Here's the Scoop from the Gabby Gourmet Restaurant Show on Saturday, January 29, 2011.

My guests were Ben Weinberg---benweinberg@wineontheroad.com
www.wineontheroad.com<
,Paul David,----paul@winepairings.biz-www.winepairings.biz
Rich Mauro-People's Palate-and on my webpage!!!!
Andy Frieden of JJ BBuckley andy.frieden@jjbuckely.com

We had a fabulous lunch from the Bagel Deli and they gave us a gift certificate today.

WE WERE ALL ABOUT WHINING ABOUT WINE.

THE GABBY DINNER AT ORCHARD WINE AND CHEESE IS SUNDAY NIGHT-IT IS GOING TO BE FABULOUS

NEXT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, WE WILL BE AT SKEW-THE NEW GOURMET FOOD SPOT AT 2070 S. UNVIERSITY-JUST OFF EVANS- THEY SERVE GREAT SKEWERS, SUSHI, LOTS OF GREAT OPTIONS-HEALTHY GLUTEN FREE TOO, AND SO GOOD AND SO INEXPENSIVE-COME BY AND JOIN US FOR A BITE OF LUNCH AND A VISIT -WE WILL BE ON REMOTE FROM 1-3---AND THEY HAVE A GREAT BAR TOO.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: how many grapes in a bottle of wine---550

The guys were great-we talked about buying wines-looking at wine lists and figuring out what to order
Wines by the glass-try them and taste them
Talk to your retailer
Tell the sommelier what you like and prices too
And listen to the podcast for more information.
And how to store wines too

We tasted fabulous champagnes
Les-mesni
Pierre Peters
Pierre Monxuit

They were amazing and I was told they are related to my favorite Salon.

Panzano was fabulous---we went to eat at the bar/chef's table-where the beyond charming Elise Wiggins holds court over a fabulous staff-and charms all. She is divine and so was dinner. She likes to do a tasting menu at the bar but we settled for part-so much it was unbelievable. We started with lovely wine, great bread and dip, and an antipasti platter with chicken liver, jams, special olives, garlic, cheeses, meats, and crostini. We would have stopped at that but saw Brussels sprouts being prepared-so we had them-fried and crisp with great accents!!!! Next we had the grilled Caesar salad-think everyone in the place was as we watched the orders. Then we had the eggplant pomodoro with cheese-millions of these going out too-and the special fish of the night-sea bass with a polenta cake and walnuts---we wer too full for dessert-or to drive home!!!! It was fabulous.

We had breakfast at Strings on the way to see Mark at Azura of Lakewood. It was great we had omelets and huevos-oh so good.

Then we took Mark out on a pass to go to 240 Union and it was incredible. Every dish was perfect-and service too. Their bread is the best anywhere-and then we enjoyed the fried calamari-one of the best versions I have had anywhere again. And a fabulous salad with poached pear, dried cranberries and more. Then we had quail, cioppino, cod and pork chop-they were all amazing but the cod is a must have-so is the cioppino-well so was everything. And the espresso chocolate mousse pie was pretty fantastic too.

Dinner at Elway's downtown was fabulous. It was girl's night out and we had a ball. A great glass of red wine, super breads, and an amuse of potstickers started the fun. Then we all had John's salad, some of us had the halibut special with Asian veggies and rice and great hoisin sauce and the others steak-and we did have the Brussels sprouts-it is now a must to have on any menu. Service was perfect and the night great.

ELWAY'S DOWNTOWN IS DOING A SUPER BOWL PARTY WITH GREAT APPS, DRINKS-AND ALL AT SUPER PRICES-AND PRIZES AND COSTUM-SPORTS AND FOOTBALL OF COURSE-BOTH THE HELP AND GUESTS-GET THERE FOR KICKOFF AND SPEND THE EVENING. IT SHOULD BE GREAT. EVERYONE IS WELCOME BUT YOU CAN RESERVE. We went to Barolo Grill-HEAVENLY-we sat at the bar and had a ball-Ryan was incredible-and so was the food and the wine-fabulous wine-and the new menu is awesome-the best ever. We had the great bread and then a prosciutto wrapped donut-really puff pastry-divine-and then a fabulous savory cheese soufflé and the best salad of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, mustard-and whatever wow!!! We had the mushroom angoletti and the cheese pasta and then salmon n with pureed cauliflower and then-yes-a chocolate dessert with chocolate meringues-every bite was amazing-and the bar-just plain wow!!! Even the valet is perfect.

