Now that Union Station is officially open and the rush of other new restaurant openings has lulled (for the moment), you’re free to spend this week drooling over the newly released Denver Restaurant Week menus. Plus, get out on the town at ones of the many upcoming festivals and special events– and if you work up a sweat, no worries. It’s almost National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, so check out our deal of the week for the best way to celebrate!

 

Upcoming Events

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A dish from Harman’s, one of the over 200 restaurants you can check out during DRW. Photo by Adam Ripplinger

Denver Restaurant Week menus have been released

Where: Check them out here – but don’t read them on an empty stomach!

When: For the first time, Denver Restaurant Week will come twice to the Mile High. This second installment will run August 23rd-29th

Cost: More than 200 Denver restaurants are offering multi-course dinners for the fixed price of $30/person

The Low Down: Feeling a bit of déjà vu? You’re not imagining things. For the first time, Denver Restaurant Week gets a summer installment so that you can enjoy some patio time and summer flavors while you explore the city’s dining scene. Start planning early to make the most of this week-long celebration of Denver’s eats.

 

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Photo courtesy of Richard Sandoval Restaurants

Summer Nights at the Museum Featuring Chef Richard Sandoval

Where: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard in Denver

When: Friday, August 1st from 5-8pm

Cost: $15/person ($12 for members)

The Low Down: Richard Sandoval is a global culinary powerhouse with over 40 restaurants world-wide including five in Denver (Zengo, Tamayo, two La Sandia locations, and La Biblioteca). This event gives you the chance to learn about Latin flavors from Sandoval himself as he prepares three different dishes and talks about tequila pairing.  Plus you’ll get each recipe to take home so you can spice up your own kitchen.

 

Dale Chihuly at the Denver Botanic Gardens, photo by Lindsey Bartlett.

Photo by Lindsey Bartlett

Unwind:H20, a seafood dinner and so much more at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Where: 1007 York Street in Denver

When: Thursday, August 7th from 6-9pm

Cost: $50/person ($45 for members)

The Low Down: Unwind give visitors the unique opportunity to explore the Gardens in the evening. This month, the event will also give you nighttime access to the complete Chihuly exhibit (a must see, even for those who’ve experience this artwork during the day) as well as special water-themed entertainment. You will also enjoy a seafood-themed dinner, water bar, and Stranahan’s Signature Peach Tea. Admission also includes three drink tickets which can be used at vendors like AC Golden Brewing Company, Hall Brewing Co., Stranahan’s Whiskey and Casa Vinicola Zonin Wines.

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Photo courtesy of EdFest

The Fourth-Annual Alpine Insurance Agency Ed Fest

Where: Freedom Park Soccer Fields, 0450 Miller Ranch Roadin Edwards, Colorado

When:  Saturday, August 16th

Cost: General admission presale tickets are $39, VIP presale tickets are $79 and general admission tickets bought at-the-door are $49.

The Low Down: There’s not much better than fresh mountain air, craft beer, delicious food, and enjoying live music. EdFest combines all of these for a day of celebration that benefits the Eagle Valley Land Trust, a local nonprofit dedicated to conserving and protecting Eagle Valley’s natural spaces. Breweries on hand include Crazy Mountain, Lagunitas, Odell, Oskar Blues, and more with food from local food trucks and restaurants.

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Photo by Caitlin Savage

Steak and Spirits at Cook Street School of Culinary Arts

Where: 1937 Market Street in Denver

When: Friday, August 1st from 6-9:30pm; If installment doesn’t fit your schedule, check out Cook Street’s complete list of upcoming classes here

Cost: $99/person

The Low Down: 303 is a big fan of Cook Street’s classes (read about our experience whipping up a brunch here), and with a name like Steak and Spirits, this upcoming chance to expand your culinary knowledge is tough to pass up. Beef can be pricy, so let the chefs at Cook Street teach you all about different cuts, how to prepare them, and how to make the perfect marinades and sauces. Plus you’ll get to test out the locally produced spirits from Peach Street Distillers.

 

Deal of the Week

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Photo courtesy of Lola Mexican Fish House

Celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day at Lola Mexican Fish House

Where: 1575 Boulder Street in Denver

When: The official holiday is Saturday, August 2nd, but you can try this treat any day during Lola’s regular hours. Dinner starts daily at 5pm.

Cost: $5

The Low Down: Sure, there seems to be some kind of food-holiday every day of the year. But this is one food-based celebration we can get behind thanks to the Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich Lola is doling out. Made with Alchemy Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream sandwiched in between two soft Snickerdoodle Ancho Chile Cookies, this is a grown-up spin on your childhood favorite.