Ace Eat Serve isn’t new. The ping pong bar and Asian-fusion eatery has been entertaining and feeding diners since owners Josh and Jen Wolken opened it in 2012. But now chef Khamla Vongsakoun has taken over the kitchen as executive chef. Seven months in, he just released a new menu showcasing fresh, bright, light, and tasty new dishes.
Find out more about this weathered chef and just what he hopes to showcase at Ace. Plus, follow along in a day-in-the-life of Vongsakoun during his takeover of DiningOut’s Instagram stories, going on Thursday, August 1. Bonus, like, share, follow, and comment on the action to get entered to win a $100 gift card to check out the magic he’s dishing out.
The Restaurant
With exposed brick and pipes highlighted by warm-toned wood and sleek black seat cushions, Ace’s industrial-chic ambiance speaks to the building’s past as an auto body shop. It’s massive too, with a main dining room flanked by an open kitchen, full bar, large outdoor patio, and room solely for playing ping pong. Of course food can be ordered from all spots, depending on the vibe you’re going for.
Ace also sports the vibrant, neon-lit Lucky Cat Lounge, which was once a private dining room. Now the colorful space boasts a youthful Tokyo vibe with layered wallpaper and rattan furniture. It’s the perfect spot to try all the dishes and great for private parties.
The Chef
Originally from Colorado, chef Khamla Vongsakoun was raised in Thornton and attended high school in Littleton. After being away for 18 years, he returned to Colorado in 2015 to be closer to his family. Vongsakoun also played a key role in opening of the Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek when he came on as executive chef for celebrity chef Gregory Gourde’s Departure in 2016. He worked there until it closed in 2019.
Prior to his Colorado comeback, Vongsakoun spent time honing his craft in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Philadelphia. It was in New York City with TAO Hospitality Group that he mastered the challenges of high-volume service. Some nights, he cooked over 1,400 plates in one shift.
In 2023 the chef took a brief hiatus from the kitchen. Instead, he worked front-of-house jobs. The experience provided him with a new perspective of how restaurants run, allowing him to witness firsthand the satisfaction and joy of guests as they take that first bite. Through this, he felt reinvigorated to return to the kitchen once more, and it was at the request of the Wolkens that brought him to Ace.
The Food
Under Vongsakoun’s leadership, the menu at Ace has undergone a notable transformation. His approach focuses on lighter, cleaner bites best for sharing. The chef’s research and innovative approach have resulted in a menu featuring dim sum styles and a strong emphasis on non-messy finger foods. These sharable portions encourage diners to try multiple dishes, which everyone absolutely should do.
Right now the plan is to change the menu twice a year to align with the seasons. The spring and summer menu features lighter, refreshing bites, while the fall and winter menu will introduce heartier, family-style dishes.
Among Vongsakoun’s standout creations are the Tuna Tartare Spring Rolls ($10), made by piping tartare into crispy spring roll shells. It’s a bright, clean dish packed with flavors of yuzu juice and spice. Each order comes with two, and though it’s meant as a light bite, you may want to order another plate. Another favorite is the Cantonese Clay Pot Kitchen ($22), where steamed jasmine rice crisps in a clay pot, topped with wok-fried chicken thighs, mushrooms, onions, bok choy, and chili paste. The presentation adds to the experience as the server removes the lid to reveal sizzling chicken.
The Takeover
Get ready for some fun as Vongsakoun and his team take over DiningOut’s Instagram stories on Thursday, August 1. Take Coal, the pitbull-lab mix with a name fit for a chef’s best friend, on a walk. Enjoy shopping for ingredients and bringing Ace Eat Serve to life from the kitchen to the dining room.
Vongsakoun emphasizes that a restaurant’s success involves many moving parts and personalities that he’s ready to show off. Tune in to the stories for a behind-the-scenes look and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to experience the chef’s menu firsthand.
Visit Ace Eat Serve Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 to 11 p.m. , Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 3 to 10 p.m. 501 E 17th Ave, Denver, aceeatserve.com
