SYNERGISTICS

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMMMMMMM?....

2009-08-29T22:37:00.001-07:00

Does anyone still read this thing?

WHEN STUNTING GOES WRONG

2008-06-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker was beaten, mugged and found unconscious off the Las Vegas strip early Monday morning, a Las Vegas law enforcement official said.

Walker was seen partying with several friends at various clubs this past weekend. Police can only confirm that he was at the Bellagio and Hard Rock Hotel. Several Las Vegas media outlets reported that Walker was seen spraying several bottles of champagne into the crowds.

Like Frank Lucas said, "The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room."

I NEED THESE!!!

2008-06-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

ALIFE Rivington Club keeps bringing heat for ya feets!

SORRY...

2008-03-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

...for the lack of updates. Hard at work pushing frozen yogurt, salads and gelato like weight.

SALAD, GELATO, PINKBERRY, OH MY!

2007-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

EYT. Our new venture...Coming Jan. 2008

STOCKING STUFFERS

2007-12-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

I hope Santa checks my blog...

Iphone: Flat out the coolest thing out right now.

Black MacBook: My Iphone needs accessories, right?

Dior Homme Jeans: Hedi Slimane is a genius.

BMW 1-Series: Clean, clean, clean. And fast.

WAH-LAY

2007-11-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Wale is the hottest rapper you never heard of. You may have caught him on stage with Mark Ronson on the VMA's, but you probably didn't even give it a second thought. Unsigned, uncanny, unbelievable. He's about to blow.

French-Electro-Pop is so hot right now. First, Kanye and Daft Punk. Now, Wale and Justice.

PARS, BIKES, PINTS

2007-11-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

The picturesque pub course of Newport Beach includes 18 unique holes surrounded by water, sand, homes and yatchs. The course plays to the highly conditioned golfer where strength, finesse, tolerance and argyle are all commodities. The signature hole, 13, presents ocean views with an unprecedented 30oz par. Many players never make it to 14. Not sure if we did either...

FEEDING FRENZY

2007-10-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Pretty self explanatory. Weeeeellllll, maybe not...

"HIGH" FASHION

2007-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Great Wall looked a little different when I was there...

Karl Lagerfeld x Fendi Fashion Show a few days ago...

GASTRONOMY

2007-09-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

I've created a new blog to document my culinary travels through the city. Go to Denver Bites to fulfill all your food related fantasies...Actually,my food related fantasies (and catastrophes).

FORM OVER FUNCTION

2007-09-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Potager is like the new $300 shoes you just bought that make your toes bleed. The gleaming restaurant, lush patio, rustic bar and open kitchen are all extremely beautiful and scream French countryside sans the smelly locals. The organic, Boulder Farmer's Market suppliers scream of Alice Waters' Chez Panisse. But, what it does not scream is, "We know how to cook." The people behind Potager have done a remarkable job with the details: Old cookbooks line the wall bordering the open kitchen, the floor to ceiling wood wine case is sprinkled with hay, the outdoor patio provides a beautiful garden and perfectly weathered wood window coverings, and the menu reads beautifully with wine recommendations for each course. Everything about Potager charms your senses...until the food arrives.

The food is focused on seasonal ingredient from local growers which is exciting yet debilitating. The kitchen tries to treat seasonal vegetables simply to exemplify the ingredients' 'essence', but it also gets repititive. Out of the eight dishes we ordered, seven probably had corn, tomatoes or both. But, most of dishes did not 'feature' the corn or tomatoes. It always seemed like an after thought with little creativity: A goat cheese souffle with a tomato puree. Why not a tomato souffle or tomato bread pudding? Anyways, that's beside the point that the kitchen could not cook a chicken correctly. The first roast chicken to come out was rare in the middle and sent back. The replacement chicken that came out included a dry, tough breast and an undercooked thigh and leg. I can understand the first chicken being undercooked, but the second? When a plate comes back in a kitchen you better damn well make sure the second one is perfect. There is also an instrument called a quick read thermometer that is part of every cooks' uniform. Use it! Make sure your customers don't get salmonella, especially while cooking half a chicken on the bone. Otherwise, my monkfish came out luke warm, the souffle was barely warm, the tomato tart crust was soggy, and the lobster and tomato risotto had no lobster. Given, it was the first night of a new seasonal menu change, but it doesn't make it okay to forget the basics of cooking. Raw chicken and warm food do not bode well for a restaurant critiqued as one of the best in Denver.

Even with the major oversights in our visit, I want to give Potager another chance. I feel they are capable of so much more. They have a great vision that is hard to come by in Denver. The space is too captivating to fail. From the perfectly weather-stained walls to the angelic, pregnant bartender, the restaurant is too charming and the ideas are too big to come crashing down...Yet, that might be their ultimate problem.

