Finding a table during Denver Restaurant Week: Part II

February 7, 10:30 AMLarimer Square Restaurants ExaminerMargaret Ebeling

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Do you know the history behind Denver Restaurant Week (DRW)? It all started when the tourism gurus at Visit Denver learned that corporate meeting planners from around the US ranked Denver in the proverbial basement of dining - something like 22nd out of 25 major metropolitan areas. To make matters worse, another study surfaced that even Denverites ranked their own city in a similar lowly position. And you know the phrase, "Tourists go where the locals go." The perception for our restaurants was poor and in need of some reputation repair.

There were three restaurants in Larimer Square that all began before DRW but were truly culinary pioneers - taking a chance on the Mile High City, and on all accounts it is paying off. These three restaurants continue to do very well year to year, and all three are not only participating in DRW but DRW part 2 - a not much-yet-publicized second week tacked onto the original to make sure you can get a seat.

These three restaurants are Bistro Vendome, Samba Room and Tamayo.

When Bistro Vendome first opened, it catapulted to the top of the dining scene and rightfully so. It was a cozy French restaurant with a stellar patio and brunch and dinner that did not dent the wallet too terribly. That same taste-value proposition goes on today with chef/owner, Jennifer Jasinski. Funny thing about Bistro Vendome is late tables are much easier to get than early ones, and DRW is no exception. 8pm and later on the weekends are still open and the weekdays look pretty good too. Make your reservation online by clicking HERE.

Samba Room has long had a great bar scene, pouring up mojitos by the gallon to the happy people rushing in for their evening slice of pseudo-vacation. Yet dive into the dining room where you will find that the DRW menu is a great representation of the wonderful Latin flavors found here. They can even substitute items for vegetarians and those with gluten allergies. Because of its two-story configuration, Samba Room has plenty of availability all throughout DRW - get your reservation by clicking HERE.

Richard Sandoval's Tamayo changed the way that Denverites have changed the perception of Mexican cuisine forever. Going beyond the smothered Tex-Mex swath of cheese and into the exquisite and flavorful Modern Mexican dishes is what has put this place on the international map. While this is the only "Tamayo," it has several sister restaurants in exotic locales such as Mexico City and Dubai. The DRW menu is innovative and thoughtful - a solid representation of dishes as created by the "father of Modern Mexican cuisine." As the largest restaurant on Larimer Square, there is still plenty of DRW week availability. Make your reservation by clicking HERE.

So is DRW working? Is it changing perceptions as it was intended? Recent studies suggest yes. More so, the proof is in the pudding - Denverites have wildly embraced DRW as well as pioneering restaurants like Bistro Vendome, Samba Room and Tamayo.

Remember, Denver Restaurant Week at these three restaurants is February 21 - March 6, 2009. Diners rejoice!

Photo: Tamayo Restaurant (c) 2009 Marc Piscotty Photography