COLUMN & PHOTOS BY
J. L. SCHULTHEIS PRICE
Openings
The good news: Denver Restaurant Week is coming. The bad news: some of my favorite finds from last year’s rambling restaurant tour are now defunct. For struggling eateries, this event offers a critical shot in the arm when they most need it. As in past years, a large selection of the city’s finest dining spots will offer $52.80 dinner for two specials during the week starting Feb. 21 (see article on page nine).
Make no bones about it. This is a tough time to launch an eatery. Restaurant visits are down measurably as folks pare back discretionary spending. Still, there are brave souls bucking the trend.
If your past accomplishments include Luca D’Italia and Mizuna, two of Capitol Hill’s best known high-end operations, what would you do when the space right between those two spots becomes available? You’ll find the answer on the corner of 7th & Grant.
AFTER A MAJOR FACELIFT, the corner spot at 7th & Grant houses Bones, an eclectic restaurant conceived by long-time restaurateur Frank Bonnano of Mizuna & Luca d’Italia fame.
If you were Frank “Bones” Bonnano, you’d grab the space and launch a new venture, lending it the nickname you carried as a teen growing up in New Jersey.
For the past month Bones has been operating at 701 Grant, where the Sparrow Market and 7th Avenue Deli once catered to a mostly lunch crowd.
Thankfully, the space has received a massive renovation and now sparkles from the wall of wine up front to the expansive counter that runs the length of the shop. Bonnano’s wife Jacqueline gets design credit and she’s crafted an inviting space that makes use of every square inch. The place looks double in size compared to its last incarnation.
The menu offers unusual treats like suckling pig, steamed buns, roasted bone marrow and Hawaiian bigeye tuna sashimi. You’ll also find escargot pot stickers, or Oysters Rockefeller for the less adventurous. Ramen with poached lobster and edamame and soba noodles with prawns grace the entree list and cocktails include the “Tsunami,” blended with sake, ginger beer and blackberry liqueur.
On the day of my visit there was pork butt seasoned with star anise and cloves roasting in the oven. The smell was delightful.
Chris Gregory, one of the operating partners said, “With so many restaurants going under, it seemed like a good time to pick up the ‘Sparrow’ spot that seemed to keep going under every couple months. It (used to be) a bummer to walk by this forlorn spot.”
Gregory was fast to point out that the opening created 15 new jobs, too.
“WithMizuna, Frank has done a great job in adapting classic French technique. Here he can create without constraints,” he added. “Frank’s favorite food is pasta, so he gets to play with pasta and not be bound by any particular style.”
In addition to a generous number of tables, there are numerous stools running the length of the expansive counter. For the moment, dinner’s the only thing being served and they do it seven nights a week 5-10 pm. Lunch may be a possibility as soon as the logistics are figured out, according to Gregory. The number is 303-860-2929 and bonesdenver.com is the Web address.
Also bucking the wave of restaurant closures is Fidel’s Cantina, located a few blocks north at 12 E. 11th in the former Metro Kitchen space.
Here the menu’s simple but smells complex. You can choose from seven types of tacos, including grilled shrimp, five versions of quesadillas, and three or four soup offerings paired with multiple salsa and burrito options. Think of it as a fresh Mexican grill and you’ll be on the mark.
The menu was designed by Oscar Guererra, formerly of Lime XS. Expect to find a variety of fresh entrees and salsas, including lime/mango. GM Steve Stitt is adamant about fresh ingredients.
FIDEL’S CANTINA IS BLENDING FRESH FOOD & lots of fancy beverages into an eatery at 12 E. 11th that the owners hope will draw quite a following as the weather warms up.
Right now, the black beans still come in a can, but Stitt says that’s just temporary. He plans to soak and cook his own in the near future.
In the summer Fidel’s will even offer snowcones... covered with schnapps! Now there’s a way to chill.
The east side patio offers a retractable awning for all-weather use, patio heaters and room for a great live band.
For now, every hour is Happy Hour all day long with $3 well drinks and $2 drafts. Frozen margaritas will be a special focus and you can even request owner Regas Christou’s special recipe if you’re daring enough.
“It feels good,” said Stitt of his operation. “We have already got a pretty seasoned staff and that’s the first thing to get done correctly.”
