Yes, the news is a day late because I took a vacation and refused to open my computer, which I encourage everyone to do. Yet, news never rests, and we wanted to make sure you know what’s going on in Denver’s restaurant and bar community. Sit back, pour a glass of wine, and take a break with this week’s happenings.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
After trying to build a new kind of local grocery delivery service, PineMelon closed on May 11. “For over three years, Anna and I have been committed to advancing the mission of PineMelon, and we’re proud of what we and our team have achieved in connecting our community to Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and producers,” said co-founder Alex Lee in a press release. “We remain passionate about the mission, and even in the absence of PineMelon, we hope we’ve inspired people to continue to choose, eat and support local.”
Look out for another closing, which is thankfully temporary. Now until May 21, Cart-Driver RiNo will be busy updating and doing some upkeep its wood-fired oven. While you can’t get pizza, you can take advantage of the special pop-up the restaurant is hosting on May 15 to 18, from 4 to 9 p.m. Dubbed Hot Dog Cart, enjoy chef-created hot dogs named after their own dogs. There will also be a limited menu available as well as spritzes, wine, and beer.
Last week someone threw a rock through the door of Procession Coffee. The cafe caught the action on video, and it looks like the person just decided to throw a rock at it for no apparent reason. The expense is huge, a post on social media stated, and the owner is asking for folk to simply come by and support the independent coffee shop.
Congrats to chef Matt Vawter of Rootstalk in Breckenridge. He is currently attending the James Beard Foundation’s Spring Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change. Also congrats to Ni and Anna Nguyen of sắp sửa. They just got on the James Beard Foundation list for TasteTwenty chefs, which means they will represent Denver’s independent restaurant community throughout the national Taste America series presented by Capital One.
Laws Whiskey House just released the second installment of its Headwaters Series: The Rio Grande Edition San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey. Crafted from heirloom rye grown in Colorado’s San Luis Valley and proofed with purified Rio Grande River water, the limited-edition whiskey celebrates and supports the preservation of Colorado’s rivers through awareness, education, and charitable donations. Ten-percent of sales will benefit organizations dedicated to restoring and protecting the Rio Grande Basin. The whiskey is $84.99 and is available exclusively at the Denver-based Laws Whiskey Sanctuary.
Jay Bianchi, who owned Sancho’s Broken Arrow and other Denver bars, goes on trial in October. Bianchi faces numerous charges of drugging and sexual assault, which allegedly occurred over the past four years. As of now he has pleaded not guilty.
Openings and Closings In the News
Olive & Finch has officially opened its doors in the Denver Center of Performing Arts at 14th and Curtis Streets. It’s the fifth location of chef Mary Nguyen’s fast-casual and whole-food eatery, and the only thing like it around the theater.
After four years slinging really good vegan fare at Edgewater Public Market, Gladys owners Rocky Hunter and David Grant will be expanding from 276 square feet to 2,542 square feet. Lucky for us they won’t go far. Instead, the plan is to move to a larger space inside the food hall, which will allow them to add table service, a chef’s counter, and a beverage program.
The rooftop scene just got better with Rook, an intimate social clubhouse with great cocktails and plenty of games. It opens May 21, situated right on top of Catbird Hotel in the RiNo neighborhood. Rook takes over the former Red Barber space, adding in daily riddles, late-night backgammon, and rooftop pool parties, the kind with cue sticks, not swimsuits. Enjoy board games, music, and card games, as well as a hefty drinks list alongside a smaller food menu featuring items such as walking tacos, grilled cheese, and the Rook Dog.
The Qdoba closed its location at 1400 E. 17th Ave. and now we await the new tenant. According to Naked Denver, Magic Artisan Noodle will take over the 2,781-square-foot spot in Uptown. The owners run Kung Fu Tea and TKK Fried Chicken in Colorado Springs, as well as Hana Matsuri Sushi in Westminster.
Noodles Express has closed, at least for now. A sign in the window states it will reopen June 14. After numerous ups and downs over the last year, we sure hope it does.
On the Menu
I’m so excited about the new Mortadella Mondays at Cart-Driver LoHi. Every Monday the chefs plan to create a new mortadella sandwich, available one day only.
Chef Corey Smith of Wynkoop Brewing Company has launched a bevy of new menu items. Look for Chips & Queso ($12) with chorizo, Elote Dip ($13) served with tortilla chips, The Funky Chicken ($16) sandwich with bacon, pimento cheese, and a hefeweizen maple glaze, and Prosciutto & Melon Salad ($13).
Avanti Food & Beverage Denver has brought brunch back to the table. Each stall is offering something different. At Ama Modern Mexican you can get chiliquiles ($14) and huevos rancheros ($13). Eloise American Bistro has a breakfast sandwich ($15) and steak omelet ($19). Get the pork carnitas breakfast bowl ($15) or sweet potato and avocado toast ($15) from Bowls by KO. Also find ham and cheese arepas, breakfast pizza, pandan waffles, loaded breakfast tots, and more. Plus the bar is churning out all your favorite brunch beverages including the house Bloody Mary ($13) and a tequila-spiked coffee ($15).
News Worthy Events
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 Thursday, 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.
BRUTØ chef Byron Gomez is bringing back his former Costa Rican chicken concept, El Pollo Tico, for one night only. On Sunday, May 18 from 5 to 9 p.m., fans can head to Hey Kiddo’s rooftop for Pollo Tico rotisserie chicken, pork sandwiches, maduros, and other delicious Costa Rican dishes. The event also will raise funds for the chef’s participation in Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry, a 100 mile bike ride starting in Bend, Oregon.
Head to Somebody People on Monday, May 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for an epic dinner paired with an immersive experience. The entertainment part is run by HOLDTIGHT, who presents Wild Oscillation, an immersive, multidisciplinary performance series interwoven with a multi-course plant-based tasting menu. Tickets run $150 per person, which includes dinner, drinks, and the show. Reservations here.
Luca is hosting a Hawaiian-Italian fusion dinner on Tuesday, May 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. The unique dining experience features five courses meant to blend tropical ingredients with classic Italian techniques. The line up includes SPAM musubi, huli huli cod, saimin (or Hawaiian ramen), porchetta with pineapple, and lilikoi, a passionfruit dessert. Get a ticket here for $90 per person (plus a 22% Creating Happy People service fee and tax).
Also on Tuesday, there’s a Yaowarat to Denver Fundraiser for Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network (CACEN) at MAKfam from 5 to 9 p.m. Explore Chinese-Thai flavors through drinks from Little Ogre Bar by Chottip Nimla-or and bites from MAKfam’s chef Alec Zirkle
Every purchase that night gets diners one entry into a raffle for a gift basket from Lee Kum Kee. Proceeds from additional $1 tickets goes to CACEN, as well as $1 from every Little Ogre cocktail, and a matching donation from MAKfam. Walk-in only.
On Sunday, May 25 from 8 a.m. until sold out, Stowaway Kitchen is collaborating with MAKfam to make some awesome doughnuts. The event takes place at Stowaway, and features doughnuts filled with MAKfam’s salted egg yolk custard, famously found on the restaurant’s Hong Kong toast. Outside flavors include yuzu-honey-sesame, pandan with coconut, and Chinese five spice.
