Eating for work has a lot of perks, mainly, we get to try amazing food all month long and learn about the chefs making the dishes. This past March new restaurants kept popping up, and many of them slayed with an amazing menu and flavors sticking in our mind long after the meal was over. From a new lunch service in Union Station to Avanti Denver’s fresh concepts to yet another hit by chef Johnny Curiel, here are some of our favorites from March.
La Tartare de Boeuf at Le Bilboquet
Early this year Le Bilboquet had small makeover, so we headed to Cherry Creek in March to check it out. The space looks the same, but if you pay attention you’ll notice it’s more intimate, and the menus and upholstery got a refresh. Not a lot has changed to the meat of the offerings, which means La Tartare de Boeuf ($30) still maintains the fresh, umami-rich profile it always had. Made with Mishima Reserve wagyu beef, anchovies, and spices, the tartare pairs perfectly with the thin baguette crostini served on the side. However, we recommend adding the excellent fries to the meal for an extra $7. 299 St Paul St., Denver, lebilboquetdenver.com
Kvaroy Salmon at Mercantile
Last month Mercantile reopened with a new design and a lunch menu that should be on the top of everyone’s list. For $35 you get a bright salad or soup and an entree, the perfect amount for a mid-day meal. All the food is fresh and thoughtful, and of the dishes sampled the Kvaroy Salmon with farro, fennel pollen soubise, and sun-dried tomato and cornicabra olive relish stood out. The combination of textures and flavors wowed, and it was light enough that we didn’t need that afternoon snooze after. The space is bright and friendly too, making it the downtown lunch (and dinner) spot we needed. 1701 Wynkoop St., #155, Denver, mercantiledenver.com
Kanpachi Tostada at Alteno
Chef Johnny Curiel’s new Cherry Creek restaurant is already knocking dishes out the park. It’s the fourth concept Curiel and his wife Kasie have opened since the end of 2023. Each one has offered something totally unique, all while sticking to the nuances of refined Mexican cuisine. The Kanpachi Tostada ($24) is no exception, only exceptional. The simple-sounding dish comprises a round, crunchy corn tortilla topped with Baja kanpachi, dollops of fresh Santa Barbara uni, avocado, and salsa de chiles seco, which brings the whole things together. 249 Clayton St., Denver, altenorestaurant.com
The Gilda at Ultreia
We love a dish with a story, and the Gilda ($6) on the new Pinche Pintxos happy hour menu at Ultreia offers a tale and a perfectly balanced bite. The name of the dish comes from the 1946 film Gilda, starring Rita Hayworth. There’s a scene where the actress sensually strips off a long glove while singing, and a rumor started circulating that she continued to take off all her clothes, though it wasn’t in the movie.
While the legend isn’t true, a bar in San Sebastián created a tantalizing combo of green chili pepper, olive, and an anchovy speared on a toothpick. The item was meant to symbolize the sultry nature of the tale and the woman, immortalizing Hayworth even more. Plus, the combination is delicious and goes very well with a pour from the Negroni fountain, also a happy hour special. 1701 Wynkoop St., #125, Denver, ultreiadenver.com
Jamon y Beurre at GetRights
It’s hard to beat a solid ham and butter sandwich. Yet GetRights goes beyond the classic and soaks the fresh baguette in a delightful herb-filled butter. The outside of the $11 sandwich stays crunchy and warm, while hearty slices of high-quality ham melts inside with the dairy bliss. While the menu at GetRights changes, the Jamon y Beurre is usually on it. Best part, dessert is right there too in the form of tantalizing pastries and the perfect lime tart. 6985 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, goodygetright.com
Peach Cobbler at The Pizza Bandit
We had to include the Peach Cobbler Pizza ($17.50) from The Pizza Bandit in Avanti Denver for one main reason–it’s unlike anything we’ve tasted. To be honest, when I went to visit in March I wasn’t excited to try it. Sweet pizza just isn’t my thing. But I was wrong. The combination of sliced peaches, cream cheese, locally made peach jam, mozzarella, fresh whipped cream, crumble, and the hot, savory dough, was a mixture that’s haunted me ever since. It’s sweet without being saccharine, it’s savory, it’s cheesy, and it sure makes for a nice change in a world of Nutella pizzas. 3200 Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Lemongrass Chicken at Woody’s Wings N Things
There’s nothing new about Woody’s Wings N Things in Westminster, it’s been around for at least a decade, but the menu is so large you could have something different each time. On a recent visit this included the Thai-influenced lemongrass chicken, chosen after the owner recommended it. While the plate didn’t look like much, the balance of coconut milk and spice proved perfect. The vegetables were fresh and the rice pliable. There was plenty of food for lunch, which cost around $12. The prices aren’t listed, and for some reason they always seem to change a little. Worth the trip to the suburbs and mystery. 6817 Lowell Blvd, Westminster, woodyswings.eatintakeout.net
Brussels Sprouts at Farang Thai Kitchen
Also new to Avanti Denver this year is Ben Whelan’s Farang Thai Kitchen. The chef has been working to build this concept for a long time, ever since he studied food and cooking in Thailand. While Whelan doesn’t claim his menu is traditional, the flavors hit all the right notes and you can tell he loves the cuisine. And yes, the Fried Brussels Fai Daeng ($8) was a major highlight. The dish offers a spicy and addictive combination of oyster sauce, peanuts, pickled chilies, cilantro and fried garlic, all tossed over the deep-fried vegetable. 3200 Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Burnt Ends at Roaming Buffalo BBQ
It’s always barbecue season at Coy and Rachael Webb’s Roaming Buffalo in Denver, but it’s not every day the restaurant serves burnt ends. If you see the item on the menu don’t hesitate. The succulent chunks of beef have the perfect carmelized bits on the side, and a light sauce coating each piece. Pair a half-pound of those with the unbelievable Andouille and Roasted Corn Grits ($7.50/$13.50), and you have a meal to remember. 2387 S. Downing St., Denver, roamingbuffalobbq.com
