Larimer Square: Rioja

Larimer Square is home to some of Denver's most well known and frequented restaurants. On one short block you have Tamayo,Bistro Vendome, Corridor 44, The Capital Grill, Del Mar Crab House, Samba Room, and Rioja, just to name a few. I had the opportunity to dine at Rioja last night as a late celebration for my birthday last month. Even on a Wednesday night, the place was packed with business types, couples, foodies, and socialites. Had I not made a reservation in advance I would have certainly had to wait for a table. After being seated and placing our drink orders, we were presented with a large platter of assorted breads and biscuits to choose from. Everything from rosemary goat cheese biscuits to lavender sourdough and orange fennel rolls, it was all delicious. The cheese plate appetizer comes with an assortment of four different cheeses with complimentary garnishes, such as spanish cheese with cured chorizo and Italian Robiolo with a sweet citrus chutney. I ordered the grilled Quail entree with spinach ravioli and a red wine glaze. The quail was cooked to perfection, it's juicy flesh and light grilled char making me not want to leave a scrap on the plate. The spinach raviolis were decent, nothing extraordinary, but I felt that the red wine glaze was quite sweet and was a bit overpowering of the other flavors on the plate. Half way through the meal we were presented with a happy birthday card signed by all of the staff, a very nice touch in customer service. After finishing our entrees and browsing the dessert menu, we agreed that none of us had the appetite. That was, of course, until we were presented with a complimentary dessert, another great gesture by the staff. We thanked our server, paid our bill, and made our way to the front of the still bustling restaurant. On our way out, the doorway was still crammed with men in 3 piece suits waiting eagerly to get a table or a seat at the bar. I stepped out into the brisk Denver breeze, admired the lights and decorations hung along Larimer St, and felt content with my experience at Rioja.
Next up, Corridor 44.