Denver's Big Eat Delivers Delicacy Perfection
Big Eat 2024 (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The annual Big Eat event in Denver once again showcased the city's diverse culinary scene, exhibiting over 50 of Denver's top restaurants. Food lovers indulged in a wide array of flavors and dishes, ranging from small bites to full plates, catering to a variety of palates. Attendees savored the opportunity to taste dishes from both renowned establishments and emerging eateries, including gourmet sliders, artisanal ice cream, creative cocktails, and global cuisine. The event was vibrant, with live music and a bustling crowd creating a festive ambiance. A standout feature was the chance to engage with chefs and restaurateurs, who shared insights into their creations, adding a personal touch to the experience. In conclusion, the Big Eat event continues to be a must-visit for Denver's food enthusiasts, offering a rich selection of delectable food and a lively atmosphere that ensures its enduring popularity in the city's culinary landscape. The festival is one of Denver’s marquee food events year after year, if you didnt make it this year be sure toput it on your calendar for next year.
Our Top Picks:
Perdida: Birria Tacos: Braised Beef, Queso Asadero, Radish Salad, Pickled Onion (no picture as we devoured the tacos)
Roaming Buffalo BBQ: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Cilantro Lime Cole Slaw
Pork Belly from Roaming Buffalo BBQ (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Sad Boy Creamery: Mini S'Mores Sundaes: Fudgy Brownie, Honey Graham Ice Cream, Toasted Meringue (also best stickers at the event)
Smore’s Galore from Sad Boy Creamery (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Luchador Taco & More: Cochinita Pibil Tostada: Slow Braised Pork, Pickled Onion, Habanero Salsa, Lime
Amazing plating by Chef Z and company (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
TAG Burger Bar: Old School Slider: American Cheese, Grilled Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, Secret Sauce
Whats a food fest without a great burger? (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Tavernetta: Olive Oil Cake with White Chocolate-Pistachio Mousse and Strawberry
Olive Oil Cake with White Chocolate-Pistachio Mousse and Strawberry (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Mangia Panino: Roast Porchetta Sliders: Focaccia, Italian Salsa Verde, Arugula
One of the best in the slider category from Mangia Panino (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The Lobby: Blue Collar Bites: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Biscuit, Pimento Cheese
A small but falvorful bite. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Sweet Rice Flour: Mini Choux Puffs: Raspberry White Chocolate / Durian White Chocolate / Earl Grey / Vanilla Bean / Coconut Mango Passion / Black Sesame Coffee
One of our favorite desserts. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Best Cocktail
Stranahans Single Malt Whiskey: Old Fashioned (Stranahans Original, Rich Demerara Syrup, Bitters)
Only the best curated whiskey cocktails (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Denver's Hidden Happy Hour Spot: GLO Noodle House
A masterpiece of a dish, if you ask us (photo credit: Robert Castro)
When it comes to happy hours, Denver has its fair share, normally its the same watered down drinks and greasy appetizers you find. While known for their big bowls of comforting and slurp-worthy ramen noodles, Glo Noodle House (4450 W 38th Ave #130, Denver, CO 80212), the Asian-inspired Highland hangout from industry vets and husband and wife duo Christopher and Ariana Tiegland are also serving up some pretty serious sips and bites on their new daily happy hour menu offered from 4 – 6 pm throughout the restaurant and pup-friendly patio. Overlooked by the many overpriced options on Tennyson street, GLO delivers one of the best.
Did somebody say Temaki? (photo credit: Robert Castro)
From specialized delicious drinks, to classic asian inspired bites, GLO makes it affordable for just about anybody. The “Ball Out” Special is a must, you get two amazing skewers from chicken/chili to an array of rotating options, two bao buns (try their brisket), and two temaki of your choice all for merely $30.
Must try rotating options of skewers at GLO (photo credit: Robert Castro)
Delicious drink aplenty at GLO (photo credit: Robert Castro)
The real stars of the happy hour menu are the cocktails. Created by Glo’s beverage director and co-owner, Ariana Tiegland, boast some impressively creative cocktails like the Still Walking, made with a house tonic (a multi-day process) infused with Japanese botanicals like shiso, yuzu, sakura blossoms and kome shochu or the Lady Eboshi a cocktail as delicious as it is beautiful, made with strawberry, white rum, sweet red bean and nirogi sake. There’s also the Fireworks, a sipper for the season, made with mezcal, yuzo kosho, spicy serrano and fresh citrus, along with a variety of highballs, a traditional cocktail to the Japanese culture, featuring a spirit and citrus with a daily special based on what’s in season.
