Denver Food Tour - Last Stop

Ok, before you start reading, I realize that these are in reverse order and Blogger doesn't let you reorder posts. Sooooo, if you want to read them in order, scroll down to "Stop #1" below and start there. (sorry for the hassle!)

Our last stop on Chelly's tour was Little Raven Vineyards, located in the Riverfront complex. Peter Klann has done a great job with this store, focusing on undiscovered wines instead of all the usual "stuff". Our group was able to taste a couple different wines and he taught us how to properly do a tasting. Tanette and I thought we knew how to do one, but he instructed us to put our nose in the glass and then slowly move the glass towards the tip of the nose. The difference in smells between the "inside" and "outside" of the wine was incredible! Thanks for the lesson, Peter.

And a special thanks to Chelly for putting together a great tour! If you're interested in taking a food tour around Denver, contact Chelly at 303-775-5038 or CV@DenverGourmetTours.com.

Denver Food Tour - Stop #4

In the past, you've heard me talk about Penzey's spices, but I have been scolded for not going to the LOCAL shop, Savory Spice Shop. Well, Chelly took us there for our (mine and Tanette's) first visit and now we are definitely converted. I love that they not only grind everything in town, but that you don't have to buy large quantities. They will sell you what you need in just about any quantity. The employees are very passionate about their spices, so if you haven't been there yet, just go already!

Denver Food Tour - Stop #3

I think Chelly was just warming us up, because this was probably our favorite stop of the tour. Mick and Carolyn Major run EVOO Marketplace. They are located on the corner of 15th and Market in a beautiful space. One wall is all brick and two of the other walls are glass and brick. It creates a wonderful atmosphere to try their dozens of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. We had no idea there were so many flavors of each and if you ask, Carolyn will give you a some great combinations to try.

We also learned the difference between "fused" oils and "infused" oils. Infused oils refer to an ingredient that's been added (think rosemary or lemon) to the oil after it's been pressed. These are nice, but have a very short shelf life. Fused oils, on the other hand, are olive oils that have the additional ingredients added at the same time the olive oils are being pressed. They create a much more flavorful oil and have a much longer shelf life.

  

Denver Food Tour - Stop #2

On our next stop, Chelly brought us to Crepes n Crepes, thankfully, because I was starving! Tanette and I had never been to a crepe joint before, so we weren't sure what to expect. It was cool! Those guys make hundreds of crepes everyday and everything we tried was delicious. I know I keep saying that, but that's because it was true! They are also the only place in town with a 100% French wine list. Between the employees there, they can speak at least 15 (!!) different languages. Love that. We definitely felt like we were in another world.

He makes this look really easy. I'm sure it's not.

Building the crepes

Ham and Swiss with a Roasted Pepper Tapenade

Dessert! Bananas and Nutella. OH BABY!!!

Gourmet Food Tour - Stop #1

My wife bought me a gourmet food tour last year and we finally went last weekend. We had a wonderful day and Chelly at Denver Gourmet Tours was great. She offers several different types of tours, including street food (can't wait to do that one!) and chocolate (um, that one too!).  Thankfully, the snow held off until the day after the tour.

Stop #1: Amore Gelato -- Located on the 16th St Mall and 100% locally owned and operated, Amore Gelato makes premium gelato and sorbetto. We were able to go behind the counter and try as many flavors as we wanted. I tried at least a dozen and they were ALL delicious. Seriously, every flavor was great! And, did you know that gelato is much healthier for you than ice cream? Eat up!

Gelato

Sorbetto (Vegan gelato...but don't let that fool you, it's delicious!!)

Crumbs, Nibbles and Stuff

Well, neither Shannon or I have posted anything since Thanksgiving. Time to get off our butts and get to typin'! Here are some memorable treats I (and my wife) have made since turkey day.

I was going to be in the kitchen a bunch on Christmas Eve day,
so I thought I'd start with a yummy breakfast...

Italian bread drizzled with olive oil...

...covered with over easy eggs...

...and pork green chili from Jack N Grill

And on to the soups I made for Christmas Day from my favorite soup

cookbook from The New England Soup Factory...

