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| Wednesday, November 01, 2006 |
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Barfly Fishing: The Lure
By Image Mag Staff @ 12:04 AM :: 388 Views ::
2 Comments ::  :: Nightlife
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wordplay by orangepeelmoses.com
images by Nevada Lee/VailPM.com
Jayson Marrs believes Denver is having a “nightlife crisis” of sorts. Marrs feels that many of the mile high club scene’s most recent members are trying entirely too hard to copycat already established venues in New York, Miami or LA. Red carpets, arm & a leg cover charges, nearly discriminatory bottle service preference, faux décor elements out the wazoo, etc. When Marrs, his bulldog King Dozer and business partner Johnny Coast began conceptualizing their new lounge The Lure earlier this year, they decided they desired to erect a room representative of Denver--the capitol of “Colorful Colorado.” After all, Mother Nature has blessed our state with plenty of aspects that set it apart from its coastal competition. Consequently, O Interior was contracted to design a décor plan that incorporated earthy, natural elements like real Aspen wood, cowhide and antlers. No faux, “faux show” (for sure). The Lure has been cast, and the end results are impressive, indeed.
As exceptional as The Lure’s decor is, the two aspects that Coast is most proud of are its food and its staff. Its cuisine and its cocktailers. Its recipes and its peops. Its menu and its minions. Chef Eric Roeder, formerly of Larimer Square’s Bistro Vendome, is responsible for preparing the contemporary American fare which, by the way, is more divine than “American.” Possible concoctions include Colorado Peaches (crispy pancetta & moscato syrup), Colorado Lamb Chops (olives, roasted peppers & garlic), Smoked Trout & Potato Croquette (trout roe & tarragon aioli), as well as Wild Mushroom Strudel (aged balsamic vinegar & organic olive oil), Tasmanian Salmon Ceviche (pineapple & jalapenos) and one of my personal favorites, Corn & Hot Pepper Bisque (amontillado sherry). The “damage” during happy hour is extremely bearable and their late night menu is one of the finest in the entire LoDo area. If the menu hasn’t lured you already, you probably don’t have any functioning taste buds left, due to a severe concussion or head injury.
As far as the employees go, they certainly don’t detract from the venue’s allure, to say the least. Coast claims to have hand-picked every single one over the course of his bartender tenure. Deciding factors in his decisions? Well, attractiveness was a minimum given. In addition to that, they were also required to embody the room’s spirit at all hours. Each candidate had to be fun, humble and engraciating. The final cast is a sight to behold.
The food and the staff may indeed be to die for, but the place’s appeal doesn’t stop with either of them. The music is both versatile and accessible, but with zero top 40 or mainstream hip hop. Resident “music educators” include Chris Irvin, Christine West, Jeff C., John Ra and Tim Cook. Also, bass bins are non-existent and the volume is kept at a reasonable level to help facilitate conversation. Bottle service is extremely reasonable and affordable, making it a no-brainer for small parties.
Finally, the ambiance and atmosphere appeal to each of the five senses. Timed “Cinnamon Blast” spritzers and fresh flowers in the restrooms round out the lineup. Aesthetically-pleasing (from the decor to the dames), audibly appeasing (even minus the names), taste bud teasing (they ain’t playing no games), and tactile and fragrant (from the booths to the sprays).
Get Lured.
1434 Blake Street
TheLureLounge.com
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| Comments |
 By
Kandice @
Monday, November 06, 2006 1:35 PM 
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The Lure is my new fav!! Superb!
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By
Sean Sr. @
Thursday, November 09, 2006 2:47 AM 
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Yup, it all sounds good on paper until you visit the place. Denver has no local identity and continues to ghost the Coasts.
Local wood and unique color choices? Really? I am starting to think it's not our imagination that's lacking, but rather the caliber of club owner.
Sean
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