Kelly Merritt, Author at OpenTable Blog

Local Favorites: Top Denver Restaurants to Try Now

Kelly Merritt May 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

In the shadow of the mighty Rocky Mountains where the flavors of Colorado spring to life throughout Denver, health nuts, carnivores, brunchers, and late-night gastropub patrons come together in one of America’s most dynamic culinary cities. When it comes to cuisine and general fabulousness, Denver is beyond reproach. After all, this is the same city where visitors can stroll through the home of the unsinkable Molly Brown, Titanic survivor and activist for women’s suffrage, among other pursuits. Denver divides itself into the best of mountain cultures, east of California and west of the flyover states. It is rugged and elegant, bohemian and polished with no singular defining description. The crowd of restaurants is as diverse as the clientele. There’s no shortage of good eats in the Mile High City. But unless you live here and go out to eat every night, choosing just a few is like trying to slay every mogul on the slope. The following list of nine top Denver restaurants is a good start.

Urban Farmer
The name says it all in chef Chris Starkus’ LoDo neighborhood steakhouse. Similar to so many Colorado establishments, meat is king here. He even offers a New York steak tasting. But chef Starkus is also known for his spot-on, sea-faring palate. The chorizo oil married with citrus is an irresistible combination of zingy flavors in his seafood salad, while the charred octopus with mussels, black garlic, and saffron spätzle remain wildly popular with the after-work crowd. He adds a little Southern soul to the menu in his ham bone soup. And regulars argue his blackened foie gras butter, a luxe touch for any of the steaks, should have its own fan club. Make a reservation at Urban Farmer.

Randolph’s Restaurant & Bar
In what could be the best cheat food / Netflix binge-worthy snack ever, diners find East coast lobster corn dogs at Randolph’s Restaurant & Bar in the Warwick Hotel. No wonder this Capitol Hill neighborhood patio has such a following; cooks prepare the crispy little treasures on the barbecue grill. The equally lip-smacking herb polenta and gremolata serves as a savory, creamy counterpart to housemade Colorado bison meatballs. On the lighter side, housemade ricotta gets a helping of heirloom beets in one of Randolph’s bestselling salads. Make a reservation at Randolph’s Restaurant & Bar.

Public School 303
The name itself sounds like trouble. Like at any moment a bunch of rowdy kids will come running through the cafeteria wreaking havoc on the lunchroom. And that’s just what the menu at this Denver gastropub does. It annihilates all things boring. An otherwise dull chicken burger becomes honor roll-worthy with smoky tomato jam, avocado, red onions, blue cheese aioli, crispy bacon, and a fried egg topper. Comfort foods like chorizo mac and cheese or bacon and cheddar tots square off against fried chicken and green chili cornbread waffles as diner favorites. Public School 303 aims to educate guests in the art of food and beer, principal’s office style. Make a reservation at Public School 303.

Old Major
The slogan ‘seafood, swine, and wine’ just about sums up why patrons are celebrating the fifth year of Denver foodie staple Old Major. This nose-to-tail bastion of butchery is helmed by chef Justin Brunson and is part of the Brunson & Co. Denver family of restaurants that also includes Masterpiece Delicatessen and The Royal Rooster. Road warrior Brunson is a major part of why Old Major remains so successful – his infectious joy over seasonally and locally sourced ingredients and the storytelling that goes along with them remain trademarks of his Iowan farm upbringing. Brunson’s penchant for Colorado heritage-raised meats helped land him the starring role in Food Network’s SEARious Meats. Brunson’s eager guests love his rigatoni with braised rabbit, crispy whole fish, and various juicy steaks.
Make a reservation at Old Major.

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
Lower Downtown Denver is home to Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, where a touch of the creole South has found its way to the mouths of hungry Denver diners with the likes of seafood jambalaya, Po’Boys, catfish bites, and even an old-fashioned fish fry. Chef Jason Rogers, formerly of St. Regis Aspen and Boulder’s St. Julien Hotel & Spa, knows no proper Louisiana meal would be complete without boudin dirty rice and green onions, so plan to order some for the table to share. When booking a reservation, be sure to allow for enough time to visit the on-site Black Buzzard where rock legend tributes and nearly 50 rotating American craft beers on tap compliment a vivacious blend of live music. Make a reservation at Oskar Blues and Brew.

STK
Denver is nothing if not one of the best party cities. One of Denver’s sultriest enclaves, STK is like a supermodel with a Ph.D. This contemporary steakhouse is known just as much for its swanky lounge and sleek cocktails as for its beef also offers a dynamite raw bar. Don’t be surprised to find shot skis and an ice luge at even the most formal events here. Between toasts, steaks, and chilled shellfish, memorable savory noshes include shaved Brussels sprout salad, tartare, and braised short ribs with jalapeño cheddar grits. Make a reservation at STK.

