1The “Sid Pink” at Vesta Dipping Grill: Call it unmitigated hubris, but I’m a big fan of this cocktail made of vodka, Red Bull and cranberry juice, which, well, I created. Go for the Rib Duo appetizer as a nice complement to the drink that bears my name. Or just put one cocktail in each hand.
2“Extreme Karaoke Challenge” at the Hi-Dive: Every Monday night finds local music legend Mr. Pacman hosting this one-of-a-kind singalong nightmare. It’s a darling to hipster boys and celebutante girls alike as they take the stage and belt out their favorite tunes – or maybe not. It’s like a live-action musical video game, fueled by alcohol.
3The Mayan Theatre: The luxuriant splendor of this Depression-era movie house isn’t lost on me. Refurbished to its original glamour, replete with looming carved faces and Mexican flora, it’s a temple through and through. Flying under the Landmark banner is critical to its allure: showing the best independent cinema in the most classic surroundings, including the second-floor mezzanine. And real butter on the popcorn. Class all the way.
4Doro Wot, The Ethiopian Restaurant: No, this isn’t merely journalistic lethargy on my part. That’s the actual name of this festively painted, block-style restaurant on Colfax. Does someone need to venture to Colorado to enjoy Doro Wot, drumsticks bathed in a thick, dark and spicy sauce, wrapped in spongy ingera bread and eaten with one’s bare hands? Nope. But I can say that this super-entree – married to the mushy yellow lentils and boiled cabbage – is better than any I’ve consumed worldwide. Though I’ve not been to Ethiopia.
5City Park: Yes, it has been dutifully swept from the public eye thanks to loft-tacular insta-open-spaces such as Platte River Park. But Denver’s biggest and best expanse of grass, anchored cozily by Ferrill Lake and attendant waterfowl is a clear pick. It not only houses the zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, but has D-town’s best fountain, a tremendous sense of “city,” a dynamic and diverse mix of citizenry, and Jazz in the Park throughout the summer. Even a sworn “indoorsman” like me can endorse this oasis.
