Moving Back to Colorado
Aug 3, 2021, 7:15 pm
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
Amazing trip report as always! Glad to see some things on FlyerTalk do not change. Now that I'm back to traveling again, I'm excited to catch up on your shenanigans. Hopefully, everyone leaving Orange County makes Newport Beach just cheap enough for me to move back for when the Mrs. Chiffy starts grade school at UCI. Scottsdale is nice but I miss the ocean no matter how crazy California gets.
Aug 7, 2021, 1:16 pm
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Settling into Denver
We're starting to settle in, spending more time with our granddaughter, and dinner out. Tonight down to Larimer Square and wonderful Rioja.
From riojadenver.com...
OMG, my artichoke tortelloni was amazing, with artichoke-goat cheese mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil.
Mrs. SFO777's seared halibut.
And my delicious grilled Berkshire pork chop.
Welcome to downtown Denver. LOL.
Dinner on the roof top patio of our apartment.
And then there was my brief 48 hour junket to Paris CDG and ATH, starting with the inaugural Air France Denver-Paris nonstop.
Flight was OK but the best part was buying the CDG La Première ground package available to recent La Première passengers on flights without a La Première cabin.
Some highlights of our 9 hour visit...
After a quick overnight at the Sofitel Athens Airport, a short morning flight to Frankfurt and then the newly reopened First Class Lounge.
And after a miserable trek to our gate, the oasis that is Lufthansa 748 First Class...
For the full report on this trip, visit SFO777.com.
Back home, dinner at Barolo Grill in Cherry Creek. A few pics from barologrilldenver.com.
Our table.
Truffle night...
Halibut pour Madame.
Duck pour moi.
Awwwww.
And then off again to DIA for a quick business trip to Syracuse and upstate New York. Breakfast at the new-ish DEN Amex Centurion Lounge.
The egg, cheese and spicey tomato dish was excellent and fortunuately filling...
As this was the "meal" on my 3 hour United Express nonstop to SYR.
On the other hand, I connected at ORD on my return and was fortunate to book UA's ORD-DEN lie flat 777.
A few days later, dinner at Narrative at The Jacquard. Pic from narrativecherrycreek.com.
Mrs. SFO777's steak frites.
And my delicious short ribs.
Later that week, my latest attempt at replicating Alain Ducasse's Coquillettes jambon a la Truffe Noir.
We're starting to settle in, spending more time with our granddaughter, and dinner out. Tonight down to Larimer Square and wonderful Rioja.
From riojadenver.com...
OMG, my artichoke tortelloni was amazing, with artichoke-goat cheese mousse, white truffle brodo, queso de mano, chervil.
Mrs. SFO777's seared halibut.
And my delicious grilled Berkshire pork chop.
Welcome to downtown Denver. LOL.
Dinner on the roof top patio of our apartment.
And then there was my brief 48 hour junket to Paris CDG and ATH, starting with the inaugural Air France Denver-Paris nonstop.
Flight was OK but the best part was buying the CDG La Première ground package available to recent La Première passengers on flights without a La Première cabin.
Some highlights of our 9 hour visit...
After a quick overnight at the Sofitel Athens Airport, a short morning flight to Frankfurt and then the newly reopened First Class Lounge.
And after a miserable trek to our gate, the oasis that is Lufthansa 748 First Class...
For the full report on this trip, visit SFO777.com.
Back home, dinner at Barolo Grill in Cherry Creek. A few pics from barologrilldenver.com.
Our table.
Truffle night...
Halibut pour Madame.
Duck pour moi.
Awwwww.
And then off again to DIA for a quick business trip to Syracuse and upstate New York. Breakfast at the new-ish DEN Amex Centurion Lounge.
The egg, cheese and spicey tomato dish was excellent and fortunuately filling...
As this was the "meal" on my 3 hour United Express nonstop to SYR.
On the other hand, I connected at ORD on my return and was fortunate to book UA's ORD-DEN lie flat 777.
A few days later, dinner at Narrative at The Jacquard. Pic from narrativecherrycreek.com.
Mrs. SFO777's steak frites.
And my delicious short ribs.
Later that week, my latest attempt at replicating Alain Ducasse's Coquillettes jambon a la Truffe Noir.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 11, 2021 at 8:37 pm
Aug 8, 2021, 12:22 am
#65
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: IHG Spire, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Titanium, Mileage Plus Gold
Posts: 1,736
Sorry for the delay in responding to all. It's been a busy two months.
