally. It could barely be classified as an amuse-bouche much yet an appetizer. There were 3 fig newtons the size of grapes, one thin shaving of prosciutto, one piece of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. At $17, this was a joke.
For her entree, Jen ordered the special which was a seafood ravioli. She got 3 raviolis. I asked the waiter if this was a mistake and she had been served an appetizer order. He said no, this was the dinner size entree. You could tell he was embarassed.
As we were leaving, Jen remarked that she is done with that place. I completely agreed although the fig newtons were amazing.
http://www.riojadenver.com/
The first time I visited Rioja, I thought the food was good, but boring. Nothing really stood out about their cuisine. Same thing with the second visit. Our friend Lisa has given me shit for a long time about the fact that I believe Bloom is a much better restaurant (and yes - I know Bloom is basically on an arm of Flatirons Mall - this definitely kills part of the experience, but their food is seriously amazing).
Tonight was my third visit to Rioja. Although the menu seemed more interesting this time, I didn't realize that Rioja had become an art food place. Prices had went up and portions were ludicrously small.
I had a Roasted Chestnut soup with foie gras that was really good. We split an appetizer of freshly made fig newtons accompanied by prosciutto, arugula and a balsamic reduction. This was seriously good - the highlight of the meal. But there were only 3 bites - literally. It could barely be classified as an amuse-bouche much yet an appetizer. There were 3 fig newtons the size of grapes, one thin shaving of prosciutto, one piece of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. At $17, this was a joke.
For her entree, Jen ordered the special which was a seafood ravioli. She got 3 raviolis. I asked the waiter if this was a mistake and she had been served an appetizer order. He said no, this was the dinner size entree. You could tell he was embarassed.
As we were leaving, Jen remarked that she is done with that place. I completely agreed although the fig newtons were amazing.
http://www.riojadenver.com/
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Duo Restaurant - 2413 West 32nd (Zuni and 32nd), Denver
Last night, Jen and I got our parents together for the first time. We decided to give Duo a try because it's in the Highlands and is a really cool neighborhood. The night was great and everyone had a good time.
The food at Duo however was not my favorite. I thought the menu was pretty boring actually.
Apparently the place is known for their Arugula salad and their desserts, however, I didn't know this until after I had ordered and you don't find out unless you go to the bathroom where articles are hanging on the wall describing the awards won for various items. Even after asking the waiter what the most popular items on the menu were, nothing was mentioned about the arugula salad or the desserts or the fact that they had won James Beard awards.
Oh well - the evening was good even if the food was boring and mediocre.
http://duodenver.com/
The food at Duo however was not my favorite. I thought the menu was pretty boring actually.
Apparently the place is known for their Arugula salad and their desserts, however, I didn't know this until after I had ordered and you don't find out unless you go to the bathroom where articles are hanging on the wall describing the awards won for various items. Even after asking the waiter what the most popular items on the menu were, nothing was mentioned about the arugula salad or the desserts or the fact that they had won James Beard awards.
Oh well - the evening was good even if the food was boring and mediocre.
http://duodenver.com/
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Cook Street Indian Cooking Class - 1937 Market St., Denver
Last night, I took my first class at Cook Street. I had purchased the class as a Christmas gift for my mother as she enjoys cooking and Jen and I had just recently introduced her to Indian food. The class was one of their "A World Of Taste Series" and focused on the classic dishes and techniques of Indian cooking. What a blast!!
Upon arriving, they had a tray of charcuterie, cheeses, nuts and crackers along with a bucket of Indian beers. I sampled all while reading through the recipes and instructions for the night's menu.
The Chefs / Instructors were extremely knowledgeable and guided us through a number of dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan, Samosas, etc. After preparing the dishes, everyone feasted on an amazing meal together. Not only did I learn the Indian spices and techniques, but I found the Chefs' to have a wealth of information on everything from general cooking techniques to molecular gastronomy. This was seriously fun!
I will be scheduling more classes soon. For anyone who likes to cook, these classes are the bomb!
Upon arriving, they had a tray of charcuterie, cheeses, nuts and crackers along with a bucket of Indian beers. I sampled all while reading through the recipes and instructions for the night's menu.
The Chefs / Instructors were extremely knowledgeable and guided us through a number of dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan, Samosas, etc. After preparing the dishes, everyone feasted on an amazing meal together. Not only did I learn the Indian spices and techniques, but I found the Chefs' to have a wealth of information on everything from general cooking techniques to molecular gastronomy. This was seriously fun!
