Beatrice & Woodsley, the new restaurant opening Wednesday, May 14, at 38 South Broadway, has quite a story behind it. That’s because it’s brought to us by the folks behind Two-Fisted Mario’s and Mario’s Double Daughters Salotto, which was named for a pair of conjoined twins. “We do a lot of research,” explains co-owner Kevin Delk.
And in this round of research, they found Beatrice, the daughter of French winemakers who moved to California in the 1800s to start a vineyard there, because they heard the soil was good. Woodsley came from a family of coopers in Oregon, who started making vats for the wine. He and Beatrice fell in love, and the couple moved to Colorado, where Woodsley built Beatrice a cabin in the mountains.
The restaurant picks up where the lovers left off a century ago, with a setting that recreates the feel of a cabin in the woods – complete with trees. “You can see all the love,” Delk says. “You find mementos, and your chef friend sees the cast-iron skillet, and you basically have the meal of a lifetime under the stars.” All of the dishes are based on turn-of-the-last-century cuisines, although in a nod to this-century sensibilities, they’re spiced up with more than just salt and pepper, and served as small plates. The restaurant also features a small but ambitious wine list, with sixteen wines sold by the half-glass.
After a week of practice parties, Beatrice & Woodsley will be open by reservation only for a few weeks, while the kitchen works out the kinks. But hey, what do you want from a place that’s been closed for a century? For reservations, call 303-777-3505. -- Patricia Calhoun
Absolutely the most interesting space in Denver. The food was absolutely amazing. Small portions let you try many fantastic dishes in one night. Yet the options are too many to easily choose from... seriously everything on the menu looks fantastic. If the six items I had tonight are any indication, this place is going to be the biggest star in my dining universe. I will not be able to resist the pull of this spot's culinary gravity. And dear God the desserts! The brunch menu looks awesome too!
The staff I encountered were genuinely friendly, not to mention on their game. Questions were answered, suggestions were fantastic. Huge amount of wine to choose from -the article mentioned that wine is sold by the half glass, but it goes further. 16 by the half, full, half-bottle and full bottle. Where has this idea been? So few places do this and none I can think of go this far. THe other thing of interest with the place is the perverse amount of unusual spirits and beer. Most everything was new to me- and I pride myself on seeking out the new... Design wise, food wise, and service wise, this is the town's gem. My only recommendation is they need a bigger bottle list- but I was told that they are taking their time to build that up. Denver is so on its way! The whole idea is so astonishingly enjoyable, I love it!
Posted at: May 18, 2008 2:25 AM