Colorado Denver Hotels Restaurants: Colorado Denver Hotels Restaurants
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Denver à la Française: A French Whirlwind in the Mile-High City
Feeling Très Royale at Bistro Vendôme
Hmmmm, Kir Royale. Yum. I love the sensation of sweet, bubbly goodness that this cocktail produces in my mouth. Its balance of effervescence and full, ripe fruit tantalizes and satisfies like well, hmmmm, yes. I guess that’s why this is a drink for lovers.
Actually I was with my girlfriend, Mary Dawn, recently when I sipped this delicious nectar at Bistro Vendôme in Denver. (Hey, you don’t have to be with a guy to feel sexy, especially since women often do a better job than men at making other women feel attractive, wouldn’t you agree?) We were both feeling PRETT-Y perky—you know two girls out on the town in the big city feeling footloose and fancy free.
I think it was the whole French thing that brought these sentiments on and, of course, the Kir Royale, a fabulous apéritif that embodies all the lusciousness and fizz of Paree. Ours was raspberry, likely made with Chambord, which, as I explained to MD, was made with champagne (or at least sparkling wine), as indicated by the word royale. (A regular kir is made with white wine—or sometimes a chilled red in France—and a touch of crème de cassis.)
We were to be in Denver less-than twenty-four hours and in honor of the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, I insisted we make it a totally French experience. I had zeroed in on Denver’s Italian flair before (see below), however, I hadn’t explored its French side. I had visited Yves Saint Lauent: The Retrospective in the afternoon and was already feeling fantastique. We had also already checked into the Ritz-Carlton Denver, the mile-high city’s first and only AAA five-diamond hotel where I was happy to discover much of the grandeur and elegance of Paris. So the French theme was well underway.
Voilå, zee Ritz
Bistro Vendôme: Never Has Denver Been So French
La Carte Comme à Paris
As we approached the entrance to Bistro Vendôme, just off historic Larimer Square, it felt like I was stepping into one of my favorite nooks of Paris. Had the weather not been so uncertain, we would have opted to dine in the Bistro Vendôme courtyard, a privileged enclave that exudes the charm and country-French goodness of outdoor dining in the City of Light. Inside the ambiance felt equally Parisian and as I took in this intimate space, I was thrilled to discover familiar French bistrot elements including wooden tables, mustard-colored walls, lace curtains and mirrors touting the menu du jour in handwritten lettering.
Here Chef de Cuisine Dana Rodriguez serves up exceptional French cuisine of the sort of bistrot quality similar to what I’ve enjoyed at favorite Paris bistrots such as renowned Chef Guy Savoy’s Bouquinistes. Vraiment exceptionnel. For starters I reveled in Foie Gras à la Rhubarb composed of pan seared foie gras (from the Hudson Valley), rhubarb jam, brioche, balsamic reduction, pickled rhubarb and micro basil. This, of course, commanded a second glass of Royale. I let myself be tempted by the Confit de Canard for the main course, a traditional French dish that also surpassed my expectations. MD and I shared a berry napoleon, a heavenly assemblage of fresh fruit, cream and pastry for dessert. The meal was fabulous and served in a smooth, efficient manner since we needed to trot off to a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
We saw “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” and laughed hysterically for two hours. It wasn’t especially French—except for the love component—so I’ll report on that in another post.
Our Table de Dégustation chez Cru
Cru's Line Up of Wines
Cru's Parisian Feel
MD and I circled back to Larimer Square for after-theater fun. We settled into Cru, a high-end wine bar and restaurant that I was most attracted to because of its name and also Mary Dawn’s recommendation. Here we were wooed by the tasting of a variety of wines, each accompanied by its perfectly paired treat. With dark chocolate-covered strawberries we sipped Veuve Clicquot, a fromage double crème cheese from Provence, served with honey-drizzled apples and pears, enhanced the crispness of a Pouilly Fuissé, spoonfuls of Dulce de Leche waltzed us through a sweet wine from California and a molten chocolate cake brought out all the complexities of a rich red. Mon dieu! That was quite a lot of tasting. Fortunately the portions were small for both the food and wine.
