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Wine Feature Article:

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Tuscany Region

by: Levi Reiss

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Tuscany region of central Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Tuscany is located on the central western part of Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It gets its name from an Etruscan tribe that settled the area about three thousand years ago. It has belonged to the Romans, the Lombards, and the Franks. More than four hundred years ago under the Medicis, Tuscany became a major European center. It is undoubtedly one of Italy’s top tourist destinations as well as an ideal place for your villa when you hit it big, really big. According to one Seinfeld episode there are no villas to rent in Tuscany, but that was several years ago. On the other hand, time in Tuscany as elsewhere in Italy is measured in centuries. Tuscany’s total population is about 3.5 million.

Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and the administrative center of Tuscany. It is one of Italy’s top tourist destinations, whose sites of interest are too numerous to list here. Siena and Pisa are two other major tourist destinations.

Tuscany is a center of industrial production, in particular metallurgy, chemicals, and textiles. Given the region’s importance as an international art center for centuries, don’t be surprised that it is an excellent place to appreciate and purchase fashion, jewelry, leather goods, marble, and other items of beauty. Florence is the home of the house of Gucci.

Tuscany produces a wide variety of cereal, olives, vegetables, and fruit. But not only vegetarians eat well. It is home to cattle, horses, pigs, and poultry. One local specialty is wild boar. On the coast, seafood is abundant.

Tuscany devotes over one hundred fifty thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 4th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 58 million gallons, giving it an 8th place. About 70% of the wine production is red or rosé, leaving 30% for white. The region produces 44 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine and 7 DOCG white wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. The region produces 9 DOC wines. Tuscany also produces Super Tuscan wines, wines that may not have a prestigious classification but that are known to be outstanding. These wines are arguably the main reason that Italy was forced to revise its wine classification system. Fully 55% of Tuscan wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. And remember, many of Tuscany’s best wines carry neither designation. Tuscany!

is home to more than three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, about half white and half red.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Sauvignon Blanc. The best-known strictly Italian white varieties are Vermentino and Vernaccia.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best-known Italian red variety is Sangiovese, which is grown elsewhere, including California. A strictly Italian variety is Canaiolo.

Before reviewing the Tuscan wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.

Start with Panzanella, Bread and Tomato Salad.

For a second course, eat or share a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, (Texas-sized) Beef Steak.

If you have room, indulge in a Torta Rustica, Cornmeal Cake with Cream.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed

Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2004 12.8% alcohol about $21

I’ll start by quoting the marketing materials. “…A wine that would complement a veal chop or game birds, expect aromas of cranberry and cherry. On the palate, it should be round and ripe with enough tannin for balance.” As a point of interest, the label included the warning “contains sulphites” in ten languages.

I first tasted this wine with slow-cooked boneless beef ribs and potatoes accompanied by a spicy commercial Turkish salad. The wine was thick, loaded with plum and cherry flavors, and some tobacco. The tannins were moderate. Dessert was a cocoa cake whose label said strudel. The wine went well, its fruit really came out.

I next tasted the Chianti Classico with slow-cooked meat balls, cauliflower and chickpeas in a tomato sauce, and potato wedges. The wine was plumy and powerful, with very pleasant tannins, a little tobacco and a little earth. Just so you know, I’m not usually partial to tannins. The wine was so round that I enjoyed finishing the glass when the food was gone. No dessert this time.

I decided to follow the distributor’s suggestion and grilled a veal chop with a mixture of spices (minced onion, cayenne, and a bit of curry powder), accompanied by grilled eggplant slices with the same spices, and a commercially prepared Turkish salad, based on red pepper and tomato. The wine bounced nicely off the delicious somewhat fat, somewhat rare meat. It didn’t add flavors of its own, but accompanied the food’s flavors excellently. It was powerful, but not overpowering.

