If you're in the Highlands neighborhood, on or near Tennyson Street and between 38th and 44th, here are some fantastic breakfast choices for you. We're a little sad to be moving out of the neighborhood at the end of this week as we won't have these places within walking distance!
Kyle's Kitchen - Your typical "American" style breakfast with a bit of attitude. This place screams "hole in the wall" and "diner" as loud as it can, sporting fantastic foods like the huge breakfast burrito and their biscuits & gravy. They keep your coffee topped off and their prices are quite competitive for the quality. It's never so busy that we haven't been able to sit in the same table but there are always people there. Recommended for breakfast any day of the week.
DJ's Berkeley Cafe - Bouncing back from a recent internal fire, this place is definitely the fanciest breakfast place on the street. With espresso drinks available to go and a "frittata of the day", DJ's has a menu for the modern Denverite who may or may not be vegan and may or may not eat wheat. They have great eggs benedict, the best home fries I've had (ever), and friendly courteous service. Again, recommended for breakfast any day of the week.
Javier & C Diner - Having only been here for breakfast once, this past Sunday, I wholeheartedly recommend it and am a little mad at myself for waiting so long! This place may look like a tiny brick burrito shop from the outside (with a little less than adequate parking for the crowd they bring in) but the inside is much nicer. The food, particularly the hot chili they drizzle on their mexican-style dishes (which do not dominate the entire menu, surprisingly) is fantastic and they have a fairly large menu. Definitely recommended for a good Sunday brunch, but I think they're closed on certain weekdays.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Micah: US THAI - Edgewater, CO
So this is the first official review of a restaurant for the new blog.
Last Friday, for date night, I chose UsThai Cafe in Edgewater (25th & Sheridan). Since we're moving from the best neighborhood on earth at the end of the month, we're making special effort to eat only at restaurants in our neighborhood until we move (oh sad day).
Todd will explain the rating system in another post, but for now, I give this restaurant a TUESDAY.
It's a cute, small place and the staff was friendly. We were seated promptly and offered something to drink just as quickly. As soon as we'd poured our tea, our server came to take our dinner order. I chose pineapple curry with tofu and Todd opted for Thai chicken wings. We both got the "medium" spiciness, which was delicious and wonderful, but if you're sensitive to spice, definitely choose the "mild"...the medium even kicked me and I can usually handle a good deal of spice :o)
The service throughout the meal was adequate, to be sure. Our server only came by once to fill our water, which we liked. I kind of hate when servers arbitrarily fill my water (or coffee, for that matter) after I've taken a sip of it. It's not necessary and I didn't ask for it to be filled. It's fine to fill my water when it's more than half-full, without asking, but beyond that, it's just not needed.
Because the restaurant was so small, the tables had plastic tablecloths, and the napkins were paper (something Todd loathes), we didn't want to give this a FRIDAY rating. If you want a Friday Thai restaurant, definitely try out Thai Basil (there are a couple different locations, but our favorite is on 38th and Irving).
All in all, we really enjoyed our date night and would recommend UsThai...check 'em out!
Last Friday, for date night, I chose UsThai Cafe in Edgewater (25th & Sheridan). Since we're moving from the best neighborhood on earth at the end of the month, we're making special effort to eat only at restaurants in our neighborhood until we move (oh sad day).
Todd will explain the rating system in another post, but for now, I give this restaurant a TUESDAY.
It's a cute, small place and the staff was friendly. We were seated promptly and offered something to drink just as quickly. As soon as we'd poured our tea, our server came to take our dinner order. I chose pineapple curry with tofu and Todd opted for Thai chicken wings. We both got the "medium" spiciness, which was delicious and wonderful, but if you're sensitive to spice, definitely choose the "mild"...the medium even kicked me and I can usually handle a good deal of spice :o)
The service throughout the meal was adequate, to be sure. Our server only came by once to fill our water, which we liked. I kind of hate when servers arbitrarily fill my water (or coffee, for that matter) after I've taken a sip of it. It's not necessary and I didn't ask for it to be filled. It's fine to fill my water when it's more than half-full, without asking, but beyond that, it's just not needed.
