Denver Restaurant Review: Zengo's Summer Nights Menu

Chef Richard Sandoval's Zengo has recently launched a Summer Nights Menu. An exclusive three-course menu that is available Monday - Wednesday, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm for $35.00 per person. This deal includes your choice of a bottle of sake or wine, an appetizer to split, an entree, and a desert to share. What better way to spice up a week night, than treating yourself to some good food and wine at a reasonable price? With a variety of options to choose from and a sleek atmosphere, you can't go wrong.

The shrimp vegetable potstickers were our absolute favorite dish of the night. 

We were lucky enough to try a bite of the popular empanada appetizer as well. 

There is no better way to round off the night than with this Modern Mexican Bar. 

A Visitor's Guide To Denver

Having just returned from a girls trip in Chicago, I've decided to pull together a Denver visitor's guide that highlights the best things to do, drink and eat in Denver. While planning my trip to the windy city, I searched high and low for a list similar to this - one that highlights a city's attractions from a 20-something perspective. Here is how I would eat, drink and play in the Mile High City...

Do:

Red Rocks - Photos via bassnectar.net

Denver Art Museum
Address: 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado 80204
Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Price: General Admission for non-Colorado natives - $13.00 

Clyfford Still Museum
Clyfford Still is a famous pioneer Abstract Expressionist, who experimented with bold brush strokes and large scale.
Address: 1250 Bannock Street, Denver, Colorado 80204
Hours: Monday Close, Tuesday - Thursday  10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Price: General Admission - $10.00

Rockies Game
We all know the Rockies are far from the best MLB team but Coors Stadium is still worth a visit, especially now that the new roof top deck is open.
Address: 2001 Blake Street, Denver, 80205
Price: The roof top deck is $14.00 with $6.00 towards drinks/concessions.

Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks Concerts, Film on the Rocks, Yoga on the Rocks, and the Red Rocks Fitness Challenge are among the many things the Red Rocks Amphitheater has to offer.
Address: 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, Colorado 80401

Denver Botanic Gardens
Grab a bottle of wine and head to the gardens for a picnic or one of the famous garden concerts. With rotating exhibitions and beautiful views, the Botanic Gardens are a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Address: 1007 York Street, Denver, Colorado 80206
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Price: Adults - $12.00, Children - $9.00 (Children under 2 years of age - free)

Union Station
Denver's railway station was recently renovated to host the city's top restaurants, bars and shops.
Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Drink

The Cruise Room - Photo via Westword

Punch Bowl Social
Located among the favorite South Broadway bars, the Punch Bowl is a hot destination for bowling, food, drink and games.
Address: 65 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80203
Hours: Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 am, Saturday - Sunday 8:00 am - 2:00 am
Price: $

Forest Room 5
This hip, artsy bar with a rustic indoor and outdoor atmosphere is great for artisan drinks and draft brews.
Address: 2532 15th Street, Denver, Colorado 80205
Hours: Monday - Friday 4:00 pm - 2:00 am, Happy Hour 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Price: $ - $$

The Cruise Room
Located downtown, in the Oxford Hotel, The Cruise Room is a post-prohibition Art Deco style bar with hand crafted cocktails.
Address: 1600 17th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 4:30 pm - 11:45 pm, Friday - Saturday 4:30 - 12:45
Price: $$

Ace
This ping-pong hall serves up Asian dishes and a fun night life.
Address: 501 East 17th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203
Hours: Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 12:00 am, Saturday - Sunday 2:00 pm - 12:00 am
Price: $

Denver Breweries
With over 200 breweries, Colorado is one of the most brewery-heavy states in America. With such diversity, it's hard to choose a select few. Some favorites in the Denver-Metro area are as follows:

Denver Beer Co.
Great Divide
Epic Brewery
Infinite Monkey Theorem
Stem Ciders
Our Mutual Friend
Strange Craft Beer

Eat:

Linger - Photo via thegoodlifedenver.com

Little Man Ice Cream

This 28 foot tall, vintage cream can dishes up the best ice cream in town. The lines tend to be long but a scoop of the salted Oreo is well worth the wait.
Address: 2620 16th Street, Denver, Colorado 80211
Hours: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm daily
Price: $

Rosenburg's Bagels & Delicatessen
Located in Denver's up and coming RiNo district, Rosenburg's serves up Denver's best New York style bagels. Having transformed Denver water to match that of New York City, Rosenburg's bagels rival the texture and flavor of your favorite NYC spot.
Address: 725 East 26th Avenue
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 6:00 am - 3:00 pm 
Price: $

