Around Town: A Hot Client Summer
I don’t know about you, but I am loving this new (old) way of life. The sun is out, patios are buzzing and we’re taking every opportunity to gather with friends. Take a peek at what some of our clients are doing to celebrate the summer.
The Crack Shack Comes to Colorado
This San Diego staple creates mouth-watering dishes with both the chicken and the egg for guests to enjoy with reckless abandon. At the forefront of the fried chicken sandwich craze, The Crack Shack originated “SoCal Style” fried chicken using non-GMO, “beyond free range” birds fresh from Jidori Farm, and a secret proprietary “Crack Spice” blend from Le Sanctuaire. The Crack Shack is scheduled to open in late August and will be located at Chef Troy Guard’s Grange Hall.
Friction Labs Introduces Underserved Colorado Youth to Climbing
If you’re a mountain climber, you’ve heard of Friction Labs. They’re pretty much the Nike of athletic chalk. Thankfully, for us, the people behind the brand are just as great as their chalk (dare I say better?). This month, the co-founders introduced the Cause Good initiative in Denver. Originally launched in Fort Lauderdale in the spring of 2021, the program introduces the sport of climbing to underserved youth by inviting them to private lessons at local gyms. Friction Labs covers the cost of climbing gear and instructors for the afternoon at spots like Denver Bouldering Club and Movement RiNo. If you’re into supporting local companies doing good things for the community, this one is hard to beat.
GC Lounge Brings Indoor Golf and Country Club Fare to Uptown
I (Gretchen) am pretty sure I get a text message about this spot at least once a week. It usually goes a little something like “When is that awesome golf spot you represent going to open?” Well, good news folks: this eat and play concept is on track to open their doors in late August. The 3,849-square-foot golf club will bring together world-class golf and a full-service bar and restaurant in Denver’s Uptown Neighborhood. Four Trackman Simulators (look them up, they’re a pretty big deal) will be available for rent on a reservation basis, and the kitchen program is spearheaded by former 12@Madison Chef, Toby Prout. This place is going to be THE spot to gather with friends this fall.
Kimpton Hotel Born Creates “Park for a Dollar” Package
When Hotel Born says they’re close to Coors Field, they’re not kidding. The property is half a mile away from the games to be exact. Guests of Hotel Born are invited to make a night of a Rockies game by booking a room and enjoying a staycation with some sporty entertainment on the side. The “Park for a Dollar” package saves guests $58 per night on valet parking, and we all know it’s less than the typical downtown parking.
Megabite Launching Ultimate Food and Drink Discovery Platform
This one goes out to all the trolls who continue posting negative reviews on our beloved restaurants’ Yelp pages. Megabite is the new list-building platform that’s all about sharing favorites and spreading positivity in the industry that has endured so much over the past year and a half. The platform is still in beta mode, currently launching in the Boston market, but we cannot wait to share it with the masses when the time is right. Check them out, start following your favorite food stars and begin creating your own lists at gomegabite.com.
Restaurant Olivia Crosses the Pond
The Olivia team took a jaunt out to Greece earlier this month for the R&D trip of our dreams. The excursion’s purpose was to draw inspiration for the restaurant’s new menu and upcoming special events. Not surprisingly, the special dinners sold out almost immediately. Thankfully, Chef Ty Leon and his culinary team will use ingredients and techniques learned during the trip for upcoming summer and fall menu items. Reservations are always recommended at this Wash Park hot spot. Their tables fill up quickly.
Deviation Distilling Moves to Dairy Block
Spanning two levels on Dairy Block’s mixed-use alley, Denver’s premier gin distillery is scheduled to open at the new location this summer. Visitors will be greeted with a stunning light display made from Deviation bottles (pieces of art in their own right) while two garage doors connect the patio space to the indoor bar area. Our team is already looking forward to sipping on a Gin Thyme Fizz (if you know, you know) at our favorite distillery’s newest digs.
South Street Market Coming Soon
What do you get when you mix part take-out and part corner store with local artisan retail? You get Louisville’s newest foodie destination – and it’s what grocery store fairytales are made of. South Street Market has everything needed to satisfy healthy diets and busy lifestyles. The grab-and-go meals are a busy person’s dream, and the carefully sourced grocery and retail items support local makers and the community. Follow along on Facebook for opening news.
Tamayo Brings Back 20 Years of Guest Favorites
When I think about my favorite restaurant dishes in Denver, there is always one item that continually makes the list. The Pork Carnitas at Tamayo is a citrusy, tender dish of beauty and something I crave for lunch and dinner regularly. During one of the saddest (food-related) moments of my life, the carnitas were removed from the Tamayo menu because of sourcing issues. I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear that in celebration of the Larimer Square staple’s 20th anniversary, the culinary team is featuring a throwback menu of guest favorites, and it includes my treasured carnitas! The throwback menu will be available during the month of August and also includes Chili & Coffee Rubbed Carne Asada, Chipotle Camarones and other throwback favorites.
WingWok Introduces “Fried Chicken Miracle” to Centennial
Fried chicken is having a moment and Korean Fried Chicken is at the forefront of that moment. WingWok’s gluten-free, wok-finished Korean fried chicken is taking KFC to the next level by serving twice-fried chicken twice as fast as competitors at its first location in Centennial. The quick service concept is the culmination of 20 years of work and refinement by founder and fast casual veteran, James Park, who emigrated from Korea as a child. With sauces and dry rub flavors like soy garlic, tangy citrus, buffalo and signature Go+Chu+Jang, there is a flavor for every palate and spice preference. Personally, I’m in love with the not-so-traditional Korean Ssam Burrito. It’s made by wrapping yangnyeum chicken, Seoul Slaw and kimchi fried rice in a stretchy flour tortilla and will have you second guessing any other burrito that has ever entered your life. WingWok is a takeout and delivery only spot. Be sure to order ahead online or through Doordash.
Now Open: X Denver Membership Club Arrives in Denver
We’ll categorize this one as “things that I wish existed when I was in my 20s.” X Denver brings together world-class amenities and a community-centric vibe to its 813-bed complex just down the street from Coors Field. The unconventional membership club and apartment complex features a rooftop lounge with full-service bar and restaurant, reservable conference rooms, group fitness classes, daily wellness offerings, a fully equipped (and gorgeous) gym, rooftop pool, cocktail bar, firepits, the list honestly goes on and on. The membership club portion is available for residents and non-residents alike. Check out the photos and amenities at xdenver.com.
Dough Deli Launches Mouthwatering Ghost Kitchen Sandwiches
Melty, toasty, savory, tasty. These are the words that perfectly describe Colorado’s newest sandwich delivery joint. The oven-fresh (and thick!) sandwiches are baked on artisan rolls and topped with meats, fresh veggies, unforgettable sauces, and spreads. There’s no need to get into your car. These bad boys are available exclusively through DoorDash.
Denver Pizza Company Brings Back Cheeseburger Pizza
Move aside buns, the cheeseburger pizza is back for the summer. Topped with ground beef, mozzarella, cheddar jack, onions, tomatoes, bacon, pickles and DPC’s special sauce, this limited-edition pie is an instant favorite. It’s our go-to for conference room lunches and will give any traditional burger a run for its money in a head-to-head taste test.
Happy summering!
-Gretchen
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