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Blanchard Family Wines Halloween Feast for the Souls | November 1
Witches and werewolves alike will have the chance to feast on five courses of fall fare at this costume fête—including the likes of charcuterie with chile-infused pickles and sweet potato-butternut squash bisque—while hosts Blanchard Family Wines serve up curated cocktail and wine pairings to accompany each course. $125; 1855 Blake St. #120; 7–9 p.m.
Copper and Chords: Speakeasy at Stranahan’s | November 1
For one night only, bring out your inner flapper as Stranahan’s turns its distillery a speakeasy featuring roaring jazz and its favorite counterpart: whiskey. Groove to the musical stylings of the Jason Klobnak Quartet, Adrienne Short, and Aaron Summerfield while you snack on small bites and sip $6 cocktails (after your two complimentary drinks, of course) all night long. $35; 200 S. Kalamath St; 7–11 p.m.
Boulder Burgundy Festival | November 1–3
This annual oenophile fest unites top wine experts, makers, sommeliers, and enthusiasts for three days of tastings, seminars, and dinners across Boulder. Highlights include a seminar and wine tasting guided by Jean-Marc Roulot of Domaine Roulot (the event’s featured winemaker) at Frasca Food and Wine (November 2) and a grand tasting showcasing more than 125 wines (November 3). Tickets start at $95; various locations and times
The Bindery’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration | November 1–3
LoHi’s token artisanal bakery, marketplace, and elevated fine-dining outpost turns two this month. To celebrate, delight in a weekend of two-fer specials, including $2 drip coffee, two-for-one happy hour drinks, and rabbit two ways. Menu prices vary; 1817 Central St.; times vary
Día de los Muertos Weekend at Centro Mexican Kitchen | November 1–2
Opt for a Day of the Dead-themed family-style feast, complete with carne asada fajitas and a parrillada platter with carnitas, camarones, and media pollo on November 1. Or, start your Saturday with a Resurrection Brunch, where you can choose from breakfast pizza, stuffed French toast, and other delicious items from Centro’s brunch menu on November 2. Menu prices vary; 950 Pearl St., Boulder; times vary
Cervecería Colorado Beer & Bug Pairing | November 2
Cervecería is partnering with Rocky Mountain Micro Ranch and Pepe Warrior to host an edible insect and Mexican-inspired beer pairing. Tickets include four dishes spotlighting the versatility of insects as ingredients (think: chile-dipped cricket hush puppies) partnered with four beers such as the Señor Pina pineapple blonde ale. $25; 1635 Platte St.; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Liberati Anniversary Party & Bottle Release | November 2
Ring in the first anniversary of Liberati Restaurant and Brewery at this epic party with a complimentary snack and Roman-style pizza buffet; hourly releases of fruited oenobeers; the brewery’s first-ever bottle releases of the Vino Veritas oenobeer as well as three limited-edition barrel-aged variations; and cigars on the fountain-adorned patio. Free; 2403 Champa St.; 4–9 p.m.
10th Anniversary Open House at the GrowHaus | November 2
Join this beloved Denver food justice hub in celebrating 10 years of food production, distribution, and education with food and non-alcoholic beverages at this nonprofit’s open house reunion of past and present supporters. Attendees will take a trip down memory lane, with a timeline highlighting the organization’s milestones, and will be given the opportunity to share their hopes and dreams for the GrowHaus’ next 10 years. Free; 4751 York St.; Noon–4 p.m.
Noche de Calaveras at Big Trouble | November 2
If you mourn the end of October’s spooky season at the cessation of Halloween, then Día de los Muertos is the celebration for you. Revel in the last of the year’s ghoulish affairs at Big Trouble inside Zeppelin Station with a backdrop of Mexican horror films, DJ-spun horror film scores, and free-flowing blood-like hibiscus sangria. Menu prices vary; 3501 Wazee St.; 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Día de Los Muertos at Dos Luces Brewery | November 2
Kick off Día de los Muertos at Denver’s only corn- and maguey-specializing brewery with the release of Dos Luces’ Azteca Pulque beer, a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired brew. The whole family is welcome to share in a variety of spirited activities, including sugar skull mug-painting and live music by Trevor Toms. $30; 1236 S. Broadway; 3–6 p.m.
