Shells and Sauce
Just a few blocks from my ramshackle abode in Denver’s Congress Park neighborhood is the new restaurant “Shells and Sauce.” I’ve watched this building be converted from the old “Cluttered Closet” consignment store into this small but snazzy little bistro. The remodel took quite a long time, but the place has been packed with locals for the past two months, and it’s a wonderful complement to Chef Zorba’s and Pete’s Chinese.
The interior is welcoming with soft colors and warm lighting. The place is small, but a full bar and outdoor patio makes up for the tight interior.
I had the Pancetta Russa, a vodka infused pasta sauce with asparagus served over thick noodles accompanied by two crisp glasses of pinot. Soft thick garlic bread and potato soup rounded out the meal, and I had sufficient leftovers for my Monday lunch. Prices are between $12 – $25 a plate.
You can read the local food critic “Gabby Gourmet” review here. They’re located at 2600 East 12th Avenue in Denver’s Congress Park area, and open daily except Mondays.
Caleb Cross, Denver, Colorado
I just want to say that the Pancetta Russa is one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had in a long time. Excellent food, great environement & pleasant staff make this a great neighborhood hangout.
This has become one of my favorite hangouts! Just an all around fabulous restaurant the menu is full of variety, they have an excellent wine list, great prices, and the staff treats you like family. Brunch is a must try!
My Wife and I have been in a couple of times, and I have to say that the Balsamic Salmon Steak and the Veal Chops are to die for. No one does a bone-in Salmon Steak anymore. This one was absolutely fabulous.
Thanks for the comments! Glad to hear it’s becoming popular. I’ll have to get to the brunch.
And cheers for supporting locally owned neighborhood establishments…
james…
Do they have a web site? I love looking online just for fun!
We will definitely go there soon, it sounds great! We used to live in that neighborhood, right around the corner actually, and we miss it so much. It looks really cute, we drove by for the first time the other day. I can’t wait to try it now…thanks for all the helpful info.
Hi Jennifer. I don’t believe they have a website. Yes 12th Street at Clayton and down the street a bit at Madison are two wonderful small retail areas.
Those and other “tiny Main streets” hidden around town give you a true small town Mayberry feel when you find them.
Thanks for the note!
Sunday Brunch:
A pleasing display of eggs over easy, crispy hash browns, fresh Roma tomatoes, Olive oil, copius amounts of fresh Basil and endless cups of fresh Italian roast coffee. There side of bread is huge and is baked 5 times daily.
Vesper Delight:
I was very pleased with my visually appealing meal of Lamb prime rib (generous cut) with awesome marbling including au jus.
Included with my order of Lamb was creamy herbal mash potatoes, but at first glance one would assume that they were left off the order. I realized (upon closer inspection) the potatoes were smothered by the cut of Lamb. Wow!
FYI: The meat was prepared in stages to provide a tender, succulent cut e.g., seared, baked then grilled.
The staff: Geniunely (rapier wit) amusing, friendly and speedy with the meals/service.
Inviting: The earth tone colours creates a warm atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile in their cozy restaurant.
Their menu is full of meticulous win!
See you soon.
Is it just me or does the last poster sound a bit too enthused with “Shells N’ Sauce? I have a feeling this was written by the older guy that seats patrons. Why would a customer end a review with “see you soon”? Or know that the Lamb is cooked in stages?
It really sounds like all the above posts are either from the owner or staff. No place, I mean no place is that wonderful all the time. PLA-EEZ
you can see real (not ones done by the owner) reviews of this place at http://www.yelp.com/biz/shells-and-sauce-denver
Thanks “Yea right.” #7 is obviously a plug, but even if the first three are too there’s no need for them to go overboard with exhuberance. I already said I liked the place.
Always happy to share other reviews. I’m definitely NOT an advertising forum :)
Here’s another review of a tasty dish I had the other night.
Pasta with Chicken swimming in a shallow pool of creamy Lemon Caper sauce. Yum!
The two pieces of Chicken breast were baked to a golden brown yet moist. A generous portion of Angel Hair pasta was off to the side laden with Capers.