As its name indicates, Pecorino Toscano cheese comes from Tuscany, where it has been made from sheep’s milk for thousands of years. The cheese is moderately strong smelling and has a complex nutty flavor. The wine was smooth and round and had a pleasant tinge of tobacco. Just for the record I am not a smoker. In the presence of Asiago cheese from the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy, the wine became more robust.

I remember when Chianti came in straw-covered bottles. In fact, I remember the bottles more than the wine itself. But times have changed. This Chianti Classico was excellent, quite deserving of its top-of-the-line DOCG classification and well worth the price.

About The Author

Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.

Restaurants for Wine Enthusiasts

Arizona Denver Colorado Springs

Arizona

Armitage Wine Bar Lounge & Café
20751 N. Pima Rd. #120, Scottsdale (480) 502-1641
The Armitage Wine Bar Lounge & Café is the premium wine and cocktail lounge in North Scottsdale, Arizona. Armitage, located on DC Ranch’s Market Street , offers an eclectic selection of fine wines, premium spirits, specialty martinis and imported beers in a non-smoking atmosphere.

Atlas Bistro
2515 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (480) 990-2433
An interesting, exotic and constantly evolving dinner experience. Chef Carlos Manriquez, brings 10 years of culinary experience and expertise to the table, pair that with the biggest wine shop in Arizona (AZ Wine Co.) and you have one fantastic affordable culinary experience.

Barcelona
15440 Greenway-Hayden Loop, Scottsdale (480) 603-0370
Old World flavors meet New World cuisine at Barcelona's Supper Club. Light jazz envelopes the spectacular domed dining room nightly between 8-10pm. After enjoying a Mediterranean and Spanish flare culinary experience; Unwind and relax at either open-air cocktail lounges or patios. Dancing with live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 10pm.

Bobby's a Mancuso Restaurant
7122 E. Greenway Rd., Scottsdale (480) 556-0770
Jazz, Cuisine, Wine. Bobby’s is a restaurant and entertainment venue. The fare is contemporary Italian and Mediterranean, jazzed with a few Mancuso signature dishes. Nightly entertainment features the sounds of contemporary jazz, a blending of Hollywood and Las Vegas.

Cartwright's Sonoran Ranch House
6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek (480) 488-8031
Mesquite Wood Fired Steaks, Game, and Fresh Seafood From Around the World. Enjoy the Wine Room, Covered Patio, Fireplaces and Spectacular Views of the Foothills.

Eleve
3118 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix (602) 952-0733
Contemporary American Cuisine in a comfortable, upscale environment. Chef/Owner Michael Mishkin prepares seasonal menus featuring organic produce, fresh flavors and homemade desserts.

Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse
6991 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale (480)941-4700
Mastro’s City Hall is a Steakhouse built for the new millennium. Located just south of Scottsdale Fashion Square, this hybrid steakhouse and sophisticated night spot combines every bit of the straight forward elegance and timeless style of Mastro’s Steakhouse with local cosmopolitan flair and uptown sex appeal.

Mastro's Ocean Club
15045 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale
An unparalleled experience of Mastro’s Steakhouse, in a “Prime Seafood House.” This ultra high-end Coastal version of the Steakhouse, offers the best in upscale seafood dining in a clubby, avant-garde atmosphere, featuring live entertainment nightly in the “O” Bar.

Mastro's Steakhouse
8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale (480) 585-9500
Mastro's, the steakhouse with personality, offers an unparalleled dining experience featuring a cutting edge menu of the finest in prime steaks and fresh seafood accompanied by live music and dancing 7 nights a week in the piano bar.

Melting Pot Restaurant
8320 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale (480) 607-1799
3626 East Ray Rd., Ahwatukee (480) 704-2973
It's a festival of flavors for your taste buds, Fondue Court Bouillon Style, Coq au Vin Style, or Traditional Style. Each entrée includes a variety of sauces that will tantalize your taste buds.