VooDoo Doughnuts
This cash-only bakery from Portland serves up quirky doughnuts - the maple blazer blunt, the gay bar, cock-n-balls, and the old dirty bastard to name a few.
Address: 1520 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80218
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: $

Denver Biscuit Company
Real Southern, Real Good. The Denver Biscuit Company, also known as DBC among the locals, is a hot breakfast spot. Get your biscuit in french toast form or smothered in gravy, no matter how you take it, you are in for a buttery, flaky treat.
Address: 3237 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80206
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm & Saturday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Price: $$

Linger
Linger, an old mortuary turned restaurant, is located in the trendy Highlands area. The unique, small plates are meant for sharing, bringing a variety of worldly flavors to your table.
Insider Recommendation: Not interested in the full dining experience? Check out the famous roof top bar for happy hour and amazing views of the city. Happy Hours: Tuesday - Friday 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm. (The reduced happy hour menu can be viewed here)
Address: 2030 West 30th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80211
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm & Friday - Saturday 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Price: $$$

Lola
A modern Mexican restaurant located in LoHi (Lower Highlands) was voted one of the Top Five Places To Drink Tequila in North America. This famous cantina serves up coin style margaritas, table-side guacamole and impressive highbrow cuisine.
Address: 1575 Boulder Street, Denver, Colorado 80211
Hours: 
Price:$$$


Illegal Petes
Similar to Chipotle, Illegal Pete's is a home-grown "Mission Style" burrito restaurant with all natural, local ingredients. Inspired by burritos from San Francisco in the 60s and 70s, Illegal Pete's sets itself apart with its beer selection and potent margaritas.
Insider Recommendation: Make sure to try the popular fish tacos and breakfast burritos
Address: Multiple locations - Denver, Boulder & Fort Collins
Hours: Monday - Wednesday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm, Thursday 7:00 am - 1:30 pm, Friday 7:00 am - 2:30 am, Saturday 9:00 am - 2:30 am & Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 am
Pice: $

Cherry Cricket
Denver's long-time favorite, The Cherry Cricket, turns out classic burgers and fries alongside hoards of green chili. An old dive bar with great vibes and even better flavors.
Address: 2641 East 2nd Avenue, Denver, Colorado
Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 am (Daily Happy Hours: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm - midnight)
Price: $

The Source
An 1880's foundry building turned artisan food market is home to a French bakery, taquiera, brewery, floral and produce shop, wood-fired restaurant, coffee roaster, gallery and specialty food market. Located in Denver's River North District, The Source is a community full of great flavors and Denver's top artisans.
Address: 3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80216
Hours: Monday - Sunday 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Price: $$$

Park Burger 
Park Burger is a neighborhood hot-spot known for its prizewinning burgers, fries, shakes and beer.
Address: 1890 South Pearl Street, Denver, Colorado 80210 (there are four other locations but this is by far the best)
Hours: Sunday - Wednesday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm & Thursday - Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Price: $

Uncle
New-style ramen bowls and steamed buns are this neighborhood restaurant's specialty.
Address: 2215 West 32nd Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80211
Hours: Monday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm & Sundays Closed 
Price: $$

Biker Jim's Gourmet Hot Dogs 
From street food vender to restaurateur, Biker Jim's turns out one of a kind wieners.  Rattle snake and pheasant to duck and vegetarian dogs.
Address: 2148 Larimer Street, Denver CO 80205
Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm & Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 3:00 am
Price: $

Denver Restaurant Review: Zengo

Every few months, chef Richard Sandoval and his renown culinary team explore new flavors and techniques in their "Test Kitchen." From now through March 31st, Zengo is featuring cuisine from Mexico and Korea. Rather than fusing the two regions as he has done in the past, Sandoval and his team have created separate dishes that highlight the flavors and ingredients from each region. The result is a tasty verity of small plates and cocktails that range from Achiote Mahi Mahi Tostadas to Kimchee & Tofu Soup.
Located in lower downtown, Zengo offers a hip atmosphere alongside small plates with big flavors. The service is extremely knowledgeable and the unique cocktails never disappoint. Make sure to visit Zengo before March 31st to experience Sandoval's newest Test Kitchen items. (See full menu here.)

