Who doesn't want to eat in an adobe building, the largest in Colorado, modeled after an old military fort? Well, I for sure did, and so, during 5280 week in Denver, I did just that. The Fort is nestled near the top of a large hill. The large patio overlooks all of Morrison, Golden, and a distance Downtown.
Walking into the courtyard of the Forty, you are welcomed by the smell of campfire burning and a glowing light through the windows where diners are laughing and swooning over the meal before them. During 5280 week, restaurants offer prie-fix menus at a cost of $52.80 per couple. The menu was a treat in and of itself, but we also ordered a few appetizer's prior to the start of the meal.
The shrimp shooters and lamb ribblets were both very tasty. But the piece-de-resistance was the buffalo bone marrow. Two bones that had been halved and the broiled to perfection. The marrow was savory and melted in your mouth. The meal started with the house salad and bread. The main dish was a skewer of buffalo sirloin grilled to perfection and a quail glazed in Teriyaki. Accompanyed by mashed potatoes and green beans almonde, the plate was perfectly executed. meat cooked perfectly, beans done just right, and potatoes with just the right amount of garlic.
The only disappointment of the meal was the dessert. Cherry peach cobbler, ala mode. It was an ok dessert, nothing to order again.
Overall the meal was delicious and the company was ideal.
Grade: A-
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tulsa, OK in February
Well, I know that Tulsa isn't the travel destination for the stars, but when this is the closest you can get to your musician of the moment, it is hard to not go. Driving to Tulsa, via Kansas City, MO was actually not so bad. Besides a random snow storm on the drive, it was clear sailing.
When in Tulsa, stay downtown at the Crowne Plaza. You may pay a few extra bucks, but with the newly remodeled rooms and lobby, it is worth it. For checking in last minute, the room was quiet, and clean, a bounty of pillows on the bed, and a birds-eye view of the venue.
After a nice nap, the concierge was able to direct me to some really great shops and restaurants. I headed out with navigation in tow, to tour around the town. Heading to Cheap Thrills (http://cheapthrillsvintage.com/) first. I love a Vintage shop that takes pride in their merchandise, even if it is a hand me down. It so happened that the day I visited, the whole store was 50% off, can't go wrong with that. After the purchase of a few belt buckles and a coat, I was off to the next shopping spot.
Down the way, the Little Black Dress Boutique (http://www.littleblackdressok.com/) and Chrome awaited. Situated across from the street from each other, both offered solid fashion and good prices. After finding local designer, Happy First at LBD, it was over to Chrome to peruse. Although I only left with some new jewelry at Chrome, I am on their facebook fan page now too.
The last place I stopped was Vintage Stock. Closer to the University, this music and game emporium was full of some really great items. Nintendo games lined the back wall, while racks upon racks of VHS were alphabetized. You could also purchase vinyl, role playing cards, and comic books. It is the stop for the ultimate geek in all of us.
All-in-all, Tulsa was a pleasant surprise. Great people and an interesting atmosphere.
When in Tulsa, stay downtown at the Crowne Plaza. You may pay a few extra bucks, but with the newly remodeled rooms and lobby, it is worth it. For checking in last minute, the room was quiet, and clean, a bounty of pillows on the bed, and a birds-eye view of the venue.
After a nice nap, the concierge was able to direct me to some really great shops and restaurants. I headed out with navigation in tow, to tour around the town. Heading to Cheap Thrills (http://cheapthrillsvintage.com/) first. I love a Vintage shop that takes pride in their merchandise, even if it is a hand me down. It so happened that the day I visited, the whole store was 50% off, can't go wrong with that. After the purchase of a few belt buckles and a coat, I was off to the next shopping spot.
Down the way, the Little Black Dress Boutique (http://www.littleblackdressok.com/) and Chrome awaited. Situated across from the street from each other, both offered solid fashion and good prices. After finding local designer, Happy First at LBD, it was over to Chrome to peruse. Although I only left with some new jewelry at Chrome, I am on their facebook fan page now too.
The last place I stopped was Vintage Stock. Closer to the University, this music and game emporium was full of some really great items. Nintendo games lined the back wall, while racks upon racks of VHS were alphabetized. You could also purchase vinyl, role playing cards, and comic books. It is the stop for the ultimate geek in all of us.