Hours are 11 am-8:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Fridays they will close at midnight and Saturdays the kitchen will probably operate until 2 am to reach the “after club” crowd. Sunday hours are noon-7 pm or so.
Hair and exercise ventures also seem to rushing into business despite the economic realities of the day.
SalonTrés Ci, formerly Phoebe’s Hair, is now cutting at 2609 E. 3rd at Columbine in Cherry Creek North (CCN) and billing itself as “The salon with an accent.” Think they have attitude, too?
Hours are six days a week 9 am-7 pm, with Sunday closed. Earlier appointments are available on request. The number is 303-388-8580.
Russell Christopher Hair is now open in the former Barb’s Flowers space next to Collins Bikes on Colfax. The precise address is 3221 E. Colfax at Steele and the number’s 720-810-7707.The Web address isrussellchristopherhair.com.
Pilates Vita has opened up in the space behind and upstairs from Twice as Haute at 1215 E. 6th at Downing. Patricia Robinson is the owner and primary instructor.
Her biz offers reformer, mat, and chair classes, and after each sessions there’s a complimentary five-minute relaxation/decompression training to “reground” folks.
Robinson began her Pilates work eight years ago. She’s instructed in Rio de Janeiro, New York, Scottsdale, Arizona and now Denver.
“I’m a journalist and I started to work in Brazil,” said Robinson.
She investigated natural cures, holistic healing and other options. When a knee injury sidelined her regular exercise routine, Pilates was the only great workout she could complete without pain.
“It grounded me a lot in my body. Was a very positive impact for me in my mind, too,” she said.
If you’re not sure this program is right for you, Robinson offers a free 30-minute session for new clients. You just need to call the studio at 303-322-4567 to set up the time.
Classes are limited to only four people to guarantee individual attention. Reformer classes run $20-25 per session depending on the package you buy. Private classes can be had for just $50 if you buy a multi-class card, quite an attractive price. Classes are offered Monday to Saturday. Pilatesvita.com has the full schedule.
Two more Pilates shops are now also open in the area. What’s that saying about good things coming in threes?
SALON TRÉS CI IN CHERRY CREEK NORTH has settled into a vintage location at 2609 E. 3rd at Columbine. Its owner defines it as ‘The salon with an accent.’
Djuna, the upscale home furnishings store in the 200 block of Detroit in CCN, is now featuring Pilates Evolution on the building’s second floor. Evolutions promises you’ll love “LA’s hottest workout.” The number is 303-355-3500.
For Golden Triangle residents, there’s Pilates Aligned at 1110 Acoma. The number is 303-886-6925 and Cara Reeser is the owner. She’s been teaching this method for a decade.
Pilatesaligned.com has class info and pricing. The location is fully equipped and offers both physical and massage therapy in addition to Pilates on premises.
Style Masters has opened at 2426 E. 3rd near Josephine in the old Photographers’ Gallery space. It appears to be a women’s clothing shop.
Hours are Monday to Saturday 11 am-5 pm, or Sunday 11 am-4 pm. The number for private appointments is 303-653-3575.
Eclectic Dekken “And.” How’s that for a business name?
“This is not just another gift boutique,” is the recording you get from owner June Medina if you try to call the shop at 2827 E. Colfax at Detroit. The inventory here is every bit as unusual as the company name on the door.
Their website explains, “It all started with a dream of a nice little shop with lots of nice little things. In 2005 I began to work towards that dream. I set up shop on a table at the local military base and then moved my efforts to Heritage Square (in Golden). Now I am here on Colfax.”
“The one constant is the nature of my shop. Some call it ‘chaos,’ but I call it fun,” Medina said.
Treasures abound at this eclectic shop. Here you might find an original Shirley Temple doll, a clever tea pot, sterling silver jewelry, trinket boxes and all sorts of unusual things.
The number is 303-271-1055 and hours are 11 am-7 pm Tuesday to Saturday, according to signage. Eclecticdekkenand.com is the website.
It wouldn’t be a new month without a new nail salon in CCN. Nail Day & Spa is now open at 231 Detroit. Their number is 303-322-3229 and hours are weekdays 9:30 am-7 pm, with Saturday appointments 9:30 am-6 pm and Sunday times 10 am-5 pm. During the Grand Opening services are discounted 20%.
What’s New?
