July is jammin' busy
My Neighbor Félix coming over, Nara returns, bartenders battle + more food & drink news
My Neighbor Félix plans to open Aug. 3 at The Promenade Shops at Briargate.
It’s the fourth location for the brand, with the other three locations spread between LoHi Denver, Boulder and Centennial. Denver-based Lotus Concepts Management operates MNF; they’re the same parent company behind Viewhouse.
I’ll be attending a pre-opening tasting at a VIP event on Aug. 2, so I plan to have more direct details for you after that. Meanwhile, here’s some tidbits from a press release:
• The Springs location is big, with 6,300 sq. ft. that includes a 1,200 sq. ft. outdoor patio complete with a fountain and requisite mountain views.
• “… offering cuisine inspired by all seven regions of Mexico… each of the seven regions hold distinctive characteristics.” (Scroll down here to see a map and details.)
• MNF makes a sizable sustainability pledge, saying they source Colorado Proud produce, organic Colorado pork and chicken, and Colorado-raised, grass-fed beef.
• Look for HH’s, weekend brunch and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
All downhill from here
Don’t let my headline mislead you: I’m sure Lemon Lodge Ski Bar will perform just fine. It’s the new business taking over the former, longtime Josh & John’s space at 111 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
They held a media preview at a July 6 soft opening that I was unfortunately unable to attend. But from their social media, I’ve gleaned that it’s home to the state’s sole “Olympic-caliber” ski and snowboard simulator. They say it’s fully interactive with a VR experience of international resorts.
That’s the main attraction, but there’s a full food and drink menu in a “rustic ski lodge setting.” LLSB’s hyping use of locally made Evergood Adventure Wines such as Skier Pee and Snow Bunny, which also feature prominently in cocktails. They offer a short, all-day breakfast list plus mac and cheese bowls, melts, wraps, sandwiches and salads. It appears to be based on the limits of countertop cooking. Follow their social media for updates on opening dates, soon.
The July Schnip’s Pick at Ranch Foods Direct is their 80/20 ground beef as well as a Callicrate ground beef with beef heart and liver incorporated into the grind. Gather Food Studio has created two awesome burger recipes — one for each product. Watch the short video above to see what Callicrate Cattle Company’s ranch in St. Francis, Kansas looks like and tour the company’s processing, distribution and retail facilities. RFD makes it easy to know where your food comes from and feel good about it. Attend the next Local Vendor Market between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, July 8 at the Eastside retail market at 4635 Town Center Drive. I’ll be there, and so will free samples of flank steak coated in Hacienda Maize Jammin Jelly. Swing by.
Nara Sushi returns
Nara Sushi & Grill has reopened as of June 29. That’s nearly two years since a fire at a neighboring business forced the restaurant to close. Periodic posts on their Facebook page throughout 2021 and 2022 indicated a number of hurdles faced, including roof repairs, structural concerns and equipment damage. Nara’s owners have said they’ll relaunch with a limited menu for the time being, with the full menu coming soon. They’ve asked for help in spreading the word that they’re finally open again. Here’s what I had to say about the place shortly after it opened in 2016.
Check out that view
Paid subscribers to Side Dish already took a tour last month of the scenic Grand View restaurant inside of the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. The swanky, visually stunning, fine dining spot is open to the general public. Seriously, click the link above to scroll the photos at the very least. My free subscribers may now see that post in full.
*What you’re missing out on this week: All the details on superlative Texas brisket.*
Bar battle
Mark your calendar for Monday, July 17, 6-8 p.m.
The Tipperary Cocktail Parlor inside Folklore Irish Pub will host a Bar Battle that’s the beginning of something much bigger. Details to follow next week. But for now, I can say: 1) Entry is free. 2) Cocktail samples from the competitors will also be provided for free after each of three rounds. 3) Folklore’s bar will be open if you desire more drinks. 4) I’ll be there, judging and co-presenting. 5) You should join us.
Sip With Schnip
Also mark your calendar for Thursday, July 20 for a special, extended Sip With Schnip event from 5-9 p.m. The house chefs at The Carter Payne will slow roast a whole hog Carolina-style for a special barbecue service. And Distillery 291’s joining us to present special cocktails to pair. Subscribers: take advantage of your perks!
Animal attraction
Win a pair of tickets!
Side Dish is proud to sponsor Taste of Pikes Peak this year. I'll be heading up a judging panel to award the Best Taste and Best Booth. The outdoor event takes place from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, July 27 at the intersection of Vermijo and Sierra Madre directly in front of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. There’ll be 60-plus food and drink vendors represented — it’s gonna be a feast. Don’t miss it. (In other words buy tickets to this in July and the Zoo’s Tales, Tunes & Tastes for August, as the July 27 events overlap. See how good at solving problems I am? Wow.)
As part of my sponsorship, my free subscribers can get $10 off their entry by using the promo code SIDEDISH10 on this tickets page. Go for it!
AND I’m giving away a free pair of tickets (general admission; total value $120) to one of my paid subscribers. I’m not going to make you tag a bunch of friends on social media or jump through other annoying hoops — though I’m always grateful for a follow on my Side Dish Facebook page and Instagram, and you can follow Taste of Pikes Peak here.
Instead, I’m inviting you to simply comment on this post and tell us 1) one of your favorite places to eat/drink in town, and why, if you wish. And 2) why you became a paid Side Dish subscriber. That’s it. I’ll choose a random winner to be announced in the next newsletter. Good luck.
Parting shot
Oh snap! We sold out the limited seats to the class I’ll be co-teaching with Chef Dave Cook later this month at Side Dish partner Gather Food Studio. But if that’s something you’d want to attend down the line you can show support by hopping on the waitlist (i.e. demonstrating demand), as we’re already considering future dates.
Meanwhile, it’s worth clicking on the above image to read the full description of the four-course meal we’ll be preparing, which includes Salmorejo soup and a Pueblo Green Chile Panna Cotta with Macerated Palisade Peaches.
Hi Matt,
My favorite place to eat and drink is D-11. Chef Dustin Archuleta makes some of, if not the best, food I've ever had. It's not just delicious, it's art. Visually and on the pallet.
Sure, Mood is great but I'd rather go to D-11 and enjoy the vibe and hospitality. There's nothing like it and it's all Colby and the crew.
I subscribed because I love food, I love the industry, and I love what you do when you write about the passion you and others have for our local food scene.
OMG what a surprise to see a picture of my little brother George in this article!! That guy kills it! So proud of him. I'll make sure we get the whole family rounded up to go to the Bar Battle!