Whether you’re kickin’ it in Post Brewing Company’s backyard or partying it up for Great Divide’s 21st anniversary, we know this summer is going to be one to remember. If you’re looking for something more provincial, browse Le Jardin Secret at Bistro Vendôme or savor an early happy hour at Bittersweet’s Le Cinq à Sept. But that’s not all, be sure to mark your calendars (and snag your tickets) because Top Taco is back for a second year of tacos, margs, tequila and more.
Upcoming Events
The Post Brewing Company’s Backyard Benefit
Where:
When: June 9, 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $75
Register: Buy Tickets here.
The Low Down: Dine al fresco in Post Brewing Company’s big backyard for the second annual Backyard Benefit to support the Growe Foundation, a non-profit that works to improve school lunches and enrich children’s education through school gardens. Executive Chef Brett Smith and Brewmaster Bryan Selders will showcase fresh farm-to-table cuisine paired with delicious local brews. The four-course meal will feature chicken rillette biscuits, family-style rotisserie pork loin and grilled skirt steak, all rounded out with Haji’s cherry slab pie. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Growe Foundation’s Garden to Table program in Boulder Valley School District schools. Learn more about the Growe Foundation here.
Nocturne Unveils New “Renditions” Menu
Where: Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club, 1330 27th St., Denver
Neighborhood: RiNo
When: June 11, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $98
Register: Buy tickets here.
The Low Down: Savor Nocturne’s latest tasting menu inspired by “Quiet Kenny,” an iconic album by trumpet-great Kenny Dorham. Guests will enjoy the five-course dinner menu while artist-in-residence, Tom Gershwin, plays the five songs that served as Chef Dustin Beckner’s muse. In addition to the inspired food and music, each course will be expertly paired with beverages selected by sommelier Scott Mattson. Between sets, Mattson and Beckner will breakdown each course and the elements that inspired their work.
Great Divide Anniversary Party
Words by Brittany Werges
Where: Great Divide’s future second location, 3395 Brighton Boulevard, Denver
Neighborhood: RiNo
When: June 13, 2- 6 p.m.
Cost: $40, ($45 at the door, if available)
Register: Buy tickets here.
The Low Down: Iconic Denver brewery, Great Divide, celebrates its 21st anniversary with a big bash as its future second location on Brighton Boulevard. The event will feature live music, special release beers and food trucks. For $40, you’ll be able to sample all of Great Divide’s beers along with scoring food tickets (to use at the food trucks), free bike valet and a stainless steel commemorative pint.
Le Jardin Secret
Where: Bistro Vendôme courtyard, 1420 Larimer St., Denver
Neighborhood: Larimer Square
When: Saturdays, June 6 – September 26, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Low Down: Stop by this French-inspired chefs’ market for fresh dairy, meat, bread, produce and more (all with a mimosa in hand). Selected vendors including Grateful Bread Company, Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe, and the Truffle Cheese Shop will sell a variety of goods curated for home chefs. Note: Free parking will be available on the top levels of the Larimer Square parking garage —14th Street and Market Street— during market hours.
Eat Now
Le Cinq à Sept
Where: Bittersweet, 500 E. Alameda Ave., Denver
Neighborhood: Wash Park
When: Tuesday – Thursday, 4-5:30 p.m.
The Low Down: Join Bittersweet for Le Cinq à Sept (a francophile’s version of happy hour) for an innocent afternoon delight filled with French-inspired fare and hand-crafted cocktails. Featuring $5 small plates such as country terrine with carrot salad and $7 cocktails like a Bittersweet shandy (a mixture of Hanger One Citron, Lava Lake Wit and clementine soda) along with $5 beer and wine offerings, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy warm summer afternoons and shorter workdays (fingers crossed). Reservations can be made by going here or calling 303-942-0320.
Basta’s New Menu and Space
Words by Brittany Werges
Where: 3601 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder
Neighborhood: East Boulder
The Low Down: Acclaimed Boulder restaurant (and older sibling to beloved Denver hotspot, Cart-Driver) recently re-opened after undergoing renovations to both its interior as well as its menu. Now, after officially removing “pizzeria” from its name, it will focus on seasonal wood-fired dishes in addition to its innovative pies. The space has also gotten a minor face lift with tweaks to its design along with the addition of a bar window that gives patrons the chance to “observe the artistry of the chefs manning the wood oven.” The beverage program has also evolved from a small, eclectic wine list to include bottle-aged, batched and traditional cocktails and select beers. Reservations can be made at bastaboulder.com, or by calling (303) 997-8775.
Mark Your Calendars
Top Taco 2015
Head to our Instagram for a chance to win tickets!
Where: Denver Sculpture Park, 1345 Champa St., Denver
Neighborhood: Theatre District
When: June 25, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $65-$125
Register: Buy tickets here.
The Low Down: Top Taco is back for its second year and it’s bound to be bigger and better than ever. Join 40 Denver restaurants including Comida, Zengo, Pinche Tacos and more, for a delicious culinary throw-down. All guests will sample tacos, margs, tequila and more as the restaurants battle head to head for the Top Taco title in the Creative Taco, Traditional Taco and Margarita categories. But that’s not all, guests will be able to dance the night away to the rhythm and beat of La Candela, Denver’s hottest salsa band.
LoDo Bites
Neighborhood: LoDo
When: June 16, 5 – 9 p.m.
Cost: $35
Register: Buy tickets here.
The Low Down: Take a walking foodie tour of LoDo’s hot spots and explore Denver’s oldest neighborhood in a whole new way. This year’s 20 participating restaurants which include Stoic and Genuine, Zoe Ma Ma and more, will offer small bites and drink specials with some even offering tasty dessert samples. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit LoDo District Inc., an organization that supports Denver’s unique historical, cultural, and retail neighborhood through marketing, education and advocacy.