You lived in Denver and never ate at....

[lavendula]

I am moving in 3 months...don't want any regrets!!

[DuskyJewel]

Okay, this is more of a "cultural experience" recommendation and I will most likely get criticized, but don't forget about Casa Bonita. Horrible food, but since it has been immortalized by South Park, it is a must visit. Every Denverite seems to have a Casa Bonita story revolving around bad food, good cheesy fun :-)

[RobynS]

I've never been and absolutely don't regret that. I just can't imagine wanting to sit through what I'm told is terrible food for some cheesy experience. Fortunately, none of my out of town guests have ever requested a visit. Heck, I couldn't even tell you where exactly it is. If I'm going to spend my hard earned money on food I expect to enjoy it or at least have some idea that I might enjoy it before going there.

[ClaireWalter]

We moved to Colorado 20 years ago, when my son was 6. If I had ever gone, it would have been then, and it would have provided that kind of memory too. We DID, however, go to the mercifully short-lived Herman's Flying Pizza down in Englewood or Littleton or someplace south of Denver. Dreadful pizza, but my son and my husband's nephew enjoyed it -- and that was the point.

[Pampatz]

My youngest granddaughter, daughter and I went to Casa Bonita on the 4th of July about 5 years ago while the rest of the family went to a Rockies game. Boy were we disappointed. Not only was the food inedible, but the restaurant smelled like we were at a dirty, enclosed swimming pool. Never again.

[lavendula]

HAH! Someone just recently asked me to go there, that is a riot.

[chowmix]

Don't go! Don't go! Don't go! And never have anything to do with that person again. In fact, report them to ICE and have them deported immediately!

[lavendula]

Hehehe. OK, so, where should I make sure I go before I leave? Are there any other "cultural suggestions" that won't make me vomit? How about an old western bar or something...

Is Luca really good? I hear mixed reviews.

[chowmix]

Have you been to Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner on west Colfax? That's a real icon.

[lavendula]

Nope. Would a vegetarian do okay there? My fiance would probably love that...I can be a team player for the night with some sides or a salad.

[chowmix]

Well, as Bill Clinton said, that depends upon your definition of OK. There are salads on the menu. Also french fries and great onion rings. Be a sport and let your fiance indulge in great diner food and you can revel in the historic ambience. This is the real thing, not a corporate clone.

[lavendula]

Love it, thanks.

[lavendula]

What about the Fort? Is that the real deal or a tourist scam?

[chowmix]

The Fort is absolutely the real deal. Also, absolutely not for vegetarians! Buffalo, elk and steak are the staples. Although the peanut butter stuffed jalapenos are fantastic.

[olddogeyes]

The Fort is the real deal if you like OVERPRICED undersized portions. They get an A for creativity and a D for value. And I liked Sam Arnold -- took a few cooking classes with him led by the owner of Indochine in Parker CO (Sam Arnold is the late owner and founder of The Fort). Sam was a true foodie. Right before he died he was taking Thai and Vietnamese cooking classes. But The Fort is an awful value.

[Mimi]

I haven't tried these: The Fort, The Buckhorn Exchange, Barolo Grill, Potager, and Le Central. Personally, I'd focus on visiting old favorite restaurants before leaving rather than trying new ones.

[lavendula]

Well, I have tried Fruition and Mizuna and loved em'. Haven't tried Luca either. Tried Table 6 last week - I loved it, my fiance wasn't pleased with his pork schnitzel.

So, Mimi, are those listed above the old favorites? I've only been to Potager off your list.

[Mimi]

No, like I said, I haven't tried those. I'm afraid that I get stuck in a rut and just always go to the same places. Years ago, I lived in Louisiana. When we moved away, I honestly had dreams about shrimp poboys.

[hatchmaster]

I still live here but have never been to:

Fruition
Mizuna or Luca

[chowmix]

So, I live in Boulder and have never eaten at the 9th Door. Heard good things and meant to go there, but have not yet.

To where are you moving?

[lavendula]

Back to NYC!!

[chowmix]

Give my regards to all the great little places on the East Side. There's a dynamite Greek seafood place around 3rd & 33rd (I think) with fish on ice from which you can choose.