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On Saturday, chef-owner Troy Guard quietly closed TAG Raw Bar. But not for long: A fresh-faced version of the restaurant will open mid July with a tightened menu and a new name: Bubu. Guard has always excelled at creating dishes with texture; bubu arare, or mini puffed rice crackers, are one of his favorite ingredients to employ crunch and interest. “We took the name [bubu arare] and condensed it into something catchy and memorable.”
When Bubu opens, plan on a streamlined menu of rice-, chilled noodle-, and salad bowls that will make quick, healthy, and flavorful meals. “We’re transforming Raw Bar just like we did Madison Street [into TAG Burger Bar],” Guard says. “We looked at our best selling items and saw that people want healthy and fast.” There will be a collection of signature offerings (one possible bowl is the Mongolian with broccoli, cabbage, shiitakes, scallion, Thai chile, crispy wontons, and spicy glaze over your choice of rice, noodles, or greens) but everything will be customizable. You can bet that the crunchy, umami-rich bubu arare will be available as a condiment.
Bonus: In October, a second location of Bubu will open in Lowry, near Lowry Beer Garden. Because the space is bigger (40 to 50 seats, plus a 25-seat patio) and has a hood system, the menu will include a few hot dishes, as well as dumplings and gyoza. There will also be a to-go counter for picking up items such as whole teriyaki rotisserie chickens and sides for dining at home.
1430 Larimer St., 303-996-2685
