JENNA NORTH  food, wine & travel

 

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PLACES IN BETWEEN

 

Food & Wine

   

      Colorado

  • Silver Grill (Ft. Collins) Again, I could be a little bias (it was started by my husbands grandmother and her family), however, I dare you to go their for breakfast and disagree with me.  If I am in Colorado, I go, I don't care how far I have to drive.  Must haves (in no special order): veggie benedict, breakfast burrito w/ green chili sauce (ask for extra), and the cinnamon roll French toast.  I am sure the lunch there is just as good, but never have had it.  If you go on the weekend prepare for a line - but worth the wait.  Great service too...everything comes as ordered and fairly quickly.  Great coffee as well.

  • Bisetti's (Ft. Collins) Nice classic Italian-American fare.

  • Canton Palace (Loveland) They have the best sesame scallops ever.  I can eat the whole platter (assuming I don't have to share).

      Florida

  • The Grape (Tampa) Ok, lets say you shopped a bit (at International Plaza), then you needed to eat.  Perhaps there are some nice shoes at Nordstrom's you want, but your (insert the other person that shares the $ decisions) disagrees with your desire to purchase said shoes and you need to ease the situation.  In either scenario, The Grape will fit the bill.  Nice, controlled selection (you don't have think too hard but but the staff is on hand to offer assistance) and price points on wine, and presently surprised by the cheese and charcuterie they offer.  In the end you can pick up a few bottles to take back to the hotel room too (with the shoes).

      Montana

  • The Nova Cafe (Bozeman) This is a must for breakfast/brunch!  I have never had a bad meal here.  If you like fresh OJ, farm fresh eggs, dig the whole farm to table idea, this is where you need to eat.  The chalkboard up front lists the selection of local purveyors for the day and what they brought to the table.  Once your done you can go down the street to the guy that makes custom belts.

  • Union Grille at The Grand Union (Ft. Benton) Ok, well I am partial to anything Ft. Benton since I spent every summer of my childhood their, however, this restaurant is superior!  I have had many meals here, all seasonal, full of surprises, flavor, and imagination.  I highly recommend staying at the hotel and having at least 3 meals there.  If you like to fish, hunt or camp, Ft. Benton has a lot to offer and the Union is a great place to start and end.

      Nebraska

  • Bread & Cup (Lincoln) Great local and seasonal food, interesting wine menu, fantastic FOH team.  Worth a stop in.  Chef Kevin Shinn does a wonderful job.  You can also follow his blog.

  • The Grey Plume (Omaha) This certified GREEN restaurant opened in late 2010 and is the creation of Chef Clayton Chapman and Co-Owner/Managing Partner Michael Howe.  Both come from formable culinary training and experience and have brought that along with the concept of seasonal, resourceful, and creative cuisine to Omaha.  Sommelier John Laloganes has created a wine list that is well thought out with a nice variety of BTG as well as sustainable selections.  Things to try: Duck fat fries, bison burger, and the French press (in house roasted) coffee.

 

Hotels

 

      Denver

  • Brown Palace Hotel  (Downtown): 321 17th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 (map).  Denver has gone through a huge renovation in the downtown area over the last 15 years.  There is now a huge selection of hotels at any price point in the downtown and Cherry Creek area.  The Brown Palace as well as the Oxford Hotel have been there many years, and are still the most classically inspired buildings in the city.  If you have the opportunity, this is where you want to stay.  There is several dining options as well that will fit almost any situation.

  • Oxford Hotel (Downtown):  1600 17th Street Denver, CO 80202 (map).  Similar to Brown Palace on a much smaller scale.   

  • JW Marriott (Cherry Creek):  150 Clayton Lane, Denver, Colorado 80206 (map).  Literally across the street from Cherry Creek Mall, and situated in Cherry Creek North, this is where you want to be if you want to shop.  No debate required.  If you have screwed up, pack a bag, reserve a room on the Concierge Level and all will be well.  Trust me.

      Montana

  • Grand Union Hotel (Ft. Benton):  1 Grand Union Square, Fort Benton, MT 59442 (map).  The hotel was built around the same time the Brown Palace (Denver) was built.  You see a lot of the same period style architecture and layout.  Well worth your stay here.  Not only are the rooms beautiful, the views, and the restaurant in the main lobby are fantastic.

 

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