Hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend! We took the day off too, hence Plate Full of News coming in on a Tuesday. Big changes come to Michelin, and it’s not all good for Colorado chefs. There’s a few new happy hours to hit up, and 99-cent oysters have landed on a local menu.
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The 411
New Michelin Rules
When the Michelin Guide released the Green Star in 2020, the idea was to raise awareness for eco-friendly practices in the midst of climate change. Now, the organization has decided to retire the Green Star, making it a moot award for many restaurants. In fact, it’s already off the official list.
In Colorado that includes Boulder restaurants Blackbelly and Bramble & Hare; and Denver spots Bruto and The Wolf’s Tailor, which both have regular stars as well; BRUTO with one, and The Wolf’s Tailor with the state’s only two stars.
Kids’ Happy Hour
Now that summer is upon us, Hops & Pie in Denver is offering Kids Lunch Deal Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get two kids’ pies, two drinks, and two treats for just $14. The only catch, you have to be 12-years-old or younger to get it.
New Chef Alert
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek has appointed Douglas Sisk as executive chef and Charlie Hall (Quality Italian) as area director of food and beverage. Under the pair the hotel’s restaurant, Local Jones, released refreshed menus for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
New Pop-Up
UP NXT DEN has filled the June spot with Chef Will Harris of Denver Mussel Club. Expect spreads of Maine mussels, cold drinks, and plenty of melted butter. The pop-up will take place each Sunday in June, visit the site for reservations and times.
Spirited Awards
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation released the 2026 top 10 Spirited Awards nominees, and Denver is shining. Up for the Best U.S. Bar Team, we have Lady Jane and Yacht Club. Under the Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar category, Denver’s Rougarou, Semiprecious, and The Peach Crease Club. Congrats to all, and we wish you could each win.
On the Menu
99-Cent Oysters
Oliver’s Italian is bringing the summer party with 99-cent oysters to its terrace in Greenwood Village. Run by Shucking Good Hospitality, the restaurant will serve up the deal during its monthly Coastal Italian: Summer Series and the new Buck a Shuck Mondays. The Monday special runs all day. The company also released more weekly specials like a whole lobster meal on Wednesdays, a new happy hour, and more.
New Spanish Menu
Chef Johnny Curiel introduced his spring menu at Mar Bella Wine Bar in Cherry Creek. Look out for new additions such as Pintxos de NY, Oysters Mar Bella, Little Gem Salad, Steak Tartare, Crispy Cod, Chitarra Noodles, Steak Frites, and Mussels con Chistorra. Plus, the restaurant is now seating on the outdoor patio.
Late Night Eats
The new coastal Mediterranean spot located inside The All Inn Hotel, FiNO, has just launched a late-night happy hour. Available daily from 9 to 11 p.m., the menu features $11 pasta, select “Kill the Bottle” discounted wine pours from bottles opened during dinner service, and cocktail specials you won’t find on the regular menu. Opt for the pasta and wine pairing for just $20.
All American Dessert
Sweets chain MilkShake Factory is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with the launch of the American Classics Menu, available from now through Sunday, September 13. The summer lineup features six seasonal treats such as the All American Apple Pie Milkshake, Confetti Birthday Cake Milkshake, Southern Banana Pudding Milkshake, Chocolate Malt Milkshake, a classic Root Beer Float, and the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots, and make sure to check out the week’s events.
Wednesday: While editing this story by Ruth Tobias on diners in and near Denver, I got so hungry. There are some favorites in there, but also some I’ve never tried. But where to go first? Maybe Breakfast Queen, Davies’ Chuck Wagon, or Mike’s Cafe in Englewood.
Thursday: Did you know La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal does two-for-one bowls of pozole on Thursdays? From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. you can get the deal, either dining in or to go.
Friday: It’s a good week for food and drink deals. Writer Sara Rosenthal made a list of some hot happy hours around town, and currently oysters at Blue Island Oyster Bar are top of our personal list.
