Yes, November definitely got marked by eating too much turkey and other Americana classics over the month, but we dipped out to try some other things as well. For starters, crispy chicken in two different ways became some of the best bites. A meat-loaded pizza wowed, as did three decedent brunch items. We are also sharing a killer salad and a fancy bagel. Bonus dish at the end!
Eggs Benedict at Corsica Wine Bar
A good egg benedict is hard to beat, and the $9 mortadella version (hero image) we had at Corsica’s new brunch makes the list of favorites. First of all, it’s only one piece, so you don’t have to commit to a big plate of the rich dish. Second, instead of the usual ham, crisped up mortadella takes center stage, melding beautifully with the chive-laced hollandaise sauce. 2801 Walnut St., Denver, corsicawinebar.com
Insalata di Gem at The Greenwich
For $19 you can get one of the best salads in town. Chef Luke Miller has put a spin on the classic Caesar with the addition of green goddess dressing instead of the usual Caesar, croutons made from the pizza dough, and bright tarragon. It looks simple, but with each bite a new layer emerges in crispy green glory. Yes, we just said that about a salad. 3258 Larimer St., Denver, thegreenwichdenver.com
Queen La-Meat-ah at Pizzeria Leopold
Oh it’s hard not to love pizza, especially when heading to Chris and Lindsay Lyons’ Pizzeria Leopold in Lakewood. The six-year-old Italian market and restaurant churns out a solid pie using imported flour and cured meats, as well as local produce.
We really dug the comforting meat pie, complete with red sauce, cheese, Colorado-made sausage, pepperoni, sweet sopressata, and calabrese. The Queen La-Meat-ah costs $17 for a 10-inch pie, or $25 for the 14-inch. The latter fed two hungry kids, a mom, and later, thanks to leftovers, dad too. 1990 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, pizzerialeopold.com
Hot Chicken Tenders at Lou’s Hot and Naked
Located in the Milk Market, we stumbled to the counter at Lou’s to get the hot chicken tenders after a wine tasting at Blanchard Family Wines (located in the Dairy Block alley). Not expecting much beyond a snack, the tendies surprised with a deep heat and perfectly crispy outside. Even though temperature wise the meat was too hot, we couldn’t stop nibbling until only the Texas toast remained. Pro tip, get extra pickles to tame the fire. 1800 Wazee St., Denver, denvermilkmarket.com
Salmon Roe Bagel at Odell’s Bagel
Finally we got into chef Miles Odell’s new bagel shop in Highlands, and it was worth the hype. Enough so, it produced one of last month’s best bites The bright orange ikura, or salt-brined salmon roe, caught our eye, and diners can order the open-faced bagel as a half ($11) or whole ($22). While it sounds pricy, there’s so much jewel-hued roe on the bagel it’s totally worth it.
Not only that, but the dish comes with wasabi, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. It’s a decadent umami bomb with sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Up the ante by ordering it on the furikake bagel. 3200 Irving St., Denver, odellsbagel.com
Biscuits With Pastrami Gravy at Leven Deli Co.
It’s no secret, we love the stuff coming out of Leven Deli Co. Recently the team added a biscuit to the breakfast menu, and yes, it’s just as good as the rest. But while a simple biscuit tastes great, a generous helping of comforting pastrami gravy makes the dish sing.
Using the eatery’s 12-day house-made pastrami, the gravy gets a savory kick unlike any other sauce in the category. For just $9, it feels like a steal too. Try the biscuits and gravy every day from 8 to 11 a.m. 123 West 12th Ave., Denver, eatleven.com
Combo Banh Mi at New Saigon Bakery
If it appears we eat a lot of banh mi, well, we do. New Saigon Bakery has been making one of the best in town for over a decade. A recent outing confirmed its sandwich game remains strong. The banh mi menu at the venue proves vast, but after trying numerous types, it’s still the combo ($8.50) we keep going back to.
Order this option and see why the pate, house-made garlic aioli, soy sauce, headcheese, Vietnamese ham, steamed pork, and pork belly truly make a winning combination. Pro tip, add on steamed buns and fresh Vietnamese spring rolls for a take-home feast. 640 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, newsaigonbakery.com
Lamb Korma at Spice Room
Denver isn’t particularly known for having great Indian food, but Spice Room does a brilliant job with this creamy korma. We ordered it with lamb ($14.99 at lunch, $22 at dinner), which worked perfectly to soak up the rich gravy. Spiced with onions, ginger, and garlic, the korma had a warming essence that paired nicely with buttery and nutty notes thanks to almond and cashew. Served with rice, it’s an Indian comfort food to crave. Spice Room has three locations, and we visited the Highland spot. 3157 W. 38th Ave., Denver, denverspiceroom.com
Kkanpunggi at Paik’s Noodle
Korean-Chinese food is the crux of Paik’s Noodle in Aurora, and it’s not something you’ll find just anywhere. The noodles are prepared fresh daily, and traditional dishes such as jajang bap (rice and egg with black soybean sauce) and jjamppong bap (spicy seafood soup) dominate the menu.
That said, we can’t stop thinking about the crispy Kkanpunggi ($19.95), which is basically spicy fried chicken. The giant plate of food featured perfectly-cooked pieces of chicken, tossed with light sauce and laden with sauteed mushrooms and vegetables. It was enough to feed two without anything else, but if you try more dishes that means you can bring leftovers home, which we highly recommend. 12101 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora, paiksnoodleaurora.com
Breakfast Sausage Corn Dogs at The Original
If you’re anywhere in the Ballpark neighborhood during brunch time, make sure to pop into The Original, aka The OG, for a quick corn dog ($12). No, these aren’t the kind you get at the stadium. Instead, each slightly-spicy breakfast sausage is dipped in pancake batter and then rolled in corn flakes. Dip it in maple syrup and it’s a breakfast treat with fun notes of sweet, spicy, and salty. Plus, there’s three to a plate so you can share, or make it your whole meal. 1600 20th St., Denver, theogdenver.com
Bonus: Braised Beef Short Rib at The Common Good In the Benson Hotel
What happens when you braise short ribs for 36 hours in pinot noir? Magic is the answer. Executive chef Donovan Davis prepared this delight for a one-up Napa wine dinner where he used the paired wines in the dishes. All the courses sang, but this one brought out the red wine in a profound way.
While the exact dish isn’t served on the regular menu, there’s plenty of other goodies to try. Make sure to follow the restaurant and chef to hear about his monthly special dinners like this one. 13025 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora, eatatthecommongood.com
