Panzano, Denver. Best Happy Hour!

     Catching a show recently at Lannie's Clock Tower Cabaret in downtown Denver, I pondered where we should dine.  It would have to be a place within walking distance, and where we could get in and out quickly.  Panzano's, located inside the whimsical hotel Monaco, was perfect.   They have one of the best Happy Hours offered from 3-6 in the bar.
     A perfume of truffles entices you immediately.  Well appointed and spacious with large windows, the bar is customized for people watching, both on the street and inside.  The happy hour menu is extensive.  Not just the usual undesirable bar snacks.  I appreciate the simple pricing structure: an extensive selection of specialty cocktails for $6, wines by the glass for $5, and tap beers for $4.  The food selection, mainly Italian, allows for tastes of the dinner menu with perfect portions for the price.  Our bill came to under $40 for 5 plates and a cocktail for two people with above average appetites. 
     All of the offerings sound temptingly delicious, so we will have to return to try the rest.  For this trip, we sampled an appetizer, a pasta, two "entrees", and a vegetable.  Even during happy hour, you can get a "square" meal.  
     The plates came out at once since it was happy hour and we were sharing.  The appetizer is a single crepe filled with Hazel Dell oyster mushrooms.  The crepe had good texture although it was a tad cool, and the mushrooms were rather large and chewy.  The truffled fonduta (Italian for fondue) sauce added richness and earthiness.  Brunoise chives dressed up an other wise bland looking dish.  
     The Pastiche came in an adorable red crocklett.  Two plump ricotta filled tortellinis sat atop a tomato meat sauce with miniature spicy pork meat balls.  The tortellinis looked and tasted home made.  The meat balls were delicious with a hint of heat.  Two house made oyster crackers served the purpose of sauce mopper.  A touch of cinnamon and thyme further warms  the comforting dish.  
     Of the two "entree" selections we ordered, the veal was the more impressive in both presentation and taste.  A hearty scallopini of veal sat atop a mound of mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach.  I can't imagine eating a regular entree if the happy hour is a third of the portion!  The veal was tender and juicy.  The sundried tomatoes and capers sauce complemented the meat with acidity and sweetness.
     The Happy Hour Capesante (Italain for scallop) is a single seared scallop with roasted miniature root vegetables and a cauliflower puree.  Though tasty, I found the presentation a bit messy.  The scallop had a nice sear and was perfectly cooked but it was hidden under all the garnish.  Even though it was a large sea scallop, one is just not enough.  
     We ordered the brussel sprouts last minute and I am glad.  They are so common these days, they're almost trite, but I just cannot get enough of this cruciferous darling.  Here at Panzano, chef Elise Wiggins has elevated the sprouts to a higher level.  Crispy flash fried sprout halves are dressed with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction and garnished with toasted pistachios and julienned green apples.  Yes, please! 
     Overall, I am so impressed with the attention to detail for the Happy Hour offerings that I want to return for the dinner service.  We left feeling full but not stuffed and was able to enjoy the show at Lannie's. 

Capesante (can you find the scallop?)

Mushroom Crepe

Veal

Pastiche

Brussels Sprouts