DENReview
Dear Duo,
Whatever it was that used to make you dynamic has unfortunately gone missing. That “unfortunately” is very intentional, because we’ve always loved you. Over the past year we knew something was off, but just honestly thought you needed new inspiration. However, after our latest visit, we’re convinced that what you actually need is an intervention. You were once one of Denver’s most consistently raved about restaurants, and deservingly so. Until now.
Soooo, what’s the deal? Have you’ve gotten bored, developed a drug problem, or just plain burned out? We know your parents/owners left town awhile back to try some new things in Vermont, but that’s no excuse. Is your food still good? Sure. Is it worth a few hundred bucks? Sorry, but no. Duo, you’ve gotten boring and we need you to pull your shi* together.
Sorry to be harsh, but this is how interventions work. We won’t go as far as to say you need a throat punch, but you do need to wake up to your potential. For one, your name is Duo (2), but the pairings on most of your main dinner plates just don’t jive. You’re disrespecting a perfectly cooked duck breast with slimey quinoa, and a mangled mushroom patty underneath. Your paella is lazy. The hot sauce octopus appetizer? We want this to work, but what you’re doing is not working. We’ll admit that your brunch is still pretty solid, but c'mon, you’re better than brunch. A lot of restaurants around here can do brunch.
Let’s take a breath, keep things simple, and try to remember what you do best. Why not start with your fried chicken? It’s always amazing. Get it back on your menu, and keep it on the menu - Year. Round. Focus on the small steps, and you’ll get there. We want you back, Duo, but we’re done giving you chances. At least until you give us a reason to give you another chance. Seriously, get your sh*t together. We'll wait patiently.