In Cod We Trust

Thursday, August 9, 2007
Marie's Pick!
GB Fish & Chips -- Get Battered!
1311 S. Broadway
Denver, CO
11.00am - 9.00pm Daily
Attendees: Ang., Carol M., Carol G., Katie, Jen, Lara, Marie

After driving past this new fish & chips joint on Broadway for a couple of months now, dreams became reality when Marie chose GB's for our August dinner. Not sure what to expect - the seven of us met up on the back patio and called the picnic tables our home. It was a pleasant evening, not too hot and the tables in the alley we shaded and other than the squawking birds living in the billboard overhead, it was quite nice.

The menu at GB is extensive for a fish & chips joint. In addition to your choice of fried "swimmers" & chips, (Cod, Tilapia, Oysters, Prawns, Squid, and scallops), GB's also offers Bangers, Pork Pie, Shepherd's Pie and several kinds of pasties.

This is how it works at GB, you view the menu - either at the counter or at a table and walk up and place your order with a friendly and cute server-gal. This is also where you order your beer. You take your drinks and grab some condiments and sit at a table. Your meal is made to order by a casual kitchen - full of handsome and friendly college-age looking guys and then delivered to your table. The inside has booths along the walls and tables in the middle but plenty of room to walk around and seemingly well-laid out.

We decided to order a basket of Fish & Chips and combination "Swimmers" & Chips along with a Pasty to split between the seven girls. I think we may have had some sides of chips too - I can't quite remember how it worked out. At any rate, we hung out drinking our Stella's & beers at happy hour prices and in no time at all our meal was delivered to our tables on the patio.

Lucky for me, I was at the end of the table so I got first pick through at the selection of combination "Swimmers" and pulled out what I was guessing to be a scallop, a shrimp, and what turned out to be a strip of squid. Then I chose a piece of tilapia from the fish basket, squeezed the plate with lemon and doused my pickin's and my handful of chips with malt vinegar, picked up a chip and took my first bite.

The chip was pretty much perfect -- the flattened rectangle-y kind, a few inches in length -- perfect for dipping in tartar or your favorite sauce -- fried crispy on the outside and soft on the inside -- but not too mushy. I sprinkled on salt, dipped ate a few more and picked up my first non-chip item -- the scallop. I dipped my scallop into the tiny little cup of tartar sauce and took a half-a-bite, not sure how hot it would be. It was pretty hot, but tender, and juicy, perfectly battered, and perfectly cooked -- delicious. I dipped the other half in the sauce and popped it in - a perfect bite.

It was at this time that I realized that there was no way the tiny little cup of tartar sauce I got from the basket, was ever going to be enough for dipping my selections of fish & chips. So I got up and walked inside and asked for more. I shared them amongst the girls and moved on to item number two: the shrimp.

The shrimp is large, a large shrimp that looked like it needed some more vinegar. I sprinkled some on the end and took my first bite - just like the scallop, it was perfect - if not even a little large - for me at least. I sprinkled on the vinegar for another bite or two, ate a few chips and selected the next item saving the fish for last, the squid. It was a long strip and upon first bite I found that it was tender and not at all chewy - a treasure to behold, but not my very favorite, which so far, was the scallop, or maybe the shrimp. Hmm. Not sure.

My last swimmer was a small piece of tilapia, a nice little triangle piece, calling out for tartar sauce. By now, we've all eaten pretty much all of the tartar sauce in the little tiny cups. Fortunately, some nice girl had a some left and passed it over -- and now for the fish. I broke the piece in half, sprinkled it with vinegar and stuck it in the tartar -- just like the pieces before it. I took a bite and to my delight it was as super as you'd expect, cooked flaky but not overdone with a crispiness that is just right. And to my curiosity, not served with skin-on as they did everywhere in London when I was once there.

Stella. More stella.

Perfectly timed - as I remember it - it was at this time a guy came out and asked us if we wanted any more beer and took away some of our empty plates. Not having had enough, we also threw on another order of combination fish. A few minutes later, we were splitting it up again, and even though I was dying for a piece of cod, they were very big and I was feeling full - and I didn't want to take all of the good stuff because I already had so much! Katie shared a bite of hers however, so I felt totally satisfied by my crispy, battered, totally fried, dinner.

This is a long blog. Sorry. But there is more -- and it is so interesting! I must continue...

