Well, this has certainly been a crazy week. But now that our post-election hangovers are finally subsiding, we can focus on more palatable things, like food. In addition to new lunch menus on the scene, we’re looking forward to a charitable and tasty Thanksgiving fundraiser, the return of bottomless brunch and hearty autumn entreés making their way onto Denver menus. Read on for the scoop.
Project Angel Heart’s Pie in the Sky Fundraiser
‘Tis the season for “do-gooding,” and what’s better than eating a pie while doing your part? This week marks the last week to buy a pie for Project Angel Heart’s annual Pie in the Sky Fundraiser.
For Coloradans coping with life-threatening illnesses, one of the biggest challenges is finding a hearty, nutritious meal. Each pie purchased, be it cherry, apple, pecan or pumpkin, will provide the funds needed for Project Angel Heart to prepare and deliver three medically-tailored meals, free of charge, to someone living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease or another life-threatening disease.
Pies go for $25 and can be purchased through November 17. Buy a pie, help a neighbor in need, and impress your friends and family at the dinner table (or just eat it yourself—no judgment here).
Milk & Honey Bar and Kitchen Announces New Lunch Menu
Founded by nationally renowned chef, Michael Shiell, Milk & Honey is known in Larimer Square as a hotspot for craft cocktails, cured meats and locally sourced comfort food. And as of November 7, you can also enjoy your lunch hour here. The new lunch menu includes a wide array of sharable and small plate offerings for those looking for a nibble, but also several robust entrees for the hungrier patrons.
“Our new menu is highly adaptable to different tastes, appetites and schedules,” said Milk & Honey executive chef Michael Shiell. “Busy professionals can come in for a small plate and be out the door in 30 minutes just as easily as old friends can come in to linger over wine and multiple courses.”
The menu incorporates familiar fan favorites as well as some new standout offerings, including pretzel-dusted calamari with spicy tomato and mustard aioli, duck confit salad with spinach, hazelnuts and cranberries, and house-made ricotta gnocchi with sweet peas and goat cheese. All of the meat and produce is sourced locally, and vegetarians and gluten-free options have been provided.
Zengo Brings Back Bottomless Brunch
Last month Zengo reopened its doors after a massive renovation and a menu change that honed in on Asian flavors. Fans of this Richard Sandoval restaurant have since missed the beloved bottomless brunch, which was a staple before the renovation. Well, good news everyone: it’s back!
This weekend, walk into the modern space and settle down at the curved bar or at a private table. For just $25, enjoy bottomless shared plates, including the famous Angry Zengo Roll. If you’re wanting to enjoy cocktails, including mimosas, Bloody Marys, and margaritas, you can indulge in an endless supply for $14, or $39 total for drinks and food.
Spuntino Launches New Fall Menu
Spuntino, a cozy Highlands hotspot serving up traditional yet exciting Italian fare, released its fall menu this week. Chef and co-owner Cindhura Reddy combined the influence from her travels to Italy as well as the seasonal flavors of local farms to curate the menu. Look for items including the arancini with fontina and cauliflower puree, the elk tartare, which features wild-tracked Rocky Mountain Elk diced and tossed with preserved lemon aioli and ginger garlic, served with egg yolk and shallots, and finally the pappardelle with braised goat, Amarone mole, red cabbage and Pecorino cheese.
“The fall menu is in line with our goal of respecting beautiful ingredients and their producers, served in season and cooked with passion and tradition,” said Reddy. “We are fortunate to have such flavorful produce right at our doorstep and we strive to showcase these flavors in unique and delightful ways.”
The warm flavors of the fall menu fit in perfectly with the cozy atmosphere that Spuntino provides. Whether you’re out for a date night or a dinner with old friends, this spot is the perfect place to settle down for a bite when the winter winds blow.
Departure Launches a New Weekday Lunch Menu
This modern Asian restaurant from the Sage Restaurant Group surprised us this week with a new, weekday lunch menu. Stop in at Cherry Creek from 11am-2pm to enjoy comforting fare from culinary director Gregory Gourdet, including Asian classics and modern interpretations of lunchtime classics.
New items include the spicy miso ramen with pork belly, bamboo shoot, egg and toasted chili, the king salmon salad with Asian pear, frisee and coconut nahm jim, and a Wagyu bulgogi burger with all-natural Colorado beef, sweet onion, fried egg, butter lettuce and ssamjang. Looking for something a bit more rounded? Opt for the bento box, which offers a choice between Yakitori chicken skewers or tiger prawns served with miso soup, koshihikari rice, pickles and salad.