There’s been a handful of chef and menu changes around Denver this past week. We also heard about a restaurant shifting its name in order to differentiate from another space, and one fast-casual spot wants to give you a Tax Day break with drink deals, Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Calling All Want-to-Be Pastry Chefs
Cook Street School of Culinary Arts now has a Professional Pastry Arts Program, launching this June. The new course offers Denver students an intensive, hands-on path into pastry and baking over two months. It’s led by executive pastry chef Yna Zuniga and will culminate in a public bake sale so students can showcase their work and connect with the community.
A Club For All
Congrats to the Yacht Club in Denver. Once again the hip bar has made the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, coming in at number 67. If you haven’t been, stop in for a fancy hot dog, wine cocktail, and some of the chillest bartenders in town.
New Chef Alert
Denver’s Kimpton Claret Hotel named David Gross as the new executive chef for the property’s two concepts, Saverina and Halo Rooftop Bar. Gross comes to Claret from Panzano at Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Denver, a Kimpton sister property. We aren’t sure where opening chef Christian Graves has moved on to, but we’re excited to find out.
Tax Day Respite
To help everyone get through taxes and show appreciation to the guests, Leven Deli and Leven Supply are both running a special promo all day on Wednesday, April 15. Dubbed “Taxes Are Hard, $2 Is Easy,” expect $2 glasses of house wine, pints of Mexican lager, the zero-proof Hibiscus Cooler, and housemade cookies.
Name Change
Chef Johnny Curiel (Alma Fonda Fina, Mezcaleria Alma, Alteno, Mar Bella, and Cozobi Fonda Fina) will open his new, corn-forward tasting-menu restaurant next month, and it’s already gotten a name change. Now, the RiNo spot is called Fonda Maize, a change that came to keep confusion from Maíz Denver, a fast-casual cafe by chef Maria Rangel in the The Assembly Student Living Space at 3900 Elati St. in Denver.
“At our core, this has always been about honoring heritage, celebrating the beauty of Mexican cuisine, and supporting our traditions rooted in corn,” said Curiel in a statement. “We are incredibly proud to be part of Denver’s culinary community and believe deeply in the spirit of collaboration that defines it. We look forward to continuing to share the richness of Mexico. Together, with intention and respect.”
On the Menu
Cocktails and Pizza
Cart-Driver RiNo has a new pizza for the month with pineapple, toasted spam, pickled jalapeño, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. The restaurant also has a market salad sporting Romaine, sugar snap pea, cucumber, radish, breadcrumbs, and Manchego cheese, with a shallot vinaigrette.
Not to be out done, Cart-Driver LoHi’s just released its spring burrata with romesco, red onion jam, Marcona almonds, and micro cilantro. Pair that with the April Cocktail for a Cause, the Strawberry Bliss with lemongrass hibiscus vodka, strawberry simple, coco lopez, and lemon.
This month the Cocktail for a Cause proceeds go to Slow Food Denver. RiNo has one too, the Spring Sangria with strawberry, club soda, and prosecco.
Spring Menu
Apple Blossom, inside Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver, is kicking off the season with a vibrant new menu of Colorado favorites. Highlights include the Cronut Breakfast Sandwich (scrambled eggs, bacon, whipped feta, arugula, jalapeño honey, and side salad), Chicken Skewers (grilled chicken thighs, peanut sauce, and green onions), and Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich (brioche bun, fried chicken thigh, cilantro mint slaw, jalapeño honey).
On the drink side, the Siren Eye Margarita (escabeche infused cazadores reposado, lime, red bell pepper juice, jalapeño) should be on your bucket list. Also check out what the restaurant is doing with upcycled cocktails in this insightful piece by Abigail Bliss.
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: If you haven’t been to Brutal Poodle for a dive-bar take on great food and easy drinks, consider this your sign. We were inspired by this guide to South Broadway, penned by Brittany Anas.
Thursday: Definitely stopping by Bad Rabbit Coffee today to get a caffeine fix and check out the new space. After Sara Rosenthal wrote this opening piece, we’re excited to try it.
Friday: French food is on our mind, and Le French makes an amazing poutine with Senegalese-spiced Yassa chicken on top. Of course the traditional Parisian fare also hits the spot.
