Denver Restaurants: Palace Arms at The Brown Palace in Top 100 Best Restaurants in the U.S.

palace_armsOpenTable released its list of 2012 Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. and Palace Arms at The Brown Palace Hotel is among those sharing the honors. Out of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 15,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the Palace Arms is the only Denver restaurant listed in the top 100.

Known for its contemporary fine dining and its unique setting, the Palace Arms menu features signature items such as Colorado Lamb Loin and Bison Rossini as well as new twists on old classics.

5 Favorite Desserts at The Brown Palace

Screen Shot 2011-11-03 at 5.27.53 PMYou might be able to curb your sweet tooth with a piece of fruit during the warmer months, but in the dead of winter, nothing but a dessert made with plenty of cream and sugar will do… well at least for us. Here are a few of our favorite desserts that are served right here at The Brown Palace.

Bourbon Bread Pudding at Ship Tavern 
This delicious bread pudding is a blend of caramel custard infused with bourbon layered with house-made croissants. Topped off with caramel Sauce, and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Apple Cobbler at Ellyngton’s 
Apple cobbler may become one of your favorite apple desserts once you try this one from Ellyngton’s. Our old-fashioned crunchy cobbler is a mix of roasted apples with rum raisins, and topped with almond streusel and cinnamon apple ice cream.

Bananas Foster at Palace Arms 
This classic dessert is prepared table side for two in Palace Arms. During the preparation you will watch your bananas being tossed bubbling pan of dark brown sugar, butter, rum and cinnamon and served to you warm over ice cream.

Brown Palace Coffee Creme Brulee at Ellyngton’s 
You’ll be wanting more after you give this a taste. Our Creme Brulee is a blend of rich and  creamy custard that’s infused with Brown Palace Coffee.

Sticky Toffee Pudding at Palace Arms 
This scrumptious take on the British steamed dessert includes finely chopped pecans, covered in a sticky toffee sauce and served with a side of Vanilla Ice Cream.

Hotel Discounts for Active Military Members at The Brown Palace

With Veterans Day coming up, people across our beautiful country are coming together to appreciate our land of the free, home of the brave—and to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our courageous service men and women. Here at The Brown Palace, our gratitude extends beyond Veterans Day. We like to show our appreciation year round by extending a special package to our heroes at home.

Whether you’re coming back from deployment and want to enjoy a romantic night with that special someone or are just looking for a fun night on the town in Denver, you can enjoy special perks and discounts when you show us your active military ID.

Package Includes:

  • 10% off room rate
  • Guaranteed upgrade to next available room category
  • 15% discount in all restaurants and spa with military ID

To book, please call 303-297-3111 or 800-321-2599.

The Brown Palace Hotel Announces 25th Annual Champagne Cascade to Celebrate Our Veterans

We are excited to host our 25th annual Champagne Cascade on Sunday, November 11th at noon. During the event, a master swordsman will use an antique Napoleonic saber to sever the bottle necks of Moet & Chandon Champagne bottles that will be poured into the uppermost glass of the two-story, 6,000-glass pyramid. In addition to kicking off the holiday season, this year’s toast will honor U.S. veterans, offering several ways for the community to thank the servicemen and women this Veteran’s Day.

The legendary event will feature live jazz music and an afternoon of entertainment in The Brown Palace’s stunning open Atrium.  The event is open to the public to watch the famous champagne pour from the balconies of floors four through seven.

For prime viewing access on the Mezzanine level and unlimited champagne, beer, wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and desserts, a VIP experience is available for $75 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter and the organization’s Service to the Armed Forces program.  To make reservations for VIP viewing, please call (303)294-3618 or visit www.brownpalace.com to purchase a ticket.

Joining the guests on the Mezzanine level and addressing the crowd before the pour will be the honored guest of The Brown Palace and the American Red Cross, General Victor E. Renuart Jr. General Renuart is the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, stationed out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. and also acts as the Chair of the National Red Cross Service to Armed Forces Committee.

Guests joining the celebration can also express their gratitude to veterans through the Red Cross “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program. Special holiday cards will be available in the lobby of The Brown Palace throughout the event to send seasonal greetings to veterans and current members of the military serving at home and overseas.

“The brave members of our armed forces are always a focus of The Brown Palace’s community giving efforts,” said Marcel Pitton, General Manager of The Brown Palace. “The American Red Cross does amazing work for our armed forces and veterans and we’re proud to partner with them to support their Service to the Armed Forces program and give back to those who have served our country.”

The American Red Cross has provided humanitarian support to the United States military, veterans and their families under a trusted symbol for more than 130 years. Through the Service to the Armed Forces program, the Red Cross provides emergency communications, supports military and veteran health care facilities, and provides social services to more than 2 million military members – including National Guard and Reservists – 23 million veterans and their families.

