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 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

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.

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.

It’s hard to believe a show this well done is actually on standard cable, (AMC.) I’ve been anxiously awaiting the third season, and the only people I’ve met that DON’T like this show are people who work with the type of characters it features – citing the realism being far too accurate.

Here are the details. and more info from their Facebook page.

I don’t know what goes on at the tour, and I don’t think Bryan Cranston, (the show’s star,) will be there, but if I ever had a reason to go to a boat and RV show this would certainly be it.

Here’s an excerpt from my original article after I started watching the first season:

I downloaded the first few episodes and was captivated at the story. Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, (who played the dad on Malcolm in the Middle,) is a high school science teacher whose better career days are behind him. Recently diagnosed with lung cancer he worries how he’ll support his wife, son, and new baby on the way. His bombastic and good natured brother in law is a DEA agent, and while on a ride along he meets a former student during a meth house bust. Jesse Pinkman, the student, gives Walt a primer on the street value of methamphetamine, and with Walt’s superb chemistry skills the two start cooking the highest quality product in Albuquerque – creating demand, enormous profit, and enormous problems for the two.

Walt transitions between his family life and his dealing with his illness – (doctors and health plans,) and the world of drugs, their users, and their consequences. The drug world is far from glamorized. Many wouldn’t care to watch a show about the dark world of meth, however the real story is about Walt’s decisions and his family, and his awakening due to cancer.

Filmed on location in New Mexico the outside imagery is harsh and blinding like the desert sun. Conversely, the interior shots are extreme too: Walt’s 70s style house is dark and shabby – a reflection of his internal feelings. Police offices and doctors facilities are cold and sterile. In the entire first season there’s only one scenario which I found too over the top, however the rest of the show is nailbiting, and Walt is a fascinating anti-hero in his quest to provide for his family.

Related: Breaking Bad

The menu was clean and simple consisting of about four appetizers and 10 entrees.  To start we did the Beef Sambusas, a fried pastry filled with meat resembling a cute little triangular empanada. My friend was convinced we needed some sort of dipping sauce, but the young lady assured him it would be fine without. It was.

My friend and I split the “Siga Wot” for an entree – flavored beef with pepper sauce and some small sides. The entire plate is served atop “Injera” bread, which is used to cup and scoop up the beef and accompaniments. I don’t care for extremely spicy food, preferring experiencing different flavors to searing my taste buds, and this was an excellent blend of unexpected, (and a few unidentifiable,) flavors.

I’m not an African cuisine expert so I can’t single out a huge difference between the plates of Arada versus my other neighborhood Ethiopian joint – however the atmosphere of Arada is above par. Brick walls with modern lighting and a quiet room for easy conversing. We were well tended too – probably because apart from a couple we were the only guests, but I suspect that’s because last week most waited up for Valentine’s Day to go out. It’s a perfect “new place to try” spot if you haven’t already.

750 Santa Fe Drive . aradarestaurant.com

Related: Ethiopian Restaurant Denver

This brings the second low cost carrier to the overpriced Gerald Ford airport, the second being Airtran which will start in May also to Baltimore and Orlando.  Except for Allegient, GRR is currently only served by the legacy’s regional branches, which are priced so high that many choose to drive to Detroit or Chicago for cheaper options.

An interesting note on DEN-GRR vs DEN-ORD (Chicago) both of which I fly often:  Both are listed on UAL as 2:26 hours flight time. GRR is 130 miles past Chicago, which shows just how much ATC padding is built into ORD arrivals.

Hopefully some action between these two newcomers will spur some pricing action.  Cranky Flier also points out Frontier’s flight times will be staggered apart from United’s, giving travelers more options in addition to what I hope will be dramatically, (or at least reasonably,) reduced fares.

Meanwhile if you’re planning a trip please check out my insider’s guide to Grand Rapids.

This isn’t a Starbucks espresso. Rather a finely ground coffee made from pre-boiled beans, (called cardamom,) and then sweetened. It’s definitely bitter at first taste, but eventually you appreciate it. Or you don’t. Some like it, some don’t. If you’re the person at work who makes the coffee too strong you’ll like it – and you won’t have co-workers cursing you from the break room.

My second favorite item here is the cucumber yogurt salad – a soupish type salad made from diced cucumbers, mint, garlic, yogurt and salt.

Everyone in Denver has probably walked or driven by Shish Kabob at some point – and even if you don’t care for quicksand like coffee it’s worth checking out for gyros and spiced rice.