That’s, in fact, part of the beauty of Cru—they offer a tasting experience hard-to-find elsewhere. Flights, a taste of three, two-ounce wines that are related to one another by grape varietal, geographic region or style, are a good way to sample different wines. Names such as Patio Whites or Backpacking Through Europe make the experience all the more fun. Cru also serves half glasses of wine, so there’s no need to go overboard. This handsome establishment remains open until 2 a.m. and also serves lunch on their front patio and in their back garden.
Our Golden Refuge at the Ritz-Carlton Denver
Back at the Ritz, Mary Dawn and I enjoyed our luxurious room, decorated in a rich palette of gold. We were here just long enough to notice the handsome Colorado influences throughout the hotel including the many accents of earthy hues and artwork from Colorado. Each room boasts one of John Fielder’s impressive books. Needless-to-say, we didn’t find a minute to crack ours. We did, however, check out their incredible Forza Fitness center that spans three floors over 55,000 feet. Their basketball court, which is housed in the walkway that spans two buildings, would even impress the French.
Croque Madame: Another Rive Gauche Special at Elway's
We figured we’d save our exercising for back in Telluride and instead opted to indulge in the special Rive Gauche breakfast at Elway’s, Ritz Carlton Denver’s signature restaurant, in honor of the YSL show. Thankfully here they respect the French tradition in presenting small portions of superior quality. MD and I both regaled in Savory Local Mushroom Crêpes (crimini in this case), served with truffle frites and baby greens. Just like in France, the food was light, lovely and full of flavor. I love the vibrant, swanky decor of Elway’s, the perfect finale to our French-inspired Denver stay.
Mary Dawn and I departed with all the ease and good tidings of a checkout at a top Paris hotel. The staff seemed to express sincere regret in seeing us off, making us feel as though we had now joined the ranks of their most cherished guests. Being two single gals out on the town, that felt especially flattering.
Valentino Checking Out of the Ritz
And then it occurred to me that perhaps all the attention wasn’t so much about us two gals. Our special Yves Saint Laurent/French-inspired stay was injected with added panache by a certain handsome fella named Valentino. (Who else would we bring on a YSL weekend?) I guess when you’re two ladies gadding about it’s always good to have a dashing escort in tow.
Note that I’ll be posting a story about my travels with Valentino, Mary Dawn’s gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog, in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, you can learn more about this alpine treasure and Mary Dawn’s Alpen Schatz, a European-styled shop located in Telluride. It’s an online boutique as well.
Read Denver Art Museum Salutes Yves Saint Laurent and More to hear my take on the YSL show and to listen to an interview with a DAM representative.
Contact Ritz-Carlton Denver (800-241-3333) to find out about their special Yves Saint Laurent package that includes two V.I.P. tickets to the YSL show, a spa treatment, brasserie-inspired Rive Gauche breakfast for two at Elway’s and other style-y amenities.
Read More LoDo Love and Night Out in Denver for more on Denver’s wonderful Larimer Square area.
Sophisticated shoppers and travelers might also want to consult my story Cherry Creek: One of America’s Top Spots for Chic Shopping, Lodging and Dining. I also highlight Elway’s Cherry Creek in that piece.
Check out Viva Italia, Viva Italian Americans, Viva la Dolce Vita in Denver to read about an Italian-inspired trip to Denver.
Bistro Vendôme Courtyard: Un Havre de Paix in the Middle of Denver
Thank you to Marc Piscotty, Bistro Vendôme, Cru, Ritz-Carlton Denver and my trusty iPhone for the above images.
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Denver Art Museum Salutes Yves Saint Laurent and More
One of Many Engaging Displays at the YSL Show in Denver
“Rien n’est plus beau qu’un corps nu.
Le plus beau vêtement qui puisse habiller une femme ce sont les bras de l’homme qu’elle aime.
Mais pour celles qui n’ont pas eu la chance de trouver ce bonheur je suis là.”
—Yves Saint Laurent
I’d loosely translate the above as follows:
Nothing is more beautiful than a naked body.
The most beautiful clothing that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves.
