Experience an Adventure with Eclectic Food and Smooth Jazz

Photos courtesy of Caren Austin

Welcome back my fellow foodies!  My next adventure took me down to the RINO area of Denver to a very special place.  I always talk about experiences in life and Nocturne is absolutely that.  It’s an experience like no other situated right here in Denver.  Owned by Nicole and Scott Mattson, Nocturne combines live jazz music with a unique, eclectic food menu that is delish!!

I had never been to Nocturne and when I arrived, I was blown away.  The space is beautiful and artsy.  I sat down to my dinner and was so excited for the experience I was about to encounter.

You can eat at Nocturne two ways.  A “Dinner and a Show pre-fixe menu”, which I highly recommend, or you can sit at the bar and order a la carte.  We decided on the pre-fixe menu.  All their ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible, and carefully thought out depending on the season.  Did I mention their bar program?  Don’t miss ordering a cocktail there!  The drinks were delicious, with several nonalcoholic options that looked amazing.

We started with the shaved brussels sprouts salad with Manchego, ginger yogurt, and a curry mustard vinaigrette.  The flavors married together perfectly, and the presentation was spot on.  Next up was scallops with a coconut curry and black rice porridge paired with purple cauliflower.  I paired this with a delicious chardonnay, and my belly was so happy.  A note to my fellow foodies, this was one of the best dishes I have had in a long time.  It had a bit of spice to it which I loved, and again, presentation was spectacular.  For dessert, we had the pumpkin croissant bread pudding.  It’s that time of year and this dessert was a perfect nod to everything pumpkin.  I encourage you to pair wine and cocktails with each course as it really enhances the experience. You can also choose the “Ellington Experience” which includes a five-course meal with wine pairings in a special seating nook.  The jazz bands here are spectacular.  They play two sets a night, and they were the perfect pairing to an unbelievable Denver experience. Reservations are highly recommended at Nocturne for the dinner and show option.

I left Nocturne full and happy.  It is awesome that we have a place in Denver that supports local jazz artists. The menu here changes about five times a year.   I can’t wait to go back to try other dishes, and to listen to different local jazz bands.  Nocturne is a gem, an escape from the hustle bustle of everyday life, and a way to immerse yourself in an experience like no other in Denver.  After all, experiences are what life is all about.  Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well.

Nocturne
1330 27th St, Denver, CO