THE RESULTS ARE IN

2007-09-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Kanye officially sold 957,000 albums during the first week while Fiddy Cent sold 691,000. Kanye's 957,000 is the largest opening for any album since 50 did 1.1 million in 2005 with "The Massacre". I wonder what the sales would have been if they didn't go head to head...

HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER

2007-09-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Kanye's new album "Graduation" is damn near perfect. Every aspect is amazing. Everytime I've listened to it it seems new, refreshing and unique. Musically, this album is on another level--it's the future. Lyrically, it's his least personal album, but he has enough depth, catchiness, and wittiness to keep it interesting. Even the packaging is rediculous! The fact that he got Takashi Murakami to do the artwork shows how much he cares about his product. I want to buy a second copy and keep it as a piece of art! The album gets better everytime you listen to it.

He might bitch about not winning awards, he might act like a jackass, but he can undeniable back it up.

Ps. Just my opinion.
Pps. Kanye is leading 50 in album sales: 437,000 to 310,000. I love 50, but Kanye is on some next level shit.

NIGHT OWLS

2007-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Usually alcohol and large animals don't make a good combination and would probabaly lead to an episode of "When Animals Attack". But, at the 10th Annual Brew at the Zoo it's for a good cause. Over thrity local restaurants and breweries come together for the Red Apple Fund to support educational programs for low income children. Good food, good drinks, great cause, but not many animals (unless you count the ones that come out after 7 or 8 drinks). Overall, a great event!

Jess wonders where the lions are; Pete wonders where the beers are.

Not sure what this lion was doing, but she looked comfortable.

The flouresent lights gave the elephants seizures and made old people dance poorly.

This booth from Taste of the Wild seemed inappropriate...I expected ostrich burgers and croc nuggets. All we got was turkey and pototo poppers.

Jess didn't tell us we were supposed to impersonate an animal in this pic...

STREETS IS WATCHIN

2007-09-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

9/11. Who's it gonna be?

Vs.

This could be the day that revives the music industry...

2 + 2 = 5?

2007-08-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

"A friendship is hard when one sees it a different way and a relationship is honest when both see it eye to eye, but how can two be friends and be honest when a relationship doesn't exist"

Huh?

A SCHOONER IS A SAILBOAT STUPID HEAD

2007-08-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

Mutt Lynch's serves beers bigger than your head so it's only proper to take a few to the dome piece. It's a great atmosphere with awesome food right on the Boardwalk. My favorite bar in Newport.

Kate and Whitney enjoy the window seat breeze. Warning: It can smell when a bum stands in the window.

The schooner of Blue Moon is definitely bigger than our heads.

Put ya stunna shades on!

Those knee-length pink socks are pretty fly...

...So is that white and pink, tie-dyed shirt.

Good times.

THE NEIGHBORS HATE US

2007-08-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

"The Asian is SO red"

Marc Jacobs. 10 carats for $1.

Kwik-E-Mart doughnuts.

Sorry I wasn't there to take my Jage-bomb...

Goliath giving David a boost.

Oops, a Bry Bry sighting!

"Party like a rockstar, t-t-t-totally dude!!"

I'm such a picture-ruiner.

This is how you order a cheese pizza, a supreme pizza and a barf bag in Newport.

The piece of pizza Will is eating fell in a pile of sand 3 seconds ago.

ADVENTURES IN HOLLYHOOD

2007-08-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

The ceiling at Fred Segal is signed by all your favorite celebs and even their kids. That's Kimora Lee Simmon's daughter, not this Ming Lee. My penmanship is way better.

Fairfax and Rosewood. The cradle of modern streetwear civilization.

"In West Philadelphia born and raised..."

One, two, step.

Three of my favorite places to shop in LA.

SCENESTERS

2007-08-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

You can basically find a party every night in LA. This one was brought to you by Nike, MF Doom, Nacionals and too much Jack Daniels.

Early night assembly with our LA lifestyle host, Animal Chan.

The night was also sponsored by stripes.

Winnie and Paul.

Oscar's trying to keep his game tight.

Peter and Steve.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

...Zzzzzzzz

CALIFORNIA CUISINE

2007-08-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Korean BBQ and Tofu with Animal Chan in Monterey Park. Amazing!

Date night at the Cannery with Rachel in Newport Beach. Pull your boat up to the back dock and eat great seafood.

'Crackberry'

The Hat. So unhealty, so unbelievably tasty!

Only in L.A. will people wait in an hour line for hot dogs.

