Miyako Ra-Men Spot - Noodles in the Burbs

In the midst of a Colorado January, few things are as satisfying as a delicious bowl of broth-y ramen. The problem is that for those of us (non Subaru drivers) in south Denver, we tend to not want to make the trek on icy roads, to the other side of Denver. Needless to say, I was quite happy to discover the newly opened Miyako Ra-men Spot on S. Broadway. It's a little north of Dartmoth, close to the Gothic Theater.

The food is simple and a good value for the amount of food that you get - The Ramen starts at $9.50 a bowl. We started with an order of the house-made Gyoza and the flavor and texture were perfect. Potstickers are not fancy, but I love when they are perfectly seared and these ones had the perfect mix of the crunch from the sear with the dough having a nice tooth, but not mushy.  

The Ramen of course is the main event. I ordered the Shoyu Tonkotsu - salted pork and soy sauce broth with egg noodles. The standard toppings include a 1/2 boiled egg, shredded carrots, spinach, house roasted pork, and green onions. There are additional toppings that you can order a la cart, but I just went with the standard for my first time. The broth was delicious and had great flavor and the noodles were cooked perfectly.

The service was attentive and I appreciate the recommendations from our server. We were there on a Sunday around noon and the restaurant wasn't super busy. I could however imagine this place filling up rather quickly depending on the day. I've only visited once so far, but myself and my companion both enjoyed our food, so I'm sure that we will be back soon.

3 ways to Stay in Shape This Holiday Season

Pachanga/ Plango - 4 weeks of Fitness Classes for $35  - Pachanga and Plango are the same thing... If you take Pachanga at 24 Hour Fitness, it's just called Palango. These classes are incredibly popular and for good reason. The simple, intense, and fun workouts torch calories while you hardly notice.

$30 for Ugly Sweater Run  -  The Ugly Sweater Fun Run is a 5k where you get you run in your favorite ugly sweater and after you will get a beer too with your ticket




$19.99 for Billy Blanks PT 24/7 7-DVD Set with B2 Bands and Gloves .... because, hey it's Billy! Who doesn't remember Tae Bo?! This 7 disc set is actually worth $80 and comes with resistance bands and gloves!

Fiske and Frisk on the Hill - Planetarium, Cafe Aion, Shopping and your pick of History or Theater

This week's Colorado itinerary takes you to 'The Hill' in Boulder. For those not familiar with the University Hill, it refers to the neighborhood around Colorado University. Full disclosure, if you visit during a semester, there will be a fair amount of college students around. Personally I like the energy and the pace of the area. A 1/2 off Groupon featuring Fiske Planetarium  was the inspiration for this collection of places to visit. Please leave feedback and let me know what you think of this day trip. For the most part, all the below suggestions are in walking distance of each other. In addition to some of the recommended restaurants, I have also included a links for other restaurants in the area that currently have deals.

Cafe Aion - Brunch 11 am 

Cost: $6-$15
http://www.cafeaion.com/

Start your day with brunch at Cafe Aion. Many of the dishes are designed for sharing. Spanish and Moroccan flavors are apparent in the menu. The fried cauliflower is surprisingly one of the stand out Tapas - fair warning, you may not want to share. In addition to coffee and juice, they also have a full bar. I am particularly fond of their Bloody Mary's, made with chili infused vodka and crispy bacon.

Fiske Planetarium - CHECK SHOWTIME AND GET TICKETS

Cost: $11 for 2 tickets with Groupon (Reg. $10 per ticket)

https://fiske.colorado.edu/beta/events

The Fiske Planetarium features the Ziess, one of the most advanced stargazing machines in the world. Furthermore, CU has recently invested in an all-new fully immersive theater system, making it one of the most sophisticated planetariums in the country. Since the planetarium was the inspiration for this day trip, I suggest that you select what show you would like to go to, as there is different programming throughout the day.  https://fiske.colorado.edu/beta/events 

Use the below suggestions to fill the time in before or after the planetarium show.