Thanks very much wakesetter93. We've been here two months and I'm actually enjoying apartment living... and being so close to great restaurants, shopping...
... and our precious now 4 month old granddaughter. Thank you adampenrith.
Thanks sonomawine. We're enjoying being back... all except the timid (or stoned) drivers that believe you must drive 5 mph BELOW the speed limit. Sheesh.
Thanks very much flyingmad.
Thank you WolfieG.
Florida is indeed attractive.... but only half the year. There is no way we could put up with that summer heat and humidity.
LOL. Indeed.
Thanks so much El_Chiflero. OC and the OC weather were great, but it was time to move on.
Congrats seat38a. We've just starting looking around for the right suburb and really like the feel of Littleton. Nice homes, nice areas and still close to the city. Let me know when you've settled in. We can celebrate our escape from Gov. Gruesome.
Thanks very much wakesetter93. We've been here two months and I'm actually enjoying apartment living... and being so close to great restaurants, shopping...
... and our precious now 4 month old granddaughter. Thank you adampenrith.
Thanks sonomawine. We're enjoying being back... all except the timid (or stoned) drivers that believe you must drive 5 mph BELOW the speed limit. Sheesh.
Thanks very much flyingmad.
Thank you WolfieG.
Florida is indeed attractive.... but only half the year. There is no way we could put up with that summer heat and humidity.
LOL. Indeed.
Thanks so much El_Chiflero. OC and the OC weather were great, but it was time to move on.
Congrats seat38a. We've just starting looking around for the right suburb and really like the feel of Littleton. Nice homes, nice areas and still close to the city. Let me know when you've settled in. We can celebrate our escape from Gov. Gruesome.
In line right now for a new build in Littleton right now.
Aug 8, 2021, 8:48 am
#66
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MidCal
Programs: UA MM 1K, UC, Lifetime HH Diamond, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 353
How was Pittsburg? I have managed to avoid going to my corporate offices there - for what seems like a couple of years now, 
but thats going to change here in a couple of weeks as Im booked for the entire week. Going to get down to West Virginia as its one a the very few States that I haven't stepped foot in.
but thats going to change here in a couple of weeks as Im booked for the entire week. Going to get down to West Virginia as its one a the very few States that I haven't stepped foot in.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:34 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
How was Pittsburgh? I have managed to avoid going to my corporate offices there - for what seems like a couple of years now, but thats going to change here in a couple of weeks as Im booked for the entire week. Going to get down to West Virginia as its one a the very few States that I haven't stepped foot in.
but thats going to change here in a couple of weeks as Im booked for the entire week. Going to get down to West Virginia as its one a the very few States that I haven't stepped foot in.
Aug 11, 2021, 8:36 pm
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Our day in Vail
SFO777jr-LAX and the grand kids visited for three days mid July. We all headed up to Vail to check out the summer Adventure Pass activities.
Traffic great until 7 miles before the Tunnel, when it came to a halt and was bumper to bumper. No idea why although Apple Maps showed construction. Sure enough, down to one lane for the last mile and thousands of orange cones. With not a hint of actual construction work.
These were the only "workers" we saw.
40 mph speed limit?? LOL..
Work Zone Ahead... more lies from CDOT.
Nothing. Zero. Nada.
A half hour later...
The parking garage was surprisingly full. OK, free all day summer parking explains that one.
Heading up in the gondola.
With CDOT workers gone for the day, we got back to Denver in about 75 minutes. Freshened up and then headed to Table 6 for dinner. Pic from table6denver.com.
The next day, we had planned to hike Red Rocks but some of us were still sore from yesterday's 4 mile hike at Vail. I suggested TopGolf. Alas I neglected to reserve in advance, not realizing that it was half-price Tuesday. We passed on the 2.5 hour wait and headed to the movies and the very entertaining Black Widow.
And then dinner at Matsuhisa. Pic from matsuhisarestaurants.com/denver
OMG, what an amazing dinner.
SFO777jr-LAX and the grand kids visited for three days mid July. We all headed up to Vail to check out the summer Adventure Pass activities.
Traffic great until 7 miles before the Tunnel, when it came to a halt and was bumper to bumper. No idea why although Apple Maps showed construction. Sure enough, down to one lane for the last mile and thousands of orange cones. With not a hint of actual construction work.
These were the only "workers" we saw.
40 mph speed limit?? LOL..
Work Zone Ahead... more lies from CDOT.
Nothing. Zero. Nada.
A half hour later...
