denver restaurant week: marlowe’s

Once a year, local magazine ‘5280′ (as in 5,280 feet above sea level or a ‘mile high’, get it?) sponsors Denver Restaurant Week.

Dozens of high end (and some not so high end) restaurants put together a prix fixe menu that offers 3 course meals, $52.80 for two.

This represents massive savings over the normal price of a similar meal at these establishments.

Last night I had the opportunity to check out the offering at Marlowe’s, a steakhouse on the 16th street mall.

Upon sitting down in the warmly lit, cavernous dining room I was immediately delighted by two things.  First, although the room was positively PACKED, the noise level was somehow tempered to the point that quiet conversation with my companion was still possible. 

Secondly, happy hour was happening.

What a happy hour it was.  The choices included wine, well or draft drinks for $3.50.

Normally ‘well’ drinks will include spirits better left to the imagination, but Marlowe’s was full of surprises.

Beefeater gin, Three Olive’s vodka, and Jim Beam bourbon were all considered ‘well’.

I settled into sipping a Gin & Tonic (followed by another, and then finally a Red Hook Copper ale which was delicious as well) and perusing the menu.

For each course, two choices were available.

My meal began with a giant mushroom stuffed with fresh blue claw crab, sun-dried tomato and pesto.  The crab seemed to melt in my mouth.

For my entree, I chose the mixed grill.  This included a 4 oz top sirloin (cooked to a perfect ‘medium’ per my request) topped with a 1/2 lobster tail served beside creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus.  Decadent and delicious all.

Finally, dessert was served.  Completely ignoring any ‘body for life’ asperations I wrapped my salivating lips around a crepe cannoli stuffed with mascarpone cheese. 

Overall, the entire experience was a feast for the senses, and quite a bargain as well.

It was also the perfect prelude to that evening’s performance of “Heartbeat” a theatrical extravaganza based around the various Chinese dynasties which we attended at the Buell theatre later. 

There are far worse ways to spend an evening than watching petite asian girls (and, on occasion, their athletic male martial arts performing partners) in form fitting costumes dancing to the intense beats of a dozen drums.

Both Denver Restaurant Week, and “Heartbeat” come highly recommended.