Lafayette’s former VFW post is now a colorful commissary of succulent fowl, cold draughts & enough comfort food to feed an army Gary James Salty, crunchy, greasy, juicy—fried chicken is the touchstone for deliciousness. Like barbecue, there are plenty of variations: from Southern fried chicken to buttermilk fried chicken to Louisiana battered fried chicken. And, … Read more
When it comes to fresh-from-the-farm fare, Denver’s pork-centric Old Major delectably hogs the stage. Gary James “Farm-to-table” has quickly become an overused term, verging on a mass marketing gimmick at some restaurants. But cynics can find the untainted spirit of the movement at Old Major. It’s a philosophy of cooking and sourcing, central to how … Read more
Denny Dressman Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant is much more than its no-frills name suggests. Opened in 2003 in La Quinta, California, APR combines outstanding food and excellent service with a collection of memorabilia from Arnie’s illustrious golf career that can’t be found anywhere else, not even at his Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Florida. Hundreds … Read more
Perry’s Steakhouse has the chops to carve its own delectable niche. Gary James The steakhouse competition in south Denver is tougher than…uh, I can’t say a two-dollar steak, can I? Fleming’s, Brook’s, Del Frisco’s, Shanahan’s, Cool River—all offer an exceptional dining experience. Now entering the fray is Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill, near the Vistas at … Read more
Gary James Steakhouse 10 Owned by members of the same Kallas family that owns Undici is an unpretentious steakhouse with a retro dark and cozy ambience. Ask the super- friendly wait staff for seating in the Alibi Room upstairs to bask in some Rat Pack décor. Don’t resist the saganaki appetizer, which reflects the owners’ … Read more
Gary James As conflicts in the Middle East escalate, I find peace in eating at Beirut Grill. Located in the corner of a strip mall, the restaurant does a robust weekday business due to the plethora of medical buildings in the area, but it was nearly empty when I visited on a Saturday night—a prime … Read more
Gary James When one of the local beat writers for the Denver Broncos recently proclaimed Louis Vasquez as the team’s first All-Pro at the offensive guard position, this fan took issue. In the American Football League days, the Broncos weren’t very good, but when the local Coca-Cola bottling plant stamped the likenesses of players inside … Read more
Gary James I landed at Undici Ristorante on Old Hampden & Downing. Owner Alex Kallas is part of a family empire of restaurants. In Italian, “Undici” means eleven. His brothers Peter and Kosta run Steakhouse 10, and the nearby Greeks Gone Wild counts as 12. What happened to the first nine restaurants? Alex assured me … Read more
Gary James On your way to a round of golf in Telluride or Montrose, you go through Ouray—and it’s worth fudging on your tee time to stop at Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee, the winningest shop on Main Street. John roasts coffee in an antique machine, a big bad-boy piece of equipment that leaves the younger … Read more
Gary James A vision of classic American eats can be found five minutes from the Pagosa Springs Golf Club, right on the main drag in Pagosa Springs. Boss Hogg’s doesn’t look very fancy, but they’re happy to throw a little “slop” your way. A menu with the backstory of the place (now run by daughter … Read more
