It’s May and we are so excited about the delicious events coming up this month. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and some places are going above and beyond to give back to staff and support them. Make sure to check out the extended hours of one omakase, and the new bar at another.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Starting on May 22, The Counter at Odell’s will be open on Thursdays. Now there are more opportunities to experience chef Miles Odell’s seasonally-driven, kaiseki-style menu, which truly showcases his skills and love of Japanese culture and cuisine. Plus, one of the best bites of April was from one of these special dinners. Reservations are now available.
Table 6 owners Amanda Davis and chef Aniedra Nichols have a new spring menu coming out, but it’s not just about fresh items.
The two wrote in an email, “As much as I hate to do this, it’s time for my semiannual email where I announce that we are pulling out all the stops to try to keep the doors open. Every spring, the restaurant goes through a slow period, but man oh man, this year is way worse than the past. So, before I get too far into the email, I want to ask you, our favorite customers, to please join us for a night (or two!) this week and next, as we try to drum up enough business to stay afloat through this tough time.”
Now more than ever do we need to support independent restaurants. So if you can, visit Table 6 and check out the seasonal $50 prix fixe menu, available now. The owners said they wanted to offer something for people feeling the pinch in the economy too, and at that price point it’s one of the less expensive options for an upscale restaurant.
The teams at Odie B’s and Secret Sauce, the restaurant group behind Steuben’s and Ace Eat Serve, are hosting Healthy Living Week: Nourish and Flourish from May 5 to 11. The idea is to highlight the restaurants’ shared commitment to employee wellness, both physical and mental. The staff will be treated to wellness services, healthy meals, and a staff hike.
In addition and in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Odie B’s, a recovery friendly workplace in Colorado, will donate $1 from each Mango, Ginger, Lemon OD Blaster, and Boozy Blaster drinks to CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness) at both locations. The donation will go to support mental health, wellness, and recovery for industry workers.
Openings and Closings in the News
Colorado is getting its first location of HTeaO, a national iced tea franchise this summer. The new shop will be located in Loveland at 1245 E. Eisenhower Blvd., introducing HTeaO’s signature tea, water, coffee, and snack products.
DenBar is now open inside of Denchu, chef Toshi Kizaki’s edomae-style sushi concept at 1551 S. Pearl St. DenBar is open daily from 5 to 10:30 p.m., serving only drinks. The menu features many Japanese whiskies, sake, and a fantastic cocktail menu including the Matcha-tini, an inventive take on the classic Espresso Martini, Japanese Old Fashioned, and Cucumber Gin & Tonic.
On the Menu
Starting May 9, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants in Denver will offer Handroll & Whisky Bar, a late-night experience tucked inside the lounge. The simple concept opens Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. No reservations are required, just ring the doorbell and grab one of the 12 first-come, first-served seats.
The menu features elevated small bites including a green mussel and sea urchin sake shooter, whipped bluefin tuna tail with salmon roe and fresh wasabi, Canadian spot prawn sashimi with whipped tofu, and Chawanmushi topped with crispy wagyu. A selection of hand rolls and Japanese-inspired cocktails also grace the menu.
News Worthy Events
On Tuesday, May 6, Carne is hosting Tommaso Cortonesi, a third-generation winemaker and owner of Cortonesi in Montalcino, Italy. This is the RiNo steakhouse’s first wine dinner, and guests will partake in a three-course dinner and dessert paired with selections from Cortonesi’s portfolio. Tickets available here.
The Bluegrass Lounge in Arvada is launching its 2025 Whiskey Wednesday season starting May 7 through October 22. Each event will be hosted by ambassadors, owners, and master distillers from various distilleries, providing an insider’s look into the craft of whiskey making. Attendees can expect to explore a range of flavors and styles, good for whiskey lovers and those who want to learn more about the spirit. Tickets for the events are available now, reserve your space at the shop or on the event page.
Head to the DragCentric Bingo Brunch at Apple Blossom at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver on May 10th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The theme is Queens of the Screen. Come dressed in your Hollywood glamour and enjoy mimosas and the new brunch menu designed by chef Amanda Singh. Think chicken and waffles, brisket eggs Benedict, pork green chili breakfast burrito, pancakes with strawberry sauce, and more. Reservations here.
Denver Milk Market is hosting Golden Gals Granny Brunch on Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This festive meal starts out with host Magnify with Mariah and includes a special Granny DJ set, a costume contest with prizes, a bouquet making station, and more. Spread joy at the Granny Brunch Letter Station, where you can write a letter to folks in nursing homes across Colorado. Entry is free, with food and drink for purchase. More information here.
Focus on Health’s Alex Jump is joining Pernod Ricard to host a community-focused event in Denver for Mental Health Awareness Month on Monday, May 12. Join them from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Portal Thermaculture and Nurture in the Highlands. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. guests can enjoy a range of wellness offerings including sauna, cold plunge, acupuncture, bodywork, aura photography, and more. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.
At 1 p.m. a restorative yoga class led by Chottip will be held inside Nurture, focusing on deep stretches ideal for those in the service industry. Custom-designed T-shirts and limited crewnecks by Bone Black will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds supporting Kind Therapy’s pro bono mental health services for hospitality workers. RSVP here.
Head to Somebody People for the Greek Wine Dinner with Giuliana Wine Imports on May 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a four-course Greek feast matched with incredible Greek wines for $75 per person.
One of the best events in Denver right now is the Platform Series at Union Station. The multi-course meal by chef Kevin McCormick takes place in the center of the station, and features a winery each month. The next Platform Series Wine Dinner is taking place May 15, with Schramsberg Vineyards at the helm. Book a seat asap for an unforgettable experience, and dishes just as memorable as the setting and wine.
