Steph Wilson
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Articles by Steph Wilson
First Bite: Hey Kiddo
In the Berkley neighborhood at the boutique Asher Hotel on Tennyson, chef and restaurateur Kelly Whitakerhas created a three-for-one epicurean destination that’s on everybody’s hot list right now. I stopped by for dinner last weekend to see what the fuss is about. What I found are three spots that are funky, fun, delicious—and totally unpredictable. That’s because Whitaker doesn’t do predictable.
13 Colorado Chefs and Restaurants Named James Beard Semifinalists
Featured image: Robata / lamb neck, sweet soy, pickle from The Wolf’s Tailor. Image courtesy The Wolf’s Tailor. The James Beard Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the food world, have once again placed the spotlight on Colorado’s top-notch restaurant scene. The foundation recently announced its 2023 semifinalists, and 13 Colorado chefs and restaurants made the cut. It’s a testament to the high caliber of our culinary landscape—and it gives us even more reason to celebrate it.
Celebrate the Love of Dumplings with Mile High Asian Food Week
Food and culture go hand in hand, and Mile High Asian Food Week in Denver is the perfect way to honor both. Presented by Asian Avenue Magazine and created by the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) food and beverage industry and community, this inaugural event is a five-day celebration of the AAPI food scene in Colorado. Dumplings, a staple of Asian cuisine, are just one of the many delicious treats you can enjoy during this week-long celebration.
Tastemaker Takeover: Chef Frank Bonanno
It’s time to raise a fork and dig into the culinary scene in Denver, Colorado, where the king of the kitchen, Chef Frank Bonanno, reigns supreme. With his restaurant group, Bonanno Concepts, Chef Frank has been tantalizing the taste buds of Denverites for over 20 years, and Thursday, he’s taking over DiningOut’s Instagram to show us what it means to be a true DiningOut Tastemaker. Let’s start with the basics. Chef Frank is a jack-of-all-trades, with a personality as bold as his flavors.
First Bite: Chick-fil-A’s New Cauliflower Sandwich
Ah, Chick-fil-A. The fast-food chain we love to hate. But you can’t deny that they know how to keep us talking. Whether it’s their controversial stance on social issues or their delicious chicken sandwiches that keep us coming back for more, we can’t seem to quit them. So when we heard they were testing a new cauliflower sandwich in Denver, we were skeptical, to say the least. But being the intrepid food writers that we are, we decided to give it a try.
RARE Steak Championship: A High-Stakes Battle of the Finest Cuts
In Denver, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who love steak and those who are wrong. And for those who do love a good cut, RARE, the Steak Championship is an event that can’t be missed. Taking place at the picturesque Sculpture Garden at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, May 25, at the start of Memorial Day weekend, RARE is the unofficial-official kickoff to what promises to be a fantastic summer. But this is no ordinary steak competition.
What’s On the Menu This November in the Denver Area
Even though we’re in the thick of autumn, there are plenty of restaurants and events in the Denver area that are serving up dishes that are perfect for fall. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to escape the cold or an exciting new restaurant to try out, we got you covered. Here’s what’s on the menu this November in the Denver area, keep reading for our favorite picks this November.
10 Reasons You Have to Go to Chicken Fight!
We’re closing out an epic season of DiningOut Events with a blow-out bash at Elitch Gardens on Thursday, August 24. Chicken Fight! is an adults-only smorgasbord of all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink, all-you-can-ride mayhem, complete with a Dessert Disco and five stages of country and bluegrass music taking over Denver’s most iconic amusement park.
Oklou’s Endless Summer
The Aquitaine countryside unfolds in a collage of khaki, tan, and green, dotted with little ponds and copses of trees. The land starts to fall away, turning greener as we fly toward a valley. The French would’ve taken the train here, but then they wouldn’t have seen the towering cloud banks recede, revealing solid rock: the Pyrenees.
Oklou’s Endless Summer
What you get when you buy an upgrade: Premium economy, business and first class explained Don't get tricked next time you pay for an airline upgrade, because you might not be getting what you expect. Here's what I mean. I'm going to show you a few pictures and I want you to pick the one that's first class. Is it: or D? Have you made your choice? The correct answer is B. That's domestic first …
Miami’s Most Lavish Dining Experiences
When it comes to dining out, Miami knows how to bring the drama. In a city where flash and flavor go hand in hand, fine dining is as much about the spectacle as it is about the cuisine. In Miami, extravagance isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s an art form, and no place is this more evident than in its fine dining scene.
