Compiled by Hotel Teatro Concierge Carolyn Bartel

Shops 

Cry Baby Ranch
Roxanne Thurman opened her doors in 1990 but moved to the north side of Larimer Street a few years ago in order to expand her “homestead.”   Turning the term “western wear” on its ear, this boutique offers cowgirl boots, irreverent tees, outerwear and fabulous accessories.   From panorama rawhide lampshades to custom jewelry; designer scarves (created by the family of the “dickie” inventor!) to vintage cowgirl home furnishings and bath products, this eclectic shop is a treat for the inner-cowgirl in all of us.  Catering to Denver's more upscale visitors, Cry Baby Ranch also does a bang-up business on line and is a favorite for mail orders from Hotel Teatro's more high profile guests.

Cry Baby Ranch
1421 Larimer Street
Denver, CO  80202
Phone: (303)623-3979

www.crybabyranch.com

Babareeba!
Derived from the old 40's tune, “Hey, Hey, Babareeba,” this shop is perfectly suited to the upscale vintage clothing enthusiast.  Their original Lucite box purses are exquisite accessories to fabulous vintage clothing reflecting the Jackie O. St. John's collection to more eclectic designers.  Melding with these vintage gems is an array of contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories.  There are no reproductions or knock-offs allowed in Babareeba and the discriminating clientele can vouch for it.  Upscale, trendy and unique, Babareeba is surrounded by other terrific stores and restaurants in the Highlands, a boldly original neighborhood to the northwest of downtown Denver.

Babareeba!
3629 W. 32^nd Avenue
Denver, CO  80211
Phone: (303) 458-5712

www.highlands-square.com

REI Flagship Store
If it is done outdoors, this store can outfit you with the most state-of-the-art equipment.   REI began as a camper's and backpacker's supply store, offering dividends to regular customers and staying kind of close to home when it came to diversifying. Today's REI is a different creature in that it boasts style and utility in everything from running tights to kayaks.  The staff is primarily young, experienced in the activity they sell and more than willing to point you in other directions as your curiosity takes over.  This cavernous historic structure was one of Denver's outlying tram buildings, Hotel Teatro being the central offices and tracks of Denver's first tram system.  The multi-story structure is impressive, merchandised effectively with huge items such as boats all the way down to Kokopelli karabiner key chains and Cliff bars.  For anyone wishing to give rock climbing a try, a full sized climbing wall is located in the central showroom.  They provide all of the necessary equipment, including trained instructors.  Located scenically on the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, the walk to and from REI to Hotel Teatro is picturesque.  Whether weekend camper or elite river runner, you can hit the jackpot at REI.  Not into outdoor activity but wanted to just look?  There is a Starbuck's with outdoor café in-house.

REI Flagship Store
1416 Platte Street
Denver, CO  80202
Phone: (303) 455-0862

www.rei.com

Tattered Cover Booksellers
With Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores vying for the Walgreen's Every Corner Award, I believe it speaks volumes that the Tattered Cover has been an independent bookseller in Denver for over 30 years.  With three locations in the Denver area, my favorite is still this one, housed in a historic mercantile building just one block from Denver's Union Train Station in lower downtown.   Three stories of bookshelves, well-marked and orderly, with a knowledgeable sales force and peripheral fun things, make this a day's visit for any browser.  The in-house coffee café is well-stocked and ready at 7 a.m.  Timely and entertaining gift ideas are tastefully merchandised throughout the store, most located near the numerous checkout desks.  Their cards for all occasions are original, thoughtful, funny and often works of art.  The periodical section has been a lifesaver for this concierge, carrying nearly every magazine in print, including European publications and magazines in several different languages.  Beautiful woodwork, comfortable overstuffed chairs and an attitude of “sit down with your coffee and crack open a new book” fulfills any bibliophiles fantasy.  (No, they don't mind if you read a magazine then put it back!)

