Cafe Rio - Fast and Fresh Mexican Fare
February 21st, 2010 categories: Restaurant Reviews
We aren’t your typical fast food family. It’s a rare day that we’ll pick up a meal to go, once a month maybe.
Yesterday, coming off of 9 days sick in bed with bronchitis and the cupboards bare, we headed out to pick up Duke from Doggie Camp and grab dinner at the new Cafe Rio on South Colorado Boulevard and Cherry Creek Drive.
Yes, they bought my review - all of the food was free!
My son noticed the sign that said “Free Food Today!” We both mused that they were probably giving tasting samples, or maybe a few tortillas gratis with your order. No - they were comping everyone’s meals!
As we moved through the line I started to worry that they would call us out for ordering three items when there were only two of us. (My husband was at home waiting for his smothered burrito.) They did nothing of the sort.
In fact, it was like an Amway rally of Mexican fast food. The staff were all extremely cheerful, periodically shouting out cheers in unison and wishing everyone a happy day with big smiles on their faces. At the end of the line I owed $2.50 for the tax on an otherwise free meal.
And for fast food, the meal was excellent. The food is fresh and flavorful. Their cooking style and use of spices is just a little different from other fast food Mexican places.
So on our next foray into the realm of fast food, we’ll definitely stop by Cafe Rio again.
Real estate season is picking up and heading into high gear. I’ll be working with several families relocating to Denver in the next few months, and I’m sure that on those hectic days of 20+ properties we’ll swing into a fast food joint or two. I’ll recommend Cafe Rio to any buyers with a south of the border hankering and a yen for something new and different.
If you’re considering relocating to Denver, you can start your property search at www.GretchensDenver.com, where nearly every active property is found in one location with an interactive map to help you narrow your search.
| Discussion: 8 Comments »
Chopper’s Sports Grill - A Sports Bar With Great Food!
July 12th, 2009 categories: Restaurant Reviews
A co-worker and I went to lunch the other day at Chopper’s in the Cherry Creek East neighborhood. It was a gorgeous day and we debated whether we should stroll over through the huge construction zone, or drive around two extra blocks to avoid the stares and catcalls.
We drove. Parading through the cone zone in heels and skirts didn’t seem like a great idea.
I love Chopper’s for many reasons. One being that while I was in graduate school, I waited tables there.
Of course, way back then, it was still Rick’s Cafe. Rick’s was the notorious “older” singles hang out in Denver in the 1980’s - Denver’s original Fern Bar. Before Cherry Creek was a big deal, before we’d heard of “Cougars” and while big hair was still very much in.
“Rick’s Girls” got special treatment. We got free shots on Saturday nights. The restaurant and bar were so crowded that we’d have to heave the giant trays above our heads and then start kicking the customers in the backs of their legs to get them to shift enough to open up a path for us.
In 1996 the restaurant changed hands and Chopper Traviglini opened up the new restaurant as a local sports bar. Chopper was the legendary trainer for the Denver Nuggets for many years, and he was well known around town. The bar and restaurant got a slight remodel from the Rick’s days, and then reopened with TV’s everywhere and better than standard bar food.
Chopper’s made the list for Top Sports Bar in this year’s edition of 5280 Magazine’s Top of the Town section. 5280 says you’ll come for the TV’s but, “you stay for the killer nachos and juicy hamburgers - or the 18 beers on tap.”
I particularly like their Castlewood Canyon salad with grilled chicken. One of the better salads in Cherry Creek, in my humble opinion, and I’ve tried them all.
So dribble on over to Chopper’s, but avoid the construction.
Contact me any time you want more information on Denver Real Estate. Or search for a new home at GretchensDenver.com.
| Discussion: 5 Comments »
You Are Going to Love The Tavern Restaurant in Denver’s Washington Park
February 1st, 2009 categories: Life In Denver, Restaurant Reviews
When we eat out, we usually stick close to home. We often choose to walk to a nearby restaurant, and last week we chose the newly opened Tavern Wash Park.
This 
is a high energy take on the other Tavern Restaurant in the Lowry neighborhood. Mainly because it’s much smaller. The menu is very casual, and they’re currently advertising a “romantic” Valentine’s dinner, which I just can’t picture. It will probably be more like a Valentine’s dinner with the rest of the neighborhood celebrating along with you.
My son and husband both chose the Stuffed Stromboli, and I got a nicely prepared bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup. My favorite part was the Cosmopolitan. I think it was the best one I’ve had in Denver (so I actually had two). Good thing we were walking…
The Tavern Wash Park is located on Old South Gaylord Street in the former Las Margaritas location. They also serve brunch for those of you who are morning people! I hope this restaurant lasts, and judging from the crowd, I think it will.
Denver real estate has picked up some serious steam, and I received two offers on a listing of mine this weekend. Prepared to buy or sell? Drop me a line!
| Discussion: No Comments »
Breakfast in Denver
September 30th, 2008 categories: Restaurant Reviews
It’s been awhile since I’ve written about a great local restaurant. Lately, I’ve been concentrating on real estate information. The recent stressful developments all over the news makes me think that getting a fine cup of coffee and a great breakfast treat would be a welcome distraction.
Devil’s Food is just the place. Located on Gaylord street, Devil’s Food is a bakery and restaurant serving up imaginative fare at a low key pace. I went there recently with a client and while we talked about Denver real estate, we enjoyed an omelete, fresh fruit and yummy bakery goods. The service is neighborly and easy going. Attentive but non-intrusive.
