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Tuesday May 13 2008

Our Weekend Adventures

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink , Photos
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consisted of walking through Cherry Creek State Park since we didn’t get around to driving up to the mountains.   I drive by here a lot, but only end up seeing the north side of the dam from interstate 225.  If you’re a road cycling enthusiast this state park, located in southeast Denver is heaven.  Plenty of smooth trails and roads. 

Although its hard to spelunk deep inside the park without still seeing condos in the distance there are some slightly woodsy trails like the “Shop Creek” trail pictured.  If you’re visiting Denver and looking for some outdoor fun its a fun place to visit - and you can take the train there too.    But I’d still recommend going up to Boulder and heading into the canyons.

Another observation:  Being from the boating mecca of Michigan I’ve never understood the lure, (pun alert,) of buying a fancy high speed boat just to zoom from one side of a reservoir to the other.  But all through the summer I see folks hauling their rigs to Grand Lake, Dillon Reservoir, and Chatfield and Cherry Creek Reservoir.  And they all have Colorado plates.   I can understand a small fishing boat or a couple kayaks, but I just don’t get pleasure boating on a small body of water like this.   If I’m boating I want to crash some waves and see new ports.  Or at least get far enough away to where I can’t swim to another boat.  In Grand Haven, Michigan or the much higher priced Marina del Ray you can actually go places.

More at Cherry Creek Reservoir’s site.

Our second adventure consisted of Nas, who you’ll recall from our Walden camping post, making us potato pancakes with garlic yogurt sauce.   These are a staple of his native country Bulgaria, and deceptively satisfying when given some time and care.  On the way home we stopped at the East Europe Market, on Colorado Boulevard behind Hooters, and picked up some cheese and yogurt. 

First we make the sauce of garlic, yogurt, dill, and some other seasonings and put it aside.  Then we mashed up the boiled potatos, peel, and mixed in the cheese.


After forming the pancakes from the potatos we flour them, coat them with an egg layer, dredge them in a layer of breadcrumbs, and fry ‘em up.


It may look easy, but it took us, no wait HIM, a lot of time to get these little guys just right, mainly because we took the time to make the with care and precision, rather than just slapping them together (which is how I usually make pancakes.)

With some cold beer they were the perfect non-hydrating cure for my wretched sunburn.

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Tuesday May 6 2008

News of Interest 050608

by James | under Denver , News , Urban
1 Comment

If you haven’t read my “Free Ice Cream at Safeway tip” you still have time to stock up on free Ben & Jerry’s 3.6 oz ice creams.

I popped in the Cherry Creek Safeway over the weekend and picked up a reasonable amount without emptying out their freezer.    On a diet?  No worries - put them in the ice box and save them for this fall’s trick-or-treaters.

ok - been a while since I emptied out my “news of interest” saved bookmarks into a post - so here we go:

From the New York Times - an article about the advantages of small cars.   Check out the gas mileage charts.  How can you not love these?  Or my friend’s new Smart Car.    And a related piece from the Boston Globe about the difficulties of selling large gas guzzlers.

The Denver Post documents the perils of cycling on 32nd Avenue in Golden.  This article comes complete with 52 comments (as of 10:22am)  mostly frustrated comments between motorists and bikers.

Fox Nomad - who writes and excellent travel blog with personal in-depth idea and excellent lists of travel tips and tricks is currently running a contest for “Sexiest Summer Travel Story“  Check it out and you could win a $250 airline gift card.   I would send him that story about that night in Munich last year, but co-workers and potential future employers might read my blog, sooo….

From American Magazine, I found this article on Houston and other “opportunity cities“ interesting.  This story details the shift from of business from established northeastern cities like New York and Boston to the sunbelt cities of the south where housing is affordable and job opportunities abound.  

The Atlanta Journal Constitution gives some high merits to the Denver Fastracks plan - our 15 year plan to expand current rail lines and build new lines to corners of the metro area, including Boulder and the airport.    More about Fastracks here.

