Hurry in for Curry
March 29th, 2008 categories: Restaurant Reviews
We went to India two years ago!! Double exclamation points because it was such a fantabulous trip. I was invited to teach a real estate class to the Indian property brokers in Mumbai, and while we were there we traveled throughout the country, and were fortunate to tour new construction high-rise condominiums ($2,000 per square foot on average - core and shell). We were treated like kings by our hosts and made lifetime friends. We arrived in India with a liking for Indian cuisine, but left with a craving for it.
If you’re in Denver, and not in India, you can still eat wonderful Indian cuisine at Royal India on 1550 South Colorado Boulevard. The restaurant isn’t over-the-top in Indian decor, and actually is a bit more like American strip-mall. Don’t let that put you off - the cuisine is authentic.
The very friendly owners catered a major birthday party for me a few years ago (ahem), and ever since then we frequent Royal India several times a month. My favorite dishes are Chicken Tikka Masala. The Vegetarian Samosas are excellent, a bit heavy with the mashed potatoes, but terrific winter comfort food.
My husband likes the Chicken Madras, and last week we branched out with Paneer Vindaloo. Other noteworthy dishes are the Saag and the Dal Makhni.
Enjoy a cup of hot Chai after your meal and then plan on rolling home very full and happy.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
You Thought the Last One Was Dark!
March 28th, 2008 categories: Drive By Shootings
I got this photo in a tip from a blogging friend, Shannon, who writes a blog covering modernist architecture.
She wrote me a hilarious message!
“Now this photo made me think of your blog. But my favorite bad MLS photo I found a few years ago with the owner bent over (hiney to the camera) in the driveway. That was the main photo in the MLS until it sold. Unbelievable.”
I wish I’d seen that one. Did he have a better hiney than house? How long did it take to sell?
Real Estate is a profession, not a hobby. Hire a broker who knows how to find you the perfect house, the perfect architecture, the right neighborhood. Brokers who know how to professionally market a home and all of the features and benefits the new buyer will find there. You are at risk in this tough market if you find yourself with a blacked out photo (or a photo of your hiney to the camera).
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Are You in the Dark?
March 25th, 2008 categories: Drive By Shootings
Or Just Your House?
Yet another example of the worst photo of the day. I found this one cruising through Denver listing photos of a cute Denver Neighborhood, Cory Merrill. This is the neighborhood just south of Bonnie Brae, and has a terrific elementary school, Cory Elementary.
Anyway, another “drive by shooting.” This photo is so dark that a buyer can hardly tell what the house looks like. Is it just my aging eyes? It also looks like the photographer took the picture over his right shoulder after he passed by…
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Storybook Hilltop Charm
March 23rd, 2008 categories: LifeStyle Listings, Real Estate News
May 2008 - RENTED
This charming home is perfect for entertaining and is in one of Denver’s lovely neighborhoods, Hilltop. Located just two blocks from Robinson Park and one block from The Denver Tennis Club, with parks throughout the area.
The house was built in 1940, but was remodeled 5 years ago, and again two years ago. The owners have redesigned the basement adding a beautiful and private guest suite, family TV room and playroom/office. There are 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 3526 total finished square feet.
Special Features
- Lots of natural light, indigenous landscaping a new sprinkler system for the professionally maintained lawn
- A large new deck off family room
- A gate across the driveway securing the back yard for children and pets
- Newly refinished hardwoods throughout the main floor
- Granite counter tops and new appliances in the kitchen
- Master suite with a walk-in closet, balcony, and five-piece bath including a jetted tub
- Designer touches throughout - stone and slate bathrooms, recessed and halogen lighting, plantation shutters, designer paint colors throughout
The house is offered for $849,000 and is available for immediate possession.
Here’s the full-blown web site.
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My Blog, My Opinion
March 20th, 2008 categories: Drive By Shootings, Random Thoughts
I was told when I started blogging that generating a bit of controversy is actually a good thing. Getting people to read your posts and keep coming back is the point. Being plain vanilla is boring and dull.
“I’ve really done it now…”
I said to my husband when he got home tonight. “I received a very pissed-off comment regarding one of my posts.” Not a comment like the others I’ve received that lay out the person’s perspective in a thoughtful manner. This was more of an attack on me, my company and this blog.
“Way to Go!” says my blogging coach.
“Who cares?” says my very thick-skinned, ex-Marine, lawyer husband, “don’t get your knickers in a twist.” He’s impervious to controversy - me, not so much.
