Still reeling from daylight savings? Ease the pain of losing that hour with good news of openings and fresh menu items. We’ve also heard the Denver mayor is planning on doing some bartending, and imbibers can enjoy $5 Espresso Martinis the rest of the month.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Mayor Mike Johnston announced an ambitious plan to revitalize Colfax Avenue. But he isn’t just saying it, Johnston told City Cast Denver podcast he plans to guest bartend at local places on the strip to help raise awareness. While we don’t know the first stop, he said he wants to do it once a month.
Not only did chef Mary Nguyen open her third Olive & Finch restaurant this week (see below), but she just joined the board of Visit Denver. Congrats on the role chef.
News is Denver is about to get its first Cracker Barrel Restaurant this year. The Southern-based chain specializes in country goods and comfort food. The plans are to open this location in Central Park.
Little Brazil has launched a crowdfunding campaign in order to preserve its Highland restaurant. So far owners Kallen Marques and Polly Furay have raised around $14,000. The funds, the pair said, will be divided into three sections including savings to help handle seasonal fluctuations, marketing to help increase monthly revenue, and to pay down debt. The drive goes until March 19.
Openings and Closings in the News
Straight from Austin, Oko has taken residency in the Koko Ni spot. Helmed by chef Harold Villarosa, the limited run goes until April 13. Expect to try an array of Filipino comfort foods in the unique RiNo spot.
As of today, March 10, Olive & Finch is officially operating in Denver Union Station. With this opening, chef and owner Mary Nguyen now has three of her trademark fine-casual eateries operating in the city.The latest location took over the former Snooze spot, which moved into a bigger space within the station. The counter service restaurant is open for dinner, happy hour, lunch, and breakfast.
Nana’s Dim Sum and Dumplings will host a soft opening for its newest location in Central Park at 2005 N. Clinton St. Check out the fourth iteration of the Asian bistro starting March 13, 12 to 8 p.m. The company also plans on expanding to Parker, Colorado Springs, and the Golden Triangle this year.
Sushi Ronin, which opened in LoHi in 2016, has shuttered. The owners state changes in stakeholders and a raised rent as to why they decided to close.
Mangiami Pizza Tavern in Arvada has permanently closed. Based on letters and a big “seized” notice on the door, the cause is not paying taxes.
On the Menu
Odell’s Bagel now makes a scrumptious babka, available at the Highland hotspot. The dish uses India Jammu flour from Dry Storage, and the same sourdough starter chef-owner Miles Odell uses for the bagels. Get it by the slice ($3.50) or by the loaf ($17) in cinnamon-chocolate and rotating seasonal flavors.
Misfit SnackBar’s newest pop-up is dubbed “Silli’s,” and pays homage to the “greatest restaurants located next to an overpass.” Like most of chef Bo Porytko’s creations, this will be a creative and tasty adventure. Expect items such as Nacho Man Randy Cabbage with sweet potato chips, Humboldt Fog fondue, pickled peppers, and Brussels sprouts.
There’s also Mile High Egg Rolls with chicken tinga and green chili ranch, and BaBoBack Ribs spiced with stout beer barbecue sauce, smoked salt, and French thyme micro greens. The menu is available from March 7 to April 14, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Head to Denver Biscuit Co. all March long for $5 Espresso Martinis. Made with Pearl vanilla vodka, espresso liquor, and locally roasted cold brew, the pick-me-up cocktail is available Monday through Friday until 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.
Odie B’s in RiNo, the newest location, just launched happy hour. Head to the restaurant between 3 and 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, for $5 drinks such as the Cold Brew ‘Tini, Mini Wutangerade, and local draft beer. On the food side, Lil Sandies run $9, Wildstyle Tots are $5, and Girl Dinner is $12, featuring chicken dinos, pasta salad, tots, ranch, and a mini dessert.
Events
West End Tavern will host its Whiskey Lovers Unite Dinner on Wednesday, March 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. The whiskey comes from Breckenridge Distillery, Family Jones, and Boulder Distillery. Tickets run $55 per person and include a welcome cocktail, six pours, seminars from each distillery to learn about the spirits, and small bites by West End chef Andrew Cocking. Not only that, but the event also gets guests a free membership to West End’s whiskey club and lots of giveaways. Learn more and get tickets here.
On Friday, March 14, join the New Wave After Party at sắp sửa at 8:30 p.m. New Wave, a documentary made by independent filmmaker Elizabeth Ai, premiers in Denver the same day, and captures the cultural experience of Vietnamese immigrants in the 1980s after leaving their war-torn homeland. The afterparty at the restaurant runs $25 per person, and aims to honor the film and its production team with unlimited small bites. Drinks are also available for purchase.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with a drag brunch at Apple Blossom on Sunday, March 16 at 11:30 am. Enjoy great food, mimosas, bingo, and singalong performances from the fabulous Zara Misdemeanor and Amerikah J. Misdemeanor. Don’t forget to wear green and reserve a spot here.
Bowl of ‘Zole is coming back to Denver for its third year. The annual fete features samples of agave spirits and pozole made by some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city. Enjoy the fun on Thursday, March 20. The VIP tickets are $91.70 and get you into the event at 5 p.m. The general admission kicks off at 6 p.m. and tickets start at $59.78. Secure a spot here.
On Thursday, March 20, the Platform Series at Denver Union Station launches in the heart of the Great Hall. The special wine dinner features grand cru selections from William Fèvre and Domaine Laroche, with each pour expertly paired with chef Kevin McCormick’s seasonally-inspired menu. The four-course meal starts at 6:30 p.m., with tickets running $150 per person. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required here. This is the first of the series, which will run every third Thursday of the month.
News is Bruz Off Fax and ViDa Eats will team up on Friday, March 21 at 6 p.m. to bring an evening of beer and cheese pairings. The pre-chosen flight includes four-ounce beers meant to complement four different cheeses. The Midtown location of Bruz Beers is also hosting a pairing on Thursday, March 20, same details. Tickets run $39.19 and can be purchased for Bruz Off Fax here, and Midtown Bruz here.