Chili, Booze, and Brews | November 2
As the weather turns cold, we crave things like soul-warming chili and the belly-warming drinks to go with it. At this charity fest, you can eat and drink your fill of both while casting a vote for your favorite spicy stew, beer, and spirit from some of Colorado’s best, including Denver Distillery and Upslope Brewing Company. A portion of ticket sales will go to the Morgan Adams Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research. $60–$90; the Cable Center, 2000 Buchtel Blvd.; 6–9 p.m.
Haykin Family Cider Dinner at Mercantile | November 2
Denver’s beloved Mercantile Dining and Provisions will debut both its fall menu and its newly renovated Union Station restaurant at this fantastic fall collaboration dinner with Haykin Family Cider. Meet the masters of this small-batch Aurora cider house and taste five of their unique ciders, including the tart and elegant Wickson Crabapple Reserve, while you dine on seasonal items like butternut squash risotto. Menu prices vary; call 720-460-3733 to make a reservation; Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., suite 155; 5–8 p.m.
Denver Mac & Cheese Festival | November 2
Colorado chefs will whip up elevated renditions of the staple comfort food in a competition to create the best mac in town. This cheesy event offers turophiles as-much-as-you-can-eat access to participants’ pasta creations as well as unlimited beer samples from local craft (not Kraft) breweries. $49–85; RiNo Fairgrounds, 3715 Chestnut Place; 12:30–3:30 p.m., 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Día de Los Muertos Celebration at Lola Coastal Mexican | November 2
This Mexican holiday serves as a tribute to the spiritual journey of the dead with the creation of commemorative altars and traditional dishes. Join the folks at the historic Highlands hotspot for an all-day fiesta complete with wild mushroom quesadillas, live music from Los Bohemios, and a festive Devil’s Blood margarita. Menu prices vary; 1575 Boulder St.; 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Steuben’s Uptown Hip Hop Brunch | November 2
Make a brunch date at Steuben’s for a special menu, low-ABV libations (so you can make the most of the rest of your day), and beats from a live DJ. Proceeds will go to CHOW, which focuses on mental health and addiction support for workers in the hospitality industry. Menu prices vary; 523 E. 17th St.; 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Stargazer Fine Chocolates & Kingman Estates Winery Tasting Room Grand Opening | November 2
Two award-winning Denver producers have teamed up to bring you a decadent wine-and-dessert joint. Come celebrate the pair’s tasting room grand opening by designing your own Wine Flight and Chocolate Delight board with six Kingman Estates wines (produced with grapes from the Western Slope) and 20 hand-crafted Stargazer truffles to choose from. Prices vary; 700 Colorado Blvd.; 4–8 p.m.
Basque at Barcelona Wine Bar | November 4
Barcelona Wine Bar is bringing the rich culinary heritage of northern Spain’s Basque Country to Colorado through an immersive wine-and-food-pairing experience. The cocktail-style party will feature wines, ciders, and dishes from the region, including savory gilda pintxos, bacalao-stuffed piquillo peppers, and hen of the woods croquettas.
Laws Whiskey Dinner at LeRoux | November 4
You may be surprised to learn that the French drink more whiskey per capita than citizens of any other country in the world; the geniuses at Laws Whiskey and LeRoux are clearly already aware. Indulge in five courses from chef Lon Symensma while sipping on Alan Laws’ whiskey pairings at this intimate dinner. $150; 1510 16th St.; 6:30 p.m.
Frasca Food and Wine 15th Anniversary Friends Dinner | November 5
To commemorate 15 years of showcasing the cuisine of Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, the restaurant will serve a multi-course meal prepared with seasonal ingredients. Patrons also have the chance to mingle with special guests who’ve helped the James Beard award-winning establishment evolve, including chef Suzanne Goin of Los Angeles’ A.O.C., Frasca’s first guest chef, and longtime friend chef Marc Vetri of Vetri Cucina. $295; 1738 Pearl St., Boulder; 6 p.m.
Real School Food Challenge | November 6
Join the Chef Ann Foundation and four Colorado natural food industry executives as they battle to concoct a tasty school lunch that adheres to the Real Food Challenge’s national “real food” guidelines on a USDA-suggested budget of $1.25 per person. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and good company as these culinary innovators design inexpensive meals using fresh ingredients. $100 suggested donation; Sterling Rice Group, 1801 13th St., Boulder; 5:30–8 p.m.
