Autumn has officially arrived, and while the leaves haven’t changed too much in the city, plenty of things have changed in restaurant news. This past week we saw a celebrity chef team up to make a Colorado-centric meal kit. New chefs are on the scene downtown, and one restaurant begs for the return of its custom-made tiki cup.
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
Author and food scholar Adrian Miller hosted a memorial service for the long deceased C.B. Hill, a barbecue pioneer from Colorado. Miller bought the man a grave marker and also pushed to get him inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame.
After 10 years in a small spot at the front of Union Station, Snooze A.M. Eatery announced a shift in space. Starting Wednesday, October 2, find the popular breakfast cafe in a new spot within the historic building. The cafe will also debut an exclusive lunch menu, which can only be found at that location.
A fun collaboration is on the horizon. Meal service Blue Apron has teamed up with the Colorado Tourism Office and publication Atlas Obscura to bring a Colorado-focused box featuring the talents of Top Chef alumni Brother Luck. Currently the chef runs Four by Brother Luck in Colorado Springs. Follow Blue Apron for more details.
The newly minted Bib Gourmand restaurant MAKfam put out a request for whoever stole one of the BB Little Tiger Tiki Mugs to please return it. The mugs are hard to get and thoughtfully sourced, and, said a post on Instagram, the mug’s siblings miss it.
Four Seasons Hotel in Denver appointed Josh Fryer as the new executive chef of the hotel and EDGE Restaurant & Bar. The chef moved to Denver from the Four Seasons Resort Maui.
Maggiano’s Little Italy also has a new person in its corporate line up. Welcome Michelin-starred chef Anthony Amoroso, who has taken the new title of Vice President of Innovation and Growth. He will be adding on eight new dishes including the Antipasto Board, Chef’s Signature Caesar, and Fettuccine Bolognese.
Firehouse Subs has relaunched its Hot Sauce Bar after a three year hiatus. The firemen-founded hot sub brand stated it received countless emails, social posts, and handwritten letters from guests, begging for the return of the complimentary Hot Sauce Bar. The bar features 13 sauces from mild to extra hot with a heat scale of 1-to-10.
Openings and Closings In the News
The Salty Donut‘s Denver location officially opens on Friday, September 27. This is the first Colorado shop, and the company plans on growing its 10-year-old donut and breakfast concept further. Owned by wife-and-husband team Amanda Pizarro and Andy Rodriguez, visitors to The Salty will also get to try croissants and breakfast sandwiches, which will all be exclusive to Denver.
Also this Friday, Church and Union, a concept from Charleston, S.C., will open at 1433 17th St. in Denver. The cuisine leans toward Southern steakhouse style, with steaks, chops, roasted veggies, green-chili-laced parker house rolls, and an exclusive, hand-made braided ravioli.
Based on a temporary sign on the former Cochino Taco space in Edgewater, Adelitas Cocina y Cantina will open a second location in that spot. Adelitas is known for its fresh and traditional Michoacán recipes, as well as a large selection of mezcals and tequilas.
Comida has officially closed for good, as well as Carm & Gia Metropolitan, also in Aurora. Owned by Razz Cortes, the restaurant served Chicago comfort food. Both spots dished out its last meals this past weekend.
On the Menu
Sweetgreen has launched a fall menu featuring the Autumn Harvest Bowl ($15.35) with blackened chicken, maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, shredded kale, almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette. There’s also a protein plate ($15.75) with most of the same ingredients, and diners can order a side of the Brussels and sweet potatoes ($4.75). Find these limited-time items at all seven Colorado locations.
Right now La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal has a Mazapán Ice Cream on the menu, but it won’t be there long. At The Brutal Poodle a new seasonal pasta special graces the menu. Try the Brutal Pesto Bow Tie Pasta, complete with butternut squash, artichokes, pesto cream sauce, parmesan, capers, and fried pepperoncini.
Fall is here and Kona Grill has jumped on the pumpkin bandwagon. Starting Tuesday, October 1, guests can enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Margarita ($14), Pumpkin Mocha Martini ($14), Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli ($32), Traditional Pumpkin Pie ($15), and more.
STK Steakhouse also launches a pumpkin-themed menu on October 1. Look for Pumpkin Ravioli with king crab ($59), Pumpkin Bourbon Smash ($22), and Pumpkin and Potato Gratin ($19).
Events In the News
Big Fest Energy is on at Call to Arms Brewery. This time it’s all about Oktoberfest, with Lottie’s artisan pork sausages popping up with German-style dogs, the breweries own fest beers, and a limited-edition stein to take home for $20. It’s perfect for those who love good beer, German zest, and Instagram-perfect locations.
Edgewater Public Market is hosting a bike drive and party to help Bicycles 4 Humanity deliver 400 bikes from Coloradans to southern Africa. Dubbed Beer Bikes & Bands, the event runs from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. There will be a Strider bike race for kids 2 to 5, free bike tuning, live music, free axe throwing, and of course, beer. The event is spearheaded by market shops Hap Cameron, owner of Happy Cones Co., and co-host Barquentine Brewing Co.
News is Call Your Mother Deli will host a fundraiser for SAME Cafe on Friday, September 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. at its Pearl Street Shop (1291 Pearl St.). Guests can use the code “SAME” in-store or online to tag an order toward the fundraiser. During that time, 25-percent of sales will be donated.
Welton Room is teaming up with Ti Cafe to bring a Mid-Autumn High Tea Cocktail event on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 27. Each day has two seatings, one at 11:30 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. The special service includes a high tea dessert tower, tea cocktails, and an a la carte savory menu curated by Denver Poke Company. Reserve via text, 720-447-9502.
Head chef Ka’Vaugn Crawley of Bezel Denver will be serving bites of his Ducksketa on September 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. during the USA Today Wine & Food Experience. His Anasazie bean, duck, and pickled blackberry dish is just one of many plates from local chefs to try. The event takes place at York Street Yards (3821-3893 Steele St, Denver). Tickets run $75 for early access at 12 p.m., or $65 for regular access. Buy tickets here and see the line up.
Chef Troy Guard has another killer event, this time on Wednesday, October 2 at Guard and Grace. Chef Avner Levi from the acclaimed Cento Pasta Bar in Los Angeles joins Guard for “Guard and Grazie,” an exclusive six-course pasta dinner. Tickets run $150 for the dinner, and $225 with added on wine pairings. Reserve a spot here.