I will be scheduling more classes soon. For anyone who likes to cook, these classes are the bomb!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Melting Pot - 2707 West Main St., Littleton
One evening this week, Jen and I decided we had to have fondue. I had been to The Melting Pot in Littleton, years before (mid 1990's) and thought it was kind of cheesy (very bad, I know). I suggested that we give it a try though since there are few other fondue options in Denver. Am I glad we did! We went with my future sis-in-law and her boyfriend and it was fantastic.
Melting Pot had completely reworked their menu (as well as the restaurant interior) since I had been there previously. The menu and the ambiance were amazing.
We tried most everything on the menu and it was all really good, but what truly stood out was the Steak and the Peppered Pork Loin. When I go back, it will be for these two things only as they were to die for. (If you want scallops, go to Benihana - best in the area!)
I also have to comment on the "outside" ambiance as well. This restaurant, at the end of Main Street in old town Littletown, is seriously cool. Main Street is gorgeous and very romantic. We walked down the street at midnight after dinner and talked for over an hour before going home. Yes - in January. Ya gotta love Colorado evenings!
What a wonderful night! We will definitely be going back.
The Melting Pot - Littleton
Melting Pot had completely reworked their menu (as well as the restaurant interior) since I had been there previously. The menu and the ambiance were amazing.
We tried most everything on the menu and it was all really good, but what truly stood out was the Steak and the Peppered Pork Loin. When I go back, it will be for these two things only as they were to die for. (If you want scallops, go to Benihana - best in the area!)
I also have to comment on the "outside" ambiance as well. This restaurant, at the end of Main Street in old town Littletown, is seriously cool. Main Street is gorgeous and very romantic. We walked down the street at midnight after dinner and talked for over an hour before going home. Yes - in January. Ya gotta love Colorado evenings!
What a wonderful night! We will definitely be going back.
The Melting Pot - Littleton
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Capital Grille - 1450 Larimer, Denver (located in Larimer Square)
This is one of Jen's favorite restaurants and it is now one of mine. We went there last night with our friend Lisa to celebrate the holidays.
Jen had told me a long time ago that the Steak Au Poivre was quite possibly her favorite restaurant meal ever so I had really been looking forward to trying it. Having done so, I have to say the Steak Au Poivre is the best steak I've ever had. Yes - this even rises above my previous favorite - Chop House.
Although I am normally a steak purist and would not consider adding sauce to a great cut of meat, the Courvoisier Cream and Peppercorn Sauce is to die for and is the most perfect pairing I could ever imagine with a perfectly dry aged sirloin. I will likely never get to try the rest of their menu now that I've found this dish.
As for the service - it was impeccable. Prices are high though making this a true special occasion restaurant.
The Capital Grille - Denver
Jen had told me a long time ago that the Steak Au Poivre was quite possibly her favorite restaurant meal ever so I had really been looking forward to trying it. Having done so, I have to say the Steak Au Poivre is the best steak I've ever had. Yes - this even rises above my previous favorite - Chop House.
Although I am normally a steak purist and would not consider adding sauce to a great cut of meat, the Courvoisier Cream and Peppercorn Sauce is to die for and is the most perfect pairing I could ever imagine with a perfectly dry aged sirloin. I will likely never get to try the rest of their menu now that I've found this dish.
As for the service - it was impeccable. Prices are high though making this a true special occasion restaurant.
The Capital Grille - Denver
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Simms Steakhouse (formerly Simms Landing) - 11911 W. 6th Ave., Golden
I love Simms. I've always liked it - from back in the day when it was Simm's Landing to now with the recent remodel and update. This place will be popular for years to come.
The food here is consistently good to great, but Simm's claim to fame has always been their ambiance. The views of the city, their amazing patios in spring and summer, and those wonderfully comfortable lounge chairs in the bar. Now with the update they've added really kewl fireplaces and great video screens for watching the game. The colors and artwork are also spot on.
The steaks are really good here but not the best I've had. The scallops are great. Wine list is really good as well.
Happy hour is one of the best in Denver, but skip the Sunday Brunch. The brunch is decent although for the price, variety is lacking. This is a really great place to watch the game though so factor that into the equation.
http://www.simmssteakhouse.com/
The food here is consistently good to great, but Simm's claim to fame has always been their ambiance. The views of the city, their amazing patios in spring and summer, and those wonderfully comfortable lounge chairs in the bar. Now with the update they've added really kewl fireplaces and great video screens for watching the game. The colors and artwork are also spot on.
