Monthly Archives: January 2009

Mosaic Restaurant – Suburban Denver

Sweet Potato Fries – Oh My!

bobs-lunch1The sign says, “Mosaic, Unique Cuisine.” The menu says, “American cuisine with global influences.” I say, “Delightful” – especially the sweet potato fries. Lunch at Mosaic restaurant offers a new twist to a favorite side dish. The rich orange fries glisten with a coating of  “secret” glaze. Our waitress could tell us there was honey, cinnamon and red pepper involved but said they kept the rest of the recipe a secret. I’m guessing there’s some citrus involved, perhaps juice of an orange. Even with honey the fries are not overly sweet. Skip the sandwich just bring me the fries. If you have an aversion to sweet potatoes there is a choice of regular fries.

 I selected the Wild Prawn Po-Boy enhanced with Cajun mango mayo, butter lettuce & grilled Roma tomato on focaccia bread. The Cajun mango mayo added just the right amount of zip. Bob started with a bowl of tomato basil soup with wasabi cream before the Peppered fireplaceTurkey and Bacon Panini served with basil avocado pesto and melted Gouda cheese on focaccia bread. Attention to detail is evident in the presentation of all dishes. For my next luncheon visit I want to try the Shrimp Lollipop and Eastern Style Lobster Roll.

I’m certainly enticed by the Chipolte Lobster Macaroni and Cheese on the dinner menu described as, “Orange scented lobster tail sauteed with cavatappi pasta & lobster meat, topped with parsley infused oil & lobster chipotle cheese sauce.” The listing of Small Plates also tempts with unique preparations from flat bread to scallops. An extensive wine list ensures a good match with your chosen entrees.

Mosaic is a stand alone building on the southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and South Oswego, three stoplights east of I-25. The interior pleases with an unusual gas fireplace, nicely spaced tables and colorful place settings. A see-through aquarium separates the bar and dining room. Service was attentive and friendly without being in your face.

Try Mosaic’s sweet potato fries, if you find better anywhere else let me know. I’ll be glad to put them to the test.

When You Go: Mosaic is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Call 720-308-0994 for reservations. Directions, online reservations, menus and additional information on their website.

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Michelle Chrisman – Taos Plein Air Artist

Painting Blumenschein’s Garden

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The artist capturing the summer garden at the Blumenschein House and Museum is Michelle Chrisman. I love her use of vibrant colors. Michelle describes herself as an Impressionist and Expressionist working in oils and loves to paint en plein air. She has been featured in Southwest Art Magazine, in 2005 as an “Artist to Watch” and in June 2008 in a feature article on “Plein Air Painting.”

Michelle lives in the historic village of Ranchos de Taos. She is represented by galleries in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. Visit her website to view available works, a schedule of exhibitions, events and workshops.                                                               

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If you’re planning a trip to Taos Michelle has an adobe cottage she rents for short term stays during the summer. The casita sleeps two, has a fully equipped kitchen and full bath. Call 575-613-0443 for reservations.

Blumenschein Home Museum – Taos

Peeking into a Creative Past

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Two blocks south of Taos Plaza the home of Ernest Blumenschein (1874-1960) preserves a look into the creative life of one of Taos’ most famous artists. A founder of the original Taos Society of Artists, Blumenschein was drawn to the Northern New Mexico region after his first visit in 1898. With wife Mary Greene Blumenschein, an artist  in her own right, and daughter Helen the family purchased the home on Ledoux Street in 1919. Portions of the adobe structure date to 1797.

The interior remains much as it was when the family lived, painted and entertained in the 13-room rambling structure. Entering the kitchen with its ice box, California cooler and combination wood/electric stove sets the stage for a step back in time. One can imagine the list of luminaries who gathered in dining room doorwaysduring the first half of the 20th century. The home is furnished with the family’s original belongings of European and Spanish Colonial style antiques and a lifetime of personal possessions. Walls filled with the family’s art collection include works by other Taos artists, Mary and Helen. Many of Blumenschein’s own works hang in his former studio.

In summer the home’s courtyard fills with colorful blooms. A sky blue bench entices visitors to sit among the hollyhocks and let their mind wander back a few decades. Twenty-first century artists frequently work at easels in courtyard corners, capturing their vision of the Taos landmark.

painterWhen You go: Blumenschein Home and Museum, 222 Ledoux Street, Taos, New Mexico. Open daily in summer, check the website for hours and admission fees. Call, 575-758-0505, for winter hours. Browse the gift shop for unique New Mexican items and books.

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Museum Association of Taos

Save Money at Taos Museums

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Rich in arts, history and culture a visit to Taos, New Mexico usually includes stops at several members of the Museum  Association of Taos. Save money by buying a Combination Ticket for $25. The ticket allows one admission to each of the association members – Blumenschein Home & Museum, Harwood Museum of Art, La Hacienda de los Martinez, Millicent Rogers Museum and Taos Art Museum. Tickets are good for one full year from date of purchase and are transferable. If you don’t make it to all five facilities pass it on to a friend for their Taos visit.

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Dietrich’s Chocolates & Espresso – Denver

Chocolate Shop Breakfast

chocolatesWhat’s not to love about breakfast in a chocolate shop? Joined by friend Dianne, Dietrich’s Chocolates & Espresso was today’s breakfast destination. Dianne introduced me to Dietrich’s because it reminds her of the chocolate shop in her neighborhood when she lived in Belgium. After breakfast here I always wonder why we don’t go more often. The unassuming shop almost gets lost in the row of businesses with gaudy signage on East Evans near the University of Denver. Dietrich’s shouldn’t be overlooked.

