EatDenver

Welcome to one of our newest EatDenver members, Kawa Ni! ?????? Inspired by a month-long trip to Japan, co-owner and chef BILL Taibe founded Kawa Ni Westport in 2014 as a tribute to the dozen-plus Izakayas he frequented, Japanese pubs where he could “grab a drink, settle in, and get comfortable.” Last year, with business partner Massimo Tullio, Bill replicated the concept in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, complete with shareable plates, authentically sourced decor, Japanese chefs, and TOTO USA bidets. Since it’s 2023 opening, Kawa Ni Denver has received recognition on Eater's “The 38 Essential Restaurants in Denver” list, Thrillist’s “13 Must-Visit Restaurants in Denver” list, Denver Westword’s “Best of Denver” list, and as a 2024 Michelin Recommended Restaurant for a menu that includes Shaved Broccoli Miso Goma, Karaage Don, Spicy Lamb Dan Dan, yuzu-infused sake bombs, and Japanese whisky. Visit Kawa Ni Tuesday-Sundays for dinner and weekend lunch. Kanpai ??

Congratulations to the Colorado restaurants recognized on OpenTable's 2024 "Top 100 Restaurants" list, the top-ranked spots nationwide based on insights and reviews from verified users: ? Clark's Oyster Bar, LLC (Aspen) ? Matsuhisa (Vail) ? Williams & Graham (Denver) View the full list at: https://lnkd.in/gm97SVpK

? Member Spotlight: Bonnie Brae Ice Cream ? 300 days of sun means ice cream year-round, and we're always screamin' for Bonnie Brae. Founded in 1986 by friends Judy and Ken Simon and Cindy Pailet and Bob Pailet as a "happiness business", Bonnie Brae Ice Cream became one of Denver's first ice cream parlors honoring family recipes and the building's historical ice cream heritage. In 2016, Bonnie Brae estimated the team had served?more than 8,250,000 scoops of ice cream and 20,350 two-flavor ice cream cakes, used?more than 54,500 bananas in their banana splits and 18,000 pounds of toppings, and employed 558 people. ?? The 38-year legacy continues today as a family-owned neighborhood shop churning out over 240 gallons of homemade treats daily. From classic Rocky Road and seasonal Pumpkin Pecan to vegan Mint Chip and banana splits, visit Bonnie Brae Ice Cream at the corner of South University Blvd and East Ohio Ave Sun-Thurs from 11a-9p, and Fri-Sat 11a-10p. Here's to 40 more years of sweet moments! ??

Introducing EatDenver’s new Membership & Partnership Coordinator, Kip Wilson! You may know Kip as the Co-Host of the Stoned Appetit podcast, which covers the culinary and cannabis scenes in Colorado and beyond, seen him at an EatDenver event, or witnessed him pursuing his passion of dining around the city. Some fast facts: 1. Before founding his marketing company, No Vacancy Colorado, Kip had a lifetime career in restaurants 2. Kip considers himself a mozzarella stick aficionado, always on the lookout for a “quality cheese log of oozing goodness” 3. Being from Mississippi, he also loves his seafood and is *always* down for happy hour oysters & wine 4. His favorite restaurants? Hop Alley, El Sampa Taqueria & Bar, Stone Cellar Bistro, and Yuan Wonton Kip is most excited to help promote, grow, and support a diverse and equitable food and beverage industry. In his own words, “I’ve always been a fan of the EatDenver mission, its ethos, and people who are associated with the cause...restaurateurs are my friends, I want to see them thrive.” We’re so grateful to have you join the team, Kip! Interested in hanging with EatDenver year-round? Learn more about membership at eatdenver.com/membership and partnership opportunities at eatdenver.com/partnership.

This Thanksgiving, let someone else do the cooking (and the cleanup)! ?? From takeout to dining out, support your favorite local restaurants, bakeries, and small businesses for a holiday meal that nourishes your party and the community. Hurry, reservations and pre-orders end soon!

Next Wednesday, join EatDenver and the Employers Council team to legally prepare for your 2025 food and beverage operations. This presentation will provide attendees with practical takeaways on the following: ? Updates on employment law developments at the federal level ? A review of key employment law changes in Colorado ? Discussion of overlaps between state and federal laws ? Relevant agency, case law, and SCOTUS rulings Register now for FREE at: https://lnkd.in/gv-mK5hn

Tomorrow, November 12 at 9a MST, join the Society Insurance risk control team for a free webinar discussing crime threats at restaurants and bars, including: ?? Armed robberies ?? Burglaries ?? Employee theft ?? Violence Attendees also receive a crime prevention checklist with best business practices and procedures to help reduce the risk. FREE registration at: https://lnkd.in/g-A_9A-V