Pairsine Wine Competition | November 7
Creating a mouthwatering meal is challenging enough, but at this competition, Centennial State chefs are tasked with selecting the perfect wine pairing for each dish they create. Chefs including Laurent Mechin of Boulder’s St. Julien Hotel and Spa and Jodie Valenzuela of Oceanaire Seafood Room will flaunt their match-making prowess for judges, including 5280 food editor Denise Mickelsen and Mercantile Dining & Provision chef Alex Seidel. $120–$185; Crown Plaza Hotel Downtown, 1450 Glenarm Pl.; 5–9 p.m.
Celebrity Chefs Experience | November 7
This star-studded affair includes the culinary stylings of Morin executive chef Max MacKissock and Top Chef star and Bar Dough executive chef Carrie Baird—all accompanied by performances from Center City Opera touring artists; proceeds benefit the opera organization. Cooking demos and kitchen tours; all-natural wines and cocktails; and fresh-shucked oysters are additional highlights. $150–250; 1600 15th St.; 6 p.m.
Yuan Wonton Dumpling Happy Hour Pop-Up at Old Major | November 7
Chef Penelope Wong of the popular Yuan Wonton food truck will serve her signature handmade creations, including pot stickers, wontons, and soup dumplings. Old Major executive chef Sarah Khosravani will prepare a traditional tonkotsu broth for use in the soup dumplings and it will also serve as the broth for the restaurant’s special bacon and egg ramen. Menu prices vary (reservations recommended; call 720-420-0622); 3316 Tejon St.; 4 p.m.–supplies run out
Dining on the Future of Our Colorado Grain at Dry Storage | November 8
If you live in Boulder County, the idea of eating locally and sustainably is already, ahem, ingrained into your dining and shopping habits. Double down and show your support for dedicated producers, culinary artisans, and advocates by attending this four-course, grain-forward collaborative meal by Dry Storage, Jones Farms Organic, and the Noble Grain Alliance, highlighting the first harvest of local heirloom grains. $55; 3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; 7 p.m.
Acorn X The Roots X “Roots” Dinner | November 7
If you’re attending The Roots concert on November 8 at the Fillmore Auditorium, Acorn has the perfect supper for you. On the evening before the concert, the restaurant will prepare a four-course root-vegetable-centric menu with produce from local farms. Dishes include beet pot au feu with huckleberry, beef cheeks, and leeks, and baby carrots with trout roe, horseradish, dill, and buttermilk. $60; The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd.; 7–10 p.m.
Former Saint & Fess Parker Wine Dinner | November 8
This four-course prix-fixe meal at Former Saint will offer guests a taste of California to help keep the winter blues at bay. Enjoy select Central Coast wines by Fess Parker alongside a delicious menu of elk wellington, seed-crusted salmon, and golden rum cake, designed by Former Saint’s executive chef Paul French. $110; 650 15th St.; 6:30–9:30 p.m.
40th Annual Mile High Holiday Mart | November 8–10
In a city where things are constantly changing, maintaining a tradition like the Mile High Holiday Mart for several decades is a novelty. Score a slew of Colorado products from vendors like Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, Flatiron Spice Co., and RedCamper at this one-stop-shop for holiday gifts, edible and otherwise. Bonus: Snag discounted copies of the Junior League of Denver’s six award-winning cookbooks, including its newest work, Centennial Celebrations. Free; Gates Field House, 2201 E. Asbury Ave.; Fri. 1–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
First Bite: Boulder County Restaurant Week | November 8–16
During this nine-day affair, Boulder foodies can indulge in three-course prix-fixe menus from more than 50 local restaurants, including Arcana, Chautauqua Dining Hall, and Pepper the Noshery for $29/person or $49/person. Those who dine on Tuesday, November 12 (“Two on Tuesday”) are encouraged to donate $2 to their choice of five area nonprofits, such as Growing Gardens and Conscious Alliance. $29–$49 (call individual restaurants for reservations); various locations and times
Beer and Breakfast for Dinner at Wendell’s | November 9
Savor a five-course dinner of early-day repasts prepared by chef Brendon Doyle, partnered with Emporium Brewing Company beers. Blackberry-smoke-braised pork Benedict with green chile hollandaise and roasted chicken salad with charred root veggies and winter squash are just two delicious dishes on the menu. $40 (call 720-485-3901 or email info@wendellsbreakfast.com to make a reservation); 3838 Tennyson St.; 6–9 p.m.
