On S Colorado Blvd it's quite easy to find some Middle Eastern cuisine. But, having gone to Jerusalem Restaurant all the time, I had never tried one of the Colorado Blvd places. We tried Marrakech on a weeknight. It was fairly busy and we seated ourselves after a moment of confusion.
We sat at our table long enough without any service that we had a countdown clock going. If they didn't reach us in the next five minutes, we would get up and leave. We do this a lot, but I think we've only walked out once (that was in Paris, six years ago). Anyway, a server finally showed up and handed us the menus. My wife's menu was blank inside. Nice touch.
Our order was finally taken and while waiting for it we had a salad, a few pieces of pita bread, and hummus. Marrakech's hummus was impressive, probably the most impressive part of the meal. My chicken shawarma was not very good and without the sauce on the plate, the chicken would have been unbearably dry. The gyros my wife ordered were okay, but what that plate and mine lacked were side portions of hummus. Hummus goes well with everything at a Middle Eastern restaurant, why not serve it with everything?
I am a fan of this cuisine, but next time I am in search for it I probably won't be going back to Marrakech. I think I am better off trying a new place or going to the old standby.
Dined March 2, 2012.
Written by B.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Chipotle - 2760 S Colorado Blvd
Nothing but goodness again from this location. Like last time, I went in during a slow hour and the whole staff greeted me like I was the manager. I encountered no issues with the gym rat parking for the 24 Hr Fitness or whatever the heck that place is.
For me, a great Chipotle is one that serves up a burrito exactly like the one I had in 1999. One that wooed me into Chipotle's grasp as long as I have a hand to hold a 20 oz burrito.
Dined February 29, 2012.
Written by B.
For me, a great Chipotle is one that serves up a burrito exactly like the one I had in 1999. One that wooed me into Chipotle's grasp as long as I have a hand to hold a 20 oz burrito.
Dined February 29, 2012.
Written by B.
Tamayo - Denver
Tamayo is owned by Richard Sandoval restaurants, who also owns the nearby La Sandia in Northfield Stapleton and Park Meadows. We've dined at La Sandia and we thought it was decent (we've been back a couple times), but in the fall of 2011 we tried Tamayo. It was amazing! I was skeptical at first, having tried La Sandia and Sandoval's Maya Modern Mexican Food in NYC, but Tamayo is in a whole other league. I don't know what they have there that they don't have at the other places I have tried, but it's something great.
We returned to Tamayo for Denver Restaurant Week on February 28. They had their $52.80 (for a couple) menu online earlier in the month and it whetted our appetite. Despite the 5280 entree portions being a tad bit smaller than the full-priced versions, you still get plenty of food. Each person got an appetizer (I chose the ceviche), an entree (skirt steak for me), and a dessert (it's been a while and I honestly can't remember...but I know it was delicious). All three were excellent and there was still plenty of perfectly cooked medium-rare steak on my plate for a full meal. Tamayo continues to impress and we will definitely be going back.
The only complaint that I have about this experience is that the waitress was really pushing the drinks. I get it, it's restaurant week and the bill isn't going to be as much as usual and you want to make as much money on drinks to make up for that, but asking every few minutes if I want another $6 Corona is just freaking annoying...almost as annoying as ordering even one of those beers at such a price. Ugh. So servers, ask us once or twice if we want a drink or another drink, but after that, give up...please. I'm likely to leave you more money if you ask once and I politely say no than if you ask every ten minutes thinking I've changed my mind. I'll let you know when I change my mind.
Dined February 28, 2012.
Written by B.
We returned to Tamayo for Denver Restaurant Week on February 28. They had their $52.80 (for a couple) menu online earlier in the month and it whetted our appetite. Despite the 5280 entree portions being a tad bit smaller than the full-priced versions, you still get plenty of food. Each person got an appetizer (I chose the ceviche), an entree (skirt steak for me), and a dessert (it's been a while and I honestly can't remember...but I know it was delicious). All three were excellent and there was still plenty of perfectly cooked medium-rare steak on my plate for a full meal. Tamayo continues to impress and we will definitely be going back.