File-n-Style and Lovely Confections Bakery, two fairly new businesses in the Bluebird District on E. Colfax at Steele, have united to offer a rather unique Valentine’s Day celebration.
Owners Maureen MacArthur of File-n-Style and Porche Lovely of Confections know we’re living in stressful economic times. They believe the chance to slow down and connect with someone special while receiving restorative pampering and delectable treats will appeal to men and women, both the young and young-at-heart. They’re offering a package experience designed to provide maximum value and lasting memories.
YOU’D BETTER LOVE PINK if you take a special Valentine to File-n-Style nails, Colfax & Steele, to take advantage of their Valentine’s Day pedicure & treats package with Lovely Confections.
Included is a spa pedicure, pink champagne, mini-cupcakes, gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries, a long-stemmed rose and a photograph to capture the moment. The hour-and-a-half pedicure features a peppermint footbath in a resin bowl filled with marbles, rocks, and fresh flowers swirling on the surface. The bath is followed by a peppermint aromatherapy massage for each foot. The luxurious pedicure ends with a moisturizing paraffin dip that makes feet tingle for hours.
“We wanted to design an experience that would allow everyone to connect with a special person in their lives. We designed it to be indulgent and special, while still being affordable,” said Lovely.
MacArthur added, “We look forward to helping our clients create priceless memories this Valentine’s Day.”
The package for two is available for $64. Gift certificates are also available. Call Lovely at 720-297-3360 or MacArthur at 303-638-2051. Lovelyconfectionsbakery.com or file-n-style.com can also yield details.
Mary Beth & Martin Lambuth have operated Visual Images, a graphic design studio, out of their three-story Victorian home of more than 25 years at 1626 Franklin. They’re intimately familiar with the space and its potential after crafting its complete renovation and doing most of the work themselves.
“We are taking our business in a new direction to build community through art and music. We’ve converted the first floor into gallery space and have already hosted a couple of art shows and house concerts,” said Mary Beth.
“After a number of years of doing graphics (work), Marty wanted to get back to (his artistic) roots and pursue more fine art,” she explained.
This new vision includes plans to host events on a monthly basis. Money from the house concerts will benefit local musicians directly. Expect art shows, fund-raisers supporting charitable causes, a venue for artists to present their work, rental of the space for local events, and local seminars or workshops.
Hours are by appointment. For more info call 303-333-5466. Learn details at vi-creative.com.
Jerry’s Nut House hopes to open its new retail showroom on the corner of 21st & Humboldt “some time before Valentine’s Day.” This local nut roaster and candy fabricator has been operating its retail outlet out of temporary digs for roughly a year.
Hours are 8 am-5 pm weekdays and their inventory can be browsed atjerrysnuthouse.com. The number is 303-861-2262.
Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse at 250 Josephine has added brunch, and tunes, to the menu. Brunch is offered weekends 11 am-4 pm. Offerings include Eggs Benedict, sourdough French toast and eggs any style.
The evening atmosphere at Lucy’s now includes some mellow guitar music and song offerings. Sort of dinner and a show.
The next entertainment date is Feb. 5, 6-9 pm. On the 6th Tony David & Pam Hughes will be the entertainment duo. Call 303-393-6700 for details about more gigs. In addition, there’s dancing, but reservations are recommended. Juicylucyssteakhouse.com has all the details.
Under the Umbrella has undergone a small renovation designed to keep up with their steadily increasing business. Owner Jyll Tuggle seems well grounded in her spot at 3504 E. 12th at Madison and the neighborhood has embraced her enthusiastically. Maybe it’s the superior pastries and maybe it’s the inviting staff. Visit This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 303-256-0797.
Country Club Flowers has long been a fixture on the southwest corner of Colfax & Madison. When their west corner window was damaged by strong winds recently, the shop opted to cover the damage with plywood instead of spending $1,000 for new glass.
Shasta Kibe, the owner, said she is looking for an artist to paint a mural on it.
“I’ve had friends who were graffiti artists and thought it might be a great canvas. And a legal one.”
Call her at 303-399-3838 if you know a budding Picasso who might be interested.
Encore Restaurant, 2550 E. Colfax at Elizabeth, has extended its popular Happy Hour to weekends, so don’t count on getting a seat at the bar unless you come early. Happy Hours are 4-6 pm.
