Turkey day has passed and now December is upon us all. You know what that means for the news, it’s all holiday drinks, holiday foods, and more holiday stuff. Definitely check out our list of the best seasonal pop-up spots around town, and show us your favorite drink! We are also decking the bar for Advent, and each day up to December 24 we’ll reveal a new local item for the bar, and a few giveaways.
Read on for more of this week’s top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
After Jim Pittenger, aka Biker Jim, lost his exotic sausage business earlier this year, and now the long-standing shop at 2148 Larimer St. has finally closed. While Pittenger didn’t have part in his namesake getting evicted, he said the outcome really hit home. Lucky for fans, some of Biker Jim’s sausages can be had a the Milk Market in the Dairy Block, and at select events around town.
We aren’t saying you need a soft panda hoodie, but if you’re willing to drive for it, Panda Express is giving out free ones for one day only. The event happens on December 5, otherwise known as National Comfort Food Day. Sizes are in medium or extra-large, and you have to buy a Panda plate (two entrees and one side), one per person. Unfortunately, the only location in Colorado is at 23100 E. Smoky Hill Rd. in Aurora. But you can always pay money for one online.
Pay it forward this holiday season at SAME Cafe. The acronym of the restaurant stands for So All May Eat, and the small eatery’s business model is based on a community barter and trade system where customers can work for their meal, pay what they can, or pay more so the next person can eat. Right now the non-profit has a matching donation offer coming up from Love, Tito’s on December 10, Colorado Gives Day. On this date, all gifts to SAME Cafe will be doubled up to $50,000. Consider being a part of supporting this amazing organization.
Openings and Closings In the News
After much anticipation, Som Dee Thai Kitchen finally opened in Uptown in what used to be Paxti’s Pizza. Owned by
Miya Moon opened in Broomfield, which is owned by the same group behind Chubby Fish, Bronze Empire, Honey Basil, and more. The sleek suburban concept focuses on clay pot and Chinese tapas.
Chef and owner Lon Symensma has brought his high-end, modern Asian concept Cholon to the Denver airport. It was a long time coming, the chef mentioned in an Instagram post.
Novo Coffee in Highland posted a sign on its door saying it will be closing at the end of the year. While the coffee shop might go, taking a darn good lavender chai with it, the company remains in business.
In sad news, fast-casual and vegan-based Meta Burger officially closed both its shops in Denver and Boulder as of last Saturday. “As we close this chapter we want to thank you for supporting our dream, choosing compassion and welcoming us into your beautiful community,” the owners announced on social media. “We are truly grateful for the memories, laughs, tears, and the meals we shared with you all.”
On the Menu
Downtown’s Leven Deli Co. has a new winter menu. Items include a Pastrami and Swiss Biscuit, Sweet Potato Chutney Toast, Roasted Carrot Hummus, Winter Apple Whoopi Pie, Lemon Chicken and Vegetable Soup, and more.
For a limited time Banh & Butter Bakery Cafe in Aurora has put together a gift box of all the cake flavors chef-owner Thoa Nguyen made during last season’s run of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship cooking show. Preorder the set now for a December 23 pick up. Reserve a box soon, we suspect it will sell out.
Need a dose of Brunson Meat Co.? Bull & Bush Brewery is featuring chef-turned-meat-man Justin Brunson’s 40-day dry-aged beef in its half-pound burger of the month. On top the $22 patty rests an herb butter, aged cheddar, and onion strings, all nestled within an English muffin.
Events In the News
Who doesn’t like a good Top Chef alumni showdown? In this case it’s all in good, comforting fun as chefs Carrie Baird and Manny Barella create an epic soup special. The event takes place at Fox and the Hen on Wednesday, December 4 from 5 p.m. and until it runs out (or the restaurant closes). Based on a cute Instagram post, Baird will do chicken noodle, and Barella will do pozole, each chefs’ cultural hug in a mug.
Visit Bao Brewhouse for Nocturne Nights: Holiday Edition. Starting on December 5th, Bao Brewhouse delivers a festive late-night bar experience every Thursday and Friday from 10 to 11 p.m. For $45, guests can pick a drink from the naughty or nice list, as well as sip a glass of Prosecco and a digestif. The limited-seat event only runs through January 3.
Join The Block Distilling Co. on Sunday, December 8 at noon as it celebrates seven years in business and six years of whiskey releases. Taste the spirits, get a flash tattoo, and try the oldest bottled-in-bond whiskey the distillery has.
Get in with the Grinch at Dairy Block’s Who-Ligan Brunch on December 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dress up in your best ugly sweater or “mean one” attire to enter into the costume contest. The event also features live music, drink specials, and a toy drive for Childhelp, an organization aimed at eradicating child abuse and neglect.
On Saturday, December 14 from 1 to 4 p.m., head to The Ritz-Carlton Denver for an expert gingerbread house decorating experience with pastry chef Stella Wright. Tickets are $195 per table, which seats up to five, with one house per table (more can be added on). The price tag includes instruction, all the decorations, hot chocolate, and wrappings to take the masterpiece home.
We visited the gingerbread village at Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center and saw how chef Brielle Fratellone and her pastry team made the masterpiece. Don’t miss it this holiday season, located in the resort’s festive Mistletoe Village until January 1, and is free to see. Though you might want to splurge for tickets to see the Polar Express-themed ICE! show too.
