November hit hard with a snow storm and big news. We just heard one spot in RiNo is closing this month, even though it’s one of the best bites in town. But in positive news, a taco chain is helping kids, and a Colorado franchisee raised the most money. This past week also saw an awards ceremony, the opening of an anticipated bar, and the striking of a proposed law.
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
Fans of Barchetta Pizza in Boulder take heed, the restaurant is closed for renovations now and until the weekend of the November 23. Don’t worry, the closure really is temporary, and soon we can all go and have the pizza Guy Fieri loved.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop locations across the country raised nearly $34,000 for No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger. Kudos to Rogers Restaurant Group, Fuzzy’s Colorado-based franchisee, who raised over $14,000, the highest amount.
Denver voted “no” on 309, also known as the slaughterhouse ban. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am,” said Gustavo Fernandez, general manager of Superior Farms Denver, in a press release. Fernadez has worked there for over 30 years, and added the vote was a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. “I and the workers at this facility just want to do our jobs and provide for our families. Thank you, Denver!”
Congrats to the HOSPY Awards winners. Last week the Colorado Restaurant Association celebrated the 2024 hospitality stars. On the local side, the list includes restaurant of the year to Annette in Aurora, followed by an award for the year’s best newcomer restaurant Sắp Sửa in Denver.
The chef of the year was Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton, and pastry chef of the year went to Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos of Poulette Bakeshop in Parker. Unlike most awards, the HOSPY Awards also celebrated front-of-house person of the year, Jenne Harris of Stone Cellar Bistro in Arvada.
Openings and Closings In the News
Chef Johnny Curiel, along with his wife and co-owner Kasie Curiel, now have a third concept, Mezcaleria Alma. Like the other two spots, the Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina and the Boulder-based Cozobi Fonda Fina, the Mezcaleria aims to give diners a taste of Mexico City.
The new space opens on Saturday, November 16 and guests can expect CDMX-inspired small plates and an expansive Mexican spirits menu. It’s located next door to Alma Fonda Fina, at 2550 15th St. in Denver.
We are also excited about the reopening of Welton Street Cafe. For decades the Dickerson family ran a restaurant of the same name on the street of the same name in Five Points. When the iconic Caribbean-soul-food spot closed in March 2022, it not only took away the best fried chicken in the city, but a neighborhood staple. As of last Friday the Dickerson family is back, and the new space at 2883 Welton St. in Denver is bigger, swankier, and even better than before.
The 34-year-old Señor Burritos is closing in Baker. The plan, said owner Vicente Baylon, is to open early next year at 7195 Federal Blvd. in Westminster. Ironically, the “new” spot once held an outpost of the popular burrito shop. Until then, diners can enjoy the green chile until December 23.
We just heard Koko Ni is closing later this month. Launched by Texas-based chef Paul Qui, the omakase restaurant opened in RiNo at the beginning of 2022 featuring chef James Gnizak at the helm. We loved what Gnizak did with vegetables, and the close relationships he kept with farmers, ranchers, and other food providers.
On the Menu
Truffle season is here. Namely, Burgundy truffles. So far we know GetRight’s in Wheat Ridge will have the imported delicacy available this coming weekend. Though what co-owner and chef Matt Dulin will do with them, we don’t know. But we are eager to see and taste the outcome.
Barolo Grill also offers Burgundy ($35 supplement) and White Alba ($95 supplement) on the menu. To make ordering easier, the are asterisks next to the listed entrees dictating which go best with the fungi.
What’s Pouring
WestFax Brewing Company released some sweet November beers. Look for seasonal favorites such as Foggy Goggles IPA, Dark Intent Porter, and a cream ale.
Prost Brewing Co. released a non-alcoholic pilsner. It’s only available at the various Prost biergartens. The brew is pale-straw in color with an earthy and noble hop aroma and a dry finish.
Events In the News
On Tuesday, November 12, Panzano will celebrate National Happy Hour Day by offering its happy hour menu all night from 4 pm to close. The happy hour menu features the restaurant’s famous pizzas, small bites and several drink specials. The Panzano Spritz and Negroni are both only $10, and diners can enjoy wines by the glass at $8 and beers at $6.
On the same night a grand feast awaits at The Bindery in LoHi. The Val Del Prete Wine Dinner features Giovani Roagna, owner and winemaker from the Val del Prete estate in Italy, for a special five-course tasting menu. Tickets run $135 per person, the Tuesday dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Reservations can be made here (and try and pick up a gluten-free lavender-chocolate cookie while you’re at it).
Head to Linger on Wednesday, November 13 for a very special James Beard dinner. Enjoy bites by chefs Marissa Caruana of Linger and this year’s Best Chef Mountain, Matt Vawter of Rootstalk and Radicato. Tickets are $150 each, and can be purchased here.
Taste the top six cocktails voted on at Barrel Royal. Make news at the final showdown is on Thursday, November 14 at Stranahan’s Distillery. Find the event info here.
Come see, learn about, and taste perennial grains at GriTogether: A Micro-Food Festival and cooking competition in Lyons on Saturday, November 16. Four chefs will face off, using a sustainable farro as the main grain. The event takes place at Lyons Farmette, 4121 Ute Highway, Lyons. Tickets are $90, and you can get $15 off with the discount code MAD. Purchase tickets here.