Shopping on the Hill 

Cost: Varies $-$$$ 

http://www.thehillboulder.com/businesses/ 

• Frisk Jewelry - They have been in business for over 10 years and features vintage and unique jewelry finds - http://www.girlsforfrisk.com/ 

• Meininger's - Go get your craft on! Actually if you time your trip right, you can take a free art class with part of the Demo and Dialogue series that is hosted at Meininger's in conjunction with the Art Student's League. As a bonus feature, a coupon is usually given to those who participate in the class-  http://www.meininger.com/demo-dialogue/ 

• Albums on the Hill - One of the last true record stores. They don't seem to have a website; just a Facebook page...go figure. Oh well, keep an eye out for upcoming in-store-performances. - https://www.facebook.com/Albums-on-the-Hill-135666886484838/  

Colorado University: Natural History or Theater 

Cost: Free - $$ (admission to some theater events)

Since you are pretty much on CU's stomping grounds, you might as well check out some of the culture on campus. Two points of interest are the Natural History Museum and the University Theater.   

• CU Museum of Natural History - Free/ Suggested donation of $3 - https://cumuseum.colorado.edu/
• CU Theater and Dance (usually there is a 2pm show on Saturdays and Sundays as well as evening shows, but check calendar for current shows) http://www.colorado.edu/theatredance/events  

Restaurant Deals - Up to 40% Off 

Here are just a few food options that are reasonably priced and in the area. A couple of the recommendations are neighborhood favorites and the other three have good Yelp reviews and Groupons! 

• Terra Thai - No coupon on this one, but with most of the menu ranging from $3-$8, why would you need one? Great food here, however, they are not open on Saturdays 
• The Sink - What does Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain have in common? They both ate at this burger joint when they were in town.... not together, of course ;)  

• Tibet Kitchen  - $12 for $20 worth of food for two or more people with Groupon

• Mimi's Kitchen  - $13 for $20 worth of Mexican cuisine for two with Groupon 

• The Cheese Course -  $15 for $25 worth of bistro menu items and drinks for two with Groupon

Denver Arts Week 2015 - Best Bets

Denver Arts Week is a celebration of all things art and is currently in full swing. From November 6th through November 14th, patrons of the arts can find all sorts of events that are deeply discounted or free. Arts week encompases pretty much all the creative fields - 2D and 3D arts, dance, music, comedy, and performance. Below are a few of my favorites, but for the full list visit the Denver Arts Week event page.

Nov 8th 

Colorado Convention Center Public Art Tour

Cost: FREE 

Starts 1:00pm 

Convention Public Art Tour

*Many years ago when I was in art school, I took a class on Art Industry. While in this class, I had the privilege of being able to tour many of the public art installations including the art installed at the
Convention Center. This was one of the more fascinating art tours that will leave you with an appreciation of much more than the Blue Bear. 

Denver Veterans Day Parade and Festival 

Cost: Free  

10:00am - 3:00pm 

http://www.denverveteransday.com/ 

$52.80 for Two Tickets to Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3

Cost: $52.80; original price $134.00 - Use Code: ARTS2015 when purchasing a pair of tickets 

1:00pm 

http://tickets.coloradosymphony.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=3578 

Best of Santa Fe Exhibit and Awards 

Cost: Free 

10am - 6pm

http://www.artdistrictonsantafe.com/ 

Nov 9th 

Art Tour of the Byers- Evans House Museum 

Cost: $6 

Starts at 12pm 

http://www.historycolorado.org/museums/byers-evans-house-museum 

Denver Museum of Natura and Science Free Day 

Cost: Free

9am - 5pm

http://www.dmns.org/about-us/scfd-free-days/ 

Improve Hootenanny 2 for 1 Improv Tickets 

Cost: $5; original price $10 (Redeem offer at the door, through Nov 10th) 

