Denver

Denver is my hometown. It's really difficult to describe a place you've lived all your life from a tourist's perspective, but I'll do my best. Most people I know are not Denver natives, and have moved here because it's close to great skiing and fishing, and it's sunny most of the year. People like to spend their weekends snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, camping or biking. Somehow this wasn't bred into me, so I like it because we have a great jazz scene, lots of shopping and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Most important, I guess, is we have a very eco-friendly, organic, yoga-doing, zen mind culture with some really delicious places to eat!

City, O' City • Vegan and Vegetarian • 206 13th Street • Map
I finally had a chance to check out City, O' City on a rainy Monday night. I was really blown away at how beautiful it was. There is a big bar with drinks that include organic wines, warm lighting, and lots of places to sit. Most of the patrons were students getting together to study. The menu includes incredibly delicious snacks like seitan buffalo wings, and pizzas with vegan or regular cheese and seitan toppings. If you are heading to the Denver Art Museum, this place is just up the street, and also offers coffee and vegan and wheat-free treats. It's open from at 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. most nights.

Mercury Cafe • Omnivorous • 2199 California Street • Map
Even though the Mercury Cafe must be called "omnivorous" its menu is filled with options, like marinated tofu, grilled tempeh and vegan desserts. The owner is an environmentalist and the kitchen prepares things carefully, using organic ingredients when possible. It's a huge, shabby chic sort of place that hosts all kinds of bands and poetry readings and ecclectic entertainment.

This place can get very busy after 7 p.m. and on weekends, and the kitchen isn't always up to the task. Probably the best thing you can do is find out what the server recommends for the night, and have a lot of time to spare.

Watercourse Foods • Vegan and Vegetarian • 837 E. 17th Ave • Map
Watercourse is THE place to go for vegetarian food in Denver. They just opened at a newer, bigger location and it's constantly full of patrons. We go for brunch a lot to order the hash with scrambled tofu, veggies and gravy or buckwheat pancakes.

Dinner is awesome too because they have all kinds of pastas and sandwiches and wraps and rice dishes. The menu has been updated with more salad choices too. My favorite is the Monti Pasta, penne with garlic, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, broccoli and brie. They also have a good selection of beer and wines, including organics.