The parking garage was surprisingly full. OK, free all day summer parking explains that one.
Heading up in the gondola.
With CDOT workers gone for the day, we got back to Denver in about 75 minutes. Freshened up and then headed to Table 6 for dinner. Pic from table6denver.com.
The next day, we had planned to hike Red Rocks but some of us were still sore from yesterday's 4 mile hike at Vail. I suggested TopGolf. Alas I neglected to reserve in advance, not realizing that it was half-price Tuesday. We passed on the 2.5 hour wait and headed to the movies and the very entertaining Black Widow.
And then dinner at Matsuhisa. Pic from matsuhisarestaurants.com/denver
OMG, what an amazing dinner.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 21, 2021 at 8:59 am
Aug 13, 2021, 1:55 pm
#69
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,643
Aug 14, 2021, 7:25 am
#71
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 1,920
That does seem very quick from Vail to Denver. Though, I spent a year and a bit based in Denver, and once drove down from Aspen to Denver very late at night (leaving Aspen around 11PM), and I will say that when there isn't much traffic, you can really put your foot down and get some speed going on I70.
Aug 16, 2021, 12:33 pm
#72
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,642
You're giving me an ever increasing list of restaurants to try the next time I make it up to Denver! Glad to see you all are settling in nicely
Aug 21, 2021, 8:56 am
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
That does seem very quick from Vail to Denver. Though, I spent a year and a bit based in Denver, and once drove down from Aspen to Denver very late at night (leaving Aspen around 11PM), and I will say that when there isn't much traffic, you can really put your foot down and get some speed going on I70.
Thanks wakesetter93. The Denver restaurant scene is really impressive. Far better than in Orange County.
Aug 21, 2021, 8:57 am
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Today we're heading south to Parker to show Mrs. SFO777 the area and drive by a few homes. But first, someone has her priorities. LOL.
Thirty minutes later, down I-25 and E470, we're in Parker. Some nice areas but we crossed Parker off the list, with its seemingly never ending progression of crappy retail strip centers and tens of thousands of new tract homes.
On our way back north, we stopped at Seasons 52 at Park Meadows in Lone Tree. Pic from the Seasons52 website.
The next morning, I'm off to Pittsburgh. Breakfast in the Centurion Lounge.
Mainline United nonstop to The Burgh.
Older and wiser, I brought my own DIY tumbler and limes.
Crappy UA "lunch" options of inedible green/blue sandwiches or the Tapas Snack Box.
Yeah, that's heathly.
After morning meetings with a supplier east of Pittsburgh, the 90 minute drive back to the airport for my 5:15pm PIT-DEN nonstop. Interesting and very familiar logo on the way at IN & OUT Tire Lube. Imitation is the best form of flattery... until the lawyers start calling.
I arrived with enough time for quick stop (for limes) at the pleasant The Club.
Sadly, still on the Covid protocal so none of the usual Pittsburgh food specialties.
On board, food options were the same as yesterday. So I took the Tapas box for the smoked almonds.
Fortunately, I wisely bought some spicy tuna rolls in the terminal.
We arrived DEN at Gate B10 (seemingly near Wyoming), and my first view of the new B concourse extension.
Back home, my quarterly shipment from Flaviar, a Fathers Day gift from SFO777jr-LAX.
A few days later, we did our next round of suburb home exploring and almost put an offer on a home in Littleton. Then downtown for dinner, back to Larimer Square.
And a place called Bistro Vendome.
Not the best start as I rejected the first two tables and finally settled for quiet table in the "wine cellar".
While the food was good, the wine selections were disappointing, borderline pathetic. I order a bottle of Chablis (one of only 5 Chardonnays on the menu) only to be told that they'd run out. "We only ordered 8 bottles". LOL
Mrs. SFO777 loved her onion soup.
My steak tartar was excellent.
My sea bass was outstanding as were the delicious frites.
The next night, we picked up the Denver kids and our granddaughter for dinner at 801 Chophouse, at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Pic from shopcherrycreek.com.
Pic from 801chophouse.com.
A far contrast to last night, this place has an amazing and extensive wine list.
Bacon wrapped scallops. Meh.
On the other hand, my wedge salad was very good.
My filet was fabulous and perfectly medium rare plus.
The next morning from my office, yeah that's not for me.
Dinner at home a few days later, Mrs. SFO777's delicious beet salad with panko fried goat cheese.
