“Affairs of the Heart” Tours
Historic tours of Denver’s venerable Brown Palace Hotel focus on “Affairs of the Heart” during February. Oh, the tales Debra Faulkner, hotel historian and archivist, has to tell. After 117 years the “Brown” reveals stories of intrigue, romance, love triangles and even murder. Public tours are offered every Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and last 45-60 minutes. Tours are free, however reservations are required.
Besides “Affairs of the Heart” and general history tours, specialized themes include a presidential tour (Every U.S. president since Teddy Roosevelt in 1905, with the exception of Calvin Coolidge, has visited The Brown Palace.), an architectural tour and the ever-popular ghost tour (October tours often fill to capacity). Groups of 10 or more must make arrangements for a private tour. Private tours – for a fee – can be arranged for those requiring a time outside of the normal scheduled tours.
I suggest making reservations for Afternoon Tea following your tour. Served in the eight-story atrium lobby the traditional afternoon ritual includes tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream shipped directly from England and tea pastries. All accompanied by a harpist or pianist.
Is your valentine a chocoholic? If so, make reservations at the hotel’s elegant Palace Arms restaurant for a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Thanawat Bates, executive sous chef, has created a six course decadent dinner ($150/couple + tax and gratuity) with chocolate incorporated in each course.
Extend the celebration to Sunday, February 15th, with Ellyngton’s Dom Perignon Sunday Brunch. An extensive buffet offers selections from waffles to sushi and incredible desserts. Prices start at $54.95 per person.
Affairs of the heart isn’t limited to Valentine’s Day, the Brown Palace offers specials and packages for romantics year round. Check the website to find the right one for your occasion – Cupid’s Cuddle, Royal Romance, Light Up the Night or Tranquility With a Twist. For spur of the moment getaways try On A Whim. With the fine dining options, room service and pampering at The Spa at the Brown Palace you may never what to leave.
When You Go: Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th Street, Denver, Colorado.
After a tour of a nearby wildlife refuge we tried the Northfield Ling & Louie’s for lunch. A friendly greeting and immediate seating started everything off on a pleasant note. Our booth was against the wall separating the dining room from the kitchen; the top half was a frosted glass water wall. The gentle flowing water sound hid any kitchen noise. The west wall was all windows looking onto the patio and landscaped grounds.
diced pineapple, red peppers and a sweet citrus sauce. Brown or jasmine rice accompanied both dishes. The orange flavor was very evident in my chicken nicely blended with the mild chilies, a little zip but certainly not spicy hot. I liked that the waitress brought two plates when she first approached the table, we were prepared to share. We enjoyed generous servings of both entrees and still boxed some to go.
In addition to bar seating there are a dozen tables and booths – today filled with families, teens, Harley bikers and gray-haired geezers. Nancy was working behind the bar this afternoon. The local sitting next to Bob informed us, “She’s been my therapist for years.”
Our first day in Jupiter usually finds us at Schooner’s Restaurant for a late lunch. The casual, relaxed atmosphere proves to be a necessary respite after several hours at Mother’s assisted living facility. The patio beckons us to sit back and enjoy an icy drink while lunch is prepared.
Service is almost always friendly and attentive. During our last visit on Martin Luther King Day they were obviously slammed but the staff worked together to get everyone served and keep drinks refreshed. Our only complaint over the years has been that they don’t automatically serve a roll, crackers or bread with our favorite salad. We’ve learned to ask for a roll when we order and the request is always met.
Colterra Restaurant
The risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan was topped with a grilled chicken breast. The rice the perfect texture and balance of flavors. I’m easily bored with chicken breast, however this was excellent quality, cooked just right. I soon decided I was eating the entire entree, nothing was going home for later. Pat reported her bolognese delightful, “I could go in the kitchen and lick the pan.”
A recent brunch visit withfamily and friends satisfied appetites. Several of us ordered Eggs Mazatlan. The large flour tortilla stuffed withthree scrambled eggs and guacamole and topped with white cheddar cheese and green chilepleased hungry tummies without feeling heavy. Salsa, sour cream and tortilla chips – thin, crisp and warm – served on the side.
With 11:00 am reservations our party could order from both the breakfast and lunch menus. We ran the gamut from eggs Benedict and waffles to fish and chips and the Red Baron Reuben. The Piper Club looked large enough to feed an entire flight crew.
But, let’s get to the food. Bob ordered the Tuscan style meatloaf, topped with porcini mushroom gravy, served on garlic mashed potatoes, accompanied by sauteed veggies. The meatloaf slice was thick and generous – enough for lunch the next day. The potatoes perfect and the gravy exceptional. I selected a pasta dish of capellini, shrimp, tomato cream and basil – heavenly. I was certain I would take some home for Monday lunch but didn’t put my fork down until I picked up my spoon to get the last sips of sauce. We finished the evening sharing the fall fruit bread pudding with frangelico caramel – lovely.
The sign says, “Mosaic, Unique Cuisine.” The menu says, “American cuisine with global influences.” I say, “Delightful” – especially the sweet potato fries. Lunch at 
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.
Where To Go - Travel USA 