When it comes to coffee shops I have something I need to confess.  I love Starbucks!  Many might even classify Jim and I as Starbucks snobs, but rest assured, snobs we are not.  We both have genuine reasons for really loving this Fortune 500 Company both from an employee perspective as well as frequent customers.  However, when it comes to wanting a coffee shop that makes you feel like you have traveled somewhere new and are experiencing a unique culture for the first time, you will want to find somewhere just like Stella’s Coffeehaus in Denver.

Stella’s is located in one of Denver’s most coveted yet quaint neighborhoods on South Pearl Street in Platt Park, just a stone’s throw away from the University of Denver.  Jim and I first tried Stella’s one summer evening after dinner when the weather was perfect for sitting outside on their front porch, where we could watch the eclectic group of coffee and tea drinkers come in and out of the shop.

Stella’s is in an old house on South Pearl Street.  You enter through a gate in the front yard, your espresso drinking family is relaxing on the porch, and the front door is always unlocked and ready for guests.  It is full of different rooms and each have their own character.  Some have books, some have exposed brick walls, some are filled with original, local artwork, and others have a lot of seating for groups that want to meet somewhere cozy.  No matter where you sit, it is guaranteed that you will feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Heading up to the counter we were immediately surprised by the simple menu Stella’s has to offer.  This may sound like a drawback but keeping a menu simple makes it easy for customers to decide what they would like to have and it also sends the message that quality is better than quantity.  Agreed!  A lot of guests at Stella’s that night were ordering chai or other tea drinks, but Jim and I decided to stick with our usual: a simple cup of coffee.

We sat out on the front porch and enjoyed our drinks among the eclectic group of people gathered there: University students, artists, hippies, friends, couples, and young parents.  On this particular night we even spotted a true Denver cowboy strolling in for a cup of coffee.  Stella’s is the perfect fit for anyone!

If you are in the business of drinking coffee or tea, or if you just like finding one of those great spots to cozy up and hang out, Stella’s is just the place!

More Info About Stella’s:

• Stella’s coffee is made from locally roasted coffee beans.
• They offer a wide range of pastries that are natural, organic, and Gluten free.
• Feel free to sit outside in the winter with a cup of coffee, they have fire pits on the porch!
• Stella’s has great late night hours and free WiFi.

Visit Stella’s website!

I am not sure how I ran into the book the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or what about it made me decide to read it. I am generally not a science fiction reader, and I don’t often dabble in plots that take place in a post-apocalyptic world. So I was surprised to find that I was not just sort-of interested in this one, but highly interested in it. Having read the short description of the book online I was impressed at the twist Suzanne Collins was offering to the common and very well explored “future world” theme. The elementary school teacher in me began picturing this being the perfect alternative ending to The City of Ember. I am excited to say, that the Hunger Games was riveting and surprising at each and every turn and I am still left feeling a bit haunted.

The Hunger Games tells the story of a young girl named Katniss who we meet in a very bleak, future world where the capital (government) longs to control it’s districts and people through force and fear. One way they express their power and control is on Reaping Day where two teens, one boy and one girl, between the ages of twelve and eighteen are chosen from each district to fight to their death at the Hunger Games. Being a twist between Roman gladiators, Hatchet, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, each teen must survive in the games arena, hoping for the deaths of the other players, and being the last one standing in the end. The whole event is televised and the districts watch in anticipation and excitement, cheering on their own.

Collins goes to great lengths to develop her characters and her plot, which is something that can be difficult to find in a young adult fiction book. I am particularly impressed with Katniss, the book’s heroine. She is brave, and yet vulnerable. She has fierce skills in tracking, using a hunting bow, and facing the danger of the woods with experience. All of these aid her greatly in the games making her role much less barbaric than those of the other teens. On some small level Katniss reminds me of a youthful version of Evangeline Lilly’s character, Kate, on the TV series Lost.