They’re at 1503 Grant – and Colfax and Grant. www.shishkabobgrill.com

This one is in Greektown, on East Colfax at Fillmore. The colorful building isn’t shabby, but the adjacent vacant lot makes it seem so. You enter through the kitchen and small bar style area, and into a large dining room which makes up the other half. The tables are simple hard top and walls are spartan but decorated with some handiwork from the region.

When the food arrived it was a new experience! I’ve never eaten stew with my hands before. The owner brought out an enormous plate in one hand with one layer of bread on it. In his other hand was another tray with four small bowls containing the sides. He arranged the chicken, stew, and corn in little piles over the bread. My eyes darted around looking for the forks. There were none – you use your hands. Ethiopian food is slow cooked, then served on one large plate over a large round piece of warm bread called “injera.” You tear off a piece of the bread, (additional bread is served on the side,) and scoop up the beef, lamb or chicken. It sounds messy, but it’s not that difficult to form a little shovel out of bread, than fill it with the spicy pureed vegetables and side dishes.

Fortunately I was not dining with professionals, because I thought that white round item in the middle was a potato. It was in fact a hard boiled egg, which complemented the chicken and corn in a unique way.

The food was different – and now that I know what to expect I’m anxious to compare it against some other Ethiopian places. (Arada on Santa Fe is highly rated.) The only negatives: I have no idea how long traditional Ethiopian food needs to simmer, but we waited longer than expected – and others say the same. If you only fly around town with plastic you’ll need a bailout from your cash carrying friends, as they don’t accept credit cards.

They are included on the worldwide listing of Ethiopian Restaurants at ethiopianrestaurant.com

Oh and I’d really like this set of pots for my kitchen.

Two analyses that I’ve read have been Cranky Flyer’s take, which always includes some excellent discussion. This article states that Denver is not a large enough city to maintain three hubs, with UAL, Frontier, and Southwest all flying many of the same routes with rock bottom prices. I don’t disagree. It was fun while it lasted, and a nice change from 12 years prior.

Scott McCartney of Wall Street Journal blog feels that an increased Denver presence will ultimately hurt United. Here in Denver Frontier carries much hometown pride, and the comments in initial Denver Post article reflect that, with many comments bagging Southwest and worry of a big Texas company arriving in Colorado and shutting things down.

I love Frontier, their service, and the unique identity and branding they’ve created.

I’m not as concerned about where the company is based, (Southwest has brought jobs to Colorado too,) but I worry about losing Frontier’s service to Mexico. This will definitely be affected one way or another. Currently Frontier offers non-stop service to the big Mexican vacation cities. I’ve flown them to Cancun twice to start Yucatan excursions, to Puerta Vallarta, and Mazatlan.  During high season they offer at least two flights a day.  I like the selection, service, and price.  Frontier even offers service to Costa Rica.

United serves these routes too, however this will result in less competition and less frequency. American and Continental fly to Mexico through their respective Texas hubs, however non-stop flights are certainly preferred by me, even if the cost is a bit higher.

Losing this Mexico service a mi no es bueno…

On a related note: Every news article containing reader comments ends up turning into a “A is better than B” rant, with a detailed assessment of an airline based on their own personal limited number of flights. This isn’t Emirates versus RyanAir. There’s nothing individually special about UAL, Southwest, or Frontier – nor anything horrendous about them either.

Everyone seems to have a sob story about some airline that did something atrocious to them – but the reality is you go to the airport, enplane, sit in a chair, and be in another city in a few hours. That’s it – it’s rare that there’s anything further that’s special about the trip or you.

My first choice is United because with miles and mileage plus promos I get about two free trips every 18 months, (yes I can actually redeem them with good planning,) and they fly overseas allowing major mileage accrual. But I fly Frontier and Southwest when price and schedule suit me. Frontier has a good selection of non-stops to Mexico – and I’m flying Southwest in a few weeks because they have an early departure that I want, purposely paying a higher price on Southwest over Frontier or UAL so I can take an early return flight, arrive work in the morning, and avoid taking a day off.   Price isn’t everything. Period.  I’d rather have THREE airlines giving me non-stops from the east coast that morning rather than two.

People enjoy recanting their water cooler stories about being treated like cattle, or liking whoever because they can watch TV for two hours, (hey! books!) and other irrelevant (other than to them) personal experiences, but it’s more important to realize that variety and options are key.

Having three airlines with three different operating methods is something to keep and appreciate – regardless if you’ll never fly on X again because blah blah blah.

Speaking of bidding, if you’d like some high resolution photos of my Frontier airplanes shoot me an email. My stock footage is cheap – and in 10 years when Frontier is long forgotten maybe they’ll be worth something.

Related: Airline Competition in Denver.