The Red Trolley

After grabbing an appetizer downtown, I chose to use another Groupon for the Red Trolley known for their ice cream and gelato. I immediately found a parallel-parking spot right outside the place, so there were no problems there. There were chairs if you desired to eat outside, which was a plus for me. I walked in and was pleased from the very start. The atmosphere was quiet and comforting. Lights weren’t too bright and the windows provided just the right amount of brightness. The staff was incredibly friendly and knew their products well. The young man detailed and contrasted all the highlights about the gelato and ice cream: He knew it was a first time experience for me…impressive! He also explained the reason for the out-of-place, portable freezer with the gelato was because the original freezer wasn’t working properly. As a result, all the frozen treats were half-priced. Wow! I definitely like when a place tries to accommodate and please their customers to the max. They allow you to taste-test all the ice cream and gelato and offer coffee as well. I tasted most of the gelato and the half-baked ice cream and loved them all. I still can’t make up my mind, but the lemon gelato was my favorite at that moment mostly because it was such a hot day, and it tasted incredibly refreshing. The young man also suggested we try their breakfast or lunch sometime. I scoped their menu written on a black chalkboard along the main entrance wall, and I intend to revisit for both breakfast and lunch sometime. The Red Trolley is a wonderful place to get out for a little and bring friends to sit and chat. I give this place a full five out of five stars.

Banzai Sushi Denver

Banzai Sushi

Even though I have already found my personal favorite sushi restaurant, I bought the Denver Groupon for Banzai Sushi based on the exceptional online reviews via Google. Additionally, I visited their website to check out their signature sushi rolls and overall variety. When the website pops up, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the “Voted as top 3 sushi restaurant by channel 7’s A-List in 2007, 2008, and 2009.” I was sold and eager to check out a new sushi place that was sure to please. 

During the lunch hour, I noticed parking was available and free. The exterior appeared small and unattractive. However, my favorite sushi place is much the same, so I wasn’t too discouraged. As you walk in, you can see three small different seating arrangements: booths surrounding three perimeter walls, tables positioned medially, and bar along the fourth wall. The decorations were cute and pleasant, and the smell was neutral. The whole place was slightly less than half full, and so that was satisfying. With no offense intended, I do scope the place to see the variety of customers when it comes to sushi. In comparison to my favorite sushi place, Sushi Katsu, I didn’t see any foreigners at Banzai Sushi. Usually with my experience at sushi restaurants, if the crowd isn’t diverse, then the sushi seems “Americanized,” which isn’t necessarily bad, but it isn’t the type of sushi I enjoy. However, I did notice other items for lunch and dinner outside of just sushi. Their menu includes nearly 100 rolls with the top 20 outlined in the top section. Each roll is thoroughly described, so you’re not entirely surprised when you receive your meal. I love hot green tea with sushi and it tasted like the average green tea. Personally, I really like the green tea flavored with roasted brown rice…exceptional! Banzai Sushi’s didn’t seem to meet this standard.

While waiting for the sushi at the booth, I noticed an unusual bug running along the wall right next to me and cockroach was the first thought. Living in Colorado most of my life, I had never seen a bug quite like it. I’m used to spiders, ants, flies, but definitely not cockroaches. I actually had to search on my phone to see what type of bug it really was. Well, without a doubt it looked just like the cockroach images online. This experience was hands-down a first. 

After much contemplation, I decided to stay and try the sushi I already ordered. I was uncomfortable throughout the rest of my lunch and wanted nothing but to leave…stat! When the sushi arrived, I tasted each of the four rolls and was incredibly displeased. The fish didn’t smell bad but neither looked fresh. Usually, fresh sushi has a shiny-like appearance and isn’t dry looking. Also, the rolls weren’t tight and fell apart. This is a big no-no for me. I left in such a hurry that I don’t even remember the names of the sushi rolls I ordered. More than anything, I want to forget this experience. For those who do like Banzai Sushi, I encourage you to try other places because you WILL be impressed. At the moment, Sushi Katsu is by far my favorite. I will be visiting another Japanese restaurant called Japoix soon that is new to Denver. I’m anticipating this experience after Banzai Sushi.

Lesson learned: When going to a new sushi place or even any new place, start off ordering one thing like one sushi roll or appetizer. This way you can decide whether you want to stay and enjoy other menu selections. You can leave sooner if you’re dissatisfied and feel less cheated because you don’t spend as much money as you planned. My mistake was ordering the best-sounding four sushi rolls at one time, but I had high expectations like usual when I eat anywhere that has solid reviews.

Weekend of Beer

For those of use that can't make it to the Great American Beer Festival, there are many other beer opportunities out there that weekend (Sept 17-19).

 1. Oktoberfest Denver - Sept 17, 18, and 19. Dress up in you lederhosen and get drinking! This is the closest to the action you're going to get and entry is free. There's more than just beer too, there's the  Das Husselhoff 5k, a Long Dog Derby, and vendors with your favorite German foods. This is probably where I'll be going if I can't get the tickets to the GABF.

