Considering it’s our job to eat, we sure taste some amazing foods. Why limit the coverage to a feature when we can round up the top 10 “best things we ate” of the month. In April the line up includes super spicy Chinese food, a vegan sandwich meat lovers will crave, and an unexpected place for great churros. Read the full list here.
Staten Island Sandwich at Mead St. Provisions
What’s not to love about a pile of black forest ham, mortadella, pickled nions, sliced provolone, zingy giardiniera, fresh arugula, and garlic aioli all on a pliable ciabatta roll? Answer, nothing, unless you’re cutting out cheese. Then don’t worry, mild modifications are perfectly fine at this charming Highland spot, and have been since it opened in 1994. 3625 W. 32nd Ave, Denver, meadstdenver.com
Mapo Tofu at Pig and Tiger
Since moving back to Denver from New York City, I have sought out the perfect mapo tofu. It’s taken almost 10 years, but now I can say Darren Chang and Travis Masaro, the chefs and owners of Pig and Tiger in Avanti Boulder, have made it. The hearty bowl proves spicy enough that the team will warn you, but not so spicy you can’t enjoy the tingle of schezwan heat. The dish ($15) is vegetarian, and though the usual ground pork was missing, it really didn’t need it. You may, however, require a napkin or five. 401 Pearl St., Boulder, pigandtiger.com
Sikil Pak at Lucina Eatery
Not many places serve sikil pak ($15), but chefs Diego Coconati and Erasmo Casiano make it at their Park Hill spot. And, it’s glorious. The base consists of toasted pepita, or pumpkin seeds, with habanero. Then the remolacha, or beets, salsa, and chevre get added on top, and served with freshly made tostadas. It’s the great way to start an amazing meal at the Mexican-meets-Caribbean-meets-Colorado hot spot. 2245 Kearney St., Denver, lucinaeatery.co
Vegan Reuben at Glady’s
While the idea of a plant-based reuben ($12) doesn’t sound quite as appealing as the real deal, the sandwich at Glady’s in Edgewater Public Market proves craveable. It’s so good, I’m wishing I had one right now. With a base of celery root made in the style of pastrami, the sandwich doesn’t have any fake meat in it. Only plant products, including pickled kraut and horseradish cream on toasted marbled rye bread. 5505 W. 20th Ave., Edgewater, gladysrestaurant.com
Lamb Merguez at Sunday Vinyl
Playing with the idea of spring lamb, chef Cody Cheetham whipped up the seasonal plate with lamb merguez and bright English peas ($21). To enhance the simple sample of spring, he added orange zest and a pistachio crunch. It’s a delightful pairing with a glass of crisp Grüner Veltliner, but only available for a short time. 1803 16th St., Denver,sundayvinyl.com
Greek Appetizer Plate at Chef Zorba’s
Since 1979 Chef Zorba’s has provided the Park Hill neighborhood with quality Greek diner fare, as well as an epic, all-day breakfast. While many items stand out, the Greek Appetizer Plate ($32.95) off the dinner menu hits all the right spots. The platter includes imported Greek cheeses like feta and kasseri, dolmathes, Greek giant beans, kalamata olives, fresh tomato and cucumber, warm pita, house-made tzatziki and a pile of succulent shaved gyro. Get it to share as a starter, or even make it a main meal. 2626 E. 12th Ave., Denver, chefzorbas.com
Panino Imbottito at Rolling Pin Pizza
Available only during happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. daily, the panino imbottito ($6) includes fresh mozzarella, shaved red onion, garlic butter, parmesan cheese, parsley, giardiniera, and choice of meat. We got it with sopressata, but diners can also choose mortadella or capicola. Though, based on the price, get one of each of these salty, umami-rice sandwiches, and wash it down with a quartina of barbara ($7). 1514 York St, Denver, no website
Lights Out Burger at Fat Sully’s
The buzz around the Atomic Cowboy, Fat Sully’s burger has been fierce, and I’m here to say it really is that good. Usually $10.95, the burger is only $7 all day on Mondays, and it feels like a steal. The kitchen keeps it simple with two smash patties, American cheese, pickles and sauce. Tailor the burger to suit you, then enjoy. Multiple locations, theatomiccowboy.com/fatsullys
Lemon Pizza at Gusto
Chef Lon Symensma’s Gusto opened in March this year, and it’s been picking up traction ever since. While everything we tried was noteworthy, the Amalfi Pie ($19) with confit lemon, calabrian chili, pecorino, and ricotta stood out. The lemon, while whole, loses a lot of the bitterness and toughness due to the process, making the right citrus notes sing with the rich cheeses. 1671 N. Raleigh St., Denver, cholonconcepts.com
Churros at Flight Club
Okay, normally highlighting churros from a non-Mexican restaurant would be taboo, but the ones at Flight Club downtown are worth buzzing about. They came out hot and crispy, with gooey caramel inside and dulce de leche whipped crema as dipping “sauce.” The churros ($12) only grace the brunch menu, available Saturday and Sunday starting at 12 p.m. Plus, there’s darts to play. 1959 16th St. Mall, Denver, flightclubdartsusa.com
