Thankfully it’s been a slow hard news week, though one cafe did suffer damage after a car drove through it. On a positive note, a Union Station staple opens anew, with some specialty menu items only available downtown. We saw some older places fold, but a new baklava joint in Lafayette has us wanting to take a detour.
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 news reported that on Saturday a car drove through the window of Snowl Cafe in Aurora. One person was injured and according to the police report, the driver was elderly and got confused when parking. The shop, known for its Korean-style ice flakes, boba drinks, and ice cream in fish-shaped cones, remains open.
Though it’s not new, Snooze an A.M. Eatery in Union Station has moved spots, taking over the former Kitchen Next Door space. The same neon train sign remains over the bar, but otherwise the restaurant has been completely renovated in the Denver-based chain’s colors, patterns, and sunny vibe. It opens to the public this Wednesday, with some special dishes unique to the location. Look for a jalapeño and cheese omelet, bacon fried rice brunch style, and a messy but delightful turkey, brie, and apple sandwich.
Congrats to local hot spots Yuan Wanton and sắp sửa for placing on the New York Times prestigious The Restaurant List, which highlighted 50 of its writers favorite restaurants in the country. Meander Eatery in Pagosa Springs also made the list, giving Colorado three winners, more than most states save for New York and California.
Openings and Closings In the News
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs announced its closing. After almost two decades, owner Steve Ballas will shutter the iconic Colfax hot dog shop on October 19. He will keep running the small airport outpost for the next year, though there’s plans to close that spot too. Ballas said he already has a concept taking over the spot, Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ, though the opening day is TBD.
Another hand-held food spot also closed, Bonanno Concepts Salt & Grinder in the Highland neighborhood. For 10 years the shop offered fresh takes on Jersey-style sandwiches, but now owner Frank Bonanno said he wants to do something else with the space. Stay tuned, we are excited to hear what he has in mind.
Unfortunately, Colfax Avenue will also lose the cosy Fox Run Cafe. The last day of service will be October 21, so head there now to get one last dose of its famous griddled banana bread, biscuit sandwiches, and other brunch delights.
Located in the Populus hotel, Pasque and Stellar Jay have an official opening date, October 15. The building was designed by Studio Gang Designs, and opened in Downtown Denver. Kismet Cafe opens on October 1 in Lafayette. Located at 1381 Forest Park Circle, the main crux of the menu is baked goods, especially baklava. And, at the end of last week, Carbon Coffee Co. (12230 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora) quietly opened in Aurora.
On the Menu
After opening in August, Xiquita has added onto the tasty fun with Comida Callejera, a Mexican street food happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Think dishes such as tacos, tlacoyo, esquites, and picaditas.
Cart-Driver RiNo embraces the season with a fall pizza topped with pumpkin and yam puree, roasted green pepper, spicy coppa, chevre, balsamic glaze, and sage. Also on the pizza scene, Ester’s in Virginia Village has a pie with garlic white sauce, roasted and shaved Brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, bacon, and goat cheese.
Harvest Haven returns for the season at The Inverness Denver, a Hilton Golf & Spa Resort’s Fireside Bar & Grill, running from October 4 to November 2. Expect fall decor, harvest-themed specials, and even a place to sleep if you want to try all the seasonal craft cocktails.
Events In the News
Chef Troy Guard has another killer event on October 2 at Guard and Grace. This time he’s got chef Avner Levi from the acclaimed Cento Pasta Bar in Los Angeles for “Guard and Grazie,” an exclusive six-course pasta dinner the chefs are teaming up on. Tickets are $150 for the dinner, and $225 with added on wine pairings. Reserve a spot here.
Celebrate National Rocky Mountain Oyster Day all weekend long at The Fort with a $12 special featuring a half-order of Colorado’s famous dish on October 4 and 5. The price comes paired with a Mexican mule, gunpowder whiskey, or special non-alcoholic drink. Find out more and make a reservation at thefort.com.
Break out the stretchy pants, on Saturday, October 5 the second annual Denver Bake Fest will commence at 10 a.m. Run by and located outside Rebel Bread, the event features 100 cottage bakers and all the specialty goods. Buy the tasty breads, brownies, and stuffed cookies, and vote for your favorite.
Get ready to indulge in over 200 whiskies at the Denver Whiskey Riot on October 5 at The Brighton (3403 Brighton Blvd., Denver) from 4 to 7 p.m. for $90. The samples come from all over the country, with local distilleries including 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits Company (Vail), Laws Whiskey House (Denver), Old Elk Distillery (Fort Collins), Breckenridge Distillery (Breckenridge), and Spirit Hound Distillers (Lyons). There will also be whiskey cocktails and meet-and-greets with professionals.
Le Bilboquet hosts a five-course champagne dinner on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. The wines come from French winery Champagne Goutorbe-Bouillot. Kick-off the evening with a scallop carpaccio amuse-bouche, paired with the effervescent Reflet de Riviére champagne. Find out more and reserve the $225 ticket on the website.