The only complaint that I have about this experience is that the waitress was really pushing the drinks. I get it, it's restaurant week and the bill isn't going to be as much as usual and you want to make as much money on drinks to make up for that, but asking every few minutes if I want another $6 Corona is just freaking annoying...almost as annoying as ordering even one of those beers at such a price. Ugh. So servers, ask us once or twice if we want a drink or another drink, but after that, give up...please. I'm likely to leave you more money if you ask once and I politely say no than if you ask every ten minutes thinking I've changed my mind. I'll let you know when I change my mind.
Dined February 28, 2012.
Written by B.
The Saucy Noodle - Denver
I am way behind on blogging about meals, but I haven't given up...
Anyone who has cruised down University Ave south of Alameda, has eventually noticed the Saucy Noodle. It's been at the same location for 40 years! That's big time. After ordering take out pizza to watch the night of the Oscars, it's clear that they haven't survived off of their pizza alone, which I found to be hugely disappointing. It wasn't a horrible pizza, but from an establishment like this, which has a decent reputation, I was expecting much better. The price wasn't exactly right either. Their large pizzas run about $16 and if there are two of you and one of you happens to be a big eater (me) you better have some backup food accessible.
I have high expectations of a pizza. I can make a better one at home than I received from Saucy Noodle. We've tried a few recipes in our own kitchen for pizza and the one that we stick by now was featured in Cook's Illustrated within the last year or so. It's a recipe for Chicago deep dish pizza and the finished product stomps all over the Saucy Noodle's pie.
Because of this experience I am hesitant to go back and actually dine-in, even though there must be something great keeping this place alive, right?
Dined February 26, 2012.
Written by B.
Anyone who has cruised down University Ave south of Alameda, has eventually noticed the Saucy Noodle. It's been at the same location for 40 years! That's big time. After ordering take out pizza to watch the night of the Oscars, it's clear that they haven't survived off of their pizza alone, which I found to be hugely disappointing. It wasn't a horrible pizza, but from an establishment like this, which has a decent reputation, I was expecting much better. The price wasn't exactly right either. Their large pizzas run about $16 and if there are two of you and one of you happens to be a big eater (me) you better have some backup food accessible.
I have high expectations of a pizza. I can make a better one at home than I received from Saucy Noodle. We've tried a few recipes in our own kitchen for pizza and the one that we stick by now was featured in Cook's Illustrated within the last year or so. It's a recipe for Chicago deep dish pizza and the finished product stomps all over the Saucy Noodle's pie.
Because of this experience I am hesitant to go back and actually dine-in, even though there must be something great keeping this place alive, right?
Dined February 26, 2012.
Written by B.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Pizzeria Locale - Boulder
I've been to Pizzeria Locale three times now, just once in 2012 though. The last two times I ordered the Mais pizza because, in my opinion, it is simply the best thing they have to offer. The Diavolo seems to get rave reviews from diners and servers there, but there's just the delightful simplicity of a pizza with plenty of great mozzarella, creme fraiche, corn, and prosciutto, all on some of the fluffiest pizza dough I've had. It's definitely the best pizza I have had in Colorado.
When I left Colorado for a three-year stint in Milwaukee, I was exposed to great pizza, vis a vis the proximity to Chicago, which was great for many reasons. I really enjoyed walking into a pizza place and knowing instantly that you were going to get a great pie from the pros and that the recipe hasn't changed that much in decades, if not a hundred years. It's definitely not easy to have that same experience in Colorado. And, to be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I walked into Locale. It sort of has this pretentious feel to it. Maybe that's just my imagination, but I doubt it because it's Boulder. Snobbery is abundant. Anyways, the snobbery isn't abundant at Locale. If it exists, it's because of the patrons and not the staff who are down to earth, they make a good pie, they have great service (thus far), and you can get out of there for a decent amount.
And, if wine is your thing, they have quite the list and a sommelier who can guide you to the right decision if you need some help.
There are so many places to eat on Pearl St. They can't all be good, but most of them maintain an appearance of being good. Mostly they try to look hip. Locale doesn't even need to try. They have a small amount of space facing the street and one small door that is quite conspicuous. Find it and you won't be disappointed.
Dined February 25, 2012.
Written by B.
And, if wine is your thing, they have quite the list and a sommelier who can guide you to the right decision if you need some help.
There are so many places to eat on Pearl St. They can't all be good, but most of them maintain an appearance of being good. Mostly they try to look hip. Locale doesn't even need to try. They have a small amount of space facing the street and one small door that is quite conspicuous. Find it and you won't be disappointed.
Dined February 25, 2012.
Written by B.
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