“Although the Red Cross provides support and services year-round for the armed forces, veterans and their families, Veteran’s Day and the holidays provide a special time for us to join with local residents in expressing gratitude to those who have served our country,” said Gino Greco, CEO of the American Red Cross Mile High Region. “We’re so pleased to be welcomed by The Brown Palace to this premier event and to have the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ together with The Brown Palace and its guests.”

The American Red Cross provides these services through employees and volunteers who are stationed alongside the military, across the country andaround the world. Although the Red Cross provides these services as part of its Congressional Charter, the Red Cross is not a governmental agency and relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors to fulfill its mission.

3 Must-Do Summertime Denver Activities

Summertime will be in Denver, Colorado before you know it. But don’t wait till it’s here to start planning your summer vacation outings in the wonderful Mile High City. To help you make the most of your 2012 summer, take a look at these events and activities that will make it impossible to leave or resist a trip to Denver.

  1. Toyota Elephant Passage: This one of a kind experience will open June 1st at the Denver Zoo.  Occupying 10-acres on the southern edge of the Denver Zoo, Toyota Elephant Passage ( is the largest bull elephant habitat in the world). The expansive $50-million complex will allow you to explore and discover the rich history of animals in Asian culture and their complicated relationship with humans. In short, it’s Denver’s newest must-see!
  2. Colorado History Museum: On April 28th, the doors of the History Colorado Center will open to tell the stories of colorful Coloradans with fun, family-friendly activities inside a beautiful new building in Denver’s Golden Triangle Museum District. The opening exhibits highlight the courage, persistence, triumphs, tragedies and character of the men and women who created Colorado.
  3. Summer concerts at Red Rocks: No summer in Denver is complete without at least one — or two or five — trips out to the awe-inspiring Red Rocks Amphitheatre, located just 15 miles from downtown Denver. 70 million years in the making, the 9,450-seat venue is flanked by enormous 300-foot red sandstone rock formations and always boasts a star-studded musical schedule. There is no doubt that a concert at Red Rocks is a must-do this summer.

For more information Denver or to make your own reservations at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa please call (303) 297-3111 or e-mail us atconcierge@brownpalace.com.

A $2 Million Dream

History is something that The Brown Palace does not lack. After 4 years of construction, $1.6 million in design and $400,000 more in furnishings for the hotel, it is was and continues to be one of the most magnificent hotels in the world. In 1892 The Brown Palace was fitted with the following furnishings:

  • The furniture was solid white mahogany, antique oak, and cherry wood.
  • The chairs and sofas were covered in silk.
  • The carpets were Axminster, Wilton, and Brussels.
  • The curtains were made of Irish Point, Cluny, and Brussels.
  • The china consisted of Haviland, Limoges, and Royal Doulton.
  • The silver was Reed and Barton.

Each of the 400 rooms in The Brown boasted these furnishings and were evenly divided by price: 100 at $3 a night, 100 at $4 a night, 100 at $4.50 a night, and 100 at $5 a night. In each of these rooms guests were provided with their own fireplace and were given kindling and coal per request.

But the grand spectacle of The Brown Palace was the 300-mile panorama of the Rocky Mountains that awaited each guest who stepped foot into the 8th floor dining room. The room was two stories high, with stained glass in fruit designs above each window and onyx wainscoting.

This spectacular design was finished just in time for The Brown to host its first guests ever, the 25th Triennial Conclave of Knights Templar, on August 12, 1892. These guests were treated to a formal banquet which entailed a 7-course meal at $10 a plate and over 227 wines, mineral waters, and champagne.

Recipes from The Brown: Brown Palace Macaroons

As we wrap up another week here in Denver and prepare for the beautiful weekend ahead, we would like to present you with a recipe straight from our kitchen at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa: Brown Palace Macaroons. These macarons are perfect for a weekend treat as they are incredibly easy to prepare and still deliver amazing flavor. Check out the recipe below and enjoy!

Brown Palace Macaroons

Ingredients
1 lb Almond Paste
½ lb Confectioners Sugar (powdered)
½ lb Granulated Sugar
5 oz Egg Whites (lightly whipped)

Method
Using a small mixer blend the paste, sugars and small amount of egg whites until mix is smooth and free of lumps. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add remaining egg whites. Scrape sides of bowl well. Line a cookie sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a pastry bag, pipe mix to the size of a nickel onto parchment paper. Bake in 350-degree oven until lightly browned. Remove from oven, let cool and serve.