Mosaic
10600 East Jomax Rd., Scottsdale (480) 563-9600
Step into Mosaic to enjoy a unique dining experience. Chef/Owner Deborah Knight's globally inspired creations will delight and satisfy the discerning diner. An extensive wine selection, personal and professional service and views of the Sonoran desert create a memorable culinary evening.

Pane e Vino Ristorante
8900 East Pinnacle Peak Rd #D-1, Scottsdale (480)473-7900
Pane E Vino features an extensive wine list of mainly Italian and Californian offerings, aiming to please every palate and budget. Wine dinners are held every month, fall through spring. Please call for details.

Rancho Pinot
6208 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (480) 367-8030
Chef Chrysa Kaufman creates Contemporary American cuisine showcasing fresh, local ingredients. Husband Tom manages the front of the house and provides of one of Phoenix’s best wine selections. Atmosphere is upscale, yet comfortable and friendly.

Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar
7000 E. Shea Blvd. #1010, Scottsdale (480) 991-6887
Our greatest desire is to share our love of food in every dish we prepare, and our love of wine in every glass we pour. We want Tapino to be a place where friends can enjoy a casual adventure in globally inspired dining. A special place for special people to explore the world’s great foods and fine wines without pretension or apprehension. Where you can dare, taste, learn, and build your own delightfully unique dining experience a meal intended for sharing and lively conversation. A relaxed and irreverent atmosphere where wine and food are fun, and where sharing that fun can be a sublime pleasure.

Tonto Bar & Grill
5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd., Cave Creek (480) 488-0698
Enjoy New American Cuisine and Casual Dining in our Historic Ranch Setting. Featuring Beautiful Patios, Fireplaces and Spectacular Views of the Tonto National Forest.

Top of the Rock
2000 Westcourt Way Phoenix (602) 431-2370
A breathtaking panoramic view elegant dining experience await you at Top of the Rock Restaurant. Enjoy sumptuous Southwestern American cuisine nightly Monday through Saturday 5:30-10pm or join us for our weekly Wednesday Wine Dinner Series, a four-course meal perfectly matched to wines from some of the finest regions in the world. Indulge in more culinary delights offered during our Champagne Brunch, voted a Valley favorite, Sundays 10:00am-2:00pm.

SKYE Restaurant
16844 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Rd., Peoria (623) 334-0010
SKYE Fine Dining presents contemporary New American cuisine with Chef Scott Tompkins' regional specialties. An eclectic lounge features live entertainment seven nights a week that includes renowned performers Terry & Anne Davies.

Colorado Springs

Augustine Grill
519 Wilcox, Castle Rock (303) 814-3663
Nestled in the heart of Castle Rock, an early 1900s Victorian home beckons guests into a cozy European setting where Roasted Rack of Lamb, Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Seared Tuna, homemade soup and savory pasta dishes fulfill your every culinary wish. Serving lunch Tuesday through Saturday and High Tea on select Sundays and Mondays.

Black Bear Restaurant
10375 Ute Pass Ave., Green Mt Falls, (719) 684-9648
Consistently voted among Southern Colorado's most spectacular eating establishments, the Black Bear Restaurant is located in scenic Green Mountain Falls just off of Highway 24. Set in a picturesque historic building, the food is even better than the atmosphere. Rated 4 out of 4 stars by the Denver Post and 5 out of 5 from the Gabby Gourmet, dinners are meant to please the palate. Choose from one of the Chef's Table dinners (paired a wine selection), or select from the choicest Kobe beef selections, or choose from 8 different dishes off of the lighter menu. Come and visit, you won't be disappointed.

Briarhurst Manor Estate
404 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, (719) 685-1864
Only a few minutes drive west of Colorado Springs, The Briarhurst Manor is located in the tiny valley of Manitou Springs. The Victorian Manor House was built in 1876 by the founder of Manitou Springs, Dr. William Bell, of London England. The finely grained pink sandstone Tudor Manor displays the architecture and landscaping of an English Country House. Dine in your choice of rooms throughout the mansion, please visit our site to browse our wonderful menu. Reservations strongly suggested.