(UN)FAIR

2007-08-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

The Orange County fair is a yearly expose of the finest battered, meat-stick treats, gyroscoping, vomit inducing rides and overpriced, impossible games. Sounds disgustingly fun! We came away with enough tummy aches and craptastic toys to make a 10 year old jealous.

Maybe the funniest sign I saw the whole trip. The girl is holding a dinosaur!

The mini-horse is a constant reminder that my ego cannot break 3 plates with a baseball.

The whiffle ball toss has $200 of Rachel's money and she has nothing to show for it except this scowl.

You would not believe me even if I told you.

BEACH CRUISERS

2007-08-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

Newport Beach is like a fishbowl...a fishbowl where everyone is stuck in a Spring Break fantasy. Everyday is a vacation, everyday is a dream, everyday is a huge dent in your checkbook. Rent is rediculous, but I guess you're paying for your entertainment in the sun, sand and surf.

Even birds live in the lap of luxury here. Ocean views, floor to ceiling windows, fireplace.

Rachel's calling God to get some sunshine. The only day in two and a half weeks without the sun.

I make bomb-ass Mongolian Beef

This door leads to the Lido Deck. Shuffle Board is on your right, haha.

$2400 a month and no A/C. WTF?

It's still hot as balls inside so the party has to move outside.

Do they give out BUI's instead of DUI's?

Pretty nice backyard, huh?

Rachel, you'll never be as tan as me, haha.

FOUR FINGERS UP, TWO TWISTED IN THE MIDDLE WITH THE THUMB CUFFED

2007-07-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

Thirty six hours til 17 days in California. Get ready for Left Coast stups. Wessssside!!

THE HAUTE-NESS

2007-07-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Even though the French are smelly, pompous pricks who let the Germans just walk through Western Europe, they do have one of the richest culinary traditions. Our first edition of Gourmet Club led us to Southern France and the simple, wholesome cuisine that sings of the sun, water and soil.

Krissa's apartment is mad bon chic.

My Tuna Nicoise Salad.

Krissa's Mussels.

Catie's strawberry tart.

BROKE PHI BROKE

2007-07-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Looking for a job IS a full time job! Someone pay me so I can get an iphone, improve my whip game and eat ballin' ass steak dinners every night!

RIGHT NEAR DA BEACH, BOYEEEE

2007-07-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Dear California, I love you but you are on my shit list for stealing Rachel. Please return her to me in the same condition I found her. Thanks.

Miss You!

FAMILIA FAMOSO

2007-07-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Click to read...

WATER WORLD

2007-07-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

88th & Pecos is that hot new party game sweeping the nation. Created at Bucknell University and brought to a ping pong table near you. If you don't know, now you know suckers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

2007-07-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

We kept it red, white and blue all day just for you.

THE 'H' WORD

2007-06-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hippies are a playful bunch. They hacky sack, flail around and call it dancing, do drugs, shower in streams, talk slowly, and enjoy string music. As much as we may hate hippies and their parasitic ways, they brought twenty of us together for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. We tried to resist the stench of natural hippy deodorant, but in the end, I think we all caught a little bit of a hippy contact high.

(The word 'hippy' will be used extensively in this entry)

'Bitch, that's right!' I'm gonna shank 35 hippies!

Mueller is contemplating how he's gonna dispose of the hippies we have tied up in the back yard.

Beef and chicken tacos for 20? Let's just say we had a lot of nachos that night...

The long arduous hike to hippy ground zero.

We must have missed the Telluride Porn Festival by a couple weeks.

Let the flailing begin.

An anti-hippy gargoyle or an LSD eye fixture?

The shot's not blurry, that's the cloud of marijuana smoke.

One good thing about hippies is that they don't make good bag checkers. You could sneak plutonium into the festival as long as it wasn't in a glass container.

Atleast hippies are potty trained. Although, there were some errant feces in the port-a-potties.

A beautiful venue none the less.

Just keep an eye on Krissa and Rachel's wardrobe along the way to see hippy transformation at its best.

Oh uh, I'm barefoot already, and it's only day 1.

Kelsey must have caught an ecstasy tab and is trying to lick her own face.

Murph, our resident bluegrass aficionado.

Pete spotted a hippy taller than himself and is plotting his attack.

Jess is keepin it hood...It gets pretty chilly at night.

Our hippy paraphanalia gives us street-cred (or here, I guess it's grass and dirt-cred).

Looks like Mollie, Deanna and Krissa are on a good one.

Day 1: Pete-12 shanked hippies, Me-10 shanked hippies

Mears gets ta groovin.

Just trying to stay warm.

Atwell's got that crazy look in his eye...like he's about to get ta shankin!

Pete's telling me to chalk another one up for him.

The Counting Crows headlined the first day. Killed it in a good way.

"Play 'Mr Jones' so we can leave!"

