So much fun news this week, starting with model Bella Hadid making a local stop. There was also some drama involving a giraffe and a handful of wine awards. On the menu smash burgers are having a moment (again), and it’s officially peach season.
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The 411
The Giraffe Saga
Little did we know Rōmyō will showcase a 10-foot-tall giraffe in its dining room, which, coming straight from Southeast Asia, got lost along the way. Fear not! The team has tracked this art piece and, while banged up “like a post-surgery drama queen,” it’s finally in Denver. We will get to visit said giraffe come August, when the Bononno Concepts restaurant opens in Larimer Square.
Happy Birthday Stanley Marketplace
This year Stanley Marketplace marks its 10-year anniversary, and the ever-evolving hub of independent Colorado businesses continues to grow and shift. Some residents have been there from the get go, including Rosenberg’s Bagels, Denver Biscuit Company, Maria Empanada, and Cheluna Brewing Co.
Shortly after the launch, Caroline Glover opened her award-winning Annette and David Lewis started Miette et Chocolat, though the latter has shifted positions inside the market hall. Today we also enjoy Molino Chido, Bad Peach Cafe, Rolling Smoke BBQ, Traveling Mercies, chef Erasmo Casiano’s Create Kitchen & Bar cooking school, and more.
What Do Models Eat?
Over the July 4th weekend, famous model Bella Hadid stopped by Soupçon, Crested Butte’s quaint, nine-table, French-inspired seasonal restaurant. The eatery has been a mountain town staple for more than 50 years, located in a historic mining cabin circa the 1800s. During her visit, Bella enjoyed the Bluefin Toro Nicoise Salad, risotto, and Colorado filet mignon.
New Home For Popular Incubator
The last few months at BearLeek have been wild on Sundays as UP NXT DEN pop-ups have taken over the restaurant. The series, run by Brandon Soto, has featured a slew of chefs and concepts around Denver, and will go until October. But news on the scene is once those residencies are up, Soto will take his incubator concept to the former Magna Kainan space in RiNo.
Colorado Shines in Wine Spectator Awards
The Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards were announced earlier this month, and 105 local restaurants were listed. While we can’t name the all, we will shout out to A5 Steakhouse in Denver, which received the Award of Excellence for the first time. Apple Blossom in Downtown Denver also garnered its first Award of Excellence thanks to the efforts of beverage director Kinga Mackowiak, who built the hotel restaurant’s wine program from the ground up.
Other long-time award winners kept titles, including Element 47 in Aspen, Flagstaff House and Frasca Food & Wine in Boulder, Azafran in Broomfield, and Denver’s The Capitol Grill, Barolo Grill, and 801 Chophouse. Find the full list here, and discover more great local spots to get wine.
Pride Month Donations
For the month of June, the Leven Deli and Leven Supply team proudly sold the Lavender Lemonade cocktail and mocktail, donating $1 of every drink to Camp Indigo. The organization supports trans and non-binary youth, and thanks to customers, the restaurants raised $1,480 for it.
On the Menu
Summer of Smash Burgers
Locally-based Smashburger just released its summer offerings, and they all sound delicious. On the list you’ll find the Pickle Stack Smash with double-layers of fresh dill pickles, mustard, and mayo on a butter-toasted bun. Next, the Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash with aged cheddar, 14-hour pit-smoked brisket, applewood-smoked bacon, dill pickles, and barbecue sauce on butter-toasted Parker House roll. The fast food chain also has the Chocolate Banana Chip Shake and Dark Cherry Chip Shake on the limited-time menu.
Peach Pizza is Trending
Head to any Homegrown Tap & Dough location for the Palisade Peach Pizza. The fan-favorite seasonal pizza came out six weeks earlier than usual, thanks to an early harvest. Aside from the stone fruit, the pie features mozzarella, ricotta, jalapeños, olive oil, and housemade hot honey on a hand-tossed crust. The pizza is only available while local peaches are in season, with the expectation it will run through mid-August.
Both Cart-Driver locations are also dishing out a peach-themed pizza. Dubbed the Peachza, each pie features honey-marinated Palisade peaches, basil, Calabrian chile, red onion, brie, and parmesan. It’s also only on the menu through peach season.
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.
Tuesday: After reading about the amazing peach pizzas on the menu, and thanks to the epic patio, we’re stopping by Homegrown Tap & Dough in East Washington Park for a slice.
Wednesday: After updating the Best Barbecue in Denver piece last week, the need for Rolling Smoke’s burnt ends has been consistent. Hence, a visit to the Wheat Ridge location is in order. We’re heading there around 1 p.m. so we can double down and catch the World Cup game too.
Friday: As a long time fan of the Nguyen family, it’s time to check out Thoa, Thao, and An’s new spot, Rễ Tre, for some solid Vietnamese fare.