Wewatta Point
The newly opened seafood stash of Wewatta Point is the latest addition in the Point Restaurants clan of eateries. Aside from the décor that feels like a breath of fresh air among a herd of dark wood-accented restaurants, expect to savor a lot of Asian flavors here in tangy ahi tuna poke bowls prepared with kimchi rice and whole Thai snapper for two. Patrons who swim in for “low tide” happy hour enjoy lobster rolls, and brunchers find surprising additions to old favorites, such as the togarashi-accented Benedict. Make a reservation at Wewatta Point.

The Other Red Meat: 8 Top Restaurants Serving Elk

Kelly Merritt April 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Watch out, beef. Mainstream diners are discovering what gourmands have known for years. When it comes to tender cuts, succulent sauces, and savory crusted medallions, nothing beats elk. Elk has all the wild flavor venison aficionados love but without the stronger, gamey tinge that can be off-putting.

As more efforts are concentrated toward restoring elk populations in mountainous regions of the United States, elk is fast becoming the everyman’s choice in gourmet game. Chefs love working with elk, too. Overcook venison and the result is a chewy mess. By contrast, elk lends itself to diners who love a good char.

Places like the Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado, serve elk two ways, grilled with a four-peppercorn crust and broiled medallions from elk farm-raised specifically for the Buckhorn. At the billionaire playground that is Azuridge Estate Hotel in Alberta, Canada, travelers get on planes for Japanese Red Seal chef Yoshi Chubachi’s elk Wellington. Even home cooks are getting in on the elk action with tacos and stews.

Here are our top OpenTable picks for elk first-timers and those who can’t wait to order it again.

The Fig Tree, Charlotte, North Carolina
When The Fig Tree became the first in this Southern city to serve what was then an adventurous dish, diners approached with trepidation. That didn’t last long. Fig tree owner and chef Greg Zanitsch’s grilled New Zealand elk chop remains the restaurant’s number one entrée. He serves it over horseradish spaetzle with smoked bacon-braised purple cabbage and Boursin-Dijon sauce. When Chef Zanitsch gets his teeth cleaned, his dentist asks if he still offers elk on the menu – the same goes for dropping his kids off at school. Zanitsch still chuckles at the queries even after more than a decade serving his signature dish, a 14-ounce chop with three bones. Chef Zanitsch cooks his elk chop to medium rare, since elk are more athletic than cows and therefore the meat toughens up with more cook time. He personally selects his elk wine pairings from the Fig Tree’s 31-page wine list, favoring Spanish wines, pinot noir, and Cabernet. Make a reservation at The Fig Tree.

Cloak + Petal, San Diego, California
Cloak & Petal has only been open for several months, but dishes like chef Dominic Valenzula’s elk sashimi are already making headlines. Aside from having one of the coolest names in the restaurant business, Cloak & Petal is a convergence of culinary culture. The elk sashimi is infused with ginger, sesame oil, and salt, sourcing elk from a Wyoming farm. The preparation is daunting from equipment to plate. The restaurant staff purchased a special freezer to freeze the elk to 80 degrees below zero to properly store and prepare the dish. It is then lightly seared on the outside to add a little smokiness. The sesame oil is from Kyoto, Japan, and is a much lighter version than its pungent, Americanized cousin. Make a reservation at Cloak + Petal.

Wildebeest, Vancouver, Canada
Canadian menus are nothing if not carnivorous. At Wildebeest in Vancouver, chef Ian McHale serves a roasted elk loin with crispy potato terrine, pickled and roasted winter vegetables, rosemary oil, and dark chocolate jus. The sinfully delicious dish is right at home in the refurbished 19th-century building in the city’s historic Gastown district. Make a reservation at Wildebeest.

The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market, Fort Collins, Colorado
The newly opened Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market is in the Old Town neighborhood of Fort Collins. At this American take on a brasserie, executive chef David Anderson serves his elk Wellington as a Saturday special, prepared with elk tenderloin, puff pastry, mushroom duxelles, creamed kale, and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. Make a reservation at The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market.

The Fort, Morrison, Colorado
Proprietress and culinary director Holly Arnold Kinney doubles up on flavor with her duo of four-ounce, bone-in elk chops St. Vrain, which she grills and serves with wild Montana huckleberry preserves at The Fort. What makes this dish so special, aside from the irresistible flavor profile, is The Fort itself. Kinney’s passion for what she terms ‘new foods of the old West’ is reimagining 19th-century recipes in this full-scale adobe replica of Bent’s Fort, the 1833-1849 fur-trading fort originally in Southeastern Colorado. Make a reservation at The Fort.

