It was a week of wining and dining

File this under “it’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it.”

With all the restaurants and tipping establishments opening before the holiday season, I’ve been on the media circuit taste testing the newbies to report to you, dear readers. And looking at my calendar for the next two weeks, there’s much more to come.

First up was The Nickel, the newly decorated dining room and library lounge in the Hotel Teatro where chef Kevin Taylor helmed the kitchen for years.

With Taylor’s departure to take care of other interests including restaurants at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex and the Denver Art Museum, there was a void in the Teatro’s culinary program.

Filling that void is The Nickel, serving “Rocky Mountain centric modern American food” under the leadership of chef Christopher Thompson. That means you’ll find a varied menu including braised short ribs, seared wild salmon, lamb Bolognese, roasted kabocha squash soup and baby kale salad along with myriad desserts.

The most amazing transformation is The Study, a library lounge where Taylor’s signature restaurant used to reside. It’s a sink into your seat with a good friend or a good book atmosphere with a “chef’s bubble hour” from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Reservations: www.hotelteatro.com/the-nickel or call 303-228-1100.