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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To celebrate Earth Day, (which I realized has past,) Safeway has a little blue coupon book located at the checkout full of savings from various “green” companies.

One of them is a free 3.5 ounce cup of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. These aren’t very big - but hey they’re free. After finding the coupon yesterday I returned, snagged another book from up front and got two without any problem.

It’s a good deal, and if you have trouble putting down the spoon on a regular size carton (like me) these portion controlling freebies may be for you. Or a treat for the kids.

Hit a checkout line first and pick up the little book called “because you care about the environment.” The Ben & Jerry’s coupon expires 5/26. There’s also a coupon for 50 cents off Cliff bars, another high carb favorite of mine.

by James Van Dellen

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I’ve been testing out the Heineken mini keg this week.  Cost?  about $20.  Availability?  Select larger liquor stores.  Your corner store probably won’t carry it.   Other blogs and reviewers say it pours about 20 full glasses, which would be about $1 a glass.  Not bad.

Pros?  Pour your own custom size beer anytime.  Can have a small glass with dinner, or a large glass in front of the game. If you’re like me and enjoy using beer for cooking (steaks and making your own beer battered onion rings,)  its perfect for small amounts without using an entire bottle.  Ok I’m not kidding anyone - who can’t just finish half of a beer? 

Other pros:   Looks great at a party.  Large kegs are synonymous with drunk frat boys setting furniture on fire.  This keg fits right in next to the wine or in the fridge.   And it doesn’t take up any more space than one six pack of bottles or cans.

Cons:  Lots of foam until it chills down and settles.   If its rolling around in your car you’d better wait a few hours before imbibing.  Con #2:  you can’t hide it inside your jacket and sneak it into a club.

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Again my apologies for the lull in postings. I’ve just been super busy with some other projects, including planting a new tree in my front yard yesterday - Which resulted in me writing a “to-do” note to write a long photo post about Paulino Gardens, the most professional/knowledgeable nursery in Denver. This place is like walking into a small town farm in the heart of the city. The property has been around since 1915, and while now ensconced by freeways and warehouses its a gardener’s oasis in the city.

Anyway - as I’ve mentioned in past posts I’ve been fascinated by a West Michigan coffee chain named “Beaner’s.” Yes - there is, or was, actually a coffee shop called “Beaner’s.” Apparently when the original store was created it never registered to the founders that Beaners is not always used as a compliment when directed towards our Mexican friends. That said mis amigos mexicanos actually get a kick out of it when I tell them about the chain. Although I have no plans to ever bring my Beaner’s mug to work.

Imagine my surprise earlier this week when I saw that the “Beaners” sign had now become “Biggby’s Coffee.” (Good idea as they can keep the large “B” logo)

Turns out Beaner’s is looking to expand past it’s West Michigan confines, and along that line was advised that the name “Beaners” probably won’t fly so well in Santa Fe or San Diego. Or exist anywhere else west of the Mississippi without resulting in a few rocks through the window now and then.

I wonder if Latinos in Grand Rapids actually made an effort to avoid “Beaner’s?” Maybe my mug at home (thanks Mom,) and these photos from ‘06 will be worth something on Ebay.

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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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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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After a day of skiing in Breckenridge I usually head to “Downstairs at Erics,”  - the most popular pizza/hang out place in town.  Good pizza and a wide selection of beers round out this long standing establishment.  The only bad thing about Erics?  Located in the heart of Main Street they’re too popular.  As expected SuperBowl (come sue me NFL)  Sunday was packed, so we checked out the MotherLoaded Tavern, a mere 20 steps north of Erics at the southwest corner of Main Street and Ski Hill Road.

MotherLoaded takes you back to good old home cooking, before “healthy” TV dinners and a time when you actually bought a microwave at a microwave store.  And they’re the first to say they’re definitely borderline (or not) proud white trash cooking.  Their goal is to serve “The Best and Worst of Americana,” by recreating the fond dishes you grew up with. 

Interspersed among standard dishes of burgers, salads, and sandwiches are some definitely, umm, unique plates.  How about a Meatloaf Panini?  Or a grilled PB&J sandwich?  If you’ve ever wanted Mac & Cheese with a side of Bush’s Bake Beans but couldn’t bring yourself to prepare it - you can get it here…  They even offer a casserole of the day and shots of Mad Dog at 4:20 and 5:20. 

Back to the future: someone on staff must be from New Orleans, because they also have Catfish Po’Boys and red bean and rice gumbo.  Definitely one of the most bizarre, and enjoyable places I’ve visited.  Might I suggest one of my mom’s 80s favorites:  Hot Dog casserole.

Their site, and full menu.   Check out more Breckenridge places, including the Historic “Brown Hotel and Restaurant” from my earlier article.

