Fat Sully’s Pizza
One of DOD’s best virtual gal pals, Mama Monroe (over at the Denver Omelette) responded some time ago to my woes about not being able to find decent pizza here in D-Town. One of her recommendations was Fat Sully’s. Last night I gave it a try (despite the fact that I am generally scared of any restaurant that uses words like “fat” in its name. What becomes of one who dines at these places? I refuse to enter Blimpie’s and have never ordered a pizza from Pudge Brothers.)
Fat Sully's 20" Pie with Pepperoni and Sauteed Onions
Fat Sully’s is located in the DOD neighborhood (they’re on Colfax between Adams and Steele) and they deliver (not just to homes; their website says they’ll bring you a pie in a bar or to a park bench if that’s where you’re hungry). They estimated about 45 minutes in delivery time. 30 minutes later my pizza had arrived. Options include a 12″ and a 20″ pizza, which can be the standard Neapolitan or white. The smaller is available gluten-free and toppings are $1.50 apiece. Fat Sully’s slogan is “New York Inspired. Locally Owned.” The first part is probably what made Mama recommend it as I had been bemoaning my inability to get NY-style pizza here. The box actually explains that this Fat Sully character himself found it very hard to find the perfect slice in the Mile High City so he set up camp in NY and then brought his expertise back to Denver: “So strap in you pie lovers, you’ve finally come home.”
And indeed I may have. I ordered a 20″ (enormous! but 12″ seemed a little small) with pepperoni and onions. A couple observations right off the bat, which can be seen in the image above. Fat Sully’s seems to put the toppings on first, and then the cheese. You can’t actually see the pepperoni on the pie, though it is there. I’m not totally sure if you can taste it as well this way, at least at first bite. Their onions are also sautéed, meaning that the crunch of the onion that I quite like isn’t there. But these are minor quibbles. The pizza is great. The sauce is not overly sweet. The cheese is generous and does that wonderful congealing thing that good pizza cheese does. There is just a little grease, but not too much (pizza grease is good and very NY). The crust is tasty, if overly puffy at the sides. It is otherwise just the right thickness.
One Slice of Fat Sully's 20" Pie
The 20″ pie is enormous — just look at that slice above! That said, I may or may not have consumed 6 of its 8 slices in one sitting. No one else was present who can confirm or deny this. I will say that writing this post has made me increasingly hungry; I think it’s time for the leftovers!
Egomilio Sosa
Emilio Sosa
Growing up, and for many years thereafter, I have been told that people who exhibited arrogance were clearly just trying to compensate for a feeling of inferiority or for a lack of self-esteem. In the case of Emilio Sosa, I’m not so sure. I finally was able to watch the season finale of Project Runway, as well as the reunion show that took over the Models of the Runway slot. And of the whole hour and half I was most struck by Emilio’s incredible ego and by his incredulity at his loss to Seth Aaron. He just didn’t seem to get that someone was judged to be better than he.
It was these two shows that convinced me — as if I hadn’t already realized this — that I care just as much about the personality of the designers as I do about the clothes. In this respect, Emilio and Mila were always low on my list to support. All in all, I may have liked Emilio’s clothing the best. Seth Aaron’s still looked overworked, if perfectly fitted. I actually found Mila’s collection much more appealing than was the sum total of what she had produced on the season thus far. But all in all, not as impressive as Emilio or Seth Aaron.
But what most impressed me about the whole fiasco was Emilio’s arrogance. And this after a season of cockiness: refusing to listen to Tim’s advice; constantly boasting that he was the one to beat; crowing when he won consecutive challenges. He seemed shocked that Seth Aaron had won. Not disappointed, as would be warranted, but stunned. He then committed his greatest error. He said, “In the words of our wisest competitor this season, Anthony Williams, you don’t have to win the crown to be the king.” Loyal watchers will know that this was decidedly not what Anthony said. Because Anthony is a camp goddess he was not only trying to make light of his elimination but also to poke fun at his own flamboyance and the fact that he would, like a good queen, carry on no matter what. Emilio, in exchanging queen for king, was not only erasing half of Anthony’s meaning, but also trading in the sentiment to say that he not only would be, but also already was the best, no matter what the judges said. First of all, this is remarkably cocky (and he continued by talking about the “worldwide” esosa brand he was going to be establishing). Second, the degaying of the remark is a little offensive. Is Emilio Sosa gay? I have no idea. (I do know that asking that question is going to result in ten hits per day. Update: He’s gay. Check out the comments below.) Is he an unmarried male fashion designer? Indeed he is. So either he’s gay and a little self-loathing and hung up on his masculinity, or he’s a mildly homophobic straight guy. In either case he paid homage to Anthony and then stripped him of his gayness, which is pretty difficult to do with Anthony.
