A news-worthy brunch menu aims to give a dose of healthy food to the meal. We’re seeing a lot of openings lately, including a second location of a popular downtown Asian restaurant. Boulder mourns the passing of a restaurant icon, and Tour de Fat returns to Fort Collins this coming weekend. Also, don’t miss the best fried chicken festival in the world, if we do say so ourselves.
The 411
Get ready, the Denver Food + Wine Festival returns September 3 to 6 at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. From wine and spirits tastings, educational seminars, and the anticipated grand tasting event, it’s a great way to fill up and celebrate some of the best in Denver’s restaurant community.
You may not realize the pizza restaurant chain Old Chicago was founded in Boulder in 1976, and has been going strong ever since. Last week the original owner, Frank Day, passed at 93. He was known for pioneering the Boulder craft beer scene, and also created the popular chains Rock Bottom Brewery and Chophouse as well as Old Chicago.
Don’t miss DiningOut Events’ Chicken Fight! this Thursday at Elitch Gardens. One ticket gets you unlimited rides, fried chicken, wings, cocktails, drinks, and, new this year, burgers. There’s live music and a chicken wing eating contest too.
Openings and Closings in the News
Urban Egg Downtown Denver opens Monday, August 25, at 1550 Wewatta St., in the Triangle Building near Union Station. It’s the brand’s third location in Denver, and the 11th in the group’s portfolio. The new iteration features a new design, the second to do so as the group refreshes the brand’s look.
Downtown’s creative Asian eatery Bao Brewhouse is opening a new location on Tennyson Street this coming Monday, August 25th. While the first iteration is a two-story, two-concept hot spot, the Berkeley eatery, dubbed Bao Tennyson, will offer quick and casual service in a much smaller setting. Expect bao buns, roujiamo, noodles, rice, dim sum, soups, and salads, as well as a full-service bar program. Orders will be placed at the counter or online for takeout, no reservations required. Visit the new spot at 3973 Tennyson St. in Denver.
For years Adrian Grace has manned the wheel and the grill of her food truck, What’s Happening. Now the Lakewood-based business will soon have a solid home at 2801 Welton St. in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Grace is known for her comfort food classics such as cheesesteaks, wings, and pasta, and does catering under the same brand as well.
American Elm owner Bob Reiter and the restaurant’s chef Daniel Mangin are expanding into the space next door to their Berkeley restaurant. The team plans on offering a sandwich counter in the front, and the cafe serving European wines and small plates in the back. The bodega-like front will be called M.E. Deli, named after Reiter’s daughter, and the back restaurant is dubbed Wednesday Ellie, after his wife.
The beer, wine, and coffee bar Molecule Effect has closed in Washington Park. A simple notice posted stated the team decided to not renew the lease. However the Molecule Effect on South Broadway remains.
On the Menu
Snooze, an A.M. Eater is back with new menu times. This time, only Denver gets a taste (Ballpark, Union Station, South Broadway and Colorado Blvd.). The Denver test menu features a selection of beverages leaning on the healthy side and nourishing, lunch-friendly bowls and plates. Highlights include a dreamy mango smoothie, a Thai chicken salad sandwich and a crisp green apple and fennel salad. Be the first to try it, and make sure to give feedback.
Events
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.
Stoke & Rye at The Westin Riverfront in Avon is hosting Viva Abejas, chef Richard Sandoval’s “long live bees” dinner on Thursday, August 21 at 6 p.m. This is the chef’s initiative to educate on the importance of bees to our greater food system and ecosystem. Chef Sandoval also has published a book titled Viva Abejas, which is a study into sustainability and the food cycle for early readers and bee enthusiasts alike.
All proceeds from the book sales go to the World Bee Project. Start the evening with a Honey Lavender Margarita, followed by the Charred Avocado Salad, Coconut Tuna Ceviche, Duck Confit Tacos, and Braised Short Rib. For dessert, enjoy a Honey Cheesecake featuring Colorado honeycomb, blood orange, macerated berries with Alma Finca liqueur. The evening is priced at $135 per person. To make a reservation or view the full Viva Abejas menu, please visit www.stokeandrye.com/happenings.
BJ’s Restaurant is bringing a taste of nostalgia to Denver with its first-ever “Brews ‘n’ Views” drive-in movie experience. On Thursday, August 21, the Westminster location will transform into an outdoor cinema, complete with a screening of “The Sandlot” and the launch of BJ’s new summer menu items. Think items such as Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, along with adult-friendly treats like Hard Root Beer floats, the All-American Smash Burger, mini pizzas, and mozzarella sticks, among other tasty treats. No reservations needed, and you can find the film schedule on the website.
Tour de Fat returns this Saturday, August 23, in Fort Collins for its 26th year. Hosted by New Belgium Brewing, the event is all about bikes and beers, including a costumed bike parade, world-class craft beer, and bicycle advocacy. Over the years, the event has raised nearly $6 million for local bike nonprofits. There’s also a free performance from Murder by Death, and all ages are welcome.
On Saturday, August 23, The ART Hotel Denver is hosting an event to coincide with the Chris Stapleton concert at the Ball Arena, which takes place Friday and Saturday. The special pop-up features a custom hat experience with Walker Road Hat Co. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also enjoy a Blade & Bow whiskey tasting from 12 to 2 p.m. Leading up to the event, keep an eye on our Instagram for a giveaway where winners will receive a custom hat, a bottle of Blade & Bow, and signature Blade & Bow golden cups.
Join Somebody People and The Family Jones Distillery for a one-night-only cocktail and meal pairing experience with head distiller Rob Masters on Monday, August 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. For this special evening Masters and bar manager Nick Smedley collaborate to bring whimsical spirits, bold flavors, and lively stories to the glass. Each cocktail pairing goes with a plant-based, seasonal four-course dinner. Tickets are $83 per person and include all pairings.
Head to Chef Zorba’s August Wine Down event on Friday, August 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. The theme centers around Argentina and Chile, and for $30, guests will have pours of wine from both countries and complimentary bites including tacos and empanadas.
Spirit of Japan is coming back on September 12 through the 14 at Sakura Square. It’s the second iteration of the annual event, and the goal is to highlight Japanese food, spirits, and culture. Sample Japanese spirits, including sake, sochu, whiskey and more while learning from experts about their origin, craftsmanship and tasting notes. On the food side, try authentic Japanese dishes such as yakitori, osakana zangi, and takoyaki. Tickets are on sale now.