Celtic Crossing Steakhouse and Pub
363 Village Square Lane, Suite 100, Castle Pines (303) 663-6644
Celtic Crossing Steak House and Authentic Irish Pub opened its doors in November, 2000. It is divided in three sections: the Steak House offers fine dining, an authentic Irish Pub presents a congenial atmosphere and separate pub fayre menu with Fish and Chips and Cottage Pies. Our Cigar Room features a vast selection of single malt whiskies and scotch libations.

Craftwood Inn
404 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs (719) 685-9000
The Craftwood Inn located in historic Manitou Springs, stands at the base of our beautiful Colorado Mountains. Entrees include Colorado Wild Game prepared in the Chef's secret sauces, Vegetarian Tapas, Chilled Salads, homemade warm soups, and fresh baked breads. Whether you are looking for an evening out with your significant other or trying to decide on a location for your special occasion, give us a call, you won't be disappointed.

Jake and Telly's Greek Cuisine
2616 West Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 633-0406
Wonderful food and wine in a casual, yet elegant atmosphere that will make you feel like you are sitting by the sunny Mediterranean Sea. Come to "Jake and Telly's" and experience Greece in the Rockies and the best Greek food in town. OPA!!!

Luigi's Homemade Italian Food
947 S. Tejon, Colorado Springs (719) 632-7339
Family owned and operated since 1958; Luigi’s is a Colorado Springs Tradition! Casual, cozy, family dining and 100% smoke free. If you are tired of ‘chain’ dining chaos and bars that ‘serve food’, Luigi’s is what you have been searching for! We offer a full bar and wine list in addition to our fine Italian food. Our Dinner Menu includes homemade Manicotti, Ravioli, Tortellacci, Lasagna; Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Cacciatore; homemade sauces and pastas; pizzas, nightly specials. We also offer a children’s menu. All entrees include salad or soup and fresh Italian bread. Everything on our regular menu is available for carry out. Please call ahead to put your name on the wait list.

Melting Pot
30-A E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 385-0300
Dip into something different! The Melting Pot provides a unique, upscale and intimate dining experience with its assortment of fondue, cooked at the table by the guests. It is the perfect location for a romantic evening, corporate diner party, or friendly gathering. The menu includes creamy cheese fondues, fresh salads, fine wines, and mouth-watering chocolate fondue desserts. Reservations recommended.

Mozaic The Inn at Palmer Divide
443 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO (719) 481-1800
Located close to the city of Colorado Springs, The Inn at Palmer Divide, and MoZaic Restaurant, features some of the best vistas looking down along the Front Range and over the lights of the city. The environment allows guests to relax in a spacious atmosphere that promotes privacy, but still allows for attention to your needs. Enjoy seasonal soups and salads, handmade pasta, or tempt your palate with one of our specialty rib eye steaks, bison ribs or wild boar ravioli. Open Tuesday through Saturday for Dinner and Sunday for Brunch; closed on Monday. Reservations recommended. Call 481-1800.

Old Stone Church, The
210 Third Street, Castle Rock (303) 688-9000
The restaurant is located in Castle Rock in an old church building built in 1888. If you are looking for a quaint setting and a Southwestern influenced menu, then you should stop here for a bite. Full Bar menu is available, reservations are suggested. Special parties of more than 10 guests are accepted with reservation request only.

Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
2802 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs (719)-471-8200
5 S. Hwy. 105, Palmer Lake, (719) 481-2222
The name Paravicini translates to "for the neighborhood" and owners Franco Pisani and Ted Sexton have definitely captured the neighborhood feel of this Italian eatery. Paravicini's Italian Bistro offers hearty Italian favorites along with Chef Franco Pisani's creative specialties. The prices are reasonable, the portions are large, so please join us for some fun, relaxation and incredible food. Named "Best New Restaurant" by the Colorado Springs Gazette. Don’t forget to ask for our recommended wine parings with your special dinner.