Go West: Top Alberta Restaurants Showcasing the Best of the Region

Kelly Merritt March 27, 2018 Leave a Comment

When most people think of dining destinations, the usual suspects always make the short list: Paris, Northern Italy, America’s Pacific Northwest, and so on. But foodies in the know waste no time getting to the Canadian province of Alberta. Here, a wilder version of Canada shares space with modern cities. The resulting hospitality is decidedly unpretentious and rooted in a history of agriculture.

To understand the ethos of Alberta’s magical gastronomy is to understand the vastness of this sportsman’s haven. Some of the earliest settlers in the region were ranchers and, still today, acres and acres of beautiful farmland and luxury in unexpected places abound, with the Canadian Rockies rising up behind them. At nearly 700,000 square miles, there are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites including famed Banff & Jasper National Parks and Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. To further put it in perspective, while immense, Alberta is just the fourth largest province in Canada and home to forest, prairies and mountain ecosystems. A shorter growing season means a higher appreciation for fresh veggies. Alberta chefs have more respect for ingredients than most, in platefuls of practiced discipline and creativity.

Calgary and Edmonton, the province’s two largest cities, are at the top of the heap in Alberta’s legion of fine dining. Yet some of Alberta’s best eats are nowhere near bustling locales. The agony of a visit to this slice of present-day Canada is having but just three meals a day. The thrill is knowing everything put in front of you will be sublime. Here are a few places to start exploring, whether you’re a local or a traveller.

Alpine Social at The Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise
In one of Canada’s most Instagram-worthy destinations, visitors flock to Lake Louise for events throughout the year and the many choices to dine against the spellbinding backdrop of the Victoria Glacier. The Chateau itself is majesty, built in Alberta’s Banff National Park. Between meals, visitors indulge in guided mountain tours, some of the world’s best skiing, and hiking among other activities at the more than 100-year-old property. Alpine Social is the place to be for après ski, a classic mountain hangout that invites patrons to indulge in the massive Scrabble wall and other games. The resort’s most jovial gathering hole, it has a Canadian-themed menu replete with bison and elk burgers. Regulars delight in being able to fellowship in a casual place within one of the fanciest places in the Province. Make a reservation at Alpine Social at The Fairmont Chateau.

Ten Foot Henry, Calgary
When a restaurant can make something as simple as tomatoes and feta seem like a revelation, it’s a winner. But the best description of Ten Foot Henry comes from one of its biggest fans. Travel Alberta’s Kristyn Snell is a regular. She likes to say that dining at Ten Foot Henry feels like sitting in a terrarium. Between the tall windows and plants, this bright and shiny eatery boasts a mostly vegetarian menu, perfect for taking a mini-vacation from all the wonderful meat dishes throughout Alberta. Ten Foot Henry does have three meat dishes and a charming front-of-the-house café called Little Henry where guests can indulge in coffees and desserts. Snell credits the butterscotch pudding for taking her back to her childhood every time. Make a reservation at Ten Foot Henry.

Two Penny Chinese, Calgary
Two Penny is like the headquarters of food happiness in Calgary. No wonder diners are all smiles here, what with steamed char siu pork barbecue buns and duck and foie gras potstickers with plum and black vinegar gastrique, just for starters. Save room to share a few of the chef specialties, like a garnish of onion jam and pickled apple with crispy skin pork belly, or Oolong tea-smoked half duck – served with milk buns, hoisin sauce, and pickles. For beef lovers, the Wagyu brisket Shanghai noodles pop with flavorful scallions, carrots, cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and bean sprouts. The big surprise here is the craft cocktail program, both inventive and alluring with drinks like the ginger soy sour with gin, ginger, burnt soy, and chili threads, or the “3 Years in the Making” mixed with whisky, rye, plum wine, rice vinegar, bitters, and sesame mist. Make a reservation at Two Penny Chinese.

Sleeping Buffalo Restaurant & Lounge, Banff
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts’ dizzying array of dining choices at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Deer Lodge, and Emerald Lake Lodge may feel daunting, but all are well worth contemplation. Fans credit the meats from the company’s own free-range elk, bison, and caribou farm for their rave reviews, along with housemade preserves. It’s one of Banff’s most beloved hotels, secluded and cloaked in the beauty of this remote region. Make a reservation at Sleeping Buffalo Restaurant & Lounge.

