LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A California-originated plant-based fast food restaurant has opened its first location in the Las Vegas Valley.
Plant Power Fast Food opened at 7090 W. Craig Road, near U.S. 95. The restaurant uses 100% plant-based ingredients.
Clark County Commissioner Ross Miller held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the restaurant on Friday morning. The first 100 guests were given vouchers good for a free burger on their next visit.
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, click here.
La Loma is the Real-Deal traditional, Mexican restaurant in an old house in the “old neighborhood.”
2527 W. 26th Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
Phone (303) 433.8300
Fax (303) 433.8309
As I sat at the patio (above left behind the wall) behind a thick vine as patches of sunlight, cool shade and leaves were soothing the mind as the very decent Margarita was soothing the rest of me, I thought that this may be the very best traditional Mexican restaurant in the Denver area.
Knowing about the patio but never sitting there, as we did yesterday, was like discovering a new restaurant. The old patio is adorned with old brick of varying shapes and shades, wood shutters and as aforementioned, a wall of lacy vines – not to mention white tablecloths on the dozen or so tables along the narrow patio. This is the class of Mexican culture at it’s very best.
This old, Denver tradition, Mexican restaurant on the west-side is serving classic Mexican food in an old house (the house on Diamond Hill) built in 1887. The restaurant is richly decorated in rich woods with dark accents, high ceilings with skylights, quality tables/chairs/booths, a warm inviting vibe and a vintage tortilla machine. A cozy bar for 10-12 is the perfect place to wait a few minutes for a table. Happy hour (Mon – Sat/ 2pm – 6pm) offers $6-7 Margaritas, wine, beer and discounted apps.
The menu (click the main website) offers the classics: Enchiladas (two/ $9.75-10.25,) Tacos (3/ $9.95-11.25,) Burritos (2/ $8.75-10.50,) Combinations: 1/ 7.95 2/ 10.25 3/ 12.25 4/ 13.95 as well as Fajitas (around $10.95-$16.95, $25.25, for two) and other specialties – check the La Loma’s website for the full menu. The salsa is thick and hot and the tortillas are hand crafted. This my friends is a good restaurant.
The main dining room is warm and cozy of course, also with dark woods, a high ceiling and cozy booths.
The lovely Juana, all in black, graced our table with good cheer and Latin beauty.
Weather permitting, this might be one of Denver’s best Father’s Day dinner-tickets.
El Noa Noa’s patio on Santa Fe Drive is one of the best places to dine Sunday evenings in Denver. Replete with a large fountain, trees and umbrellas for shade, *fine musicians on stage, cocktails, excellent Mexican food and even a few chirping birds playing and bathing on the fountain, one can’t go wrong visiting El Noa Noa this coming Father’s Day – June 19, 2011, or any other summer Sunday. If you are Dracula or one of his ilk and can’t stand the sun there’s also an indoor dining-room and a small bar.
Just like dining at an outdoor restaurant deep in Mexico, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation – South of the Border.
Have a couple of house Margs or beers and a plate of sizzling Fajitas ($14.50,) throw a finn at the Musicians and kick back for a night of relaxation. You too can feel just like Hemingway.
*Smooth Jazz, Mariachi or Peruvian Sounds – performed by serious musicians. Call ahead to find out which music-genre/group will be on stage.
I was in Patsy’s last night. I was in a need-to-be-in-Patsy’s mood so I drove to Patsy’s Italian Restaurant on Denver’s North-side. Years ago South-sider’s referred to the Northwest part of Denver as West Denver, but who’s counting. Huhh?
Entering the restaurant is like stepping into a time-machine back to the gay 20s. Uhh, not that one.Enter the restaurant through Patsy's bar area.
Photo from Patsy's
The excellent photo – originally from Patsy’s site and snipped – above, is from a site who’s authors weren’t that crazy about the food. At least they agree with me that the restaurant looks like an authentic movie set, it is…authentic. Better then a movie set, it’s the real thing.
The restaurant has been around since 1921 or something like that, and it looks like it. Patronizing Patsy’s is like eating and drinking in an antique – not an antique-store, an antique. And I like that. The bar is boot-leg cozy with an old varnished wooden surface behind a half-round arm-rest, spinner-stools with red-vinyl (?) tops and mirrored back-bar. Don’t know if it’s true, but I heard that the name came about – changed to Patsy’s – after WWll when Italians weren’t exactly on America’s A-list and, well, Patsy’s sounds Irish, so… I also heard that the original owner, Chubby Aiello, referred to Mussolini as “Hitler’s patsy” so the restaurant was therefore named Patsy’s – as a patriotic gesture… Like the Kennedy Assassination, Roswell, Osama and so on and so forth, we’ll never know, so ask someone if you have a need to know.
