Carne RiNo

It’s not completely wrong to say that I planned my winter trip to Denver around getting dinner with Kendra and Sean. So, when Sean gave me a choice of picking between two restaurants, I chose Carne RiNo.

It was a relatively quick ride from my hotel at Limelight Denver to Carne RiNo. Once I arrived, all I could say was “Wow”.

The interior design was absolutely lovely. I instantly looked forward for what was to grace our table.

I began with the Rebel Rebel (Rittenhouse rye, milam & greene provisions, bourbon, averna, fig, black walnut, angostura).

The amuse bouche of the evening was a Cheese arepa, which was stunningly delicious. As I bit into my piece, I thought – if this is the taste of what’s to come, then we are in for a delicious night.

The BURRATA (Apple cider poached acorn squash, pepita gremolata, sherry glaze, fried sage leaves) with crostinis was as unique and delicious as it looked.

Sean ordered the OCTOPUSSY (Grilled achiote octopus, cannellini bean puree and salad, olive tapenade), which I joked that he ordered just to say the name. He said that it was delicious – and I believed him. It looked great.

My CARNE OLD FASHIONED (Stranahan’s blue peak single malt, Rittenhouse rye, amaretto, chocolate bitters) went well with our star entrees of the evening.

The 1lb 7X WAGYU FOR 2+ (Green chimichurri, Horseradish, Béarnaise and Carne steak sauce) – cooked medium rare – was absolutely delicious.

The CALIENTE FRENCH FRIES (Loca seasoning, chipotle aioli) were also delicious.

The VEAL SCALLOPINI (Capers, tomatoes, garlic, white wine lemon demi sauce) paired exceptionally well with the SEASONAL RISOTTO (Mushrooms, parmesan cheese).

My nightcap of the evening – the ASPENGLOW (Aspen vodka, BroVo Uncharted Rhapsody, pistachio, housemade cinnamon cardamom syrup, lemon) went perfectly with our shared BROWNIE dessert.

Between the food, the drinks, and the easy laughter with Kendra and Sean, the night felt like exactly the kind of memory I’d hoped to create on my year’s end winter trip to Denver, Colorado.

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