The new year is officially here and we’re kicking things off with a bit of boozy news. Read on to find out more about why Rover.com ranks Denver as the “most alcoholic” city. Plus, get a sneak peek at some of the big culinary news coming this year along with two events to kick off January with a full and happy belly.

 Upcoming Events

The Walnut Room Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

walnut room

Photo courtesy of The Walnut Room’s Facebook page.

Where: 3131 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado

When: Friday, January 9, 2014 from 5:00pm-9:00pm

Cost: No cover with drink specials, complimentary appetizers and pizza and free performances

The Low Down: For a decade, The Walnut Room has been one of the best places to catch an intimate show and tasty slice in Denver. Started by local musician and entrepreneur John Burr in January 2005, this venue has hosted some big name artists over the years including Jewel and the Fray. Their thin, crispy pizza is the perfect accompaniment to a night out, and with plans for a kitchen and menu expansion this year, the Walnut Room is only getting better. This Friday, you can celebrate the past 10 years with live music from Adrienne O, Andy Palmer, Roo & the Howl, Matt Hoffman of Strange Americans and DJ Social Lubrication. This event is 21 and over.

 

Cook Street School of Culinary Arts: Sushi

Photography by Glenn Ross. http://on.fb.me/16KNsgK

Inspiration for your Cook Street Class from Izakaya Den. Photo by Glenn Ross.

Where: 1937 Market Street, Denver, Colorado

When: Thursday, January 8, 2014 from 6:00pm-9:30pm

Cost: $99/person

Reserve a Space: Click here

The Low Down: Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to learn a new skill? Cook Street School of Culinary Arts makes that one easy and delicious. With tons of classes to choose from, you can spend this year stepping up your home-cooking game. Start with this week’s sushi class where you’ll learn all about ingredient selection and technique for making the perfect sushi rice and simple sushi rolls. Specific selections vary depending on what’s fresh, and the class includes a full meal with wine. Plus, afterwords you’ll be able to invite your friends over for an impressive sushi feast.

 

Plan Ahead

Taste & Savor at the Broadmoor

broadmoor

Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor’s Facebook page.

Where: 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado

When: March 5-8, 2014

Cost: Three-night room packages are available, click here for info on booking options

The Low Down: Colorado’s iconic getaway, the Broadmoor, is hosting a can’t-miss culinary event in 2015: Taste & Savor. Foodies from all over the country will gather at this Five Star, Five Diamond resort for the chance to enjoy  a weekend filled with gourmet tastings, wine and craft cocktails. There will also be panel discussions and seminars with some of the biggest names in food right now including local talent Kelly Liken (Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail), Alex Siedel (Fruition and Mercantile Dining & Provision in Denver), and Sean Kenyon (the Denver bartender who was named American Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2014).

 

Jeff Osaka and Kenneth Wolf to Open The Market at the H.H. Tammen Building in RiNo

JeffOsakamarket1

Photo courtesy of The Market

Where: 2669 Larimer Street, Denver, Colorado

When: Summer 2015

The Low Down: With the opening of The Source in late 2013 and the popularity of the newly remodeled Union Station, Denver is loving the one-stop approach to dining. That trend continues in 2015 with the anticipated opening of The Market in RiNo. From the minds of real estate developer Kenneth Wolf and local chef/restaurateur Jeff Osaka, this new culinary destination for Denver will occupy two thirds of the ground floor of what is currently Motorsports Gallery. The space will be filled with vendors that include a rotisserie, deli, salumi and cheese shop, produce and flower market, retail fish market, ice cream parlor, bakery, coffee house, candy store, butchery, wine bar, dry goods market and dessert emporium. So get hungry, Denver, and be ready for our city’s culinary explosion to continue through 2015.

Boozy News

Rover.com Names Denver the Most Alcoholic City

The Bark Bar, a popular Denver bar that allows dogs.

The Bark Bar, a popular Denver bar that allows dogs.

Where: Check out the full list HERE

The Low Down: Ok, so in most cases, being named the “most alcoholic” anything might not be something to brag about. But in this case, we’ll take the honor as Rover.com ranks Denver the city with the most alcohol-inspired dog names in the U.S. Denver does love booze, and four-legged companions are an essential part of mountain living. So it makes sense that pooches with names like Porter, Merlot, and Whiskey are commonplace in the mile-high city. Does your dog’s food or booze-related moniker make the list of most popular? Check out all the rankings here.