#1. Habenero Honey Fried Corn-on-the-Cob

STEUBEN’S  I don’t know how the geniuses at Steuben’s came up with this but I am so glad they did. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s crispy AND chewy. It comes with a peppered lime wedge that adds a citrus punch to the whole proceeding. Steuben’s, I applaud your corn.

#2. Pineapple Upside-down Pancakes

SNOOZE    They have lots of wonderful and unusual pancakes at Snooze, and I have tried them all. Oreo Pancakes, Peanut butter and Jelly Pancakes, Blueberry-Ginger Pancakes. But believe me, the best of them all is this one. Get a plate of Three and a cup of the house coffee. You will thank me.

#3. Smoked Gouda and Turkey Croissant Sandwich

RACINE’S  This sandwich has been on the Racine’s menu for years, and you can even get it at Dixon’s and Goodfriends, the sister restaurants. There is something magic in the combination of Turkey, Gouda, cranberry sauce, and housemade herb mayo. The flaky Croissant melts in your mouth. Perfect for breaskfast, lunch or dinner.

#4. Veal Saltimbocca

PAGLIACCHI’S   Saltimbocca literally translates as “jumps into your mouth”, and this entree, at Denvers historic old Italian restaurant, certainly does. I don’t usually eat veal, but this is the one exception I make. It is just that good!

#5. Spider Roll (Washington D.C. Roll)

 JAPON. Almost every Sushi place does some variation of the spider roll. It is soft-shelled crab, fried and rolled with veggies into a wonderful, but scary-looking bundle. I think at Japon they do it best. Delicious.

#6. Latke Reuben

ZAIDY’S DELI.  The Reuben is the king of the grilled sandwich. Corned beef with sauerkraut and thousand Island dressing, served hot. How can you improve on that? Zaidy’s answer is to toss out the bread and serve the sandwich on two delicious potato latkes. This is the only meal you will need all day.

#7. Cornmeal-crusted Catfish

M&D’S BAR-B-QUE AND FISH PALACE.  They are perhaps best know for their ribs and brisket, and the famously spicy sauce that they slather them in, but my favorite dish at M&D’s is the catfish. Crispy, and so good. You can get it with greens, beans, mac and cheese and cornbread. It is a true southern feast. 

#8. Kobe Beef Sliders

NINE 75.   When I saw these sliders on the trendy menu at Nine 75 I assumed they would be okay, but more edgy and hip than delicious. I was wrong.These little babies melt in your mouth. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and the best thing on the whole menu. Order your own plate. After the first taste you won’t want to share.

#9. Chicharrones Burrito

SENOR BURRITO’S.  In this era of fake, rice-stuffed burritos it is so nice to walk into a little place and find the real deal. The burritos here are big and spicy and flavorful. The green chili at Senor B’s is some of the best in town. Whichever burrito you pick, have them smother it in green.

#10. The 16oz. Sugar Steak

BASTIENS   All the steaks at Bastien’s are good but the Sugar Steak, the signature dish of this old-school restaurant, is better than good. It is not quite like any steak I have ever had. Hand-rubbed with sugar and spices before it hits the grill, it has a lightly carmelized exterior and great, juicy flavor inside. If you like a good steak, go try this one.

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