Starts at 7:30pm 

http://www.bovinemetropolis.com/content/improv-hootenanny 

Nov 10th 

Faculty Tuesday: Cabaret Songs 

Cost: Free 

Starts 7:30 pm

http://www.colorado.edu/music/events/faculty-tuesdays 

St John's Cathedral Music at Noon - Brian Hanly; Violin and Willian David; Piano

Cost: Free 

Starts 12pm

http://www.denver.org/includes/calendar-of-events/St-John-s-Cathedral-Music-at-Noon---Brian-Hanly-violin-William-David-piano/30909/4973/ 

5280 Take - Off at Wings Over the Rockies - (Nov 6th-12th)

Cost: $5.82 per person; original price $11 pp

Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

http://wingsmuseum.org/  

Nov 11th 

Like the show Face Off - Check out this event! 

Denver Film Festival: Creative Conversations: A Master of Movie Magic 

Cost: $15-$17

Starts 7pm 

http://www.denver.org/includes/calendar-of-events/Denver-Film-Festival-Creative-Conversations-A-Master-of-Movie-Magic/31304/4973/ 

Hot off the Press - Printmaking Demo 

Cost: Free 

6-10pm 

http://www.denver.org/includes/calendar-of-events/Hot-off-the-Press/30248/4973/ 

Visiting Artist Series: Ian Bogost - Ironoia: The Mistrust of Things 

Cost: Free - Seating is Limited, RSVP via link

Starts 6:30pm

http://www.vasd.rmcad.edu/current-series/#/ian-bogost/ 

Nov 12th 

Colorado: Why are we Here - Free Lecture 

Cost: Free 

Starts 6:15pm 

http://www.crossroadsculturalcenter.org/events/2015/11/12/colorado-why-are-we-here.html 

Mixing Your Media 

Cost: Free 

12- 9pm 

http://www.denver.org/includes/calendar-of-events/Mixing-Your-Media/31182/4973/ 

Frontier Religion in Early Colorado 

Cost: $10-$15

6-7:30pm 

http://www.goldenhistory.org/learn-do/events/ 

Nov 13th 

A Mile High Ode to Star Wars Toys: Sneak Peak with the Curator 

Cost: $15

3-5pm 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-mile-high-ode-to-star-wars-toys-sneak-peek-with-the-curator-tickets-18333590262

Beatles to Bach III with Skanson & Hansen 

Cost: $10-$15

Starts 7pm 

http://www.trinityumc.org/experience-trinity/upcoming-events/334-darren-curtis-skanson-beatles-to-bach-iii 

Christo Artist Talk 

Cost: $15

Starts 7pm 

http://mcadenver.org/index.php 

Nov 14th 

40 West Creative Arts Sampler - mini workshops 

Cost: Frees 

1-4pm 

http://www.denver.org/includes/calendar-of-events/40-West-Creative-Arts-Sampler-at-Barnes-Noble-Denver-West-/30115/4973/ 

RiNo Artists and Models Ball 

Cost: $25

6:30-10pm 

http://www.rivernorthart.com/2015-artists-models-ball/ 

Symphony at the Movies: Back to the Future 

Cost: $34-$94

http://tickets.coloradosymphony.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=3653 

    

Ja Ja Bistro - NEW OWNERS, How's the experience? Patio Brunch of Bloody Marys and Omelettes

Ja Ja is a french term for every day wine or house wine. If you are interested in enjoying your ja ja wine in a cottage/ patio atmosphere JaJa Bistro in Littleton might be the place for you. JaJa Bistro first showed up on my radar, while reading the positive reviews posted on A-List Denver. It wasn't at the top of the list, but there were enough good things said about it that my curiosity was piqued.

My review is based on a single visit this past weekend. I had tried to visit one prior time, but it was on a Sunday and the previous owners had JaJa closed on Sundays. From what I understand, the current owners purchased JaJa earlier this year (2015) and they are now open the full weekend.