This book is written for young adults, but is captivating to adults as well. Collins has that “magician” like capability of making you turn pages to continue reading even though an hour ago you started saying, “this is definitely the last chapter I am going to read today.” I highly, highly recommend the Hunger Games and if you find yourself needing more of it after reading the first book, check out the sequel Catching Fire and the soon to be released third book, Mocking Jay.  I can’t wait!

For the longest time 5280 Magazine would catch my attention in the check out stand at the grocery store.  I would flip through it, realize I must have this list of top places to eat, and pay the $4.99 that it cost per issue.  Finally Jim decided the checkout stand madness must end and when 5280 had a promotion he purchased a year subscription for me.  Now this little gem is delivered straight to our mailbox and each month I do a little happy dance when it comes.  Jim and I love 5280 Magazine because it serves as our guide map to food in Denver.  5280 Magazine has become that “friend” who you always ask for a restaurant recommendation because you know you can trust their taste buds.

This past month 5280 Magazine wrote an article highlighting the twenty-five best restaurants in Denver.  Here is what 5280 says about their search for Denver’s best:

“For the past 12 months, we’ve tasted, dipped, spooned, and sipped our way through Denver and Boulder’s finest restaurants.  We’ve had some truly unforgettable meals, and yes, we’ve had a few disappointments along the way.  But when we sat down to put together this ranking, what became abundantly clear was the depth and breadth of our local restaurant scene—in which you’ll find not only elegance and execution, but also creativity and whimsy.  Put very simply, there’s never been a better time to be dining in Denver.  Cheers.”

The mini-article on each restaurant gives you the perfect amount of information to decide if this particular eatery is for you.  You will find a short description of the food they are known for, a little about the atmosphere, and where it is located.  This is one of those lists that I will most definitely tuck away for a date night when we are in the mood to try something new.

Check out this article…5280 Magazine has made it available online.
Enjoy spending time on the 5280 Magazine website.  You will find Denver at its best!

Our last stop during Denver’s Restaurant Week was a steakhouse where carnivores unite, loosen their belts a few notches, and brace themselves for a meal full of both pleasure and pain.  Last weekend Jim and I joined some of our friends at a Denver Churrascaria called Texas de Brazil.  Before heading to this Brazilian Steakhouse we were warned about the incredible amount of food that we would be served and that it would be wise to fast over lunch.  Texas de Brazil is a meat Mecca where food is served all-you-can-eat, so we made sure we arrived with a big appetite and loose clothing.

Jim and I are Churrascaria virgins, so after being seated our waitress explained the way a Brazilian Steakhouse works. Churrasco is a Portugese word meaning beef or grilled meat.  At a Churrasscaria they pride themselves on a serving style called Espeto Corrido or Rodizio where waiters stop by your table with skewers of meat and large knives.  Don’t be scared…the waiters use these knives to slice meat from the skewer, right onto your plate.  In some cases, you use small tongs to grab the meat hanging from the skewer.

At Texas de Brazil they serve various types of meat: A house special sirloin, flank steak, bacon wrapped filet, lamb, ribs, roast pork, chicken wrapped in bacon, and Brazilian sausage.  The waiters serving the meat are very attentive and all you have to do is turn your table card from red to green and they will stop by endlessly until you turn your card back to red.    I know this is a Brazilian style of eating, but here we find America at its best.  With barely lifting a finger we just flip a simple little card, our meat is sliced directly onto our plates, and we can eat our hearts out until we are tired.  If you start feeling in need of a meat rest, flip the card to red.  It is a classic eat, flip, rest, and repeat.

Before diving right into the meat I took a trip to the salad bar to try the lobster bisque that our waitress highly recommended.  I can say with all certainty that this was the best salad bar I have ever encountered.  It had a few of your traditional salad bar items such as leafy greens and veggies but it also had items such as smoked salmon, grilled provolone cheese, buffalo mozzarella bites, and grapes and blue cheese.  I could have easily dined on the salad bar alone but I made sure to leave some room knowing the meat would be flowing the second I sat down.

