Sweet Potato Fries – Oh My!

The 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 Turkey 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.

New York Deli News – Denver

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.

Downtown Littleton’s New Hot Spot

The transition from Merle’s Alignment to Merle’s Restaurant is complete. After opening in November the eatery quickly became the new hot spot in downtown Littleton. We made our first visit today for lunch. With lots of buzz about the burgers we couldn’t resist. Bob ordered the Mountain Burger with mushrooms, smoked peppered bacon and Swiss cheese. I chose Mark’s Burger with Anaheim chilies, guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese. Both were worthy of the buzz. Meat for burgers is ground fresh daily, bun was fresh and an appropriate size. A pet peeve of mine is a bun that overwhelms the meat or one too small to cover the patty.

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