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Sent: 12/12/06 3:24:23 PM

Subject: 5280's Table Talk for December 12, 2006

DECEMBER 12, 2006

OPEN: COOK'S FRESH MARKET
Ever since construction began on Cook's Fresh Market at the corner of 16th Street and Glenarm, I've anxiously awaited its Nov. 27 opening. The gourmet market, run by chef-owner team Edward and Kristi Janos, delivers in spades with high-end foodstuffs such as Cajun cocktail sauce, a well-edited olive oil selection, fresh seafood, and cheesecake on a stick. At lunchtime well-heeled shoppers crowd in for gourmet sandwiches (my vote is the veggie salad wrap or the prosciutto di Parma) and ever-rotating soups (try Tuesday's Southwest chicken tortilla) while picking up a few items here and there. I can't seem to leave without ordering a dense brownie, picking up a hunk of taleggio from the cheese case, or ogling the certified Angus hangar steaks in the meat department.
1600 Glenarm Place, 303-893-2277, www.cooksfreshmarket.com

NEW: TWO MORE TO TASTE
This weekend the Mile-High City welcomes two new eateries: Montecito in the Alamo Placita neighborhood and Vita in Lower Highland. At Montecito—located in the former Piscos location— Mel and Janie Master (of Mel's Bar & Grill) and executive chef Adam Mali (of Restaurant Kody and Ajax Tavern) put their mark on California-Mediterranean with dishes such as Tuscan "twice boiled" minestrone and roasted half chicken with lemon verbena, Medjool dates, and turnip potato gratin. I simply can't wait to try the hot spiced apple cider with warm cider doughnuts and apple crème fraiche.
   On the other side of town, Mark Schuwerk and Jay Beckerman, (co-owners of Breckenridge's Blue River Bistro) and executive chef Max MacKissock (most recently at Great Northern Tavern in Keystone) have set up shop in the former Olinger building with Vita, a contemporary Italian-American restaurant. MacKissock's menu includes lobster meatballs, a crispy polenta sandwich, and diver scallops saltimbocca. Vita serves lunch and dinner—and look for an extensive martini menu in the bar and live jazz on Thursdays.
Montecito: 1120 E. Sixth Ave., 303-777-8222, www.montecitorestaurant.com
Vita: 1575 Boulder St., 303-477-4600, www.vitadenver.com

GIFTS: LOCAL STOCKING STUFFERS
This year I'm forgoing the chocolate Santas for goodies found at Goodness to Go on Sixth Avenue. Everything in the Cherry Creek store is made here in Colorado—from chocolate sauce and fruit leather to pestos and quiche. My favorite finds: Amaizing corn tamales made by Boulder-based Hopi Bread Company (these savory snacks come in mild or hot) and Amelia's handmade alfajores (www.ameliascookies.com), traditional South American shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche. 1712 E. Sixth Ave., 303-289-4394

—Amanda M. Faison

Table Talk is 5280 Magazine's weekly newsletter highlighting Denver's latest restaurant and dining news. Subscription info on Table Talk and other 5280 newsletters is available here.

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