Mom always told me that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That´s probably because she grew up on a farm and needed the extra calories to prepare for long hard days work. For me, breakfast is more about entertainment than nourishment. It´s about reading the morning paper, having a good cup of coffee, and a light snack to get my engine running. But if I do go out for breakfast, it has to be something special and unique. I want to know that someone actually got up early and thought about how they would craft a culinary masterpiece that is worthy of upping my caloric intake for that day. For most restaurants that is far too much to ask, but Snooze in Denver is certainly the exception.

People start lining up early to get a table at Snooze, and by 8 am the wait can be well over an hour. But its definitely worth the wait. The menu is eclectic and reflects the passion and goodwill of the Schlegel brothers who created this lofty concept. Their dedication to fresh and sustainable food products is evident in every dish they serve. You also have to admire the fact that they actually have a chef on board who bears the whimsical title of C3PO (Chief Culinary Conductor and Purchase Officer). Most breakfast restaurants are lucky to have a few good line cooks. Snooze has a bonafide Foodie chef.

The menu is well balanced between egg-based concoctions, unusual Benedict´s, infused pancakes, and not-so-French toasts. This menu literally has something for everyone, including veggie, vegan and gluten free options. Every dish is a handcrafted masterpiece that makes you want to come back for more.

I particularly like a spicy breakfast, such as the Huevos Rancheros on their menu, but this day I tried the Chilaquiles Benedict with barbacoa beef over a stack of ranchero sauced tortillas and melted cheese. It was simply amazing! I was also impressed by the wide range of coffees and breakfast drinks on the menu, including Mimosa´s, Bloody Mary´s and even beers (I´m not sure I´m ready for eggs and beer in the morning). I "settled" for the house blend coffee that turned out to be made from hand-selected beans from the volcanic hills of Guatemala.

Snooze was no sleeper and I was happy that we got up early and discovered this local gem (followed by a 2 hour power walk to work of the wonderful meal we had). I highly recommend this place to our Foodie friends.

Friday - May 10, 2013