Botanic Gardens-Make reservations for Blossoms of Light and stroll the grounds for a magical experience.

Brown Palace Hotel-See the eloquently decorated lobby and consider making a reservation for tea.

City and County Building-Look at this beautiful building from Civic Center Park and walk right up to the nativity scene at the entrance to the building. Also enjoy the Mile High Christmas Tree and Christkindlmarket.

Union Station-Check out the main terminal Christmas tree and sip a drink upstairs at the Cooper Lounge.

Located at 1400 Larimer St., Denver, this restaurant is convenient for a pre-theater meal because it is walking distance from the Denver Center of Performing Arts. The ambiance is colorful inside, and the food is presented artistically. Recently, I made a reservation prior to an 8:00pm show and was able to experience this bee inspired menu.

We began with Margarita Flores, a hibiscus-infused blanco tequila, lime local honey, sal de chapuline, and honeycomb. We added guacamole, salsa and chips, which were not officially associated with the bee menu. Next up on the Viva Abeja’s selection was Charred Pear and Avocado Salad and Enchiladas Doradas, which were delightful and delicious! We also tried the other bee-themed margarita, the honey lavender margarita, which contained blanco tequila, lime, honey, lavender, crème de violette, and triple sec.

The Highlands location at 2215 W 32nd Ave. does not accept reservations. I was lucky when I arrived and got a seat at the bar. The place was vibrant and hopping with activity. From the bar, I was able to observe the guys creating dishes like a well-oiled machine. I ordered a cocktail called the Pile Driver, and it was one of the best cocktails I have ever had!

I ordered the Spicy Chicken Ramen, which consisted of chicken and pork with spicy sesame broth, seared confit chicken, bean sprouts, soft poached egg, sesame seeds, and scallion. I was a bit nervous about the spice, so I asked for it on the side and gradually added more as my confidence grew that I could handle it. I thought it was delicious!

The other location in West Wash Park is located at 95 S Pennsylvania St. Most seating is reserved for walk-ins. Both locations open at 5:00 pm for dinner and takeout and are closed on Sundays. They seem to have a robust take-out business.

The name of the bakery suggests that the offerings are decadent regarding sugar. It is a small batch, from scratch bakery, which also serves coffee. I patiently waited in line about 15 minutes and ordered a frosted sugar cookie and a buckeye with a chai latte. I sat at the counter in an old-time café environment to enjoy them.

Devil’s Food Bakery is the perfect place to treat yourself to a sweet or pick something out for someone as a gift. Cash register pay station is fun too! Hours are 7:00am-5:00pm each day of the week.

The owner of Denver Biscuit, Drew Shader, is originally from Florida, so if there is a southern feel in the menu, that might explain it. Shrader and his wife Ashleigh, plus their executive chef Jonathan Larsen, originally began in a food truck at Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market. In 2009, the Denver Biscuit Company officially started, and they seem to be enjoying much success today.

I ordered The Lola, which is a biscuit sandwich comprised of buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, and house-made honey butter covered in maple syrup. My friend had the Three Run Double which had a buttermilk biscuit, two eggs, house made jam, and bacon. To be honest, I don’t eat this sort of meal often, but I will admit, it was delicious!

Apparently, most locations also offer pizza, but I focused on the biscuit experience.

There are three locations in Denver. I went to the one at 1298 S. Broadway. The atmosphere was pleasant. The other locations are Riverview at 1700 Platte St. and in Aurora at Stanley MarketPlace, 2501 Dallas St.

Lorena Cantarovice, CEO and Chef Owner came to the US from Argentina with only $300 in her pocket but was determined to live the American dream. She found the way to that dream through empanadas, and Denver is lucky to have these restaurants to enjoy.

I had lunch and chose a veggie and spinach empanada with a sangria. For dessert, I enjoyed pears in marsala. Each empanada is handcrafted. Meat lovers have plenty to pick from as well. Everything tasted great and was fresh. 

The ambiance is festive and lively upon entering. Dishes are from Northern Brazil in the region of Bahia. I started with the rum cocktail Caipirinha. It was sweet but not overly so.

I had both the appetizer special and the dinner special. The appetizer was four round balls with sweet potatoes and other ingredients of which I cannot recall, but I remember they were delicious. The entrée I selected was grouper with shrimp, and I ate every bite.

The Corner Beet is located at 1401 N. Ogden St. in Denver. It opens each day at 8:00am until 2:00pm Monday-Thursday and 3:00pm Friday-Sunday. It describes itself as, “Cafe in an airy, industrial space with an arty vibe for cold-pressed juices & light vegetarian fare.” The website claims that produce is 100% organic and local and house made whenever possible.

I enjoy healthy food and rarely eat meat, so vegetarian fare works for me. On my last visit, I enjoyed avocado toast and a turmeric shot. Both were fantastic!

Recently I visited Mister Oso in RiNo twice. Once for happy hour and once for lunch. The RiNo location is at 3163 Larimer St, Denver. There is also a Wash Park location at 103 S Ogden St.

Mister Oso RiNo opened in the fall of 2019. Its interior décor of a leafy, tropics theme gives off a vacation vibe, which I love in the wintertime.

Executive chef and managing partner, Blake Edmunds, is a Colorado native. Although I did not meet him, his online culinary resume is impressive. I enjoyed my lunch taco during my visit on January 14, 2023. I ordered Pollo Bronco, which had smoked chicken, charred onion, jalapeño salsa, salted cabbage and crema for $14. The flavor was excellent.

Their cocktail menu is extensive. I had one of their rotating frozen cocktails, and I enjoyed it. Aqua Fresca is a fabulous option for those who would like to abstain from alcohol.