Two deaths impacted the community this past week. But on a happy note, one popular brunch place expands. while two award-winning chefs open a new taco spot. Look for updates on an upcoming Italian restaurant, and join the fun at Wingapolooza, the ultimate chicken wing eating contest.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
We have been anticipating the second restaurant by the team from Restaurant Olivia for some time, and finally there’s news. First off, the name is no longer just Emilia. Now it will be Dear Emilia to reflect the concept, which is meant as a love letter to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
Now for the opening. After a few rounds of permitting and construction logistics, construction is officially underway inside the ground floor of The Current office building in RiNo, located at 3615 Delgany St. Taurus Construction is leading the buildout and plans to finish in time for a launch in late 2025 or early 2026.
Wingapolooza at Number 38 is back, and it’s this weekend on August 3. Compete for exciting prizes and a chance to advance to the grand finale at Chicken Fight 2025, happening August 21 at Elitch Gardens. Sign up and try to win in either volume wing eating, incredibly hot wing eating, and, new this year, a hot dog eating contest. More information here.
The owner of Crown Burgers, George Brokalakis died last week at 77. Crown Burgers, which has operated at 2192 S. Colorado Blvd. for 38 years, has been a staple in Denver. To celebrate his life, the restaurant will be serving 77-cent burgers on August 2 from 5 to 7 p.m., limit two per person.
The owners of The Abide Ride food truck were killed on July 21 when a car driving over 100 miles-per-hour in the wrong direction hit them head on. Michael and Debbie Carman were going from Conifer to Denver on Highway 285 in order to pick up supplies for their weekend rush. To upkeep their legacy, the couple’s son Austin may take over the truck.
Openings and Closings In the News
The taco is out of the bag, chefs Tommy Lee (Hop Alley, Uncle) and Michael Diaz de Leon (formally Bruto), are opening a Mexican restaurant in the former Comida space at Stanley Marketplace. While it’s not slated to launch till the fall, we are so excited to check out Molino Chido when it does.
Onefold, a popular breakfast concept, has opened a fourth location. This time it’s in Greenwood Village at 5960 S. Holly St., the former spot of the Dusty Boot steakhouse.
Wilding Brands, which bought Great Divide Brewing Co. earlier this year, plans to open a new taproom for the beer company at 3040 Blake St. in Denver. This comes after Wilding Brands shut down all the Great Divide taprooms, including the large one in RiNo. The new spot will be managed by Vibe Concepts, which runs the Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse locations in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, and Belmar. Wilding is also closing the Stem Ciders taproom on August 3, with plans to reopen the space as a Great Divide location later this fall.
Denver Sweet on Capitol Hill closed after six years serving the LGBTQ community. The reason, said the owner, came down to labor costs.
On the Menu
Peach season is here! And in celebration, over the month of August the Ambler in Hotel Indigo downtown will feature numerous ways to enjoy the fruit. Start with Peaches & Cheese, a manchego cheese cup filled with diced peaches and topped with rosemary balsamic. The stone fruit also makes a splash in drinks. Think Peach & Tranquili-Tea (Deerhammer straight bourbon, Leopold Bros. peach whiskey, Palisade peaches, black tea, and lemon) and Peach Agua Fresca with lime and rosemary.
Events
On Wednesday, July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. you can join the Denver Milk Market for a Craft Your Own Cocktail Class. It’s held in Stranded Pilgrim and attendees will create three drinks including the Raspberry Pepper Paloma, a Margarita, and the Tequila Mockingbird. Enjoy light bites during the class and take home a cocktail shaker so you can mix up your creations at home. Tickets are $65 each.
This Thursday, July 31, it’s Christmas in July at Rook, the new rooftop bar at the Catbird Hotel in RiNo. Guests can deck the halls with Christmas cocktails and bites, a holiday karaoke playlists, and surprise stocking stuffers, all while enjoying Rook’s stellar city views. Festive cocktails including Egg Nog slushies, Cranberry Mules, and a Cookies & Cream Old Fashioned. There will also be a cookie decorating station, tree topping ceremony featuring the evening’s surprise guest, and giveaways. The party is free for all and starts at 6 p.m., continuing until 11 p.m.
Love seafood? If the answer is yes then make your way to SURF Seafood Competition on July 31 at 6 p.m. in McGregor Square. It’s an all-you-can-eat-and-drink affair featuring over a dozen top reactants in the metro area. Find out more information here, and check out the line up of judges.
On Friday, August 1, celebrate National Spritz Day at Punch Bowl Social where drinks off the Summer Spritz menu are only $10 each. Think classic Aperol spritz and signature creations like the Coco Blanco with tequila and coconut cream, or the Kiwi Spritz with strawberry and Aperol. Guests can also enjoy $19.99 unlimited play until 4 p.m.
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.
Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek, will host 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.