Thirty minutes later, down I-25 and E470, we're in Parker. Some nice areas but we crossed Parker off the list, with its seemingly never ending progression of crappy retail strip centers and tens of thousands of new tract homes.
On our way back north, we stopped at Seasons 52 at Park Meadows in Lone Tree. Pic from the Seasons52 website.
The next morning, I'm off to Pittsburgh. Breakfast in the Centurion Lounge.
Mainline United nonstop to The Burgh.
Older and wiser, I brought my own DIY tumbler and limes.
Crappy UA "lunch" options of inedible green/blue sandwiches or the Tapas Snack Box.
Yeah, that's heathly.
After morning meetings with a supplier east of Pittsburgh, the 90 minute drive back to the airport for my 5:15pm PIT-DEN nonstop. Interesting and very familiar logo on the way at IN & OUT Tire Lube. Imitation is the best form of flattery... until the lawyers start calling.
I arrived with enough time for quick stop (for limes) at the pleasant The Club.
Sadly, still on the Covid protocal so none of the usual Pittsburgh food specialties.
On board, food options were the same as yesterday. So I took the Tapas box for the smoked almonds.
Fortunately, I wisely bought some spicy tuna rolls in the terminal.
We arrived DEN at Gate B10 (seemingly near Wyoming), and my first view of the new B concourse extension.
Back home, my quarterly shipment from Flaviar, a Fathers Day gift from SFO777jr-LAX.
A few days later, we did our next round of suburb home exploring and almost put an offer on a home in Littleton. Then downtown for dinner, back to Larimer Square.
And a place called Bistro Vendome.
Not the best start as I rejected the first two tables and finally settled for quiet table in the "wine cellar".
While the food was good, the wine selections were disappointing, borderline pathetic. I order a bottle of Chablis (one of only 5 Chardonnays on the menu) only to be told that they'd run out. "We only ordered 8 bottles". LOL
Mrs. SFO777 loved her onion soup.
My steak tartar was excellent.
My sea bass was outstanding as were the delicious frites.
The next night, we picked up the Denver kids and our granddaughter for dinner at 801 Chophouse, at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Pic from shopcherrycreek.com.
Pic from 801chophouse.com.
A far contrast to last night, this place has an amazing and extensive wine list.
Bacon wrapped scallops. Meh.
On the other hand, my wedge salad was very good.
My filet was fabulous and perfectly medium rare plus.
The next morning from my office, yeah that's not for me.
Dinner at home a few days later, Mrs. SFO777's delicious beet salad with panko fried goat cheese.
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 28, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Aug 22, 2021, 1:57 am
#75
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: IHG Spire, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Titanium, Mileage Plus Gold
Posts: 1,736
Today we're heading south to Parker to show Mrs. SFO777 the area and drive by a few homes. But first, someone has her priorities. LOL.
Thirty minutes later, down I-25 and E470, we're in Parker. Some nice areas but we crossed Parker off the list, with its seemingly never ending progression of crappy retail strip centers and tens of thousands of new tract homes.
On our way back north, we stopped at Seasons 52 at Park Meadows in Lone Tree. Pic from the Seasons52 website.
The next morning, I'm off to Pittsburgh. Breakfast in the Centurion Lounge.
Mainline United nonstop to The Burgh.
Older and wiser, I brought my own DIY tumbler and limes.
Crappy UA "lunch" options of inedible green/blue sandwiches or the Tapas Snack Box.
Yeah, that's heathly.
After morning meetings with a supplier east of Pittsburgh, the 90 minute drive back to the airport for my 5:15pm PIT-DEN nonstop. Interesting and very familiar logo on the way at IN & OUT Tire Lube. Imitation is the best form of flattery... until the lawyers start calling.
I arrived with enough time for quick stop (for limes) at the pleasant The Club.
Sadly, still on the Covid protocal so none of the usual Pittsburgh food specialties.
On board, food options were the same as yesterday. So I took the Tapas box for the smoked almonds.
Fortunately, I wisely bought some spicy tuna rolls in the terminal.
We arrived DEN at Gate B10 (seemingly near Wyoming), and my first view of the new B concourse extension.
Back home, my quarterly shipment from Flaviar, a Fathers Day gift from SFO777jr-LAX.
A few days later, we did our next round of suburb home exploring and almost put an offer on a home in Littleton. Then downtown for dinner, back to Larimer Square.
And a place called Bistro Vendome.
Not the best start as I rejected the first two tables and finally settled for quiet table in the "wine cellar".
