Article Contributed on: 3/2/2009 3:45:13 PM
Corporate restaurants don't have to be synonymous with subpar dining. Sure,
the snob in me wants to cringe anytime I hear the word chain and restaurant in the same sentence. Far too often we settle for the strip-mall eatery that has the same, mediocre menu in 150 other locations just like it. They are profit machines sacrificing quality for the dollar.
Thankfully, there are exceptions to the rule. Take a look around Denver and you'll find a few exceptional restaurants that happen to have a corporate address. Here are three great examples of companies taking the chain out of the equation; instead offering a restaurant concept so fresh and good it can succeed in most any market:
Tamayo (Larimer Square)
12 Richard Sandoval Restaurants worldwide
With success in Vegas, New York, Dubai, D.C., San Fran and Acapulco, Richard Sandoval has become the face of modern, gourmet Mexican cuisine. In Denver alone, his restaurant group runs Tamayo, Zengo and now La Sandia. Don't belive Mexican and gourmet belong in the same sentence? Hah! Head to Tamayo, order the Tampiquena and a pitcher of sangria for the table, and you'll never second-guess me again. Slices of buttery filet are served with mole cheese enchiladas, chile poblano-potato gratin, guacamole and more. This plate takes all the wonderful flavors of Mexico and adds a dash of culinary refinement to produce an amazing fusion of flavors and styles. Finish dinner off with a sugary empanada that comes stuffed with delectable bananas, and you'll be booking a trip to Acapulco to try another Sandoval creation.
For more info: Tamayo, 1400 Larmier St., Denver, 720.946.1433.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room (Lower Downtown)
16 U.S. locations with a 17th about to open
Being an East Coast transplant, I've often longed for a great seafood house. In Denver you can get the best steaks on the planet, but the seafood scene has always lacked. Something about us being landlocked. Apparently The Oceanaire never got the memo that Denver is smack dab in the middle of the country with the nearest ocean being more than 1,000 miles away. Lucky us.
It has location: Its just steps from the Denver Center downtown. It has atmosphere: Its dining room exudes class with a beautiful raw bar tempting tastebuds, white linen settings and impeccable service. But most importantly, it offers some of the freshest seafood in the Rocky Mountain region and has an executive chef, Matt Mine, who knows exactly how to serve it. Add that all together, and you'll never guess that it is one of 16 such restaurants in the U.S and not a one-of-a-kind Denver eatery.
For more info: ,The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 1400 Arapahoe St., Denver, 303.991.2277
Melting Pot (Louisville and Littleton)
More that 140 locations across the U.S.
Melting Pot defies corporate logic by offering a unique dining experience with powerful flavors in two suburban Colorado locations: Louisville and Littleton. The Melting Pot is a fondue spot, serving melting cheese concoctions, broths and sweets for your dipping pleasure. Dip an assortment of veggies, breads and fruits into one of the tasty cheese dips, blending everything from straight cheddar to traditional Swiss cheeses and spicier options like a fiesta/Mexican mix. Or cook your lobster and filet tableside in a selection of broths. Regardless of what you order, save room for the finale. There is little better than a slice of New York cheesecake dipped in rich, melting milk chocolate.
There is a similar fondue spot in downtown, Le Chateau (formerly La Fondue), but that place can't pass muster when compared to the Melting Pot. The freshness, service and atmosphere is easily worth the drive to Louisville or Littleton if your hankering for fondue.
For more info: Melting Pot, 2707 W. Main St., Littleton, 303.794.5666; 732 Main St., Louisville, 303.666.7777.
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