Parking is usually easy to find, but occasionally you’ll need to drive around the block once to get a space. Leave 5 extra minutes to park and walk a block or so, if needed. Walking along Gaylord street is fun, you can window shop all the way to breakfast.
There is a wonderful bakery case at Devil’s Food for picking up to go items. You’ll find not only breakfast treats, but desserts to take home for a special occasion. It’s probably a good thing you walked a block…
The Washington Park neighborhood appeals to both urban buyers, and people who love the feel of a homey neighborhood. The park, the neighborhood shops and restaurants, people walking dogs and pushing strollers give you a sense that not much has changed from 30 years ago (aside from all of the new construction adding more livable space to the homes).
The markets will go up and down and we’re definitely in for interesting, and quite possibly stressful, months ahead. Remember that a great stress-reliever is taking time to stop and smell the roses, a meal with a friend and a chocolate brownie.
If you are interested in other restaurants on Old South Gaylord Street in Washington Park, you should visit Washington Park Grill.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
L’Asie Fusion Bistro
July 19th, 2008 categories: Life In Denver, Restaurant Reviews
Our newest favorite Asian restaurant is L’Asie Fusion Bistro.
We’ve tried it twice and both times it was wonderful. My husband like Aisan food better than I do, but I’ve been pleased and lucky with all of the dishes I’ve ordered at L’Asie. The restaurant is in the old Emma’s space and has been open for a little over a year. Menu items are a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai. The eclectic blending of dishes and spices makes for an explosion on your palate.
They also have a fun and crazy drink menu of “fou fou” drinks that are sold two for one. You may want to consider splitting your drink order, they are large, sweet and for me had plenty of alcohol. Wine is two for one as well.
Order the appetizer sampler plate for a terrific variety of snacks, but remember to leave room for your main dish. The first time we went to L’Asie, I was so full I could hardly eat my fish, and it was delicious!
L’Asie is at 603 E. 6th Avenue heading out from downtown towards Cherry Creek. You can usually find parking on 6th or on one of the side streets. They say you don’t need reservations, but both times we went there we’d made them at the last minute, and were happy we did.
You may also want to try Devil’s Food Bakery on Gaylord Street.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Seven 30 South - Restaurant for Romantics
June 28th, 2008 categories: Life In Denver, Restaurant Reviews
My husband and I met on a blind date at Pour La France restaurant in Denver. We decided to meet in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood, nearby where I lived at the time. I was new to selling Denver real estate and some friends decided we should meet because we each had a 2-year-old son. I didn’t trust a man I didn’t know to pick me up at my house, so I made him meet me there at the restaurant located at 730 South University Boulevard.
We still visit the restaurant often even though it’s been renamed Seven 30 South.
A year and a half after we met, we went back to Pour La France and Mr. Right popped the question.
The waitress cried when she lifted up the plate and saw it there. He’d been busily drawing the entire time and I hadn’t paid any attention. It was sweet and romantic because he used the table crayons to make a chart with “Will You Marry Me? Check here: ________Yes _________No _________Maybe.”
I checked yes!
A few weeks ago, we strolled up to Seven 30 South to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and to reminisce about the years. The boys are now teenagers!
Seven 30 South is a terrific little neighborhood bistro with consistent food and service. You can order anything from a Southwest style salad to Chicken Pot Pie to a nice piece of grilled fish or Tuscan Beef Stew. In the summer they have an outdoor seating area that faces onto University Boulevard and the Bonnie Brae neighborhood center.
You may not want to go on a blind date, but you should still take someone special to Seven 30 South!
If you are interested in other romantic restaurants in Denver you should also visit Barolo Grill.
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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.
If you are interested in other International cuisine in Denver, you should try L’Asie Fusion Bistro.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
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.
Are you going to be in Washington Park for breakfast instead of lunch or dinner? You should try Devil’s Food for their fantastic baked goods.
| Discussion: 8 Comments »
Now You Can Take a Trip to Italy and Never Leave Denver
February 28th, 2008 categories: Life In Denver, Restaurant Reviews
We have the opportunity to eat out at least twice a month, sometimes more. Not that I’m a lousy cook
, but I’m a lazy cook. One of our favorite Denver restaurants is Barolo Grill at 6th Avenue and St. Paul Street. What a spectacular meal!
Upgrade Your Italian, si?
The Barolo Grill is upscale Italian, from the northern areas of Italy. No spaghetti and red sauce here, go to Saucy Noodle in Bonnie Brae if you want that. At Barolo, you’ll enjoy a gourmet take on veal, duck, lamb and seafood as well as couple of excellent vegetarian choices. The risotto is divine and their wine list is superb. After a visit to Barolo a few years back, we became Rosso di Montalcino fans, and buy a bottle whenever we can.
Intimate with Italy
The owners of Barolo close their restaurant for a week every year and take the staff on a food and wine tour of Italy. Imagine being able to tour through the countryside eating and drinking the finest Italian fare and wine. At least in Denver we have the opportunity to live vicariously through the staff at Barolo. They know their stuff, and can discuss your choices at length.
This is a special restaurant so plan ahead and make a reservation. I’m available next Tuesday. To check out their web site go to www.barologrilldenver.com.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