Patsy’s pipes in appropriate period/style background music. The music savvy tech-guy went to Hollywood High, so says he. He does have excellent and thoughtful play-lists.
About the food, I think “those chicks” are accustomed to a different set of taste sensations. I am completely satisfied when I dine on the big, fat, home-made noodles with Patsy’s garlicky, red-sauce, a couple of balls, bread, salad and a glass of a solid red. Deal me in baby. What – you were expecting a piece on military-artillery. Not going to happen here.
The word cozy comes up again when mentioning the restaurant booths. Easy-in, hard-out. Easing into the booths, your eyes catch a glimpse of the little shaded light on the wall behind the booth. It sooths. It isn’t an expletive high-school classroom with mind-scratching fluorescent lighting.
Patsy's main dinning area
“Patsy’s was named one of the 10 “Reasons to Return” to Denver by 10Best Inc.
And here she is…
Patsy's Italian Restaurant
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
3651 Navajo Street
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-8910
Navajo Street Art District
Patsy’s is the anchor for about a half-dozen art galleries within a block or so. There’s even a little theater. The area is called The Navajo Street Art District.
First Fridays of each month feature the First Friday Art Walk: The galleries do an open-house with cheese and wine thing from around 5:00 PM until around 9:00 PM. Actually that would be tonight – June 3, 2011. The art ranges from primitive-barely-art art to sophisticated, luxurious oils. There is some avant-guard, edgy stuff. Be sure to check out D-Gallery on 36th and Navajo. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night in Denver. Do cocktails and dinner at Patsy’s then stroll the galleries for a couple of hours, and buy some art. Support your local artist. Even if he/she’s from Brooklyn, New York.
3 Sons Italian Restaurant & Bar
14805 West 64th Avenue
Arvada, Colorado
303-455-4366
3 Sons had been serving fine Italian food on W 44th Ave in Denver for years. Susan and Michael Scarafiotti purchased 3 Sons in March of 2004. For over a year, the new owners have been serving fine Italian food at a new location in Arvada. The new 3 Sons Italian Restaurant and Bar opened at 14805 West 64th Avenue in Arvada, Colorado, in June 2009. And it’s a good thing. Not that they moved, but everything is good: the location, the bar, the dining room, the food, the happy-hours, the staff, and the spotless head(s).
The Tuscanesque-style restaurant with beige walls, old-brick archways, booths and chairs in warm reds and golds is in a shopping-center location, plenty of parking. There’s a bar area with a few booths and tables in front of floor to ceiling windows where patrons can “do” half-priced apps and 2-4-1 wine and wells and other drink specials at Happy Hour (call for hours).
The brunette cocktail-bringer we had last night was over-the-top gracious. Not only when she brought us the drinks and fresh bread with olive-oil/Balsamic dipping sauce, but every time she passed the table.
3 Sons at Christmastime
Moving to the dining room (one of two) after lingering a half-hour in the lounge, we were seated at a cozy booth in a warm room with subdued lighting, a kinda-formal setting. The only thing out of place was the dude in the Giants team-jacket. This is really a fairly elegant room.
From the menu we chose a basic pasta (spaghetti) with Marinara sauce served with meatball or Belfiore’s sausage ($11.00), and White trout filet pan-roasted & topped with shallots, white wine lemon butter sauce, served with Chef’s risotto of the day & 3 Sons vegetable medley ($17.00.) Add a soup or fresh house salad for $2.99, we did. A cool, blonde brought us fresh bread and dipping-sauce with the entrées. All the right textures, flavors and accouterments were accounted for and present. Portions were decent, service was excellent. I’ll return to try the pizza ($11.00) – ($15.00) and Lasagna ($17.00) and…
Full menus can be viewed at 3 Sons Official Website. Items from those menus include: Calzones ($14.00), Spaghetti Bolognese, Meatloaf ($15.00), and a Family Favorites list including, Lobster Ravioli ($16.00). Oh yea, Uh-hmmm! 3 Sons Patio
Photos are from 3 Sons Official Website
This post assembled by W Carbone.