More auto news:  Here’s an accident I saw at 7th and Josephine last week.  No one was hurt.  But how can that car hit the telephone pole with such straight on perfection?    

A girl, (about 10,) who was exiting the nearby soccer field reprimanded me for taking photos of someone else’s misfortune. I’m sorry. But thanks for speaking your mind young city stranger!

by James Van Dellen

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Wednesday Apr 30 2008

Starkillers at Beta . Denver

by James | under Denver , Movies . TV . Music
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One of my favorite DJs, Nick Terranova aka Starkillers, will be at Beta Nightclub in Denver Thursday, May 1st.

Best known for “Discoteka” and “Scream,” they’ve also done popular remixes of Seal’s Killer.   He’ll be performing with Austin Leeds and Jerome Farley.

I’ve never visited Beta and look forward to checking the place out.  This new club is promoting itself as a “green” club, and although I’m skeptical of most corporate green claims Beta Nightclub has given some clear and simple ways of how they’re cutting down waste in the nightclub industry.   (Cups cups and more cups.)

Check out Starkiller’s music on Myspace.  Beta Nightclub is at 19th and Blake, downtown Denver.  Their site also features a clip of Beta management discussing their green initiatives with a local TV news station.    The entire Future Gringo team will be at this event.  Unfortunately due to the economy no more free T-shirts.  Say hello if you see me though - I’ll be wearing my favorite pants and need a haircut.

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Tuesday Apr 22 2008

Denver Gets Smart - Car

by James | under Denver , Material Pursuits , Videos
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Happy Earth Day.  The smart car Center in Denver has been open since late February, and I recently got a chance to take a spin in one thanks to a friend at work who just purchased one.  (Ok his wife did, but its his turn to show it off.)

The “Smart” of Smart Car is an acronym taken from “Swatch Mercedes ART” - as the original project was originated by the Swatch company.  I’ve admired these on the streets of Europe and have seen a few out in California the past year.  Now they’re an occasional sight around Denver thanks to this new dealership.

Unfortunately this elegantly compact beauty still sparks stereotypical comments of too small, too unsafe, and effeminate. (But similar emasculating insults are lofted at guys who show off expensive cars too.)  Most myths are dispelled after experiencing a test ride.   The seats sit quite high - higher than most compacts actually.   The interior width space appears deceiving due to the front to rear bumper measurements, but inside its quite comfortable.   The entire car is built around a reinforced steel shell.  As described in blogs.cars.com “it’s like being encased in a walnut shell.”   And I sometimes do need the jaws of life when opening walnuts.



At 47 miles per gallon and a prices ranging from $11,000 to $16,000 I have a feeling these guys will become more common on our streets.  The photos are of the Cabriolet, which is the highest end model and features dual automatic/manual transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, heated seats, and a tinted sunroof.  An ample cargo compartment is found in the bag, big enough to store golf clubs and other bulky gear.  (Ski rack still required though.)

The smart center Denver is at 2855 South Broadway in Englewood, just south of Yale.   And since its Earth Day go ahead and read up on their ecology.  

I’m a true fan.   I love the gas mileage, clean design, and small footprint.   Here’s a clip from a Boston TV station which shows the interior and a test drive:  


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Sunday Mar 2 2008

Zengo In Brief

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink
[4] Comments

Zengo is chef Richard Sandoval’s Denver restaurant, located in the heart of Riverfront Park in downtown Denver.

Latin and Asian food served together. If you’re willing to try empanadas and sushi side by side you’re in the right place.

Oak and reddish design with blue and yellow accent lights. Like a forest with a leafy canopy of colorful wine bottles.

The bar and lounge area is a hip place to hang out, but needs a few more servers. 20 minutes to run a credit card doesn’t cut it.

Visit early or late. The food is excellent, but I suspect the popularity stems more from the sum of the design elements and trendy location rather than actual food itself. Thus the place is mobbed with insufficient staff for a hopping winter Saturday night.

