The Denver community has been rallying to raise money for good causes, and news of the movement continues. We are told Colorado produce is safe from that pesky parasite, and local peaches are hot off the tree.
Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
How to Raise $50K in 48 Hours
Unidos por Venezuela and Culinary Creative brought in $50,000 in just two days, all to support the earthquake relief efforts through Global Empowerment Mission and Third Wave Volunteers. The fundraiser came after the devastating natural disaster hit Venezuela on June 24, killing, injuring, and displacing thousands.
Organized by Juan Padro, Carolina Ortega Nabavian, Maria De Cambra, Diana Flores of Butterdrop Bakeshop, and Ricardo “Rico” Aragon of Wild Taco and Barbed Wire Reef, the group raised the funds through donations, ticket sales for food, silent auction items, and alcohol sales from the event. Chef Byron Gomez and Ismael de Sousa of Reunion Bakery also partnered with the team, cooking and stoking the fires along with UP NXT DEN’s Brandon Soto and a group of Venezuelan women from Elevate. Thank you hospitality friends for doing this.
Don’t Worry, Colorado Produce is Safe
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigate the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, we in Denver can rest at ease. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), fresh Colorado produce continues to be negative for the parasite.
“So far, no Colorado-grown produce has been linked to the outbreak,” said CDA’s Produce Safety Manager, Duane Sinning, in a press release. “Colorado growers and produce processors should continue normal operations and fresh produce that has not been implicated in the outbreak should continue to be grown, harvested, processed and sold. Consumers can continue purchasing Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables with confidence, knowing they have not been implicated in the outbreak.”
As of this week, around 200 cases have been reported in the state, and officials continue to monitor the threat. It’s good to note that Colorado farmers are required to register with the CDA and “follow science-based principles of safe food handling practices that reduce the risk of contamination,” as stated in the guidelines.
The Odyssey Returns
No, not that Odyssey, though the restaurant of the same name has been through quite the journey. After fire shut it down a few months ago, followed by another fire closing its sister spot Ollie & Park in Uptown, the Italian favorite Odyssey in Cap Hill is back for round two.
Unfortunately Ollie & Park did not survive the blast, but in better news, owner Jason Alfonso decided to expand their red sauce concept and move into the space after renovation. While we don’t know when Odyssey 2.0 opens, the original is now playing exclusively at 603 E. 6th Ave. in Denver.
Donations Rolling In
After a fire devastated Kiowa Valley Organic farm near Hudson, the chef and farmers’ market community rallied to raise funds. What started at a $30,000 goal has reached over $47,000, though City Park Farmers’ founder Peter Wanberg stated online that they want to reach $100,000 to help cover the $500k-plus in losses. Read more about the farm, the fire, and the fundraiser here.
Palisade Peach Festival Giveaway
Colorado-based Breckenridge Brewery has a new giveaway featuring tickets to the 2026 Palisade Peach Festival on August 21 and 22. It’s all in honor of the brewery’s seasonal beer, Palisade Peach Wheat. Enter to get weekend-long tickets, a VIP experience, a tour of Talbott Farms, the farm in which Breckenridge Brewery sources its peaches for the Peach Wheat, and a BreckBrew gift basket. Go here to enter.
Happy First Birthday BearLeek!
Celebrate one of RiNo’s coolest restaurants with great food, drinks, and other fans on Saturday, August 1, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets run $59 in advance (or $69 at the door), and include unlimited drinks, late-night bites, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
Pappas Gives Back
The Pappas Family of Restaurants launched Pappas Restaurant Weeks, taking place from August 1 to September 7. The idea is to celebrate the brand and hospitality industry with a special menu and donations to local food banks. For Colorado, that means visiting Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen at 7520 E. Progress Pl. in Greenwood Village.
Once there, order the special three-course dinner for $50, which includes choices such as shrimp gumbo, crawfish étouffée, chicken Alfredo, key lime pie, and more. Five dollars from each order will go to the Food Bank of The Rockies.
On the Menu
New Happy Hour Deal
Thirsty Lion has a new happy hour special, which includes food starting at $7.95 per plate, and cocktails starting at $8.95. The specials are available daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and, Thursday through Saturday, from 9 p.m. to close. Look for 14 dishes on the happy hour food menu, including creamy white queso dip, beer-battered cheese curds, spicy cauliflower, grilled burger sliders, and more, all under $11.
The line up of under $10 drinks include the Hibiscus Vodka Breeze, Cucumber Rosemary Gin & Tonic, and Blood Orange Margarita, along with $2 off all draft pints.
The Journey Continues
Junction Food & Drink, located directly across from Regal UA Colorado Center on South Colorado Boulevard, is celebrating The Odyssey in the tastiest way possible–through cocktails. Head to the IMAX now, and then stop by for an Athenian Mistake, a twist on the classic Sbagliato using housemade Strawberry Campari. Or, fall for the call of the Siren’s Sour, a whiskey sour built on Rocking Rye, an house-infused spirit made with rock candy, clove, allspice, and orange zest.
The Spritz We’ve Been Waiting For
Leven Deli and Leven Supply now have Sarti Spritzes, the “it girl” of Italian summer drinking. Featuring notes of bittersweet citrus, so far, these are the only places to get this imported wonder. Go now to see what the hype is all about.
Brunch Downtown
The Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting and Biscuits & Gravy with fingerling potatoes are two hot new items on the Woodie Fisher brunch menu. The Ballpark restaurant also has a seasonal Palisade peach topping available for the French toast, pancakes, and waffles, which will be offered through the summer.
On the drink side, try the Orchard Mule with rye whiskey, peach, fresh lemon, and ginger beer; as well as the Palisade Spritz with peach and orange blossom vodka, peach, prosecco, and a splash of soda, both priced at $10.
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: Japanese sandos are all the rage, and I’m dying to get back to Sandomi for the pork katsu and a mango matcha. It recently opened in Edgewater Public Market, have you been?
Wednesday: Every Wednesday Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse has an all-you-can-eat wing deal. So, guess what we’re eating today! Best part, you can choose your sauce from classic Buffalo to hot honey to chile-lime rub.
Friday: I may not be able to hike right now thanks to a meniscus tear, but I can dream of the mountains with a frosty beer in hand at Golden Mill. Add on a cold and creamy swirl of New Zealand raspberry ice cream from Happy Cones, and you have a very happy lady.