But for those who don’t have the fortune to find this happiness, I am there.
One of Many YSL Ball Gowns on View at the Denver Art Museum
Wow! That’s how I feel about the above and that was my reaction after visiting Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) recently. Wow, wow, wow. What a gorgeous show. Men, please keep reading and listen to the below podcast. Even those of you that might not have an interest in fashion will surely be dazzled by this extraordinary exhibition.Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most legendary fashion designers, opened his first couture house in Paris in the early 1960s at a time when the world would experience great change, especially for women.
From a historical perspective, the YSL retrospective is fascinating. It’s a dynamic show that examines the many external events that influenced this man’s forty years of creativity through a variety of media including photography and videos.
But let’s get back to the women. This man loved women. So much so, in fact, that he primarily worked on live models so that he could take in their gestures, their movements, their élégance. “He really had a goal of making women feel loved and empowered from what they were wearing,” says Tara Moberly, from the press department of the DAM, in our below interview. Indeed and this show-stopping exhibition offers a stunning look at Yves Saint Laurent’s work throughout his illustrious career. From the wall of colors that showcase the couturier’s vast collection of swatches to the black on black display of his famous tuxedos to the grand finale of ball gowns, this exhibition provides a feast for the eyes at every turn.
Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building
And how was Denver so lucky to land such a show, an exhibition that was only presented in two other cities including Paris (at Le Petit Palais) and Madrid? You’ll have to listen to the below interview with Tara to find out. Here’s a hint: the dramatic spaces of the recently-opened Hamilton Building lends themselves to such spectacular shows. (You might also enjoy my story Yves-Saint Lauren Comes to Denver that I posted a year ago after I heard about the show coming to the DAM.)
Le Smoking in Thirty Different YSL Versions
Zee Grand Finale of the YSL Show
So put on your most vivid colors (or your basic black), throw your shoulders back and sashay on over to this visually stunning Yves Saint Laurent show at the DAM through July 8th. (Best to reserve in advance.) I promise you’ll revel at the two hundred haute couture pieces on view and more including clips from his last runway show in 2002.
One of Many Evocative Pins from Madeleine Albright's Collection
Carve out time to take in Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection (through June 17th), a fascinating collection of pins worn by the former Secretary of State. I had no idea that her pins were more than a fashion statement—they were often a way for her to convey a message.
You might want to spend the whole day at the Denver Art Museum in fact. It’s the largest museum between Chicago and the West Coast with a wide variety of permanent collections from Pre-Columbian Art to Oceanic Art to Western American Art.
Upcoming shows including Now Boarding (July 15th-October 7th), an exhibition that features the history of airports and where they’re headed, surely a must for all travelers. I’m also excited about the Denver-only Van Gogh show, entitled Becoming Van Gogh that will be at the museum October 21st thru January 20th.
Click on the play button below to hear Tara Moberly talk about the Denver Art Museum, the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition and other exciting shows and happenings at this dynamic museum in the mile-high city.
Tip: Admission to the DAM is free on the first Saturday of every month.
Thank you to the Denver Art Museum and John Bigelow Taylor (Madeleine Albright pin) for the use of the above images.
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Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park: A Refuge in the Storm
Radiant Warmth at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park
Talk about walloped. Wow, Denver was hit hard with this last snowstorm that pummeled Colorado. Here in the mountains, most of us were lucky to eek out a few inches from this major dump. But Denver and the outlying region was buried in up to two feet of snow in some areas.
I can’t imagine the mayhem at Denver International Airport (DIA) where over six hundred flights were cancelled. And just because it’s Colorado, don’t think they’re any better equipped to deal with such a storm than other major airports. I’m sure people were holed up in airport hotels for days. That’s if they could find a room in the first place!
It’s in anticipation of these circumstances and others that I’m forever recommending people spend a night or two in Denver, or at DIA, when traveling to Colorado, especially in the winter. Why stress out? Also, I think it helps a lot to stay in the mile-high city—or at DIA—one night before reaching elevations of over 7,500 feet in the mountains. If you’re on your way home, it’s nice just to relax and catch your breath before flying out, particularly if you have an early morning departure.