The American Way
Here’s the thing. I have as much a right to post my opinion on my own blog as anyone else does on their blog or in their newspaper article. That’s the American way. I may not always like or agree with what’s out there, but I’ll never deny that whoever wrote it can do so in this country. I recall a recent controversy generated over at Bloodhound Blog that had lots of folks threatening to unsubscribe. I read the initial post that caused all of the uproar and thought to myself, “Hmm, that guy has a bit of an ego.” But that was it. I didn’t think, “everyone should attack him for what he said.” While I also support their right to say their piece, what I don’t think is useful are the personal attacks.
So I’m not releasing the comment from moderation. You can just fill in the blanks yourself.
What Now?
The “Drive By Shootings” category in this blog has been the most popular so far. For the few pointed comments and the one really negative one I got today, I’ve received dozens of comments via email that say, “hurrah!” “You’re funny!” or “Interesting points.”
Lend Your Opinion
Aside from the fact that it’s unlikely that these photographs are copyrighted, is this a section that should stay? I’m not mentioning any broker names, property addresses, or even areas of town where these listings reside. To the extent that any copyright laws are violated, then it isn’t up for debate. The photos can’t be reproduced without permission. Other than that, these photos are coming from a public, internet domain.
Seems to me, that what the person objected to was my opinion. If I had posted the listing in a promotional way saying, “hey guys, check out this fabulous listing!!” then I doubt that anyone would have objected to my use of the photo. I really think my opinion is what caused the rub.
The unfortunate thing in all of this, is that the other broker (who is remaining politely quiet) is someone I greatly respect. Still my opinion stands…
| Discussion: 6 Comments »
Elegant Living at its Finest
March 19th, 2008 categories: LifeStyle Listings, Real Estate News
Created with the vision of a new Colorado residence situated in the classic Park Hill neighborhood, this home radiates comfort and warmth. The adaptation of classic Tudor for modern living is brilliantly conceived. The home was just completed in 2007, but feels as if it’s been there since the 1930’s.
You’ll enjoy the top-of-the-line finishes and fixtures throughout, and marvel at the ambiance created by the well defined living spaces. The grand entry offers views of the formal living and dining rooms, while creating an immediate feeling of style and grace.
True Urban Luxury
Most amazing is the family room and kitchen areas, so fabulously conceived to envelop the homeowners into a cocoon of privacy and luxury. Each room is tied together by stunning milled woodwork with an eye toward detail. The large rooms offer plenty of space for everyone to spread out. A fully outfitted Butler’s Pantry connects the kitchen and formal dining room.
The quiet and private main-floor master suite is the spot for a relaxing get-away. The grand master bath has graceful living in mind and the giant walk-in closet is fit for a clothes horse. Upstairs are three large bedrooms, each with a private bath and ample closets.
The fully finished basement has both a family room with gas log fireplace and a prewired media room designed for movie screenings or sporting events. The enormous wet bar with wine refrigerator has more space and amenities than many kitchens do. A fifth and sixth bedroom, each with an attached bath are further examples of just how much thought and foresight went into the design of this house.
On the market for $1,925,000 ~ Listor must be present for all showings. Pre-qualified buyers only please.
Call 303-331-1400 for more information or visit www.gretchensdenver.com.
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The Green Room isn’t Only for Lindsey Lohan
March 18th, 2008 categories: Drive By Shootings
O.K. You’ve read about “drive by shootings.” Maybe this one doesn’t count, since the photographer actually had to get out of the car this time.
Why would anyone want to market a 1970’s tiny disco room as a selling point in today’s MLS? (This was the main, headline photo.) Desperately Seeking Retro Buyers?
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Who Else Wants to Ditch Cell Phone Purgatory?
March 17th, 2008 categories: Random Thoughts
Landfills. We love to fill them up with our old junk. Now we have landfills in our houses too. Are you guilty? How many old phones do you have in your desk drawer? If your drawer is like mine, you can’t fit anything new until you purge something old - and I’m not even getting into how I purge the shoe closet…
Could you use a new iPhone?
The recent New York Times article entitled “The Afterlife of Cellphones” by Jon Mooallem, tells you how to recycle your old phones. Between my husband and me, we have at least 3-4 old phones to send in, and now we have two teenagers who think they have to have all of the latest junk accessible to humankind. If you worry about landfills and drawerfills, then look into these terrific resources for getting those old phones and batteries out of your drawer and into the hands of people who really need them. Now you’ll have space for your new iPhone!