Weekend Brunch: Dine Like And With The Queens
Drag brunch is exactly what it promises, a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s a mashup of high-energy performances and an indulgent, time-hopping meal known as brunch. It’s where breakfast meets lunch, and where drag queens artfully defy gender norms. You sit, you sip, you savor, all while dazzling sequins, sky-high heels, and exuberant hair light up the room with charisma. Dance, comedy, and song all find a place at the table, and anything goes.
Weekend Brunch: Dine Alfresco On These Amazing Patios
Denver loves brunch. Each Wednesday, we dish out the latest and greatest brunch spots around town, highlighting our favorite haunts and the dishes you crave. So pour a mimosa, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to dive in. Enjoy patio weather while it lasts at these five places. From really good breakfast burritos to Southern staples, this weekend, and in some cases this week, has you covered.
Nine Couples, One Wedding, and a Whole Lot of Fun
As another round of summer food-fest frolics are in full swing, let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore the pinnacle of celebrations brought to life by Denver’s favorite party architects, Jeff Suskin and Shalisa Pouw. This party-making power couple are the driving force behind DiningOut Events, producers of culinary events including Top Taco, RARE Steak Championship, and Chicken Fight! festival. But what happens when two party people decide to get married?
Bottomless Mimosas and Bistro Fare at American Elm
Denver loves brunch. Each Wednesday, we dish out the latest and greatest brunch spots around town, highlighting our favorite haunts and the dishes you crave. So pour a mimosa, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to dive in. Grab a slice of Brooklyn in Denver thanks to Bob Reiter, owner of American Elm in Highland.
5 Best Patios: Dine Alfresco In a Garden
Denver’s dining scene offers a plethora of flora and fauna filled patios to savor a meal amid lush greenery. Explore five verdant verandas to take you out of the city and into a secret garden. Choose from a rustic nihon teien to herb-filled spaces to an epic vertical garden. Each spot offers a special charm and character to match the restaurant hosting the garden. Cuba Cuba has remained a portal to the flavors of Havana since 2001.
Best Patios: Dining Alfresco With a Group
Soak in some sun with that meal, and indulge in a side of fresh air on patios as the warm season picks up. After all, on perfectly pleasant days, few things beat sitting outside with tasty bites and a cocktail. Luckily, Denver’s various restaurant patios offer a vibe for everyone, whether in search of a sweeping mountain view, a secret garden-inspired courtyard, or a no-frills hideaway with picnic tables to gather around while downing beer and tacos.
The RARE Steak Championship Winners are In
Once again, RARE, the Steak Championship brought some of the city’s finest chefs, restaurants, and drink slingers together in an epic showdown. Presented by DiningOut Events, this year’s event unlimited drink and bites extravaganza took place at Sculpture Park at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, last Thursday, June 20. As the smoke from the grills filled the air with mouth-watering aromas, the competition heated up among twenty-six steak contenders.
5 Best Patios: Make Summer Memories Over Craft Beer
Breweries abound in Denver, and the patios at breweries prove endless. While we won’t get to most of those, these five spots are calling to us right now. So slap on some sunscreen and a hat, and enjoy these beer gardens. After all, this is where you want to be when the sun is shining and the weather is sweet. Broomfield’s Wonderland Brewing is a small-batch brewery that goes big on fun and even bigger on space.
Colorado Concerts and Cocktails In a Creative Collaboration
Summer concert season is about to kick into full swing, so why not mesh the two together. In the spirit of fun, we paired some of the touring artist’s most iconic lyrics with Denver’s dynamic drinks. Put them together and it’s sure to make your evening hit all the right notes. The song: It’s Called: Freefall The lyrics: Called to the Devil and the Devil did come / I said to the Devil, “Devil, do you like drums?
5 Best Patios: Denver Delivers Pizza Alfresco
Soak in some sun with that meal, and indulge in a side of fresh air on patios as the warm weather picks up. After all, on perfectly pleasant days few things beat sitting outside with tasty bites and a drink. This week our patio series slices into the town’s pizzerias, where crust and craft meet comfort in the great outdoors. From boho-chic rooftops to mid-mod-inspired enclaves, these spots sling slices that are worth every bit of the hype.