A Taste of Curiosity at the Infinite Monkey Theorem Winery | November 11
Infinite Monkey Theorem, RTE Cuisine, and Breaking the Bias want you to engage in a conversation about human curiosity, diversity, and unconscious bias over a unique multi-course Japanese meal made from ancient grains and seeds, curated by chef Jesus Silva of Misaki. Using food and drink as a platform to understand our likes and dislikes, this dinner will push guests to open themselves up to a discussion about making judgements and unconsciously expressing our biases in negative ways. $65; 3200 Larimer St.; 6:30 p.m.
Torchy’s Tacos Hampden Opening Party | November 11
This iconic Texas taco joint opened its first shop in Colorado a little less than four years ago and hasn’t since stopped growing since. Torchy’s launched four Front Range restaurants in 2016 alone, and the fifth spot on Hampden will open its doors with free tacos, chips, dips, giveaways, and more. Free; 6325 E. Hampden Ave.; 5–8 p.m.
Raw and Natural II: A Denver Wine Experience | November 15
Sample more than 70 different natural wines from every corner of the world from importers like Kermit Lynch and Brazos Wine while snacking on bites provided by modern Israeli restaurant Safta. 100 percent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Rocky Mountain Wild, a local nonprofit working to protect, connect, and restore wildlife and wildlands in the southern Rocky Mountains. $55; 2350 Arapahoe St.; 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Ramen-O-Rama | November 16
With the Front Range’s love affair with ramen in full bloom, there’s no shortage of culinary talent to staff Denver’s finest noodle fest. Slurp unlimited offerings of ramen by local chefs, complete with all the possible additions your heart desires (think: poached egg, pork belly, and bamboo shoots) while you enjoy live music, games, and an open bar. Tickets start at $55; RiNo Fairgrounds, 3751 Chestnut Place; two sessions: 12:30–3:30 p.m. and 4:30–7:30 p.m.
African Community Center Refugee First Thanksgiving at Mango House | November 21
Help welcome Denver’s newest residents with your favorite Thanksgiving fare, and taste new-to-you dishes at this community potluck at Mango House. The African Community Center’s Ethiopian Community Development Council invites you and your family to celebrate Aurora’s melting pot of cultures with an evening of food, friends, and dancing. Suggested donation of $15; 10180 E. Colfax., Aurora; 5–7 p.m. or 7–9 p.m.
Champagne Cascade Dinner at the Brown Palace | November 23
Kick off the holiday season with this elegant extravaganza: For the first time ever, guests will dine in the shadow of a two-story high tree of Champagne glasses, while receiving the royal treatment from chef Rodney Herweth via a four-course prix fixe menu complete with Champagne pairings. $275; 321 17th St.; 6–8:30 p.m.
Post-Thanksgiving Surf and Turf Fiesta at Annette | November 29
Take a break from your Black Friday shopping spree at Stanley Marketplace with a pit stop at Annette, which will serve chef Caroline Glover’s famed octopus sandwich (returning for one day only), burgers, and Beaujolais. Why you’re there, pick up a fresh-baked pecan pie or some seasonal kolaches to go. Menu prices vary; 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Dinner Through the Decades at the Little Nell | November 29
Part of the Little Nell’s season-long 30th anniversary party, George Mahaffey (formerly the executive chef at Element 47 when the restaurant was named Montagna) will join executive chef Matt Zubrod to present a five-course prix-fixe menu with wine pairings curated by Little Nell wine director Chris Dunaway and guest sommelier Bobby Stuckey. Prices start at $89; 675 E. Durant Ave., Aspen; 6–9 p.m.
Jefferson Square Holiday Affair | November 29
Shop the works of local artisans, boutiques, and fashion trucks in the heart of Jefferson Park at this European-inspired holiday bazaar; there will also be live music, family-friendly entertainment such as appearances by Santa and Frozen’s Elsa and eats from Sarto’s and other Jefferson Square restaurants, along with mulled wine and spiked hot cocoa (the perfect liquid courage for all of those holiday purchases). Free, 25th and Eliot streets; 12–5 p.m.