It’s been a busy July, and we’re excited to try a new Italian restaurant in LoHi, as well as the newest beer garden. Two market halls each get a fresh sandwich-themed tenant, and after trying both, we can’t recommend the spots enough. Of course a couple closings are coming up, including a 27-year-old bakery and location of a popular burger mini chain.
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Restaurant Openings
Platte Street Gains a Trattoria
Marco Albertin opened La Vietta Trattoria on July 9, taking over the former BriDer space in LoHi. The name references the idea around the intimacy and quaintness of a “little street in Italy,” which Albertin sees in the small stretch of Platte Street the restaurant resides on.
At the crux of the menu is pasta, and lots of it. La Vietta also offers Milanese cutlets, steaks, and plenty of Italian finger foods, imported directly from the source. Expect tons of wine, aperitivo hour, and more. Prior to this, Albertin owned Voghera Ristorante & Apericena on Tennyson Street, which closed a few years ago after legal disputes with the landlord.
Japanese Sandos and More
Sandomi is now slinging Japanese sandos, onigiri, Japanese curry, matcha lattes, Vietnamese bánh mì, and more at Edgewater Public Market. Owned by Christine Ludwick (who also has Dumpling Spot, Dumpling Kitchen, Toki Ramen and Sushi, and Yu’s Noodle Shop), the simple stand features Asian street food in a bright, easy-going space right by the main entrance. It’s perfect for those who want a light and quick bite when wandering the market hall. The name symbolizes these foods as well. After all, it’s a portmanteau using “sando” and “bánh mì.”
Italian Sandwiches Make the Scene
Avanti Denver has a new tenant too, who took over the former Biker Jim’s spot on the first floor. Enter Ciao Babe, created by Niko Diamantopoulos who also operated Berliner Haus in the next stall. Like his first concept, this one also features European street food-style sandwiches, though this time it’s the boot-shaped country taking center stage.
All the premium ingredients are imported from Italy, from the Florentine schiacciata (bread) each option gets served on to the burrata di andria to prosciutto di Parma. Aside from these fantastic sandwiches, expect traditional Roman pastas such as Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Amatrici. The shop also sells hand-held “cones” stuffed with arancini or freshly sliced prosciutto.
Hopscotch Beer Garden
Denargo Market in Downtown Denver may not be all the way open yet, but Hopscotch Beer Garden is. This bar in the complex has a 16-tap system of draft beers, wine, and ciders, and also serves canned cocktails, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. On the food side, expect quick, ready-to-eat light bites such as chips, popcorn, cookies, and more. A rotating schedule of food trucks also makes the scene each day.
Another fun aspect to the beer garden comes in the form of fun lawn games, pick-up volleyball, soccer, and badminton matches. Dogs too are welcome, and there’s even a Yappy Hour to celebrate your canine companions.
More Italian Delights!
Little Piggy Hospitality Group chef-founder Hosea Rosenberg and his wife-partner, Lauren Feder Rosenberg, opened Morso in Boulder on June 27. It’s a heartfelt ode to the old-school red sauce parlors found up and down the East Coast, something Hosea is well aquatinted with. There are meatballs, of course, and rigatoni alla vodka. There’s linguine with clams and eggplant parm. There’s pepperoni pizza in two sizes, and so much more. Read more about this sweet new spot in this piece by Ruth Tobias.
Visit This Vietnamese Spot
Sisters An, Thoa, and Thao Nguyen opened Rễ Tre on July 3, in the same spot their parents ran years ago. The idea is to bring Vietnamese coffee culture in the morning, and then transition into a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant at night. An also runs Dan Da, which is located right next door to Thoa’s Banh & Butter Bakery. Read more about Rễ Tre in another great article by Ruth Tobias.
Denver Area Closings
Farewell to an Award-Winning Pizza Spot
After 10 years, the celebrated Pizzeria Lui has closed. The Lakewood spot was known for its Neapolitan-style pizza and had garnered a following through the years. A post on Instagram simply read: “We thank you for your loyalty and appreciation over the years. It has been wonderful getting to know each and every customer. Thank you to the team at Pizzeria Lui for your hard work and dedication. We look forward to spending time with our families.”
The Dough is Done
The decades-old Gateaux Pastries announced it will close on Saturday, August 29. Owner Michelle Rasul posted online that all cake orders will be honored through the end of the year. So, make sure to go to the Golden Triangle shop one last time for the signature croissants, sour cream pound cake, and chocolate eclairs.
Highland Burger Spot Ends Tenure
On July 28 the Highland location of Park Burger will close. The mini local burger chain has held the spot at 2643 W. 32nd Ave. for more than 15 years. But, as the lease comes to an end, the parent company Gastamo Group decided not to renew. The other two Park Burger locations in Platt Park and Hilltop will remain open.
