The Panzano Restaurant in the Kimpton Monaco Hotel was the perfect end to a day of exploring Downtown Denver. Imagine me sitting alone in a booth at the Panzano Restaurant. Eyes closed as I savoured every bite.
Keep reading for my review to find out why it was such a treat.
Executive chef, Nic Lebas brought a delicious mediterranean flare to Denver, a town known for its mountainous range and finicky weather. Rated one of the best restaurants in Colorado in 2016, I was excited to dive into the varied menu and give this Northern Italian restaurant a shot. I wasn’t disappointed.
To start, the Frito Mitso (a calamari dish) was spicy and delicious. The perfectly paired aioli went well with the medley of fried vegetables that also joined the squid. The Tortellini Di Merluzzo featured a beautiful mix of earthy colours with a light basil cream sauce. The pine nuts added texture to the cod and brought balance to the plate.
Possibly my favourite dish that night was the Costolette Di Agnello. Soft lamb cooked to the chef’s preference was lightly topped with puree’d cauliflower. The dish was rounded out with a mix of pickled black berries. The Scottato Pan Capesante scallops were buttery soft and the plating was just as delicious as the dish. The chestnut puree accompanying it mixed so well with the truffle oil. It was a decadent dish, so be warned, you’ll want a nap right after!
Finally for dessert I had the Crostata Di Nutella; a crispy chocolate hazelnut dish. It was like eating a huge Ferrero Rocher, so I was in heaven. The Nutella mousse and pistachio gelato were an incredible pairing. Dessert was truly an incredible finale to my dinner.