Cook’s Fresh Market 1600 Glenarm Place, Ste. 120. (303) 893-2277. www.cooksfreshmarket.comSeats: 40Cuisine: AmericanSpecialties: rare roast beef on country white bread with mustard-garlic-horseradish aïoli and Muenster cheese; Denver Reuben quesadilla; filet mignon with blue cheese, spinach, caramelized onions and sun-dried tomato aïoli; wood-roasted duck, Brie and apple-onion chutneyMain courses: $5.99-$12.99Chef-owners: Ed and Kristi Janos
Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 1245 Champa St. (303) 640-1012. www.ktrg.netSeats: 120Cuisine: ContinentalSpecialties: Dungeness crab, avocado and mango terrine with warm vanilla-coconut sauce; seared scallops, roasted mushrooms and hazelnuts, celeriac mousseline and chestnut cream; veal scaloppine Marsala with oven-dried prosciutto, potatoes mousseline and fried sageMain courses: $19-$27Executive chef: William WahlOwners: Kevin Taylor and Centerplate Catering.
Montecito 1120 E. 6th Ave. (303) 777-8222. www.montecitorestaurant.comSeats: 110Cuisine: Mediterranean-CaliforniaSpecialties: Sicilian white anchovies with roasted red pepper, cucumber radish salad; grilled calamari with olives and Tuscan beans; Colorado lamb Bolognese with tagliatelle, pancetta, mint and Parmigiano-Reggiano; duck confit with sherry vinegar reduction, braised fennel and pomegranateMain courses: $14-$21Chef: Adam MaliOwners: Mel and Janie Master
Vita 1575 Boulder St., Ste. A. (303) 477-4600. www.vitadenver.comSeats: 100Cuisine: contemporary Italian-American. Specialties: lobster meatballs with fennel three ways and creamy lobster demi-glace; Mediterranean salad of seared ahi tuna, haricots verts, fried egg, kalamata olives, peppered bacon and Dijon vinaigrette; roasted squash, spinach, fresh ricotta and chestnut pesto; hanger steak with yam purée, balsamic glazed mushrooms and basil cream spinach; chicken confit with piquant pepper, roasted tomato ragù and creamy polentaMain courses: $16-$28Chef: Max MackissockOwners: Jay Beckerman and Mark Schuwerk