More info at (and photo from) Modernmexican.com.

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Sunday Mar 2 2008

Altitude Restaurant . Denver

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink
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I wouldn’t normally find myself dining in a hotel restaurant. I’m not a fancy corporate type who takes business trips and fortunately am not required to hype sales pitches to clients in places like this. In fact I don’t even think I’ve ever stayed in a Hyatt. But we were told of a restaurant called “Altitude” in the new Hyatt downtown, (opened in ‘06,) and decided to check it out last week.

Architecturally this is how hotels should be built. Lots and lots of glass. Ok energy efficient glass, which connects the inside to the outside urban streetscapes. Too many hotels built during the 70s and 80s walled themselves off from the streets with thick concrete and few windows, unless you count the revolving doors. Whether on purpose or not, this design segregates visitors and guests from the rest of the city by sealing them up inside a closed environment. I remember visiting the Renaissance Center in Detroit as a kid. A massive complex of offices, hotel, and retail, however barely accessible from the outside. In later years I read about criticisms of such design resulting in more people friendly changes to the “Ren Cen” and similar structures.

The Hyatt showcases Denver’s energy and vibe from the inside as well as the outside. We sat aside the large three story windows inside this elegant room while we watched the people stroll by and light rail strains swoosh up the streets. After selecting a bottle of Pinot Grigio I enjoyed an entree of lobster filled ravioli and pasta. Chocolate chip ice cream sandwiched between two fresh baked cookies made for a rich dessert.

Of course you’d find more local flavor by finding a neighborhood just outside of downtown, or by checking out local restaurant and bar, but if Denver is your home and you want a vacation for just a few hours then try Altitude - one of the finer upscale places to dine.

Official site, and a review from the Cherry Creek News. Altitude is at 650 15th Street, downtown Denver.

by James Van Dellen

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Monday Feb 18 2008

“Expert Runs” at Security

by James | under Denver , Travel
1 Comment

I think that this is a really great idea.  If you’re a seasoned travel how many times have you fidgeted in frustration behind a novice who can’t seem to empty that last pocket of change?  They’re just not sure what to keep on person versus shove through the x-ray, and have a way of slowing down the entire que. 

Likewise if you’re traveling with a large group or family, have some special items for screening, or just need some breathing room admist the crush it can be overwhelming to have pushy business travelers and light packers getting antsy behind you.

Denver and Salt Lake City are two airports taking part in a two week trial in which the traveler can select the appropriate lane for their abilities and needs.

People lining up there will see a round green sign for families and travelers requiring special assistance, a square blue sign for the casual traveler who typically carries more and heavier luggage and a black diamond for the briefcase-toting expert traveler.

“The idea is to let passengers determine - based on their experience and needs - which lane is more appropriate,” Harmon said Sunday.

In keeping with the ski analogy, which I’m assuming is an intentional reason behind choosing Denver and Salt Lake City,  line choices will be:

The green circle line: For families, groups, first-time fliers and travelers requiring special assistance
The blue square line: For the frequent traveler with a few carry-on bags
The black diamond line: For the briefcase-toting expert traveler or anyone who packs light

This will be at the north main terminal checkpoint only.   If you’ve made this “run” let me know, I’d love a review.

Full Rocky Mountain News article.   and info on SLC from the TSA Blog.

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Friday Feb 8 2008

Rick Steves at Tattered Cover

by James | under Denver , Travel
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For Colorado Rick Steves fans:  He’ll be speaking at the Lodo Tattered Cover on Wednesday, February 27th at 5pm.

His tips on travel and adventure have helped me, especially his details on small European hotels.  And as much as I enjoy Rick Steve’s take on travel and his lifetime of knowledge on traveling through Europe, I’m equally as impressed by his politics and social activism.  He’s a true American and a global citizen.  You can find some of his opinions and views in this corner of his site.  

The LoDo Tattered Cover is at the corner of 16th and Wynkoop, one block from Union Station.  Get there early - tickets will be handed out at 4pm and its first come first seated.