The other Test Kitchen cocktail:

Watermelon Soju Margarita

Agave Reposado / Korean Charm Soju

Watermelon / Serrano pepper

Test Kitchen Soup Option:

Kimchee & Tofu Soup

Pozole / Cabbage / Guajillo Broth / Tortilla Strips

 

New Latin Flavors: Chef Richard Sandoval's New Cookbook

Sandoval Restaurants

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your fellow foodie? Look no further than Chef Richard Sandoval's new cookbook, New Latin Flavors Hot Dishes, Cool Drinks. With over forty restaurants around the globe,  Sandoval has pulled together a variety of seasoned dishes to create a book that offers an exciting new vision of contemporary Latin cooking.
Although his renown destinations are scattered throughout the globe, Colorado is one of Sandoval's favorite places and home to five of his famous restaurants - Tamayo, Zengo, La Biblioteca, La Sandia Canita Northfield and La Sandia Canita Park Meadows. It's no wonder he chose his Denver restaurant and tequila library, La Biblioteca, to launch his new cookbook packed with over 125 flavorful dishes. I was lucky enough to go to the launch party where I met Sandoval himself, and tried a few bites from New Latin Flavors - Watermelon Margaritas, Venezuelan Corn Pancakes, Beef and Corn Anticucho, and Ham Croquettes. Sandoval says his food is "simple," giving the traditional recipes he grew up with, a modern twist of global flavor.  His recipes are meant to be adapted to each individual taste, to be used as guidelines for your own masterpiece.

Richard Sandoval Restaurants - Ham Croquettes

Chef Richard Sandoval signing my copy of New Latin Flavors

New Latin Flavors is available for purchase online as well as any of his five Colorado locations.
Buen Provecho!   

Tamayo: New Fall Menu

Richard Sandoval's modern Mexican restaurant, Tamayo, has launched it's fall menu. With earthy flavors from Mexico and contemporary tastes, Tamayo's fall menu is rich with creative and comforting foods. Chef Richard Sandoval uses his native Mexico City roots in conjunction to culinary ideas from California and Dubai.  He mixes Asian flavors and Latin heat to create a one of a kind, worldly menu this fall.

Lunch Menu Highlights:
Crispy Crab Cake Salad - with butter lettuce, green apple, grapefruit, red radish and jalapeño mustard dressing

Chicken Mole Enchiladas - with shredded chicken, corn tortilla, mole poblano, cream fresca and cotija cheese

Crispy Tofu Tacos - with cilantro tortillas, romaine lettuce and shiitake vinaigrette 

Dinner Menu Highlights:

Pacific Shrimp Tamal - with poblano chile green pea puree, chile pulla salsa and tomatillo salad

Salad of Yucatan Octopus - with watercress, jicama, black olive caramel, cilantro pesto and herb dressing

Huitlacoche Stuffed Chicken Breast - with Mexican style ricotta cheese, yucca puree and green chile "atole"

Pork Carnitas & Achiote Tenderloin - with achiote-bacon lentils, fingerling potatoes and radish sprouts salad

Cocktail Menu Highlights:

Simply Bliss - with Monte Alban Reposado, Luxardo Cherry Liquor, White Wine and Orange Bitters

La Fleetwood - with Evan Williams Bourbon, Cynar, Simple Syrup and Angostura Bitters

The Mellon Fresco Martini - with Grey Goose Le Melon, house Made Sour Mix, Simple Syrup, Fresh Cantaloupe and Tajin Orange Zest

The Buena Vida - Tamayo's version of the classic Negroni cocktail with Fidencio Mexcal, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth. It's been aged in American white oak for 2-3 weeks.

