maria empanada - S Broadway

We love the hell out of some empanadas and Maria's is our new Denver winner. The classic beef or chicken are crazy good and even a meat lover will swoon for their corn or mushroom empanadas. If they're packed, you can grab a To Go order in minutes. Divine. BONUS: Their salsas kick ass.

Harman's - Cherry Creek

The whole local, foraged, sustainable thing is a little bit overplayed for us as a restaurant theme lately (we're hoping it becomes the norm not the marketing trend sooner than later) but we happened into Harman's unexpectedly and weren't disappointed.  It was welcoming and lively but not overcrowded and they shake up a perfect dirty martini. The brussel sprout starter had a dipping sauce with enough kick to make yet another brussel sprout app worth trying. Husband's scallop special was delicious and the Phat Thai Fried Chicken was perfectly seasoned. Our server couldn't have been sweeter or more on point. BONUS: We brought home the most delicious apple cake, try it.