Does anyone else feel like time moves quickly? It’s already a week into October and I’m just sharing my favorite dishes from local restaurants this past September, which are all still available. From a solid banh mi sandwich to an Indian-Italian pasta to a vegan appetizer I’m still craving, take a bite out of last month’s food adventures.
Let us know your favorite dishes in the comments.
Bánh Mì Đặc Biệt at CôNu’s Corner Cafe & Bánh Mì Sandwiches
If the name Bánh Mì Đặc Biệt doesn’t sound familiar, that’s pretty normal for those who don’t speak Vietnamese. In English, it’s the combination banh mi sandwich, and at Thuc-Nhu “Nhu” Hoang’s small shop inside a convenience store, the classic dish tastes delicious.
To make the sandwich the first step is a crusty French baguette. Sliced open the long way, the bread acts as the vessel for an array of meats including ham, pork meatloaf, and pate. A healthy dose of fresh cilantro and lightly pickled carrots help add a freshness and cool the heat of raw jalapeño. All this for $10.95, and, if you have discipline, you could make the hefty dish into two meals. I, however, do not. 4400 W. 29th Ave., Denver, conuscorner.com
Roasted Mustard Chicken at Champagne Tiger
How have I gotten so far in my career and never had a roasted chicken with dijon mustard infused under the crisp skin of a roasted chicken at any of the restaurants? My life and cravings were altered by Champagne Tiger’s chicken dish, which you can order half for $32 or whole for $58. Chef Josh Hood (from Major Tom) uses a brined Green Circle chicken and Fallot Dijon Mustard, letting the natural juices of the bird mingle with the sharp and savory notes of the mustard. It’s beautiful, and complements the restaurant’s menu of high-end, low-brow, bougie cuisine. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, champagnetiger.com
Arancini at Somebody People
I’ve had arancini at many restaurants, and a lot of them sang a steamy, creamy, and sultry tale of Italy’s less known ingredient, rice. While a traditional arancini is made with plenty of cheese, the version at Somebody People on South Broadways comes out completely vegan, just like the rest of the menu. Yet, it’s just as rich as those tried before. To make the appetizer, chef Justin Freeman used green pepper inside the crispy fried orbs, along with the rice. The bed of creamy corn aioli, yes, dairy free, gave the plate a depth of flavor both sweet and luscious. 1165 S. Broadway, Denver, somebodypeople.com
Capellini Aglio e Olio at Spuntino
When DiningOut Magazine’s new Houston editor came to visit Denver for Chicken Fight!, we had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Spuntino in Highland. There’s nothing like this Italian restaurant, which offers an Indian-spice kick thanks to chef Cindhura Reedy’s heritage.
Among the dishes we ordered, the Capellini Aglio e Olio ($30) stood out for its complex flavor, yet lightness on the palate. Made with hand-crafted strand pasta, Indian spice-preserved garlic, olive oil, garlicky breadcrumbs, and a 63-degree egg, our editor deemed it one of the best things she ate in Colorado.. 2639 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, spuntinodenver.com
Currywurst at Prost Brewing Co.
Finding currywurst in Denver let alone a really good one isn’t easy, but I’m here to say the version at Prost Brewing Co. hit all the right notes. The simple $12.95 dish consists of a juicy yet crispy-on-the-outside knackwurst served on a bed of golden fries. The meat gets sliced and then smothered in a tangy curry ketchup. It’s no frills, but perfect in its simplicity. Plus, it goes great with a refreshing German pilsner. Multiple location, prostbrewing.com
Patatas Bravas at Ultreia
There’s a lot to love about hot and crispy potatoes, especially when it’s topped with Spanish-style chile crunch, tomato crema, and sunflower seeds. At the Barcelona-influenced restaurant Ultreia in Union Station, the $10.50 tapas is a great addition to any spread. You can boost the small plate with octopus ($9.50) or butifarra sausage ($7.25) to add some protein. Share with friends, or sit solo at the bar with a goblet of Gin & Tonic and call it dinner. 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, ultreiadenver.com
Quarter Kilo Cheeseburger at 240 Union
There’s a lot of buzz over the price of a cheeseburger, but the one at 240 Union in Lakewood is worth the $18. First of all, it’s huge, weighing in at about a half-pound of beef. Unlike the popular smash burger style, this burger can be cooked to the diner’s preferred temp, and when I requested medium-rare the meat came out medium-rare. On top a flavorful Tillamook cheddar melted lovingly with the restaurant’s own “zippy sauce.” Crisp lettuce added a little cool crunch. It was, in essence, a great example of a well executed burger with a side of tasty fries to boot. 240 Union Blvd., Lakewood, 240union.com
Hot Chicken & Churros at Pancho & Jane
Forget chicken and waffles, at Pancho & Jane it’s all about Hot Chicken & Churros ($14). But not just the average fried sticks of sugared dough. The popular Mexican treat literally gets twisted, creating a nest of crunchy churros with a custard-like center. While the texture of a classic Belgian waffle proves similar, the caramelized bits of sugar add a deep sweetness that goes beyond the normal.
On top there’s a succulent piece of fried chicken, breaded with spices and also cooked to juicy excellence. The agave syrup added a dash of sweet heat, without drowning out the natural flavor of the meat. Combined with the churros, it’s my new favorite brunch dish. 16500 S. Golden Road, Golden, panchoandjane.com
Josepha’s Buffalo Empanada at The Fort
Eating with a side of history is exactly what you will get at The Fort in Morrison. Even the succulent buffalo empanadas ($15) came with a tale. The name stems from Josefa, Kit Carson’s wife. The owners of The Fort imagined she cooked these dense, pastry-covered bison meat hand pies for everyone coming through. The four-piece dish comes with a mild tomatillo salsa and Dixon Red chile. 19192 CO-8, Morrison, thefort.com
Bolognese at Panzano
As the weather cools, or at least the nights do, a bowl of cozy pasta comforts and delights my seasonal cravings. At Panzano in The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, there’s a rich Bolognese ($29) on the restaurant’s menu that’s perfect for this desire. The dish is simple with tender campanelle, cooked just al dente enough for the proper chew. A luscious helping of veal and pork tomato sauce gets tossed in, and then the bowl is topped with a fresh ricotta salata to cut the opulence of the sauce and brighten the meal. 909 17th St., Denver, panzano-denver.com
