Black Cat owner/chef Eric Skokan will open Bramble & Hare in Boulder

For the past several months, farmer, forager and chef Eric Skokan, who owns Black Cat restaurant in Boulder and Black Cat Farm in Niwot, has been quietly working behind the scenes to unearth his second restaurant, Bramble & Hare, which will open soon at 1970 Thirteenth Street, directly next door…

Guess where I’m drinking?

I’m against effing up champagne or sparkling wine by adding any type of flavor — but these extremely interesting, tasty and exploding passionfruit pearls may have changed my mind. Can you guess where I’m drinking? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first correct answer to the week’s Where am I…

Trader Joe’s product watch: Old Fashioned Cinnamon Grahams

As we anticipate the arrival of Colorado’s first Trader Joe’s, the California-based grocer with a cult-like following that’s allegedly building its first Colorado store somewhere in Boulder’s Twenty Ninth Street (three more Trader Joe’s stores are rumored for Denver), we thought we’d give you a taste of what we’re currently…

Guess where I’m eating?

As is often the case, this hot-and-sour soup was neither hot nor sour, which is why there’s a tray of chile paste and vinegar in the background. 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…

Top five things NOT to feed your date this Valentine’s Day

Like most major holidays, Valentine’s Day is a day for foodies and, even more important, foodies for the day (FFTD). FFTDs plan romantic dinners; try to convey deep, passionate love through chocolate selections; and purchase just the right edible gifts to show their partners how much they care about their…

Reader: Serve up more Denver desserts, please!

Sweet…and sour. Laura Shunk just served up her list of Denver’s ten best dessert spots — including the churros she raved about in this week’s review of Pinche Taqueria. But for some readers, it was definitely not enough of a good thing:…

Pasquini’s closes Uptown location to make way for Serioz

Late last year,Tony Pasquini was making changes to his 25-year-old chain of pizzerias, building out a Cherry Creek address, which opened in late January, and getting ready to ink a deal for a new spot on East Colfax. At the same time, he was quietly buying back his franchises, bringing…

Guess where I’m eating?

For the record, no, this is not an omelet from Pete’s Kitchen or the Denver Diner, but a Vietnamese pancake — bánh xèo — that’s one of my go-to dishes whenever I stop in for lunch. Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first correct…

Round two with J. Michael Melton, exec chef of Zydeco’s

J. Michael Melton Zydeco’s 1730 Wynkoop Street 303-293-2887 www.zydecosdenver.com This is part two of my chat with J. Michael Melton, exec chef of Zydeco’s. Part one of our interview ran in this space yesterday. Favorite Denver/Boulder restaurant(s) other than your own: I eat at Tom’s Home Cookin’ once a week…

Bin 1884 Cheese Bar will fill space in The Empty Bottle

South Pearl Street has seen more than its fair share of action this year. But in the 1800 block of South Pearl, it’s all about growth — not the closings that marked the start of the new year on the 1400 South block, where India’s Pearl, Pearl Street Grill and…

The original Park Burger expands its Platt Park location

If Jean-Philippe Failyau, the owner of the original Park Burger in Platt Park, passes inspections tomorrow, his packed-to-the-rafters burger joint will reopen on Sunday with dozens of additional seats, new burgers, a free-standing bar and, God willing, waits that don’t stretch to an hour…

Gary Lee’s Motor Club & Grub revs up for a March 1 opening

Gary Lee Bomar inked a deal on a dilapidated property at 176 South Broadway last year, intending to build a bar and restaurant that would serve up smoked meats and cheeses and also feature an expansive patio, which would frequently feature live music. Before the hammers started swinging, though, his…

Guess where I’m drinking?

I didn’t notice many changes to this restaurant, despite it closing in January for renovations — but that could have been because I was fixated on this pomegranate kumquat caipirinha. Can you guess where I’m drinking? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first correct answer to the week’s Where am…

Guess where I’m eating?

It’s not exactly tableside guacamole, but this do-it-yourself version, complete with cilantro, pico, lime wedges and a charred jalapeño, is surprisingly good for a restaurant that’s not remotely renowned for its food. Can you guess where I’m eating? Special bonus: Anyone who gives the first correct answer to the week’s…

Reader: Is FIVE too much of a good thing?

Leigh Sullivan founded FIVE, a group of Denver chefs who cook across the country, back in 2008; the lineup, like Sullivan herself, has gone through some changes over the years. Sullivan recently relaunched her own marketing/public relations company, Leigh Sullivan Enterprises, and just announced the latest lineup of FIVE, which…