This week in restaurant news, Governor Polis vetoed a bill that could help save restaurants thousands of dollars, sweet carrots are on the menu, and a new bartender series has us thirsty for a drink. We also heard about a five-pound burger and a new picnic kit perfect for Sunday jazz in the park.
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The 411
Snack Kit For Jazz Lovers
Chef Tim Kuklinski and the Bistro Vendôme crew now offer a $35 snack kit for two, which you can pick up for the nearby City Park Jazz concerts throughout the summer. Though the pack changes each week, you can expect a fresh baguette and Rodolphe le Meunier European specialty butter, jam, dried fruit, olives, nuts, a European cheese, terrine, crudites with Green Goddess dressing, and something sweet.
Add on a curated wine for the JazzKit too, for an additional charge. Order online at the events tab at bistrovendome.com by Thursday midnight for pickup at the restaurant (22676 Kearney St.) on Sunday from noon to six p.m.
The Rooftop Will Now See You
For the second year, Bloom Rooftop at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver has opened for the season. Catch the skyline views every Thursday to Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m., and nosh on small plates and sip seasonal cocktails, such as the Frozen Aperol Spritz. There’s the daily Board and Bottle deal for $45. Reservations available here.
Governor Vetos Swipe Fee Relief Act
Last week Governor Jared Polis vetoed SB26-134, the Swipe Fee Relief Act, a bill meant to remove one of the fees restaurants and small businesses accrue from credit card companies. The bill had passed through both the Colorado Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) the $217 million in Colorado swipe fees on sales taxes that this bill would have eliminated would have reduced the credit card-network profits by a fraction of 1%. The bill wouldn’t have impacted customers at all.
“Restaurants are closing right here every day due to runaway costs, including being forced to pay swipe fees on the sales tax dollars restaurants collect and remit to the state,” said Sonia Riggs, president and CEO of the CRA, in a statement. “Last summer, over many conversations about how Governor Polis could help small businesses, he told us that he would support a narrower swipe-fee bill to help restaurants and consumers. We delivered him a narrower bill, the General Assembly passed it, and then today, the Governor went back on his word to our industry.”
Colorado Cider Rules
Did you know Colorado has some of the best cider in the country? At least, that’s according to the awards Haykin Family Cider in Aurora and Snow Capped Cider in Cedaredge collected at the 2026 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition.
For the third year in a row, Snow Capped took home the title of Midsize Producer of the Year. For Haykin, it was year five of receiving the Small Producer of the Year. Both also garnered plenty of metals for various bottles and practices.
Bartender Spotlight Series
Starting Sunday, June 14, Adventure Time Bar will be hosting Sunday pop-ups featuring a different bartender each week. The event will run to August 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., and guests can expect talent coming from Yacht Club, Lady Jane, Semiprecious, and more. Tickets run $65 per person and include a welcome drink, omakase-style five-course beverage and bite pairing menu. Reserve via Blackbird here.
On the Menu
Seasonal Specials at Cart-Driver LoHi
Head to Cart-Driver LoHi now for grilled mokum carrots, straight from local favorite Esoterra Culinary Garden. The dish comes spiked with miso and za’atar fromage blanc, crispy golden shallots from Switch Gears Farm, local honey, mint, and parsley.
The Largest Burger You’ve Ever Seen
Holey Moley Golf Club Denver just released The Giant Burger, a five-pound dish featuring three pounds of ground beef, 12 slices of American cheese, butter lettuce, pickles, sliced Roma tomatoes, and red onions. It’s $90, and certainly feeds more than one. Best part, each order is delivered tableside with a drum-roll entrance.
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: Anyone else sweltering in this spring (yes, it’s still technically spring) heat? After Abigail Bliss wrote about shaved ice desserts around town, we have been hankering for a treat from Mango Mango Dessert.
Wednesday: After the sad news that Filipino restaurant Magna Kainan is closing soon, we’re making sure to stop by for some sisig and lumpia.
Thursday: Grab some cash and head to Columbine Steak House for a no-frills and delicious steak dinner, on the cheap. Writer Ruth Tobias dug into the history of this iconic place, check it out here.
