The Gastropub trend hits the Highlands

When it comes to food, most Hiloians consider themselves to be "hip sophisticated foodies," they are constantly on the lookout for the next big, local eatery. One of the more popular type of eateries for the Hiloian has been the gastropub trend. This trend has hit the North Denver Highlands like a September forest fire with no intention of letting up.

whether it's a 1950's era gas station or a morgue themed joint, aesthetics and authenticity are very important to the Hiloian when selecting the next place to dine. Gastropubs with creative spins on comfort food, track lighting, and Steampunk decor is enough to make the toughest of Hiloian food connoisseur's swoon with ecstasy. Burgers, cookies, fried chicken, and bisquits & gravy are just the tip of the iceberg. Although these type of comfort foods seem pretty simple to prepare and can be found at the local Country Buffet, the Hiloian foodie prefers a more "edgier" approach to satisfy their sophisticated palate. Offering Popeye's fried chicken or King Soopers deli chicken will leave the Hiloian in stunned silence, bewilderment and repugnance. Unless the fried chicken is butter-fried with peaches & arugula and served in a bistro with exposed brick, the Hiloian will opt to fry their own cage-free chicken in the confines of home.

For the Hiloian, location and ambiance are very important parts of the gastropub experience. Conglomerate restaurants located in the suburbs are too be avoided if you feel the need to invite a Hiloian out for an evening of spirits and culinary delights. Leave the Olive Garden's and Golden Coral's within newly developed outdoor shops to the suburbanite's inferior taste buds.

So, the next time you check-into Foursquare with your Hiloian friend, make sure the restaurant has a seasonal/local menu, charm, character, a long history with back story, and an urban setting surrounded by ultramodern flats next to old buildings.