This week in restaurant news, Aspen’s only Michelin-starred venue opens for the season. Summer flavors are hitting menus around town, and a popular hibachi chain is offering a three-course lunch for under $16. Also, the James Beard Awards are tonight, and we are rooting for our chefs and restaurants!
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The 411
New RiNo Patio Alert
Heretík is now serving on the patio, just in time for summer. Enjoy an alfresco spread of exceptional seafood and rotisserie chicken, plus Spanish wine and great cocktails. The restaurant is now open on Mondays, in addition to Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m.
Aspen’s Michelin-Owned Restaurant Opens
Bosq in downtown Aspen (312 S. Mill St.) is now officially open for the summer season on Thursday, June 11. This season marks the restaurant’s 10th anniversary of serving up hyper-local cuisine, tasting menus, and innovative dishes in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Make Way For a New Chef
Chef Elliot Jones joins the team at Magnolia Hotel Denver, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in downtown Denver. Jones brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in fine dining, and in his new role he’ll oversee all culinary operations within the hotel. The chef started his culinary career at Spinelli’s Market in Denver, and he has since held executive chef roles at Shanahan’s Steakhouse and Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro.
Yuan Wonton Moves Up, Literally
We all know chef Penolope Wong and her team at Yuan Wonton have skills, but for the first time those flying United Polaris business class will get a taste too. From August to September the Denver menu will feature shokupan milk bread with smoked trout; kale, cherry, and beet salad; and duck wontons.
Shake Up at Denver Central Market
After a decade of serving RiNo, there will be some changes at Denver Central Market. For starters, High Point Creamery is leaving and the bakery Izzio will take over the space. Butchers at RiNo’s is also out, following legal disputes over fees, menu items, and back rent. The bar Curio will become Bar77, now run by building owner Ken Wolf.
On the Menu
Summer Menu Reveal
Summer is almost here, and BearLeek is bringing the heat with new menu additions. Celebrate the season’s bounty with the new Grilled Mokum Carrots with maple miso glaze and Pan-Seared Halibut with uni butter, Calabrian garlic oil, and pencil leeks. Diners can also score happy hour specials all day Monday, or 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, featuring special bar bites and cocktails.
New Lunch Special
Benihana just launched a 45-minute, three-course lunch deal for just $15.95. The full experience includes soup, salad, hibachi vegetables, vegetable fried rice, and a chef-grilled entrée, all cooked with a flare right in front of you.
Sunday Neighborhood Night Menu
Oliver’s Italian just rolled out its Sunday Neighborhood Night menu, featuring a three-course, build-your-own Italian dinner for just $29 every Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Start with options such as the Kale Caesar or Whipped Ricotta Crostini with truffle honey. Next, for the entrée course, think Italian Sausage & Peppers, Spaghetti & Meatball, and Tagliatelle alle Vongole with littleneck clams. Last, dessert, including Pistachio Cannoli with whipped cream or an Olive Oil Cake with macerated berries.
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: Pride should be celebrated everyday, but after editing writer Abigail Bliss’s piece on queer-run restaurants in Denver, I can’t stop thinking about the Baja Burrito at Wilde. We’re so there for weekday brunch.
Wednesday: Did you catch the chef takeover last week? After watching chef Jessica Biderman slay a steak, it’s all we’re thinking about.
Sunday: Father’s Day is this Sunday. Personally, I’m taking the father of my kids to Cerebral Brewing for the pig roast and local beer. Where will you be celebrating those dads in your life?
