James Beard Award-winning Best Chef, Alon Shaya, is opening his second restaurant, Safta, in Denver this summer — and hummus, pita and tahini lovers alike are freaking out.
Safta, Hebrew for grandmother, will bring the flavors of Israeli, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare to The Source Hotel in RiNo this summer by serving traditional dishes like hummus, freshly baked pitas, tahini and lamb. In addition to highlighting modern twists on dishes from Palestine, Bulgaria, Turkey and Lebanon, Safta’s menu will put an emphasis on local Colorado farms — fueling local business and putting an emphasis on seasonal fare. Essentially, this new eatery coming to RiNo is everything we’ve been hoping for — and now, you can get a taste what’s to come before it opens.
This Tuesday, June 12, Safta will host a preview night, where locals can taste a variety of hummus dips to freshly baked pita via a mobile wood grill. In addition to the food, guests will have access to cocktails by RiNo Yacht Club and the opportunity to meet the man while grabbing a signed copy of Shaya’s new cookbook, Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel. This preview dinner comes just months before Safta opens its doors to the public in August. And though the evening is sure to feature some awesome dishes, their full menu is what we’re really excited for.
READ: Denver Will Get a Taste Of The Middle East This Summer With Safta
“We want to support the Colorado community of artisans and growers,” explained Shaya to 303 Magazine, “We will look to our backyard before going anywhere else as we write our menus and plan for service. I want to explore the best of what’s coming from the landscape and want the team to participate in that journey as well.”
For those who simply cannot wait until late summer to get a taste of this highly anticipated eatery, this is a can’t miss event. It will take place Tuesday, June 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at The Source Market Place — 3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver. For tickets go here.
–
Alon Shaya. Photo courtesy of Rush Jagoe