The Dating Chronicles Part Two: Mumbai, Dubai

Mumbai, Dubai 

I had been seeing this guy for a record breaking two months. He was tall with stormy blue eyes and honey blonde hair. Devilishly attractive yet painfully shy. Unlike me, he calculated every thought before speaking and only let his mouth run with tentative abandon after a few beers. No matter how hard I tried, I always found myself holding the talking stick. I swung it around as I spoke with gusto, while he sat there, silently judging my every word. Each encounter was a combination of quite frustration and sexy mystery that always left me confused.
One night, we met up for drinks after work. I made my way to the dive bar on South Broadway and found a seat at the back of the bar. After a few minutes, he sauntered in and ordered us some drinks. He had just moved out to Denver a few months ago and was surfing the wave of unemployment while calling his brother's couch home. We talked job opportunities and Craigslist roommates as we drained a few rounds of beer.
The beers chiseled away at his inhibition while my frustration melted away with my common sense. Devilishly attractive yet painfully shy took the stage with a confidence that's only found at the bottom of an empty cup. He held the talking stick with an appetite I rarely saw, talking about where he'd traveled and where he dreamed of going. Eventually his mouth ran dry, prompting him to ask me where I wanted to travel to next. I had just finished reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a non-fiction book about the slum of Mumbai, which led me to answer, India. While he fantasized about gondola rides and barrels of aged wine, I painted a picture wrought with economic disparity and slum lords. Given the opportunity, I'd travel almost anywhere in the world. It just so happened that India topped my list that particular night. I did not intend to sound "holier-than thou," but Devilishly Attractive Yet Painfully Shy interpreted my answer with blatant moral superiority.  He looked at me like I was a fraud. Here I was sitting across from him in heels and a new dress from Nordstrom talking about visiting India's slums. In hopes of revealing some twisted truth, he asked, "can you even name one city in India?" Without thinking, I confidently answered, "Dubai." He looked at me with those pretty blue eyes and said, "would you like to stick with that answer, sweetheart?" I nodded, unsure of my mistake. Before I had the chance to think about correcting myself, he shouted, "Mumbai! Dubai is part of the UAE... The United Arab Emirates" as if I didn't know such a place existed. Mortified by my mistake and insulted by the demeaning way he had corrected me, my embarrassment quickly turned to anger. Mumbai...Dubai...tomato....potato, it's a mistake anyone could have made after a few beers. As a woman who prides herself on intelligence, I decided to hail the waiter and close out our tab. I was embarrassed but more importantly, angry by the fact that he had made me feel so small.

Cavalia Hits The Mile High City

With 62 horses, 46 artists and the world's largest tent, Cavalia is a unique collaboration of equestrian arts and theatrical effects that are sure to amaze viewers of all ages. Cavalia takes you on a tour of the world's most beautiful landscapes with it's high-definition IMAX screens. Riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians all work together to create this unforgettable event. The show is here through October 12th, so make sure to get your tickets now. (Use passcode SMNDEN for a 10% discount on all tickets.)

Holiday Photo Sessions ... pass it on

Denver Weekend: Larimer Square Sidewalk Sale

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? 

This weekend marks the annual Larimer Square "Peachy Sidewalk Sale." Friday, July 25th through Sunday, July 27th get up to 75% off designer goods at your favorite Larimer Square shops. The sale begins Friday, July 25th at 10:00 a.m. with free Colorado peaches and the chance to win tickets to Larimer Square's Dining Al Fresco on August 16th. 

Participating shops include:

Cry Baby Ranch

Gusterman Silversmiths

Jewelry at the Square

FRINJE

Timbuk2

Whatever Pops Up

Blue Ruby

Equipment de Vin

Goorin Bros.

John Atencio

Moda Man

Scarpaletto

Victoriana Antique & Fine Jewelry

Blush*

Dog Savvy Boutique & Spa

Eve

Hailee Grace *

John Fluevog Shoes

Nest Children’s Boutique

Blush and Hailee Grace are two of my favorite shops in Denver, so make sure to stop by. Blush will be offering up to 70% off designer labels including Chan Luu, Mother Denim, Velvet, Current/Elliott, Vince Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, LA Made, and Sanctuary. Hailee Grace will be offering 15% off the entire store, 50% off the sale rack and will also have $20, $30, and $40 racks in the Hailee Grace tent. 

ALC Theo Sweater from Blush

Gigi New York bag from Blush

Denver Restaurant Review: Olive and Finch

Olive and Finch is a European inspired eatery, bakery and market located in the heart of Uptown. With a focus on local, hand-crafted, and convenient eats, Chef Mary Nguyen serves up fast yet healthy dishes. You can expect to see everything from fresh baked pastries and all-natural sandwiches to fresh-pressed juices and restaurant style entrees. With first class food and a community-style environment Olive and Finch successfully brings together quality food within a casual atmosphere. Food can either be taken to-go, bought at the market, or enjoyed in the restaurant alongside a good book, computer or friend. The informal environment and big community table for twelve, make Olive and Finch the perfect neighborhood destination. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and Olive and Finch will surely blow your mind (see full menu here).

We started out with some wine. Each table is given a letter on an Olive and Finch block so that your order can find it's way to your table.