Oops, setting my culture back a few years.

Balakas wants two trays of late-night nacho casserole.

Day 2 started with rain, so we retreated to the sun shade while all the hippies got to shower.

The sun finally came out...check the hippy dress.

Krissa brought her ipod for some relief of all the banjo plucking.

Deanna's watching two hippies fight over a tie-dyed tapestry.

Csrnko and Pete tryin to act hard. You ain't fooling nobody; Three seconds earlier, they were dancing like sea monkeys.

Balakas with soon-to-be Mrs. Balakas. Ashley is also our resident nurse. More on that later.

I spotted this NARC using a computer and wi-fi. "Get her, hippies!"

Day 3 began with minor surgery as Ashley removes Pete's stiches from an altercation with a stronger, taller hippy.

Shotguns at 1.

Corn cob race at 1:15.

The Kobe Bryant of bluegrass--Yonder Mountain String Band.

Krissa, Emily and Rachel were engulfed by the hippy mosh pit.

When keepin it real goes right.

When keepin it real goes wrong.

A riot broke out when a group of people brought in some styrofoam containing CFC's. The hippy mob had to be dispersed with a fire hose.

An over excited hippy in our hack circle kicked our hacky sack on top of the ambulance.

"Gucci shades up on my braids as I Escalade"

Too much bluegrass will make you sleepy.

Hippy-Uggs.

Hippy-Uggs, LA Lakers steez.

Sam Bush, we'll see you next year...

EAT MY SHORTS, DUDE

2007-06-26T16:07:00.001-07:00

Pubby McPubs...

Stoney Pete...

Murph...

Simpsonize yourself.

LEMME SEE YA GRILL

2007-06-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

F/W 07 Sneak Peak..

...Stay tuned

THE BLOC IS HOT

2007-06-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

British rockers Bloc Party invaded the Ogden Theater last night and performed a great show even though the packed-house crowd was lack luster at best. Who pays $40 to see their favorite band live and just stands around? Regardless, we had a great time jumping around and dancing. "Banquet" was fricken awesome!

Pre-concert drinks and food at the Hornet..."I got my Vans on, but they look like sneakers..."

Wilma Flintstone and some Asian dude

"Cuz I'm on Fire..."

"A heart of stone, a smoking gun..."

"I can give you life, I can take it away..."

"She don't think straight..."

Silvermine Subs is like an oasis in a desert. The Steam Engine is like the little-engine-that-could coat my stomach in meatball-y and tomato-y goodness.

WU TANG CLAN...

2007-06-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

...AINT NOTHIN' TO FUCK WITH...neither are Red Bull Vodkas...damn you Pete.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

2007-06-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since I forgot to update Memorial Day Vail antics, we gotta go back in time and backwards chronological order to get back to where we are now...did that make sense? Probably not. Neither do the pictures. Good times.

"I can't see"
I'm not too sure how we got to this point...

All I wanna do is a zoom zoom zoom and a boom boom , just shake ya rump

Bounce wit me, wit me

Oh snap, what are those...

...Oh yeah, shots of Patron

Krissa just saw a monkey wearing a diaper walk into the bar, order two drinks and pay with a credit card. This is my second time seeing this so I'm not that surprised

Just to keep the kiddies guessing

Maybe if we seduce the bus stop the bus with come faster...

The bus never came, so I broke into a little musical number...

Bell Boy, please take my baggage to the bars!

Tans enhance my cleavage

Asian Flush aka The Lobster is in full effezzzect

Insider tip: Take Carrot Eater in the fourth race...

Oh right, it started at 3:30pm...

TIIMMMMMYYYYY

2007-06-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Atwell's big 2-7 this past weekend just to remind us we're still not too old to abuse alcohol...or maybe we are and that's why everyone looks at us funny? Anyway, the night began with Serape print rugs and fried ice cream and ended with cans of PBR and the Talking Heads.

La Pasadita Inn

The manager looked like the Soup Nazi. NO SALSA FOR YOU!

Obviously not La Pasadita Inn

The birtday boy looks in good form

Catie, always willing to stike a pose

ManBearPig got out of his cave somehow

I think Cleary is trying to explain how he captured a velociraptor for Atwell's birthday present

Mueller seems quite uninterested in Pat's advances, but went home with him anyway

13

2007-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

7 days...

TWO OF CHICAGO'S FINEST MC'S

2007-05-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Kanye and Common are gonna blow away the competition this year...