While the food was good, the wine selections were disappointing, borderline pathetic. I order a bottle of Chablis (one of only 5 Chardonnays on the menu) only to be told that they'd run out. "We only ordered 8 bottles". LOL
Mrs. SFO777 loved her onion soup.
My steak tartar was excellent.
My sea bass was outstanding as were the delicious frites.
The next night, we picked up the Denver kids and our granddaughter for dinner at 801 Chophouse, at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Pic from shopcherrycreek.com.
Pic from 801chophouse.com.
A far contrast to last night, this place has an amazing and extensive wine list.
Bacon wrapped scallops. Meh.
On the other hand, my wedge salad was very good.
My filet was fabulous and perfectly medium rare plus.
The next morning from my office, yeah that's not for me.
Dinner at home a few days later, Mrs. SFO777's delicious beet salad with panko fried goat cheese.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com...
• Off to Denver
• And back later that day
• Off to Denver Again
• JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
• Denver Apartment Hunting
• Back to LAX
• On the road again... to Las Vegas
• 500 miles of Arizona, Utah and Colorado
• And finally Denver...
• Waiting for the movers to arrive
• Settling into Denver
• Our day at Vail
• Dining around Denver and more
Additional installments available on SFO777.com. Will post to FT as soon as possible.
• August in Denver
Still to come...
• Exploring and house hunting in metro Denver burbs
Thirty minutes later, down I-25 and E470, we're in Parker. Some nice areas but we crossed Parker off the list, with its seemingly never ending progression of crappy retail strip centers and tens of thousands of new tract homes.
On our way back north, we stopped at Seasons 52 at Park Meadows in Lone Tree. Pic from the Seasons52 website.
The next morning, I'm off to Pittsburgh. Breakfast in the Centurion Lounge.
Mainline United nonstop to The Burgh.
Older and wiser, I brought my own DIY tumbler and limes.
Crappy UA "lunch" options of inedible green/blue sandwiches or the Tapas Snack Box.
Yeah, that's heathly.
After morning meetings with a supplier east of Pittsburgh, the 90 minute drive back to the airport for my 5:15pm PIT-DEN nonstop. Interesting and very familiar logo on the way at IN & OUT Tire Lube. Imitation is the best form of flattery... until the lawyers start calling.
I arrived with enough time for quick stop (for limes) at the pleasant The Club.
Sadly, still on the Covid protocal so none of the usual Pittsburgh food specialties.
On board, food options were the same as yesterday. So I took the Tapas box for the smoked almonds.
Fortunately, I wisely bought some spicy tuna rolls in the terminal.
We arrived DEN at Gate B10 (seemingly near Wyoming), and my first view of the new B concourse extension.
Back home, my quarterly shipment from Flaviar, a Fathers Day gift from SFO777jr-LAX.
A few days later, we did our next round of suburb home exploring and almost put an offer on a home in Littleton. Then downtown for dinner, back to Larimer Square.
And a place called Bistro Vendome.
Not the best start as I rejected the first two tables and finally settled for quiet table in the "wine cellar".
While the food was good, the wine selections were disappointing, borderline pathetic. I order a bottle of Chablis (one of only 5 Chardonnays on the menu) only to be told that they'd run out. "We only ordered 8 bottles". LOL
Mrs. SFO777 loved her onion soup.
My steak tartar was excellent.
My sea bass was outstanding as were the delicious frites.
The next night, we picked up the Denver kids and our granddaughter for dinner at 801 Chophouse, at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Pic from shopcherrycreek.com.
Pic from 801chophouse.com.
A far contrast to last night, this place has an amazing and extensive wine list.
Bacon wrapped scallops. Meh.
On the other hand, my wedge salad was very good.
My filet was fabulous and perfectly medium rare plus.
The next morning from my office, yeah that's not for me.
Dinner at home a few days later, Mrs. SFO777's delicious beet salad with panko fried goat cheese.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com...
• Off to Denver
• And back later that day
• Off to Denver Again
• JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
• Denver Apartment Hunting
• Back to LAX
• On the road again... to Las Vegas
• 500 miles of Arizona, Utah and Colorado
• And finally Denver...
• Waiting for the movers to arrive
• Settling into Denver
• Our day at Vail
• Dining around Denver and more
Additional installments available on SFO777.com. Will post to FT as soon as possible.
• August in Denver
Still to come...
• Exploring and house hunting in metro Denver burbs
I got my ballot in the mail. I get to throw Newsom out before heading on out for CO next month.