His behavior on the reunion show only confirmed his arrogance. While he was willing to “accept” Nina’s explanation for Seth Aaron’s victory (that Emilio had created a line and not a collection), that he had to question her in the first place just demonstrated how much he didn’t get it: no matter how much they liked you, Emilio, they liked Seth Aaron better. Simple as that.
Parallel 17
Where is my post evaluating the season finale of Project Runway, you might be asking yourself. Where indeed? I had to attend an odious work function on Thursday night and so missed what I had thought was only going to be a reunion show. I was wrong. It was the finale. And it’s still not on the Lifetime website. Of course I know who the winner is and I’ve watched the brief clips of the collections, but I have yet to see the actual episode or the reunion episode that apparently aired in the MotR slot. Dear reader, I am without a DVR. So I await Lifetime’s decision to include the finale on mylifetime.com.
In the meantime, I can share with you the dinner that Alastair and I had last night. We ventured out in the wind and the rain to one of our longtime faves, Parallel 17, the Vietnamese restaurant named for the line of latitude that once separated North from South Vietnam and presumably for the fact that it’s on 17th Avenue (at Franklin). We haven’t been to P17 in a while and the menu has changed somewhat; it seems like there are more appetizers but perhaps fewer entrées. That said, there seemed to be a number of specials we overheard servers telling their tables about; we were not informed of these ourselves (!). No great loss, as our meal was very tasty! We began with the calamari, which P17 serves with deep-fried slices of jalapeños, oranges, and other citrus fruits as well as a salad of watercress and a tangy dressing. Delicious. We followed that up with an order of the steamed pork buns, themselves served with a spicy cilantro and cabbage slaw. These appetizers, it must be said, are not small.
Braised Short Ribs with Chinese Broccoli, Potatoes, and Onion Rings
We would have been fine splitting just one entrée but of course we had already ordered two. And they, too, were generous. This was the rare moment where your DOD boys were unable to clean their plates (or, in my case, cutting board). Alastair ordered the coffee-braised short ribs, which he’d had before. They come with a potato purée, onion rings, and Chinese broccoli that looked very green and very tasty.
Duck Four Wraps
I ordered the “Duck Four Wraps”: duck prepared four ways (rillette, mousse pâté, pan seared, and confit) and about a million other things (pickled onions, radishes, garlic; scallions, jicama, basil, and on and on). All of this one wraps up in four pancakes. So. Much. Food. All of it very good indeed, particularly the confit (skin so crispy!) and the pâté, which was so rich I couldn’t finish it. Alastair and I paired our meals with two different glasses of dry Italian white chosen from P17′s good selection of wines by the glass.
P17 was awarded Westword’s Best Nouvelle Vietnamese in 2008; I wonder of course whether or not Denver actually provides much competition in this category. Regardless, the food is delicious, the service is friendly (even if only certain diners get told about the specials), and the ambiance — save the TV featuring the basketball game (why do ALL Denver restaurants have TVs for showing sports? The subject for another post) — is warm and pleasant. Especially on an evening of gusting winds and occasional rain.
Tornado warnings yesterday… and then this. I only had time to record the scene from my iPhone within the stretch of an hour and a half. I heard from folks in Evergreen and Golden that they were getting some serious snow, today… and it looks like we may be in store for more of the same tomorrow. Really, Denver?!
What Would Madonna Do?
Usually, date a younger man.
