HE SAID, SHE SAID

CULINARY DROPOUT

We’re married. We work together. We see each other all the time. So, what could we possibly talk about while out for dinner? In this case, food. And lots of it. Join us as we drop in on Culinary Dropout.

He: I’ve been excited for this for a while. I looked at the menu online and this is my kind of restaurant. Lots of flavor profiles with almost everything made from scratch, starting with these Pork Belly Nachos. There’s great balance here. Nachos can end up being heavy, but these are light and they don’t kill my appetite moving forward.

She: Definitely. This whole area at 9th and Colorado has really become a destination in and of itself. An annex of sorts to Cherry Creek. We tried the restaurant next door – Blanco – with friends a few weeks ago and it was great so I, too, was excited for this. Did you know both are part of the same folks behind three of our other Cherry Creek favorites, North, True Food Kitchen, and Flowerchild? Some serious culinary superpower going on here.

He: I did know that, and so far all of those restaurants have been hits with us. Our server Cameron knows his stuff. He has great knowledge of the menu and he checks in. I love it. He reminds me of a taller Adrian Grenier from Entourage.

She: Ha! He does! I miss that show. The movie was terrible, though.

He: They have a great cocktail list. I like how the Dropout Classic Mule doesn’t come in the copper mug. That’s a nice change. By the way, I count six people behind the bar and I can see why, this place is gigantic, but I also think it ensures quicker service.

She: My cocktail, Tijuana Spa Water, is one of the best I’ve had recently. And thanks to our two toddlers, I’ve had a lot of cocktails recently. It’s a take on a margarita, but with jalapeno, mint, pineapple and cilantro. Kind of like a Mexican Mojito.

He: There are three TVs behind you. While you were talking about our kids’ future college fund or whatever it was, I got to watch Oklahoma vs. Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament as well as the Avalanche playing the Hurricanes. Good stuff.

She: Yep. The perfect place to come for dinner and tune out your spouse. I mean, there’s so much to look at. All kidding aside, it’s nice to be out and about with you. It has been far too long. Plus, the Brussels Sprouts with this Korean Gochujang sauce is heavenly. He: If you haven’t noticed, I can’t stop eating them. I’m also very happy with the pork ribs in a jalapeno molasses sauce. And these fries might be the best in Denver.

She: I totally agree. My entrée is great, too. Not something I pictured myself ordering at a restaurant that’s known for its comfort food, but the Spicy Vegan Curry (with chicken so I unveganized it) is fabulous. Spicy enough, but not too much. Really great flavors.

He: The music here is fun. Some hip alternative tunes that I could see in an American Pie film with Stiffler doing something crazy. Plus, I see people here in their 20s and people here in their 80s. This place is hoppin’.

She: Yes. Definitely an eclectic crowd. Totally appropriate for a first date or a family dinner alike. Casual, but cool and incredibly tasty.

He: This is hands-down the best dessert I’ve had in years. I know dessert is subjective, but the Monkey Bread - cinnamon apple brioche & vanilla ice cream – is pretty much a warm apple fritter and I’m voting for it in our Peak of the Creek awards in our Summer Issue.

She: Absolutely heavenly. The perfect way to end a perfect meal.

Kevin and Betsy Marr are “he” and “she.” They work and live in Denver where they produce Cherry Creek Magazine and raise their two toddler boys all under one roof.