All-in-all, Tulsa was a pleasant surprise. Great people and an interesting atmosphere.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Joe Momma's - Tulsa, OK
When in Tulsa, try and find a local joint to eat at. That was the game I decided to play while in the Heart of the City. It was a weekend and downtown Tulsa was a ghost town. Only did it liven up after 10 o'clock. After attending a concert, I was a bit hungry, so I sought out a local place to dine. Staying close to my hotel, I was able to step into Joe Momma's, http://www.joemommas.com/, a local pizza joint, open late with formal dining, a tiny bar, and pizza by the slice.
Wanting something to spice up my life, I created my own pizza. It was made with the spicy arrabiata sauce, which had jalapeno pieces in it. Then I kept it simple and added mozzarella and andouille sausage. So spicy and delicious. Paired with a Mexican Coke, it was the perfect midnight snack.
Joe Momma's is an absolute must stop for Tulsa, especially on the weekend when they are open until 3am.
Grade: A-
Wanting something to spice up my life, I created my own pizza. It was made with the spicy arrabiata sauce, which had jalapeno pieces in it. Then I kept it simple and added mozzarella and andouille sausage. So spicy and delicious. Paired with a Mexican Coke, it was the perfect midnight snack.
Joe Momma's is an absolute must stop for Tulsa, especially on the weekend when they are open until 3am.
Grade: A-
The Daily Grill - Tulsa, OK
As you all know, or should have guessed, I am not such a fan of chain restaurants. With that being said, on a recent visit to Tulsa, many recommended places did not open until 6pm. Well when it is 5pm and my stomach growling, chains seem to be the only place open. I went back to my hotel and dined at the Daily Grill. A pre-concert snack, of sorts.
I sat at the bar, and with only 7 seats of the 25 filled, I expected the service to be spot on. That was my first assumption to go wrong. Being a fully stocked bar, I also expected there to be ginger ale or at least bitters. Wrong again. After perusing the menu, I finally decided on a side order of Mac & Cheese and a slice of the 6-layer carrot cake.
They came out at the same time, which was perfect. The mac & cheese was a blend of four cheeses including Gruyere and cheddar. A very nice combination and although it was baked, it retained the creamy sauce texture. The carrot cake was 6-layers with a nice cream cheese frosting. Overall, really a flawless cake.
Although the Daily Grill is a chain, with locations in a few major cities, the atmosphere and food masked the service issues and the chain issue.
Grade: B
Last Bite: Carrot Cake
I sat at the bar, and with only 7 seats of the 25 filled, I expected the service to be spot on. That was my first assumption to go wrong. Being a fully stocked bar, I also expected there to be ginger ale or at least bitters. Wrong again. After perusing the menu, I finally decided on a side order of Mac & Cheese and a slice of the 6-layer carrot cake.
They came out at the same time, which was perfect. The mac & cheese was a blend of four cheeses including Gruyere and cheddar. A very nice combination and although it was baked, it retained the creamy sauce texture. The carrot cake was 6-layers with a nice cream cheese frosting. Overall, really a flawless cake.
Although the Daily Grill is a chain, with locations in a few major cities, the atmosphere and food masked the service issues and the chain issue.
Grade: B
Last Bite: Carrot Cake
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Cardinals - Kansas City, MO
The Uptown Theater is in the heart of Kansas City, MO, located on Broadway. The marquee read 'Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Sold Out'. Boy do I love a sold out show. The crowd is usually in great spirits, the band is amped, and the set list tends to be one that would rival any other. The sold out show lived up to half of the statements above.
I was lucky enough to sit by another super fan, so we were able to geek out about Ryan, The Cards, Whiskytown, and tattoos, prior to the show starting. Although the band took the stage 45 minutes late, The Cardinals started off with the jams straight-away. Kicking of the set, 'I see monsters' was filled with emotion and life.
The Cardinals presented a grand mix from all of their albums. This evenings version of 'Born into the Light' was much more rock filled than the 'Cardinology' version. Another highlight was 'Rescue Blues' where the band changed it up a bit, Ryan on piano and Jon Graboff on guitar. A really great version, the best I have heard yet. Neal Casel was also able to showcase a tune from his brand new album.
Overall, the show was an A-, mainly because of the tardiness and the short show, they played for 1.5 hours. Nevertheless, the boys never disappoint and played plenty of my favorites.