Because the restaurant was so small, the tables had plastic tablecloths, and the napkins were paper (something Todd loathes), we didn't want to give this a FRIDAY rating. If you want a Friday Thai restaurant, definitely try out Thai Basil (there are a couple different locations, but our favorite is on 38th and Irving).
All in all, we really enjoyed our date night and would recommend UsThai...check 'em out!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Todd: ALAMOS VERDES
Alamos Verdes, Arvada
After not doing much but packing up the house yesterday, we decided to go out for a not-so-expensive dinner (particularly after Bloom on Saturday). We were in the mood for Mexican so I suggested a place I ride my bike near every time I commute.
Alamos Verdes immediately reminded me of a place closer to home, a restaurant called El Paraiso, and continued to do so throughout the evening. The inside was low-ceilinged, they have a nice patio and a large menu. We opted to stick with water for our beverage but shared the Guacamole Dip appetizer and then shared the Dinner #16, a bean-burrito and enchilada combo (we chose beef for the latter) smothered in their spicy green chile rather than mild red.
Both dishes we had were great, though I found the chile/sauce to be a bit thin. It was the perfect portion size to split between the two of us which means you'd best bring a large appetite if you're eating there alone or plan to order your own dish. The menu boasted that we were being served by three generations of the same family and that their dishes were all made by them; I believe this and I think the quality and care showed through.
Though the experience was a little marred by an EXTREMELY loud couple in the corner of the restaurant, I give Alamos Verdes high marks as Mexican places go. I got exactly what I was expecting, the service was good, and I would definitely go there again.
Final Verdict: Judging by the performance from a Sunday evening, the place wasn't all that busy so I can't say how wonderful the service would be on a Friday. You'd be brave to test it, but I'm sure the food would taste just as great.
After not doing much but packing up the house yesterday, we decided to go out for a not-so-expensive dinner (particularly after Bloom on Saturday). We were in the mood for Mexican so I suggested a place I ride my bike near every time I commute.
Alamos Verdes immediately reminded me of a place closer to home, a restaurant called El Paraiso, and continued to do so throughout the evening. The inside was low-ceilinged, they have a nice patio and a large menu. We opted to stick with water for our beverage but shared the Guacamole Dip appetizer and then shared the Dinner #16, a bean-burrito and enchilada combo (we chose beef for the latter) smothered in their spicy green chile rather than mild red.
Both dishes we had were great, though I found the chile/sauce to be a bit thin. It was the perfect portion size to split between the two of us which means you'd best bring a large appetite if you're eating there alone or plan to order your own dish. The menu boasted that we were being served by three generations of the same family and that their dishes were all made by them; I believe this and I think the quality and care showed through.
Though the experience was a little marred by an EXTREMELY loud couple in the corner of the restaurant, I give Alamos Verdes high marks as Mexican places go. I got exactly what I was expecting, the service was good, and I would definitely go there again.
Final Verdict: Judging by the performance from a Sunday evening, the place wasn't all that busy so I can't say how wonderful the service would be on a Friday. You'd be brave to test it, but I'm sure the food would taste just as great.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Todd: BLOOM
Bloom, Broomfield
Though I'd been to Bloom a few times before, I thought it would be worth rating here. We went on a Saturday night with a group of about 7 others, one of them being from Toronto. Not to bias the post but Bloom is the favorite restaurant of my VP when he visits the Denver area and he is incredibly picky about what/where he will eat.
At first glance, the menu at Bloom seems small. One entire side is taken up by Wine Flights and other cocktails while the other presents a seasonal soup, a mixture of appetizers and salads, and about 12 main entrees of varying types.
