News is, a Highland bagel shop plans to open a new location, while a beloved taco restaurant closes and relocates to another neighborhood. The winners of a wing competition score big, and money is (slowly) coming to independent restaurants. It’s also time to look forward to collaboration dinners and some wine-focused events.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
DiningOut Events hosted the second annual Wingapolooza wing-eating contest and Chicken Fight! qualifier at Number 38 in RiNo last weekend. The top winner of the “traditional, first to 15” round was Wes Pouw, who finished with a time of 3 minutes and 54 seconds. He not only won tickets to the event on August 21, but will get to compete on stage too. Second timer Joe Orth and Cesar de la Riva won the “extra hot-first to six” contest by downing true hot wings that measured around two-million Scoville units.
Number 38 also hosted a hot dog eating contest in honor of the venue’s new hot dog program. Brian Georges, Ryan Remaley, Nate Anabali, and Luke Kancir won that feat, being the first team to eat 12.
In other DiningOut Events news, winners of the first SURF Seafood Championship are in. It was a tasty event, and there are plans to do it again next year. Sneak peek, Salt Water Social won People’s Choice.
The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase have entered a partnership in order to support the independent restaurant and bar industry. The multi-year collaboration offers two grant programs, the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund to support those businesses recovering from natural disasters, and the IRC and Chase Innovator Awards, which will recognize innovative businesses and the impact each has on its community. Additional details, eligibility requirements, and application materials can be found here.
An example of how a loan and monetary help can aid an independent business can be seen with Milk Tea People, a small Japanese matcha shop downtown. The owners received a $640 investment loan from the Downtown Development Authority and will be expanding operations.
Congrats to Barolo Grill, the Cherry Creek North Italian staple who recently received a Snail of Approval by Slow Food USA. The esteemed organization highlights independent restaurants that are champions for sustainable sourcing, employee development and support, and cultural connection. In the case of Barolo Grill, each seasonal menu at the establishment is informed by the staff’s annual trip to Italy. Try the summer menu now and book here.
While we were excited to see Rising Tiger compete in the Food Network series The Great Food Truck Race this fall, there was a twist in the story. Turns out owner and team leader Devin Keopraphay pulled out, giving their place to the losing team. Westword reported the story here.
Openings and Closings in the News
Cherry Cricket is going for a fourth location. This time it will launch a version of the popular burger and comfort food joint in Broomfield with a 8,500-square-foot restaurant. Opening is planned for later this month.
Beloved bagel spot Leroy’s Bagels is opening a second location at 1549 Platte St. The cafe is known for its 16 flavors, including gluten-free, as well as the service wall where people can buy coffee, bagels, or anything else and leave a coupon on the bulletin board. We don’t know if that feature will be at the new one, but the same great bagels are a guaranteed.
Since 2022 Wild Taco has given Capitol Hill a pretty spot to eat creative tacos in, but now, that location is folding. The reason, owner Yoon Terry told the Denver Post, came down to rent increases and the decision not to renew the lease. Lucky for us, Terry will open a smaller, fast casual version of the taco joint in Edgewater Public Market, which has had a lot of new movement lately. There’s still the Berkeley location as well, which is simple lovely.
After 29 years on South Broadway, The Hornet is closing. The last day of service will be August 9. The reason? Like many independent restaurants right now, costs are rising and in an industry that already has super tight margins, it’s too much for some businesses to continue.
For 10 years Great Frontier Brewing has served at 2010 S. Oak St., Lakewood, but now it’s closing. But as quickly as the gluten-light brewery shuts its doors, another brewery is aimed to take its place. Enter Old 121 Brewhouse, which plans to open this fall, along with a permanent spot for The Pizza Bandit to park its food truck. Owned by Melina and Federico Felix, the pizza concept opened its first location inside Avanti Denver earlier this year.
Now, if the name Old 121 Brewhouse sounds familiar you may be thinking of the brewery’s original taproom at 1057 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada. That venture will remain in the same spot but with a new name, Ye Olde 121 Public House.
On the Menu
Have you wanted to get a taste of the award-winning Poulette Bakeshop in Parker? Now is the time with the bakery’s Palisade Peach Fritters. Pre-orders are available via the website here.
