ORGANIXX RESTAURANT – www.organixxrestaurant.com

While we’ve been to several other restaurants that deserve review, we thought it would be worth while to give Organixx a quick review because they’re new. Organixx has a nice set up on Blake St. in downtown. Their approach is pretty simple and appealing. They strive to provide good organic meals that are quick and convenient. With a set up replicating that of a Noodles and Co., do not go expecting traditional table service. Still, the staff is very friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you out or answer questions.

We went to Organixx for breakfast on a Sunday morning and while the menu was not expansive, there was enough of a selection to suit most palates.  For a rather slow and dreary Sunday morning, the food service was a little slow.  However, the self-serve coffee and beverages made the short wait easier to endure.  Overall, the food was pretty good.  Nothing fancy, but still quite edible.  The atmosphere does well to match the intention of the restaurant, with a touch of retro 70’s style to it.

We recommend Organixx if you find yourself in the neighborhood.  If you happen to work downtown and need a new spot for lunch or want a casual spot for breakfast Organixx will definitely hit the sport.  Not sure that we would recommend driving in from the suburbs, but if you value sustainable agriculture and the health benefits of organic foods, then Organixx is worth a visit.  Here’s to hoping they can make it through this tough period in the economy!

Oh yea…the restrooms get a pass.  You have to go by the kitchen to get to them, but they are well taken care of.

Emily and I have been wanting to do this for some time now…so it is about time we get started.  Simply, this is our personal review of restaurants, cafes and spots to visit in Denver (or anywhere else we find ourselves).  We don’t eat out often, so we try to be picky and make the best of each experience.  We’ve had great, so-so, and even horrible experiences dining out on the town, so we thought we would start sharing some of what we learn along the way.  One exception is that we won’t review places we’ve worked, for obvious reasons.  So here we go…

NOTE: I’m not certain that this first review is the best idea, we would probably be better served starting with a place that is not our favorite.  It’s as if we’re setting everyone up for disappointment from this point forward.  Still, we can’t resist..

DUO RESTAURANT -www.duodenver.com

Food – Everyone has their different reasons for dining out (entertainment, laziness, romance, etc), but regardless of those reasons the most important part of any restaurant visit is the food…so it’s the most logical place to start any review.  Duo prides itself on having a seasonal menu loaded with the freshest ingredients available, and they do a pretty darn good job of it.  In the past two years, we’ve been to Duo a handful of times and have not seen the same menu twice, a huge testament to the skill of the chefs in the kitchen.  Additionally, nearly every menu item is something you will not see in another restaurant.  Don’t be deceived though, this is not one of those places where the dishes are so exotic you’re afraid to see what might show up on your plate.  Instead, Duo takes classic American favorites and spices them up with incredible sauces and combinations that bring out the best of each dish’s centerpiece.  Best of all, there is no weak point in Duo’s menu.  From appetizer to dessert each item is meticulously prepared and unquestionably fresh.

Drinks – The food is always the centerpiece of a fine dining experience, but the accompaniment of a fine wine, beer or cocktail can add a lot to any meal.  Fortunately, Duo accommodates that need with a simple, but effective wine and cocktail menu.  The small bar area is a great place to enjoy a cocktail while waiting for a table to clear and a selective collection of wines always has a nice pairing option with whatever dish is ordered from the menu.  Like the food menu, Duo’s drink menu is simple, yet never lacking.

Environment – Duo’s first strength is its food, but in a close second is its environment.  The cozy decor (our favorite feature being the use of old windows to seperate the dining area from the bar) and the mixed to match table settings make Duo feel like an at home dining experience.  The waitstaff is always friendly and inviting, and the open kitchen engages patrons with the personality, skill and technique that is put into the food they eat.  Best of all, on any given evening you may run into Keith or Stephanie the owners of the establishment.  It’s always a good sign when the owners of an establishment take part in its operation and service!

Location – Duo’s location cannot be beat…just a few blocks from home for us and in one of Denver’s more unique neighborhoods.

Restrooms – The icing on the cake!  A good gage of any restaurant’s personality is a visit to the restroom.  It can tell a lot about an establishment…are they willing to put effort into the details, how well do they execute the ‘dirty jobs’?  Duo hit this one out of the park.  Any restaurant that is willing to use gender neutral restrooms makes a statement that they value and are willing to take care of every square inch of their space.  Design, comfort, functionability and decoration of the restrooms at Duo are all an A+.