The holiday excitement has slowed down, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Read on to find out about new seasonal eats for the new year, where to cater to your winter palette, and how you can get involved in a charity dinner. Also 303 takes a special look at a fun new interactive game at Williams & Graham, called “Decipher.”
Activities/Events
Decipher at Williams & Graham
Words by Brittany Werges
Where: 3160 Tejon St., Denver
Cost: $15/person
Reservations: Reservations can be made with the front desk in-person or by calling (303) 997-8886. Recommended group size are for parties of six or less.
When: 6 p.m.- 11 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday
The Low Down: Williams & Graham, arguably Denver’s most famous bar, recently created an elaborate game that challenges its patrons to flex their skills of deduction. Decipher, similar to a game of live-action Clue, is set-up in the space above W & G. Here small teams are tasked to escape in under 50 minutes using a series of hidden messages. The space, which is comprised of two rooms, is outfitted to look like an ordinary study but it is painstakingly staged to accommodate clues in-plain-sight. The game, which even has its own soundtrack, is so detailed and elaborate that reportedly only 18 percent of all participants beat the clock and escape on time. However those that make it out are awarded with up to $20 in gift cards (unless traded for extra time or hints). But the biggest bonus of playing Decipher is that participants are guaranteed a space at Williams & Graham after completing the game. With an average wait time of two to three hours to nab a table on any given night, this prize might be priceless to eager visitors. Pro tip: Read between the lines of each clue and don’t get sidetracked by any props you discover outside of your current task. Pay attention to the game master and don’t be afraid to trade your gift cards for hints. Enjoy!
Tamale Festival
Where: Tamayo, 1400 Larimer St., Denver
When: Now thru March 31
The Low Down: It’s that time of year to spice things up again at the second annual Tamale Festival at Tamayo. This new year, Tamayo continues to enrich Denver with its refreshing modern twist on traditional Latin American dishes and drinks. The limited menu will include three appetizers, two entrees, and tw0 new special hand-crafted cocktails that all feature tamales. Located in Denver’s Historic Larimer Square, a tamale-filled lunch would be the perfect addition to a day of exploring Denver’s history.
Whisky vs. Beer
Where: Boone’s Tavern, 1135 E. Evans Ave., Denver
When: Wednesday, January 28, 6:p.m. greeting, 7:00 p.m. dinner
Reservations: i[email protected] or call 720-961-0320
Cost: $50/ person
The Low Down: Put your life-long inner debate between whisky and beer to rest at this boozy dinner. The dinner will include a three-course meal provided by Chef Matt Mine, as well as an extensive tasting of Charbay Distillery Whisky and Bear Republic Brewing beers. Get the chance to pair Bear Republic’s award-winning Racer 5 IPA, or Charbay’s double distilled whisky (or both) with an awesome BBQ dinner. You’ll even get the chance to decide between distilled or fermented hops.
Kamayan-Style Fundraising Dinner
Where: Stem Cider, 2811 Walnut St., Denver
When: Monday, January 26 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Cost: $45/ person, click here for tickets
The Low Down: What better way to spend an evening than engaging in a little food and philanthropy? The Clean Water Philippines initiative will be hosting a Filipino five-course meal with complimentary cider. Guests will get the chance to taste a traditional “Kamayan dinner”– the native style of eating with your hands in the Philippines. Proceeds will go towards purchasing and donating water filters to those affected by the 2013 typhoon in Filipino cities. If you’re looking to try something new this year, perhaps an authentic dining experience, this event is a perfect fit. Seats are limited to 50 so buy your tickets ASAP!
Where to Celebrate National Soup Month
January is officially National Soup Month. In order to celebrate this commemorative 30 days we’ve compiled a list of soups around town that will surely keep your hearts happy and your bellies warm.
Argyll Whisky Beer
Where: 1035 E 17th Ave, Denver
The Low Down: Warm yourself up with the ‘Spot of Tea’. This bowl of ramen with vegetables and poached egg partnered with a bone china teapot holding the steaming chicken and pork tea broth serves as a hearty meal with some British flare.
Blackbelly Market
Where: 1606 Conestoga #3, Boulder
The Low Down: Reward your tastebuds and body temperature with the Isabelle Farms squash soup which boasts a velvety combination of squashes from the local farm, cut with tart green apples and finished with earthy hazelnut and a burst of crème fraiche.
Session Kitchen
Where: 1518 S. Pearl St., Denver
The Low Down: Cozy up to an in-house smoked Brisket Wedding Soup that includes kale, tomatoes, wild rice and fennel sausage meatballs, garnished with fresh chives and horseradish cream. Or try the smooth and creamy Shrimp Bisque with house made kimchi and horseradish cream.
The Mainline
Where: 125 South College Avenue, Fort Collins
The Low Down: Take it to the South with the New Orleans inspired Chicken, Tasso n’ Andouille Sausage Gumbo, perfectly paired with warm cornbread and your favorite beer.
Stock Show Specials
The stock show is in town now through this weekend (1/25). If you’re looking to make a day out of it we recommend checking out these restaurants with specialized deals that’ll get you in the cowboy spirit.
ViewHouse
Where: 2015 Market St., Denver & 7101 S. Clinton St., Centennial
When: Now thru January 24
Cost: $29.95, add a Bulleit Old Fashioned for an additional $7
The Low Down: Enjoy the cowboy special, a porterhouse steak cooked to perfection on a wood fired grill and finished with a demi-glace and garlic butter topping with a side of asparagus and a loaded salt-encrusted baked potato.
Humboldt Farm, Fish & Wine
Where: 1700 Humboldt St., Denver
Cost: $30
The Low Down: Take a break from steak to try the Mutton Bustin’ Bolognese Special, Colorado Lamb with crushed tomato, smoky bacon, mirepoix and red pepper flake over rigatoni, paired with a glass of ripe, fruity Alexander Valley Cabernet.
The Cherry Cricket
Where: 2641 E 2nd Ave., Denver
Cost: $13
The Low Down: Don’t miss out on the 1/2 pound Cowboy Cricket burger topped with smoked cheddar, western bbq sauce, bacon, and crowned with haystack onion strings. Your choice of a side of cole slaw or french fries. Served with a Coors original draft beer.
Stout Street Social
Where: 1400 Stout St., Denver
Cost: $24.95
The Low Down: Head down to the newly opened Stout Street Social for a true Western meal of smoked prime rib and and enjoy an Alaskan Brewing Company smoked porter.
Plan Ahead
Denver Restaurant Week
Where: Hundreds of Denver’s best restaurants
When: February 20 – March 1
Cost: $30/ person for a multi-course meal
Reservations: Either book directly through your restaurant of choice or rack up points and reserve online at Opentable.com
The Low Down: Last week, Visit Denver released the menus for the winter edition of Denver Restaurant week. The increasingly popular event (which expanded to include a summer edition last year) is known to book up quickly. Go here to view menus and then make reservations at your top choices before time runs out.
Moovers & Shakers Cocktail Competition
Where: Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
When: TBA
The Low Down: The third annual Moovers & Shakers cocktail competition in Boulder is on the horizon. Although the date has yet to be announced, this event is definitely one to get excited about. The competition will feature mixologists from a variety of Boulder’s most popular restaurants. The experts will compete to make a new cocktail featuring a particular alcoholic ingredient. If it’s anything like last year’s Suerte Tequila base, attendees are in for a real treat. Guests will have the chance to taste the unique cocktails paired with a variety of hors d’oeuvres, and vote on their favorite cocktail. Stay tuned for more details about the event.