The steaks are really good here but not the best I've had. The scallops are great. Wine list is really good as well.
Happy hour is one of the best in Denver, but skip the Sunday Brunch. The brunch is decent although for the price, variety is lacking. This is a really great place to watch the game though so factor that into the equation.
http://www.simmssteakhouse.com/
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Argyll Gastropub - 2700 E. Third Ave., Denver (Cherry Creek North)
I really like the ambience of this place. It's like a laid back Irish pub with a well designed menu and carefully crafted, nicely presented dishes at reasonable prices. They have 12 beers on tap, a solid wine list with great by the glass selections, and although I've not acquired a taste for Scotch, one of the best selections of Scotch I've seen (this of course because they're a Scottish pub).
The first time I was there, at the waiter's suggestion, I tried the Choucroute Garnie. Per the menu description, this is an Alsatian Classic of Smoked Pork Sausages, Pork Belly, Knockwurst w/ Juniper Berries, Sauerkraut, Potatoes & Mustards. It reminded me of a smoked pork sausage and sauerkraut hash. Although it did not blow me away, it was very good. Perhaps the mustards should be incorporated into the dish to give it a pop instead of serving them on the side. Nevertheless, with a nice Murphy's Stout, this was a great dinner.
Today, while everyone else ordered brunch, I had the Argyll burger. What was wrong with me? I have no idea. Now don't get me wrong, the burger was very good. It was a ground lamb and beef patty with bacon, gruyere and a harissa aioli on a potato bun served with handcut fries. However, you should have seen the benedicts that Jen and her mom got! They were amazing. Do not have brunch at this place without trying one of the benedicts. Jen had the classic ham benedict with English cheddar and dijon hollandaise served with Scottish boxties which are a potato pancake. It was huge and to die for. They also offer a Corned beef hash benedict served with a Coleman's mustard hollandaise and boxties. I will never order anything else at brunch again!
Oh - be sure to try the Scotch Egg for an appetizer - also To Die For. The menu description says it all.
"A Perfectly Soft Boiled Egg, Wrapped in Sausage and Deep Fried, Served w/ a Horseradish Aioli"
http://argyllpub.com/
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Spicy Cherry Tequila Glaze / Sauce
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon EVOO
1 cup diced red onion
4 tablespoons minced ginger
3 cups canned cherries in syrup, preferably Bing
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons tequila (recommended: Cabo Wabo Resposado)
3 tablespoons hot sauce (recommended: Sriracha)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sherry wine vinegar
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add oil, onion, ginger, cherries and garlic. Saute until lightly caramelized. Deglaze with tequila, hot sauce, sesame oil, sherry wine vinegar and soy sauce. Let simmer for 15 minutes. Season, with salt and pepper.
1 Tablespoon EVOO
1 cup diced red onion
4 tablespoons minced ginger
3 cups canned cherries in syrup, preferably Bing
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons tequila (recommended: Cabo Wabo Resposado)
3 tablespoons hot sauce (recommended: Sriracha)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sherry wine vinegar
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add oil, onion, ginger, cherries and garlic. Saute until lightly caramelized. Deglaze with tequila, hot sauce, sesame oil, sherry wine vinegar and soy sauce. Let simmer for 15 minutes. Season, with salt and pepper.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Brussel Sprouts with Black Bean Sauce
This dish is fabulous. It's funky, abrasive and not afraid to get in your face and call your mama ugly.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Luke's - A Steak Place, 4990 Kipling, Denver
Tonight, on the way to our dance class, we grabbed a quick bite at Luke's on Kipling. It's a small steakhouse in the back of a strip mall. Charming right? I'm actually surprised anyone can find the place.
Although I went in not expecting much, Jen and I split a steak prepared Pittsburgh style, and it was actually very respectable. In terms of preparation, I would even have to put it in the top 5 or 6 that I've had in Denver. The side dishes and ambiance were just ordinary however and severely limit the appeal of this restaurant.
The bar and restaurant are really not divided and are part of the same room. Although the bar area looks more inviting with comfy bar stools and sports memorabilia on the walls, the restaurant has kitschy country curtains strung across the windows (to obscure the view of the deserted strip mall) and farmhouse style tables and chairs everywhere.
