Street no meat
New vegan kiosk Dahon Plant Kitchen to join COATI; Skewer & Slice now open in Fountain; Landmarks Coffee launches downtown; a warm turkey ceviche recipe + more food & drink news
A new vegan spot named Dahon Plant Kitchen will open Saturday, Aug. 8 inside COATI food hall.
Dahon means “plant” in Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines, explains owner and vegan chef Laurece Iutong. She tells Side Dish the kiosk will mainly serve Asian and Mexican items, including fusion plates between the two cuisines.
“These are recipes I developed,” she says, noting many have become bestsellers at her two businesses she operates on a heavily touristed island named Cebu in the Philippines. That’s where Iutong was born and lived until age 12. Both her eateries are in the seaside town of Moalboal, regarded for its diving scene and beach resorts.
Lovegan Cafe opened in fall 2024, and Iutong launched Kynd Kitchen this past April inside of a large marketplace named El Mercado Moalboal. So she’s had a few months to test her menu out in a food stall format — meaning Dahon Plant Kitchen certainly isn’t starting from scratch. (Though the food is scratch made, ahem.)
I ask Iutong to describe some signature items that folks should venture in for. She starts with her Filipino Adobo, a national dish typically made with chicken, but sometimes pork or fish. She substitutes a vegan and gluten-free mock meat for her rendition, adding potatoes, onions and spices. She says she’s had some customers tell her they couldn’t distinguish that it was vegan.
“It’s so flavorful it makes people rethink veganism,” she says. “I’m into seasoning and more flavor than just tasting vegetables. I like to hide that it’s vegan. My goal is that you don’t need to eat non-vegan food or kill anything. You can enjoy food without using harmful ingredients.”
She next highlights her pancit, a plate of thin rice noodles with savory vegetables. She says Filipinos serve it at birthday parties and other celebrations. She shares that she’s also part Chinese in her heritage, and in that culture noodles symbolize longevity. (She tells me her goal of opening on the 8th is because it’s a lucky number in China.)
Moving to Mexican cuisine, she teases her vegan burrito, made with faux meat meant to mimic carne asada. With it comes fajita veggies, rice, beans and a nacho cheese sauce made with potato, carrot and nutritional yeast (to avoid cashews for those allergic to nuts).
That not-carne-asada shows back up on top of house-cut french fries on the appetizer list alongside items like veggie crispy spring rolls and crab-less wontons.
“I like playing around with what’s popular” says Iutong, acknowledging that much of the menu draws from heavy comfort-food fare. “But you don’t feel bloated after eating vegan food,” she argues. “It’s lighter and fresh. It’s filling, but you don’t feel gross.”
Iutong’s path to becoming a vegan chef started at age 17 (she’s now 32) with her first job in the industry. Her family was living in Monument by that time, hence her local connection. She tells me she hosted, bussed, cooked, bartended and barista’d leading up to age 21, when she decided to head to culinary school in the Philippines. She notes she wasn’t yet vegan during that phase of her life.
Upon return to the States she began making pastries and in 2021 opened a cottage business named Chef Babe Bakery that some of you may remember if you attended farmers markets on the north side of town or vegan markets in Denver. She also sold products wholesale to some area businesses. Then came a move to Phoenix for a couple years, then another to the Philippines.
This latest trip to the Springs was part vacation to visit family and partly a move to help her friend Fatima Concepcion get BrewCha launched inside COATI in June. She took notice of the open kiosk next to BrewCha and her mom encouraged her to give it a go. So she’s now thinking about splitting time between here and the Philippines (around the busiest tourist seasons) to operate and oversee her enterprises.
She’s already considering a brunch menu to pair with BrewCha’s awesome tea drinks, likely just on weekends, but it could expand with success. Stay tuned for updates.
