The Jeff Show: Denver Tips

Vesta Dipping Grill

For those of you who know me well, know that I like to fly and am also a fountain of knowledge about American Airlines.

For example, did you know that the spare aircraft for planes that fly in and out of New York LaGuardia are parked in Newark? Last month I was headed to Denver for a gig. The plane to Chicago broke down in New York. It took four hours to get the plane to Chicago since the eleven minute flight for the spare plane took three hours because air traffic control held it in Newark. So, I sat at O’Hare Airport all day waiting for a plane. Did I mention that I love to fly? Not as much as before that day.

Speaking of Denver, here are a few tips:

• First, let's talk food. The area around Coors Field is very cool and features many new restaurants. I was impressed by the Vesta Dipping Grill. Their hook is (go figure) they have dipping sauces for everything -- from barrel aged hot sauce to basil emulsion to crème anglaise -- I mean everything. However, they offer unique and delicious dinners on their menu like Colorado Striped Bass or Madras Grilled Venison, and a terrific drink menu to boot.
• Now, let's talk about getting in, out, and around Denver. First, fly out of Denver early. Actually, try to fly out as early as you can to any destination.
• Forget about pre-check. The line is longer then the regular lines. Just use the first class security line. The TSA people don’t care what class you are in. Everyone is cattle to them.
• When driving to and from the airport, if they are not working on the interstate you are using , it means traffic is so heavy they forgot it’s a road. Take however long you think it’s going to take to drive to your destination and double the travel time.
   
• Denver drivers have two speeds, up your butt or stopped. Sometimes that's the same thing.

I was going to write about Hawaii this month but decided to wait until I'm back again in November. Next month, I'll circle back to Indy, which was supposed to be this time. Oh well, until next time.

The Jeff Show: A Unique Haunt in Denver

The Buckhorrn Exchange: main dining room

Everyone always assumes I get to go to all the glamorous parts of the world for gigs. To put it all in the proper perspective for you, I am writing this month’s installment at a Holiday Inn Express in Grand Island, NE. The weather is beautiful here; the sun is shining, the birds are singing and it hasn't rained in about 200 days. But it's still the Holiday Inn Express in Grand Island, NE.

Since I'm this far west, I recall a unique but tasty restaurant in Denver that is off the beaten path. I haven't eaten there for about four years. Since the joint has been open since the late 1800’s, odds are it is still worth the trip if you find yourself in Denver.

The Buckhorn Exchange sits in Denver's oldest neighborhood. It’s not much to look at from the outside, but you'll find a one-of-a-kind restaurant. This haunt has the oldest liquor license in Denver, and it's the place to go for a different dinner...like wild game meat. You know, rattle snake, elk, bison, that kind of stuff. Their menu is the most interesting I have ever seen. For the less adventurous, I hear they also have a really great steak. Although, I have never tried it.

The only thing that is a little creepy is the stuffed heads of the animals hanging on the walls. You can see from the picture I've included for this post...the décor fits, trust me.

Now, Denver has a lot of really great places to eat. The 16th Street Mall is crawling with them. But, you will never experience a place like the Buckhorn Exchange anywhere else. So give it try.

Well now, it’s time for me to figure out where we are all going for dinner tonight in Grand Island, NE. We tried the Texas Road House last night. Great wine list -- I’m kidding.

Wow, they have an Olive Garden and a Red Lobster here. We're in luck.

Until next month...