Battista’s Hole In The Wall Italian Restaurant
4041 Audrie St.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 732-1424
One of my favorite Italian restaurants in Las Vegas “Battista’s Hole in the Wall” is old-school Italian, serving good food for over 30 years.
Behind the Flamingo Hilton, just across the street from Bally’s, Battista’s is a freestanding restaurant with a warm, old-world ambiance that welcomes the visitor with a blanket of security from cold Las Vegas. Of course we’re not talking about the temperature here.
With several prix-fixe menu choices, one can settle in for a night of Old Vegas dining. And yes – accordingly – there is a strolling accordionist.
ALL DINNERS INCLUDE
Minestrone Soup or Italian Salad, Garlic Bread, Pasta Side & Homemade Cappuccino.
FREE HOUSE WINE INCLUDED
Red or White
Pasta Dishes
1. Ravioli (Cheese)
2. Lasagna
3. Manicotti (Cheese)
4. Canelloni (Meat)
5. Eggplant Parmegiana
6. Fettuccine Seafood Sauce
Any one of the above for $22.95
Spaghetti or Ziti
with choice of one sauce
7. Sausage Cacciatore
8. Meatballs (2)
9. Meat Sauce
10.Pomodoro
Any one of the above for $20.95
10 oz. Boneless Breast of Chicken
11. Chicken Rio
12. Chicken Parmegiana
13. Chicken Cacciatore
14. Steak Pizzaiola
15. Linguini Chopped Clams
16. Chicken Alfredo
Any one of the above $26.90
White Veal
16. Veal Piccante
17. Veal Marsala
18. Veal Parmegiana
Any one of the above $29.95
19. Steak Caruso
20. Shrimp – Garlic-Butter or Marinara
21. Fresh Fish of the Day
Any one of the above $31.95
22. Battista Style Cioppino
23. Filet Mignon (10 oz.)
24. New York (12 oz.)
Any one of the above $37.95
EL NOA NOA Mexican Restaurant
722 Santa Fe Dr
Denver, CO 80204 (303) 623-9968
One of the best Mexican restaurants in Denver, Colorado, EL NOA NOA on Santa Fe Drive is an authentic Mexican restaurant in an Hispanic neighborhood that has been around forever. A commercial area of the ‘hood surrounding EL NOA NOA has recently been adopted by a multi-culture art crowd. It is fast becoming a major “ARTS DISTRICT.” O.K. if you’re from New York you have a different definition of the term “major.” So… The restaurant underwent a makeover in the past year, or so.
According to tradition there were 2 dogs, two cats, 2 elephants, 2 zebras, on and on and on and on the ark during the flood. It would make sense then that maybe there were also two Noa’s…Or is that too much of a stretch? Anyway I’ve decided that that is the origin of the name.
El Noa Noa might be my favorite Mexican Restaurant in Denver. Maybe it depends on the time of year. In the more favorable seasons, weather permitting – the patio is open (see photo,) the trees are in bloom, the fountain is running and on some Saturday nights there is live music. In a perfect storm, so to speak, and all things are happening as they should be happening – this may be it. I can’t imagine a much more pleasant ambiance.
We were there last Saturday night. The late sun was shinning, the band – a South American flute and guitar group were into their music – and we were into some excellent authentic Mexican food and beverage.
I mentioned to the affable Armando that since the patio really helps to make the restaurant they should think about enclosing the patio with glass or acrylic so this little piece of heaven can be enjoyed year-round.
This good look’n restaurant attracts some good look’n people – the people watching is superlative.
The Denver Civic Theatre at 721 Santa Fe Drive is just across the street..
Play’s such as last year’s THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES opened to good reviews/crowds.
The food is excellent: Try the Chile Rellano Plate ($10.25) or the Fajitas ($14.50.) Everything is tasty and authentic…
Prices are moderate. The full bar is serving up your favorite margs. Happy Hour: Mon – Fri, 2-6, check website.
Better hurry though, it won’t be long before the Colorado nights are too chilly to have chile outdoors.
BB King’s Blues Club
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV
89109 www.bbkingclubs.com
Legendary electric picker, BB King – master of Lucille and owner of the classic Blues tune “The Thrill is Gone” – is bringing his namesake restaurant, bar and nightclub: BB King’s Blues Club to the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.
King is a pioneer (50s) electric-powered blues singer who excelled (largely, in part) due to his soulful guitar style’s expressive string-bending technique, and weaving notes around sounds coming from his gravely voice.