I’ve become a recent fan of Glee. I know. I’m a little behind the times… and maybe that’s one reason why I need to date a younger man. I’m not sure how I missed the show boat, but I finally jumped on board during a recent stop in Natchez, Mississippi and I’m along for the ride… all the way to New Orleans. I really can’t help loving that man of mine.
And my timing could not have been better. Glee’s “Power of Madonna” episode–its best-reviewed and most eagerly anticipated segment to date–aired last night. After all the hype, Glee delivered the goods. Not only were the musical numbers fun and creative, but the storylines about sex, strength, confidence, independence, and individuality all worked well with the theme. I must admit, I’m a Madonna fan, but certainly not her biggest. However, watching her Rejuvination Re-Invention Tour from the front row with my best gal pal Leona back in 2004 was a life changing experience.
In last night’s episode several of the pop idol’s hits such as ”Ray of Light,” “Express Yourself,” “4 Minutes,” “What It Feels Like for a Girl,” and “Like a Prayer” were strewn throughout the story. Sue Sylvester’s spin on Madonna’s “Vogue” was a highlight. You can watch it here.
After this, what can we expect for the rest of the season? I don’t know, but I’m going to be watching to find out.
Mimosas, Poinsettias, and… Oh, My.
Blake, our friend Gareth, Blake’s Gentleman Friend, and I recently enjoyed a leisurely Sunday Brunch at Table 6— a “classic American bistro” in the DOD neighborhood. I must admit… I heart Table 6. I enjoy it every time I stop by. However, and for reasons unknown to me, it rarely comes to mind when I’m in a pinch and looking for something close, casual, and with consistently good food. It’s not like there are many local choices and I’m certainly in no hurry to visit Barricuda’s for a second time… just saying. Gareth is a Table 6 regular and swears by it. In fact, he celebrated his birthday there not so long ago. Well, lets just say he started celebrating his birthday there. I still have a scar from falling out of (or was that into?) someone’s hot tub at an ungodly hour. Totes.
In any case, Gareth and I started off with mimosas, while Blake and the GF opted for poinsettias. Having no idea what a poinsettia was, we had to ask. Well, a poinsettia is a champagne cocktail that’s similar to a mimosa but topped with cranberry juice rather than orange juice. Refreshing and light, Blake and the GF were very happy with their choice.
For my meal, I chose the crumpets, tasso, eggs, and Hollandaise. Gareth, if I recall correctly, had the chive scrambled eggs with almond tots. I love those tots. Blake and the GF both ordered the pork duvets. A higher-end version of pigs in a blanket, the dish featured pork sausage wrapped in a buckwheat pancake and served with potato wedges. Everyone seemed pleased.
Brunch is served at Table 6 every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The atmosphere is great. Good music, good service, and great people… it felt a little like SF or NY. If you have never been, I highly suggest you stop by. “We’ll leave the light on for you.”
Denver’s Two-Wheel Revolution
This Thursday, April 22, Denver’s (and possibly the nation’s) first large-scale citywide bike sharing system will celebrate its kick-off with a number of events at Civic Center Park. A collaboration between Humana, Trek, and Boulder-based ad house Cripsin Porter + Bogusky, the Denver B-cycle system should be turned on and fully operational by noon that same day.
Now, if only we could get Zipcar, the car sharing service, to come to Denver.
Become a Denver B-cycle member, click here.
Village Antique Mall
After a leisurely brunch at Table 6 (post coming soon from Alastair), we — Alastair, our friend Gareth, and my Gentleman Friend (in town for the weekend), and I — strolled homewards. We stopped along the way at the Village Antique Mall, located on Corona between 8th and 9th Avenues. I had seen the signs for the VAM, but never ventured in. What a delight! The Mall is divided into stalls, each one run by a different vendor and some specializing in particular kinds of antiques and not-so-antiques. I’m not much of an antiquer myself, but this was a lot of fun. And I got bargains!
