Cherry Creek Is Home To Denver’s Best Shopping Paradise And Foodie Heaven

Photos courtesy of Kevin Austin

Welcome back my fellow foodies. My husband and I were headed to a concert in Denver and decided last minute to spend a few days for a stay and play in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver. If you haven’t been to Cherry Creek, you must go. It is a shoppers paradise, and heaven for a foodie like me. We decided to stay at The Jacquard Hotel in the heart of Cherry Creek and eat at Narrative, their in-house restaurant which I have heard so much about. 

The Jacquard Hotel is stunning, and the people that work there could not have been nicer. The rooms are contemporary with the most comfortable bedding ever! A big draw at The Jacquard is the rooftop pool and bar. During the summertime, this is the place to be day, or night. It’s got that Miami vibe, complete with rentable cabanas and a large pool and hot tub. It is Fall, so the excitement surrounding the pool was winding down, but I will be back next summer to enjoy a relaxing pool day.

The star of our trip was the restaurant attached to the hotel, Narrative. I got the chance to meet with Kyle Odell, Director of Food and beverage at the hotel, and Charles Albright, Executive Chef of Narrative prior to dining there. Both are new to Narrative and have a vision to make this restaurant at the top of everybody’s list when coming to Cherry Creek. 

Narrative is an American contemporary restaurant with splashes of menu items from different cultures all over the world. The menu changes twice a year, but if there is something seasonally fresh from the market, you will find it as a special on their menu.  The restaurant is modern, with clean lines and a back wall not to be missed (you’ll understand when you go). Breakfast, brunch, happy hour, and lunch are served there as well, but I was there to try some of their dinner options, so let’s eat!

We started with the award-winning Lobster Corn Dogs, and the Artichoke Fritters. These both are something you absolutely must try when you are there. The corn dogs are filled with lobster meat and topped with a jalapeno hot sauce and a smoked pepper honey. I now understand why this appetizer won awards, and why it is a staple on the menu no matter what season. The artichoke fritters are also delicious. Served with a black garlic aioli, they were a perfect bite. 

The most popular main course is the halibut, but I opted to try the Roasted Pork Shoulder because Chef Charles described it to me in our meeting and I was already blown away before taking one bite. This pork dish takes time to prepare, and you can tell. Served with a bourbon maple glaze and a napa cabbage spaetzle, I had a drop-the-mic moment. You won’t need a knife for this dish, and it will melt in your mouth. 

The Brick Chicken is on the lighter side served with a warm Panzanella salad. It was juicy, flavorful and a huge potion, so a good sharing option. There are several dessert options to choose from, so save room. Their cocktail list is extensive, and are titled “Storied Cocktails”, to keep with the theme of the restaurant.

Narrative is a gem in Cherry Creek, and although attached to The Jacquard Hotel, they have a huge following from the locals of Cherry Creek as well. I am excited to return to see what Chef Charles Albright has cooked up next and try some things on the menu I didn’t get to this time. Reservations are recommended. They are offering a special prix fixe menu for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner that looks amazing! What a great staycation at a wonderful hotel. It’s so fun to just jump in the car and go exploring around different parts of Denver, and as a foodie, Narrative checked all the boxes for me. Get out there Colorado and have fun! Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well.