Common-The Game

Kanye West-Can't Tell Me Nothing

VENICE RISTORANTE

2007-05-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I love Italian food. There's nothing like a fritto misto that brings you to the Amalfi coast. Grilled meat with a splash of lemon, olive oil and herbs that is the essence of Florence. A great thin crust pizza Margherita that carries the noisy scooters of Naples. Or, just an artichoke deep fried in olive oil that brings you to the steps of the Coliseum. But, most importantly, Italian food is about treating the freshest, local ingredients very simply to elevate it's essence. It's not about bucket-sized bowls of overcooked pasta drowned in red sauce and garlic. It's about balance and capriciousness that creates harmony. It has the ability like no other cuisine to transport you to the forgotten memories of a trip through Italy.

Venice in LODO has this ability, and that is what makes it special.

AFTER THE PARTY IT'S THE AFTER-PARTY

2007-05-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Deanna's Birthday Pub Crawl x Meary's BBQ x Jet Hotel x After Hours = Too many drinks to the dome piece...

Just in case you got lost and couldn't find the sea of pink outfits along Broadway, you could follow the itinerary

The birthday girl. Fergie would call her 'glamourous'

Question: What are they staring at?

Answer:

Another backyard banger; the cops even came because of noise complaints. Maybe they thought it was Prom...

I think they're all huddled around the table for a science project or something...

The Jet bouncer said no sneakers next time...These are worth more than your Banana Republic suit jackass. Dress codes really grind my gears. If I see another dude rockin his suit jacket with jeans I'm gonna kill myself. Don't you know the grown and sexy movement is over?

We ended up at Jane's where we sipped cocktails and threw pudding snack packs across the street at the nighttime security guards. Retarded, yes. Fun, yes.

Obligatory T. Bell run. Oops, sorry stomach.

MUD BUGS

2007-05-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

If you've never been to a good 'ol shrimp boil, I suggest you venture down past the Mason-Dixon Line to a good party or get on Google ASAP. It's a great way to dine on a warm summer evening with lots of friends. This one was brought to you by Ashley and Ryan in conjuction with Ryan's 26th birthday.

Usually, you'd throw everything on a long, newspaper covered table, but a big bucket'll do too.

Clean up that cob, Helmstaedter.

And, somehow a 12 on 12 flip cup game broke out.

THE FRESHNESS

2007-05-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Most places don't put as much thought into the drinks as the food, but one exception is The Keg. I usually don't like corporate chains, but The Keg is doing things right. Their 'fruity' drinks are all made using freshly squeezed juice, and I mean fresh to order. Our crowning favorite is the Greyhound. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes when the juice doesn't come out of a little blue can.

OH SNAP

2007-05-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

Guess who's bizzack...

Ten days early. Ready for weekend action. See you in the funny pages!

LABOR OF LOVE

2007-05-10T00:56:00.000-07:00

Fruition on East 6th Avenue has been hailed by most of the local critics as the best new restaurant in Denver opened within the last year. I haven't eaten out enough to actually know, but Fruition is exceptional and one of the better dining experiences I've had in town. Described as upscale comfort food, the kitchen uses traditional French methods to twist regional American cuisine. The menu changes with the seasons to utilize the freshest ingredients.

The space is quite small, but intimate, comfortable and clean. It feels like someone's home.

The maitre'd and proprietor, Paul, was warm and welcoming, as if he invited us himself. The overall service was very pleasant; Our waitress was not the most personable, but professional. The crew was attentive, unobtrusive and timely.

Here's a quick rundown of our meal:

Appetizer: Potato Wrapped Oysters Rockerfeller, Lardons, Spinach, Pea Puree--I probably could have eaten 50 of the small, crunchy, briny, sweet packages without hesitation. Especially good, was the pea puree. Just the sweet essence of peas that perfectly describe the season.

Entree 1: Pinenut Crusted Petrale Sole, Braised Baby Artichokes, Lemon-Truffle hollandaise--Perfectly cooked and properly seasoned. The sole was moist and fresh and the hollandaise gave the right amount of acidity to cut through the fish and nuts. It's a bowl-licker.

Entree 2: BBQ Pork Shoulder, Celery Root Slaw, Cornbread Cake--The pork was buttery, smoky, sweet and juicy. The most important element was that the pork was served very, very hot. The flavor of braised/slow cooked meats become muttled if served under temperature, but this was hot to the last bite. The crisp slaw gives a good contrast and reminds you of a North Carolina pork sandwich while the cornbread puts you back in grandma's kitchen. My only complaint was the BBQ sauce tasted a little generic.

Dessert: Chocolate Cupcake Tasting--Three cupcakes with different frostings, vanilla and coffee ice cream and caramel sauce. It was good, but nothing to call home about. The cupcakes would have been better if served warm. The ice cream was subtle--not too sweet, and the hazelnut frosting was the most interesting. It'll satisfy your chocolate urge but nothing orgasmic.