It is now that the good looking gentleman we saw earlier came out again to steal away for a smoke. I asked him his name (Alex) and then I asked him a bunch more questions. Turns out, Alex is the owner and they had been open for about 3 or 4 months - I think. Alex was inspired for the restaurant from spending summers and time in England where his father is from while he was growing up. His father actually came out back too and we discussed the pasty dough recipe that he insists is the best - the cold kind -- I did not try the pasty myself so I cannot say how it was but as I recall, other girls found it quite agreeable. Anyway, Alex told us that the business is doing well and they are even considering expanding into the upstairs one day -- with perhaps a bar and maybe a pool table. We eagerly urged him on.

After the fellas went back inside, the rest of us hung out on the picnic tables to finish our beers and head out as they close at 9:00. Another employee came out back, the cute gal at the counter whose name now escapes me -- but she chatted it up, expressed that she really enjoyed her job and hung out with the girls for few before heading in to close up. We finished our beers, climbed in our cars and headed out our separate ways, in anticipation of our next dinner!

Now we have eaten at a variety of restaurants in every kind of cuisine, but it seems that sometimes the simplest dinners are the best. I give GB Fish & Chips five out five stars -- my only complaint being the teeny-tiny tartars. Otherwise, it has been one of my favorites and I already can't wait to go back!

Pasquini's!

Rhonda’s Pick

Dinnergirls attending: Ang., Carol, Marie, and Rhonda

If you are local to the Denver area, you know about Pasquini’s at 1310 South Broadway and Louisiana. Pasquini’s is a cute and funky little dive that features an upstairs and a downstairs. Guests can either sit upstairs near the bar or sit downstairs in the kitchen action. Pasquini’s tables are small but cozy and tiled with various mosaics. They also feature local artwork on the walls. The Dinnergirls were seated downstairs at a corner table for four. This was a small gathering, and we missed the other girls.

Luckily, the girls had already ordered a large pitcher of red sangria before being seated, and so began our wait. Our server was a bit on the nutty side, and asked us what we wanted to order before seeing a menu. Yes, the place was packed so we decided to be patient. Finally, the menus arrived as we continued to sip glasses of ice-cold sangria.

When we finally decided to order and the server came back, Ang and Carol shared a pizza with fresh basil and herbs (I think), I had STUFFED SHELLS, and Rhonda ordered a huge salad. Dinner prices at Pasquini’s vary from around $8 (small pizza) to $10-20(specialty pastas).

The pizza looked and smelled fabulous and is usually a sure hit at Pasquini’s. Ang and Carol finished their pizza so it must have been great! My stuffed shells were very good. I am somewhat of an Italian food snob, but these were the yummiest stuffed shells I have had at a restaurant. The cheese was bubbly and gooey just the way I like it. The sauce was a little tart for me, but good in my opinion and definitely not Prego. Rhonda’s salad looked crisp and refreshing, but I know that in the back of her mind she wanted my stuffed shells or a nibble of pizza. We were at an Italian restaurant after all.

The sangria was a flowing and the girls chattered away about mother-in-law hell. As we finished Ang decided to order a sub to go. During our long wait for the sub, another table kindly offered us their unfinished pitcher of sangria. Turn down Sangria? I think not. About 20-25 minutes went by and no sub. We think our server was hitting the crack pipe hard that night and neglected us. Alas, the sub arrived and we were on our merry way!

Overall, we still love Pasquini’s right girls? If nothing else, go there for the stuffed shells and a $5 pitcher of sangria! Try sitting upstairs and maybe you will not be in the nutty server section. Don’t worry Katie we still tipped her!

Washington Park

Dinnergirls Pick!
Dinngergirls attending:
Ang, Caroline, Carol, Jen, Lara, Marie, Rhonda & Abby

What a beautiful evening for dinner in one of Denver’s most beautiful spots, Washington Park or as the locals call it, “Wash Park.” Dinner was on June 14th and the weather was perfect!

Each year in the summer months, the Denver Dinnergirls go to Wash Park for a picnic dinner. Our perfect table was located at the east entrance to the park at the end of Mississippi Avenue. I think that from now on this particular table will be the Dinnergirls spot! We seem to be able to snatch up this table at each park picnic. The table was centered around plenty of shady trees, lush green grass, and was a perfect spot for catching up!

Now it’s time to write about the star of the evening, the food! All of the girls attending prepare or buy scrumptious snacks, divine salads, grilled treats, and decadent desserts to bring to the park. The assortment of food and the unique recipes each girl brought to the table was just amazing! Here are some of the wonderful foods we shared:

Pesto Cream Cheese Spread
Cheese & Crackers
Chips
Fruit
Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Salads, raspberry salad and Jen’s salad I did not get to try
Spicy Brats

Carol’s husband Rick was kind enough to make desert! When Carol put the container on the table, my eyes and stomach were happy to see fabulous lemon bars! They are simply delicious, and I think each Dinnergirl had two or three.

