5280 Denver Restaurant week is at the top of the Denver Bucket List!

Mark your calendars for  February 25 to March 9, 2012 for a spectacular 14 days of eating food at some of the Denver Metro area’s best restaurants at the ridiculously low price of $52.80 per couple. The special MILE HIGH pricing was created by Visit Denver when in 2004 DRW was birthed to introduce fine dining in Denver to the masses. In 2010 the success of this program was realized when Travel + Leisure magazine readers rated Denver as the 13th best city in the nation for fine dining up from the 23rd position just 6 years prior.

THE 5280 RESTAURANTS & MENUS FOR 2012 ARE HERE!

Lamb Chops at Citron Bistro Denver CO 5280 2010

During DRW 2012, diners will still be able to get a multi-course meal for the “mile high” price of $52.80 for two. Registration for restaurants will begin on Monday, October 31.

In 2011, the culinary event attracted a record 303 restaurants that served a record 360,480 meals. “During Denver Restaurant Week, every night is a Friday night in terms of crowds and activity,” says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of DRW sponsor, VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Denver Restaurant Week is essentially a gift to the people of Denver from our top restaurants, which we enthusiastically promote,” Scharf said.

“We realize that while DRW is a great benefit to most participating restaurants and immensely enjoyable for diners, it can also be a grueling two weeks for restaurant staff behind the line and in front of it,” Scharf said. “So this year’s DRW effort will also include programs to educate the dining public on good DRW etiquette, such as honoring reservations and showing their appreciation for good service.”

Scharf said that prior to announcing the dates each year, VISIT DENVER evaluates all aspects of the program, to ensure its continued success for all involved. “This year, we surveyed the restaurants, held meetings, and talked to many people. We looked at changing the dates, increasing the price, and other options. But in the end, the majority of the restaurants said to keep the same price and keep it two weeks. We also looked at splitting DRW into two separate efforts, one in February and one is late summer or early fall, but there were too many hurdles with the calendar,” Scharf said.

Napoleon Creme Brulee

Menus for participating restaurants will be available on the DRW website at DenverRestaurantWeek.com in early-2012.

Related Articles: Denver Restaurant Week 2010, 5280 Restaurant week Douglas Count CO, 5280 Restaurant week 2009, Douglas County Restaurants participating in 5280 Restaurant week 2010, Denver Restaurant week continues in week 2, 2011 Denver Restaurant Week, What’s for Dinner? 2011, 5280 Restaurant week 2011 Participating Restaurants just South of Denver CO

Restauranteurs George Karas and Tom Karantounis took the building that formerly housed Marie Calendars and created a beautiful relaxing oasis  of a mix of rustic brick, hardwood floors and modern colors  for a dining atmosphere to enjoy world foods with Mediterranean, Southwestern and American influences. Come and share a glass of wine with friends, or  indulge in their amazing signature dessert, a Creme Brulee’ Napoleon. (pictured at left)

Your date will be impressed if you choose this for a special date night in Denver.

Slide show of the 5280 Menu here.

Our choices were:

Your choice of:

• Smoked Trout & Cheese Plate – Trout filet, imported & domestic cheese crostini and fruit
• Spicy Hummus – Drizzled with olive oil, pita wedges

Your choice of:

• Rack of Lamb Chops – Australian lamb with an oregano-walnut lemon pesto, gorgonzola mashed potatoes, veggies Briam
• Sea Bass – Sautéed filet atop wilted baby greens, topped with a Blue Crab Citron sauce, basmati rice, seasonal vegetable
• New York Steak – USDA choice grilled, atop gorgonzola cream sauce, frizzled onions, roasted red potatoes, seasonal vegetables
• Shrimp & Chicken Mozzarella – Sautéed shrimp, roasted chicken, pistachios, roasted red peppers tossed with linguini in a spicy red sauce.

Your choice of:

• Crème Brûlée Napoleon – Our Signature Dessert, layer of philo pastry, crème brûlée
• Chocolate Crème Brûlée

The portions served were quite generous, the waitress, Stephanie was a delight, both owners were there to greet you at the door and Chef Andy came out to check on our party of four.  If you haven’t tried this restaurant you really should.