Overall, the meal left something to be desired--in a good way. I want to go back and try every dish. The menu is focused with just a handful of choices per course which makes me wonder what else is up Alex Seidel's sleeve. Every dish seems refined, balanced, interesting yet very familiar.

But, the question remains: What does Fruition do for Denver? It helps solidify Denver as a culinary town. Nothing revolutionary, just proper. Denver needs more places like Fruition, where things are done right; A focused menu where everything is cooked perfectly, seasoned properly and served in a comfortable, elegant, professional environment. Denver has so many interesting neighboorhoods and organic, homegrown restaraunts will make this city pulsate. Less PF Chang's, less Maggianos, less Ruth Chris'. Fruition is not trying too hard, not trying anything crazy, just creating beautiful plates. It's a stepping stone toward Denver's culinary future.

TOUGH COOKIES

2007-05-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

I left my precious camera in a cab. I'm guessing the chances of recovery are slim-to-none, and slim just walked out of the building. I'm sure it's sitting under some glass counter in a pawn shop on Colfax right now and my cab driver has a new set of cotton candy air fresheners and fuzzy dice. Or, he's showing all his cabbie friends pictures of me and my friends and laughing at how rediculous we are. Anyway, I dropped another 3 bills on a new Panasonic Leica with a scheduled delivery of May 22. Until then, I guess I'll have to entertain my eight friends that probably read this blog with jokes, social commentary, short stories, hai-ku's and YouTube clips...You'll just have to use your imaginations.

By the way, the Banana Slugs begin their Summer softball season in the Men's D-Comp league tonight. Wish us luck.

MINT JULEPS, HORSES, BIG HATS

2007-05-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

10am: Vodka shot
12:30: Shot, screwdriver, three beers deep
1:00: Party bus to Kentucky Derby Party at the Botanical Gardens
1:30: Pete gets in with counterfit ticket
2:00-4:00: Blacked out
4:10: "I STUNT ON RICH PEOPLE"
4:15: Apparently throwing $20 bills at people
4:30: Get in a fight in front of Port-a-Potties
5:30: Lose camera in a cab, hence no pictures from the day
8:00: Blackout #2 at Wash Park Grill
10:30: Passed out in bed

How was your Saturday?

Fuck Me...

UNTUCK THE HOT

2007-04-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we officially kicked off Summer with the first Grape St. BBQ. There's nothing like the smell of carcinogenic burgers and hot dogs in the air intertwined with 12 hours of drinking, lawn games, music and late night stups. I guess it's also pretty cool to blackout before the sun goes down.

New year, new grill, same anonymous meat product.

Our new favorite news anchor Jane, and our old friend Jess.

We have a serious beer pong fetish.

The party always starts with these two.

Mueller hates the paparazzi..

I guess the party's moving...

Here's to three days of cleaning up. Until next time, kids.

TACO BELL > MILAGRO

2007-04-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

"Milagro Taco Bar writes...
This festive corner spot dons hardwood floors, copper accents and terracotta-hued walls. It claims a clientele of neighborhood dwellers and Mexican-food aficionados devoted to star chef Frank Bonanno. All relish the mind clouding margaritas, impressive Mexican beer selection, friendly staff and authentic street eats and innovative Mexican plates."

*Edit: Apparently, Frank Bonanno's partnership within Milagro Taco Bar had recently dissolved. If I were him, I would definitely have them take my name off the website.

Dear Frank Bonanno: if you're going to put your stamp on something, you better be damn sure it lives up to the hype or you're just another sell-out.

Milagro Taco Bar was probably the worst restaurant experience I've had in Denver. I'm not picky. But, I am a serious foodie and have a certain expectation of a restaurant that Frank Bonanno (Mizuna, Luca d' Italia) lends his name to. Although it's name contains 'taco bar', which would give it a sense of simplicity (or trendiness), it's hard to contemplate the fiasco that ensued on our visit.

We got a last minute Thursday reservation around 7:30. Upon arriving, our table was empty, but took atleast 15 minutes to be 'set up', so we took to the bar for a round of drinks. Upon being seated, we recieved water and chips and salsa. Another 20 minutes passed without even being acknowledged by a single server. So, Pete went to the bar to order another round of drinks and to confirm that our center seated table of 8 actually had a server assigned to it. After a little management pow-wow, they decided to send us a server, a free round of drinks and a round of tequila shots. We ordered our meals and were told our order would be hurried along.

After being seated at about 7:45, our dinner was served at 9:15. The entire time, the best service was from a bus boy.