“B.B. King’s Blues Club Holding Job Fair: Interviews At Mirage Sept. 9-10”
“LAS VEGAS — Despite a steep drop in tourism, Las Vegas is preparing to open a number of new hotels and restaurants that will put people back to work.”
“Musician B.B. King is the latest star to attach his name a Las Vegas restaurant. The B.B. King’s Blues Club at the Mirage resort is hiring to fill multiple positions at its bar and restaurant.”
From ClubPlanet:
“From early morning to late night, B.B. King’s Blues Club will serve the best in Creole cuisine fused with that southern comfort touch. Palates of Las Vegas visitors and locals alike are sure to be awakened by signature items such as Fried Dill Pickles, Gumbo Ya Ya Straight from the Bayou, Lip Smacking Ribs, Southern Fried Catfish and Banana Bread Pudding. It doesn’t stop with the food, as the drinks are just as tasty and full of soul – from the Boll Weevil that’s sure to pack a punch to the Wang Dang Doodle that the women will love.” read more from ClubPlanet…
by Patsy's Inn
Credit: LasVegasBuffetClub, file photo
I was doing Navajo street’s “First Fridays Art Walk” on, guess what, Friday night, and was drawn to *Patsy’s (Patsy’s Inn restaurant ) front door like the proverbial moth to a flame. Actually my first stop was going to be Patsy’s. The open door of Patsy’s was emenating energy not altogether unlike the exceptionally bright, (almost) full moon. Maybe it was more like a bonfire, which was burning, in the midst of the smaller campfires – lights from gallery windows. Whatever it was, it was an energy fest.
In addition to the (half-dozen) open art galleries, there was a birthday party (or some other kind of party) going on at the restaurant, adding immensely to the overall ambience of the evening. The entire block was “happening.” Oh yea, the Bug Theater, across the street from Patsy’s was open for business: “Modern Muse Theatre Presents: “SPEED THE PLOW” by David Mamet.”
When I say “it was happening,” I don’t just mean activity, I’m talking classy people in a classy scene. I was at another place near 8th & Colorado Blvd. (which I won’t name) earlier in the evening. The crowd were a bunch of dead-brains with not enough collective imagination to have a bad idea! (I’ve got to write that place off…)
After Patsy’s I headed a block south to the D Gallery ( I received an email invite to their METRO RETRO show.) What a fine gallery. The food spread was tastefully executed – a veritable work of art. I also found two other delicious pieces d’art: artists Jim Petty and Marlene Feinholz each had, at least, one work that passed my threshold test….
*By the way, Patsy’s Inn is a long-time favorite, old-school, neighborhood, Italian restaurant that has been around since the 1920s. PATSY’S INN Italian Restaurant
3651 Navajo Street
Denver, CO 80211
303-477-8910
PATSY’S Italian Restaurant
3651 Navajo Street
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 477-8910
Patsy's Italian Restaurant-click to enlarge
“With a history that spans more than 80 years, Patsy’s Italian Restaurant is Denver’s oldest Italian restaurant. Founded in 1921 by the Aiello family, Patsy’s has undergone a few changes over the years but the heart and soul of tradition have remained the same.” read more from Patsy’s website…
This has been one of my favorite Denver restaurants for years. “It’s the restaurant stupid!” I mean the restaurant itself, the physical property: the dining room, the kitchen, the bar, the little shaded-lamps on the walls of the booths, the booths, the [1]two-way mirror behind the bar, the back-room behind the two-way mirror, the mural along one wall, and the fact that they haven’t changed a single, solitary-thing – as far as I know – in decades! These are the things that make Patsy’s, Patsy’s. The photos on the walls and bar have been there since the summer of 1921. O.K. I don’t really know that, but…
Imagine a Marty Scorsese film: Brooklin, NY (1959) “A quiet summer evening in a neighborhood restaurant – cut to a Ted Williams’ Louisville Slugger.” Somebody “whacks” somebody. Ba-Da-Bing! Ba-Da-Boom! The End! Fugedaboudit!
Patsy’s has been serving the same Italian food for years, from at least three different owners. And the food is authentic and tasty, if you like Southern-Italian cuisine. I happen to like it.
