But if you’re at work or travel through the corporateland Denver Tech Center the other location at I-25 and Arapahoe Road is one of the best southest lunch spots.  It’s been located here for a few years, housed in a former Denny’s, although you would never know if from the inside.

Despite being a popular lunch place the lines are never long.  It’s a bright open place – and even has a full service bar for those that need a lunch time pick me up.   The photo below, rapidly snapped from my phone, is probably one of the best local food porn pics I’ve taken and makes me hungry just posting it.

Downtown Denver

I was certain it used to be noon, and thought at rate they’ll soon be open from 3- 3:15pm. At least they are no longer closed on Wednesdays.

I planned to amble around downtown and grab a coffee, but I saw a crowd across the street at the State Capitol building so I figured I see who was protesting what today. When I saw the all the bikes and dogs I had a hunch it wasn’t anything too right wing extreme, and I was right – it was actually a pro-labor pro-rally in support of the Wisconsin demonstrations.

I did see about six tea party folks, dressed up in the colonial garb and waving a big 13 star flag, but didn’t see any heated arguments as described in this article.

After watching the speeches wrap up a couple friends spotted me and came up to chat. I knew them well enough to sheepishly admist I was just waiting for the library to open but by all means still supported the cause. Or at least can’t fathom how anyone can support pay cuts for teachers.

I eat here often, as it’s is one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Denver, and still manages to offer reasonable prices. The owner, Johnny Hsu, even knows me by name. Surprisingly, of the thousands of photos I collect from everywhere I go and everything I do I don’t have a shot of the interior here. However take my word it’s a delightful place.

This time my friend and I split the Peking Duck. Over the years I’ve eaten almost everything here (save for the standard sweet and sour chicken) but never did the Peking Duck – mainly due the enormous proportions of ordering the one big duck for myself.

We decided to give the duck a try – splitting it with my usual appetizer of lettuce wraps. This made for a perfect dinner for two. The roast duck, crispy brown skin and plum sauce were perfect, and all this time I never had the fun of tucking the duck breasts into these little flaky pancakes with the sweet sauce. Definitely a treat I wish I had tried much sooner.

Given the quality of their other plates I have no qualms about recommending this as one of the best Chinese places in Denver. (Ming’s Dynasty over in Glendale is nice, but I do consider this a step up.)

They’re at 431 South Broadway at Alameda, next to the Taco Bell. The two share a parking lot, so you can prank your date by pulling in and nonchalantly stating you’re in the mood for a flattened cheesy bean enchilada.

More at Imperial Chinese . com

It’s the Paradise Cafe on the mezzanine level. In the back seating area is a comfy booth and table, a nice view of the tarmac, relatively quiet space, and best of all a power outlet hidden behind this trash receptacle.

I usually head here straight from the train, taking the back elevator behind the crowded banks of escalators.

Sure it’s not the Red Carpet Room, but probably the next best thing. A good selection of coffee too.

The one thing lacking in these airports however, from Van Nuys to Laramie, is decent foods. Restaurant options in most FBOs (private operators) consist of a few vending machines and if you’re lucky some fresh brewed coffee. Some small town airports might have a cafe serving fresh sandwiches, but they’re usually open from 10-3 on Saturdays, and that’s if the person shows up.

Centennial airport in southeast Denver is known as the second busiest general aviation airport in the country, second to Van Nuys in Los Angeles. “The Perfect Landing” restaurant is located on site, and they’re open real hours with a very impressive and substantial menu. I vist with work friends every few months to eat – and of course gawk at the variety of private aircraft moving around the field.

I haven’t been here for dinner yet, but for lunch I usually enjoy the grilled Atlantic salmon salad salmon salad. They offer plenty more American plates like Prime Rib and a Philly Steak sandwich. I’ve only done breakfast once – which was a few years back and did the chicken fried steak. I saw on their menu yesterday “Virginia Beach crab cakes with eggs” Anyplace that does crab cakes for breakfast gets my vote.

The close for a few hours every afternoon, but reopen in the evening for a happy hour complete with piano bar.

Pairing the diverse menu is the view from the second floor of the main terminal: A sweeping 180 degree view of the front range, with the two runways and ramps right in full view. You can watch sleek corporate jets speed down the runway for takeoff, and low time private pilots wobble in and bounce their practice landings over and over.

It’s a great restaurant and a lively spot for a suburban airport. I recommend a visit, and if you’re passing through via land or air it’s a fine place for a fuel stop and some great food.

They’re at 7625 South Peoria. From East Arapahoe turn south towards the airport, and park at the Denver Jet Center building.

