Bar owner Jesse Morreale fought the law and the law won. You be the judge on this battle of the RockBar vs. the City of Denver.
In one corner is RockBar, the East Colfax 1970s style dive bar that at one time served food and dancing, but had its liquor and dancing license suspended on Oct. 8.
In the other corner is Denver as in the office of Tom Downey, the director of the Department of Excise and License, who yanked RockBar’s liquor license because of apparent several violations.
However, RockBar owner Morreale had every right to appeal the decision, except for the dancing permit which was denied outright, instead on Tuesday decided against fighting the legal battle.
RockBar will officially shut down at closing time Saturday. Morreale told me through tears that he didn’t want to continue to pay legal fees to fight Downey’s decision.
“The last weekend Denver will be able to enjoy this iconic nationally known Denver institution will be this Friday and Saturday, because despite Downey’s assumption that the business would appeal his outrageous decision, the damage already done to the business by the City is too deep,” Morreale said in a prepared statement. “The business cannot afford an appeal even thought they believe the facts and the law support their position.”
The prepared statement by Morreale went on to cite the funky bar’s participation in the 2008 Denver National Convention when it became a haven for Barack Obama-supporting celebrities including Susan Sarandon, Alan Cumming and Anne Hathaway.
Meanwhile, Morreale is battling the city on another front regarding the alleged “safety” of his First and Broadway building that houses El Diablo and Sketch restaurants, which were shut down suddenly for two weeks but have since reopened while the city’s issues with the 1906 building are resolved.
Downey, who was appointed the Director of Excise and License by Mayor Michael Hancock, responded to Morreale’s press release by saying, “The most clear-cut aspect of the hearing officer’s recommended decision was the finding of fact that Rockbar was not in compliance with the State Liquor Code’s requirement that 25 percent of a restaurant’s gross revenues come from the sale of food.
“In my Scheduling Order soliciting objections and comments on the recommended decision, I specifically suggested that RockBar submit records showing such compliance. They submitted no records by the Oct. 5 deadline, and I issued my Final Decision and Order on Oct. 8.”
Bottom line is that RockBar will cease to exist as of end of business on Saturday.
Truffle time
One of my favorite times of the year is truffle time at Barolo Grill.
I have missed owner Blair Taylor’s tour de force once in the dozen or so years he’s been putting on the special event that brings the coveted white and lesser expensive but equally as fabulous black truffles direct from Alba, Italy, where specially trained dogs (used to be pigs) dig them out.
The main event, with a few seats remaining, is Nov. 5 where chef Darrel Truett will deliver a seven-course feast for $275 per person, paired with wines by GM and wine director Ryan Fletter. But for those of you who aren’t willing to make that commitment, Truffle Festival runs Nov. 6 through 10 where you can create your own truffle courses off the menu.
“The truffles come from our direct source in Alba whose dogs pull them directly out of the ground,” said Barolo owner Taylor. “This year the truffles are really round and high quality and perfumed.”
If you want a reservation to the coveted Nov. 5 dinner, please call Jamie Patrick, events manager, at 303-393-1040.
Taylor says that Chef Truett has taken Barolo’s cuisine to a new level. “The kitchen has never been finer,” he said. For more information, go to www.barologrilldenver.com.
Open seating times are still available for most nights on the Truffle Festival – Tuesday through Saturday Nov. 6 -10. This is an ala carte menu oft ruffles (white or black) or the five-course tasting menu with truffles is also available. Open Table can take reservations for these nights at www.opentable.com.
Start spreading the news
Denver Restaurant Week(s), presented by Visit Denver, is set for Feb. 23-March 8. DRW will once again offer diners a multi-course dinner for two for the “Mile High’ fixed price of $52.80, not including tax or tip, for $26.40 for one.
All information can be found at www.denverrestaurantweek.com.
Sweet Basil creators create a new spot
From the creators of the legendary Sweet Basil in Vail, comes a new restaurant scheduled to open in December. For 35 years, Sweet Basil has created a standard for mountain dining and the new restaurant Mountain Standard will take a cue from its predecessor while establishing its own niche in a relaxed tavern atmosphere.
Mountain Standard will primarily feature food cooked over an open fire on a wood-burning grill and rotisserie.
The new restaurant will be in the heart of Vail Village along East Gore Creek Drive around the conrer from Sweet Basil. Mountain Standard will serve lunch, apres and dinner from 11:30 a.m. through 10 p.m. Reservations will be taken starting Nov. 1 by calling 970-476-0123 or at www.mtnstandard.com.
Eavesdropping on a man to a woman: “You want a Michelada?”
“Did you just say I’ll meet you later?”
Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.
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