The cute bungalow had a few tables inside and beautiful patio seating outside. For myself and my companion, we elected to sit outside for our visit to the partially full restaurant. The meal started with a bread basket of delicious flaky croissants and a drink order of a diet Coke and a Bloody Mary. We waited and waited... and waited. Service was SLOW... I'm not sure if the issue was that we were outside, they were short staffed, or if I just have a quicker expectation of how long drinks and food should take to be turned around. My bloody mary took 15-20 mins to get to the table and food came about 40 mins later. The flavor was great on the bloody and I liked the pickled pepper, but it should be noted that it is a relatively small bloody - looked to be around 8 oz.

The entree was served 45+ minutes after ordering (also note, the restaurant was not full). I ordered a ham and brie omelette which came with a side of bacon, baguette, and pan fried potatoes. Again the flavor was good and I enjoyed the omelette, but Denver has some pretty stiff competition when it comes to brunch. For the wait, it wasn't any better than many of the other omelettes that I have had in Denver. The omelette was comparatively small (see photo) and some of my potatoes were oxidized, which is probably fine to eat but didn't look too appetizing. 

I would possibly consider giving this restaurant a second chance since the flavor was good and I enjoyed the quiet outside table, but I really have a hard time with the amount of time that it took to turn out a pretty simple dish. To further compound the experience. The waitress, while friendly, didn't offer any explanation of the length of time, didn't offer more bread while we waited, and let our drinks run out without refilling (including the water). That being said, I can forgive many things, such as small portion sizes and oxidized potatoes, when exceptional service is provided. Obviously many people have liked this restaurant and maybe have different menu recommendations that would improve the overall experience. If you do have another opinion or suggestions for others visiting, please share in the comments below.   

Drive Smarter Colorado

A More Comfortable and Safer Way to Drive 

Earlier this month, Denver drivers who attended the Car-Fit program, learned how they could improve the comfort of their drive and improve safety during travels. The AAA created program was hosted by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The program's goal is to improve safety through teaching drivers how to better fit their cars through the adjustment of mirrors, seat-belts, seat location, and steering wheel. If you missed the last event the next one will be coming around 10/17/15. 

October 17, 2015, 9 AM- 12 Noon
Reservation Phone Number:720-849-1738  

2015 Senior Law Day, Denver Mart - 

451 E. 58th Ave

Denver, CO

http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/ViewEvent/4827/

  

http://www.drivesmartcolorado.com/ 

5 iPod Deals and Gadgets You Didn't Know You Needed

While researching for a portable speaker for my iPod on Groupon, I stumbled across a really good collection of  iPods, accessories, speakers, and chargers. There are a ton of great deals to be found and here are 5 that really jumped out to me as good deals worth buying.

Apple iPod Touch 8GB - 64GB $119.99-$299.99

Check this out - with this deal, you can purchase 3rd -5th generation NEW iPods for significantly less than current retails. Granted, with some hunting, you could also find refurbished models for half the cost ... but twice the risk. 

 

Apple iPod Touch; 8GB–64GB and 2nd–5th Generation Models from $119.99–$299.99

$39.99 for Gator Sound Waterproof Shower Speaker 

The Gator has received 4/5 rating, which is pretty good for this type of product. Users report that it is easy to set up and has great clear sound. 

Gator Sound Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker/Speakerphone

$12.99 for Portable Battery with a Carabiner

Personally I think that these Battery packs are kind of cute. There are several colors that you can select from and it fits on your key chain. 

iHome Power Clip 2,600mAh or 5,200 mAh Portable Battery with Carabiner

$149.99 for iPod/ iPhone Dock with Internet Radio 

You might be wondering why I included the Revo dock in my list since it is a higher price point. Here is why - in addition to playing any downloaded content and your i- whatever, you can stream 11,000+ internet radio stations. Check out the full specs on the link below.  

Revo Internet/FM Radio Player and iPod/iPhone Dock

$6.98 for Cute iPhone Case 

GMYLE 2 in 1 Case - PU Leather Detachable Hard Back & Wallet Case Cover For iPod touch 5th Generation