If You Lived In Denver...Section 2 - University Park

The city of Denver was founded in 1858 (as were most towns in the West at that time), with the promise of Gold.  Six years later the University of Denver was founded with a very different name than it has today.  It was formed as the Colorado Seminary.  The rumor is that the founder wanted to ‘civilize’ the new mining town.  The school struggled in its early years and was renamed as the University of Denver well before the turn of the century.  

About that time the University moved seven miles south of Downtown, where it sits today.  The University is known for its law program and has many notable alumni, such as Condoleezza Rice and Michelle Kwan.  Among its other ‘Notable Alumni’ according to Wikipedia are Massouma al-Mubarak – Former Kuwaiti Minister of Planning and Ted Shawn – Modern Dance Pioneer but I have to say, I didn’t check their sources.

Now, if I ever mention the history of a neighborhood it is not to drone on with boring details and facts but to hopefully bring to light the sense of identity of a community.  A neighborhood’s culture, feel, and style will evolve over the years, much as we ourselves do, but a tree will hardly ever leave behind its roots.  The Colorado Seminary still lives on through the University of Denver’s small Illiff School of Theology.  As we wandered through the neighborhood and even through the campus I can’t say that I felt particularly religious but many areas were embroidered with a sense of serenity.

It’s a peaceful area with a nice integration between university dorms and residential homes, many of which are plenty over-embellished yet classy enough that they do not deter from the feeling of history.

The University area is very close to where I work so I cannot neglect to mention one of my favorite little spots: Chipotle.

Wait, why would I mention a chain restaurant with which everyone is familiar, loves to frequent, and occasionally even loves to talk about?  Because this one was the first.  When I tell people that I work a few blocks from the original Chipotle it usually spurns raised eyebrows and interesting conversations.  

I used to wonder why it was so hard to believe that Chipotle originated here in Colorado. I then realized that maybe it was because everyone wanted it to be from their locale. Chipotle, at one point, was something that they discovered. They had something to share with others that had never been there before; they had a feeling they could surprise others with something that was a chain, but so much more. That’s what I feel when I tell people who love Chipotle about the original - about mine. They may like it, but I still have something to share.

Number One (as they say) only has room for a few small tables and is lined with bar stools.  

The kitchen is close to the entry and at an angle that they cannot have a menu or walk you down a display line; you have to know what you are ordering and yell it across the kitchen. They have to use a trapdoor to get to some of their supplies.  It is tight and compact, not always convenient, and the line is always out the door, but that is fine with me. It makes it local. Take a look at the pictures on the wall after entering your local Chipotle; there you will see my Chipotle. 

When we were there with my wife we noticed it must have been really good because her portion was rapidly disappearing. In our tired, yet silly, desperation we decided that she pounded down the food as quickly as:

·         A dolphin pounds down dinner

·         A blue whale pounds down krill

·         A squirrel pounds down acorns after the winter is over and he knows he doesn’t have to save them anymore

The reason I noticed how quickly my wife had finished her portion was because I was sharing a burrito bowl with her.  Most often I will require my own burrito (brown, black, chicken, mild, sour cream, cheese if you must pry) but I don’t always need a whole one.  

So, please don’t criticize if I occasionally share a bowl, that’s how I roll (that was a burrito joke).

(ZS)

Section 2 of our Denver exploration was a nice experience; the University of Denver campus was quietly enjoying summer break, which allowed us to walk around and take in the sights without strange glances from students able to pay exorbitant tuition prices. I couldn't help but think back to my first year in Denver - all the way back in 2009 - and about how I nearly decided to finish my degree at DU. One of the reasons why I decided against it is contained in the following conversation with dear Zach back in '09:

Jen: "Yeah, so I'm considering DU."

Zach: "Are you planning on becoming a lawyer?"

Jen: "Um. No?" 

Zach: "Then don't go to DU." 

I'm thankful for meaningful conversations such as these when I consider the money I've saved, the amazing professors I've worked with, and the job I've been given at the University of Colorado. I'm happily situated downtown, surrounded by outdoor art and bookstores I love getting lost in. You'll be able to see what I see there in a future section.

(JG)