More at TatteredCover.com and RickSteves.com.

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Tuesday Jan 22 2008

CLEARed in Denver

by James | under Denver , Travel , Views
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The CLEAR registered traveler program has been in existence for a few years now.  Later this month Denver International Airport will be the next airport to introduce CLEAR lanes.  You can become a “registered traveler” for $128.  $100 for the Registered Traveler Program, and $28 to the TSA.   The Denver CLEAR lines will be located at the south security area, in the main terminal.

Opinion time…  You won’t find me signing up for the registered traveler program.  I can certainly understand the lure of business travelers wanting to shave 30 or 40 minutes off a Monday morning airport queue.   Tempting as it would be, I’ll clumsily shuffle through the maze of flimsy ropes with my nose in a book before I’ll trade my time in exchange for my biometric data. 

I don’t consider myself a privacy nut.  I don’t live on a compound and squirrel away my money in a tin box.  I use credit cards, have multiple bank accounts, and a blog with my name publicy displayed.  The government can easily find me and collect whatever info they want - but I just don’t care to volunteer more.

Until the government catches on to my secret life as an international diamond thief, I just don’t feel they merit reason to keep my fingerprints and iris scan on file.  Nor should a private company.  Should domestic U.S. flights ever require this type of scrutiny you can meet me for lunch at my new loft in Vancouver.  No wait make that Mérida - I’ll be staying at the beautiful Luz.

I like this description by a commenter on this blog:

“A program to create a database of biometric and background info, funded by the people themselves”

Has anyone become a registered traveler and use CLEAR frequently?  Even though I’m completely against it for myself I’d love to hear stories of passengers who find it justifiable.  I bite my toungue every time when I witness the TSA inconsistencies from airport to airport, so paying $128 for such nonsense to be “out of sight out of mind” would certainly be tempting…

If you are interested in giving your biometric information to a private company sanctioned by the TSA -  the Registered Traveler Program has offices at the Denver Tech Center Hyatt and downtown at the Grand Hyatt.  They’re open from 7am to 7pm.

An aside annoyance: WHY do writers and companies insist on calling Denver International Airport “DIA” when listing airport codes?  The International Civil Aviation Organization’s code for Denver is DEN.  The ONLY other name its ever had was “DVX,” which was it’s temporary assignment during construction, before Stapleton relinquished the DEN code.  However the CLEAR website, just like this Time Magazine Article I rebutted, list Denver as “DIA.”  DIA is nothing more than a local moniker used to abbreviate Denver International Airport.  I am sending CLEAR an e-mail in hopes they’ll correct their website.  (The website that I’ll probably never look at again.) 

Rant time over.  In other news Dex left ANOTHER two phone books at my doorstep last Saturday.  This time the “compact size”  Hey 33% less wasteful!  Thanks Ken Clark.

And tomorrow I’ll have a review of the Asus EEE PC.  This full functioning micro size computer is the ultimate travel tool.  And it’s not much bigger than the Radio Shack “Mr. Professor” I had as a kid.

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Sunday Jan 20 2008

Dougherty’s Pub . Denver

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink
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Dougherty’s Neighborhood Pub is a three month old business located in the heart of my favorite Denver retail stretch. At South Broadway and Ellsworth they’re within blocks of the Mayan Theater, Swift’s Steak House, Sputnik, the Hi-Dive, and the many fine used bookstores.

Formerly a small pizza joint, Dougherty’s has refurbished the interior into two sections: A medium sized dining room with knotty light piny stained wooden chairs and tables, and on the east side a large bar with pool table for socializing.

Many in the neighborhood have been frequenting this new place, but the dining area hasn’t been quite as popular as the bar. (Probably true with many Irish pubs.) I had their lunch special:  ham and cheese on Irish flatbread served with potato soup for $4.95. Because it was early Saturday the patrons were light, so our server was attentive and the chef came out for a visit.  However lack of sleep and coffee prevented me from remembering either of their names. They have a hearty menu, and dinners range from $8-$18.