When I returned to the table the waitress had brought mashed potatoes and plantains to go along with the meat we would be eating.  I settled in my seat, put my napkin on my lap, flipped my card to green, and took the classic fork-and-knife-in-hand position as I braced myself for the meat medley.  All of the meat was cooked perfectly and eat different type has a unique and delicious flavor.  Jim and I both washed down all of this incredible food with a glass of Caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.  I can honestly say that all self-control went out the window that night.

If you are looking for a restaurant with a colorful atmosphere, incredible food from beginning to end, and something unique, most definitely try Texas de Brazil.  Go hungry!

Tips and Info:

• Visit the Texas de Brazil webite.
• Texas de Brazil is pricey.  Outside of $52.80 week in Denver, this Churrascaria costs $45.00 per person, not including tax, tip, and drinks.  It is, however, all-you-can eat and most definitely worth trying at least once.  If you fill in your information on their comment card they will send you future deals and a free meal on your birthday.
• Denver has two other good Churrascarias: Fogo de Chao and Rodizio Grill

I think I can truly say that the restaurant Bang! in the Highlands has been the most surprising dining experience I have had in Denver. For starters, the name threw me off completely. Hearing a word like Bang! most likely would make anyone think of vibrant, spicy food. In reality Bang! is know for it’s Southern style comfort food such as hush puppies, country fried chicken, and meatloaf.

After discovering that Bang! is famous for its meatloaf I was sure it was not the place for me. I grew up eating meatloaf that was made exactly like my mom’s famous Italian meatballs, which is a coveted secret recipe by anyone who has tasted her cooking. Knowing that this was one of Bang’s specialties, we decided to order the meatloaf that comes with a side of mashed potatoes and Bang’s own ketchup. With my nose still turned up a bit when our food came I sliced off a piece of the meatloaf, made sure I had a good amount of ketchup on it, and sampled the feared dish. Well, as they might say it in the South, “that is some fahn meatloaf.” I will also admit to being a bit of a ketchup snob knowing that nothing really beats Heinz, but Bang’s ketchup was a great addition.

I was also surprised to find that Bang! is located in an old house where you don’t enter through the front door, but you squeeze through a narrow passageway to the back. You then enter through the patio in the backyard. It is a small house, filled with local artwork for sale on the walls and tables and chairs situated in little nooks and crannies. With painted walls and interesting artwork, I do have to say that Bang! fits the eclectic, artsy-fartsy atmosphere of the Highlands.

I highly recommend taking a trip to this restaurant. It is quite the surprise, which I guess is the true meaning of the word Bang!

Tips and Info:

• Bang! has been featured in Denver’s 5280 Magazine.
• If you are heading to Bang! be sure to take the time to enjoy the uniqueness of the Highlands. It is a charming area filled with boutiques, privately owned coffee shops, used bookstores, and some of Denver’s trendiest places to eat. Check out the Highlands website to find out about the street fair.

Take a look at the simple Bang! website to preview their menu.

Tucked away in Denver’s most swank-ified area is a get down and get greasy, hole-in-the-wall burger joint and bar known as the Cherry Cricket. The Cherry Cricket is located in Cherry Creek, an area known by Coloradoans and even people outside of the state to be upscale and pricey. It is a land where Neiman Marcus reins supreme and people valet park their Ferraris at the mall.

However, don’t let this land of wealth stop you from taking a trip into its heart to have a burger at the Cherry Cricket. The first time I heard about the Cherry Cricket was last July, from one of my favorite shows on the Travel Channel called Man Versus Food. I do have to say that there is nothing like walking into a restaurant that I first learned about on the Travel Channel.

We headed to the Cherry Cricket for a late lunch anticipating that the crowd would die down and our wait would be minimal. Lo and behold, upon arriving at 1:30, there was quite the group of hungry people waiting outside in the cold and snow. Knowing it would be worth the thirty minutes we were going to have to wait, we zipped up our coats, pulled on some mittens, and checked out the menu they had posted outside.

