Champagne Tiger opened loudly a couple weeks ago, with drag performances, cabaret, and a high-profile chef consultant. All this takes place the historic Googie building that once hosted Tom’s Starlight on Colfax Avenue. Now it’s officially here, queer, and ready to entertain over a great meal.
While the food program, consulted by chef Duncun Holmes of the Micheline-starred Beckon in RiNo, sings, so does the talent. Literally. That’s where Richi Ramos comes in. The singer will take the reins of DiningOut’s Instagram stories, showcasing Wednesday night’s Pasta & Piano event, as well as the food, space, and people.
Join Ramos on Wednesday, September 4, on our Instagram page as he dishes out stories. Like, comment, and share to be entered into a drawing for an extra special prize from the restaurant.
The Restaurant
Owner Chris Donato started hosting Champagne Tiger pop-ups three years ago as a personal creative outlet. What he ended up creating was safe, delicious, and fun events people connected to. The idea centers around entertainment too, featuring drag queens, local musicians, and singers.
“We heard from the community itself that it was looking for an alternative space in Denver that celebrates everyday,” said Donato, who runs Pasta & Piano nights every Wednesday and Denver’s Most Luxurious Drag show every Sunday. “Our pop-ups were hosted at Denver’s best restaurants, which we were privileged to work with for some many amazing events. Now, this is the first time we can curate the food, champagne, and hospitality in our own space for our guests.”
Champagne Tiger now resides in the former Tom’s Starlight, ne Tom’s Diner, on Colfax Avenue. Donato kept the retro fittings from Tom’s Starlight, which only went in a couple years ago. It’s a bright spot with lime green, orange, yellow, and brown accents, and plenty of space to move and dance around in. The restaurant also boasts one of the largest patios on Cap Hill, located in a fenced area in the back, complete with fake grass and comfortable chairs.
The Champagne Tiger Menu
The food has an eclectic European feel. For example, Steak N’ Fries ($28) with a brandy pepper sauce, Roasted Mustard Chicken ($38 for half, $52 for whole) with salad, and Breakfast Carbonara ($16) during weekend brunch service.
Diners will also find the venue’s signature ingredients, champagne and caviar, in many dishes. Take the Mussels and Fries ($21), which comes bathed in a champagne broth. On the appetizer menu the Tater Tot Waffle comes topped with caviar and creme fraiche ($40). The burger also has a bougie-ratchet side with Champagne onions. Pro tip, get it Felony Style with jalapeño Calabrian relish and double meat (a $9 up charge, and $1 is donated to Black Pride Colorado).
Champagne Tiger Does More Than Champagne
Yes, sparkling wine is one of the stars of the show, but the large bar serves so much more. Some cocktails speak to the retro feel of the space, such as The Grasshopper ($13) with creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and rich cream, and The Painted Lady ($14) with vodka, pineapple, coconut, and raspberry.
Unique to the Champagne Tiger menu you’ll find the Striptease Falcon ($14) with vodka, genever, passionfruit, vanilla, and lemon. Or go the spritz route with the Tiger Spritz ($12), a bubbling beverage spiked with Aperol and orange.
There’s also a robust zero-proof cocktail program. The Sham Marriage ($12) features Seedlip Notas de Agave,grapefruit, lime, and a touch of maple syrup. Get fancy with the Rubies & Diamonds ($12), an elegant drink of orange blossom water, grapefruit, N/A sweet vermouth, and sparkles.
The Talent
For years Donato has worked with the city’s best drag talent, and now he has offered them a place to keep weekly gigs and be a part of the Champagne Tiger family. We recently dined out with Felony Misdemeanor, who often works with Donato and will host and perform in shows. Also look for queens including Pony, Anastasia Krystals, Dixie Krystals, Zahrah Misdemeanor, and Nini Coco, to name a few. Fun fact, when a drag queen shares the same “last name” as another one, they are either the mentor, mentee, or “sister” to the others.
Champagne Tiger also hosts the talents of Buddy Bravo on the piano, Vio the Violinist on the electric violin, and the man behind this week’s takeover, Richie Ramos on vocals. Ramos, who will be handling Wednesday’s stories for us, has been singing since he was 5-years-old. He also writes songs, including the piece Maybe Someday, which he said is available on all streaming platforms.
Ramos recently moved to Denver in May, finding Champagne Tiger through his drag queen friend Anastasia Krystals. Before joining the team, he sang and danced in professional productions held in amusement parks, nightclubs, cruise ships, weddings, restaurants, and festival stages. He even led a six-piece jazz band in Kansas City called Richi and the Royals.
The Takeover
Ramos divulged viewers can expect a little preview of what gets served each Wednesday night. The weekly Pianos & Pasta event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and includes a three-course dinner for $39 per person. Included you’ll find house-made pasta, salad, and dessert, as well as martini specials, and live music. While Ramos does vocals, Buddy Bravo works the piano, and Ivory Sykes will play the violin.
Join the takeover on Wednesday, September 4. Follow instructions on our Instagram post and find out how to win. One person will be selected at the end of the week.
Visit Champagne Tiger Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Friday from 4:30 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, champagnetiger.com
