It’s a tossup as to which will be tougher: getting folks to pronounce the name right or getting them to visit the below-street-level space that has been such a difficult long-term sell for any restaurant in the building that is about to house Steak au Poivre (231 Milwaukee St.).
But neither seems to bother managing partner Marco Colantonio, who has teamed with Jean Garrett to open the affordable French bistro-meets-steakhouse in the next couple of weeks.
The eatery takes over the bar and dining room that was long ago the Bay Wolf and most recently Manhattan Grill, which Garrett inherited when she and Bruce Garrett divorced. Bruce had been partners in 2000 with the original Manhattan owners, Robbie Hahn and Rich Salturelli (whose own ex-wife had inherited the Bay Wolf from him when they split back in the ’80s).
Colantonio, who did not return calls, was most recently general manager at Mel’s Bar and Grill (235 Fillmore St.) and before that the now-defunct Cielo.
Steak au Poivre, by the way, is pronounced Steak “oh PWAHV-r.”
Not quite as fancy but with its own classy appeal is the new hot dog stand Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs at 3525 E. Colfax Ave., run by Steve and Linda Ballas. The Ballases once ran the Corporate Deli (510 17th St.) but they’ve since gone to the dogs, trying to re-create the ones they ate growing up back East. This spot has parking for 11 cars and outdoor seating, as well as dogs piled high with all the fixin’s. You can also find their juicy wares at the Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market.
Our loss: It would appear that Blest Bar-B-
Que of the Rockies (5654 S. Prince St., Littleton) has gone to the great boneyard in the sky. The sign on the door says closed “until further notice,” but all of the fixtures are gone and no one has answered the phone in weeks.
I put a call in to the church overseen by Blest owners Pastor Gene Washington and his wife, Sharon and have not heard back, but if I do find out if and where they may next purvey their heavenly ribs and brown sugary sweet potato pie, I’ll let you know.
Wine and dine: Following on the heels of Sam Arnold’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals last month at the IACP’s annual meeting in Dallas, Arnold’s restaurant, The Fort (19192 Colorado 8, Morrison) has received a 2005 Restaurant Award from Wine Spectator magazine.
In other wine news, Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon is giving away a “Sideways” trip to Oregon wine country; describe in approximately 100 words why you love Oregon pinot noir by June 30 and you, too, can cheat on your fiancée, act pathetic and drive your rental car into a tree. Log on to www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com or call 800-344-9463.
Graham Kerr will share his views on healthy eating habits at Johnson & Wales University May 12 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the University Events Center at East 18th Avenue and Olive Street. The event is free; for information about Kerr and his talk, visit www.grahamkerr.com. … McCormick’s Fish House & Bar (1659 Wazee St.) has added an à la carte Sunday brunch to its repertoire. Available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the menu includes the usual suspects as well as an all-you-can-eat deal of scrambled eggs, meats and buttermilk biscuits for $4.95. … Beaver Creek Resort and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa will host the second annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue Festival May 28 and 29 in Beaver Creek. The two-day festival features barbecue prepared by visiting and local chefs, live blues and Colorado microbrews. Cost is $35 per person; visit beavercreek.snow.com. … Today through Oct. 5, the Boulder County Farmers’ Market offers local produce, flowers, plants, cheese, wine, natural meats and prepared foods Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. adjacent to Central Park, just off 13th Street.
Dining critic Kyle Wagner can be reached at 303-820-1958 or kwagner@denverpost.com.