I've worked in the restaurant business for 10 years and the question I repeatedly ask myself when I got out to eat is: What did they do to make me want to come back? Sometimes the food is so good it overlooks bad service. Sometimes exceptional service overlooks mediocre food. Sometimes it's an intangible that draws you to the space. In this case, it was none of the above. The food was awful. I had a combo plate (taco, burrito, enchilada). The enchilada sauce was bitter, obviously burned and without proper seasoning. The barbacoa was stringy and tough, the rice was maybe Zatarain's or Uncle Ben's, the green chile had no spice, and the taco was soggy. The presentation was also ill-fated; My burrito was stacked on top of my enchilada! The atmosphere reminds me of the Pink Taco at the Hard Rock in Vegas or a Carlos and Charlie's in Cabo--nothing 'miraculous'.

The thing that bothers me the most is that the entire time not one manager came over to apologize. The restaurant was less than full so they certainly were not that busy. It's a case of someone not caring. Managers should know everthing that goes on in their restaurant--from the dining room to the kitchen to the bathroom to the parking lot. Communication and attitude is a reflection of top management and someone up top definitly fucked up. Do you really think that a free round of cheap tequila and no apology is going to make me want to come back? Maybe the tequila would make us forget our experience? Regardless, I wouldn't go back because I can get better Mexican food for half the price. It just disappoints me that they didn't even try. We were a table of 8! Probably the largest group in the whole joint! That's 8 people x their network that you've lost! I try to give restaurants the benefit of the doubt because it is one of the most difficult industries, but show me something!

Damn! Cheap tequila makes me angry...Atleast give us shots of Patron!

MTVISMS

2007-04-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Champagne, officially, can only be coined 'Champagne' if it's made in the small French region bearing the same name. That pink bubbly stuff that comes with a plastic cork and usually double fisted straight from the bottle is the devil. Saturday marked the MTV Super Sweet 16 themed 26th birthday party for Caitie where the 'Champagne' flowed like water. Just like on TV, the party included hand delivered invites, a red carpet entrance, fountains, disco balls, lights, all-white attire, outfit changes, cake and dancing. The biggest difference between reality and 'reality' was the lack of daddy's trust fund. Otherwise, the bottles may have been gold and everyone wouldn't have gotten up feeling like an anvil had been dropped on their head.

The birthday girl's ascencion up the red carpet. They got her a Jetta.

I swear we're not going to a milkman's convention.

Brett Favre bobblehead. Best present ever.

Dress number 2, probably bottle number 3.

I found Fudgsicles.

SPRING

2007-04-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Looks like Punxsutawney Phil was right.

PUPPY LOVE

2007-04-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

If you are sick and tired of little Fido getting his rocks off on your leg, invest in a Hotdoll. Get that toy ass!

I'm still laughing...look at that dog's face!

C.R.E.A.M.

2007-04-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

I took all the change I saved up from the past year in my Louis 'piggy bank', and consolidated the socially unusable coins into more convenient green paper. Forget that retarded Coinstar machine that jacks you for like 10%; Go find your local bank branch with a coin counter. Although it only added up to about a hundred bucks, it made me think about how cash is becoming obsolete in everyday society. Everyone loves the simplicity of the plastic card, which brings me to maybe the dumbest (or coolest) thing I've ever seen. The Butterfly from American Express.

IMUS

2007-04-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Got this in my inbox today from Nike. I thought it was a pretty interesting and clever piece of marketing.

Click on the image for a larger view.

THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, ANSWERS?

2007-04-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

My thoughts and prayers go out to the community of Virginia Tech who were involved in the unbelievable tragedy that occured yesterday in Blacksburg.

Pete and I watched the news last night, as most of the country was probably doing, and couldn't fathom the sight of the police hiding behind trees while a gunman is littering a classroom with bullets. How do you not shut down the campus after an initial shooting? Don't you assume the worst in a situation like this? Haven't we seen this situation before? When I first heard the news on CNBC, I didn't even stop to watch. Is our society so engulfed in violence I've become numb to it?

DRINKY PANTS

2007-04-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just realized the last three or four posts have made me look like a haggard, frat-boy, alcohol-abuser that parties balls 8 nights a week. It was just one of those crazy weekends that starts a little too early. In reality, I'm a health nut at heart. I'm not OCD about it, but I try my best to eat a lot of fruit and veggies, less red meat, and less sugar and simple starches. I absolutely believe your body is a machine and what you put in it has a significant effect on your mental and physical output. That may sound corny, but it's an incovenient truth. As much as we would like our food pyramid to only include Coors Light and chicken fries, you just can't function that way. Maybe I have too sensitive a conscience, but weekends like this make me want to become a vegan and get a colonic. My theory on diets consists of moderation. Salt is not bad for you; Too much salt is bad for you. Butter is not bad for you; Too much butter is bad for you. Even a glass of wine every night will help with a healthy heart. Anyway, that's my rant for the day to make me feel better about myself.