Soothing Calm Away from the Fray
The problem is that some of these airport hotels feel stale and dated, not the sort of atmosphere you want to take in at either the beginning or the end of a trip. This is certainly not the case at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park, an inviting property that truly inspires relaxation and calm. Style-y guest rooms exude luxury in everything from deluxe bed linens to sleek and efficient work stations. Dining at the hotel’s Gateway Bistro also offers a superlative experience above and beyond typical airport hotel restaurants. (Even folks from the surrounding area come here to dine either for a night out or for events such as a Mother’s Day Brunch.)
Yesterday I began to hear rumbles about a “mother of a storm” off California that some are claiming will bring some significant weather to Colorado within these next ten days. The snow dance drums have begun to beat once again. Let’s hope the Rockies get hit hard this time and that Denver is spared. Although if you want to play it safe, reserve a night at Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park—one on your way in for acclimatization and one on your way out to avoid any potential upsets. Remember that out snowiest weeks of the season are yet to come and it’s no fun to be stranded out in the cold.
For hotel recommendations within Denver, go to my Faves Page where you’ll find some of my favorites.
Colorado Denver Fashion & Style Hotels Restaurants Shopping The Rockies: Colorado Denver Fashion & Style Hotels Restaurants Shopping The Rockies
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Cherry Creek: One of America’s Top Spots for Chic Shopping, Lodging and Dining
City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks, Dressed in Holiday Style. It's Christmastime in the Mile-High City.
Where are you shopping this weekend? With only two weeks left until Christmas, I’d say there’s a good chance you might find yourself in a store. Many Americans will be hitting the mall, a dreaded chore for some unless you’re lucky enough to experience the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver, one of the world’s premier showcases for quality goods from sunglasses to kitchen accessories to classic and up-to-the-minute fashions. Think Tysons Corner and Bal Harbour Shops—if you’ve been to either of these renowned shopping areas you have a good idea of what to expect at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. From Burberry to Juicy Couture to Montblanc to Keihl’s and many more, the finest American and European brands reign here in great force. Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus anchor this alluring complex where even during this busy retail season, shopping is a delight. You’ll also find an Apple store among the mall’s 160 retailers, reason alone to hit this celebrated shopping place in Denver. Their jewel-like Ice Palace where Santa Claus holds court distinguishes itself by having a Santa that signs to deaf and hearing impaired children. Indeed, this is not your ordinary mall.
I suggest you plan to spend at least a couple of days in this most gentrified part of Denver. You’ll also want to take in Cherry Creek North, a lively shopping district next to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, comprised of over three hundred upscale boutiques, galleries, restaurants, salons and spas within a sixteen-block area. I love the leisurely feel of this area where you can shop at big and small emporiums such as Crate and Barrel, Eileen Fischer, Loro Piana, Lands’ End and many more. Why, there’s even an Hermès.
Me at The Lark
Looking for an even more boutique-y shopping experience? If so, you’re my kind of shopper. Just about a mile away from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North, you’ll find a handful of shops worth the detour. Within the Country Club part of Denver’s Cherry Creek, I visited a few quaint stores that remind me of the sort of off-the-beaten-path boutiques I’d bring people to in Paris during one of my Chic Promenade shopping tours. (My official entry into the travel world came via a shopping service I founded in Paris during the late eighties.)
Don’t we all want to go where the locals shop? That’s becoming more of a rarity these days and all too often everything looks alike no matter where we go. Clearly the fashionable ladies of this well-heeled neighborhood have done a good job of patronizing this conglomeration of shops north of Speer near Downing Street since the ones I visited appear to be thriving.
You’ll want to stop first at The Lark (1219 E. 4th Avenue, 303-744-7464), a warm and inviting table arts and home decor shop that’s been here for forty years. Owners Jane Smithers and Jill Livian present gifts galore, all tastefully displayed on large wooden tables, endearing tableaus that showcase a festival of colors and textures, no matter the season. “We like to offer tradition with a twist,” Jane tells me. “I try to find things that look expensive but aren’t,” she continues. With backgrounds and extensive knowledge in interior design and decor, clearly these two ladies know how to pull together a look with great style. “Most Denver home decor shops have gone contemporary,” Jane explains to me. At The Lark you’ll find stylish lamps, frames, dinnerware, glassware, linens, decorations and more that exude such elegance and verve they’ll always be in fashion.
