Table Talk for May 31

New kid on the block…Emogène, a brand-new patisserie and cafe in Cherry Creek North, dishes up croissants and scones for breakfast, gourmet sandwiches (try the Italian) and salads for lunch, and wine and desserts (we love the Snickerdoodles) in the evening. We like the place—it’s sleek, beautiful, and the food is delicious—but we do have one bone to pick. Why would the owners (who run both Mao and Nine75) select tables that are so narrow they won’t even fit two plates across? Balancing artful dishes and delicate espresso cups on the cramped tables makes for a nerve-wracking dining experience. For now, we’ll stick to take out. 2415 E. Second Ave., 303-388-7900.

Where the buffalo roam…As you’re channel surfing tonight, May 31, check out The Fort on the Travel Channel’s Taste of America. Host Mark DeCarlo learns about the significance of buffalo to Native Americans, prepares buffalo steak with executive chef David Woolley, and samples delicacies such as Rocky Mountain oysters and marrow bones with owner Sam Arnold. Taste of America airs at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., mountain time. It re-airs Sunday, June 5 at 12:30 p.m.

Toe tapping…Starting Wednesday, June 1, Maggiano’s Little Italy adds spice to its Southern Italian cuisine by kicking off the Mistura Fina Trio concert series. For the second summer in a row, Denver’s Andrew Hudson, Frank Ayala, and John Goring take to Maggiano’s patio with a blend of Latin and Brazilian Jazz. Every Wednesday night 7 to 9 p.m., June 1 through August 31, Denver Pavilions, 303-260-7707.

Veg heads…Though we’re not sure why Denver is lumped in with Salt Lake City (the cities are in different states, after all), we do like the pocket-size VegOut: Vegetarian Guide to Denver & Salt Lake City. Local author Andrea Mather points diners in the direction of the metro area’s most desirable veggie fare, from hotspots Vesta Dipping Grill and Jack-n-Grill to ethnic eateries Thai Basil and Denver Woodlands. Stars and dollar signs indicate the restaurants’ rating and price—and the handy, fold-out map helps you navigate. Available at The Tattered Cover, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Walden Books.