This week in restaurant news, the James Beard Award winners are in, a popular chicken wing chain comes to the metro area, and it’s time for the annual Battle of the Bruschetta. We’re also gearing up for Top Taco on Thursday, so snag a ticket here and enjoy over 50 venues dishing out the best tacos and cocktails in town.
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The 411
James Beard Awards 2026
A big congrats to chef Penelope Wong for taking home the title of Best Chef Mountain 2026. The owner of Yuan Wonton received the award last week during the James Beard Award ceremony, which was the only one given in Colorado. We’re eager to go celebrate with some wontons right now!
Send These Bartenders to NoLa
Our very own Peach Crease Club in RiNo is a Spirited Awards finalist for Best New US Cocktail Bar and wants to bring the team to New Orleans to celebrate. For those who don’t know about the awards, it’s basically the Oscars of drinks or the James Beard of beverages (though the latter has a cocktail and bar award).
In order to raise money, the bar has launched merch on its website, and will be holding a fundraising party on July 7. The event starts at 4 p.m. and goes till close. It includes a live DJ, bikini car and motorcycle wash, and of course, great spirits all around.
Chicken Wings Fly North
Wing Shack has officially entered the Denver metro area with its latest opening at 10280 Washington St., in Thornton. The chain has expanded to 20 shops across Colorado and the surrounding states.
“This opening is especially meaningful because so many people in the Denver area already have a connection to Wing Shack,” said Brian Seifried, Colorado native and owner of Wing Shack and Centennial Hospitality Group, in a statement. “Whether they went to school in Fort Collins, lived in Greeley, or spent time in Northern Colorado, they’ve grown up with our food. Now they can share that experience with friends, family, and coworkers closer to home. As a Colorado-born brand, it’s incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to grow in the communities that helped build us into what we are today. ”
On the Menu
Anniversary Menu
As Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval celebrates its 25 year anniversary, the kitchen is debuting a new lunch and dinner menu for the summer. Highlights off the dinner menu include Shrimp Ceviche with mango habanero aguachile; carnitas with black bean puree and blue corn tortillas; Mexican Chopped Salad with panela and caramelized almonds; and the Grilled Tlaydua with vegan chorizo.
On the lunch menu you’ll now find grilled plantains with chipotle butter and a hearty Rainbow Quinoa Bowl (cherry tomato, yellow corn, beet, avocado, radish, cilantro, red onion, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette).
Battle of the Bruschetta
Head to any of the Postino locations right now to have a hand in deciding the winner of the annual Battle of the Bruschetta. Try the Cherry Mostarda (ricotta, cherry mostarda, and mint), PB, Bacon, & Banana, Roast Beef & Horseradish, Muffuletta (white cheddar, mortadella, and olive tapenade), Smashed Pea (peas and whipped feta topped with spicy marcona almonds), and Pear & Cambozola (funky Cambozola cheese topped with crispy pear and drizzle of spicy honey).
Every two weeks the cafes will showcase two of the contestants, starting with the first two on the aforementioned list until June 30, then the following pair July 1 to 14, and the last combo July 15 to 31. The championship will feature the top two from all the series, and the champion will be announced August 17.
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: We love the way Make-A-Wish paired with Linger to make a kid’s dream come true, and it also made us hungry for a visit and a plate of the Urfa Carrots and the Korean Fried Chicken Bao.
Wednesday: Inspired by writer Zanny Merullo’s list of small-plate restaurants in town, we decided it’s a good day for a glass of wine and some small plates at Ultreia in Downtown Denver. The Gilda may be my favorite, and it has a fun story to boot.
Thursday: Ciao Babe opens today in Avanti Denver, and let me tell you, it’s delicious. Run by the owner of Berliner Haus right next “door,” the concept revolves around Italian sandwiches with amazing bread, fresh and high-end ingredients, and simple Roman pastas. Plus, real burrata straight from the source.
