Denver is a brunch town. Bottomless mimosas, bloodies, bacon and benedicts mosaic each table on every Spring and Summer patio as groups of friends and family try to fend off the Sunday scaries. For those looking for a change of pace from the usual spots – perhaps also for those celebrating a special occasion or looking to upkeep their brunch traditions – Elway’s Downtown inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel on 19th & Curtis has launched its Sunday Funday brunch series highlighted by weekly activations with collaborative partners like Patrón, Grey Goose, Veuve Clicquot and Saint Germain.
Alongside Saint Germain, guests at Elway’s were greeted with a Spritz station pouring the elderflower liqueur and bubbles in with juice options like guava, passionfruit or the classic orange and grapefruit, for a custom, fruit-forward take on a Hugo Spritz. A crisp, Summery way to start off brunch. To further emphasize the seasonality and the collaborative intersections, a Saint Germain themed bouquet bar – where guests were encouraged to craft their own floral arrangements to take home with them – also greeted everyone upon arrival for a multi-dimensional, curated and always evolving experience. For upcoming collaborative activations, there are Bloody Mary (and Bloody Maria) bars furnished by Grey Goose and Patrón, make-your-own Veuve Clicquot gift baskets, a Paloma theme supported by Casamigos, a Bulleit whiskey tasting and Broncos watch brunches once the NFL season kicks off in September.
As for the non-activation drink menus, there’s a wide array of options, too. To expand on the already broad Elway’s wine list and brunch takes on classic cocktails like the Maple Bacon Old Fashion stirred with bacon fat-washed bourbon and dash of maple syrup, Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Veuve Clicquot are all offered bottomless.
Beyond cocktails and collaborations, the Elway’s brunch menu is unsurprisingly delicious, highlighted by a number of locally specific dishes to go with the expected classics. Start off with the Assorted Pastry Basket including Cheese and Apple Danishes and a Chocolate Croissant, go in a lighter direction with the Berry Parfait or slip into a something more savory and elevated like a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail served with a creamy, decadent remoulade.
When making a decision on entrees, there are no wrong choices, only elevated brunch staples folded in with local flavors. In the mood for an avocado toast? Try the Tartine with smashed avocado, sundried tomato, radish, arugula and balsamic all served on artisan bread. How about a skillet? Check out the Colorado. Hearty sweet potatoes bathe in a rich green chili, served with spicy chunks of chorizo, perfectly cooked eggs done your way and of course some thick, buttery toast to soak It all up. If a benedict is the king of brunch, then Elway’s take it one step further with a Crab Cake iteration done with Old Bay hollandaise and a gooey poached egg. And if lunch is more your brunch, Elway’s also offers its Prime Rib Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, a Beef Smashburger or a Colorado staple – the Bison Burger topped with bourbon onions and Boursin cheese.
Not to be overshadowed or forgotten, desserts are offered as well. And though they all look indulgent, Edgar’s Key Lime Pie is baked into a light pastry crust and dressed with a succulent blueberry compote.
To keep up on the calendar of collaborative brunch activations, check out Elway’s Downtown on Instagram.
Elway’s is located inside the Ritz-Carlton at 1881 Curtis St., Denver. Its brunch hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sundays.
All photography courtesy of Elway’s Downtown at The Ritz-Carlton.
