Colorado celebrated its second annual Michelin Guide awards ceremony last night, and we are so happy to see local talent recognized. While one of our favorites didn’t make the list, the restaurant did take home another accolade, Bon Appétit Magazine’s 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024. Awards aside, the news showed us many places are embracing the upcoming fall with pumpkin, the end-of-season peaches and melons, and Halloween.
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 2024 Michelin Guide awards for Colorado were announced yesterday. Now in its second year, new to the lineup is MAKFam with a Bib Gourmand, and Alma Fonda Fina (which has a stellar wine program) with a solid star. Chef Johnny Curiel of Alma also received the Young Chef or Culinary Professional Award. How did our predictions hold up? Find out here.
Unfortunately the list left off Sắp Sửa, the Vietnamese restaurant in City Park run by husband-and-wife team Ni and Anna Nguyen. But who needs Michelin when you make Bon Appétit‘s 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024. Congrats chefs, it’s well deserved.
Downtown now faces the Food Truck Exclusion Zone, a rule stopping food trucks from parking within the parameters of 21st, 18th, Blake, and Larimer Streets, from Friday through Sunday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.. The reason, stated by the Denver Police Department, is to curb violence downtown. According to the DPD, only six to 10 trucks will be affected. However vendors in the area say more trucks than that park there, and it’s going to hurt business.
Halloween is coming, and Spirit Halloween and Chipotle announced a first-ever costume collaboration collection. The costumes are inspired by popular memes on both brands’ social channels, including a Chipotle napkin, fork, water cup, burrito, and to-go bag, available online at Spirit Halloween.
In good restaurant news, Noodles Express, where tasty Sichuan dishes sizzle (especially the green beans), got an extension on its Colorado Boulevard lease. Originally the hot spot was set to close the end of August, but so far it’s allowed to stay on a month-to-month basis.
Hot pot fans rejoice! The Bronze Empire in Denver has decided to join the all-you-can-eat fray, adding a $29.95 option for endless hot pot and skewers to its menu.
Enjoy the open fire pits at Gusto Denver, a new addition to chef Lon Symensma’s Italian concept in Sloan’s Lake. The chef also announced he is joining the airport trend, opening a Cholon there soon. Mizu Izakaya recently opened a second location there, and chef Tommy Lee, owner of Uncle Ramen and Hop Alley, will launch an outpost there soon.
Openings and Closings News
After almost 15 years, chef Rayme Rossello will close Comida in the Stanley Marketplace. Rossello started the Mexican restaurant in 2010 inside the Source in RiNo, opening a second location in Aurora eight years ago and closing her first restaurant in 2019. Fans of Comida’s griddled tacos, guacamole, and brunch have until Sunday, September 22 to enjoy a last meal.
Culture Meat & Cheese has left the Denver Central Market building as owner Justin Brunson moves on to full-time meat man. The chef, who once owned Old Major and Masterpiece Deli, launched his own meat company River Bear American Meats in 2019, and then sold it in 2023. Later that year he launched Brunson Meat Co. with his son. Now, his focus will remain on expanding and operating that business.
The pop-up Choza ends its summer run next Sunday, September 15. Located at the 3 Margaritas Broomfield, chef Sharif Villa churned out a colorful array of coastal Mexican fare. Join the fiesta on the last day starting at 11 a.m., and convince the chef to do it again next year.
Chef Troy Guard brings his TAG Burger Bar to Empower Field for the Broncos season. Expect the Old School burger all year long as well as rotating burger specials, fries, and onion rings. Rusty Taco also expands with a new location coming to 4817 N. Salida St., Denver, the second in the metro area.
After a couple years empty, the Former Green Russell bar in Larimer Square has a new tenant. Dubbed Ghost Saloon, the cocktail bar comes thanks to Handsome Boys Hospitality. Expect $16 classic cocktails and an $8 shot and a beer combo.
Table Public House in Denver is back after announcing its closure at the end of June. Not only is it open, but it has been remodeled too.
On the Menu
Annette in the Stanley Marketplace just added pork tonnato to the menu. The dish includes pork loin, tonnato, cornichons, fresh herbs, and radishes. Odie B’s is now open every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. for burger night. The menu features the original smash burger as well as specials and vegan options.
Leven Deli Co. announced it’s expanding the fresh bread program into biscuits starting September 10. Leven will also roll out a new fall menu including the Loaded Biscuit with orange zest cream cheese and fig jam, Biscuits and Pastrami Gravy, and Tahini and Maple Yogurt topped with cocoa nibs and fennel granola. Look for a new version of avocado toast too, which comes crowned with watermelon radish, pickled carrots, and everything bagel seasoning.
At the international beverage chain Gong Cha, pumpkin pie flavor is now offered as hot milk tea, in iced tea with boba, and as a slush with milk foam. The limited time offer will be available until October 31.
Also in season are melons, and at Noisette in Denver the chefs are taking the classic Melona, a South Korean ice pop, and creating an elevated version. Dubbed the Crémeux et Melon, the dish features Rocky Ford cantaloupe, white chocolate, Lillet gelée, and crème fraîche. Also in season, peaches, which chef Eric Dale of Rioja showcases in a new dessert called the Lavender Pistachio Napoleon with peach coulis, pistachio sorbet, and more.
Events In The News
Join SAME Cafe for the End of Summer BBQ on September 13 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu includes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options such as jackfruit brisket, cornbread, chuck wagon corn, beef brisket, watermelon, and more.
The Bindery has a special Chef’s Table event going September 19, October 17, and November 21. There are only four seats for each event, and the intimate setting includes a seasonally-inspired, six-course tasting menu, and antidotes from chef and owner Linda Hampsten Fox.
Rioja just opened up reservations for its 20th anniversary dinner on Thursday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. Making the meal even more special, chef Jen Jasinski got her mentor Wolfgang Puck to join the fun. Yes, that Wolfgang Puck. Find reservations via OpenTable in the experience section.
Harvest Week tickets are now on sale. Presented by EatDenver and The GrowHaus, the multi-day event starts on Monday, September 30, and runs until Thursday, October 3 at Ironton Distillery. Expect four separate, five-course dinners (with a vegetarian night) served family style each night. All the courses are made by one of the city’s top chefs and/or independent restaurant owners. Purchase tickets here.