Ranch Steakhouse and Market
575 Garden of the Gods Rd., Colorado Springs (719) 593-1955
The Ranch Steakhouse is located in Colorado Springs just off of I-25 on Garden of the Gods Road. The restaurant offers their guests hormone, steroid and antibiotic free beef from Ranch Foods Direct; recently voted Best Steak by local media! Guests are sure to enjoy the superb ambiance and outstanding service for business, family or intimate dinners. Open 7 days a week. Live music on the patio Thurs. and Fri. On-site Catering is available in our banquet rooms, accommodating up to 100 patrons. Please call for reservations and reserved seating.

Siena Restaurant
333 Perry St., Castle Rock (303) 688-2622
Whether your desire is to observe your gourmet pizza cooking in the wood burning oven, enjoy a flatiron steak while relaxing by the fireplace, or sample the crispy calamari while enjoying a glass of wine from over 80 selections, Siena is the place to be in Castle Rock. The restaurant is open nightly for dinner and can be reserved for special occasions by calling ahead. Specialty martini list available with over 20 choices, full bar, and daily happy hour.

The Margarita at PineCreek
7350 Pine Creek Rd., Colorado Springs (719) 598-8667
Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains in a comfortable surrounding while enjoying our home-made soups and specials. Every meal is a special occasion for us as we will treat you to a ”Prie Fixe”, five course dining experience. Our menu changes daily, and our ingredients are always freshly prepared. The restaurant is conveniently located just off of Woodmen Rd and I25, call anytime four current menu. Open for lunch & dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday Brunch, closed Monday.

Union American Bistro
3 Wilcox, Castle Rock (303) 688-8159
The cozy, upbeat UNION is the epitome of a friendly neighborhood restaurant, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy the modern American culinary experience. UNION offers creative, seasonal menus served in a warm and comfortable setting in the heart of downtown Castle Rock, using quality ingredients from around the block and around the world.

Denver

1515 Restaurant
1515 Market St., Denver (303) 571-0011
1515 offers a relaxing yet sophisticated environment in which to enjoy some of the city’s most distinctive flavors. The contemporary American menu is splashed with European flair, creating a memorable, one-of-the-kind fusion known as the eatery’s “eclectic Colorado cuisine”. Some enticing menu creations include the critically acclaimed Sea Scallops and the Buffalo Tenderloin. Seasonal menus provide new tastes to tempt your palate. 1515 boosts an award-winning, 400-plus bottle wine list and an on-site sommelier to help pair the perfect selection with your meal. Step upstairs, one story above Market Street, for a truly elevated-and unforgettable-fine dining experience. Guests may also enjoy Acid Jazz Fusion & Blues (Friday & Saturday) in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

Amore
2355 E. Third Ave, Denver (303) 321-2066
Amore Restaurant specializes in freshly prepared, moderately priced, authentic Northern Italian cuisine, presented in an upscale, intimate setting. Each flavorful dish possesses it's own flair and character unique to Amore. Wines of outstanding quality and excellent value have been hand-selected to complement the menu. Amore’s awards include Best Brunch on AOL City Guide; 3 Westword "Best of Denver" awards: "Best Italian for you and a Date" -06, "Best Once a Week Italian"--05, "Best Power Brunch"—05; Rocky Mountain News "Best Italian American-2006" in their Top 20 Restaurant feature. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, with daily specials and a special Sunday Brunch. Complimentary parking for guests is available in the adjacent lot both day and evening.

Bar Luxe
231 Milwaukee St., Denver (303) 333-1811
Looking to relax in a hip, upscale atmosphere, Bar Luxe is your place. Whether looking to unwind after work, go out with a few friends, or just grab a quick bite Bar Luxe has your flavor. Guests can also request the special cheese and wine paring or take in the soft shell crab cioppino, steak frites, or the Israeli cous cous. Happy hour specials and a full list of signature drinks are available daily.

