I have a crush on "The Crushery"

Seriously, I think about visiting this little gem about three times a week. The Crushery is located on S. Pearl near the Pajama Baking company. This deli/panini/salad shop has sooo much to offer. The owner has created an unbelievable menu, filled with several NYC boiled bagel options, over 75 toppings, panini's, and fresh salads.

Some of my favorites include the Bacon, Lettuce, and Cream Cheese bagel, the Chorizo, Egg, Queso Fresco, and Green Chili bagel, or try out the Buffalo Chicken, Gorgonzola, Red Onion, and Arugula panini. With all of these amazing options, it is easy to overlook the salads, however, try not to. They have a slew of delicious salads with creative and fresh toppings, like the Steak, Gorgonzola, Arugula, Caramelized Onions, Tomato & Gorgonzola Croutons, with Blue Cheese Dressing salad. Yum!

The ambience is pretty average. However, in the summer and warm fall/spring days, the front of the restaurant opens up with a large garage door-esque window. The restaurant also features a delightful back patio, that is often empty.

Prices are completely affordable, especially for the bagel sandwiches. I highly recommend this fabulous little restaurant and suggest making several repeat visits in order to try all 75 toppings!

Note to reader - they are NOT open on Monday. Don't make the mistake of getting your heart set on a delicious bagel filled with goodies and crushed to perfection, only to get there to see the "closed" sign. It will make you sad. I gaurantee it.

If you don't Snooze, you lose

Since opening in 2006 on Park Ave. & Larimer in Denver, Snooze has become THE a.m. eatery for denverites. Serving up a slew of delicious and unique pancake offerings, cheesy hashbrowns, various versions of eggs benedict, and breakfast "spirits", this delightfully retro diner, continues to deliver. Their new location, on the corner of Colorado and 7th Ave. has a permanent line around the building. However, that shouldn’t deter breakfast and brunch lovers from stopping in. The wait is well worth it.
Inside, guests are seated in comfy booths and promptly served breakfast delicacies by smiling staff while owner Jon Schlegel charmingly greets patrons. Schlegel, a University of Denver graduate, has served in the restaurant business since graduating in ’97. After years of service, he made the decision to embrace his inner entrepreneur and opened the doors to the first Snooze eatery. Since opening, the restaurants success has been exponential. As a testament to their success, Snooze has been named “Best Breakfast/Brunch” by 5280 magazine three years running. Riding high on their success, owners are planning to open a third location in spring 2010 in Fort Collins. The new location is sure to be a hit with Colorado State University students.
While Snooze’s success might be attributed to their tasty menu and friendly staff, it’s hard to overlook their continued community involvement. Most recently, they announced that they will be hosting a fundraiser, “Pancakes on Parade” on Tuesday, December 1st from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to benefit the Denver Parade of Lights. Festive pancakes such as the “Snow Ball”, a coconut pancake with vanilla cream and coconut will be served in addition to several other holiday themed offerings. For more information on the restaurant or “Pancakes on Parade”, please visit www.snoozeeatery.com.