It’s summer crunch time. As these last few summer weekends fly by, make the most of the hot weather with chilled margaritas in Cherry Creek, Sunday pool parties in the DTC, or a gardenlike back patio off Larimer Square.
Cue the mariachis. Cherry Creek has a new cantina. Tambien opens tonight at 250 Steele St. in the former of home of Sketch Food & Wine. Operated by the same group behind Mezcal on East Colfax, Tambien offers a more upscale version of Mezcal’s upbeat Mexican-kitsch vibe.
“It’s like a little Mexican streetscape,” said Jesse Morreale, who owns Tambien and Mezcal with several business partners.
Potted plants line the sunken patio in front, strung with hanging lights and sporting a large Tecate mural on one wall. Three faux stained-glass windows flank the entrance, reflecting light through two colorful agave plants and the Our Lady of Guadalupe centerpiece.
Inside, the former steakhouse has been transformed; what was once subtle and simple is now bright, lively, and unrestrained. A private dining room and wine display were removed to open the space up, providing added seating, a cozier layout and access to additional restrooms in the rear.
Bold shades of red and gold serve as background for festive murals and paintings of matadors, and hand-painted Mexican tchotchkes and colorful lanterns line the bar, where hundreds of bottles of tequila fill the shelves.
Not surprisingly, tequila is the star of the drinks menu, with 250 varieties available.
“That’s twice what we started with at Mezcal,” said Morreale.
Tequila snobs can order a $17 shot of Casa Noble añejo, and margarita aficionados can sip one of 13 specialty versions. General manager Danielle Scott recommends the Coin Style margarita ($7.25), made with 30/30 blanco tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime on the rocks.
“It’s strong and short, with big agave and lime,” she said.
Or try the Tijuana 69 ($8), a twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, made with Tezon blanco tequila, pomegranate liqueur and Spanish cava, served with a cherry in a champagne flute.
For the opening parties tonight and Saturday, strolling mariachis will set the mood and revelers can look forward to plenty of tequila samples, free for the tasting.
“We’re going to be giving away a lot of tequila this weekend,” Morreale promised.
Tambien, 250 Steele St., 303-333-1763. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m to 2 a.m, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Poolside at the DTC
Here’s the perfect antidote to a long, late Saturday night. Shangri-La Sundays is a new series of laid back poolside parties at the Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast (6363 Hampden Ave., 303-758-7000). The parties kick off this weekend, and unlike most public pool parties that happen only monthly or seasonally, this event runs from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. every Sunday as long as the warm weather holds. Promoter Kevin Larson is organizing the events, bringing his crowd of 26- to 40-year-
old hotties to the party. With an indoor and an outdoor pool, full bar and menu service, and room for several hundred guests to lounge around the cabanas, this “dress to impress” beach scene should round out the summer is proper style. Best part? You’ll have to buy your umbrella drinks, but admission is free.
Garden spot
Many downtown restaurants and lounges have a few outdoor tables, but the sidewalk spaces are often cramped, offering great people-watching but little privacy.
For a different scene, hit the new back patio at Cru: A Wine Bar (1442 Larimer St.). Cru’s new patio offers a cozy, hidden garden vibe, complete with fountains and flowers. On Thursday nights, you can order half-price glasses of champagne, but with more than 300 wines to choose from – 80 by the glass – you’ll surely find the perfect summer sipper any night of the week.
Kat Valentine writes about nightlife Fridays in 7Days. Reach her at kat@kingproduction.com or 303-954-1568.