From mocktails to the “Still Walking”, GLO offers many options. (photo credit: Robert Castro)
Places To Go On Opening Day: RiNo Edition
The Block Distilling Co. is debuting a shockingly purple cocktail (photos attached) to help ring in Opening Day in downtown Denver. You’re Killing Me Smalls is a refreshing lemonade-based cocktail featuring, pear eau de vie, vodka, and blackberry accompanied with a cracker jack garnish to help gameday fans properly pre-game before heading to the ballpark. This Denver born-and-raised distillery crafts every last drop of their spirits and cocktails in-house with an emphasis on local ingredients and environmentally-friendly practices, creating a uniquely Colorado flavor. The Block’s tasting room features indoor and outdoor patio seating plus stunning murals and artwork; between the space, You’re Kililng Me Smalls, and your Rockies jersey, The Block will be Opening Day Instagram perfection. The Block Distilling Co., 2990 Larimer St. 0.9 miles from Coors Field.
You’re Killing Me Smalls from The Block Distilling
Our Mutual Friend Brewing claims to specialize in saisons, but makes incredible beers of all styles. Ancient Palms (a West Coast Pilsner) and actually, the brewery will be releasing Murasaki Graviolia, a purple-hued sour brewed with soursop and Butterly pea flower on Saturday, April 8.. Our Mutual Friend Brewing, 2810 Larimer St. 0.7 miles from Coors Field.
The new, expanded Stem Ciders Taproom is now even better for getting together. Please all palates with their selection of ciders, cocktails, cider cocktails, beer, and wine, plus a full culinary menu to keep you fueled through any extra innings. The recently released seasonal Tangerine Whip is summer nostalgia in cider form, reminiscent of an orange creamsicle with flavors of vanilla and tangerine and a creamy mouthfeel. Stem’s cocktail-inspired cider series is also a great choice, with complex layers of fruit and herbal flavors. Stem Ciders Taproom, 3040 Blake St Suite 101. 0.8 miles from Coors Field.
5 Neighborhoods, 5 Restaurants in Denver
Here are some restaurants to check out in five Denver neighborhoods. This is a great list to refer to the next time you're looking for a new dining destination or happen to be in one of the areas enjoying some night life. Plan on checking them out with a group? A Denver Charter Bus Service is the perfect way to make sure you're having the most convenient and safe transportation, and it's a lot easier than ordering multiple Uber rides!
LoDo
Rioja
1431 Larimer Street
Rioja is a Spanish and Mediterranean fusion style restaurant with some seriously impressive dishes throughout their menu. Their happy hour changes each month, inspired by a different country each time. Don't miss out on their weekend brunch menu, either! It features items like donuts with lemon marscapone and blueberry compote, sweet potato hash, and the rioja benedict.
Highland
Puerto Rico 5280 Cuisine
3109 Federal Blvd
This new Puerto Rican restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere to dine and drink when you're in the neighborhood. How can you go wrong with comfort food options like the light, flaky authentic pastries named Pastelillos? The mofongo is another amazing dish to consider ordering when you're here. It's all super fresh!
Rino
Rino Beer Garden
3800 Walnut Street
Beer lovers consider Rino to be a haven for nightlife, and they aren't wrong! With their selection of beer and enhanced bar food, this will easily become of your regular stops if it isn't already. There are large outdoor patio with fire pits and easy to share dishes, so this is always a fitting spot to gather with your friends in Denver.
SoBro
Colore Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
2700 S Broadway
It can be hard to find good Italian food, but Colore definitely knows what they're doing. We recommend making reservations if you plan on coming here for a holiday such as Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. Some of the highlights on this menu include the roasted jalapeno artichoke dip, chicken marsala and linguine pescatore.
Cherry Creek
True Food Kitchen
2800 E 2nd Avenue
Are you looking for a healthy option? True Food Kitchen is the place to be for flavorful vegan and vegetarian eats. Try their edamame dumplings, spaghetti squash casserole, or the inside out quinoa burger if you want to stick to the tried and true favorites. We highly recommend taking a look at their dessert menu while you're here, too.
Dio Mio x UNCLE A Match Made In Heaven
What could possibly be the perfect meal for a blustery cold and chilly evening in Denver? It just so happens Mother Nature decided to bless us with the coldest day of the year to coincide with the amazing Dio Mio and UNCLE Ramen Pop Up Shop. Two amazing local restaurants cranking out an amazing menu for a perfect chilly day. With lines extending down the block, patrons braved the elements to enjoy the various kinds of ramen and other specially curated dishes for the evening. With three different types of ramen and buns (menu below) foodies had their choosing of some tasty dishes that didn't last long. A unique collaboration, we look forward to more events like this in the future. Check out the photos by staff photographer Samantha Bliss.
Chef Spencer White hard at work behind the scenes. (Photo Credit: Samantha Bliss)