Lewis Bobrick Finds
Next door at Lewis Bobrick Antiques (1213 E. 4th Avenue, 303-744-9203), Native American arts and crafts vie for attention alongside western paintings, Persian rugs and sometimes even Italian ceramics from the sixties. “Anything with a patina works for me,” Lewis Bobrick explains, a well-respected dealer that’s been at this location for fifteen years. “Most things find me,” he responds when asked where he procures such an eclectic array of art and antiques. After digging a little more, I also learn that Mr. Bobrick spends a lot of time with pickers in Santa Fe. Ah-ha!
Bargain hunters must take in La Cache (400 Downing, 303-871-9605), a consignment shop benefiting the Children’s Hospital of Denver, which occupies the corner spot of Downing and 4th Avenue. How about snatching up a Prince Charles and Lady Diana souvenir plate for $22.? Or a cut-glass bowl, perfect for your next dinner party? You’ll find all kinds of collectibles, table arts, paintings and furnishings here, all finely-made treasures likely dropped off by the ladies of this tony part of Denver. It’s an old-fashioned store filled with old-fashioned goods that sell at old-fashioned prices. Still though they’re turning a nice profit because La Cache has raised close to three million dollars for the Children’s Hospital since their opening in the mid eighties.
HMK Enchantment
For a whiff of Old World charm, wend your way around the corner and peek into HMK (408 Downing Street, 303-321-5878), a darling floral and home accessories shop filled with more sentimental gift ideas. Truly this reminds me of the sort of neighborhood florist I’d find tucked away on a side street in Paris.
Voilà, that concludes this chic promenade through Denver. Bet you didn’t realize that Denver and especially the Cherry Creek district of the mile-high city offered such extraordinary shopping. Mais oui, from big names to lesser-known boutiques, there’s something for every taste and budget, every season of the year.
Where to Stay
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek, 150 Clayton Lane, 303-326-2700
This JW Marriott in Cherry Creek is a must. No other establishment epitomizes the sophistication and naturally refined style of this renowned Denver neighborhood than this stunning hotel. Good news, too: a recently-completed five million dollar renovation of this seven-year-old establishment has rendered it more sleek and spectacular than before. The color palate in most of the rooms features dark blues, with hints of magenta and orange, perfect hues for accenting the sunsets that captivate you from most of their guest rooms. Overall, I love the warm, contemporary vibe of this JW Marriott and I’m sure you will, too.
Sunset View at JW Marriott Denver
Where to Eat
Second Home Kitchen + Bar, 150 Clayton Lane, 303-253-3000
Down-Home Urbanity at Second Home
Located within the JW Marriott Cherry Creek, Second Home Kitchen + Bar evokes a sense of style and ease that we all crave, especially after a big day of shopping. I love how the notion of urban sophistication translates into the menu of this Sage Restaurant Group concept dining establishment. You can savor a plate of artisanal cheeses or charcuterie with fine wine or come with the kids (in their pajamas, if you want) for Sunday brunch. Other upscale comfort food selections include Chicken & Waffles, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Romaine Salad, Brick Oven Pizzas, Sugar Mama’s Rum Cake and many more delectable offerings. Never has home cooking tasted so fresh and flavorful. Their lively bar scene rates as one of the best in Cherry Creek as well.
Yummy Dessert at Second Home
Elway’s, 2500 East First Avenue, 303-399-5353
Elway's
If you’re looking to take up the swank a notch, book a table at Elway’s Cherry Creek, conveniently situated at the edge of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Their booths and tables fill with a big business crowd at lunch, creating a club-y feel akin to major cosmopolitan centers. In the evening, the scene slips into a decidedly more intimate mode. At all times, the sleek, Art Deco-inspired decor of this elegant space provides a soothing backdrop for a break from the busy-ness of the Cherry Creek retail scene. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, you’re sure to wow yourself over their beautifully prepared seafood and steaks. And for desert, you can order Elway’s crème brulée by the spoonful. But I suggest you don’t, since it’s so exquisite you’ll want to gobble up a full portion unless, of course, you hardly have room after your Maine Lobster Tail or Grilled King Canyon Buffalo Ribeye.