Erich Dietrich apprenticed for 3 1/2 years under a master chocolatier in his native Germany.  In 1978 he opened his business in Denver, keeping chocoholics swooning over his smooth, rich creations.

Among the cases and racks of handmade candies, six tables await fortunate foodies arriving for breakfast. The menu is simple but when everything is perfectly prepared simple is all we need. I always order the American Breakfast of  two eggs (any style), potatoes, fruit, croissant, preserves and butter. Cost is just $6.25. and, every breakfast comes with a Dietrich chocolate. The large croissants are fresh from Trompeau Bakery right across the street. Don’t want a full breakfast? How about a totally decadent croissant with melted dark chocolate and cappusino!

With so few tables one sometimes has to wait anxiously for a table. I suggest going on a snowy Sunday when slugs are tempted to stay home. It’s hard to leave without picking out a treat to take home or to the office.

When You Go: Dietrich’s Chocolates & Espresso, 1734 E. Evans Avenue, Denver, 303-777-3358. Open Tuesday – Friday 8am – 6pm, Saturdays 8am  – 4pm and Sundays 8am – 2pm, closed Mondays. Breakfast is served until 1pm on weekdays, 2pm on weekends. A lunch menu of brats and a few sandwiches is available all day.

New York Deli News – Denver

New York Deli News – Denver

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New York Deli News has become our “Go To” restaurant, the place we go when we want a sandwich piled high with hot pastrimi or good, reasonably priced comfort food. We know what to expect and the consistency is amazing. Denver diners have chowed down at NYDN for twenty years.

Chicken pot pie stars on Thursday nights. Generous chunks of chicken and vegetables encased in rich pastry  served steaming hot – the best I’ve had in Denver. I once finished an entire pie but usually enough goes home with me for two lunches. Other nightly specials include corned beef and cabbage on Sundays and Saturday night lasagna. Friday is prime rib night, 12-ounces – $12.95, 16-ounces – $16.95 for complete dinners.

The economically minded watch for coupons in Friday papers or take advantage of the Early Bird specials between 3:30-5:30 pm when $6.95 buys one of ten entrees. The complete dinner comes with potato, vegetable and a choice of soup, salad or cole slaw. All accompanied by slices of light rye bread, of course.

We ate at NYDN many years before ever ordering a hamburger. What a mistake! It’s a thick patty cooked to order and served hot off the grill. I’m not much of a fry person but the ones here are hard to resist.

The ambiance is a bit worn, however, we always receive attentive, efficient service. I’m not from New York and wouldn’t debate the authenticity of Denver’s New York Deli News. But, what I do know is that much like a favorite pair of shoes or comfy sweater NYDN fits well as our dependable “Go To” eatery.

When You Go: New York Deli News is located at 7105 E. Hampden Ave., 303-759-4741. Opens daily at 7:00 am, closes 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Frontier Airlines – AirFairs

 A Whole New Way to Buy and Fly on Frontier Airlines

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Griz and the gang are back. Those of us who enjoy Frontier Airline’spromotional campaign have missed the ads featuring the animals on the airline’s tails. Not understanding the new “AirFairs” Grizwald the Bear is currently on a rant while his pals sit back and smirk.

In mid-December Frontier announced a new three-tier fare structure.  The guaranteed lowest fare, Economy, is the basic ticket, no perks. If you’re traveling light, don’t expect schedule changes or need to economize this is your best option.

For as little as $20 more fliers can choose the Classic which offers advanced seat assignment, two complimentary checked bags, in-flight DIRECTV® and 125% EarlyReturns® mileage credit. If you require an itinerary change the fee is $50 with Classic tickets. For most passengers this is a real bargain.

Classic Plus offers the least restrictions and most perks. Fully refundable and changable this fare gives customers priority boarding, two checked bags, complimentary DIRECTV®, an in-flight snack and a premium beverage. In addition EarlyReturns® members receive a 150% mileage credit.

When booking a flight to Florida today I found Classic Plus fares to be about $50 higher than Classic. However, that could still be a major savings if you’re likely to need to change flights or cancel.

“Our customers have spoken and we listened,” said Sean Menke, Frontier President and CEO. “AirFairs brings choice and fairness back to the travel experience. The customer is now the driver of their individual travel experience. Our three fare levels give our customers the flexibility they have told us they want to arrange their travel to fit their specific budget and comfort needs.”

I like having my expenses paid up-front. With Classic ticket in hand I’m off to Florida later this month, flying Frontier.

2008 Travel Favorites, Picks, Best of… Part 2

Wrapping Up 2008

  • passkeyBest Pork Sandwich – Pass Key’s, Pueblo, Colorado — This is a must stop whenever we’re driving through Pueblo and they’re open. Anyone who grew up near Pueblo or spent time there salivates when you mention the Pass Key Special. It’s an Italian sausage patty and cheese sandwich hot off the grill served with peperoncini and fries. The handful of shredded lettuce may be the only healthy aspect but once in a while we have to indulge.

  • dougBest Piano Bar Entertainer – Doug Montgomery at Vanessie’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico — I and every woman I know who has ever seen Doug perform loves this guy. Fingers that caress the keyboard, charm and carisma all wrapped up in one cute package. His repretoire seems unlimited. After nineteen years at Vanessie’s Doug has a loyal following of Santa Fe locals and tourists.

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