It’s Thanksgiving week, which means less buzz on the dining scene when it comes to new places, fresh menus, and events. Yet, one chef took home a fat check after winning a contest, a popular distillery is closing, and there’s a new pasta club on the scene.
Read on for more of this week’s top news stories. Send any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Coperta just launched an exclusive pasta club. To get in on the action, guests sign up and receive a rotating fresh pasta kit. It includes handmade pasta, garnishes, sauces, the signature focaccia, cooking instructions, and more. It’s something tasty to take home, and also a great gift.
We’re happy to hear Cliff Blauvelt of Odie B’s won Denver’s Ultimate Breakfast Burrito Competition, aka the Burrito Bear Invitational. Not only did he win supreme bragging rights, but also $7,500. What he will use it for we aren’t sure. But, considering he’s opening Boombots Pasta Shop early next year, we have some ideas.
The team at Ophelia’s Electric Soap Box in Denver launched a Go Fund Me Campaign for an employee who got hit by a drunk driver on the way home from work. The person survived, but is in intensive care and will need a lot of support to recover. Donate here.
Casa Bonita workers launched a unionization effort that has now passed unanimously. In October the employees of the 50-year-old pink palace started working with Actors Equity Association and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 7 to unionize. Now the team hopes to make Casa Bonita better for everyone. However, what unionization means for the employees has yet to be seen.
In case you’re looking for Seoul Mandoo, the Korean dumpling shop is now located in a new spot inside a stripmall at 2222 S. Havana St. in Aurora.
Openings and Closings In the News
After years being empty, the space formerly home to Bellota Denver and Acorn in the Source has a new tenant. Enter The Moose, a casual American fare eatery and sports bar.
Fortune Nong Jia Le brings Shanghai cuisine to the Washington Park neighborhood. Located at 500 E. Alameda Ave., the space used to house the elevated restaurant Bittersweet.
Culinary Creative (A5 Steakhouse, Ash’kara, Forget Me Not, and more), now has a presence at Concourse C in the airport. Enjoy outposts of Aviano Coffee, Bar Dough, and Mister Oso before or after a flight.
We also welcome Saltwater Social, the newest seafood concept in Denver. The restaurant opened in the former Thirsty Lion in Cherry Creek, run by One Group Hospitality Inc. who manage Denver locations of STK and Kona Grill.
Ironton Distillery will close the RiNo location after six years operating out of the large space. While the urban spot ends, the owners said the business is moving to Louisville, but won’t open again until 2026. This weekend is the last chance to try the spirits at the tasting room and enjoy the lovely garden space.
Thanksgiving Events and Specials
Osaka Ramen has made a Thanksgiving Ramen consisting of herb chicken broth, roasted brussel sprouts, Kabocha tempura, turkey chasiu, and a miso cranberry sauce for $20. While the restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving, the special dish is available all week.
SAME Cafe (So All May Eat), hosts its annual Giving Thanks meal this Wednesday, November 27th from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu features a traditional Thanksgiving spread with turkey, vegan meatloaf, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mushroom gravy, cornbread, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and for dessert, apple crumble. In keeping with the mission of the cafe, the meal can be had on a give-what-you-can rate, be that volunteering, donation, or cash.
Need a place to eat on Thanksgiving? Ajax Downtown Denver in the Limelight Hotel offers a special three-course meal from 12 to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For $115 or $35 for kids, order a traditional Thanksgiving feast or try something new. Starter items include Lobster Bisque, Chicory Salad, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Tuna Carpaccio, or Grilled Sweetbreads. On the main course side find dishes such as Smoked Turkey Roulade, Black Cod, Roasted Celery Root, Colorado Lamb Saddle, and 30-Day Dry-Aged Beef Rib. Pasty Chef Gaby Navas also whipped up Carrot Cake, Butternut Squash Pie, and White Apple Cheesecake.
The Common Good is also open on the holiday, and serves its regular menu as well as Thanksgiving Day specials. Choices include Butternut Squash Ravioli with brown butter, sage and pepitas, Mushroom Stuffed Turkey Roulade with Molasses Yams, and a Pumpkin Cheesecake with salted caramel and cinnamon whip. Make a reservation at eatatthecommongood.com.