Emily Post's Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage
One always has questions about social customs and one always wants to know the proper answers. Emily Post’s classic Etiquette has them! Post explains on the cover that while the fundamentals remain untouched, “the problems of modern life demand certain changes in the forms of living.” This updated 1950 edition was only $6. While I have long been a devotee of Miss Manners’ witty responses to readers’ questions on matters of etiquette (Dear Miss Manners: What am I supposed to say when I am introduced to a homosexual “couple”? Gentle Reader: “How do you do?” ”How do you do?”), Emily Post is the classic and I’m delighted to add her to my library.
The Dionne Quintuplets
Long before the McCaughey septuplets and “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” there were the Dionne quintuplets, the original multiple birth celebrities. Identical quintuplets Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Emilie, and Marie Dionne (in their birth order) were born May 28, 1934 in rural central Ontario, just south of Nipissing Bay near the village of Corbeil. Four months after their birth they were made wards of the government and became celebrities. For a number of years in grade school I was obsessed with the Dionne quintuplets and wrote a couple research “papers” on them. So imagine my delight to come upon this framed souvenir photograph of the quints for only $14! What a steal.
The Dionne quints lived for nine years as wards of the government of Ontario, starred in four Hollywood films, and were put on display in Quintland, the theme park whose revenue surpassed that of Niagara Falls and generated more tourist dollars for Ontario than any other attraction at the time. When the McCaughey septuplets were born in 1997, the surviving Dionne sisters wrote their parents a letter beseeching them not to exploit their children and warning them of the dire consequences. Imagine what they would say to Jon and Kate!
Emilie died at age 20 following an epileptic seizure. Marie suffered a fatal blood clot at the age of 35. And Yvonne succumbed to cancer at age 67. Now 75, Annette and Cécile live as anonymously as possible in a Montréal suburb.
Dixie Carter, 1939-2010
Dixie Carter as Julia Sugarbaker
As children of the 1980s and as homosexuals of the male variety, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the passing of the great Dixie Carter, who died last week at the age of 70. No one, but no one, could do a tirade like Carter in her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the classic sit-com “Designing Women.” Along with “The Golden Girls,” the ladies of “Designing Women” kept 1980s proto-gay boys company through the trying years of middle school. And for that we will be forever grateful.
Dixie Carter, we will miss you.
Project Runway Final Three
So last night’s episode of PR was, it must be said, a bit of a snooze. Tim’s visits to the finalists’ hometowns were much more abbreviated than usual. The only meal we witnessed was the sampling of Filipino delicacies with the Sario clan. We did, however, get to see Mr. Gunn on a trampoline and that might have been worth the price of admission. Otherwise, however, not so thrilling.
Brandise and Mila
The reason for tuning in, of course, was to find out which of the two possible semi-finalists — Mila or Jay — would make it to Bryant Park (Seth Aaron and Emilio are already in). It kills me to say this, but I was actually torn after watching about half the episode. I have spent the better part of this season loathing Mila and her clothing. But somehow I turned last night. Maybe it was that I find all of Jay’s crying a little trying. Or that I don’t like the idea of an all male final three. Maybe it was that I didn’t actually mind a couple of the coats that Mila had created. Or that I kind of love that she has a dorky boyfriend and a dalmatian (color blocked!). Perhaps it was because I agreed with Tim that much of Jay’s collection was seriously overworked. Whatever the reason, I think I might actually have been rooting for Mila when it came time for the final pronouncement. I really felt like it could have gone either way. Both Mila and Jay had some good pieces and some missteps: the collar of the sparkly dress for Mila and the hideous shiny silver shirt in the case of Jay. And while Mila won, I think it might all be a moot point: my guess is that neither one stands much of a chance against Emilio and Seth Aaron.
If PR was a bit pokey last night, then MotR was even more boring. Without a real elimination, there just wasn’t much drama. So Brandise created it! I’m starting to wonder if she’s being given prompts by the producers, because asking each designer to name the one s/he believed was most talented (aside from oneself) seemed like a ridiculous exercise in awkwardness. Of course it came back to bite Brandise in the ass when the models themselves had to answer the same question and Christina and Lorena both chose each other, leaving Brandise out in the cold with Emilio.
Here at DOD we’re very curious to see who will take the top prize but it looks like next week is the obligatory reunion show…
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