fostering community

Denver is so appealing to a native of Colorado because it offers so much in such a small area. Suburbia with it's large houses and even larger yards seem to shout "Leave ME Alone!" Not a good message as people who desire relationships and interaction. I like the thought of knowing my neighbors and walking to the local corner store for a loaf of bread or some Advil. Allowing my kids to play down the street knowing that someone has got their eye on them. Knowing that I'm being a little kinder to the environment by conserving resources and yet building community. I like that Urban planners are thinking the same way.

Denver's future and beyond

Just in case you haven't noticed, I love Denver and I'm so excited to see how it will grow and expand into a city that has so much to offer. That's why I love this website Denver Infill. The site started 1 year ago and has reports and sketches for new building project in and around the downtown area. Somehow this guy seems to have his ear to the sidewalk on all the new condo and loft projects before anyone else. The site is very comprehensive and updated almost daily. I could spend hours just touring the neighborhoods on this site. Personally I would love to see 2 chains downtown: Coldstone Creamery and Whole Foods Market. Keeping my fingers crossed!

rick in the rockies

Rick the Rig got to roam the James Peak Wilderness this past weekend and he loves to stretch his 4x4 wheels. The campsite was recommended in 5280 magazine describing it as

a short half-mile trek from your car (you'll need 4wd) leaves you on the wildflower-swathed banks of a shallow, fish filled lake. Secluded spots abound around the main lake, as well as around the other nearby waterholes. Beautiful, bubbling waterfalls connect the lakes and make for easy water access.

They forgot the wonderful nighttime view of the stars away from the city light pollution. The site was situated perfectly next to a babbling brook and under the canopy of the trees. Warning: off-road 4x4 passed the site every hour or two heading down a trail. Other than the annoying engine sounds, this was a wonderful campsite to relax, hike, fish, and mtn bike.

unfinished business

I have been lazy and have so many opinions on places I have visited in the last month, so here goes:

Snooze: chic diner with lots of modern flair to go along with the peanut butter and jelly pancakes. highly recommended before a browse thru the Ballpark market.

Aztec Sol: a wannabe authentic taqueria that falls short. the food was americanized with little spice or taste. the plus was the patio seating with the party atomsphere outside. still need to visit Taqueria Patzuaro also on 32nd and Tacos Jalisco is an all time favorite visited just last night.

Peaks Lounge: still a hidden gem in Denver offering expansive views of the city with the mountains in the backdrop. located on the 27th floor of the new Hyatt downtown, a cocktail at sunset would be drinking in Denver!

Jazz in the Park: finally got around to this citywide picnic in the park. apparently if your intent is to actually listen to the live jazz, you need to show up early to get prime real estate in front of the bandstand. otherwise bring your cooler, blanket and dog to people watch and enjoy denver's fine city park.

My Brother's Bar: watch out you might miss this bar on the corner of 15th and Platte without a sign over the door (SE corner), but when you have found your way to the patio, you know you are home. a little classical music faintly heard mixed with the chatter. my personal favorite is the J.C.B. burger with jalapano cream cheese, but unfortunately the burger is sometimes over-cooked and dried out. i will continue to go back for the laid back neighborhood-bar-feel.

The Homestead Golf Course: since in my very short golfing career, i have only played par 3 nine holes, this was quite a treat to play 18 with my dad for father's day. lovely course with up-close view of the foothills.

Tifah: wednesday night the fox had the honor of hosting the sounds of Tifah and band. the only way to listen to this girl's voice is live to capture the full, rich texture and the added violinist rocked! keep your ears open for this girl...

shining a mile high

My friend from childhood came into town for the weekend and Denver was the star. I understand how the Denver area has placed in the top five places to live for singles year after year. Growing up in Colorado I take for granted everything it has to offer. And as chefs continue to open wonderfully delicious restaurants in various neighborhoods, this only supplements the recreational activities that abound both in the mountains and the city.

Thursday night we headed to a Uptown Tavern which is just that, a local tavern with lots of T.V.s showing the current sporting events. This night was the NBA finals so the place was packed out including the large outdoor patio and the 2 lanes of miniture bowling. The food is regular bar food with nothing extraordinary. A fun bar to hang out with friends.

Have you heard of LoHi? The new name for the Lower Highlands which borders are I-25, Speer, Federal, and 38th. New restaurants are popping up all over the place which is making this a very appealing neighborhood with it's close vicinty to downtown and the amazing city views. Duo Restaurant at 32nd Ave and Zuni Street is a welcomed addition. The warm goat cheese served with pistachios and sour cherry vinaigrette was a wonderful starter and I could not get enough of the grilled pork chops on mash potatoes and had a dipping sauce that tasted like wasabi and cider. There were antique windows hanging as a partition between the bar and dining area which added a great touch to the decor.

more weekend to come...

my favorite pastime

Any restaurant named after the activity I spend most of my nights doing has to be good. Snooze just opened in the Ballpark neighborhood and the breakfast menu sounds yummy with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pancakes! I'll check it out and report back soon...

sunday jazz in the park

I cannot wait to have a picnic Sunday evening in City Park and listen to live jazz music. The best part, it's free! So bring your blanket, picnic and good bottle of wine to enjoy After Midnight this Sunday and other fun bands throughout the summer.