Surprisingly we did not even wait thirty minutes before we were welcomed into the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. Several people were crowded around the bar watching sports and others were playing pinball, pool and darts in the back. Each table was filled and I felt like we had just stepped off Rodeo Drive and into a classic, small town bar.

Because we had already spent ample time pouring over the menu outside, we knew right away what to order. At the Cherry Cricket you choose your burger size and it comes with the basic toppings. The menu includes a good-sized list of unique toppings you can add to customize your burger. Each of those toppings range from $0.75 to $1.00. Although I am sure I could eat a larger burger, I knew I should probably stick to the quarter-pound Little Cricket. Jim ordered the half-pound Cricket Burger. Because we were there with another couple (Jim’s brother and his wife who also happened to hear about this place on Man Vs. Food) we decided to order a basket of fries to share between the four of us. We topped it all off with a Diet Coke.

When our food came I was very glad that I had decided upon the quarter-pounder. It was pretty big. After much anticipation and waiting, I grabbed my burger with two hands and dug in. It definitely had that great, old-fashioned taste and was quite the little grease factory. (Just as a true burger should be). I hear that singers often eat greasy food before they perform and I am thinking I was ready to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl after this one.

So, the Cherry Cricket now resides on the Hayes’ list of favorite places to eat in Denver.

Visit the website for the Cherry Cricket and don’t miss out on checking out the menu and reading about the restaurant’s history.

This week, celebrating Denver’s Restaurant Week, Jim and I visited The Oceanaire Seafood Room.  This seafood restaurant is located in downtown Denver right across the street from the Denver Performing Arts.  You could even park in the parking garage for the theater and walk across the street to The Oceanaire.  We learned that many ballet goers grab something to drink or have dinner at The Oceanaire before heading across the street.

Upon arriving twenty minutes before our reservation, Jim and I were greeted by a friendly staff and told that if would like to wait at the bar, they would love to come and find us when our table was ready.  We ordered drinks, gloriously five minutes before happy hour was over, and sat to enjoy the cool blue atmosphere of the bar and the interesting crowd pouring in.

The person who recommended The Oceanaire to us had described the atmosphere of the restaurant to be like a classy diner.  That created quite the interesting picture in my mind and I was definitely a little skeptical of whether or not this place would have any class.  However, when the hostess led us to our little red booth situated right beneath a matte-finished, round diner light I realized the simile my coworker had created was, no doubt, right on.  It also reminded me of a diner you might find on an old ocean liner.  So cool!

Because it was a $52.80 night, Jim and I went straight to the multi-course menu to start picking out what we would eat for the night.  You can see our dinner menu below.  Before choosing, our waiter informed us that The Oceanaire is known for its crab cakes and that Denver’s 5280 magazine recommends that anyone who visits Denver should come order the crab cakes at The Oceanaire.  Right away I saw the crab cake slider on the starter menu and I do have to say that it was my favorite food of the night.

All of the food, from the slider to the melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake, was beautifully plated and tasted incredible.  The salmon was perfectly cooked and was creatively placed on a smoky corn salsa.  I was actually surprised by the little fiesta underneath my fish.  The wait staff was so informed and very professional and our water glasses were never empty.  I did, quite literally, try to beat the bus boy at his own water-filling game by drinking it down quickly and seeing how many seconds it would take for him to come fill it.  It was never more than thirty seconds.  Yes, I am that mature and they are that good.

The Oceanaire, though pricey and somewhere Jim and I can’t visit too often, has now hit our list of great restaurants in Denver.  If you are planning a night on the town, and are willing to spend some money for it, head to a musical or the ballet but definitely leave plenty of time to dine at The Oceanaire before you go.  What a classy night!