Elway's Crab Cakes
This Just In
Elway’s Vail recently opened and is now serving après ski and dinner daily. Check them out at 174 East Gore Creek Drive, 970-754-7818.
Hotel Happiness in Denver
TownePlaza Suites Denver Downtown
Looking for a fun, convenient and affordable place to stay in downtown Denver? Check out Marriot’s TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown, a chain hotel with charm. Of course I was drawn to this property since it occupies the legendary A.B. Hirshfeld Press Building, a handsome structure over a century-old located on Speer Boulevard. Historic photos, modish- colored furnishings and accent pieces dress up this property with style and panache. Everywhere you turn there’s something interesting, fun or joyful to look at or experience. (No dreary breakfast bars here!)
An Inviting Breakfast and Snack Area
You’ll likely be most impressed by their prices, which means you’ll want to reserve in advance. It’s my bet that the word is out about TownePlace Suites Denver since their price/quality relationship seems hard to beat. Check their last-minute weekend rates as well for even more exceptional value. Parking is easy and free here, too. And the staff can’t be nicer.
I love their downtown location, just minutes from Cherry Creek and only a short distance from the Denver Art Museum. LoDo and the 16th Street Mall aren’t far either, however, you’ll find lots of neat little restaurants in the neighborhood. Athletic types will love the easy access to the Cherry Creek Trail, a scenic cycling/walking path right outside the hotel’s door. And if you need to stay in, do some work, cook a meal and then just relax, you’ll find everything to your liking at this cheery and well-run all-suite hotel. A real deal.
TownePlace Suites Denver Downtown, 685 Speer Boulevard, 303-722-2322.
A Bright Home Away from Home
Art & Culture Colorado Denver Hotels Music & Dance Restaurants: Art & Culture Colorado Denver Hotels Music & Dance Restaurants
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DCPA, The Lion King, Kevin Taylor and Other Roars About Denver’s Downtown and LoDo
The Lion King
With Halloween behind us, we can focus more on the real holiday season, the nearly two-month period that begins right about now. (You all must know that it has been moved up!) For me, one of the nicest things to do during this festive period is to go out on the town for dinner and a show, a not-too-easy feat from Telluride but certainly closer than New York.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) makes such a night out worth the effort since they consistently offer a tremendous lineup of shows and performances, all concentrated within a twelve-acre, four-block complex in the heart of downtown Denver. Did you know that DCPA is the second largest arts complex in the country? Their ten performance spaces beautifully accommodate Broadway touring productions, a major symphony and opera, dance and ballet, chorales and a variety of theater groups. They can seat 10,000 people within their theaters, splendid showplaces of varying sizes connected by an eighty-foot-tall glass roof.
And tonight “The Lion King” opens at The Buell Theatre for a five-week run! This dazzling production enjoyed sell-out shows during their 2002 and 2006 engagements in Denver. Tickets are still available for this stint but as expected, they’re going fast. I hope I can take it in since I love great stories, spectacular shows and cats of all kinds.
The Bar at Kevin Taylor's at The Opera House
Wondering where to have dinner near the DCPA? Let me suggest Kevin Taylor’s at The Opera House, just steps away from any of the performances. The sophisticated, dramatic decor here makes you feel as though you’re sitting upon a stage, one in which la mise en place and mise en scène of everything—from the costumes on the wall to the food on your plates—are clearly of the utmost importance. Yes, here you can easily applaud all the visual and gustatory effects that open your evening like a red velvet curtain parting before you. Probably the best news of this performance, however, is that they serve fine food and drink in near-record time. Accustomed to catering to people in a rush, the waitstaff at Kevin Taylor’s at The Opera House always makes sure you’re served in plenty of time for your show.