Stranahan’s also has a peach special, though it’s in liquid form. Enter the Palisade Peach Whiskey Smash, available now in the distillery’s tasting room.
Sweet Action is celebrating Colorado’s peach season with fruit from Morton’s Organic Orchards in Palisade. The family-owned and operated ice cream company uses the juicy stone fruit with a house-baked cobbler and cheesecake to craft the ice cream company’s newest small-batch flavor, Palisade Peach Cheesecake. Get it while supplies last at any one of Sweet Action’s four Denver scoop shops.
Get more peach love at Leven Supply in Washington Park through August 31 to partake in the Palisade peach pizza with prosciutto, burrata, basil and a balsamic drizzle on sourdough crust. Bonus, for those interested in making their own peach pizzas at home, Supply also sells sourdough pizza kits.
Coming Wednesdays, barbecue hot spot Riot BBQ will start to offer chicken pibil. The dish pays homage to the rich traditions of chef Manny Barella’s childhood in Mexico. Marinated in achiote and citrus and then slow roasted, the chicken is served with xnipec (pickled onions and habaneros) and Alabama white sauce.
Events In Denver News
Champagne Tiger will take over SAME Cafe on Friday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The special collaboration lunch will feature asparagus soup with croutons, roasted cauliflower with chimichurri, summer vegetable risotto, and braised pork belly over rice.
On Friday, August 8, Pasque, inside Populus Denver, kicks off a dinner series with a four-course menu and wine pairings along with A Tribute to Grace wine company and winemaker Angela Osborne. Led by Pasque’s executive chef Ian Wortham, the dinner will celebrate and take a deep dive into the flavors of grenache as a complement to the restaurant’s seasonal dishes. Reservations are currently available on OpenTable for booking between 5 and 8 p.m., 8:00, and tickets are $150 per person.
Settle in for a cozy movie under the stars at Apple Blossom’s Bloom rooftop the next three Fridays, August 8 (Gulliver’s Travels), 15 (Charade), and 22 (His Girl Friday). During the night this space transforms into an open-air theater to screen beloved classics with city skyline views. Expect seasonal bites, classic cocktails, and complimentary popcorn. No reservations needed. More details on the website.
On Monday, August 11, chefs Johnny Curiel (Alma Fonda Fina) and Erasmo Casiano (Xiquita) present the latest installment of Our México: A Regional Dinner Series. Beginning at 6 p.m., immerse yourself in the soul of Mexico City where time-honored traditions meet global influences and bold innovation, all grounded by a vibrant street food scene. This will be a coursed dinner with pairing options available, hosted at Xiquita for $129 per person. Reservations are required and available here.
Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek, debuts a wine dinner on Saturday, August 16. From 5 to 8 p.m. at The Peak, the property’s new outdoor private event space on the sixth floor. The evening is in partnership with wineries DANA Estates and Three Sticks Wines. Tickets start at $65 and which includes wine paired with curated bites created by the Halcyon culinary team.
Head to Tamayo to celebrate the modern Latin cuisine helping shape Denver’s dining scene with two, one-night-only events. On Tuesday, August 19 enjoy Tamayo Through the Ages Dinner with Chefs Dana Rodriguez and Oscar Padilla. Then the next day, August 20, join the Four Hands Dinner with Chef Frank Bonanno. Each evening features a five-course tasting menu inspired by the chefs’ cultural backgrounds and includes new dishes from Tamayo’s recently refreshed menu.
Enjoy a wine dinner, on August 20 at 6 p.m., at Bistro Vendome along with chef and operating partner Tim Kuklinski. The Loire Valley Wine Dinner starts at 6 p.m., and runs $125 per person. Expect dishes such as Rocky Ford Melon Gazpacho, Clam Pissaladière, Cherry and Strawberry Tart, and more, each paired with a wine from the region.
Saverina at Kimpton Claret Hotel hosts its Third Thursday Chef Dinner on August 21st. During the special meal, chef Christian Graves plans to showcase the bounty of August with Whole Grain Cavatelli and Burrata, Assassins Bucatini with Halibut Cheeks, and Peach Upside Down Cake. Dinner is $65 per person and reservations can be made here.
