Our Sunday brunch was well anticipated at the Cajun-style Lucile’s Creole Café (http://www.luciles.com/) located just a few steps away from our hotel. The small house was packed, and we patiently waited outside for a table. When they brought out the beignets, I felt like I was in NOLA all over again. When they brought out the enormous biscuits, I smothered them with sausage and gravy and probably gained 10 pounds! The food was great, and the atmosphere completely charming. After almost rolling out of Lucile’s we managed to fit in some time for the gym and spa, which was very much needed after last night’s dinner extravaganza.Last stop: Denver. Soon it was time to pack up, say goodbye to Boulder and the Hotel Boulderado, and head to Denver for our last night in Colorado. We arrived at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel & Spa (http://www.brownpalace.com/) located in the heart of downtown. This hotel is more than 117 years old and has hosted some of the nation’s most influential people, including all living past presidents, Bill Gates and The Beatles. Owned at one time by the Unsinkable Molly Brown (remember her from Titanic?), the hotel is absolutely exquisite. Anyone who visits Denver should at least stop at the Brown Palace for a visit and tour. Our last Girls Getaway to Colorado meal was at Rioja (www.RiojaDenver.com), located in Larimer Square. We settled in at the chef’s table where Mike’s knowledge and excitement for the food here was contagious! From the artichoke tortelonni to the warm brussel sprout salad to the coconut mango risotto “stack”, everything was absolutely amazing!!! Many thanks to co-owners Jennifer and Beth for the best last Colorado dinner we could ever imagine.
While walking back to the Brown Palace, we made one last shopping stop into Overland Sheepskin Co. (http://www.overland.com/) for some of the area’s best cold-weather jackets, hats, boots and gear. We tried on some great things (and Jeri napped on some faux animal hides), then we called it a night.
With goodbye so close, we were all chatting about our favorite moments from the trip and the fun times we will remember so fondly. We decided this is not goodbye, but “until next time” as we are already talking about a trip to Italy next year, or I-11 as we are calling it. Thanks for the terrific memories. I had a blast! See you girls again real soon….ciao!
PHOTO: At the Chef's Table at Rioja in Denver. Looks like the chefs were having as much fun as we were!
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