Set-List
I see Monsters
Everybody Knows
Fix It
Let it Ride
Two
*Evening Joke with JonGraboff*
Dancing when the Stars go Blue
Come Pick me Up
Born into the Light
Wonderwall
Neal Casel Jam
Mockingbird
Goodnight Rose
Oh my God Whatever, etc.
Rescue Blues
Peaceful Valley
Bartering Lines
I was lucky enough to sit by another super fan, so we were able to geek out about Ryan, The Cards, Whiskytown, and tattoos, prior to the show starting. Although the band took the stage 45 minutes late, The Cardinals started off with the jams straight-away. Kicking of the set, 'I see monsters' was filled with emotion and life.
The Cardinals presented a grand mix from all of their albums. This evenings version of 'Born into the Light' was much more rock filled than the 'Cardinology' version. Another highlight was 'Rescue Blues' where the band changed it up a bit, Ryan on piano and Jon Graboff on guitar. A really great version, the best I have heard yet. Neal Casel was also able to showcase a tune from his brand new album.
Overall, the show was an A-, mainly because of the tardiness and the short show, they played for 1.5 hours. Nevertheless, the boys never disappoint and played plenty of my favorites.
Set-List
I see Monsters
Everybody Knows
Fix It
Let it Ride
Two
*Evening Joke with JonGraboff*
Dancing when the Stars go Blue
Come Pick me Up
Born into the Light
Wonderwall
Neal Casel Jam
Mockingbird
Goodnight Rose
Oh my God Whatever, etc.
Rescue Blues
Peaceful Valley
Bartering Lines
Arthur Bryant's - Kansas City, MO
Rated one of the best BBQ joints in Kansas City, MO, Artur Bryant's was a delightful treat after a 9 hour drive. I was headed to KC for a concert and the drive from Denver took about 9 hours with stops. I was good and really ate pita chips and hummus for most of the trip. So when I pulled into the lot at Arthur Bryant's the smell of smokehouse BBQ was overwhelming and my stomach immediately began to yearn for some tasty BBQ.
Never having tried KC BBQ before, I was pleased to see that the menu had some of my favorite choices; pulled pork open face, sausage, sliced pork, baked beans, slaw, and lemonade. The ordering was quite intense. It is cafeteria style, tell them what you would like, repeat yourself again and then hopefully you end up with what you ordered. The service at the check-out was great. The ladies behind the counter were speedy and able to adjust my order to add the baked beans at the last minute to my combo platter of pulled pork, sausage, and fries, with a lemonade.
Lets talk about the beans first. What a delicious treat. The flavor of the beans was heightened by the chunks of bacon that accompanied the sweet, smokiness of the beans. I am a sucker for lemonade at a BBQ joint, I just can't pass it up, and I am glad that I did not. It was a refreshing blast after bites of the spicy sauced pork. The pulled pork open face sandwich was good. Not great, but good. It was not as tender as I would have like for meet that should be cooking all day. However, even with the pork being just ok, the sausage made up for it 10 fold. I expected links of sausage and was surprised when my plate ended up with a Wonderbread sandwich with slices of pork in between. At first I was unsure, but in closer examination, it was truly sausage that had been cooked perfectly and sliced very thin, lengthwise. Clearly this was the best part of the meal. I chose the KC Original Sauce. A good amount of spice and heat balanced by a touch of sweet.
Overall the meal was an 'A'.
My last bite: The sausage sandwich dipped in the baked beans. Yum!
Never having tried KC BBQ before, I was pleased to see that the menu had some of my favorite choices; pulled pork open face, sausage, sliced pork, baked beans, slaw, and lemonade. The ordering was quite intense. It is cafeteria style, tell them what you would like, repeat yourself again and then hopefully you end up with what you ordered. The service at the check-out was great. The ladies behind the counter were speedy and able to adjust my order to add the baked beans at the last minute to my combo platter of pulled pork, sausage, and fries, with a lemonade.
