Saturday, August 29, 2009

Encore's Paramount Performance

This beautifully renovated old theater sets a perfect stage for a delicious meal. Previously, the Lowenstein Theater, Encore has settled into the space quite nicely. This hip restaurant has a historic flair, with the old Lowenstein Theater sign displayed along the dining room wall and original stage doors set up at the entrance to the restaurant's private dining room. As guests arrive, they enter into the old box office, where the hostess stand and entrance to the Tattered Cover are now set.

While the space is historic, there is a large focus on a more recent concept, green operations. The restaurant is decorated in various green hues, recycled materials and prides itself in the use of products that are local, organic and environmentally friendly. These values make for a beautiful setting and spectacular food (the most important part).

The menu is compiled of several dishes including appetizers, salads, pizzas and a variety of entrees, all of which sound amazing. With some help from our spirited and very informative waiter, Brad, we decided to start out with a seasonal specialty, the "Peach-za". A delicious flat bread pizza, topped with Colorado peaches, gorgonzola, chicken, and red onion. Another local dish was the soup of the day, a corn chowder with a dill and pesto topping, made with locally grown corn. Mmmmm...good. I was already filling up and that was just the start! For the entrees, we ordered the thai beef noodle salad that featured mango, cabbage, thai noodles and beef. With a bit of a bite, cooled off by the sweetness of the mango, this salad was a delight. The wood-fired Argentinean style steak, basil chimichurri and tomato confit, accompanied by deliciously smooth mashed potatoes was also to die for.

While the entire table was stuffed to the brim, we couldn't resist trying one of Encore's tasty desserts. In another nod to Colorado peaches, we ordered the also seasonal, Ginger Peach Creme Brulee. This little piece of heaven featured actual pieces of peach and a refreshing aftertaste of ginger. It was the perfect end to a perfect dinner.

After my first experience at Encore, I can say with confidence that I highly recommend this charming Colfax restaurant. The waitstaff are attentive and knowledgeable, the food is wonderful, and the atmosphere is unique and lovely. Chef Paul Riley changes the menu about every six months and the restaurant regularly holds special events. We were instructed to call to find out what upcoming events are scheduled. Additionally, I found out that brunch is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I am definitely making a trip back for that!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Old Pearl Shines With Burger Bliss




The newest addition to Old Pearl's collection of tasty attractions is a hit. Park Burger, a shiny new burger joint, located on the corner of S. Pearl and Jewell serves up burgers, fries, shakes, belgian brews, and a friendly atmosphere.

As I arrived last Friday evening, I found the restaurant bustling. Families and couples filled the small patio and indoor restaurant with faces indicative of good food and simple summer splendor.

On the trip to our table I examined the cheerful decor. Orange and blue colors covered the space that was set up in modern diner fashion adorned with a bar, metal trim, wood tables, and brick walls with mirrors lined above each table.

The menu placed in front of me by my smiley waitress was basic but enticing nonetheless. Offerings include specialties such as the "Croque Burger" a burger fixed up with ham, fried egg, and swiss cheese. Or there's always the "Frenchy", a burger covered with ham and brie. I decided to go with the "ParkBurger Royal" a patty finished with caramelized onions, bleu cheese, and bacon. In addition to the burger, we had a basket of hand cut french fries and a basket of sweet potato fries. Mmmm...good!

Turns out, not only does this restaurant have a delightful atmosphere, but some of the best burgers in town. The meat was cooked just right, the toppings were fresh, and the fries were fabulous. Additionally, they offer a great selection of beer and wine. While I did not indulge (not sure why I made that decision) I definitely drooled over my table mates refreshing wheat beverage.

Another mistake I made was in not ordering a shake. They all looked delicious coming out of behind the bar and I will definitely be making a trip back to this adorable establishment to try out their specialty.

I highly recommend taking a trip to Park Burger. Try to arrive early enough to sit on the patio as it is superb for people watching and soaking in the last bit of summer we have left.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

My Prerogative

To start, I will put your minds at ease by informing everyone that, no, this blog is not a forum for Bobby Brown fans to gush over a one-hit wonder and his ex-wife Whitney Houston. My goal for 2010 will be to create a blog featuring my thoughts on all one-hit wonders. In the meantime, I will work on this blog, dedicated to Denver and those who enjoy exploring and experiencing what this Mile High city has to offer.

Since moving from Boulder to Denver, I have made it my personal quest to eat at new restaurants and attend unique events this great town has to offer as much as possible (dependent upon income availability). In this quest, I realized I wanted to share this experience with others. My favorite conversation is one about food or events. I find that I gravitate to conversations regarding this subject daily. Then it came to me... I should start a blog! This way, I can list all my recommendations and thoroughly explain my experience (to those who are interested) in one place. My goal is to share the experience I have at restaurants and events and highlight fellow Denverites. I encourage readers to make requests/recommendations for places and people they find interesting or unique. Some of what I cover will be old news, but I plan to put a new spin on my reviews and hope that I can keep readers coming back to view my opinions and share their own.

Before I wrap up my first post, I want to drop some knowledge on you with a word of the day...

When deciding upon a title for this blog, the term "Denveritis" came to mind. I liked the word and google searched it. What I found was bizarre. The first listing under Google was "Urban Dictionary's" definition of "Denveritis." Ready?

Denveritis (den-ver-eye-tiss)
adjective
1. A person who looks like they have a Denver face
2. Having a nice body, and a not so nice face

Application: "That chic would be a 10 if her face wasn't covered in Denveritis"

I had no idea! Needless to say, I found a new title, one that translates to "the study of Denver." Much better!