Elway's, Denver - Winning Wine And Service

Visits to two of John Elway's upscale steakhouses in Denver could not have been under more opposite circumstances, yet both yielded outstanding experiences worth repeating. 

Elway's Downtown

First, my wife and I were thrilled with an anniversary dinner at Elway's Downtown, inside the Ritz-Carlton. Arriving for a reservation, we were recognized and seated immediately in a cozy, semi-private booth, complete with flowers. Several members of management and staff cared for us throughout the evening, with Executive Sommelier Gail Oversteg taking the lead. She gave excellent recommendations from the wine list and food menu. A pair of truly prime steaks were perfectly prepared, and we are now loyal users of Elway's steak seasoning. Gail continued to exceed expectations throughout the evening. After I inquired about the aerator she used to decant our Burgundy, she produced a new, boxed and gift-bagged version of the device that we gladly purchased at cost. 

On another trip, we made a spontaneous drop-in to Elway's at the airport, on a game day no less. Anxious about a short layover, yet hungry for great food, we cautioned the hostess of our dilemma. She mentioned that the menu would be limited (no prime steak this trip) for such a brief meal, but assured us it could be done. Our waiter, Andrew, was aware of our time frame when he introduced himself, and reassured us we were in good shape. A strong list of wines by the glass included selections like Guigal Cotes du Rhone and Acacia Pinot Noir. The Spicy Steak Chili was exactly that, with chopped chunks of beef bringing serious heat. Andrew presented the check immediately after our meal. We were in, out, and fully satisfied in twenty-five minutes! 

Completely different experiences in scope, with identical happiness. Elway's has a high-five recommendation for wine, food, and service.

Elway's Downtown - Ritz-Carlton 1881 Curtis St. Denver, CO  80202

Elway's at DIA - Denver International Airport, B Concourse

Chez Nous - Fabulous French Off Sixth Street, Austin

Chez Nous is an intimate French bistro waiting to impress, yet completely unexpected at its address just off Sixth Street in Austin. I enjoyed two late night dining experiences during the managed chaos of SXSW, with an interesting variance in the satisfying service.

Cotes d'agneau Manon

The first visit was on a busy Friday night around ten. When I asked if they featured a good selection of French wines by the glass, the first staff member gave me a puzzled expression, confirmed the wines, and showed me to a table. Another server appeared concerned as I deliberated for several minutes over a glass of wine and salad. Five members of the staff visited my table to check on me throughout the evening, keeping me pleasantly content. About the time I declined anything further, I had a change in plans and decided I would have dessert. A server, having presented the check, appeared impatient and did not come back to the table that night. Nonetheless, I was well cared for as I enjoyed dessert and coffee, and I made plans to return another night for a full meal.

The second visit was on the following Tuesday night at eight, not quite as active in the restaurant. My primary server became the same person that did not return to the table on the previous evening. She recognized and greeted me enthusiastically. I concluded the previous events had been coincidence, as she and the team provided even more attentive and well-rounded service. Teamwork among staff members, which include the three French owners, was smooth and efficient, delivering a classy casual experience. 

Profiterolles

Wine choices were many. My first night glass was Lascaux, a dry white blend from Languedoc. For the big meal, a nice Les Galets De Sauveterre Cotes du Rhone 2011. On both nights I had Salade Lyonnaise with a poached egg, the second night with large crumbled lardons. The server recommended Cotes d'agneau Manon, New Zealand lamb chops with a white bean ragou and broccolinis, as well as Entrecôte bearnaise, a ribeye with frites, which were excellent. For dessert, I loved the Profiterolles, two ice cream filled pastry puffs with chocolate sauce. Their "coffee" is a firm, bold Cafe Americano, which I was also thrilled to receive as my coffee to go.

Chez Nous has charming French country and vintage decor, complete with fresh flowers on the tables. A fun and interchangeable team will see to your needs and happiness diligently. The broad and authentic French menu is what Chez Nous is all about, though. It is understandable that they have thrived in such an unlikely location for over three decades, and is a total package that is to be desired.

Chez Nous - 510 Neches Street, Austin, TX  78701

Wines Of The Year

The best times with wine involve people, places, and excellent service experiences. Here are my top wines from 2014, with the events surrounding them. 

1. Gehricke Carneros Pinot Noir 2012 - This is a fabulous first production, with earthy leather, red berries, and some spice. I found it at the Primo's Fine Wine and Spirits wine tasting event in Tulsa. $35
2. Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - The 40th Anniversary edition is powerfully dark, velvety, and lasts seemingly forever. Fearing's Restaurant in Dallas offered it to me first. $60
3. JL Chave Mon Coer Cotes-du-Rhone 2011 - Thanks to Master Sommelier Craig Collins and Arro in Austin for the introduction to this value Rhone. $19
4. Brooks Bois Joli Riesling 2012 - This was my favorite find on a tasting tour of Oregon. Lots of citrus and just enough sweetness. Brooks is very generous, and they have a touching film about winemaking you should see: American Wine Story. $24
5. Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges 2009 - Affordable Burgundy acquired at a wine lover's paradise, Brown Derby of Springfield, Missouri. $55

Post-Holiday Wine Shopping On A Budget

If your wine budget is short, here's an international mixed case of available and affordable bottles to enjoy while you replenish your savings:

• Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon - $16
• The Black Chook McLaren Vale Shiraz - $18
• Tommasi Valpolicella Rafael - $17
• Charles Smith Wines The Velvet Devil Merlot - $15
• Silvertop Malbec - $10
• M. Chapoutier Cotes-du-Rhone Belleruche - $15
• Michael Pozzan Wines Annabella Carneros Pinot Noir - $15
• Louis Jadot Macon-Villages Chardonnay - $14
• Gruet Winery Domaine Saint Vincent Brut - $10
• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - $18
• Bodega Del Abad Dom Bueno Godello - $15
• Joh. Jos. Prum Riesling Kabinett - $19

Wine Picks For Your "Thirst"

I recently tasted newly released wines in the portfolio of Thirst Wine Merchants. Here are my standout picks: 

1. Bodegas LAN Vina Lanciano Reserva 2007 - Spicy, chewy Spanish Tempranillo/Mazuelo blend. SRP $25
2. Sean Minor Point North Pinot Noir 2012 - I'm a big fan of their Carneros Pinots, and their Oregon offering is a winner! SRP $22
3. Hourglass Estate Sauvignon Blanc Estate Vineyard 2013 - Delicious, gravely with a mouthful of citrus. SRP $40
4. K Vintners Clifton Hill Syrah Wahluke Slope 2011 - Bold (of course) with smoked meats and spices, and it sticks around. SRP $40
5. Feraud-Brunel Cotes-du-Rhone Villages 2011 - Solid Cotes-du-Rhone, with tobacco spice and leather. SRP $18