Lets talk about the beans first. What a delicious treat. The flavor of the beans was heightened by the chunks of bacon that accompanied the sweet, smokiness of the beans. I am a sucker for lemonade at a BBQ joint, I just can't pass it up, and I am glad that I did not. It was a refreshing blast after bites of the spicy sauced pork. The pulled pork open face sandwich was good. Not great, but good. It was not as tender as I would have like for meet that should be cooking all day. However, even with the pork being just ok, the sausage made up for it 10 fold. I expected links of sausage and was surprised when my plate ended up with a Wonderbread sandwich with slices of pork in between. At first I was unsure, but in closer examination, it was truly sausage that had been cooked perfectly and sliced very thin, lengthwise. Clearly this was the best part of the meal. I chose the KC Original Sauce. A good amount of spice and heat balanced by a touch of sweet.
Overall the meal was an 'A'.
My last bite: The sausage sandwich dipped in the baked beans. Yum!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Uncle Rico satisfies again.
I love a great slice of pizza or really any sort of Italian style bread with meats and cheese covered in sauce. So this is why Rico's in Englewood, CO is worth the drive. Rico's Pizzeria(http://ricos-pizzeria.com/) has been a main stay in Englewood for 27 years. Located just a few blocks from the Gothic Theater, this family run Italian joint pleases the pallate every time.
With their 'cash or check' only policy, the small restraurant, which holds roughly 30 diners, has a high traffice to-go business. My first visit was one to remember. Before heading to a show at the Gothic, we stopped in for a quick bite. The service is by far the fastest in Denver and the pleasent wait staff is at the ready for any request. After a round of apps and bread, the piping hot calzone, smothered with sauce and cheese, came to the table. One bite in and I thought that I might cry it was so good. Then I tried the cheesecake, truly the perfect end to the meal.
Since that first visit I have been back 3 more times. This last time we called in a to-go order and then had it deliverd by a dear friend (thank you JoJo). This was the perfect mid-week lunch break. Even after the drive the food was hot and delicious.
Thank you Rico for keeping your doors open to serve the masses the town's best calzones and tasty pizza at a crazy reasonable price.
Tip: If you hav emore than 6 people in your party, you will be split amongst the open tables at the restaurant. Bring your cash to pay!
Best meal: Fried mushrooms w/ ranch, garlic bread, Meatball Calzone - smothered, and a slice of cheescake.
With their 'cash or check' only policy, the small restraurant, which holds roughly 30 diners, has a high traffice to-go business. My first visit was one to remember. Before heading to a show at the Gothic, we stopped in for a quick bite. The service is by far the fastest in Denver and the pleasent wait staff is at the ready for any request. After a round of apps and bread, the piping hot calzone, smothered with sauce and cheese, came to the table. One bite in and I thought that I might cry it was so good. Then I tried the cheesecake, truly the perfect end to the meal.
Since that first visit I have been back 3 more times. This last time we called in a to-go order and then had it deliverd by a dear friend (thank you JoJo). This was the perfect mid-week lunch break. Even after the drive the food was hot and delicious.
Thank you Rico for keeping your doors open to serve the masses the town's best calzones and tasty pizza at a crazy reasonable price.
Tip: If you hav emore than 6 people in your party, you will be split amongst the open tables at the restaurant. Bring your cash to pay!
Best meal: Fried mushrooms w/ ranch, garlic bread, Meatball Calzone - smothered, and a slice of cheescake.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Keaton Simons, Tyrone Wells - Stargazers Theatre, Colorado Springs, CO - 2-13-09
All be it a short set, Keaton Simons show in Colorado Springs, CO on Friday, February 13th, was a precise and effective set.
The show, which included Simons as the opener, Trevor Hall, and Tyrone Wells, was held at the Stargazers theatre. Quite a funny venue, almost like a big bubble with all levels of seating. The sound in the space was amazing.
Simons played about 25 acoustic minutes of original tunes, including Masterpiece which was co-written with Josh Kelly. Keaton never fails to thank the crowd and always has a solid stage presence.
Trevor Hall's set was comprised of originals as well. He has a very reggae tone to his songs. But truly after the 45 minute set was finished, I could only remember one great thing about it, the drummer. Chris Steele was quite a motivator for the set.
It was my first time seeing Tyrone Wells. He has a generous amount of talent and creativity that he lends to the stage. His wealth of love songs woo'd the crowd.The first time Simons joined Wells on stage was for a great song with some really beautiful sounding electric guitar riffs. And the electric guitar being played, which was custom-made for Wells, had an amazing sound and look.