New life for old phones
Discarded phones may seem antiquated or out of fashion to our tastes, but in other parts of the world, they’re useful. Many people have no access to regular “land lines” because their country doesn’t have the infrastructure to support phone lines and wires. Cell phones are the only way these people can access a phone. Can’t you just see Obama’s cousins in Kenya carrying your old glitter phone?
Let’s do our part to help others
Here are three links to companies that can help you recycle - just in time for Christmas! (oh wait, what day is it?) www.collectivegood.com, www.greenphone.com, www.recellular.com.
Helping soldiers
If you’d like to help out our soldiers, a wonderful resource is www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Those guys are stuck in some hot desert wanting to call their mom on mother’s day. They need your help!
Gather up your bricks, your flips, your dark fruit ~ It’s time to empty out your drawers and avoid purgatory!
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Garfield Residences
March 16th, 2008 categories: LifeStyle Listings, Real Estate News
Urban Luxury Living at its Finest
You can live the life of extravagance and luxury when you live at Garfield Residences. A luxury town home development in the prime Denver neighborhood - Cherry Creek East. You’ll enjoy top-of-the-line finishes and fixtures, the finished basement, the high-end kitchen and baths, the roof-top deck and private patio area.
The floor plans are free-flowing and comfortable. Upon entering your residence, guests will be amazed at the dramatic open, curved staircase rising from the basement to the rooftop. Floor to ceiling French windows open to an elegant terrace from the living room. A rooftop deck with marvelous views adds another out-door living option.
Each home has four bedrooms, with a luxurious master suite. There are three and one-half baths which are all beautifully appointed. You even have the option of installing an elevator. Reservations are being taken now and the first two units reserved will offer purchasers the additional benefit of choosing fixtures and finishes.
Priced from $1,212,525 to $1,278,825.
Units range from 4214 to 4447 square feet.
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Why Should You Skip Lunch?
March 14th, 2008 categories: Life In Denver, Restaurant Reviews
When You Can Eat in Denver?
I had lunch today with a friend and we decided to go to an old favorite restaurant, The Washington Park Grille. This neighborhood hang-out is in the heart of the Washington Park neighborhood in Denver. It’s on a lovely block of shops and restaurants called “Old South Gaylord Street.” The Wash Park Grill, as locals call it, has a menu for everyone.
At lunch you can choose from soups, salads and terrific sandwiches. The Smoked Turkey Panini is tdf (and loaded with calories.) Today I avoided the sandwich and had soup and a small green salad, which they make with almonds, dried cranberries and a terrific raspberry vinegar dressing.
On nice evenings, my husband and I walk over to Wash Park for a pleasant evening dinner. Their patio is open spring through fall and is decorated with pretty baskets of trailing flowers. Evenings are sublime with a nice glass of chardonnay and delicious Atlantic Salmon. We usually skip dessert, but there are great choices for the sweet tooth.
Tired of “mall junk?”
While the mall has an important place in American culture, the shops at Old South Gaylord are much more eclectic and fun. Across the street from the Washington Park Grille is a cute boutique called Pine Creek Clothing. It’s full of great choices for everyday and casual evening. They have a nice selection and it’s pretty middle-of-the-road fashion. Something for everyone.
Down the block from Pine Creek is Sarah. This fabulous shop was opened by Sarah Penewell and her partner Sarah Oro. They have an excellent fashion sense and this is my absolute favorite boutique in 
Denver. Their clothing and style is fashion forward, but still fits into Denver’s lifestyle. They have an eye for what works for each individual and they never push you into any purchase, they just make suggestions if you ask. Sarah is worth a visit, so save some time when you’re finished up at the Wash Park Grille.
As I strolled back to my car, I passed Dino’s Soda Bar and ran into a couple of friends having lunch with their children and their mothers. Dino’s is an old-fashioned ice-cream and soda bar with burgers and fries as the main staple. They decorate their shop into a haunted house for the Halloween Parade sponsored by the merchant’s association. My friends were enjoying the nice day and the kids looked like they were having a blast too. I considered heading back up the block to my Pilates Studio, Center Strength, to sign up for a class, but decided work was calling.
When visiting Denver, don’t skip Old South Gaylord street. You’re just a few blocks from Washington Park, with its two lakes and bike/running paths, so if you don’t want to shop after lunch you can walk off the calories at one of our premiere jewels of the city.
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