Tattered Cover Booksellers
1678 16th Street (at Wynkoop)
Denver, CO  80202
Phone: (303) 436-1070

www.tatteredcover.com

Restaurants

Rioja
Chef Jen and Beth Gruitch, owners, have been culinary juggernauts in the area for years.  This fabulous Mediterranean bistro offers lunch, brunch and dinners to celebrities, shoppers and locals; parties of 2 or parties of 20.   Whether choosing Chef Jen's house made artichoke tortelloni  or opting for the lamb French dip, your palate will be happy when the meal is finished.  A lively place, the chef's counter is a favorite vantage point for foodies.  The bar/lounge area easily accommodates drop-in's or those wishing to imbibe.  Rioja's ginger/pomegranate martini is a masterpiece. Their own goat cheese biscuits fresh out of the oven bring people back for more.  Stylish, fun and delicious, this concierge is pleased to send any guest to Rioja at any time.

Rioja
1433 Larimer Street
Denver, CO  80202
Phone: (303) 820-2282

www.riojadenver.com

Venice Ristorante
I should have taken my cue from a guest who had dinner at Venice his first night with us then returned there to dine for the next five nights, without a second thought to any other fine Denver restaurant, of which there are MANY!  In any case, Venice is a true Italian restaurant. Owned by an Italian and managed by an Italian, this restaurant exudes class and true  Italian hospitality.  From the moment you step in the door, the ambiance is European; white table cloths, perfect lighting and a bustling staff ”“ not rushing and scattered, just busy.  And it simply gets better.  The antipastis and ensalates are delectable only to be outdone by the entrée choices.  From an inch thick veal t-bone in herbs and olive oil to a regional tasting as entrée, the food is infallible.  Mario boasts over 2,000 bottles of wine from around the world and from every vintage in his temperature controlled wine closet, which is just the tip of the vintner's iceberg.  Their best kept secret is the Chef's Kitchen which seats up to eight people though, with a little begging, they have fit in ten.  Chef and owner, Allesandro, prepares your dinner in front of you in his private kitchen.  You do not order, he simply creates and you reap the rewards of his culinary expertise.  Singing phenomenon Andre Bocelli will not visit Denver without buying out the space for a night.  The guests who visit Venice concur!

Venice Ristorante
1700 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO  80202
Phone: (303) 534-2222

www.veniceristorante.com

Arts & Culture

Museum of Contemporary Art
This treasure chest of contemporary art celebrated its new location with an opening in early October 2007.  Designed by David Adjaye, one of the world's leading architects, this structure is a dream come true for the patrons and staff at the MCA.  The exhibits change regularly and guests are encouraged to visit their web site prior to visiting Denver.  If tickets are needed, Hotel Teatro's concierge is please to secure them for our guests.  While the MCA is little sister to the Denver Art Museum, featuring the spectacular Hamilton Building by Daniel Libeskind , it moves to the forefront when it comes to sound engineering for the times.  It is currently pursuing LEED certification.  LEED is an organization approving a structure for environmentally , pro-health related construction.  The Denver MCA would be one of only three museums in the United States to earn this status.  Note:  For the abstract expressionists our there, Denver is soon to become the home of Clyfford Still's entire body of work, thank to the efforts of Mayor John Hickenlooper.  Opening of the Clyfford Still Museum is TBD.

Museum of Contemporary Art
1485 Delgany
Denver, CO  80202
Phone: (303) 298-7554

www.mcartdenver.org

Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge 
For any music lovers, especially of the jazz genre, a night at Dazzle is not to be missed.  Voted by Downbeat Magazine as one of “The World's Top 100 Great Jazz Clubs,” it serves up great jazz from a roster of stellar local jazz artists as well as visiting national and international jazz icons.   There is live music every night with minimal cover charges, normally $10.   It is a throwback to the supper clubs of the 50's; intimate, a little dark, white tablecloths and a stage within arm's reach of the nearest 4-top.  The food is good, bordering on wonderful.  It makes the leap to fabulous at Sunday Brunch, a true jazz brunch with female jazz vocalist Julie Monley and her husband Frederic Des Moulins on piano performing from 11 am ”“ 1 pm. Watch out,  Paris, your Jazz Porch has some competition!

Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge  
930 Lincoln Street
Denver, CO  80203
Phone: (303) 839-5100

www.dazzlejazz.com