All told, we had shares of these appetizers: Smoked Salmon, Calamari, Warm Brie, and the Mozzarella/tomato slices. My entree was the special of the night, Mahi Mahi and an additional side of Bleu Cheese Mashed Potatoes (which I didn't know were an option but will be getting them every time I go there in the future) while Micah had the Roasted Ribeye with Roquefort mashed potatoes and asparagus. I also sampled someone else's Wasabi mashed potatoes (it seems they take pride in their mash) which were everything I expected by the name. Finally, we all shared a few bites of the Bars of Sin, a great dessert in general if you are a chocolate lover.
I can't rate the wine but I will say that we had 2 bottles of red and at least 1 bottle of white - I can't rate it because the restaurant didn't produce it. Regardless, the presentation and service were both fantastic with the wine and the food.
Every piece of food that I consumed was fantastic, everything I expect from Bloom. I'd recommend this place for lunch or dinner, any day of the week.
Final Verdict? Definitely a Friday place.
Though I'd been to Bloom a few times before, I thought it would be worth rating here. We went on a Saturday night with a group of about 7 others, one of them being from Toronto. Not to bias the post but Bloom is the favorite restaurant of my VP when he visits the Denver area and he is incredibly picky about what/where he will eat.
At first glance, the menu at Bloom seems small. One entire side is taken up by Wine Flights and other cocktails while the other presents a seasonal soup, a mixture of appetizers and salads, and about 12 main entrees of varying types.
All told, we had shares of these appetizers: Smoked Salmon, Calamari, Warm Brie, and the Mozzarella/tomato slices. My entree was the special of the night, Mahi Mahi and an additional side of Bleu Cheese Mashed Potatoes (which I didn't know were an option but will be getting them every time I go there in the future) while Micah had the Roasted Ribeye with Roquefort mashed potatoes and asparagus. I also sampled someone else's Wasabi mashed potatoes (it seems they take pride in their mash) which were everything I expected by the name. Finally, we all shared a few bites of the Bars of Sin, a great dessert in general if you are a chocolate lover.
I can't rate the wine but I will say that we had 2 bottles of red and at least 1 bottle of white - I can't rate it because the restaurant didn't produce it. Regardless, the presentation and service were both fantastic with the wine and the food.
Every piece of food that I consumed was fantastic, everything I expect from Bloom. I'd recommend this place for lunch or dinner, any day of the week.
Final Verdict? Definitely a Friday place.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Todd: US THAI CAFE
US THAI, Edgewater (Denver)
For "date night," we went to US Thai Cafe. We had driven by the place numerous times and I believe Micah got a recommendation that it was good.
With it being Friday night, I thought it might be busy but we were actually seated immediately. Though the outside of the restaurant isn't as extravagant as something like Swing Thai, the inside wasn't suffering from any kind of atmosphere deficiency. The music was soft but was mostly drowned out by the kitchen noise (which wasn't as bad as it sounds).
The service was definitely passable - equal to the grade of most Asian restaurants, anyway. The server took our order and the food came within expected timeframes.
Interesting things about the food. We ordered Spring Rolls for an appetizer, hot tea (which we think was Jasmine), and Micah had Pineapple Curry with Tofu while I ordered Pik Kai Laoding (described on the menu as Thai version of chicken wings), both dishes ordered "Medium." Micah claims that the spring rolls must have had mint leaves in them but the first thing I noticed was the wrapper tasted a bit like toothpaste. It was a little odd, but not in a bad way, and the warmed peanut sauce (yes, WARMED!) that came with them was excuisite.
While the Pineapple Curry was everything I expected it to be, my "Thai chicken wings" were the exact product that the words would make you expect. A tiny bit disappointing, considering I could make this myself in less than ten minutes if I had the sauce. Basically, they were chicken wings cooked and drenched in a spicy kind of soy/barbecue sauce, but they did taste good and were adequately messy.
While we both ordered dishes at "medium" heat, both were extremely spicy, but I wouldn't say they were overly so. If you are not used to having Curry dishes, I would suggest going "mild."