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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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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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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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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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I’ve been spending the past few days in Orange County visiting friends and family, and exploring places such as the Mission Viejo Target and Downtown Disney. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a quaint little restaurant (that seats over 600 people,) I suggest driving to Anaheim, exiting on “Disney Way,” west to Harbor Blvd, enter the Disneyland main entrance, park in F5, walk to the “Downtown Disney” retail district, turn left and enter the Rainforest Cafe. After walking through the Rainforest Cafe’s retail store your “safari guide” will greet you, and if you prefer patio seating you’ll walk up flight of stairs to the mezzanine seating podium, check in and be sent past a waterfall, down another flight of stairs, walk through an automatic door, check with the patio seating agent, and be seated at one of about 100 tables. Hey it’s not easy to get to the rainforest, so why should it be convenient to grab a bit to eat at the Rainforest Cafe?

Generally my rule is I don’t walk through a restaurant’s store to get to the restaurant itself, (that includes you Cracker Barrel and your delicious jams,) but we were pining for what I guess is Amazonian American food - and it turns out despite my distaste for restaurants of stadium proportions I really enjoyed their clam chowder and had an excellent Cobb Salad. Hey wait clam chowder doesn’t originate from the… Never mind. I believe I also recognized some aquarium fragments from Denver’s now shuttered Rainforest Cafe.

And it was cute when a “lava volcano mud something or other” (five scoops of ice cream inside four vertical wedges of chocolate cake,) arrived at a little kid’s table and he could barely contain his excitement.

I thought it would be fun to visit San Diego during this sunny postcard SoCal day. A perfect southern California day consists of temperatures in the 70s, clear skies, and some moderate winds which work hard to clear out any haze - giving you unspoiled vistas of the snow-capped San Gabriel mountains and ocean. It’s a welcome change from last year’s holiday week - which consisted of digging out cars, shoveling driveways, and sliding down icy streets. In fact I wouldn’t mind living in southern California again, except I just can’t tolerate the traffic. Perhaps if I had a time machine I could live in 1950s Orange County - and I could hot rod it between then small town diners which at that time were separated by miles and miles of orange fields.

We sped down the 5 freeway past the hills of south Orange County and through the open space of San Onofre and Camp Pendleton. We arrived San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood mid day. Hillcrest is a couple miles north of downtown San Diego, and is known as the gay neighborhood, but is also populated with vintage and modern clothing stores, music and body design stores, and a great collection of local food joints.

From Hillquest.com - the Hillcrest sign which stands at 5th and University was erected by several female shopkeepers in 1940 to promote their stores. After years of disrepair it now lights up every night, which current local merchants contributing to it’s care. Kasa Korbett’s site has a full list of merchants, and a good site to visit if planning to visit.

After checking out Flashback and buying some threads at “Wear it Again Sam” we looked for a place to eat. The local Hamburger Mary’s is now Urban Mo’s Bar - and being in the mood for something spicy we walked up University and found Baja Betty’s. Baja Betty’s is on the east end of Hillcrest at 1421 University. Like many Mexican restaurants they have a ton of flavored drinks which makes selection a challenge. (As usual I start with the house, and here I wound up liking the lemon drop and cointreau filled Platinum.) Baja Betty’s also has daily specials on margaritas and dinner plates. Something unexpected I noticed: To me it seemed their food was prepared much healthier than most Mexican restaurants. My “el tigre” salad consisted of romaine lettuce and watercress stems with a light Caesar dressing. The quesadillas were also light, stuffed with chicken and not overburdened with greasy cheese. Very healthy in general - which left plenty of room for tequila laden salty rimmed margaritas this beautiful afternoon.

They don’t serve any desserts which resemble a glucose filled volcano - which may just require a trip back to the rainforest.

*Rainforest Cafe photo from daroffdesign.com

James Van Dellen

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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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I was talking to someone a few days back about a local restaurant that operates completely on a volunteer and donation basis. Neither of could remember who or where it was, but we both agreed it wasn’t the weekly Hare Krishna buffet on 14th Avenue.

Then a day later I heard about the one year anniversary of SAME Cafe on Colorado Matters, a local affairs show produced by Colorado Public Radio.

Owners Brad and Libby of SAME - which stands for “So All May Eat” tell Brian Warner of Colorado Matters they have three to four volunteers a day, more on weekends, and about 30 per week on and off. Each day they prepare food for locals and the needy alike. Normally those hungering for a substantial meal find themselves waiting in long lines or going to a shelter - but here they are able to enjoy a meal in a normal restaurant setting and interact and associate with others - rather than processing themselves through an assembly line.

Libby says many people that frequent the restaurant aren’t necessarily homeless or living on the streets, but people working multiple jobs yet still struggling to make ends meet. Often those working multiple jobs are eating the least nutritious meals - relying on fast food and convenience store fare - so SAME Cafe is a healthy alternative to eat and socialize. My only wish for them is that they would extend their weekday hours into the evening, or gain enough helping hands to be open from 4pm - 8pm in addition to their four hour midday block.

SAME cafe is at 2023 East Colfax. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, and Saturdays from 11 to 8pm.