In addition to half-price wines and beer, a selection of their wood-fired pizzas and appetizers are also offered at half-price. If you’re feeling brave or need a jolt, try the jalapeño poppers. Roast artichoke with truffle oil or the flatbread pizza with prosciuto and fig jam are great on a cold winter day. Call 303-355-1112 for details.
Pea in the Pod is moving out of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center into the old Maternity space at 2751 E. 1st near Clayton. The number for details is 303-355-9905.
City Grille, 321 E. Colfax at Grant, celebrated the serving of its millionth burger in mid-January with a big party and a contest. A woman from Erie, CO won the contest and now collects a burger a week for a year.
If you haven’t tried out this Capitol Hill mainstay, maybe it’s because you’re always searching for a parking space so close to the Capitol. Look no more; there’s parking in the back.
The number is 303-861-0726 and hours of operation are 11 am-midnight Fridays and Saturdays. The other days of the week the grill closes at 11 pm. Citygrille.com is their website.
What’s Knot to Love lives on in the 900 block of E. Colfax at Emerson. After moving into spacious new digs a couple years back, this fancy cigar store has given its owner quite a ride.
IT LOOKED LIKE MATT ROSEN OF WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE might lose his walk-in humidor after a mix-up with the city, but he’s back in business selling cigars & more at Colfax & Emerson.
First there was the booming Internet cigar business, followed by health issues, a major employee theft and more. Today, owner Matt Rosen is counting his blessings after a two-week closure forced by the city tax collector.
There was something about a misunderstanding and a late tax payment. For a while it looked like a fast-talking auctioneer would send Rosen’s valuable inventory out the door with the highest bidder.
The two-week forced closure shut down his Internet business too. Now, Rosen’s back in retail and signs on the front door proudly proclaim that news.
Stop by and see the store’s recently renovated 1924 Wurlitzer baby grand piano. Live music is planned for Thursday nights.
If only he could just get his espresso bar in working order. Rosen plans to roast his own coffee beans and serve java-to-travel at the walk-up window on the street side. He still needs clearance from the EPA before he can burn those beans, so once again Rosen’s waiting on a government official.
The phone is 303-832-2440 and hours are 8 am-9 pm Monday-Wednesday and 8 am-11 pm, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Sundays, he’s open 11 am-5 pm. Whatsnottolove.com is the Web address.
Design Textures at 2630 E. 3rd has finished the liquidation at their old location and consolidated operations into their new digs at 3000 E. 3rd at Milwaukee.
This is not a closure, just a relocation. Super Supper at 154 Steele is searching for a new location for their “take and bake” meal preparation business. There’s a massive “For Lease” sign in the window. Their number is 303-355-2257.
Closings
At this time of year the “Closings” section always tends to stretch a bit, but this month the list is unnervingly lengthy.
Swank Space has closed at 270 Columbine. This address was a relocation from the Highlands neighborhood for the boutique home design biz. They were located in CCN about a year.
Paradise Bakery & Cafe, the spot that closed in December after a burst pipe left serious water damage in its wake, was still closed in late January despite the promise of an early January reopening. When you call their CCN location at 3rd & Fillmore at 303-727-1777, all you’ll get is an “Until further notice we’re closed” recording.
King & Queen Scoop Ice Cream at 13th & Pearl has “melted out of sight,” to quote one of my readers. This treat shop was started by the second generation children, whose parents opened A-I Convenience on the northeast corner of 13th & Pearl.
Park Avenue Psychic, the vintage setting wrapped in multicolored neon, is expected to close in February. Crystal, the practitioner at 1728 Downing, is moving to Chicago.
Sirens on Third, 3003 E. 3rd, has been holding a liquidation sale since early December and appears to be closing. No word yet on when that sale ends. Call 303-322-7500 for details. Hours are 11 am-5 pm weekdays and until 4 pm on Sundays.
Relax the Back, a store featuring all kinds of products for proper back support, 3rd & York, had a brief “Going out of Business” sale and closed at last month’s end. The company closed its County Line Rd. location in the fall.
Bromfield Flower Market on E. 6th just west of Columbine is a vacant storefront these days. Not a clue where that one went.
The Rite Aid on East Colfax at Eudora is closing.
Coppelia’s Needlepoint & The Shivering Sheep, 231 Milwaukee, are having a going-out-of-business sale. Currently everything is 40% off. Call 303-320-7776.
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