I can’t find any website for them yet, but here’s a couple of reviews from Yelp. They’re at 5 East Ellsworth, at South Broadway and Ellsworth next to Freaky’s.

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Tuesday Jan 15 2008

Encore Restaurant . Denver

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink
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Last month I wrote about Encore Restaurant’s trouble in obtaining a liquor license due to their proximity to East High School.  Fortunately that’s past them, and they are now open in the Lowenstein Complex at 2550 East Colfax.

Here’s a review by Kevin Zachmann, of the blog “He Said Denver.”

p.s. Lest you think Future Gringo is turning into viral marketing blog for the Lowenstein Complex fear not - I just find it one of most uniquely cultural places in Denver, in a wonderful community setting on the border of Greektown and Congress Park.

Situated in the box office area of the former theater, the vibe is contemporary yet casual with a long, sleek bar and a back kitchen that’s in full view of the dining room. The real story though is that the entire space is almost completely eco-friendly. 

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Tuesday Jan 15 2008

Neighborhood Flix Visit

by James | under Art . Theatre , Denver , Eat . Drink
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I wrote up a brief post about “Neighborhood Flix” last fall, and finally did dinner and a movie last week.   Neighborhood Flix, or their self created nickname “Flix on the Fax,” is the newest independent theater in Denver. However Flix has a twist:  In addition to three comfortable theaters showing the latest Indy films, they also have a spacious restaurant and bar incorporated into the venue.

Patrons can enjoy dinner and drinks, then retire to the theater.  Or - order your meal and eat during the show.  In the entry and dining area framed movie posters adorn the walls.  It’s studio themed, but not over the top kitschy like movie themed diners.

Last week I dined with Caleb and our friend Michael.  We had the Penne Pasta with Plum Tomato Basil Sauce, the Louisiana Cat Fish, and the Shrimp Gumbo with Dirty Rice. If you want to ditch your diet for the night I recommend the Sesame Ginger Sweet Potato Fries. If you just want a drink before the show there’s a large soft lit bar, and you can bring your drink into the show as well.

The intimate “Bistro” cinema has sofa/lounge style seats with tables in the rear (behind the seating rows,) allowing you and your other to dine during the movie, (just like at home.)  Initially I didn’t think much of hearing my fellow movie goers chomping and slurping behind me, but while watching the film “Lars and the Real Girl,” I was not at all distracted, as the tables are set back from the seating rows, and the large furniture absorbs any noise.

While I would never put down the fine group of Landmark theaters in Denver, one advantage that Neighborhood Flix has, (being a brand new venue,) is very comfortable seating.  Older theaters have small and narrow seats.  In contrast, enormous high backed reclining seats are found in suburban stadium-plexes.  Flix is cozy and comfortable, and each theater is of a proportionate size with their largest, the “Premiere Cinema,” at 189 seats.

They’re centrally located in the Lowenstein Theater Complex at 2510 East Colfax. It’s adjacent to the Tattered Cover, Twist and Shout, and the now open “Encore Restaurant.”   Check out what’s playing and plan your visit.

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Saturday Jan 12 2008

McDonald’s “Backyard Habitat”

by James | under Denver , Urban
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There’s a McDonald’s at 35th and Colorado Boulevard, and usually the only time I see it is en route to the airport. Running late to pick someone up a while back I grabbed a sandwich and saw this sign in their drive thru: “Backyard Habitat - A Special Place for Wildlife.” WTF I wondered? There’s nothing but woodchips and a few scraggly shrubs. I forgot about it for a few months, then finally had a chance to take this picture.

When I googled “Geta Asfaw,” (the name of the franchiser in the sign,) I found this 2003 Westword article by David Holthouse, who was as equally stumped at how a “wildlife habitat” could exist within the confines of a filthy semicircular drive thru peninsula. From his article:

The sign is staking out turf for any creature seeking refuge in the midst of mulch littered with wind-blown cigarette butts, stale french fries and half-empty ketchup packets. Hundreds of cars and trucks creep by every day, spewing exhaust fumes. Most drivers pay the marker no mind while they contemplate combo meals.