Presidents’ Day Weekend Activities in Denver

Did you know that every U.S. President has visited The Brown Palace Hotel since Teddy Roosevelt (1905), with the exception of Calvin Coolidge and Barack Obama? That’s pretty impressive if you ask us. Now with Presidents’ Day right around the corner, have you decided on how you are going to spend this 3-day weekend?

If you’re still unsure about how you are going to celebrate this holiday and your time off, have no fear, we at The Brown Palace have taken the luxury of outlining a few ways to occupy your Presidents’  Day weekend.

Washington Park. Get out and get a little exercise this Presidents’  Day weekend. Wash Park boasts a 2.6-mile jogging path, soccer fields, 2 playgrounds, a basketball court, horseshoe court, 10 tennis courts and a lawn bowling green. As temperatures are looking to get warmer leading up to Presidents’  Day, you have no excuse to not take advantage of this gorgeous park located in the heart of Denver.

Stay at The Brown. Honor this nation’s great leaders by staying in one of our hotel’s suites named for their presidential residents: Eisenhower Suite, Reagan Suite, and Teddy Roosevelt Suite. If you can land the Eisenhower Suite look for a dent in the fireplace mantel. This dent marks where President Eisenhower hit a wayward golf ball while practicing in the room.

Free Day at Denver Botanic Gardens. On Presidents’  Day, Monday, February 20, the Denver Botanic Gardens will once again be offering free admission to all of their gardens to Colorado residents. Get together with your friends or family, to take a leisurely stroll around these beautiful and flamboyant gardens which offer up a few of Denver’s most spectacular art exhibits.

Westword Artopia. On Saturday, February 18 Denver’s Westword Magazine will be hosting their annual Artopia celebration. Westword’s Artopia will feature Denver’s finest musicians, culinary creations, local fashion and art at 5 different venues on South Broadway. All guests must be 21 or over.

For more information regarding reservations or for general inquiries please call 303.297.3111 or e-mail us at concierge@brownpalace.com.

Valentine’s Day Planner – The Brown Palace

Valentine’s Day in Denver means romance is in the air. The options you have on how to spend this special day are endless. With that being said, here at The Brown we think you should take it upon yourself to make this year different than the others. One that will leave her (or him) speechless and feeling the love for a long time to come.

To accomplish this, allow us here at The Brown to pamper both you and your partner so you can focus more on each other as you spend the day as a couple. Just what would this entail you ask? Well it’s simple, follow this short guide to making this February 14 a Valentine’s Day to remember at The Brown.

Flowers. Stop by The Brown Palace Flower Shop and choose from a variety of elegant fresh floral arrangements for your special someone. Flowers are one the easiest ways to the heart and our arrangements would leave anyone feeling special.

Afternoon Tea. Share with one another the experience of The Brown’s longstanding Afternoon Tea tradition. Scones, tea pastries, and sandwiches are prepared daily. You will also be delighted to find out that Afternoon Tea boasts the soothing sounds of a a harpist or pianist every day.

Cocktails at Ship Tavern. With our wide variety of signature cocktails, micro-brews, and wines you can indulge in a few pre-dinner drinks that are sure to lead you into one romantic meal.

Dinner at Palace Arms. Considered as the crown jewel of The Brown Palace, our Palace Arms restaurant offers contemporary fine dining at its best. Dinner here is something that we feel everyone in Denver needs to experience at least once, so what better excuse to do so than Valentine’s Day?

Affairs of the Heart Tour. Join historian, Debra Faulkner, on a historical tour featuring the romantic rendezvous that have taken place at The Brown over the years including President Ike and Mamie Eisenhower and the affairs of Isabelle “Sassy” Springer.

After a long day of celebrating at The Brown extend your stay to one of our luxurious rooms. Rates begin at $152/night and rooms include exceptional accommodations to all visitors. For more information regarding reservations or for general inquiries please call 303.297.3111 or e-mail us at concierge@brownpalace.com.

We look forward to having you and remember make this Valentine’s Day in Denver one to forever remember.

Afternoon Tea with a Grand Champion Steer for the National Western Stock Show in Denver on January 20th

We are excited to announce that at the beginning of the new year, two of Denver’s most historic traditions will meet once again. On January 20th, the 106th National Western Stock Show’s Grand Champion Steer will be led down a red carpet to be put on display during Afternoon Tea, in Atrium Lobby at The Brown Palace. From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., catch a close-up of this fine steer and have a complimentary photo taken by his side. This event is open to the public and reservations are not required.

The 2012 National Western Stock Show will be held from January 7-22 at the Denver Coliseum. For more information about this event please call 303.297.3111 or e-mail us at concierge@Brownpalace.com.