Near the end of Wells 1.5 hour set, all three acts joined together in a smashing rendition of The Beatles 'With a little help from my friends'.
Overall the show was bountiful, with Keaton's licks, Wells' love songs, and the abundant sound. However, as far as traveling to the Springs again, not sure I will be needing to do that ever again.
The show, which included Simons as the opener, Trevor Hall, and Tyrone Wells, was held at the Stargazers theatre. Quite a funny venue, almost like a big bubble with all levels of seating. The sound in the space was amazing.
Simons played about 25 acoustic minutes of original tunes, including Masterpiece which was co-written with Josh Kelly. Keaton never fails to thank the crowd and always has a solid stage presence.
Trevor Hall's set was comprised of originals as well. He has a very reggae tone to his songs. But truly after the 45 minute set was finished, I could only remember one great thing about it, the drummer. Chris Steele was quite a motivator for the set.
It was my first time seeing Tyrone Wells. He has a generous amount of talent and creativity that he lends to the stage. His wealth of love songs woo'd the crowd.The first time Simons joined Wells on stage was for a great song with some really beautiful sounding electric guitar riffs. And the electric guitar being played, which was custom-made for Wells, had an amazing sound and look.
Near the end of Wells 1.5 hour set, all three acts joined together in a smashing rendition of The Beatles 'With a little help from my friends'.
Overall the show was bountiful, with Keaton's licks, Wells' love songs, and the abundant sound. However, as far as traveling to the Springs again, not sure I will be needing to do that ever again.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
MMMMM....M&D's Bbq - Never Disappoints
A few day's ago, we celebrated a birthday for a friend of mine. Our intention was to eat at M&D's BBQ, in Denver. It happens to be the best BBQ joint in the city. However they have some really funny hours, so we had to order take out.
Nonetheless, the food was delish. We ordered enough food for 12 folks and they had it ready in about 20 minutes, so that was pretty amazing. I am never let down with the quality of food that M&D's sends out of their kitchen. From the pulled pork to the mac&cheese, the quality and quantity never disappoints. You can choose any level of heat as far as the sauce that accompanies the entree. The Hot (habanero) sauce is one for the record books. Really great flavor and a heat that continues to warm with every bite.
Before you drive to M&D's (28th & Race) call first to make sure that they are open. As far as what to order, everything is great.
My ideal meal: Fried Green Tomatoes to start, the pulled pork platter with Mac & Cheese, beans, cornbread, the peach cobbler for desert and lemonade to wash it all down.
Make sure to check them out: http://www.mdbbqfish.com/
Nonetheless, the food was delish. We ordered enough food for 12 folks and they had it ready in about 20 minutes, so that was pretty amazing. I am never let down with the quality of food that M&D's sends out of their kitchen. From the pulled pork to the mac&cheese, the quality and quantity never disappoints. You can choose any level of heat as far as the sauce that accompanies the entree. The Hot (habanero) sauce is one for the record books. Really great flavor and a heat that continues to warm with every bite.
Before you drive to M&D's (28th & Race) call first to make sure that they are open. As far as what to order, everything is great.
My ideal meal: Fried Green Tomatoes to start, the pulled pork platter with Mac & Cheese, beans, cornbread, the peach cobbler for desert and lemonade to wash it all down.
Make sure to check them out: http://www.mdbbqfish.com/
Friday, February 6, 2009
New Album - The Fray
The Fray, a local Denver band has made it big and I can appreciate that to the fullest. It is great to see their music used on top rated TV networks (HBO, ABC). It is also fantastic that The Fray has been featured on MTV & VH1 throughout the years. For as little music as those networks play, being featured is sort of a big deal.
As I sit here listening to the new self-titled album by The Fray, I can't help but be thankful that they finally released a new piece of work. Their follow-up to 'How to Save a Life' comes a few years after their debut. And overall, the second pass is quite delightful. The compilation of 10 songs really blends nicely together. A true ballad here and there, but mostly the sound is more upbeat and bountiful compared to 'How to Save a Life'.
Songs, Where the Story Ends and Absolute, embody the true Fray sound; climactic, harmonic, and concise. The ballad, Ungodly Hour, is sung by Joe King. King's voice is always clear and poignant.
This sophomore treat is worth the download or CD cost.
Key Tracks: You Found Me, Happiness, & Where the Story Ends
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