The hits keep coming and as long as they do I’ll continue to patronize
said restaurant.
Again, the service is speedy, the chefs take pride in their presentation and the staff works hard to please you.
To the skeptic, I’m a stand-up guy when it comes reviews and kind offers.
I’ll put my money where my mouth is when it comes to a menu with consistently delightful options and this restaurant has those elements.
Here’s my offer:
Every Thursday between the hours of 4:30-6:30pm I stake my claim at the far end of the bar (or outside depending on the weather} and people watch as I enjoy my meal.
Please join me, for the drinks and appetizers are on me. I promise, no duplicity on my part . . . just a genuine open invitation.
Ask anyone there and they’ll guide you to me. And no I’m not an employee nor the owner, just a guy who enjoys a good meal.
See you there y Bien Provecho Che!
-Salud-
Huh? Why would people be watching you consume dinner? Are you a professional eater or something?
To my readers: tell me which Thursday we’re having our get together. Paul is paying, and I certainly won’t turn that down. And I don’t think I have enough readers to max out his card.
Paul if you don’t work for Shells and Sauce I certainly hope they hire you as a copywriter. Your verbiage certainly is, um, swimming in descriptiveness…
Finally went there and i have to say it was not that good. The owner, maggie, was rather rude when i complained about the chicken being under cooked. She kept saying my husdand is the chef and he knows how to cook chicken. Dont think ill go back.
Joe-John
If you get a group together, post it as a follow-up comment to our post.
http://renegadecrafters.blogspot.com/2007/10/bad-name-good-food.html
This could be interesting!
Tucker Shaw gave it a very favorable review in today’s Denver Post.
http://culinary-colorado.blogspot.com
i’ve been there precisely once… the bar service seems adequate enough. i suppose it’s just that i’d prefer to test the place out when it isn’t packed with yuppies, which, so far, seems to be precisely never.
Great place! Went there last tuesday night, and had a wonderful meal. The blackened chicken pasta was terrific, with just enough kick to make it really stand out from similar dishes. Good wine list, and our server was fantastic.
I’ll be heading back tonight!
I have to agree with most postings. The atmosphere is cozy, if not loud and the food is okay.
I believe Paul doesn’t work for Shells and Sauce, but really likes someone who does. I can’t wait to sit on the patio and enjoy some wine and pray it is not to late to be on Paul’s tab.
Good luck to the old guy and what happened to Maggie and her husband? I thought they were owners?
My landlord owns the place. Due to drama between Maggie (hostess and former co-owner), and her husband Chaz (chef and former co-owner), you will not likely see them around anymore. The Pappas family, of Zorbas, have quietly owned the establishment since the beginning. In my opinion, food has improved since Chaz’s departure, in December of 2007.
Thank you Star. I agree that the food has improved, but not remained consistent. Good riddens to Chaz and Maggie and good luck Pappas family, it is well needed establishment. My only request is for an Italian chef or atleast some semblance of one. Maybe then the food will remain consistently tasty.
We had a wonderful lunch this afternoon.
Excellent service. I ordered a bottle of ProvenÃ?Â?Ã?§al rosÃ?Â?Ã?© and our waitress returned with a bottle of more expensive Rhone rosÃ?Â?Ã?© [E. Guigal $30] and said: “we don’t have the one you ordered, but you may have this at the same price”. Perfect.
We shared a tasty spinach eggdrop soup with [homemade?] chicken stock. A great example of a simple zuppa italiano.
My wife had a delicious Eggs Carbanara. Two soft fried eggs on top of penne in a light Alfredo sauce. I had the Cheese Ravioli (5) in the tomato cream sauce. Both dishes are highly recommended.
My husband and I went there for our son and a large family party. We had excellent service. We couldn’t decide from so many fantastic dishes that we all shared, I enjoyed everything and can’t wait to go again!
Just a test.
Provençal Rosé
Excellent food, Excellent service!
They are building a rooftop patio this summer. I have never been interested in spending time at their bar; but if the patio is cool, it would be a great place to have wine or drinks in the summer. Kind of like the Funky Buddha’s patio on Broadway. Hopefully not loud though, since it is a quiet corner.