Big shifts in the restaurant industry as one stalwart place plans to close. But it’s not all darkness as we near the longest night of the year, there’s a new sign illuminating a hot spot for drag brunches and cabaret on Colfax. Frasca Hospitality opens in Vail, and there’s a new smash burger in town.
Read on for more of this week’s top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
The biggest news of the week is the closing of Fruition Restaurant, chef Alex Seidel’s flagship spot. The James Beard Award-winning chef opened the seasonally-focused neighborhood eatery 18 years ago, and alumni from the kitchen include Franco Ruiz, now of Woodie Fisher. The current chef, Jarred Russell, came from Napa’s The French Laundry last year. Now, that chapter ends on January 12.
“After 18 incredible years, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to close the doors of Fruition,” said Seidel in a press release. “What began as a dream in our tiny kitchen on 6th Avenue grew into something far beyond what I could have imagined. The magic of this space has always been about more than just the food; it’s been about the connections made across our tables and the memories created in this dining room.”
Until the closing date, Fruition will remain open daily save for December 24 to 26 and January 1. Reservations for final dining experiences, including the five-course chefs’ dinner on New Year’s Eve, can be made through Tock.
On a happy note, Champagne Tiger finally has an official sign up. While the new sign illuminates the outside, inside the space is all decked out for the holidays, including greenery by Rowdy Poppy, and a menu of holiday tipples. And yes, there’s also caviar.
EastFax Tap, a bar at 8001 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, got seized by the government for back taxes. But fans of the dive can remain calm, the previous owner Tor Ericksen, who takes responsibility for the discrepancy, was able to raise enough money via Go Fund Me to save the venue.
On the booze side, after years of advocating for a distinct category, Boulder Spirits announced American single malt whiskey finally has its own, official identity and regulations. The ruling adds legitimacy to the American single malt category and allows for equal standing among other whiskeys of the same ilk.
“The TTB considered all of our petitions and suggestions, and we couldn’t be happier with the new standard of identity for single malt whiskey in the U.S.,” said Boulder Spirits Founder Alastair Brogan in a press release. “This ruling solidifies American single malt’s long-deserved place on the shelf next to the other global single malt selections, including those from my home of Scotland.”
Openings and Closings In the News
Tavernetta Vail has officially opened inside the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. Headed by the Frasca Hospitality Group, the new space maintains the same sensibility of the Denver location, the space speaks to the mountain vibe and the Italian-focused menu offers tastes of Alpine cuisine.
Laws Whiskey House opens its much-anticipated tasting room in Denver on December 21. Dubbed the Whiskey Sanctuary, the 4,000-square-foot space offers two stories, separate bars for tasting as well as a full bar, cocktail lounge, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful views.
Last Friday Denver got its first Not a Damn Chance Burger (NADC), the seventh for the owners, professional skateboarder Neen Williams and Michelin starred chef Phillip Frankland Lee of Sushi by Scratch Restaurants & Pasta Bar. The first NADC location opened a year ago in Austin, Tex. Now the Mile High gets a taste of the double wagyu smash patty.
The former Black Pepper Pho space in Boulder now hosts the vegan Vietnamese spot Lotus Moon (2770 Pearl St., Boulder). Sandwich chain Cheba Hut also opened recently in Boulder. It’s a comeback for the stoner-styled joint, which left the area but now resides there again at 1346 Pearl St., formerly Lazy Dog Bar & Grill.
The newest spot to open in the Golden Triangle neighborhood in Denver is Flora, a cafe and wine bar located in the residential building Patten Gray. The concept comes thanks to Daniel Masters, who also runs the swank bar Hello Darling. The idea, he said, is to have a cozy neighborhood spot with the sophistication of a wine bar, perfect for any time of day. There have been a few delays, but Masters said it’s opening soon.
One the Menu
Pony Up in Downtown Denver released the Hpnotic Ice Cream Sandwich, and it has nothing to do with the holidays. This dessert features a thick layer of Sweet Action Ice Cream’s passion fruit between two hearty sugar cookies. In case the name sounds familiar, it’s a rift of Hpnotiq, a bright blue french tipple, which the ice cream is made with.
Coperta has nixed weekend lunch but now offers Sunday Night Dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Also new on the dinner scene, BriDer in Platt Park has launched a full-service dinner. While you could get evening fare there before, it followed the fast casual model of the lunch time rush. Now diners sit down and order, and the menu features new dishes such as meatballs with polenta, a vegan curry, and chicken alfredo.
Events
Hit up the Pita Mafia pop up, hosted by Marc Levine of Screaming Target and Cirque Kitchen on Tuesday, December 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Recess Beer Garden. Tickets run $45 each, and can be purchased here. Expect Chicago Style Braised Italian Beef, Potato & Chickpea Tots, and dessert.
The new seasonal pop-up by Moet Chalet takes place on Fridays and Saturdays now, and through January at the Kimpton Claret Hotel. Located outside on the hotel’s Cypress Terrace, the space has been transformed into a winter wonderland complete with cozy seating and plenty of photo opts. Indulge in Moët champagne and specialty cocktails featuring the wine.
On Sunday, December 22, ViewHouse brings back its annual Santa Brunch complete with the epic buffet on everyone’s list. And no, you don’t have to be a child to enjoy the festive photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each of the ViewHouse locations in Littleton, Centennial, and Colorado Springs, though the professional photographers will only be in Centennial and Colorado Springs. Pricing here.
