June leaves us this week with a streak of heat and a bang come the Fourth of July. Temperature and patriotic holiday aside, a lot of good news has come out this month.
This week alone we saw a local distillery become the official whiskey of CU Athletics, and a popular drag production company officially announced its new restaurant. On a sadder note, a beloved bar burned down and a restaurant in Highland continues to get vandalized.
With that, take a dive into the scene, and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
After a successful run last year, Postino WineCafé brings back the Battle of the Bruschetta to its four local locations. The fun starts July 1 with berry mascarpone versus a French onion. The second round begins on August 1 with Philly cheesesteak against buffalo cauliflower. Then the finals kick off September 1 for the winning slice. Go in and try them all, then vote for your favorite.
Another win, Italy-based 50 Top Pizza list named Marco’s Coal Fired as number 49 on Earth. It’s the top guide for pizza in the world, and each year inspectors try pizzerias from all over. If you haven’t been to Marco’s, go to LoDo now. Owners Mark and Kristy Dym have run it since 2008.
Also on the successful side, Denver-based Laws Whiskey House has been named the official whiskey of CU Athletics. In honor of this award, the distillery released a new bottle dubbed Ralphie’s Reserve Straight Bourbon, benefitting the Ralphie Live Mascot Program.
Bodega will also be raising money for a good cause. Owner Cliff Blauvelt chose the DJ Chonz Foundation, which serves over 300 students annually with music education. Now, when eating a double burger or The Boujee breakfast sandwich, you can round up your change and have it donated.
Long standing Indian spot Little India has opened one of its four locations as a 24-hour dining spot. The restaurant garnered a lot of buzz this week as it announced the 330 E. Sixth Ave. shop won’t close its doors. That means you can totally get your garlic naan fix at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m.
Unfortunately for Carioca Cafe, also known as Bar Bar, it has closed. On Monday the owner wrote on Facebook that someone had burned the popular dive down.
The post stated, “Somebody burned her. They burned our bar. Fire department told us it was arson. They had to use forced entry on all the doors and there’s structural damage. It’s getting boarded up. Don’t know if or when it can be fixed.”
As one of the city’s last historic, free-standing bars, it’s not just sad for the staff and owners, but Denver as well. This comes after the bar closed for months and raised money to fix a broken pipe.
Continuing the tales of vandals hurting the hospitality community, this week Adobo in Highland suffered damage to its glass door after someone threw rocks and metal objects at it. Owner Blaine Baggao said this is the fourth time someone deliberately hurt the property. This time, it’s to the tune of $8,000, the price to fix the door.
Openings and Closings
Champagne Tiger officially released the location of its new brick and mortar. Owner Chris Donato will take over the former Tom’s Starlight, nee Tom’s Diner, on Colfax. The restaurant will offer cocktails, food, and rotating drag shows. It will also host the brand’s famous parties such as the Great American Bubbles and French Fry Festival (GABFFF) in September.
In Golden, Babes Tea Room launched a second location. The bright, whimsical tea shop has one of the best high tea services around, and it’s available daily.
As for closing, Just Be Kitchen will shutter its DTC location this Saturday. Owner Jennifer Peters said not to worry, the LoHi and Boulder locations remain strong. There’s even a new menu, see below.
On the Menu
Congress Park has a new happy hour at Chef Zorba’s. The Greek diner celebrates summer Fridays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. with small plates under $10, Greek wine for $5 a glass, and Greek lager for $5. Food includes salmon souvlaki, saganaki bites, a crispy kasseri cheese marinated in lemon and brandy and served warm with grilled pita bread.
The diet-friendly eatery Just BE Kitchen released a new summer menu. Items include the brand’s first vegan protein in the form of basil-marinated chickpeas, seared Ahi tuna, dairy- and gluten-free ice cream sandwiches, and barbecue brisket or jackfruit sliders sans the sugar and corn syrup of the traditional sauce.
In Westminster, Kachina Southwestern Grill has opened two new patios dubbed the Cowboy Club Patio and the Taos Patio. This comes with the launch of the restaurant’s summer menu featuring a mesquite-marinated pork chop with a mango habanero glaze and the Prickly Pixie cocktail, a cactus-tinged take on a margarita.
Via 313 recently opened in Centennial, bringing the small pizza chain to Colorado. Now and until August 4, go in and try the special Margherita Pizza. The restaurant also gets into the barbecue game July 1 through August 1 by serving brisket from Black’s BBQ.
What’s Brewing
WeldWerks Brewing has announced new summer offerings. Sips include Transmountain Diversion, a collaboration with Casey Brewing & Blending, as well as Orange Creamsicle. Both become available this week on July 5.
Events
Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Bindery with a new, all-day brunch menu. The restaurant is one of the few open over the holiday, and will also sell pies for to-go. Preorder peach-ginger, cherry pie, and blueberry-lemon. Bonus, if you stay for breakfast-dinner, you’ll get a good view of the downtown fireworks.
This week STK Steakhouse downtown will serve its red (lobster), white (garlic cream), and blue (blue corn stripes) steak toppings for $17.76. You see what they did there? The special will be available from July 4 to 7. On the actual holiday, the restaurant hosts an all-day happy hour.
On July 13 the Colorado Symphony will host Beethoven and Brews at the ‘Plex. The event showcases the composer’s work alongside craft beer from great local breweries in Colorado including Wynkoop Brewing Co.
Get ready for Reels for Meals, a fundraiser for both Flatirons Food Film Festival and Meals on Wheels Boulder, on Thursday, July 18 from 5 to 10 p.m. at eTown Hall in Boulder. Not only will funds aide in getting nutritious meals to those who need it, it will also help the film festival return to screening individual films after a two-year hiatus.
