Argyll is an experience you won't find elsewhere in Denver.  Gastropubs are slowly becoming more popular in the U.S., but many of us are still not familiar with the term.  A gastropub starts the same as a traditional one, featuring good beer, spirits and wine along with traditional pub fare, such as fish and chips.  That is where the similarity ends, however.  Argyll Gastropub of Cherry Creek features exquisitely handmade European cuisine, painstakingly prepared in-house, with superb ingredients.

For instance, the charcuterie, which is a French term for something like a deli, boasts top-shelf cheeses, homemade dipping sauces and jams, and house-cured meats.  I tried a soft cow's milk cheese and duck proscuitto.  They came on a cheese board with garlic aioli, baby greens and freshly toasted baguette.  The saltiness of the duck, coupled with the creamy cheese, punch of garlic and delicate greens was pure heaven on a platter.

We were urged to also try a fan favorite; Colorado lamb ribs with homemade mint gelee.  The lamb arrived stacked generously on the plate, surrounded by veal jus and so tender it just fell off the bone.  It's easy to see why this dish is so popular; it was absolutely delicious and very beautifully presented, not to mention the huge serving you get for $10.

Next up was an enormous pub burger, stacked high with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, more of that yummy garlic aioli and a homemade pickle.  This unique burger is half lamb, half beef and is served on a super soft potato bun.  A richer burger I have never seen.  The fish and chips are also different - panko breaded so that they are extra crispy, the cod cut into thick hunks.  The malt vinagar gastrique and house-made tartar sauce perfectly compliment the crisp fish, making this perhaps my favorite version of this classic pub dish in all of Colorado.

I truly appreciate Argyll for their deep commitment to their craft.  Great attention is paid to the ingredients, processes and preparation behind each and every one of the dishes served here and it absolutely shows both on the plate and the palate.  It's terrific to see this kind of cuisine in our great city and I urge you to experience it for yourself!