wordplay by Amanda Vance & Lyndsie Boarman
images by Sean Hartgrove
Imagine a taste of California/Coastal Cuisine meets Cajun Cuisine with the embrace of fresh Colorado produce. This is what Owner/Executive Chef Ed Kammerer offers at the Highland Pacific Oyster Bar. After all, Chef Kammerer has worked at many top-notch places with many chefs from all around the world, including The Master of Food and Wine in Carmel, CA.
The jazzy spunk of flavor matches the urban flow of the streets in this Highlands neighborhood of Denver where one finds a fresh catch, a raw bar, and a soulful space to blend into the scene. As you enter, take note of the feeling - aquatic hues of blue-green wash over you only to mix with our crisp mountain air. It's a great way to step into the evening.
Sitting at the bar or in the stimulating and refreshing setting of the restaurant, you feel at ease. The first thing to order is the oysters. Try the large juicy Long Island Blue Points, or the smaller, sweeter and saltier Malpeques from Prince Edward Island. Oh hell… try them all and order the "Tour" as you're sure to be impressed by the multitude of choices and flavors from all over the world. Or if oysters aren't your flare, try the Lump Crab Cakes. Plentiful chunks of crab are contained in each bite.
For dinner, you can't miss with Chef Kammerer’s divine classic Ahi Tuna dish. It's served with an amazing tempura bok choy, edamame, snow peas and carrots in a coriander orange butter sauce with soy honey. The mix of flavors creates a savory mellowness on the tongue that is astounding. Oh, and the wine, don't forget the wine as it's custom-tailored to the menu and even those new to fine cuisine will taste the meticulous pairing of food and drink. The Shrimp and Grits are wonderfully prepared and served in a fiery New Orleans style that will take you back to the bayou.
If you are craving something from land, the Flat Iron Steak grilled with seasoned vegetables, gorgonzola cheese with garlic herb frittes is what you want. You won't go away hungry!
Did you save room for dessert? It's worth it. Order the bread pudding drizzled with a warm white chocolate glaze that melts in your mouth! Don’t forget about the delectable Mango key-lime pie, where the “mango is a mild successful twist on the classic key lime pie,” says Kammerer.
Service is outstanding, with the staff attentive and friendly as the Highland Pacific Oyster Bar combines the comfort of neighborhood with the distinction of an excellent chef. In fact, Kammerer received one of just eight nominations for the 2005 Colorado Chef of the Year. Call for reservations or just walk on in. This is a "don't miss experience."
Check out the happy hour from 5pm – 7pm with $1 Oysters, $3 drafts and wells and $4 wine by the glass. Live music is a treat every Thursday and Saturday night (9:30 – 2 am).
Or, even better, grab a seat on Sunday to watch the game – fish tacos are the fare.
3934 W 32nd Ave.
(303) 477.6644
HighlandPacific.net