Dining Out in Denver, Colorado

Leslie Jenison and Jamie Fingal dined at this restaurant May 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado.  We were celebrating the fact that we had both finished taping workshop DVD's  for Interweave in Loveland, Colorado.  We treated ourselves to a tasting menu with red wine pairings.  Rioja, 1431 Larimer, Denver, Colorado

This is the street outside the restaurant was lined with these white lights, which gave it a magical feel - the perfect start of our amazing dining experience. The chef of Rioja is Jennifer Jasinski and her book "The Perfect Bite" has 76 delicious recipes from the Rioja kitchen.  Our waiter was wonderful.  This meal reminded Jamie of dining at the French Laundry in Napa.

First Course - (Left side) tuna sashimi and tuna tartare, marinated apple and fennel, anise vinaigrette, crispy apple chips, which was fresh and sweet.  (Right side)  fresh bacon,cardamom spiced Kurobuta pork belly, Madras curry scented garbanzo bean puree, which melted in your mouth.  2007 Piedra Rojo Pinot Noir, Oregon

Second Course - roasted candy striped beet salad, cucumber mint vinaigrette, snow drop goat cheese, crispy beet chips, pickled red onion, micro beets, mint syrup, and this was one of the highlights of our tasting! 

Third Course - thyme scented tapioca gnocchi, morel mushrooms, English peas, asparagus, lemon yuzu nage.  Just the right amount of wonderful and delicious seared gnocchi.  2009 Own Roe Sinister Hand, Columbia Valley

Fourth Course - thai scallops, lemongrass panna cotta, compressed pineapple, plantain tuille, coconut kiffir lime puree.

Fifth Course - grilled Amish NY steak, organic tri-colored carrot gratin, cumin mustard vinaigrette, carrot reduction, grilled red onion marmalade, watercress, sugar snap pea, shaved carrot salad.  We were practically stuffed at this point, but managed to eat most of this entree.  It was utterly delicious.  2007 Bocchino Roccabella Nebbiolo, Langhe

Dessert - fig and goat cheese beignets

Dessert - Peanut Butter and Jelly.