“I don’t know why they put those signs there,” says Jorge, the restaurant’s day-shift manager. “There are no wild animals living in our parking lot.“

Jorge hasn’t seen a four-legged creature stirring — not even a rat — in this special place for weeks. Nonetheless, the little oasis is endorsed and certified by the National Wildlife Federation as part of its thirty-year-old Backyard Habitat program. McDonald’s has fifty such areas nationwide, but franchisee Geta Asfaw says his is the only one in Colorado.

Thanks David Holthouse, my question is answered. And apparently this “habitat” has been in existence for at least almost five years now. Somehow I think the birds and little woodland creatures might be happier in and under my favorite arbor delight: The Ghetto Tree.


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Thursday Jan 10 2008

Airline Competition in Denver

by James | under Denver , Travel
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I read these articles about Southwest Airlines expanding in Denver -

Southwest Expanding at DIA - Denver Post
Delivering on a Promise - Rocky Mountain News

and I realized how much has changed in 12 years. This is why people in Denver travel are able to travel more, and their friends have more opportunities to visit them here.

If you stepped into your time machine and dialed up 1995, the year Denver International Airport opened, you would find very few flight operations except for United Airlines. Using most of the “B” gates they saw moderate origin and destination traffic, and heavy connecting traffic to cities large and small around the west. Back then DEN, (or DIA as the locals call it,) was the definition of a fortress hub. United Airlines owned it, and with exception to other airlines’ hub service, (i.e. Delta to SLC and Atlanta, Continental to Houston,) there were very few other destinations not served by United. The airport itself had a feeling of emptiness, with many seldom used gates among it’s sleek, modern yet cavernous empty spaces.

Back in 1996 I was in the process of moving to Los Angeles, and I flew out there about three times before making the move. However I like many others elected to drive down to Colorado Springs, located 70 miles from downtown Denver on the south side of the city. It’s not exactly convenient with a small mountain pass, a sluggish drive through a congested urban area, then four miles on arterials. But at that time Western Pacific Airlines, (remember the “Simpson’s” plane,) was in high gear and offering bargain prices. It was a well needed alternative to Denver’s sky high prices. Western Pacific gave Colorado Springs a tremendous spike in traffic; however they ceased operations in 1998, just after announcing plans to merge with Frontier Airlines.

Meanwhile back at the gigantic Denver airport competition was still lacking. Little development was in or around the massive swath of land, making DIA seem ever further away. (In Kansas as many still say.) Frontier Airlines, which started in 1994, was still adding routes and becoming a player in the Denver market. They managed to keep United competitive on the routes they flew - which was mostly two to three flights daily to select major cities. Over the years Frontier converted their fleet of old 737s to Airbus aircraft. Their customer service reputation remains high overall, and similar to jetBlue they offer live TV on board. Frontier also developed a large Mexico presence, (much welcome during our winter months,) and now even flies to Costa Rica. They haven’t had much success with point to point service outside of Denver, so the bulk of their flights still connect in Denver. However for us living here we’ve supported them and consider them a big player in our market, just like United.

Fast forward to the last few years. Southwest finally starts service to Denver in January of 2006. Few predicted they would consider Denver due to the high prices associated with a base there. Colorado Springs would have seemed a more logical choice, or even the northern Colorado Fort Collins/Loveland airport and it’s tiny terminal. (Which only Allegiant airlines charters serve.)

According to this archived press release Southwest’s initial cities were Chicago, Las Vegas, and Baltimore. Over the past two years the number of cities has grown and grown, enough to where airfare shoppers regularly add Southwest into their searches.

That low cost carrier traffic helped bring prices down overall, and things have grown rapidly at Denver by the regulars and more: jetBlue’s flights serve New York, Lufthansa serves cities in Germany non-stop, and United just announcing non-stop London service, adding a choice to British Airway’s already existing non-stop.