Colorado native Kevin Taylor stands out as one of Denver’s top restaurateurs, boasting five dining establishments in Denver and one in Central City, Colorado. Also at the DCPA, Kevin’s Limelight Supper Club & Lounge headlines fresh and casual cuisine for the pre and post theatre crowds.
If you’re able to carve out more time, Prima Ristorante, one of KT’s other establishments, is just a short walk away in Denver’s Lower Downtown, or LoDo, one of my favorite neighborhoods of the mile-high city. Situated within the lovely Hotel Teatro, Prima features light Italian fare in an open and airy, Euro-inspired setting. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so maybe you can make a meal here work with your matinée or evening performance schedule. Restaurant Kevin Taylor, also located within Hotel Teatro, commands that you spend more time à table. Haute cuisine cannot be rushed, n’est-ce pas?
Succulent Beef: The Main Act at Kevin Taylor's
The Dining Room at Kevin Taylor's at The Opera House
When at the Teatro, be sure to look around to admire their many glorious costumes on display from past theater productions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. This boutique hotel reminds me of an Italian villa, a real gem. Even better, book a room here.
Leo, My Lion King, Roaring or Perhaps Yawning
You can also stay at The Curtis, another one of my favorites, located right across the street from DCPA. Light-hearted types—or perhaps those most in need of a good chuckle—will love it!
Aren’t the holidays supposed to be about fun and merry-making? We have enough Greek tragedies in our lives these days in any event.
Check out Hysterical in Denver, Viva Italia, Viva Italian Americans, Viva la Dolce Vita in Denver and Holiday Time in Denver for more stories on DCPA. Read Fun this Summer and Year-Round at The Curtis for another mention of DCPA in my write up on one of Denver’s hippest hotels.
Read More LoDo Love, Viva Italia, Viva Italian Americans, Viva la Dolce Vita in Denver and Night Out in Denver for more on Hotel Teatro, Prima Ristorante and LoDo.
Thank you to DCPA, Joan Marcus @ Disney and Kevin Taylor for the images in this post.
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Teatime with Dad at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel
Exquisite Treats at Denver's Brown Palace
Travel is often most rewarding when you step out of your comfort zone, when you do something you’ve never done before. This can mean zooming on a zip-line in the jungles of Costa Rica or just sipping tea at a fancy hotel. I’ve done the latter countless times but it became a more novel experience nearly a year ago when I found myself sharing afternoon tea at The Brown Palace, Denver’s legendary hotel, with my father.
We were together in Denver on our way back east after he’d spent time in his beloved West. At eighty-four years old, those trips have been curtailed from the days when he’d spend weeks on end skiing in Aspen. But still, we’ve all tried to make sure he gets his Colorado fix even if he has to be “accompanied” throughout most of his travels these days.
So this is how we came to find ourselves together in such a fine hotel, such a grand setting. Dad’s more of a chain hotel person that likes to take his coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks. I prefer fancier locales with more ambiance. We’ve gone his route many times in the past but since we were in Denver, you can bet I was itching to visit one of my favorite destinations. Lucky for me we found ourselves nearby after a tour at Denver’s U.S. Mint on a dreary November day that commanded a warm pick-me-up.
La Pièce de Résistance
I ushered Dad into the well-appointed and expansive atrium of The Brown Palace where people have taken tea for over a century and was glad to see that he was settling in without much resistance. I could tell though that he wasn’t entirely at ease in what he surely perceived as fussy surroundings; yet he seemed open to trying something new, especially since he knew that coming here together would make me happy. His demeanor turned more to shock and awe, however, when he studied the menu and discovered that The Brown Palace Signature Tea was priced at $29. “This is outrageous, Bethie,” he exclaimed.
I explained that that price includes a pot of properly brewed tea of your choice, accompanied by scones served with Devonshire cream and preserves, savory tea sandwiches and a delightful array of classic tea pastries. He listened intently but still didn’t seem convinced. I reassured him that he’d love it, suggested we order one Signature Tea to split (for the treats) and that he have his coffee on the side. We settled into polite chit-chat and banter, the sort of light conversation you share in grandiose establishments or at elegant dinner parties.
