wordplay: Ben Simkins
images: Josh Gold

Oysters are a must this Valentine’s but instead of just giving the one you favor a sloppy wet one… oyster that is, why not treat them to Black Pearl instead.

ATMOSPHERE: Just like the mysterious precious commodity itself, Black Pearl is modern, classy and is appropriate for any occasion, bringing out the best in someone special. Pearl Street has a romance all its own but reserve one of the romantic tables upstairs, and you’ll feel like you have the place to yourselves.
APHRODISIAC:  Start the night off with a bang with a perfectly balanced spicy tuna salad with crisp pear and Arugula, crunchy pistachios and ponzu for some real kick. End it with a sultry Brioche round with Tiramisu Gelato on a bed of candied walnuts, Yum!!!
AMORE: Wait-staff as warm and inviting as the décor with an artful gift for pairing from their top rate wine list.

Pearl St. has a charm all its own, from its small boutique shops to its array of simple to fine dining. The night I visited the Black Pearl pushed its appeal one step further. Fresh snow covered everything in a thin white blanket. The twinkle lights, lining the street glistened like frost caught in the light of a roaring fireplace, and although the wind whipped through the street causing it to bite into your cheek, people moved with a throwaway purpose, seeming to just enjoy the serene surroundings. And so with this in mind we turned off the slick sidewalk and walked up the patio to Black Pearl’s front door. On the patio sat a fire-pit defiantly burning through the snow, set there as if to act as a beacon to entice weary travelers to the Black Pearl’s siren song. A song that holds throughout its carefully chosen décor and certainly stands out in its menu, a song of comfort and familiarity in a setting of opulence and style. Just like its namesake, Black Pearl is a rare commodity to be cherished either on special occasions or just any plain old night. Service is of the highest quality while still giving the feel that they’re serving friends and family, showing off their skills. Our server, Jessica, had a flare for solid wine pairings that not only complimented each course but tempted you to explore the plate one-step further. And taking these plates one-step further is what Chef Huggard and the kitchen staff is all about.

Starting on a true high note, I found myself diving into spicy Tuna, served with crisp, tart pears and crunchy Pistachios, served on a bed of peppery arugula and finished with a kick-infused Ponzu. Although, out the window, the snow made its lazy journey to the frost-covered ground, this dish left me on a remote island in the Maldives. Even the complimentary bread has a cheeky attention to playfulness that catches your eye. The butter is infused with black sea salt! If something a little more ‘comforting’ takes your fancy, their ‘no filler’ crab cakes are a solid choice. Packed full of large, succulent pieces of crawfish (and of course crab), blackened ever-so-slightly, this cake acts like a big comfy sofa for your taste buds. A Dijon sauce balances the whole thing and a little fresh avocado clears the palate. For entrées, the team here at Black Pearl seems intent on holding your experience of rustic yet refined flavors. Delivering up an inspired special that I can only describe as Thanksgiving on crack! Duck confit with cranberries, served with an arugula, candied walnut, red onion and Gorgonzola cheese salad. Although this was a special, their menu doesn’t disappoint in the least. For instance, their rack of Lamb with cauliflower puree, curry oil and mint chimichurri took me back to my roots in good ole Blighty, with its mix of Indian and traditional English flavors. For dessert, was a fried Brioche round that conjured feelings of eating fresh funnel cakes at a fairground, if not far more classy mind you. With it was a tiramisu gelato and candied walnuts.

If, after dinner, you’re not quite ready to wrap up and leave the warmth of Black Pearl just yet, then pull up a seat at the bar and sample one… or a few of their cocktails. Also stop by for brunch and sample such gems as the lump crab and crawfish hash served with two eggs and a citrus hollandaise. So next time you have a special event or just someone special to show your appreciation, give her the timeless gift of pearl, Black Pearl that is… Oh come on Ben that’s the best tag line you can write, I give up. I’m out of here (Footsteps / Door slam).

1529 S. Pearl

(303) 777.0500

BlackPearlDenver.com