Alright, I know what you’re thinking: Didn’t we have a Broadmoor recipe last month from Chef Rocio at the Summit? Yes, you’re correct: Peruvian pork and peanut sauce. Well, because she’s an overachiever, when I asked Rocio for one recipe, she gave me two. (That’s the Broadmoor for you.) And after tasting both, there was no way I could in good conscience leave one out — they’re too good! So enjoy this month’s turkey recipe, with an optional duck substitution. Remember to say you’re a Side Dish subscriber at Ranch Foods Direct retail markets for 5% off your shopping basket.
Skewer & Slice now open in Fountain
You’ll probably recall my April story on the expansion of the popular Afghan eatery Shah Kabob House.
Owner Shah Alizada (a former interpreter with the Marines) finally opened doors last week at his new spot, Skewer & Slice, located at 6970 Mesa Ridge Parkway, #130 in Fountain (behind the McDonald’s in a shopping center).
I attended a preview the day prior to public service. Shah treated us to his authentic buffalo wings (a recipe taught to him by one of his Special Forces buddies who’s originally from Buffalo); a hybrid Neapolitan/naan pizza he’s still developing that includes an Eggplant Borani sauce; a bountiful beef, chicken and gyro kabob plate; and house yogurt-marinated lamb lollipops on a platter named the Chopan Kabob.
“It’s called ‘Chopan’ which means ‘shepherd,’” he explains to us. “The shepherd doesn’t carry a skewer, so he takes the rib.” It’s a dish born out of the activities of traditional sheep herders. And the meat, also seasoned with garlic and other spices, is absolutely divine; it’s a drive-for dish.
Not all of the new items are available yet, for example the Afghan-style ice cream called Sheer Yakh. Shah was still getting the eatery’s ice cream station up and running when we visited. So that’s something I’m definitely going back for when it’s ready, as I’ve never tried it. Also coming soon but not yet: beer and wine service.
Shah said it will likely be one month or so until everything new is available as planned. But meanwhile, the majority of the central menu (that largely mirrors Shah Kabob House) is ready for you now.
A new Landmark(s) downtown
Landmarks Coffee — who we wrote about here in March — soft opened at 635 S. Sierra Madre St. on Aug. 3. That’s in the Experience at Epicenter building next to the Brit Pub. The corner cafe inhabits a bright space with huge windows overlooking the Switchbacks FC stadium and mountains, with dramatically high ceilings and a modern industrial design with sharp, linear components.
Initial hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but as of the Aug. 15 grand opening, hours will expand to 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (staying open until 7 p.m. on the 15th).
Landmarks had cut its teeth (or pulled its shot or whatever) as a mobile unit. (“Support your local caffeine dealer” reads a sign on back of the trailer.) Owner Brandon Watts says he’ll now solely use the cart for private event bookings.
At the preview I caught this past weekend, as well as during a follow-up visit this week, I sampled some of the new cafe menu. The Alpine Bloom is a lavender matcha for those who fancy a little floral take on the bitter green tea we all love. The Vistas signature latte typically gets honey and dark chocolate, but Watts made us a variant with strawberry syrup that was fantastic.
Twice I ordered The Explorer latte, iced per Watts’ recommendation. It mixes peanut butter and sea salt with Corvus Coffee Roasters espresso (the exclusive house roaster utilized) and your choice of milk. I try it once with regular milk and another time with a banana milk and a chocolate addition, which easily complements all those flavors.
Though these are sweeter drinks, Landmarks makes them balanced and coffee-forward still, craftier than the average drive-though let’s say for reference. And you can definitely aim instead for traditional espresso drinks. My friend who wrote the guest review I referenced above always gets a cortado and swears by it.
Related: In response to my coverage on Facebook of Landmarks’ soft opening and some comments made on said post, a lively reddit thread popped up about the quality of Colorado Springs’ coffee roasting scene.