Swipe Right For These Dating App Hot Spots
Finding love through dating apps is here to stay, but not all programs offer the same level of matchmaking. In fact, the type of app can determine the date destination. Using Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder as a launching point, single lady on the town Steph Wilson weighs in on the best places to take a digital date, and why. The Swiping Saga Tinder is the digital equivalent of speed dating, but with less talking and more swiping.
5 Best Patios for Outdoor Dining and Drinking With a Group Right Now
Soak in some sun with that meal, and indulge in a side of fresh air on patios as the warm season picks up. After all, on perfectly pleasant days, few things beat sitting outside with tasty bites and a cocktail. Luckily, Denver’s various restaurant patios offer a vibe for everyone, whether in search of a sweeping mountain view, a secret garden-inspired courtyard, or a no-frills hideaway with picnic tables to gather around while downing beer and tacos.
Chef Takeover: Pastry Chef Saura Kline of Local Jones
Meet Saura Kline, the executive pastry chef at Local Jones. No, we mean really meet her, this Wednesday, all day, as she offers us a glimpse at her daily life in a chef takeover. From the morning chaos of toddler and terrier antics to the precision of her pastry lab, Kline plans to dish out more than just desserts. Plus, get a sneak peek at the restaurant’s new spring menu.
Weekend Brunch: Go Big With Stationed Smorgasbords
It’s no secret Denver loves brunch. Each Friday we’ll divulge the newest and best brunches around. Not only do we highlight our favorite spots for all your brunching needs, but also add lists of things you crave. So pour a mimosa, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to eat. Do the buffett, but make it brunch. While once the stationed brunch could easily be found around town, the landscape of lavish weekend feasting has seen a bit of upheaval recently.
Boychik Brings a Mediterranean Oasis to Stanley Marketplace
Tucked into Stanley Marketplace, Boychik is the kind of place that feels like a passion project formed into reality. It’s the brainchild of two camp buddies turned restaurateurs, executive chef Chase Devitt and sommelier Charles Troup. One could even say Devitt and Troup have the kind of friendship that dreams, and dreamy meals, are made of. Overall, Boychik is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving fare that’s naturally healthy, driven from fresh ingredients, comforting, and craveable.
Gusto Opens With Vigor in Sloan’s Lake
Housed in the avant-garde Lakehouse Residences, Gusto and ChoLon Sloan’s Lake have officially opened. This ends the saga of anticipation for chef Lon Symensma’s premier Italian eatery and the lakeside outpost of his popular Asian fusion fine-dining restaurant. ChoLon Sloan’s Lake marks the third launch of Symensma’s original concept, which opened downtown in 2008. ChoLon remains a high-end eatery known for French onion soup dumplings ($15) and kimchi fried rice with wagyu ($30).
Fat-Washed Cocktails Add Heft to Denver Drink Menus
Fat-washed cocktails utilize a simple technique that makes an impact, so it’s not surprising innovative bartenders employ it and experiment with a wide range of flavors and textures. Fat-washing brings richness, body, and weight to a drink without the need for excessive spirits, liqueurs, artificial flavors, or sugary components. Instead, it allows umami to take its rightful place on the bartender’s flavor wheel next to bitter, sweet, sour, and spice.
Into the Belly of Union Station and La Caverne Supper Club
La Caverne doesn’t broadcast its presence. Instead, the sneaky, sexy supper club opts for the allure of discovery, rewarding the curious with fine French wines, expertly crafted cocktails, and a rotating prix fixe meal that defies the transient nature of pop-up ventures. But, as an offshoot of the currently closed Cooper Lounge, the basement beauty won’t be around too long. Starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, La Caverne buzzes with the sounds of live jazz.
What You Need to Know About Top Chef's Local Alumni
Colorado has a long history of Top Chef contestants, and this year, under new host Kristen Kish, local chef Manny Barella takes to the spotlight. With a backstory flipping from law to ladles, Barella ran the now-closed Bellota inside The Source. There he was named a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category during the 2022 James Beard Awards, as well as a StarChef’s Rising Star the same year. Now he brings some serious heat to season 21, starting March 20.
Find Great Mocktails and Low-ABV Drinks in Denver
As Denver basks in the first hints of spring a refreshing wave of mixology beckons the curious and the connoisseur alike. Gone are the days when abstaining from a cocktail meant settling for a soda or a lemonade. Now, anyone can get a low-ABV or zero-proof masterpiece. In fact, the Mile High City’s cocktail scene shines with innovation for the sober, the sober curious, and those dabbling in the damp lifestyle movement.
