Nothing gets me more excited than planning a foodie adventure list. One of my trips this year takes me to none other than The Mile-High City - Denver, Colorado. Denver is a beautiful city and I've had the opportunity to visit once before. However, I was only in town for one night. My next trip is much longer so I'll have plenty of time to explore the city.
With so many options wherever my travels take me I've had to set up a criteria for figuring out where to go. Below is the top 5 places I want to visit this time around and why I picked them. I will be playing not just in Denver, but also in Fort Collins that's about an hour's drive north.
Restaurant 415 - Fort Collins, CO
When I first think about where I want to go, I start with the basic interweb search by visiting tripadvisor, Yelp, and my all-time favorite TV Food Maps. If a spot hits all three, it tends to grab my attention. Add an interesting dish name and you got yourself a bucket list destination. 415 serves up chicken and waffles that they call "when pigs fly". Reviews have described it as simply amazing with the orange-infused waffles and (that's right, AND) bacon-thyme maple syrup. Mouth-watering.
Lucille's Restaurant - Fort Collins, CO
As much as I try to remember how places end up on my short list, sometimes I just don't. It's likely I saw something, somewhere and followed the cookie crumbs. In this case, it was the cajun crumbs. Lucille's has been around since 1980 and has five locations in Colorado serving up what I hear is the best creole food. I can't resist going somewhere with such history to go along with great food. I'm definitely trying the beignets. I haven't had those since my first and last visit to New Orleans. Or maybe I'll stay for lunch and have some red beans and rice or some shrimp creole.
Denver Biscuit CO - Denver, CO
One of the first places on the bucket list for Denver had to the Denver Biscuit Co for their gourmet take on biscuits. They've gotten a lot of press and have been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. And let's be honest - Guy rarely disappoints. The Franklin is on my mind with the buttermilk fried chicken and belly bacon. Did I forget to mention the sausage gravy? I cannot wait to visit this place.
Buckhorn Exchange - Denver, CO
Nothing screams history more than a place that is known as the original Denver steakhouse and the first restaurant to serve liquor after Prohibition. Plus add reviews that say this a must visit and you got yourself a deal. There aren't very many places that serve game meat. The last place I can even remember having venison was at a chain restaurant. From looking at the menu, I certainly have my pick from buffalo to elk and game hen to quail.
Butcher's Bistro - Denver, CO
A visit to Denver wouldn't be complete without a baseball game. With it's location right across the street it's the perfect pre-game adventure. They offer a seasonal menu so you know you're getting something fresh and fabulous. I'm hoping they still have the Meatball Poutine during my visit. It's made with a bacon-herb gravy! They're also known for the smoked deviled eggs. Yum!
So there you have it. My first pass at a bucket list adventure for Denver and Fort Collins. Tell me below what you think, anything you would add or recommend at these places. I'm looking forward to trying them out and sharing my adventures with you!