From the menu:
“House Favorites! Includes bread and your choice of soup or salad” Baked Lasagna or Eggplant Lasagna – Sausage or lightly breaded baked eggplant, layered with pasta, Patsy’s original spaghetti sauce ricotta, romano and provolone. Topped with mozzarella ($13.00)
Putanesca – A spicy specialty of Trastevere. Tomatoes, capers, calamata olives and red pepper, with white wine and olive oil over fettucine ($11.00)
Topped with grilled chicken breast ($14.00)
Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan – Tender chicken breast rolled in seasoned bread crumbs, or seasoned baked eggplant. Topped with Patsy’s original spaghetti sauce, parmesan and mozzarella, with homemade spaghetti ($14.00) Check the menu on Patsy’s website for more entrees.
Also: Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Desserts, Sandwiches, Lunches, Wines and a Full Bar with a dozen stools
We were told that a relative of the original owner/family (The Aiellos) is the new owner and proprietor of Patsy’s Inn. Patsy’s has a huge parking lot on Navajo – 1/4 block north of the restaurant.
Memo to Martin Scorsese and other Film Industry execs: You used Las Vegas’ Peppermill’s lounge in “Casino”and The Golden Gate’s, Bay City Diner in “Pay It Forward.” Give this place a try. Fugedaboudit!
[1] The “backing” behind the glass has been removed. The “two-way” mirror is now just clear glass. “I saw you looking at the glass.”
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PARISI Pizzeria, Deli and Trattoria
4401 Tennyson St.
Denver, Colorado 80212
Parisi-click to enlarge
I was driving down Tennyson the other day and saw sidewalk tables and thought I saw a big white sign that read “Paris,” and underneath the sign, “Pizzeria.” I chortled and thought to myself: the French have joined in the *Denver Pizza Wars. Of course, the sign read: Parisi – the last i was obscured.
I made a mental note to return. Tonight I did. Parisi is a Tuscan-California-Modern-style, “hip and now” Pizzeria/Restaurant/Deli in an older north-west Denver neighborhood.
“You can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” Not that the old building is a sow’s ear, it’s just that Parisi did a remarkable job redoing the plain-jane building. The restaurant’s interior is fresh, shiny and new. Visual flavors of a Tuscan village are imparted by the architecture, as well as flavors of a modern Califormia restaurant.
Ordering food offers a twist: walk up to a counter, order and pay. One is issued a seat (by number,) one sits – someone brings your order to the table.
Lotsa-Pasta is on the menu: mostly Penne w/this or, Spaghetti w/that, Lasagna, Gnocchi etc. See all available pastas by clicking on Parisi’s website link (below.)
Specialty Pizzas (11″ and 14″) are available (from $8.99 to $15.99,) for example: Prosciutto and Funghi (prosciutto cotto and mushrooms) $10.99 / $14.99. (For you and me, that’s ‘shrooms & ham.)
Also: Calzones ($10.99,) Panini (6″ $5.99 – 10″ $7.49,) Focaccia ($7.99,) Salads, Daily Specials and more. Click Parisi’s link to view the full menu (below.)
There is a wood-oven and pizza prep “stage” with a few seats – watch the pizza assembly with a glass of wine (wine starts at about five bucks.) The Parisi on-site Deli has prepared foods, canned goods, cheeses, dry-pastas, and a small on-the-wall dining table with a few stools.
On our first visit, we ordered the Lasagne ($7.49,) and a dinner salad (1.99.) First blush revealed an unexpected sight: the plate of Lasagne had an orange tint. Whoa, it looked as though the Lasagna was topped with grated, yellow cheese. Whew! We inquired and found out the orange color was from grated carrots. Although not a large portion, and a bit overcooked the Lasagna was good, still a bit different. The nice mixed-greens / spinich, dinner salad was a deal at two bucks. I want to return to try the gnocchi, spaghetti and pizza. Overall the expierience was positive.
“firenza a tavola“ is a formal restaurant “secretely found down the stairwell adjacent to our ordering line.” Part wine-celler, part high-end, basement restaurant, “firenza a tavola“ is very warm and cozy, with a 2nd (small) bar.
On the menu: Zuppe e Insalate ($5-$10,) Antipasti Dalla Cucina ($9-$13,) Prosciutti ($8-$14,) Primi ($17-$20,) Secondi ($21-$32.)
For example: Cacciucco alla Livornese! Traditional seafood stew of Livorno made of slow simmered sea bass, mussels, scallops, shrimp and cuttlefish in an aromatic stew of shellfish stock, garlic, chili flakes, parsley and white wine, served with garlic rubbed ciabatta crostini ($21.)
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