Madison’s Grill in the Union Bank Inn, Edmonton
Picture yourself in 1910. You’re miles from anywhere in the Union Bank of Canada building, surrounded by the quiet, cool security of the stout structure. That same historic vibe remains in what’s now a boutique hotel in Edmonton – but these days it’s defined by Madison’s Grill and things like lobster truffle fettuccini, scallops, and lamb shank. The creative team at Madison’s have mastered combining typical ingredients in atypical ways – take the chevre-stuffed pork loin, stuffed chicken forestiere wrapped in prosciutto and served with creamed leeks, or red wine-braised rabbit with confit fingerling potato Lyonnaise. Make a reservation at Madison’s Grill.

Purple Reign: The Best Purple Dishes to Order Now

Kelly Merritt March 9, 2018 2 Comments

Be they superfoods, antioxidant dynamos, or just plain delicious, there’s no denying the power of purple in contemporary cuisine. Eggplant swimming in exotic spices, purple cauliflower artfully perched on the edge of a white plate or beets, shiny from infused oils dressing fresh greens, amethyst-hued ingredients look beautiful and are (most of the time) part of a healthful diet. Purple, or rather PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, is the 2018 PANTONE color of the year, and this week we’re taking a look at how it’s being celebrated in liquid and solid form at restaurants around the world. On the food side of our nod to Pantone’s color of the year, here are a dozen darling places to go wild for violet.

Cannon + Belle, Austin, Texas
Austin’s culinary scene is on fire at places like Cannon + Belle, where the granola lab is every bit in demand as the kombucha on tap. Here, chef Yesica Arredondo’s farro and purple cauliflower salad is a work of art. She marinates the cauliflower and combines it with the farro and ever-so-slightly sweet mirepoix, all dressed up in a white balsamic vinaigrette. Like its legendary namesake, Austinite Angelina Belle Eberly and her six-pound cannon, the outstanding food here is a force to be reckoned with. Make a reservation at Cannon + Belle.

Yauatcha Waikiki, Waikiki, Hawaii
It’s easy to be wooed by the cassis grand macaron from gifted pastry chef Vivian Wu at Yauatcha Waikiki, a contemporary upscale dim sum teahouse. An ideal finish to indulging in her charming little dumplings and perfect to eat with tea, the macarons are filled with cassis berry compote and mousse and garnished with vanilla crémeux and vanilla bean gelato. Make a reservation at Yauatcha.

Gibson, San Francisco, California
Huckleberry is having a moment and Robin Song, the chef at Gibson, is taking full advantage. She prepares her Sonoma duck with beetroot and huckleberry. Grab a Bijou Gibson before dinner, mixed with red huckleberry vodka, violette, rhubarb, and pineapple guava foam. Make a reservation at Gibson.

34 Mayfair, London, United Kingdom
Pop ‘round to 34 Mayfair just off Grosvenor Square for a glimpse of the parrilla charcoal grill, but stay for the powerhouse beetroot and fig salad. The antithesis of a heavy entree, the combination of beets and fresh figs is an energy boost. Plus, it leaves room for dessert. If you’re turning 34 this year, this is the place to celebrate. They’ll help you mark the occasion with your very own dark purple treat, a black cherry birthday cheesecake on the house. Make a reservation at 34 Mayfair.

Vince Young Steakhouse, Austin, Texas
Let them eat purple cake. This carnivore’s paradise has an ultraviolet sweet side. For dessert at Vince Young Steakhouse, try the blueberry cake from executive pastry chef Mary Rodriguez. Masterfully assembled from a light cake, she garnishes it with candied cashews, sweet corn ice cream, mango sorbet, and popcorn. Make a reservation at Vince Young Steakhouse.

Flannel Restaurant at Topnotch, Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is one of the most beautiful mountain settings in the Northeast. The local claim to fame that is Ben and Jerry’s factory has nothing on Topnotch Resort chef Adam Noe. At his Flannel Restaurant, he dazzles diners with his beet ice cream and other purple staples, such as his Flannel hash with corned beef and roasted beets. Make a reservation at Flannel.

Area 31, Miami, Florida
Chef Alex Olivier matches his passion for seafood with all the colors of the rainbow at Miami’s Area 31, but he piles on the violet with his Caribbean snapper and purple cauliflower couscous with white asparagus and lemon verbena for an extra splash of flavor. Wine-red colored gooseberries receive featured prominence elsewhere on the menu. Make a reservation at Area 31.

Aqua Shard and Aqua Kyoto, London, United Kingdom
Aqua Shard is known for their cushy purple chairs, but diners scamper there for things like rosemary and buttermilk panna cotta with edible purple flowers and berries. At its sister property, Aqua Kyoto, the stunning Shojin Go Zen box contains 12 elements, seven of which contain purple ingredients. Make reservations at Aqua Shard and Aqua Kyoto.