Full menu at The Perfect Landing .com

Wanting to mix it up for a wedding I found some nice but dusty and faded shoes I hadn’t worn in years. They shined and polished them for only $6.

If you’re in the neighborhood and need your shoes in ship shape I’d highly recommend them.  Whatever the store name is.

They are 1900 East Colfax at High Street.  Closed Sundays.

He shared this place with some friends over the weekend. Unfortunately this makes for an somewhat useless trip report slash travel post because I’m sworn to secrecy about its whereabouts. Plus, it would be hard to located even if I did share it because it involved a half mile hike from the road. A few trips were involved to transport our gear for two nights, but well worth it.

If you’re inclined you can find many similar sites where you can set up for an entire weekend and not see another being besides a deer. This is down highway 285, to Grant (next town past Fairplay) and up Guanella Pass. If you somehow make it to Georgetown and I-70 you’ve gone to far, and probably wrecked your suspension if you don’t have a truck.

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Vedauwoo . Wyoming

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I love checking out different styles of travel bags and finding unique mobile gear, and this is a perfect place to explore. They carry a large selection of shoulder bags and backpacks including Fox Outdoor. If you’re looking for outdoor gear with a rugged military look it’s a great place in Denver to start. If you’re planning to fly however, don’t mistakenly select a bag labeled “explosives…”

They’re at 3524 South Broadway in Englewood, just north of 285.
armysurplusforless.com

I put the analysis of United 811 on hold and got dressed. I already knew the ending, but I enjoy this show because it explores what would seem random chains of events and decisions  that lead up to these riveting catastrophes.

20 minutes later we were spelunking our way into Below, on Larimer Square.  First impressions: to access Below you don’t actually have to dodge angry beer soaked jocks, because the entrance is actually in the alley between Larimer and Lawrence. After some wandering we descended down the one lone staircase, walked through a long hall passing by doors leading to kitchens and storage rooms before finally walking in. I liked it.   Very cool space to relax and talk, a small dance floor and a quieter room behind the bar with giant white eighties style sofas.

It reminded me of small bars and clubs in Prague – located behind random hard to find doors you can only find after walking around the block three times. Unlike Prague, where Stereo MCs was overplayed everywhere my last visit, Below hosts DJ Rockstar Aaron on Thursdays who was happy to take, (and play,) some requests.  The crowed was light but picked up after midnight.  It was more than I expected for being open less than a month.

According to Westword Below first opened in 2008, attracting an industrial crowd with it’s medieval decor. Now the owner, Bill Ward, is marketing Below as an alternative club in Larimer Square.  Denver’s gay community isn’t lacking in places to meet up for cocktails and gossip, however outside of Tracks or Compound a decent DJ and dance floor is hard to find.  We’ll see if Below can fill that void.

The only negative is the parking, which by night doesn’t exist save for $20 a night lots.  However it’s summer – so I recommend finding a local B-Cycle station and ride there.

Check out Kathleen St. John’s Denver Post review for even more details…

Speaking of gossip:  United 811 occurred 15 years before this episode was made.   I have a really good hunch on what the two extremely attractive male and female flight attendants @:52 spent their settlement money on.  How about that pilot though – he’s like the Sully of 1988…

This couple was visiting from Western Australia, and had traveled all the way to Denver to buy a bike from Da Vinci Designs, a local manufacturer of high end touring bikes.  This was the first I’ve heard of this local Denver company, and I was very impressed when seeing their work up close.  They showed me the hand made and welded seams, and while not a cycling engineer I could tell it was top notch work.

They were a pleasure to chat with – and told me after getting used to their bike and breaking it in they were off to tour the Czech Republic and central Europe.  Needless to say I was excited to hear about their adventure. They assured me they had not one but two extremely durable locks as well.

Meanwhile they were excited to learn there was a Target just blocks away. They also were wanting to find a pair of Crocs during their Denver stay, (I didn’t voice my opinion,) so I steered them towards the abandoned Crocs store at the airport.

I wished them a wonderful trip and I hope they’re having a fun and safe adventure.

Da Vinci Designs
2145 South Platte River Dr
davincitandems.com

The “tea selection” at many coffee shops is often a few scant boxes of assorted Lipton’s bags. It’s nothing special and you don’t get the fun of a sugary mocha-frappa whatever or an exotic dark drip coffee. But Daz Bog has invested in some fresh flavors, (four types of black teas and a delicious peppermint among many others,) and on the counter proudly sits little containers to sample the aromas. Fresh tea is steeped and you get a tiny little red pot to keep at your table- keeping it hot during a long sit.

Color me impressed. This is a novel way to serve tea at a coffee shop, and the selection is a big improvement.