The market is full of local and international products. Nguyen plans for Olive and Finch to become a market destination for the neighborhood and those who are a bit further away. 

Looking for a gift? Check out the gift baskets that can be put together for every taste and every budget (check it out here)

Olive and Fitch makes their baked goods fresh each morning. With an offering of Tarts, Cakes, Pumpkin Loafs, Banana Walnut Loafs, Alfajores, Cookies and more everyone can find something to satisfy their sweet tooth. 

Looking for the perfect desert for you and your guests? Call 48 hours in advance to order your custom 

pastry, cake, or cookie. 

With phenomenal food, great service, and a coffee-shop-type atmosphere Olive and Finch is a Denver must try.

Make sure to sign up for Olive and Finch's loyalty program (here)

Law and Order: My First Time On Jury Duty

A few weeks ago, I received my first summons for jury duty. Just like any other outstanding citizen of the United States, I prayed I wouldn't be chosen. Nevertheless, my number was called.

As instructed, I showed up to the courthouse early giving myself enough time to find parking and navigate security. I pulled into the suggested parking lot, found a space and paid my $6.00 "earlybird" fee. Much to my good fortune, the parking kiosk was jammed and out of paper. It sputtered at me, laughing at my civil misfortune. Rather than moving my car like the others, I decided I wasn't going to let those precious $6.00 go to waste. Instead, I stuck it to The Man. I scrounged up an old receipt from a late night pizza stop and wrote "Don't give me a ticket, I paid! Not my fault your machine is defective" and left it on my dash.  

I chucked my purse onto the rotating belt and proceeded through the metal detector that promptly began beeping as I walked through. The line built up behind me as I was given a series of pat-downs and directed through the detector an additional three times. Security somehow decided I wasn't much of a threat and finally let me enter the courthouse. Once inside, I was directed into a large room of forward facing chairs. Just like flying Southwest, I was able to choose my seat. (It's the little things in life that give me so much pleasure.) After surveying the crowd, I found a home next to two older women that seemed less amused by their fate than myself. I cozied up next to them and popped open my book, Where'd You Go Bernadette.

Thirty minutes later, screens dropped from the ceiling and the lights dimmed. An outdated movie about the judicial system played, explaining our role as "selfless" and "heroic" citizens. (Too bad the only reason we were all there was because we had to be, not because we chose to serve our system in the name of justice.) We were then given bland instructions from a short woman who reminded me of a saltine cracker. A series of numbers were to be called out with a corresponding court room number. If our number was not called at all, we were free to go. I crossed my fingers in hopes of the latter, while simultaneously repeating "4925" to myself. I have this weird fear that I'll somehow go brain dead and forget my name, birthdate or the number that's written on a piece of paper directly in front of me in high-stress situations like this. Just as I began the usual dialogue - "Mallory, your number is 4925...4925...4925...oh shit, what number am I?! oh yea... 4925...or is it 9452?!... Mallory, calm down, you are a smart girl your number is 4925.... or is it?! -Mrs. Saltine said, "number 4925... number 4925....is number 4925 present?!" Excited that I had remembered my number, I jumped out of my seat, screaming, "here!" Just like a soldier reporting for duty, I marched with a group of 25 people to courtroom C25.

Although I was upset about having been called onto the next round, I decided to make the best of my situation. You see, I love to people watch and there is no better place to do so than public venues like airports, amusement parks and court houses. People from every walk of life gather here, so I decided to sit back and enjoy the show. Just as I reached C25, a middle aged man burst out of a courtroom down the hall followed by a group of police officers. Kicking and screaming, he was forced to the ground as more police officers flocked the scene. Handcuffed and cussing, the man was escorted past us where his sad eyes met each of ours. A young British man opened the doors to C25 just in time to see the tail end of the drama. He looked at all of us and said, "welcome to jury duty" in a sarcastic tone. "Follow me this way..."

We were individually escorted into the court room based on our number, giving me a second wind of "brain dead anxiety." The first 15 people were seated directly in front of the judge. The rest of us were packed in the wooden pews next to them. The judge, a Brian Williams lookalike, introduced himself and gave us a brief overview of the case. I crossed my fingers for something juicy like a murder, drug bust or anything Law and Order SVU worthy. Instead, the case involved a plumbing company and a missing wad of cash....