Chad's Grill
275 Union Blvd., Lakewood (303) 988-0387
The restaurant is located on Union Blvd in Lakewood, 20 min west of downtown Denver on Hwy6. Sit and enjoy slow roasted chicken and other rotisserie meats or come in for the Cajun catfish or our Grill menu of Steaks served your way. A full bar and wine menu is available to compliment the perfect meal. Reservations accepted and suggested if dining on the weekend.

Euro - Eclectic European Cuisine
231 Milwaukee St., Denver (303) 333-1811
This sleek European Bistro, located in the heart of Cherry Creek, features a creative menu and an extraordinary wine list, which will delight your senses. Large tilted mirrors, comfortable booths, checkered tile, and attentive staff punctuate the dining experience. Menu consists of traditional Italian pastas, French soups and sauces, Spanish tapas and classic steak, chicken and seafood dishes, all at reasonable prices. Open Tuesday through Saturday, please call ahead for reservations.

Kevin Taylor's at the Opera House
(303) 640-1012
Kevin Taylor's at the Opera House offers an atmosphere that is elegant, open, warm and artistic. Executive Chef William Wahl along with owner Kevin Taylor proudly offer an "eclectic" menu of global fare, using only the freshest and finest ingredients. This venue is available for dinner service when there are major performances taking place at the DPCA or for private events up to 700!
Reservations are recommended.

Nonna's Chicago Bistro
6603 Leetsdale Dr. #1, Denver (303)399-2000
This quant Italian style bistro features some of the best home made sauces and delectable specialties. With over 50 years of developing the special recipes, the owners endeavor to present guests with their love and feel for old Italian cooking right down to the Tuscan feel. Enjoy one of the specialty pizzas prepared ‘thin crust” style, brushed with garlic infused olive oil, or let yourself indulge in the specialty pastas like the asparagus ravioli served with creamy marinara or seafood favorites such as shrimp scampi prepared in butter, white wine, and secret spices. Open daily for dinner, open weekdays for lunch.

Palettes Restaurant in the Denver Art Museum
100w 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver (303)534-1455
Yet another stroke of genius can be seen at palettes restaurant. This Kevin Taylor restaurant features contemporary American cuisine with a global palette of fresh, flavorful and dynamic ingredients that are artfully prepared. Enjoy the decadent creations of the crispy yet delicate lemon-fried calamari or KT's special sweet corn soup with guacamole and barbecued shrimp. Savor the grilled portobello sirloin and garlic mashed potatoes or the Colorado Lamb Chops drizzled in a fantastic rosemary jus. Whatever you passion, you are sure to enjoy the experience at Palettes.

Prima Ristorante Boulder
1801 13th St., Boulder (303) 247-0600
This beautiful Boulder restaurant offers an inviting, rustic-chic space with Venetian plaster walls, mosaic lighting features and a distressed hardwood bar. An open air kitchen and Italian-stone pizza oven overlook the U-shaped bar area and create a lively environment for dining or enjoying a glass of wine. The private dining room features a raised reception area, black-out shades for presentations and seating for 60.

Prima Ristorante Denver
1100 14th Street at Hotel Teatro (303) 228-0770
Prima Ristorante Denver features modern Italian cuisine with a menu that shines with fine ingredients, house-made pasta, fresh fish, meat, decedent appetizers and unique salads. The warm and inviting interior is the perfect choice for ala carte/pre-theater dining, large group receptions and is popular for the modern bride’s boutique-style reception or rehearsal dinner. The bar serves up a wide array of cocktails, wines by the glass and a special bar menu for late night dining. Reservations Recommended.

Prime One Twenty One (Prime121) Restaurant and Steakhouse
121 Clayton Lane, Denver (303) 398-2627
Prime One Twenty One (Prime121) is a modern steakhouse and restaurant located in Cherry Creek Denver. The menu consists of prime-aged steaks, large New England Lobster, fresh seafood, crisp salads, outstanding desserts, all punctuated with upscale service. Whether you are looking to have an intimate dinner or a private event this is ‘the hottest seat in Cherry Creek!’ Now accepting reservations.

