For the second installment of Traveling Date Night, my husband and I explored LoHi along Platte Street. To me there are two different areas of LoHi, and I’m sharing this LoHi Traveling Date Night along Platte Street (on the southside of I-25) If you missed our first outing in RiNo, you can check it out here. If you are new, you might be asking, so what is traveling date night? Traveling Date Night is a sort of progressive dinner starting at one place for drinks and appetizers, another restaurant for your main course, then moving onto your final destination for dessert and drinks. This is great to explore a new area and get to try a few restaurants all in one night! Also this doesn’t have to just be with your partner or spouse, grab your friends for a traveling ladies night!
LoHi Traveling Date Night along Platte Street
Drinks & Apps: Just Be Kitchen
Start at the southwest end of Platt Street near REI and work your way northeast. Step into the cutest light blue painted brick building. The walls are decorated with uplifting quotes and white frames, which pair with the homey feel of the space. Just Be Kitchen specializes in gluten-free eats that you would never know are gluten-free, including the drinks! Go up to the counter and order a round and some light bites. The menu changes seasonally but staples stay the same!
My favorite drink is the Pineapple Mango Old Fashioned. Made with quinoa whiskey, a fresh mango-pineapple compote gives a twist on the traditional drink. Another delicious option is the Paloma Margarita made with grapefruit tequila, a little ginger essential oil, lime and sparkling water for a refreshing drink. Start the date night off with the “Light” or “Connect” platter. The Light platter features hummus and olive tapenade served with fresh house veggies and pickles. The Connect contains cauliflower falafel, hummus, baba ganoush and olive tapenade for a Mediterranean variety of flavors.
Dinner: Colt & Gray (3 minute walk)
Head northeast down Platte Street for a short three minute walk to Colt & Gray for your main meal. Colt & Gray features a seasonal menu with ever changing mains and side dishes. There is a Western but elegant feel to the restaurant with exposed brick fireplace and warm inviting fire paired with white lined tables and rustic chandeliers.
The menu is an approachable farm-to-table like steakhouse with items like zucchini ravioli and butcher’s cut lamb. My husband ordered the tenderloin which was paired with a corn succotash and demi glaze. I ordered the airline chicken breast which came with cippolini onions, potatoes and trumpet mushrooms and cherry harissa sauce that was amazing! I am all about the side pairings when I go out to eat.
Photo: Britt Nibell
Dessert & Drinks: Saint Ellie (1 minute)
Finish your night with the shortest of strolls, just a minute away, to Saint Ellie for an evening nightcap and sweet treat. With the perfect romantic lighting, old school bar and crushed velvet white accents.
If you are a fan of The Office, then you are going to love the cocktail menu. Each drink pays ode to an Office character or iconic scene. From the Welcome Home Oscar to The Nard Dog, each drink is crafted to fit the essence of the character. Oscar’s cocktail showcases mezcal, fresh peach puree, pineapple and a squeeze of lime. While the Nard Dog features Japanese gin, apricot liqueur and orange bitters. For the final sweet bite, order the lavender creme brûlée. The subtle floral notes from the lavender pair perfectly with the strawberries and chantilly cream topping.
Now take a walk around Platte Street and enjoy those special moments with your loved one after a successful LoHi Traveling Date Night!