Porcini (and other) Mushroom Soup, which I pureed, but should have left a little chunky

Somehow I didn't take a picture of the Corn Chowder with Bacon. That was even better!!!

My very talented wife made a super simple, and unbelievably delicious dessert...

Brownies with cream cheese frosting and crushed candy canes. YUM!

And a Vegetable and Rice soup I made on the 30th...

Remember, always keep rice/pasta/bacon separate from soup and serve those in individual bowls. Otherwise

they will be soft and mushy and that's NOT what we want!

On New Year's Day, my wife and I were in the mood for a yummy breakfast again...

Italian bread, eggs, tomato and basil (the wife)

Italian bread, chorizo, eggs, basil (me)

Hope you enjoyed the post!!

Thanksgiving

My wife and I hosted her family at our home again this year for Thanksgiving. In my usual bout of insanity, I decided to make three (3!) types of stuffing, on top of 15 pounds of mashed potatoes and a 24 pound turkey. But you know what? I loved being in the kitchen all day! Maybe the beer smoothed out the rough edges, who knows. -- Drew

Boulevard Brewery (Kansas City, MO) Oktoberfest

15 pounds of mashed potatoes and LOTS of butter

Showing my boys the 24 lb bird

Seasoned and ready to go after the brine

The final result. Why do they seem to take MUCH less
time than they say they will?! 3.5 hrs vs. 5 ??

 

Apple, Sausage and Dried Cranberry Stuffing

Cremini and Shiitake Mushroom and Prosciutto Stuffing

Rustic Herb Stuffing

Luscious gravy. Mmmmmmmmmm.

Sauteed Green Beans with Caramelized Onions

Strananhan's Whiskey - that's spelled with an H

Stranahan's Colorado whiskey is my drink of the moment. It makes most other Whiskey pale in comparison. It has become more widely available over the last year so no matter where you are I say go get a bottle. I like it on the rocks with a splash of water. It really seems to open up the flavors and trust me with this one you want to really get all up in there and taste the complexities. I also like this whiskey with a good cigar, the truth is I like any whiskey with a good cigar but this one is something special. I know they say you can taste vanilla and leather but this aint no bondage/candle party so I’m not sure about all that mumbo jumbo it’s just fricken good and I like it a lot. Don’t get me wrong I do drink responsibly but when something tastes this good it’s hard to stop before you’re Tea Baggin’ the Koi pond. Cheers - Shannon

India's Castle

There's just something about Indian food. The aroma when you walk in the door. The blend of spices and sauces that is unlike any other cuisine.

Shannon and I went to India's Castle off of Arapahoe and I25 for lunch last week. Neither one of us love buffets, but decided to do it anyway. I've been eating smaller portions lately, but this day I had 2 BIG plates because everything was soooo good. The rice was cooked perfectly (harder than it seems), the sauces were delicious, the Naan was fluffy and tender, but the kicker for me was the Tandoori chicken. The meat was so tender and the flavor knocked me out! I went to Penzey's this weekend and picked up some Tandoori seasoning so I can make some Indian chicken wings sometime in the future (with Shannon's guidance).

The atmosphere is fine and the Indian music was interesting. I loved it when they played some Eminem after their more traditional choices. Not sure what that was about?! But all the waitstaff is great and I would definitely recommend it.

They also take part in the Tap Project. By donating $1 or more for the tap water you get for free, you are contributing to UNICEF's project to bring clean drinking water to children all over the world.

I can't wait to go back there and order something special off the menu. -- Drew

Oshima Ramen House

Ok, here we go. This place is, well a little different to say the least. It's pretty good. I love ramen and it's not like Denver has much or any others to choose from. The owner is a crack up if you talk to him. The place is cluttered and not the cleanest. They have flyers on the wall from years ago. Like I said the food is pretty good. Hey it is what it is. Buck up and grow a pair and don't wine about the service and you might have a good dinning experience. If not I don't really think the owner gives a crap. This place is a trip and I will go back. You just gotta try it to understand what I'm talking about.