2. Telluride Blues and Brews Festival - Sept. 17, 18, and 19. This festival sounds like a lot of fun and I'll have to make an effort to do this next year. Bands featured this year include George Thorogood, BB King, and many others.

If you know of any others let us know!

A Taste of Colorado

If you were planning on going to taste of Colorado, you better hurry. Today is the last day, it is open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM. If you don't know what Taste of Colorado is here is a link to their site. They have tons of food, music, arts and crafts. Here's what you need to know:

• Entry is free!!
• Purchase 8 tickets for 5$
• Vendors and ticket sales are cash only
• ATMs are available.
• Located at the Civic Center, Denver
View Larger Map
• Today is the last day!

Shutterfly Photo Album

 Shutterfly Deal $30 worth for only $10

Shutterfly is an online photo album similar to Flickr or Photobucket, who claim to have:

1. Unlimited storage,

2. Photos stored at full resoloution,

3. Free personalized website and,

4. 50 free 4x6 prints with their free membership.

Today's Groupon is a national Groupon (most Groupons are city specific) with the following terms:

• Expires Nov 22, 2010
• Limit 1/person. Valid for 1 20-page 8x8 hardcover photobook only (excluding leather, padded, and soft covers), add'l pages $1/page. Tax, shipping & handling not included. Must have/create a Shutterfly account. Not valid with other offers. No cash value.

Campagna, Italian Dining in Denver

Campagna Salumi and Wine Bar

Yesterday we used another  Groupon at the Campagna Italian restaurant just outside of downtown Denver. Click here for directions. The neighborhood it is in was quaint with old trees overarching the streets. There is also the Esquire theater half a block east indie films. Campagna offered a free limoncello with that days movie stub. They have outdoor patio, bar or table seating. Where we sat was window seating with a view of 6th ave. It nice and had a window planter with basil and other herbs. Parking wasn't great, with only a few spots on the side of 6th, but I found a spot a couple streets down; just a short walk. There was plenty of parking in the Safeway parking lot right next to Campagna but a sign noted it was for Safeway customers only and that violators will be towed so I decided not to chance it. From the moment we walked in we were engulfed by amazing aromas of the pizza from the table next to us. We went for the fritto misto di marre, capocollo (neopolotin cured pork shoulder) and pecorino romano. Check out their menu here. The meat and cheese came with bread and a balsalmic sauce which you can see below. The meat was very good by itself and had a warm spiciness to it that was complemented by the sharp cheese. I thought salumi was the same

Capocollo and pecorino romano w/sides

as salami, but apparently it is not. According to Wikipedia salami is a type of salumi, which are "Italian cured meat products and predominantly made from pork. The term also encompasses bresaola, which is made from beef, and also cooked products such as mortadella and prosciutto cotto." My only complaint with the food that a part of the cheese tasted off but it was only a small part I could just put to the side. The service was good and our waitress was very knowledgable about the selections. I hope to go back soon to try the pizza, which by the way, is only $5 during happy hour (Mon-Fri 4-6pm and 10-close).

Oinks! BBQ in Denver

OiNKs! Denver BBQ restaurant

My wife purchased a couple coupons for OiNKs! from Groupon and we finally got a chance to use them today! Before opening the door to a wonderful barbecue aroma, I was excited to find plenty of available parking and a pristine exterior. The option to dine inside or outside on a beautiful day was very nice. We both decided on the 2 meat/2 sides combo option. Click here to see their menu! We were able to try the smoked chicken, pork, brisket, nutty coleslaw, fried okra, and sweet potato fries. All the meats were extremely tasty. My favorite was the chicken, followed by the brisket, and then the pork without any sauce. There were many options for barbecue sauces, but the smoked meat alone was  flavorful enough alone. I'm a huge fan of barbecue sauce (and of course tried them all!) but I wasn't too keen on a particular one. None met my spice level and were mostly mild in taste. The Texas flavor was a good original barbecue sauce that would satisfy any customer, but I wouldn't consider buying any to impress friends or family. Sweet potato fries are a personal favorite and fully met my expectations; no sauce was necessary to enjoy these fries. The fried okra was like any other fried okra, and the breading was just as thick. I loved it. I also like the coleslaw because it wasn't overwhelmingly soggy and there was a small spicy, peppery flavor that stood out that was unexpected but was overall good. It is called "nutty" coleslaw but I couldn't taste the "nutty." The portion size was

Brisket, pork, coleslaw and sweet potato fries.

perfect, not too much nor too little.

Cleanliness exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. I noticed a few wall mounted shelves with a small collection of books and small plants scattered throughout the store which made it feel homey. I thoroughly enjoyed my dine-in experience at OiNKs! and will share with my friends and family as a good lunch option. If this growing company maintains its quality, taste, and fair staff, I foresee a successful, wonderful business.

Have you been here? How was your experience?