Denver Restaurant Week 2020
Restaurant Week looks a little different this year. Usually held in February, this will be the first fall edition running from Friday, November 13th to Sunday, the 22nd. Each participant has created either a $25, $35 or $45 menu and also offers takeout and/or delivery.
It goes without saying that the last shutdown hurt the service industry, and with the winter ahead some restaurants are opting to close until spring 2021. According to the latest mandate by the City of Denver, restaurants are still open for in-person dining, but limited with seating capped at 25% capacity. In addition, alcohol service must end at 10 PM.
For those of you that I have never met, know that I love food. I mean, who doesn’t? My husband and I often joke when we’re chatting with friends that somehow the conversation almost always comes back to food and we never get tired of giving dinner recommendations. Prior to COVID, I found myself frequently dismissing my monthly Mint alerts, knowing I exceeded my restaurant budget again. Remind me to update that. My brother is a chef here in Denver, so we often venture out for what he calls “research and development” and are always trying new things. That being said, I also witnessed first-hand how the last shutdown directly impacted those that work in the industry. It wasn’t pretty and it still isn’t.
Denver restaurants could really use the boost in business as the weather gets colder and the outdoor dining crowd tapers off. Please consider supporting local businesses by ordering takeout or having a socially distanced dinner in the coming days. Denver business owners need whatever help we can provide, and if it means taking the night off of cooking why not?
I thought I would highlight four of my favorites here in town that are sure not to disappoint. Do you have a favorite? Shout them out in the comments below!
My Top Picks
Beast + Bottle - $45
https://beastandbottle.com/
Local rustic American food done right. One of the best meals I’ve had in Denver.
First Course (choice of)
-Cauliflower tom ka soup, pickled shrimp, mushroom, cilantro
-Oaxacan style lamb molé sausage, autumn squash purée, winter radish salad
-Honey crisp apple + bibb lettuce salad, gold beets, candied pistachios, tarragon vinaigrette
Second Course (choice of)
-Stuffed delicata squash, mushroom, barley, marsala cream sauce, mizuna
-Tagliatelle, Manila clams, mustard greens, preserved tomato brodo
-Roasted pork loin, mokum carrots, house kimchi, Carolina gold rice porridge
Dessert (choice of)
-Chocolate torte, earl grey butterscotch, smoked cocoa nib, creme fraiche
-Lemon-turmeric cake, honeyed yogurt, almond praline
2. Coperta - $35
https://www.copertadenver.com/
Who doesn’t love Italian? Amazing service!
First Course (choice of)
-Polenta Fritters -sage, rosemary
-Pumpkin Arancini - orange aioli
Second Course (choice of)
-Rigatoni Carbonara -farm egg, guanciale, pecorino romano
-Mushroom Tortellini - butternut squash, kale, mushroom brodo
Main Course (choice of)
-Crispy Whole Redfish - eggplant caponata, lemon, mint
-Pappardelle - braised pork sugo, tomato, pecorino
-Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca - tomato, olive, caper
Dessert (choice of)
-Grispelle - cinnamon-sugar donuts, marsala caramel
-Stracciatella - vanilla gelato with chocolate chips
3. Roots - $45
https://www.rootscolorado.com/
A true hidden gem in Broomfield. Great vegetarian options and atmosphere.
First Course (choice of)
-Layered Greek Salad Vegan
-Thai Papaya and Mango Salad (packed with sweet and Tangy flavors) - Vegan
-Bacon Me Crazy Salad: Cucumber Bouquet with Mix greens, Blue cheese, Candied bacon Candied nuts and Chocolate Balsamic dressing
Soups (choice of)
-Butternut Squash Soup Vegan Ginger, rosemary, and sage
-Artichoke & Asparagus Soup
Small Bites (choice of)
-Indian Mini Lamb shami Kebab with mint chutney ( HAriyala kabobs with mint sauce for vegans)
-Roasted Grape Crostini with sopressata and herbed haystack goat cheese with basil ( vegan Mozzarella for vegans)
Entrees (choice of)
-Chili Coffee rub Petite 3 Oz Beef Tender bite on Basil Risotto Cakes with fried Chard
-Pork Loin with Molasses 3oz petite and Balsamic Glaze and Tandoori Cauliflower
-Eggplant Capellini involtini Grilled eggplant stuffed with Fettuccine tossed in basil and marinara sauce topped with vegan mozzarella cheese and fresh basil
4. BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES - $25
https://www.bfwdenver.com/
Perfect option for date night!
Wine Flights
Each guest will receive a 4-wine tasting flight of their choosing.
Charcuterie Board
Each guest will receive a medium charcuterie board to include 2 meat options and 2 cheese options along with accoutrements. A couple ordering will receive a large shared charcuterie board.
For a full list of restaurant participating this year, please visit https://www.denver.org/denver-restaurant-week/menus/