DENReview
Potager
Two things. First of all, it’s pronounced “puh ta zhay”, you hillbilly. Second, it’s a restaurant that we love a lot, and it deserves more attention.
Potager opened its doors in Denver in 1997, which is pretty much exactly the same as if they had opened right after the Titanic sank. The Mile High City didn’t have much of a restaurant scene until recently, and fifteen successful years as a neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant might as well be ninety. Especially when you realize that sourcing local ingredients didn’t become the hot sh*t thing to do until this side of the millennium. We weren’t even sure that cigarettes were bad for you back in the late nineties, let alone care where our lamb chop came from. But Potager has been committed to serving only the good stuff the whole time, and that’s a big part of what makes it an incredible restaurant. The menu changes completely every month, and despite the fact that I’ve probably never eaten the same thing twice, every meal I’ve had here has been almost perfect. The service is always on point, there’s an incredible back patio, and you can order half glasses of wine. How much have I had to drink, you ask? Some halves. Now help me find my bike.
You’ll understand then, why I find myself surprised when Denver friends tell me that they still haven’t made it to Potager. Maybe it’s just been around so long that nobody writes about it anymore. Or maybe there just aren’t many good places to read about these kinds of things in Denver. Maybe there’s something to be said for that. Maybe that’s why were here now.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox.
Food Rundown
Twice Baked Goat Cheese Soufflé
Keep in mind with this Food Rundown that the menu changes drastically from month to month. But there is usually some sort of savory soufflé featured, and it’s usually got some kind of delicious cheese in it. Safe to say what ever version is on your menu is gonna be awesome.
Jay Hill Farm Lettuces
One thing that’s also a sure bet is that there will be lots of greens on the Potager menu. A lettuce mix is typical, and you’ll see some fruit in there, some nuts, and other things that will make you happy. For instance, this month it’s dates, gorgonzola cheese, shaved red onion and an orange-walnut oil vinaigrette. Enough said.
Hazel Dell Mushroom Risotto
If you see a risotto, order it. It’s typically a portion that can be shared as a starter between two people. Or, it also could be one person’s entire meal, but were disgusting.
Thin Crust Pizza
Believe it or not, the pizzas at Potager are usually excellent. There’s always gonna be some kind of vegetable involved, but I usually don’t pull the trigger on a pizza here unless there’s some meat there too.
Honey, Coriander, Fennel and Ginger Glazed Quail
Yep, you’re gonna want that. They do a great, smoky little bird.
Triple M Bar Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder Tortellini
Two things that are can’t miss orders: anything lamb related, and the one pasta that’s usually on the menu. When those two things combine, you better be paying attention.
Dessert
I don’t care what it is, order it.