Congrats to October's new food and beverage openings, rebrands, and expansions ?? ???BoHeo Pho Kitchen, 2553 South Colorado Boulevard ???Change Please Coffee,?2115 North Scranton Street, Aurora ?? Chivis Tacos, 2101 East Colfax Avenue ?? Cocks on Colfax,?1526 East Colfax Avenue ?? Coffeegraph,?3800 Julian Street ?? Cul-de-Sac, 3501 Delgany Street ?? Duets Tap and Grill, 2403 Champa Street ?? Jack N Grill 2 at Boombox Brew Bar, 5686 Pecos Boulevard ?? Keke's Breakfast Cafe,?1164 Sergeant Jon Stiles Drive,?Highlands Ranch ?? Little Man Ice Cream, 2449 Main Street, Littleton ?? Mila's Cantina, 730 East Sixth Avenue ?? Mile Hi Pickleball,?3700 Havana Street ?? Nopal by Taco Block,?6551 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge ?? Odell's Bagel, 3200 Irving Street ?? Organic Squeeze, 180 Steele Street ?? Orion Hot Pot, 9604 Ralston Road, Arvada ?? Pasque and Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel, 240 14th Street ?? Skiptown, 3833 Steele Street ?? Snooze an A.M. Eatery, 1701 Wynkoop Street ?? Sorry Gorgeous,?1350 40th Street ?? Sorry Umma,?5028 West 92nd Avenue, Westminster ?? Tacos El Belicon at Parkside Eatery, 14515 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora ?? Velvet Banjo, 741 East Colfax Avenue ???Via 313 Pizza, 5826 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Littleton ?? World Juice Bar,?4874 Chambers Road ?? Yole J Filipino & Thai Restaurant,?830 South Buckley Road, Aurora ?? YumCha,?10195 East 29th Drive https://lnkd.in/g65DVzif (credit: Molly Martin)

We had a great time celebrating the inaugural HOSPY Awards Gala, hosted by the Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation! “The HOSPY awards celebrate achievement and talent within the Colorado foodservice and hospitality industries, shining a light on the unsung heroes and places that make our communities feel like home.” Congratulations to this year’s nominees, finalists, and winners (denoted with *): Front-of-House Employee of the Year: ? Jenne Harris, Stone Cellar Bistro (Arvada)* ? Keith Yoder, The Golden Mill (Golden) Back-of-House Employee of the Year: ? Francisco Contreras, Pindustry (Greenwood Village) ? Brandon Shirley, Rupert's Durango (Durango) ? Ricardo Tyrell, Salt & Lime (Steamboat Springs)* Manager of the Year: ? Angelina Allen, 626 On Rood (Grand Junction)* ? Jessica Cram, City O’ City (Denver) ? Irving Mares, Santo (Boulder) ? Jason Sutton, Footers Catering (Arvada) Legacy Employee of the Year: ? Miranda McFarlan-Garcia, Richard Sandoval Hospitality (Denver, Snowmass)* Bartender of the Year: ? Celeste Rangel Ruiz, Middleman (Denver) ? Coleman Sisk, Yacht Club (Denver), Frenemies Pop-Up ? Keith Webber, Mountain Standard (Vail)* Food Truck of the Year: ? Chiri's Momo Delight (Boulder) ? Mukja (Denver) ? Pali Thai (Palisade)* Philanthropists of the Year: ? Jessica & Richard Fierro, Atrevida Beer Co. (Colorado Springs)* Community Partner of the Year: ? US Foods* The Richard P. Ayers Award for Distinguished Service: ? Catherine Cooney, Cooney Consulting and Recruiting (Denver)* Operator of the Year: ? Brent Jackson & Dan Smalheiser, Little (Avery Eatery, Fort Collins) ? Chris Schmidt, Bird Craft (Craftsman Brewing Co, Il Mago, Edwards, Frisco)* ? Alena Windedahl-Simms & Manny Sena, @aandmdotcreations (Delta) Newcomer Restaurant of the Year: ? Alma Fonda Fina (Denver) ? Marigold Lyons (Lyons) ? s?p s?a restaurant (Denver)* Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year: ? Hannah Lavoy, Lucina Eatery, Xiquita (Denver) ? Thoa Nguyen, Bánh & Butter Bakery Café (Aurora) ? Carolyn Nugen & Alen Ramos, poulette BAKESHOP (Parker)* Chef of the Year: ? Eric Brenner, Red Gravy (Colorado Springs) ? Ian Palazzola, Frasca Food & Wine (Boulder) ? Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen (Denver) ? Kenneth Wan, MAKfam (Denver) ? Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton (Denver)* Restaurant of the Year: ? Annette (Aurora)* ? Bin 707 Foodbar (Grand Junction) ? Lucina Eatery (Denver) ? Restaurant Olivia (Denver) ? Rootstalk (Breckenridge) And a special shoutout to the 2024 Colorado Restaurant Foundation Apprenticeship Program graduates: ? Thomas Hern, CHEF (Denver) ? Keanan Hinton,?Vibe Concepts (Denver) ? James Wiggington, Nocturne (Denver) ? Amelia Wood, Edible Beats (Denver)

This Election Day, make your voice heard - get up, get out, and go VOTE ??? How to Vote: ??? Find a designated ballot dropbox through your county website ??? Visit https://lnkd.in/eBKmZ2n to find your most convenient polling place Questions? ??? Track your ballot at https://lnkd.in/gGuDWSYw ??? For help at the polls, call or text the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE Reminders: ??? The deadline to vote in person is 7pm ??? Voters who are in line at their polling location by 7pm are allowed to vote no matter how long it takes for each person to cast their ballot Getting to the Polls: ?? RTD Zero Fares to Vote: Registered voters can rely on RTD for a free ride to the polls on Election Day, November 5 ?? 50% off Lyft Rides (up to $10): Use code VOTE24 for 50% off your rideshare, bike share, or scooter ?? 50% off Uber Rides (up to $10): Click on the "Go Vote" tile in app ?? Free rides to the polls via Lime Let’s make 2024 a record turnout year! #RestaurantsRallyTheVote