Our menu of the night: $52.80 for two people…

• First course: Crab cake slider and clam chowder
• Second course: The Scottish Salmon (we both ordered this one)
• Third course: Chocolate mousse and cheesecake

Tips and Info:

• Like many other seafood restaurants, the menu at Oceanaire is created and printed daily based on what specials they have and what fish is fresh.  In fact, at the top of the menu is a list of the fish that Oceanaire serves, accompanied by checkmarks to let you know which fish is fresh for the day.
• Sourdough bread and the most delectable butter is served before the meal, along with a dish of relishes.
• Happy hour is from 5:00-7:00 PM

Make a $52.80 reservation at The Oceanaire Seafood Room.  Because restaurant week is already underway, it might be hard to get it.  I would suggest giving the restaurant a call and trying to visit on a weeknight.

Visit The Oceanaire online.

In honor of Denver’s Restaurant Week, I thought it would be most fitting to highlight some of the restaurants Jim and I enjoy in the Denver metro area. To kick it off let’s take a trip to Pasquini’s Pizzeria.

Pasquini’s has several locations around the Denver Metro area, with a fairly new one becoming popular in Lone Tree and another being built in the Denver Tech Center. They also have restaurants in the Highlands, on 17th Avenue in Uptown, and on North Broadway at Louisiana. The location on Broadway is the original, and most definitely our favorite so far.

The first time we visited Pasquini’s together we walked in the door and were greeted by an old couple sitting at a small table, enjoying a pizza and a glass of wine. With a simple hello and a wave of her hand, the women directed us to head upstairs to find a table while never abandoning her pizza slice. On our way up the stairs I remember telling Jim that she reminded me of some of my Italian aunts. Way to find a family owned, neighborhood restaurant!

All of the tables and chairs at this location are mismatched, creating a very eclectic look that you might expect to find at a poetry reading in Wicker Park, Chicago. After reading the history of Pasquini’s on their website, I learned that the tables and chairs were purchased at local thrift stores when Pasquini’s couldn’t afford to spend a lot of money. To Jim and I, the mismatched furniture and eclectic look are a special part of the restaurant’s character.

Immediately our server came out with a plate of bread sticks. Now if you have known Jim and I for any amount of time you would know that I am passionate about bread and Jim is passionate about food that comes free before the meal. We were stoked! The bread sticks at Pasquini’s are homemade and covered in garlic, buttery-goodness. They are, in fact, the best bread sticks I have ever had and I firmly believe I could survive on just those for quite a long time. Thankfully, when you finish your plate of bread sticks, they bring you more.

Knowing that Pasquini’s had received culinary accolades as a pizzeria, I thought it only fitting to order one of the pizzettas. Jim is quite the calzone fan, his mom makes some of the best calzones you will ever eat, and therefore he decided to try one Pasquini style. I ordered the Pizzetta Margherita and Jim ordered a pepperoni and mozzarella cheese calzone.

I was worried after eating so many bread sticks that I would be too full for my meal. However, after catching the first whiff of our meal as it was delivered to our table, my stomach suddenly had enough room. The pizzetta was great. The thin crust was just right, very reminiscent of the delicious bread sticks, and it was the first time I have had buffalo mozzarella on pizza. I loved it! Jim’s calzone was awesome and, unlike some calzones that are mostly just bread, it was loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Pasquini’s own red pizza sauce.

Since our first visit, we have been back to Pasquini’s many times both to the Broadway and Uptown locations. We love the food and we love the neighborhood feel. We are excited to try the location in the Highlands as well the to new ones down South. If you have a hankering for Italian and are looking for great food, unique atmosphere, and something affordable, definitely head to Pasquini’s.

Definitely check out the website for Pasquini’s and read the history behind this great Denver restaurant.

Every year, toward the end of February, Denver celebrates its diverse choice of dining and culinary expertise.  Hundreds of restaurants throughout Denver and the metro area create multi-course menus for the fixed price of $52.80 for two people or $26.40 for one.  (This does not include tax or tip).  It is a great opportunity to try a new restaurant you would not normally visit or to stop back at one of your local favorites.