Dad’s eyes widened when the tiered tray of delectables arrived. The server carefully poured his steaming coffee from a silver pot into a china cup after he had served me my tea. I watched my father take in every detail like a concerned parent keenly observing his child. We didn’t talk for the next few minutes while we settled into our sandwiches, the logical beginning of this late-afternoon repast. As I had hoped, Dad fell under the spell of such delicious food and drink, an observation that was confirmed when he commented on his “out-of-this-world” coffee. We slathered our scones with the thick clotted cream—a huge indulgence for my father who’s been a devotée of Smart Balance for years. The oohing and aahing truly began when we bit into the pastries, miniature marvels that looked and tasted divine. Dad felt more than content and happily payed the bill knowing that he had received more than his money’s worth, many times over.
We stopped into The Brown Palace coffee shop afterward and bought their signature Brown Palace Crown Jewel Black Tea Blend for me and a gift for Mom. Our visit had been an immense success.
This is one of many memories I’ve been clinging to throughout the year. I call them my emotional postcards and I knew when we stepped into the Brown Palace together that this would be filed away as a bright one. Today is Dad’s eighty-fifth birthday and it has been nearly a year since we’ve seen each other, too long to go at any age but especially at eighy-five. Fortunately I only have a couple days to wait since I’m headed east to see both my parents on Wednesday. I’ll be with them for a while and I’m sure lots of tea and coffee will be consumed but certainly none as special as our teatime together at Denver’s Brown Palace.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, 321 17th Street, tel.: 303-297-3111.
Christmas teas are immensely popular at The Brown Palace, so much so, in fact, that people reserve months in advance. Read Viva Italia, Viva Italian Americans, Viva la Dolce Vita in Denver to learn more about what I have to say about The Brown Palace and holiday time in Denver.
Colorado Denver Hotels Restaurants: Denver Hotels Restaurants
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Summertime and the Livin’ Is Easy at the Denver Warwick Hotel
Red, Wet and Blue at Denver Warwick's Rooftop Oasis
With record-breaking temperatures hammering most of the country this summer, business and leisure travelers are delighting in hotels that offer something more than icey-cold, air conditioned guest rooms. Yeah, baby, it’s hot outside. But it’s also summer, the season intended for sitting outdoors to breath in fresh air and listen to the chirp, chirp, chirp of little birds.
Denver’s a great city for capturing this sort of bliss since even when temperatures soar well into the nineties, it’s dry enough that a quick dip in a pool or a leisurely moment on a shaded patio, can leave you feeling like you’re relaxing in a balmy seventy-five degrees. But the secret is to find those special havens where you can forget big-city life and lull yourself into some sultry summer fun. You’ll find just the place at the Denver Warwick Hotel in the heart of the mile-high city.
Randolph's at Dusk
Even if you’re not checking in to this superior quality establishment, you can enjoy a fine meal on the terrace at Randolph’s Restaurant and Bar, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Randolph’s presents a contemporary American cuisine served up with a Rocky mountain flair. Enjoy an Heirloom Ensalata Caprese, followed by a Rocky Mountain Red Ruby Trout Florentine and you’ll understand why this restaurant has become a favorite among Denver’s movers and shakers. (I’m sure they appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of Randolph’s terrace as well.)
You’ll want to be a guest at the Denver Warwick just to experience their rooftop swimming pool, a real rarity in any major metropolitan center. Not only is it a fun way to cool off, but it also offers some fine views of the Denver skyline.
After lolling poolside for a while, you can still pad off to your temperature-controlled guest room to flop on the bed. Fortunately there, too, the crisp, Rocky mountain air is close at hand because all of the rooms at the Denver Warwick boast their own private balcony.
Fresh and breezy. Here, summer never felt so good.
Denver Warwick Hotel, 1776 Grant Street, 303-861-2000. Randolph’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily year-round; brunch is also served on Sundays. Call 303-318-7272 to reserve. Check out their daily specials at their Web site or enquire by phone.