Prices are similar to Simms (6th and Union) or Chop House (Lodo) thus leading to the inevitable comparison. If this place had Simm's ambiance, the side dishes could be excused. Of course that's not saying much because few restaurants in Denver can compete with Simm's ambiance. On balance, I probably would not go back even though this was actually a great steak. There's just nicer places to go to that serve really good steaks and have better side dishes for the same or less money.
http://www.lukesasteakplace.com/
Although I went in not expecting much, Jen and I split a steak prepared Pittsburgh style, and it was actually very respectable. In terms of preparation, I would even have to put it in the top 5 or 6 that I've had in Denver. The side dishes and ambiance were just ordinary however and severely limit the appeal of this restaurant.
The bar and restaurant are really not divided and are part of the same room. Although the bar area looks more inviting with comfy bar stools and sports memorabilia on the walls, the restaurant has kitschy country curtains strung across the windows (to obscure the view of the deserted strip mall) and farmhouse style tables and chairs everywhere.
Prices are similar to Simms (6th and Union) or Chop House (Lodo) thus leading to the inevitable comparison. If this place had Simm's ambiance, the side dishes could be excused. Of course that's not saying much because few restaurants in Denver can compete with Simm's ambiance. On balance, I probably would not go back even though this was actually a great steak. There's just nicer places to go to that serve really good steaks and have better side dishes for the same or less money.
http://www.lukesasteakplace.com/
2007 A Mano Primitivo (Puglia, Italy)
This zin had much more depth and interest than the Artezin zin that I wrote about last night and it was even cheaper (under $10 retail). It was definitely more fruit forward but not sweet. I noticed a bright raspberry flavor in this wine that contrasted nicely with the dark, charred, Pittsburgh style preparation of the steak.
It seems we are off to a good start of finding zins that have a "pop" and are interesting, but that are not sickening sweet, fruit bombs.
According to the bottle, the grapes for this wine come from vineyards in the heart of the Primitivo growing region, located in the low hills east of Taranto in Puglia, Italy. A google search revealed that this region is an old sea bed full of fossils from clams, oysters and urchins. I'd love to visit someday - Jen has been to Italy, but I never have.
This is a wine that I will add to our wine rack. Knowing that a particular wine can be relied upon to have a bright raspberry quality will come in handy when pairing with foods.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Artezin 2007 Zinfandel
Tonight we decided to try a different zin with the Chicken Tortilla Casserole leftovers. The Artezin 2007 Zin from Mendocino County, California was not up to the task. It was flat in comparison. We also tried it with some Stilton cheese and crackers as an appetizer - it was better, but still fell flat.
As Jen and I discussed however, flat can be acceptable sometimes. Occasionally you want a wine that isn't bold and doesn't overpower. That would be this wine. It was very subtle on the front with a silky body and then very subtle on the finish. It did not have the characteristic lingering spice that most zins are famous for. This is definitely not a "beer foods" wine and requires a more subtle entree to accompany it.
Because I don't do a lot of subtle entrees, this probably won't be on my short list of favorite wines. It just didn't have the depth and interest that I know I can find in other wines such as the Four Vines Zin.
As Jen and I discussed however, flat can be acceptable sometimes. Occasionally you want a wine that isn't bold and doesn't overpower. That would be this wine. It was very subtle on the front with a silky body and then very subtle on the finish. It did not have the characteristic lingering spice that most zins are famous for. This is definitely not a "beer foods" wine and requires a more subtle entree to accompany it.
Because I don't do a lot of subtle entrees, this probably won't be on my short list of favorite wines. It just didn't have the depth and interest that I know I can find in other wines such as the Four Vines Zin.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Four Vines 2007 "Old Vine Cuvee" Zinfandel, California
Needless to say, I was initially skeptical about his recommendation of a Zin, much yet a California Zin, given that they are usually fruit bombs. Truth be told, I figured they were overstocked on this wine and the guy was getting a kickback from the distributor for pushing it (after all, I had never met him before).
Happily, I was completely wrong. I'm very glad I took his advice and tried this one because it's a fantastic wine with typical "beer foods" (pizza, chili, BBQ, etc.) and it perfectly complements spicy dishes. Jen and I were both pleasantly surprised to find it very dry, and non-jammy. It was subtle up front but very full bodied with a spicy, peppery finish.
This is an outstanding wine and given the $9.99 price, it will be a staple in our wine rack going forward.
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