Get a Dopamine Hit With the Best Oysters in Denver
For centuries humans have relied on food, not pills, for a burst of passion, especially oysters, which have a long rumored history as the best way to get the most bang out of your buck, so to speak. But you’ll want to take that with a briny grain of salt, because the bivalves’ effect on libido remains a source of controversy. Spreading this rumor along with his seed was Giacomo Casanova—the 18th-century Venetian polymath.
Five Best Food + Drink Events in Denver This Week
There’s always fun and tasty events going on in the Mile High City’s dining out scene. Now you can find the top five Denver events and plan your week to the max. Tuesday, February 13 Mardis Gras Seafood Boil at Rooted Craft Kitchen Head over to chef Nick Kayser’s Highland hotspot for a bottomless Mardi Gras feast. Down a Hurricane or Aperol spritz when drinks start flowing at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m. shift over to dinner, complete with a seafood boil, chicken andouille gumbo, king cake, and beignets.
Denver's Post-Dry January Celebrations: Embrace the Spirits
As the calendar flips to the second month of a new year, Denver’s collective willpower has faced its annual test: Dry January. Yes, that 31-day sojourn through the desert of sobriety, where the only oasis is the mirage of your next drink. You’ve swapped pints for push-ups, cocktails for kale smoothies, and taverns for, well, more Netflix. It’s a commendable feat of self-restraint, a detox marathon where the finish line is as much about personal victory as it is about proving you’ve got the mettle.
Denver’s Top Spots for Solo Dining
Dining alone doesn’t have to be a lonely affair—especially if there’s a seat at the bar you can slide into. (Bartenders tend to make great company.) But you don’t need to sit by the beverage makers at any of these spots where solo diners are welcome and the mood is always right. Imagine sipping your latte surrounded by the lush greenery of the Denver Botanic Gardens. The café here is a solo diner’s dream. You’re not alone; you’re with nature! And hey, those plants are pretty good listeners.
Discover The Velvet Cellar: LoDo's Latest Culinary Gem with Southern Flair
In LoDo’s historic Saddlery building, a structure oozing with Denver’s past, The Velvet Cellar has quietly claimed its territory. This isn’t just another restaurant launch; it’s a sophisticated reboot of a space that’s seen more life chapters than a well-thumbed novel.
The Best Food + Drink Events in Denver This week, January 29th. - February 4th.
This week in Denver, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3, offers a diverse range of culinary and cocktail events for every taste. Whether it’s mindful nonalcoholic options at Call Me Pearl, a nostalgic 90s trivia night at Western Sky Bar & Taproom, or a luxurious whiskey dinner at B&GC, there’s an experience to suit every palate. Join us as we explore these unique dining and drinking adventures, each highlighting the vibrant flavors and lively spirit of Denver’s social scene.
The Best Food + Drink Events in Denver This week, January 22nd. - 28th.
This week in Denver, from January 22nd to 28th, foodies and drink connoisseurs are in for a treat with an array of exciting events. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culinary scene through a series of standout happenings. Get ready for a unique blend of entertainment and gastronomy with a special movie night that pairs cinematic magic with delightful bites. Beer enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to indulge in expertly curated beer pairings, showcasing the best of local brews.
Denver's Culinary Guide to Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
January 19th marks the day when most New Year’s resolutions, especially those about healthier eating, start to wobble like a poorly stacked sandwich. Fear not, Denver! We’re here to help you navigate back to the path of nutritional righteousness without skimping on flavor. Say goodbye to the days of limp lettuce and hello to vibrant, delicious dishes that make you wonder why you ever strayed.
Denver Dines Ahead: The Future of Food is Now in the Mile-High City
The New York Times released its predictions about how we’ll eat in 2024. Here’s a taste for you: “Meals are so 2023. This next year will be all about snacks. Small, delicious bites are a low-stakes way to explore new cuisines. They’re a canvas for cultural hybrids like shawarma crunch wraps.” But here in Denver, we’re already munching on the future. Take the shawarma crunch wrap phenomenon.
