This week on Denver’s dining scene: Can’t-miss Denver dishes worth shelling out for; the controversy and complications of being a celebrity food blogger; and what’s next for the former Tom’s Diner space?
😋 From a pho banh mi to a Basque(ish) cheesecake and a veggie khao soi — here are 11 “bucket list” dishes to try in Denver. [Denver Post 🔒]
🔎 This Colorado-based food influencer is undoubtedly among the most popular on the internet. But underneath the delicious posts, pics, and reels brews a complicated layer of controversy involving cultural appropriation, body shaming, privilege, and toxicity. [NYT via Denver Post 🔒]
- Dig into the details: We unpack this story and more Denver food news on today’s podcast episode.
🍸 Tom Messina’s retirement plans were disrupted when the sale of his iconic Tom’s Diner restaurant turned into a historic preservation fight. The diner was instead transformed into a swanky evening cocktail lounge, Tom’s Starlight. But only a year later, the space is up for lease. [BusinessDen 🔒]
🥯 Fan-favorite Jewish-style delicatessen, Leven Deli, has announced plans to open a second location in downtown Denver at 675 15th Street, complete with an expanded menu and a full bar. [BusinessDen 🔒]
🍺 Dry Dock Brewing Co. has announced plans to close its Aurora production facility and taproom and move brewing operations to Great Divide’s brewery downtown — a result of both local beer giants feeling the pressure of a changing industry. [Denver Business Journal 🔒]
