To summarize my Boulder dining experience at Arugula Bar e Ristorante – AMAZING.  Chef/Proprietor Alec Schuler brings Northern Italian dining to Denver metro and adds a twist of tangy, leafy, yummy goodness; a welcome addition to the culinary options in Boulder.

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS & ROMESCO at Arugula's in Boulder, Colorado

Open since 2009, Arugula Bar e Ristorante is a hidden strip mall gem. Whether you’re enjoying their frequent wine dinners, happy hours, or a night out on the town, Chef/Proprietor Alec Schuler will make your experience, well, an unforgettable experience in a zen-Boulder, but not-intimidating kind of way.

The staff doesn’t condescend when visiting your table. No, they step to the table ready to make your Arugula experience the very best.

Don’t know much about wines? No problem – the staff will offer to pair your wines with your dinner, and they even are conscious of your budget.  Guests can certainly enjoy their dining experience and be conscious of their budget.  (Thank you Denver Restaurant Week!) Read More »

A visit to The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs isn’t complete until we pull up a chair at The Hotel Bar.  Choose from indoor seating on overstuffed leather couches or chairs. Or step outside near the lake for seating around the stone fireplace. The Hotel Bar is one of several Broadmoor casual dining experiences; casual but upscale and the friendly staff will make you feel right at ease.

Lakeview seating at the Hotel Bar, The Broadmoor

The Hotel Bar offers the best seat in the house – a view of Cheyenne Lake.  The entrance to The Hotel Bar is a tribute to the history at The Broadmoor.

Murals, photographs and original letters illustrate hotel founder Spencer Penrose and the Hundred Million Dollar Hotel Clubs’ 1920 visit to Colorado Springs.

Several TVs allow guests to watch their favorite sports channel, such as our latest visit when the Hotel Bar was filled with patrons enjoying the Super Bowl game. Locals tend to gather here too. Read More »

ELWAY’S Downtown is one of the best romantic downtown Denver restaurants, located inside the Ritz-Carlton in the heart of the city. This fine dining Denver restaurant is known for its selection of USDA prime beef, fresh sushi bar and extensive wine selection.

ELWAY'S USDA prime bone-in New York Strip

ELWAY’S Downtown is the Ritz-Carlton Denver’s signature restaurant – and restaurant guests receive free valet parking. Named for the famed Denver Bronco quarterback and NFL Hall of Fame Inductee John Elway, ELWAY’S is more than a meal – it’s a place to unwind, meet people, get romantic and enjoy an over-the-top dining experience.

Rub elbows with local celebrities, downtown business people, business travelers, and regular people – dressed in everything from suits to jeans.

Start at ELWAY’S hassle-free lounge. Pull up a chair at a small table near the bar or belly up to the bar.  Watch the sushi chef prepare fresh rolls and sashimi, rivaling the best sushi restaurants in Denver. Besides a full bar, the wine list is extensive. Read More »

North Denver’s sexy, south-of-the-border, Mexican restaurant La Sandia Tequila Cantina in Northfield Stapleton celebrates the Mexican tradition of Festival del Tamal in February; for gringos, that’s Tamale Festival. Under the guidance of Owner Chef Richard Sandoval, known for his contemporary Latino Cuisine, La Sandia Executive Chef Gama Coronado has created addicting, brimming-with-flavor tamal dishes (separate menu) to celebrate Festival de Tamal.

A work of art worth eating: Chile Rellleno de Tamal Durango

Tamales have traditionally been prepared for fiestas and celebrations since 1200 BC. The Festival de Tamal is a Mexican tradition and on Dia de Reyes, all enjoy a special bread, and inside that bread is a hidden doll.  Whomever finds that doll is the host of a Tamal Party in February. Sound a bit like Mardi Gras, Mexican style?

Fresh Pomegranate Margarita at La Sandia Denver

Let me be upfront — I’m not a fan of tamales (tamals)!  To me, they taste bland, boring, blah! When my friends bring tamales to potlucks, I avoid them like the plague. In the interest of restaurant research and my previous amazing experience at La Sandia, I arrived at the Northfield Stapleton restaurant with an open mind and receptive taste buds.

We lucked out with the same server, Andrew, who remembered us from our last visit. Read More »