Restaurant Kevin Taylor
1100 14th St., Denver (303) 820-2600
Chef Kevin Taylor has won National acclaim for putting Denver on the culinary map. His elegant Restaurant Kevin Taylor, called "Denver's Best Restaurant" by food and wine critic Bill St. John, is the culmination of more than 20 years as Denver's premier chef and restaurateur. Restaurant Kevin Taylor, located within Hotel Teatro, features contemporary American cuisine with dishes such as seared French Foie Gras, open ravioli of Maine lobster and roasted rack of Colorado.

Rhapsody’s Restaurant
1027 Washington Ave., Golden (303)279-6671
Welcome to Golden, Colorado; picturesque views, historical downtown and now home to Rhapsody’s at Clear Creek. With a dinner menu that changes the 1st week of each and every month, Rhapsody’s is the perfect choice for your perfect evening. Menu examples include Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, Oven Roasted Elk Loin, Pork Tenderloin in Mascarpone Sauce, and a variety of fresh salads and home-made soups.

Sparrow
410 East 7th Ave., Denver (303) 831-1003
Executive Chef Josh Botsford combines a wide range of Mediterranean-influenced dishes with the freshest local produce available. The great food combined with the warm ambiance is sure to keep guests coming back. Entrees include Five-Pepper Seared Ahi Tuna, Tuscan Seafood Bouillabaisse, Spiced Duck Breast and Confit Leg, accompanied by fresh soups and salads. Lighter fare and vegetarian dishes also available. Reservations Recommended.

Strings Restaurant
1700 Humboldt St., Denver (303) 831-7310
Located in Denver's Uptown neighborhood, the newly redecorated Strings Restaurant has long been one of Denver's best restaurants for many years. The menu focuses on new American cuisine, where guests can choose from creative Fresh Salads, delicious pasta dishes, and fresh seafood items. Strings presents guests with an extensive wine list in which to pair any of their fantastic flavors.

Tastes Wine Bar Restaurant
4267 Tennyson St., Denver (303) 458-0209
Tastes will simplify and demystify the process of selecting and pairing drinks with your food. Tastes will do so in a fun and educational manner, bringing a world choices to those who never knew there are so many tastes. Whether looking to try wine from Australia, cheese from France, meats from Germany, tapas from Spain, coffee from Italy or chocolates from Belgium, we have your taste. Everything on the menu is paired with a beverage and every beverage is paired with food so you can spend time talking to your friends instead of reading and pairing; the experience is all about YOUR TASTES! The menu includes California wines, international beers, Scottish single malt scotches, cognacs and brandies, homemade pies and fabulous cakes, pates and saucisson. Possible pairing suggestions like lobster raviolis paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Gruyere and Gouda paired with a Bordeaux or a Belgian beer, and fresh-baked cookies paired with coffee or real hot chocolate! Whether you are looking to get together with friends, or expand your palette, we have your taste! Reservations are recommended for groups of 6 or more.

Yia Yia's Euro Cafe
8310 E Belleview Ave., Greenwood Village (303) 741-1110
Across the ocean is a continent called Europe, where food is embraced as an art form. Why should they have all the fun? Walk into the most beautiful restaurant you have ever seen. With limestone walls, mosaic tile floor and a soft glow from the hand carved sconces set the tone for a wonderful afternoon or evening. Come in and sample some of our hand tossed pizzas cooked in our brick wood fired oven, or perhaps one of our fresh made pastas where the ingredients don't come together until you order it. Our outstanding wine list, with wines from around the world, combined with our delicious entrees and staff that doesn't know how to say "no", give you a perfect dining experience. We will see you soon at Yia Yia's.

Wine Feature Article:

Restaurants for Wine Enthusiasts

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