The underground trams serving all gates have been upgraded and synced for more frequent service. United is expanding it’s “B” gates to accommodate more, (and probably more,) commuter flights. When completed the Fastrack’s “East Corridor” will terminate at south end of the Jeppesen terminal, providing rail service between the airport and downtown.

I now find DIA constantly crowded, and need to use my not so secret alternative security checkpoint more and more. While annoying, it’s a sign of success - which is a good thing.

People will still have the regular complaints about Denver’s airport:  it’s far from the city, long security lines, and it’s susceptible to blizzards - but we can’t complain about lack of competition and airfare prices. So thank you Southwest Airlines. Oh and please don’t put Frontier out of business. We like all of you – yes even United at times.

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Sunday Jan 6 2008

East Europe Market . Denver

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink
[3] Comments

I enjoy visiting the many clusters of Asian supermarkets and restaurants along Federal Boulevard here in Denver. But I’ve traveled Colorado Boulevard countless times and never knew this small market was here until I visited with a Bulgarian friend of mine.

East Europe Market, run by a Bulgarian family, carries specialty foods and brands imported from the Eastern Europe region including Bulgaria, Albania, Turkey, and Greece.  About the size Pappa’s (my local place) they carry a bit of everything from meats, crackers, beverages, and dairy products.

We visited Saturday night and bought some sausage and meats, some small wheels of cheese, and boxes of tasty Russian soup mix. The staff is friendly, and quick to help if you can’t read the packaging. If you want to transplant yourself to Sofia for your dinner shopping this is the place to be…

They’re located on the east side of Colorado at East Arkansas, conveniently located next to Hooters.



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Thursday Jan 3 2008

Nicole Torres . Upcoming Shows

by James | under Denver , Movies . TV . Music
[2] Comments

There’s a few reason Nicole Torres has 100 times more friends on mySpace than me. One, she actually logs in at least once a month, and two, she’s one of the top young female artists around. And a wonderful down to earth person as I can attest to.

Her style as a songstress has been compared to Ani Difranco and Fiona Apple, but with a mix of spoken word and light rap. Her latest album from 2007 is titled “Out of Harm’s Way.” I personally love her juxtaposition of steady toe tapping grooves (such as “Soul Survivors”) but with sudden bursts of soulful rock as demonstrated in the song “Impulsive.” Mellow, ambient chill music like “Synopsys” round out a truly unique style.

Her group “Nicole Torres & the Affiliates” will be performing at Herman’s Hideaway this Friday, then at the Lion’s Lair on January 11th. After her schedule takes her to Iowa for a few shows she’ll be back in Denver performing through February. Full schedule at nicoletorres.com/tour.

You can listen to all of her songs at nicoletorres.com/music. After listening for yourself you’ll definitely want to plan a night out to hear her perform.

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Friday Dec 14 2007

Enstroms Candies . Denver

by James | under Denver , Eat . Drink
1 Comment

A post about a candy store / chocolatier following my diabetes story is about as logical as my Watercourse Foods vegetarian restaurant article right after a giant photo of my Thanksgiving ham.

I was at Enstroms Candies a few nights ago buying some gifts, and realized I’ve never mentioned one cool little tidbit that area visitors might find useful: For reasons unknown to me Enstroms has about six internet stations at their location in Cherry Creek. Should you be staying in or visiting Cherry Creek and need a quick e-mail/web session this is a great place. The library at 3rd and Milwaukee has internet, and there’s a Kinkos on 2nd, but this bright cheery place can’t be beat.

Perhaps Enstroms assumes you’ll purchase some of their great almond toffee, (well my favorite,) plunk down for some web browsing and before you know it have gobbled up all your confections, necessitating a second purchase.

They’re in the Cherry Creek area of Denver at 2nd and University. And they have ice cream too.


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:: future gringo ::
© 2004-2008 James Van Dellen