They were featured in the Rocky Mountain News last April.  Their blog has menu rotations and community issues. If anyone has visited this place or volunteered please share your experiences!

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First, I recognize the irony or offensiveness of highlighting a vegetarian restaurant following a post picturing a giant ham. But lovers of ham, steaks and meats can appreciate good vegan cooking right?

Saving the leftover ham for this week’s lunches we dined at Watercourse Foods Friday. Watercourse is one of the few vegetarian restaurants in Denver. Their original location on 13th Avenue still houses the Watercourse Bakery and the adjacent “City O’ City” coffee shop, but their location on 17th Street is an impressive and so far successful venture as a large, modern and happening, well-known establishment.

I’ve seen Watercourse and the multiple bikes out front when visiting JR’s or the gourmet food shop Marzyck’s - all located at 17th and Clarkson, but Friday was my first time inside. The Black Friday sales and fistfights must have been winding down early because at 11am I was surprised to find the place packed. We waited about 15 minutes and were soon seated.

Entering you find a coffee bar for folks who just want coffee, tea, muffins, or desserts. The large “L” shaped dining area is a brightly light and cheerful space colored in yellows, blues, and earth toned paintings. The interior was far larger than I expected.

Caleb had the Po Boy - a portobello mushroom sandwich with chipotle and coleslaw, and I had “The Dickens” - a romaine and leaf lettuce salad with seitan, onion rings, butternut squash, in maple dijon dressing. There’s a large selection of pasta dishes, and a full beer and wine menu.

The atmosphere was festive even on this overcast day. Although busy the staff was happy, cheerful, and gave us individual attention.  And even during the rush the owner Dan stopped by our table to chat and hear our opinions as first timers. If you’re in Denver and searching for a lively centrally located restaurant with good healthy food check them out. Like myself you don’t have to be a vegetarian to appreciate their fine offerings.

Menu and location at watercoursefoods.com

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Back in late March I posted on my disappointment in seeing the Diedrich Coffee locations in Denver bought out and converted to Daz Bog, most notably the one I visited frequently at 12th and Clayton in Denver’s Congress Park neighborhood. I had and have nothing against Daz Bog’s coffee, but rather their immediate and abrupt changes to the three neighborhood coffee shops around Capitol Hill and Congress Park. Among a complaint from my post:

The sandwiches. Diedrich served a fresh made ham or turkey sandwich filled with fixins, including pickles and cucumbers. They have now vanished. I wasn’t the only one bitching. Many Congress Park regulars were commiserating along side myself about the loss of these well priced delectable delights. If only I had taken a picture of one of these wonderful sandwiches. Now they exist only in my memories.

I visited Daz Bag this morning to see what was new. It’s a beautiful sunny warm fall day, and the establishment is void of any life save for the staff. No exaggeration: At 10:30 I was the ONLY person sitting inside the shop, with just one other lone patron on the patio.

Local business, and anyone considering taking over a local business take note: When you bulldoze into an establishment with a loyal community following and make sudden seemingly cost saving changes with any input from the clientele that made the business what it is - don’t be surprised when those people abandon you.

But where oh where do I pass my Saturday morning? My recommendations for the best coffee shop in Congress Park would be “Under the Umbrella,” just a few blocks east at 12th and Madison, or Java Creek in Cherry Creek. Also just three blocks north of the Congress Park Daz Bog is the Tattered Cover bookstore which has a small cafe and free Wi-Fi.

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I wouldn’t consider traveling 10 miles to a suburban Omni Hotel to be an exotic experience.  If traveling on business I certainly wouldn’t decline a night at an Omni, but large corporate hotels generally aren’t my taste. 

When I read about Omni Hotel’s  “Discover Argentina” package I skeptically thought, “yeah as authentic as a visit to a gated Mexican time share.”  But I checked out the details and menu and it actually looks quite interesting.  Is it possible for U.S. chefs to recreate the culinary experiences of Argentina?  If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in or near your home check out your nearest Omni.  It may be the best place topside of the equator for tasty meat filled empanada. 

The packages start at $329 a night and runs through January 19th.  Omnihotels.com has details, locations, and menu.  

If anyone has experienced this package or has plans to I’d love a review.

In September approximately 40 of Omni’s executive chefs and food and beverage professionals visited Buenos Aires and Mendoza to learn the traditions of Argentinean cooking, wine and culture.  Omni Hotels’ professionals visited more than 14 wineries in Argentina to gain first-hand knowledge from grape growers and wine makers and then hand selected the wines guests would experience as part of the program.  The Sumptuous Flavors of Argentina was arranged in partnership with Wines of Argentina, a body that works with more than 100 wineries spread across every region of the country and that represents 95 percent of Argentinean wine exports.  This marks the fifth in an annual series of Omni Hotels’ Flavors of the World programs, designed to expose its chefs to various world cuisines in order to create unique global offerings for its guests.  Past Flavors of the World programs included foods and wines from Spain, Chile and Italy.  

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