Sangria.
The sangria was excellent. I drank a wee bit too much sangria, and may have left off a few of the dinner items. Jen made the base and each girl brought a bottle of red wine to add to the mix! Sangria was the perfect beverage for our picnic because it was refreshing and a great compliment to the wonderful food.

Rhonda brought her sweet and out going daughter Abby. Abby seemed to enjoy all the Dinnergirl’s chatter and assortment of food. We loved having her too!

Lara brought her dog Jasmine and I brought my dog Pearl. Jasmine and Pearl had a fabulous time checking each other out and visiting all the girls! Pearl crashed hard in the car on the way home!

Food, drinks, friends, and trusty furry pawed pals, made this a dinner to remember! Hangin’ out in the park after dark was a blast! We love Wash Park and highly recommend it for any picnic or a beautiful stroll around the lakes!

Benihana's Sake Fest-5/17/07

Benihana's
Carol's pick
Dinnergirls attending:
Ang., Caroline, Carol, Jen, Katie, Marie, Rhonda

Where does a large, rowdy group of girls go to have dinner prepared right in front of them?
How many shrimp tails did Chef Leo (or was it Leon?) toss onto the neighboring table?
How many sake vessels were ordered on Thursday, May 17th by the Denver Dinnergirls?

If you know the answer to the first question, then you must know our dinner in May was held at Benihana's, 3295 S Tamarac in Denver. This place serves up steak, seafood, and sushi right to your table. Our chef entertained us with his skills; our server kept the drinks and sake flowing with a cheerful smile.

If you know the answer to the other two questions, well, you should have had more sake!

The most commonly ordered meal in our group was the Hibachi Tuna--excellently prepared and complimented by a bunch of grilled veggies--yum! But my favorite was the fried rice. Double yum! The steak and chicken were a little disappointing to some in our group--perhaps concern about cooking the chook thoroughly led to it being dry?? I think Ang and Jen ordered a caterpillar roll. That looked crawly and green but tasted great.

Prices were on the high side--$21-27 for a dinner but, man, did a lot of food come at that price.

After feasting, the girls stopped in at JJ something or other on Monaco. Katie & I had a great time playing air hockey. The bar seemed to be frequented by men with a taste for metal music. Not bad but I wouldn't want to hang out there too long. They probably were shocked to see a group of women stop in!

Sidenote

Or should I say...Sticky Note!

Jen had a brilliant idea that was instigated this past Thursday...
Post-Its to keep track of the dollar amount of what you ordered. It was perfect and worked awesome.

So...from here on out that is the plan, bring your Post-It notes to keep track of your part of the bill so we don't have to torture any future wait staff by working seperate checks!

Here's to the big brain on Jen!
OPA!!!!

OH-Pah!!!

Pete's Central One
Karen-in-Antarctica's Pick
Attendees: Ang., Carol, Caroline, Jen, Katie, Marie, Rhonda

Delicious!

Our entire experience last Thursday can be described in that one word!
From the food, to the wine, the ouzo, the setting and ambiance, the cute cute cute little waitress gals and, of course, the company...everything was delicious!

Pete's Central One Cafe on the corner of Alameda and Pearl Street was the perfect pick for our short month. Now, I had not been there in quite some time but I remember it as a rather dark restaurant. I don't know when they remodeled but it was perfect...kind of open and airy for a small place, the murals on the walls were very pretty and it was very well-lit.

The service was impeccable. You know you are in for a real treat when the wait staff not only fills the ouzo to the rim of the glass but pours out for everyone and joins you in a toast.

The food and the wine were great...big portions, thank god for babes that want to share and it seems that everyone was very pleased with their leftovers the next day. I don't know what the green bean thing that I had was called by it was super fantastically yummy! Also, I have never actually had a Greek wine that was not over the top sweet but the couple bottles that we had were very good...full bodied and dry, just like I like it. And, even more amazing, very reasonably priced for restaurant wine!

All in all, it was a fantastic dinner and made even all the more special when our pretty waitress, Demetria (I am going to spell it like the name of the goddess) OH! "My friends call me D, you can call me Aphrodite!"...came outside to say goodbye to us on the patio and she invited us to come back any Thursday because that is when she works!

So...Delicious, completely sums it up!
ang.