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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!!