Some hits, misses in Westword, 5280 "best' picks

The Denver Post
April 1, 2001

Some hits, misses in Westword, 5280 "best' picks
Author: Bill Husted

Edition: SUN1
Section: A
Page: A-02

The Denver Post is no longer publishing its annual Colorado Peaks supplement - a roster of all that's great in the state. You're now left with Westword's Best of Denver issue (still on the street) and 5280's Top of the Town and Spring Dining issues (the latter just hit the stands).

We take a glance this morning at what they got right - and wrong.

5280 answers readers' questions this outing, and one particularly off-the-mark suggestion from critic Lori Midson is to send a newly single guy to the Denver Buffalo Company to "revel" in his new-found liberation. Gee, that's my idea of a good night out. Eat a buffalo steak all alone in the Victorian dining room, then go in to see Lannie Garrett's "Patsy DeCline Show" all alone at a table. This is definitely a trip for a couple or a group.

Midson is right on sending celebratory groups to Morton's and Papillon. She is wrong sending people to Buca di Beppo for a chef's table dinner - or any dinner, period.

Want to catch a "nearby" and "convenient" bite to eat before a game at the Pepsi Center? Midson sends them to Jack-n-Grill and Mickey Manor, way the heck over on North Federal Boulevard. Jeez, why not send them to Cherry Creek North? They're both about 3 miles by car from the Pepsi Center.

Midson lists Campo de Firoi and Mizuna as hot new restaurants, and she's right. But she also likes Micole, which is like eating in a salt cellar.

And how 'bout Midson's suggestion for reasonably priced caterers that "won't crash the
honeymoon budget"? She names Epicurean, Occasions by Sandy and Three Tomatoes - good operations, but a long, long shot from Denver's more affordable feeders.

As for Westword's picks, they are the usual mix of on-target hits and oddball picks. Best steak? Yes, Del Frisco's. Best bakery? Yes, Gateau. Best power lunch? CityGrille? Well, maybe, but the Palm is pushing that envelope.

Best sandwiches? Spicy Pickle, no question about it.

Best hamburger? Night Shift Saloon in Aurora, says Westword. Everyone knows the best burger is at the Cherry Cricket.

But who can argue with the Best Over-The-Top Burger at 3rd Avenue Eclectic Burgers & Cuisine. Half-pound patty with sauteed chantrelle mushrooms, seared foie gras, arugula and red-wine butter. Oh, it costs $22, so eat slowly.

I agree with Westword that Brothers BBQ has the best BBQ, Mondo Vino is a terrific wine shop, Fourth Story has the best wine list and the Funky Buddha is the best new bar in town.

And Little Ollie's is the best Chinese restaurant, Tante Louise the best French restaurant and Mel's the best new American (and probably Denver's most consistently great).
Editor Patty Calhoun likes it that people don't agree with the newspaper's picks. "They argue about it. It makes people realize what they love about Denver."

STALLING: Bob the Beerman is talking about retiring from Coors Field (mercy), but here comes Matt the Stall Guy. Fox Sports Net is set to launch a series of television ads featuring a guy, Matt, who spends his day at work in the men's room, talking ball to his fellow employees.

"How 'bout them Rockies? Can you spare a square?"

The ads were directed by Christopher Guest, the funny guy who brought us "Waiting for
Guffman" and, more recently, "Best in Show."

CITY SPIRIT: Wines Off Wynkoop's monthly mixer/tasting 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Dixon's - $15, 20 wines, cool guys, hot dames. Call Devany McNeill at 303-571-1012 ... The University of Colorado at Boulder is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary with a whopper of a party April 20 with 125 birthday cakes. On April 21, they'll have a party to honor the 49 living $1 million donors and all the college ... People are still talking about last month's Denver Ad Show party. It started with invitations printed on air-sickness bags that read: "More egos than most people can stomach in one night ... Wear some cocktail attire, eat lightly and load up on drinks." From all reports, it went downhill from there ... Why did Chelsea Clinton have six Secret Service agents with her in Aspen
last week? Isn't all that history? Seems her dad signed an executive order in his last days in office extending the coverage for six months ... Sez who: "I pride myself on the fact tha! t my work has no socially redeeming value." - John Waters

Bill Husted's column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Bill also appears Thursday nights on FOX 31 News at 9 p.m. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or BillHusted@aol.com.