Bites & Bits
• Paris Crepe — which relocated to 1027 S. Tejon St. in May 2025 — is currently closed, and a reader reported to me that they saw a sign in the window that said “seized.” The Colorado Secretary of State’s office shows the business as delinquent since July 2024 (for failure to provide a periodic report), with a name change requested in Aug. 2025. I reached out to owner Wahid Hafsaoui, who responded to say, “Paris Crepe is currently experiencing a temporary administrative and operational pause while we work through the final requirements necessary to reopen the restaurant. We are actively working to resolve the remaining items and are preparing to reopen as soon as those requirements are completed… Paris Crepe has been part of the Colorado Springs community for many years, and we remain fully committed to the restaurant, our customers, and the community that has supported us.”
• The Ola Juice Bar at 1025 Garden of the Gods Road recently closed after having launched as an expansion to the downtown shop at the beginning of 2024. I asked owner Aaron Ewton what happened, and he says, “We made the decision back in March. The closure was a combination of rising operating costs, especially in the produce arena, and the location was underperforming. It was actually siphoning off of the downtown clientele more than creating its own new business.”
• Side Dish Dozen member Allusion Speakeasy posted on Facebook earlier this week to broadcast that they will no longer “be using generative AI to create our marketing content moving forward.” In separate posts on her Facebook page, co-owner Inez Fitzgerald explained that the business had received one-star reviews on a number of platforms from a person criticizing them (for a post that used AI to promote their current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme). The person vowed to tell everyone they know to never patronize the bar again and direct-messaged with the Fitzgeralds in a way that Inez felt was harassing and threatening. (She shared screen shots.) The ordeal caused the business to seek public input, do research and soul-search, ultimately leading them to nix the AI. “We’re fortunate to have a very talented graphic design team, and we want our customer-facing creative work to continue reflecting the people behind our brand,” they wrote, adding that they would continue to use AI tools behind the scenes for things like inventory management, data analysis, etc. (In case you didn’t know, many restaurants are now using AI on an admin level, with systems being built into existing POS platforms and such. It’s the new normal.)
• The Gazette reported on a new business at 4435 Centennial Blvd. named Hangang Ramen which offers the experience of “ramen picnics” via a Korean convenience store setup inspired by shops in Seoul. Guests make their own ramen from pre-packaged offerings, with customizable toppings. (Despite the ultraprocessed nature of it all, it looks fun and active for those seeking a food adventure.) Earlier this year, The Gazette had reported on another ramen station opening with instant-ramen options: Seoul Station at 9420 Briar Village Point #140. It, like Hangang, also has an Aurora location.
• From New Denizen’s July Cheat Sheet, the list of 4 new restaurants & cafes you should know about includes Rễ Tre, an upscale Vietnamese spot in Southwest Denver; and Cinq à Sept, a French bistro concept in North Boulder. Click any link to see the rest of her picks.
• From a recent NAMI Colorado Springs newsletter: Supporting the mental health of food service workers. The post in-part spotlights the work of CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness), but also offers a tip on how we can all help: “A little patience during a busy dinner rush … A heartfelt ‘thank you.’ … Extending grace when things don’t go exactly as planned. These aren’t just acts of courtesy — they’re reminders that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness and respect. We never know what someone else may be carrying.”
Side Dish Dozen happenings
Bristol Brewing Company: Spark BBQ has added new menu items and we know you’ll love them. We’ve got roasted corn hush puppies, smoked ‘n’ fried whole chicken wings, a smoked ½ chicken with your choice of sides, Texas Twinkies, and more. BBQ lovers rejoice!
Red Gravy: The new Pastarama contender for August is Ragu Bianco: ground bison and pappardelle pasta in an herbaceous white sauce topped with basil & Parmesan. It’s facing off against multi-month winner the Rigatoni alla Vodka. Come in and try both and upvote your favorite.
bird tree cafe: Stop in to try our latest theme menu inspired by Adventure Time. The Oh My Glob frozen latte features frozen banana, oat milk and espresso with an ube-butterscotch drizzle. And BMO’s Game Matcha gets pistachio, white chocolate, blue raspberry marshmallow fluff and a gummy frog garnish. Those are just two of six special sippers. Happy hours: 3-6 p.m. daily.
Four by Brother Luck: We’ve just dropped our latest seasonal menu. Stop in for your own customizable four-course tasting or à la carte dining.
