![Annette](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51316338756_7b31e4ece9_b.jpg)
Annette is a scratch-to-table modern American restaurant just outside of Denver, Colorado, in Stanley Marketplace. Stanley Marketplace is a community of 50+ independently owned Colorado businesses that offer a place for to eat, drink, shop, exercise, play, work and more.
![Annette](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51315605012_8e2b1300f1_b.jpg)
The space has some modern flair and is pretty slick. It's not a comfy-cozy atmosphere; it's refined.
I recently listened to a podcast about how restaurants psychologically influence diners to eat quickly or slowly depending on how cozy the seats are and how fast the music is. That resonated with me a bit here.
![Annette](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51317347590_209ea2477e_b.jpg)
Chef-Owner Caroline Glover is a 2019 Food and Wine Best New Chef and was awarded the title of 2022 James Beard Best Chef in the Mountain Region.
![Annette](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51317347565_57b2a72d43_b.jpg)
The menu features seasonal items from local producers, as well as some new spins on classic items. I ordered the pork tonnato with tuna, capers, red onion and parsley. I learned that tonnato is a room-temperature, creamy, mayonnaise-like sauce flavored with tuna. It was interesting, and I'm glad I tried it. But I think I'll pass next time.
![Annette](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51317347580_5ff7c1b90b_b.jpg)
I did, however, love the fried and stuffed squash blossoms. There's a bit of whimsy when eating these because it's like a delicious flower, stuffed with a cheesy mixture and deep-fried. Yum. For my main entrée, I devoured the housemade cavatelli with sausage, confit tomatoes, and Parmesan. The chew of the fresh pasta in the simple toppings are the definition of comfort food for me.
![Annette](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51317066699_8e3734c4b3_b.jpg)
Grade: A