Troy Guard’s Done Deal Opens Today
Done Deal, the newest haunt in Republic Plaza, is the latest sip-and-be-seen spot from chef Troy Guard—and his first cocktail-forward concept. Opening today, Jan. 16, Done Deal is a place you go to raise a glass and toast with your coworkers when that deal you’ve been working on is done. Or to lament those deals that aren’t. Last Friday’s preview drew Denver’s swankier crowd, everyone ignoring the kind of cold that makes you question your life choices all for a first sip in Guard’s newest spot.
WARNING: Make Your Valentine’s Reservations Now!
Forget the days when OpenTable was the lone star in the dining reservation galaxy. Today, a constellation of platforms offers gateways to culinary adventures, each with its flavor and followers. Think of these reservation systems as the dating apps of the dining world: some cater to quick, casual meet-ups, others to long-lasting culinary romances. Each one, with its flair, aims its arrow to connect you with an unforgettable dining experience.
The Best Food + Drink Events in Denver This week, January 15th. - 21st.
Denver food adventurers, it’s time to gear up for a culinary ski slope that’s about to take your taste buds on a wild ride! The city’s streets are sizzling, buzzing, and bursting with a smorgasbord of flavors that are nothing short of a flavor fest. From hidden alley bistros to high-end events, Denver’s about to show you how it’s done, in the most deliciously unhinged way. So, grab your forks (and maybe a napkin or two), because we’re diving headfirst into this food riot.
DiningOut's 2024 Ultimate Fest Feast: RARE, Top Taco & Chicken Fight!
If you’ve been waiting for a sign that 2024 is gonna rock, this is it: RARE, Top Taco, and Chicken Fight! Fests presented by Buckhead Meat and Seafood are coming back in 2024 and you want to be there. Mark your calendars now, and sign up for the Festival Alerts from DiningOut Events. If you don’t, you won’t even have a fighting chance to score those Early Bird or VIP tickets—more exclusive than ever before. Don’t worry, we won’t spam you.
Dry January: A Toast to Teetotaling!
January in Denver: a frostbitten wonderland where the holidays have wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of empty bottles and festive excess. Welcome to Dry January, that month-long sobriety saga where the bottles cork up and the bar taps get a break. After a December that’s usually more “merry” than “moderate,” many of us are swapping our cocktails for mocktails. Think of Dry January as a post-holiday detox—A month where one’s liver gets a vacation after the December debaucheries.
Denver’s Cozy Patios: Where Winter Dining is a Warm Delight
Denver’s dining scene never hibernates, not even when the mercury takes a dip. While the weather this season has been far from frightful, that doesn’t mean we want to dine alfresco without the comfort of a warming heater making our pleasant evenings even more delightful. Remember when local restaurateurs, in a bold move to outsmart the pandemic, unveiled a slew of heated and covered dining havens?
The Best Food + Drink Events in Denver This week, January 8th. - 13th.
Welcome to Denver’s Exciting Week Ahead! As the chill of winter lingers, it’s the perfect time to get out and savor the unique events our vibrant city offers. This week, Denver is bustling with a variety of activities sure to cater to all tastes. Indulge your palate at the exquisite Beer Pairing Dinner, where fine brews meet gourmet delights. For meat enthusiasts, the StockYards’s Beef Festival is a must-visit, celebrating the best of beef in a festive atmosphere.
The Best Food + Drink Events in Denver This week, January 3rd. - 7th.
Local Jones Get ready for an awesome week ahead jam-packed with mouthwatering events from January 3rd to 7th. Imagine indulging in Caramelized Beer Night by the Fire at New Terrain or catching Friday night pro-wrestling at Bierstadt Lagerhaus while sipping on fantastic brews. And for those craving luxury, don’t miss out on the Winter Truffle and Caviar Experience at Margot.
Denver Culinary Countdown: The Most Anticipated Openings in 2024
As Denver’s dining scene continues to sizzle, 2024 is shaping up to be a smorgasbord of sensational new spots. From whimsical eateries to innovative culinary concepts, here’s the lowdown on the eateries that are on the way or in the works. This is already shaping up to be one helluva delicious year.
Cocktails, Creativity, and Chaos: Bezel Denver’s Mixologist Takes Over
Location: Bezel 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202 This Tuesday, Dec. 19, dive into the world of high-end mixology and experience a day in the life of a cocktail maestro Mark Bellemares Sullivan, the renowned Property Mixologist at Bezel Denver, commandeers the @diningoutmagazine account. Join him for an exclusive peek behind the scenes at one of downtown Denver’s most celebrated cocktail bars.
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