PlanetEye

The highlight of my visit to Brazil was it's amazing food.  Brazil is approximately the same size as the United States, and it boasts many varieties of cuisine.    The central coastal region of Bahia is the home of exotic seafood dishes that are heavily influenced by the African descent of its residents.  Once you have tasted these unique flavors you will be haunted by a periodic longing to enjoy another Brazilian meal.

 You can imagine my surprise and pleasure when I found an Bahian restaurant right in the middle of Denver.  Cafe Brazil has been a well kept secret on the edge of the Highlands neighborhood of east Denver for 16 years, which is a lifetime in restaurant terms.  Any restaurant that survives this long in such an obscure location does so only because of a loyal following.

 The signature dish of Bahia cuisine is a flavorfull seafood stew called Moqueca.  The typical stew includes fish, shrimp, and/or chicken, along with coconut milk, onions, garlic, and rice.  Each bite is like taking your mouth on an exotic voyage.  Cafe Brazil also features similar dishes from the coast of Columbia.

 Like a long voyage these, your experience will not be inexpensive.   The average dish will set you back about $20.   Dinner for two could easily cost $80 once you have purchase appetizers and a couple of Caipirinhas, the traditional Brazilian drink.  You might leave broke, but you will not go home unsatisfied.

  Reservations are recommended, and I would even go so far as to advise an earlier seating as some dishes may not be availible by late evening,

 Cafe Brazil

4408 Lowell Blvd.

Denver, CO 80211

303-480-1877 

Tuesday-Saturday 5:00-10:00pm 

 Mataam Fez is definitely hidden.  Located a rather run down section of Colfax, the main commercial street in Denver, it is almost as if Mataam Fez is trying to hide the fact that it is Moroccan restaurant.   The exterior is as plain and non-descript as it could be, without any indication that it is a Moroccan restaurant, or even that it is open.   Once inside, you will find that it's interior is as exciting and exotic as it's outside isn't.   Tapestries are hung from every wall and ceiling and belly dancers move to a middle eastern beat while the scent of what's to come wafts in from the kitchen.

By the time you are invited to sit on the floor among piles of pillows,  you are just beginning to get an idea of the treats in store for you.   The menu features a rich variety of lamb, poultry, fish, and even rabbit.  A vegetarian entree is also availible.  I have visited Mataam Fez perhaps a dozen times in the last 10 years, and regardless of what was ordered, everyone felt privilidged to enjoy such a unique feast.   In fact, the menu states that the kitchen purposely varies it's recipies as it's access to ingredients changes.

Your entree will be preceded by home made bread, lentil soup, a variety of vegetable salads, and a steaming hot, baked meat pie wrapped in a delicate flakey dough.  Now is the time to accept that you will not be able to finish everything.  At the conclusion of the meal, you will sprayed with rose water before given a glass of mint tea.  It is not that simple, but I will not spoil the surprise.

 For some however, this experience is not all fun and games.    You will be sitting on the floor with a towel over your shoulder and eating with your hands; silverware and napkins are not availible.  Do not wear your finest clothes, as they will almost certainly have food on them by the end of the evening.  Do not plan to have a quick meal and run off to a scheduled engagement as you can expect  your meal to take at least two hours.  If you are interested in an authentic Moroccan meal, it might be the most memorable two hours you ever spend in a restaurant.

 Insider tips: 

Always call them ahead of time to make a reservation, even on a week night.    You won't have too much trouble getting a reservation, but for some reason they do not like guests to show up without warning, especially when they are slow.

While their prices are reasonable, they are not inexpensive.   A typical meal costs about $20 before tax and tip.  Fortunately, a two for one discount is availible with the Entertainment Card (availible online and at local bookstores).

Mataam Fez Denver

(303) 399-9282  

4609 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80220

Some cities are known for their zoo.   While Denver is not one of those cities, it does have a first class facility in a great location, Steele Street.

Seriously, the Denver Zoo is only about 2 miles from Downtown, adjacent to the picturesqe City Park and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  While the zoo may not be as expansive as others, it distinguishes itself in it's varietey of species that are on exhibit.

See Denver's newly born twin Golden Lion Tamarin monkeys.   Enjoy the rare privilidge of seeing an Andean Condor spead it's wings, the largest of any bird.  If you do not believe that rodents of unusual size really do exist, then check out the surprisingly friendly Capybara, the largest rodent in the world.

 Tips: Discount tickets can be purchased at the local King Soopers grocery store chain.

Your Zoo admission is free on the following days in 2008: 

Tuesday, October 7
Saturday, October 18
Sunday, November 2
Sunday, November 9

Also, be sure to check out the feeding times at the Zoo's web site.

Location:

Located in Denver's City Park, the Zoo's main entrance is on 23rd Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and York Street.

Address:
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205

Hours
Open every day of the year

Oct.1-March 31 - 10 am to 5 pm
Admission gates close at 4:00 pm

April 1-Sept 30 - 9 am to 6 pm
Admission gates close at 5:00 pm

Telephone: (303)-376-4800.