Pizza Hut brings back its iconic kids’ pizza program for the summer, while Adventure Time slings Candy Land style drinks decidedly not for kids. We’re celebrating a local author and diving into a new menu at a RiNo hot spot. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Drive Through
Jason Alfonso is not having a good year. First his Italian restaurant The Odyssey closed in February after a fire, and yesterday a U-Haul truck crashed into his Uptown eatery, Ollie and Park’s. Luckily no one was hurt in either instance, but now Alfonso has to close Ollie and Park’s until it’s repaired.
The owner said the truck hit the bar side of the restaurant, creating a large hole. On a positive note, he does plan on opening The Odyssey back up soon.
Book It! Returns
Much to the delight of all 1990s kids, the Pizza Hut Book It! program has returned to select restaurants across the country. Basically, kids have to meet a parent-set reading goal and document it through an app. Once met, they get a gift certificate for a free personal pan pizza.
A Sweet Switch
Candy Land has arrived at Adventure Time Bar, the themed cocktail wonderland by Sam and Laura Wood. After completing its first run, Neon City, this moment marks the bar’s first theme change since opening in January. As the name suggests, it’s all about that timeless board game, complete with human-sized lollipops, oversized chocolate chip cookies, and a scratch-and-sniff installation. Best part, the menu doubles as a playable Candy Land board.
The bar has also updated the hours and accepts walk-ins only, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m., Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.
New Pop-Up
With May comes the third UpNXT installment at BearLeek. This time, chef David Arnold of Freehand Provisions will be there each Sunday, hosting two seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The event runs $155 per person and features an intimate eight-course seasonal tasting at the chef’s counter. Reservations here.
Cookbook Winner
Congrats to local author and soul food expert Adrian Miller who just accepted the 2025 Big Book Award in the Cookbook-International category for Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste. Miller wrote the book with fellow writer, Debbie Chang.
Tamale Act Passes
On April 30 the House passed legislation to allow the sale of temperature-controlled homemade foods in Colorado. Dubbed the Tamale Act, it passed by a vote of 46-17. This movement is an extension of the 2012 Cottage Food Act, which first opened the door to small, home-based food businesses.
With the new bill, vendors are allowed to sell homemade foods in Colorado that require refrigeration and foods that include meat or meat products as long as they complete a food safety course and maintain proof of the course completion.
“Growing up, I watched my abuela and mom sell delicious food to make ends meet, and this bill is an entrepreneur’s dream realized,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, in a press release. “The Tamale Act makes it possible for Coloradans to sell safe, temperature-controlled foods, like tamales and burritos, with fewer barriers.”
On the Menu
We just got to try the new menu at BearLeek, and it’s a banger. Think Duck Fat Madeleines, Wagyu Tartare with cheese crisps, a perfectly juicy and crispy Kurobuta Pork Schnitzel, and seasonal asparagus topped with trout roe beurre blanc.
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: It’s Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday, so what better way to celebrate than with a platter of delicious Mexican fare. Senor Bear in LoHi is running some tasty deals, and at Rio on Wazee Margritas are just $5. Need more inspiration? Check out our list here.
Wednesday: It’s going to be chilly this week, which means cozying up with a plate of Italian food is in order. After reading about Coperta and its Snail of Approval from Slow Food, we need to stop in.
Friday: We are craving a solid steak frites, and what better place to go than Bistro Vendome in Park Hill? Catch us there indulging, with a side of onion soup too.