Blackhat Distillery: Experience Blackhat Distillery, where American Agave Spirits meet disciplined craft and elevated Colorado hospitality. Come sample and sip in our tasting room, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. Take a guided tour with our intimate Distiller’s Vault experience. Advance resos required.
Elephant Thai: Check out our new location in Monument with exclusive menu items, including Salmon Choo Chee in red coconut curry, tamarind duck and vegetable, and Thai-style beef short ribs. We also served dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus.
Hoppenings of the week
Beer Events
Bingo at Gunslinger Brewing Co. Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m.; free to play. Repeats weekly on Thursdays with prizes including Gunslinger beer.
Sunday Run Club at Black Forest Brewing. Aug. 9, 3:30 p.m. Repeats weekly. A group run followed by post-run beers. All paces welcome: come move, socialize and refuel.
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night at Goat Patch Brewing. Aug. 10, 4-8 p.m. at the Northgate and Monument locations. Come color with pals over a pint or two.
Beer Releases
Cold Instinct Cold IPA at Urban Animal Brewing. A razor-crisp IPA brewed with lager yeast and loaded with a mix of old- and new-school hops.
Huck Stop Huckleberry Milkshake Kettle Sour at Peaks N Pines Brewing. The latest release in our Sap Tap series, with five gallons released every Monday.
Shadowline Dark Lager at WestFax Springs. Features notes of toasted bread, light cocoa and caramel.
For full listings of events and releases download the free Hoppenings app on Apple on Google.
Upcoming events
Food Truck Tuesdays at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum continue through Aug. 25. Every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: Tacos & Tequila Festival at UCHealth Park. Throwback hip-hop, margs and tacos and much more. $77-$181 between GA and VIP options.
Aug. 15: Pasta in the Park. 6 p.m. $120 benefits TESSA.
Aug. 16: 8th annual Smokin’ the Ute Pass Summit at Paradox Beer Company. Noon to 2 p.m. $15-$35 includes tastings and a drink ticket.
Aug. 16: Paella on the Patio at TAPAteria. Three seatings; $55 includes a drink. (Next up: Sept. 20 and Oct. 18.)
Aug. 18: KRCC Live: Michelin in the Springs with Side Dish at Ivywild School. 6:30 p.m. A live recording with special guests to discuss the Michelin Guide’s potential impact on C. Springs’s culinary scene ahead of statewide award announcements in the fall. $25 tickets include small bites; drinks available for purchase.
Aug. 20: Jefferson’s Bourbon Meet the Maker dinner in The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor. 6 p.m., $258.
Aug. 21: On the Mesa at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. 6-10 p.m.; $195 benefits Goodwill.
Aug. 21-22: 2nd Annual Polaris Pour - Bourbon at the Gate at Hotel Polaris. Bourbon and cocktail seminars, culinary pairings, grand tasting and much more.
Aug. 23: 4th annual 719 Battle of the Food Trucks outside Norris Penrose Event Center. Featuring samples from 45 area trucks. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beer Garden, live music and more.
Aug. 27: Tails, Tunes & Tastes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. 6-9:30 p.m. $64.75 tickets include two drinks and unlimited food samples. (Event repeats Sept. 24.)
Aug. 30: Goat Patch Sip with Schnip in Monument for John Denver Day. Noon to 9 p.m. Food trucks, maker market, kids activities and live music plus a special firkin release.
Visit Springs Things for more food & drink and cultural event listings.
Parting shot(s)
Thanks to everyone who made it out to our Sip with Schnip at the new Monument Elephant Thai. It was great to meet subscribers on the northern boundary of my general coverage area and see folks who made the drive up from the Springs (even a party who lives five minutes from the North Academy Boulevard location).
I especially enjoyed trying the new menu items that are exclusive to this location: Sai Ua, Thai-style beef short ribs, and tamarind duck. For more details on those plates, check out my recent Side Dish writeup and interview with owner Suwanna Meyer.