We went to Bittersweet, Olav and Melissa Peterson's new restaurant . It was delightful and we had a great time. We had a super glass of wine and great homemade rolls to start. Then we shared the new menu item -a chacuterie plate with cheeses, meats and more. Entrees were rockfish and duck and both were great. We passed dessert. What a fun place this is and there is even some parking in front if you are lucky.

Zi fusion will celebrate Chinese New Year on February 19 with Lion Dancers, Traditional Chinese musicians and dancers. There will be Martial Arts demonstrations and a ten course meal. Call for details. The price is $50 but if you say GABBY SENT YO, the price is $45. and there is a 10 course meal.

We went to the opening of Street Kitchen at the Shops at Viaggio-Mary of Parallel 17 is the chef/owner-it is gorgeous, the food is outrageous and the area incredible. You must go here-it is amazing-and soon to open-Marco's Coal Fire Pizza, Russos with Brian Laird, and Biker Jim---wowwy---and a fabulous event center too.

Then we went to Shanahan's for the bar menu-and it was a big wowwy too-it was amazing ---the place was mobbed---the wines divine-and the bar menu and bar food-beyond HEAVENLY-we had the tuna sashimi with peanut slaw, the crab cake (best ever) and crab cocktail-on my gabalicious list-the tuna tartar, the kobe beef satay, and THE FRIES. A lot you say-yes-but was it ever fun. Service is unbelievable too.

We went to the new Jelly for breakfast and lunch on 13th and Pearl. It is so cute and fun-super food and service -and terrific owners too. So much to choose from but I had to have the buckwheat pancakes-they were great-AND GLUTEN FREE-and poached eggs and they cooked them right. And then we had the sweet potato hash with eggs over easy and the veggie burger-lots to still try and lunch too-but a good start for a great beginning of the day-or later as I want breakfast anytime.

We ended the week at another HEAVENLY steakhouse-Elway's Cherry Creek and what a happening and favorite of all. Of course we ate in the bar-high table and great fun with super wine, the new terrific bread, and then our favorite blt salad. Then we had sea bass and salmon and fries and Brussels sprouts---and a steak and cookies to go for Mark.

MARK IS STILL AT AZURA OF LAKEWOOD-THE BEST REHAB "HOTEL EVER. NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO A REHAB CENTER BUT THEY DO SO MUCH GOOD- there are people who have had strokes, heart attacks, and such but then there are the knee and hip replacements, pelvis or broken hips, on and on. There are paralyzed people there as well. All are cared for with such a personal touch and caring. The therapy is wonderful, medical treatment amazing, and the facilities for dining in bistros, beautiful rooms, living and meeting rooms and activities for the patients are unbelievable. One should take time to visit this place-and you will have it on that just in case list.

Stu called about Brasserie Felix and Venue-he wanted to know about the latter and got coupons to the first.
Everyone who called had lots of great wine questions.

Ron wanted german sausage made here-we talked about Canino and Marczck Market.

Kathy called about Zi Fusion, adored 240 union, and the same about Strings. She had a fabulous dinner at Barolo Grill-Ben was there this week and said the best he ever had and I said I was there-at the bar-and had the best too.

Faye had many wine questions and wanted to know about Colorado Wines and such. The guys loved Sutcliffe, Bookcliffe and monkey thermo to name a few.
She also adored the Bagel Deli and the pastrami there.

Lydia talked about headaches and red wine-the tanons-but the better the wine, the less and less problems.

Another Ron suggested Sunflower Market for sausages.

Margaret called about GB Fish and Chips for Mark while at Azura. We love it!!!
And we talked more about Azura too.

Mark called about wines and wine tours---Ben Weinberg is leading one to Piedmont in the fall-and is hosting an Italian wine dinner on Tuesday at Il Posto.
Some of our Sonoma favorites are Marrietta, Geyserville and more.

Andy said for spicy Mexican food pick a white wine that starts with the letter V
Or maybe a Reisling or Gevortz-and a petit syrah for red.

We talked about a few favorites of our wine guys for wine lists.
They said look for ones with interesting-not just the ordinary wines-check prices with a wine store-and they should not be marked up more than 2. and buy appropriate to the price of the food.

Rich loves Fruition, Mizuna, Luca and Bones.

Paul favors Table 6, Elway's, and Z-Cuisine.

Ben loves Il Posto, Parisi and Yi Yia's.

We had so much information to give-and ran out of time.

E-mail me if you would like more shows with the guys and wine fun. I would love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening and see you at Skew next week.
Gabby