Because of how popular restaurant week has become with the local crowds it is important to get online as soon as possible to make your reservations.  This year Restaurant Week lasts two weeks, from February 20th through March 5th.  To see participating restaurants and make an online reservation visit the website for Restaurant Week.  You will be able to view a full list of restaurants or search within a certain area.  Each restaurant has posted the multi-course menu it will be offering as well as a link to make a reservation through Open Table.

Jim and I will be participating in Restaurant Week for the first time.  Together we will be visiting The Oceanaire Seafood Room in downtown Denver.  We were easily able to make a reservation online through Open Table for the time we wanted.  We will also be dining at Texas de Brazil with a group of friends.  When getting online to make this reservation, Open Table only offered a 9:00 PM time slot.  However, after calling the restaurant itself, we were able to get in much earlier.  Sometimes Open Table does not reflect all of the time slots available for reservations.  It is worth giving the restaurant a call.

Definitely get out and celebrate Denver’s culinary scene sometime over the next two weeks.  Let me know what places you try and how you like them.

Helpful Links:
Denver Restaurant Week official website
The Oceanaire Seafood Room website
Texas de Brazil website

My last stop, so far, on the Arugula Train was my own kitchen.  The Caprese Salad at Via Baci had left such an impression on me that I decided it was time to try making my own Arugula based caprese salad.  On my way home from work I made a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up the ingredients I would need for the prefect Via Baci-style salad.

I didn’t know if my local grocery store would carry arugula, but I thought it would be a good place to start.  I headed into the produce section and right away I knew I must have had quite the quizzical look on my face because three, yes THREE, store employees asked me if I needed help finding anything.  After turning down the first two, scanning the leafy green section several times, and checking all of the bagged lettuces, I broke down and let the third store employee help me.  He took me right next to the bagged lettuces and pre-packaged, fresh herbs, and pointed out that they had arugula stored in clear, sealed boxes to keep it fresh and clean.  The boxes were actually quite large, but I purchased two anyway just in case I made some big balsamic dressing mistake and drowned my arugula.

Also on my grocery list was fresh, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes.  I kind of growled when I saw how expensive the tomatoes were that day and a woman next to me said, “I know!”  They were, however, essential to the flavor I wanted for my salad so I splurged and called it my luxury item for the week.  I already had what I needed to make a balsamic vinaigrette at home so I was good to go.

At home I created my new arugula masterpiece… Caprese Salad!  Jim and I ate it for dinner that night along with some garlic bread and a glass of wine.  It was great!

Make your own Caprese Salad:
Ingredients: (Amounts vary based on how many and what size individual salads you would like to make)
Arugula
Fresh basil
Cherry tomatoes (one package should be fine)
A soft chunk of buffalo mozzarella
Balsamic vinegar
Olive Oil (I used extra light)
Garlic power
Salt

Directions:

• Place arugula leaves and fresh basil in individual salad bowls.  Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place on top.  Slice the buffalo mozzarella into strips and place them on top as well.  Mix together balsamic vineragar, olive oil, salt, and garlic in a salad dressing shaker.  Generously pour on top of each, individual salad.
• Serve with garlic bread!

Arugula 101:

• Rocket, Roquette, Rugula, Rucola…aka Arugula!
• Arugula is a leafy green herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and is often used in Italian cuisines.
• People often describe the flavor as peppery, like mustard, or bitter.  Arugula is often combined with other leafy greens to give salads a more balanced flavor.
• It is low in calories and provides a great source of vitamins A and C.  It also is full of calcium and magnesium.

Tips and Info for Purchasing and Storing Arugula:

• Arugula can generally be found in local grocery stores and in health food stores such as Whole Foods.  I purchase my arugula at my local grocery store because it tends to be cheaper.
• When picking out arugula, look for bright green leaves with no sign of wilting or fading.
• Store arugula in a sealed, plastic bag in the refrigerator.  It tends to spoil quickly, but it should keep its full flavor and freshness for a couple days.