The judge and lawyers began the questioning process, putting each of us on the spot. Questions were asked, answers were given and jurors were dismissed. Similar to musical chairs or Survivor, the ill-suited jurors were kicked off the island and replaced by the seat's successor. One thing lead to another, and I found myself sitting directly in front of the judge. I was asked to introduce myself and give any information that would make me unsuitable for this case. I wracked my brain for any life event that would give me an easy out, but I was stuck. The judge asked the lawyers if they had any further questions for the jury, and that was it. I was officially juror number five out of twelve on a criminal case.

The twelve of us were an odd group. Juror #1. An elderly man with horn-rimed glasses as large as he was tall. Juror #2. A Harrison Ford doppelgänger who opted to take notes on his disposable coffee cups each day. Juror #3. A tired southern belle with hair the color of watered down orange juice. Juror #4. A stunning 22 year old mother studying forensic science at a community college. Juror #5. Yours truly. Juror #6. A nearly albino college student with a literary mind. Juror #7. A quiet latino father of four. Juror #8. A young, rotund disciplinary officer with rings stabbed through her nose, eyebrow and lip. Juror #9. A health enthused, middle aged emergency pediatric doctor. Juror #10. A librarian type woman with thick hair, hushed voice and outdated slacks. Juror #11. A short man who made up for his height in leadership. Juror #12. A Chaco loving, granola chewing, environmental studies college graduate. As odd and different as we all may have been, we each showed up on time every morning and gave the case the respect it deserved. It was with those twelve people that my confidence in the average American was renewed.

Unlike the juicy Elizabeth Smart case I was hoping for, the trial we were placed on was about as bland as high school math. We were given receipts to analyze and contradictory statements to sort through. It was like watching a Rosanne marathon, entertainment based on the woes of the working class. Although I was disappointed by the case logistics, I learned some valuable lessons throughout those three days in court. One of the first questions we were asked after having entered C25 was how we would rate our judicial system on a scale from 1-10. We constantly read about racial and economic unjust alongside a never-ending list of flaws that can be found in any US courtroom. Every single one of us were hesitant to give anything above a 6.

After closing arguments and deliberation, we did not find the defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt. After the verdict was given, the judge asked to meet the jury one final time in the conference room. He thanked each of us for our time and asked us to once again rate our judicial system on a scale from 1-10. Sitting in that room with my eleven fellow jurors, knowing we had reached a fair decision, I couldn't help but be reasonably proud of our system. Going around the room, each of us confidently gave a proud and honest an 8 or 9.

Denver Restaurant Review: Lola

With food inspired by coastal regions of Mexico and a top rated tequila bar, Lola has remained a Denver favorite for close to a decade. Considering the onslaught of new restaurant districts and Denver's ever-changing tastes, remaining a a popular dining destination in this sink or swim climate says a lot about what Lola is whipping up. Having spent three years on South Pearl Street and an additional seven in the trendy LoHi neighborhood, it's obvious that Lola is doing something right.

Contrary to Lola's acclaim, I never had the chance to go until this past Thursday night. With such high expectations it's easy for popular restaurants like Lola to fall short, but Lola not only lived up to those standards but far surpassed them. With an extremely hospitable crew, quality flavors and coin-style margaritas, this Denver favorite found it's way into my top five restaurants in Denver.

We started out with some sweet, smokey salsa and cocktails. 

Jamey Fader, Lola's Executive Chef/Owner, suggested we try this sweet specialty drink as it was his grandmother's favorite. With fresh lime, cucumber, agave nectar, and a squeeze of orange, it's easy to see why this easy-sip drink is such a hit.

 Fader's fascination with authentic Mexican flavors spawned from having worked behind the scenes at various Denver restaurants like Jax Fish House. He partnered with Query in 2002 and began creating unique yet authentic cuisine, pulling inspiration from regions like Oaxaca, Yucatan peninsula, Baja, Veracruz and the Northern Pacific Coast. Drawing on Lola's tradition, new Chef Kevin Grossi, is rolling out some amazing items of his own.

It seems to be teamwork that makes Lola work so well. With an amazing General Manager, Patrick Kneese, runs the floor while letting Chef Kevin Grossi and Jamey Fader whip up wonderful things.

The table-side guacamole plays a large role in Lola's popularity. A rolling table full of ingredients is brought to your table where you help create your very own specialty guac. 

My favorite part of the night was the halibut and kale. There is something wonderful to be said about a seared piece of fish and perfectly cooked veggies. Lola's chefs stay within the flavor boundaries but add their own creative spin to each dish.

I couldn't have had a better night!