Here's my usual breakfast:

1. That purple drank. No, not promethazine and codeine fool! OPC-3 Isotonix antioxidant formula. This is what Ponce De Leon was actually looking for.

2. Protien drank. A mix of light soy milk, whey protien, fresh fruit, and plain yogurt. It's usually my shake or two eggs with Tabasco on wheat toast. None of that technicolor, corn flake debauchery for me.

See you at the gym.

CONSOLIDATE YOUR CUPS

2007-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Two ping pong balls, twenty red cups, twenty teams, and 800 bucks equals the Corona Cup Beer Pong Tournament. This is the third year for the tourney. Pete and I a.k.a Sidney Dean & Billy Hoyle (White Men Can't Jump reference) won the first year, were not invited back the second year (because of the beating we handed out), and were back this year for more hot cup action. We ended up getting 2nd place, a t-shirt and a wicked hangover.

The thrill of victory.

That's your boys in the semis.

"I'm in this business of terror got a handful of stacks better grab an umbrella. I make it rain, I make it rain on them hoes"

The night got pretty gully later on...

Hi. I'm gonna go blackout now.

Nighty Night Pete.

BK CHICKEN FRIES

2007-04-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

We live right around the corner from a little spot named Devon's Pub. Always an eclectic, entertaining crowd--I think we saw our high school dean here once. They have 'cigar bar' status so you can smoke inside. How wack is that? What is this, 2006 still??? Anyway, it's walking distance from the crib so we end up here every once in a while. In reality, it's just a pit stop before a midnight 12 piece chicken fry Burger King run to the dome piece.

The hotness...

Artsy fartsiness

OHWTF?

OHWTF x 2?

OHWTF X OHWTF?

Pacman Jones steez...

Sponge Bob x BK is so hot right now

P.S.A.

2007-04-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

If you've ever been to Tao at the Venetian in Vegas and banged it out to Jay-Z's 'Public Service Announcement' you'll appreciate this video. And if you haven't, you'll still appreciate this video.

THURSDAY

2007-04-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I decided to start the Thursday Night Beer Pong Club. We are the only two members, so we got the most lit up. The club meeting commenced with Taco Bell, 'Ice Box' by Omarion on repeat, and over use of my Panasonic Leica lens. It got kinda stoops.

That's me weeping cuz Thursday is overs...

WHAT UP FAM

2007-04-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to visit on the World Wide Web is SGV. It's a small online editorial mag/brand/t-shirt company reppin the San Gabriel Valley on the Left Coast. Those versed in the small streetwear scene (skateboarding, design, expensive t-shirts and sneakers, music and other rif-raf) will appreciate the great pictures and candid, exclusive interviews. Paul 'Animal' Chan always comes with the right questions and some of the most creative pieces. He seems to know everyone--from the most obscure independent designers to the largest acts in music. The dude has a way with words, always has the tight hook-ups wherever he may roam and is never afraid to spread the wealth. He's also my close cousin and one of my biggest influences.

HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS

2007-04-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

We saw John Legend in concert last night; It was my second time this year. And for the second time, he was amazing. His voice, stage presence, charisma, and energy are so natural when he performs. Wearing an Armani sweater under a trim blue suit, he ran through much of his catalogue from his two Grammy award winning albums and split his time in between his piano and roaming the stage.

It's inspiring to see someone with his talent and passion achieve such great success.

Corrine Baily Rae opened for him. Small girl, big voice.

KOBE BEEF

2007-04-10T00:21:00.000-07:00

Wore my new Zoom Kobe II's in tonight's game...Awesome shoe for ballin. Super lightweight, great support and responsiveness, and the snakeskin print is rediculous! One of the best basketball shoes I've worn, and believe me, I've worn a lot of shoes...

Oh yeah, we won. Still UNDFTD. Two more wins for the championship.

SPRING CLEANSE

2007-04-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to do some Spring cleaning around the house which led to the total purging of my bedroom. All uneccessary clutter has been removed along with electronics--no TV, no clock, no stereo, no cell phone...it's become a sanctuary instead of a storage room. Anything that remains is daily necessity or inspirational decor. This is the boutique of my life.

"Less is more"--Mies Van de Rohe

LLLLLYYYOOD!

2007-04-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, the new season of Entourage starts tonight on HBO. After you're done with your colored egg hunts and roasted lamb, sit down and enjoy yourself. If you haven't kept up on the first three seasons, shame on you. This is basically the only show I watch on TV these days (except for the occasional episode of The Hills).

MY LIFE IS ALL I HAVE...

2007-04-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

We'll see how this goes...