Final Verdict: While I had some very minor complaints, I'd rate this restaurant as a Friday. The service and food were both good, though if we go there again I will order something more traditional like Pad Thai.
For "date night," we went to US Thai Cafe. We had driven by the place numerous times and I believe Micah got a recommendation that it was good.
With it being Friday night, I thought it might be busy but we were actually seated immediately. Though the outside of the restaurant isn't as extravagant as something like Swing Thai, the inside wasn't suffering from any kind of atmosphere deficiency. The music was soft but was mostly drowned out by the kitchen noise (which wasn't as bad as it sounds).
The service was definitely passable - equal to the grade of most Asian restaurants, anyway. The server took our order and the food came within expected timeframes.
Interesting things about the food. We ordered Spring Rolls for an appetizer, hot tea (which we think was Jasmine), and Micah had Pineapple Curry with Tofu while I ordered Pik Kai Laoding (described on the menu as Thai version of chicken wings), both dishes ordered "Medium." Micah claims that the spring rolls must have had mint leaves in them but the first thing I noticed was the wrapper tasted a bit like toothpaste. It was a little odd, but not in a bad way, and the warmed peanut sauce (yes, WARMED!) that came with them was excuisite.
While the Pineapple Curry was everything I expected it to be, my "Thai chicken wings" were the exact product that the words would make you expect. A tiny bit disappointing, considering I could make this myself in less than ten minutes if I had the sauce. Basically, they were chicken wings cooked and drenched in a spicy kind of soy/barbecue sauce, but they did taste good and were adequately messy.
While we both ordered dishes at "medium" heat, both were extremely spicy, but I wouldn't say they were overly so. If you are not used to having Curry dishes, I would suggest going "mild."
Final Verdict: While I had some very minor complaints, I'd rate this restaurant as a Friday. The service and food were both good, though if we go there again I will order something more traditional like Pad Thai.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Our Rating System
For the upcoming restaurant reviews, here's the rating system that gives meaning to this whole thing.
Tuesday - The food is great but either the restaurant was too busy or the service was so bad that we would only eat there again on the ideal night of the week (Tuesday). If we gave it a Tuesday rating, the place's food was worth the trouble the first time.
Friday - The highest accolade we can bestow. No matter the day, no matter the time, we endorse the food and service of this restaurant.
Not at all - Don't go here unless you're really brave. We can't guarantee that your experience will also be bad but, ours certainly was and, it will only be a coupon and/or apology that brings us back.
So there you have it. Very simplistic, even without numeric formulæ.
Tuesday - The food is great but either the restaurant was too busy or the service was so bad that we would only eat there again on the ideal night of the week (Tuesday). If we gave it a Tuesday rating, the place's food was worth the trouble the first time.
Friday - The highest accolade we can bestow. No matter the day, no matter the time, we endorse the food and service of this restaurant.
Not at all - Don't go here unless you're really brave. We can't guarantee that your experience will also be bad but, ours certainly was and, it will only be a coupon and/or apology that brings us back.
So there you have it. Very simplistic, even without numeric formulæ.
Welcome to our world!
Todd and I love love love eating out and experiencing the multitudes of restaurants that Denver (and beyond) has to offer.
And after some extraordinarily awful and wonderful experiences, we thought we'd start a blog to share with the rest of the world just what we thought.
Here's the idea:
And after some extraordinarily awful and wonderful experiences, we thought we'd start a blog to share with the rest of the world just what we thought.
Here's the idea:
- Our chef-friend Paul has recently told us that Tuesday is typically the best night to go to restaurants. Why? Because the best staff (chefs, wait staff, hosts, bar tenders, etc.) typically take Sunday and Monday off and are ready to go on Tuesday.
- Friday night is typically "date night" for Todd and me.
- Crappy / interesting service seems to follow the two of us wherever we go
- Ergo, should we change "date night" to Tuesday night?
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