Denver Crop Mob celebrates its first season of helping sustainable, local farms

All season, gangs of predominantly twentysomethings have been invading local farms each month, expanding vegetable beds, weeding and planting orchards. “It’s like a flashmob, but for gardening,” says Laurie Schneyer, organizer of Denver Crop Mob and a volunteer with Slow Food Denver. The seeds for the project were planted when…

Guess where I’m drinking?

On Sunday, while Tim Tebow fans prayed that God would grant the Broncos a victory over the San Diego Chargers, we prayed that the generous pours of vodka in our Bloody Marys wouldn’t make us tumble off our bar stools. Can you guess where I’m drinking? Special bonus: Anyone who…

Vegan green bean casserole for a holiday side dish on Meatless Monday

No one’s saying you have to go meatless just because it’s Monday — but as incentive to join the growing movement, every week we’re offering an animal-free recipe. Green bean casserole is a holiday favorite, but cream-of-mushroom soup is not a vegan-friendly ingredient. This recipe includes a flavorful sauce that’s…

Last Monday plant-based dinner at Udi’s

The monthly supper club at Udi’s Pizza Cafe Bar, 7600 Grandview Avenue in Arvada, has become a vegetarian tradition. Some of chef/owner Robin Bar-on’s best plant-based recipes are served at an all-you-can-eat, family-style meal. On this last Monday in the series, the dishes will include taste hummus, pumpkin croquettas, garlic…

Our love affair with SALT the Bistro

Happy Place: SALT the Bistro, 1047 Pearl Street, 303-444-7258. The Hours: Daily from 3 to 6 p.m. The Deals: $3 beers; $4 house wines; $4 element cocktails; $1-$5 small plates; $10-$15 large plates. Were we happy? Flip the page to find out…

Black Star Chocolates makes sweet chocolate lust — one batch at a time.

Andrew Starr is a choc-tease. He and his chocolatier partner, Jennifer Spielman, own Black Star Chocolates, and they create exciting, luscious and downright sensual confections. Since their chocolate creations are handmade, small-batch and filled with fresh, seasonal herbs and flowers, thought, they are available in limited quantities — at limited…

Guess where I’m eating?

Nothing says the holidays are here more than a Mexican breakfast, Christmas-style — smothered in both red and green — served up alongside some excellent early decorations. Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first correct answer to the week’s Where am I drinking/eating posts…

Round two with Mike Peshek, exec chef of Lou’s Food Bar

Mike Peshek Lou’s Food Bar 1851 West 38th Avenue 303-458-0336 www.lousfoodbar This is part two of my interview with Mike Peshek, exec chef of Lou’s Food Bar. Part one of my chat with Peshek ran earlier this week. Favorite restaurant in America: Pizzeria Regina in Boston. The service is terrible,…

Wine Tasting at Marczyk Fine Foods

If you’re suffering from bottle fatigue after Thanksgiving, drop by the weekly wine tasting this evening at Marczyk Fine Foods, 770 East 17th Avenue. It’s always low-key and low-pressure, and you can take advantage of sales while tasting the wine of the month. For more info, call 303-894-9499 or visit…

Photos: Le Grand Bistro and Oyster Bar

At Le Grand Bistro and Oyster Bar, Robert Thompson’s new French restaurant near the convention center and the subject of my review this week, the bar was the place to be. That dark wooden counter was my favorite place to match fat sausages to Alsatian Riesing, oysters to Muscadet, or…

Guess where I’m eating?

In Mexico City, you’ll encounter gruisidos on just about every street corner, but in Denver, the stew is a rarity, except at this Mexican restaurant, where guisado de puerco shares space on the menu alongside more pedestrian staples like tacos and enchiladas. Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus:…

Whole Foods woos shoppers with free holiday eats (PHOTOS)

There are plenty of places to get your holiday trimmings, but the Whole Foods stores smooth over their Whole Paycheck nickname by serving above-average complimentary samples of holiday fare before they empty our wallets. The Capitol Hill store is doing free samples every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., and…