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Veganizer Denver | January 1–31
In partnership with Veganizer, a plant-based food consulting and marketing firm, select Denver restaurants are offering vegan special throughout the month of January. Coohills, Himuchuli, Taco Tequila Whiskey, and Crush Pizza and Tap are among the participants. View sample menu items and get information about participating restaurants here.
Molecular Donuts & Coffee Pop-Up at the Inventing Room | Starting January 10
The Inventing Room is bringing back its popular pop-up—Molecular Donuts—on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays over the next few months. All creations will be made to order using chef Ian Kleinman’s signature modernist gastronomy techniques, which delight the eye as much as the sweet tooth. Menu items vary; 4433 W. 29th Ave., #101; 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
Briar Common Brewery & 291 Distillery Pairing Dinner | January 12
The whiskey experts at Colorado Springs-based 291 Distillery are making the trek up I-25 for this booze and beer bash. The four-course affair includes delicious dishes such as duck cassoulet and lamp lollipops paired with 291’s whiskeys and Briar Common’s craft brews. $75; 2298 Clay St.; 6–8:30 p.m.
#21StCenturyHedonist Brunch at Bar Helix | January 12
This pleasure-packed event includes a special brunch menu from guest chef Dan Lasiy (formerly of Rebel, currently of Misfit Snackbar), booze-filled and booze-free cocktails, yoga classes, vitamin drips, and a dance party. Bonus: Bar Helix is also ringing in #DryJanuary with a nightly mocktail happy hour and a weekly mocktail-making class; learn more here. Menu items vary; 3440 Larimer St.; 12–5 p.m.
Rioja Alumni Dinners | January 15 and 22 (and February 5)
Rioja is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special dinner series starring some of the restaurant’s favorite alums, including Merlin Verrier (Street Feud in Avanti) on January 15, Dana Rodriguez (Work & Class, Super Mega Bien) on January 22, and Jorel Pierce (TAG Restaurant Group) on February 5. $95 ($135 with wine pairings; get your tickets here); 1431 Larimer St.
Fine Mess Supper Club at Leon | January 19
The inaugural event of Leon Gallery’s thought-provoking monthly dining experience offers a five-course meal with wine pairings from chef Luke McDaniel (Coohills) and chef Anthony Urbany (Devil’s Food), along with an intimate viewing of the current exhibit, Beast of Burden. $85 (email ifoundleon@gmail.com or call 303-832-1599 for reservations); 1112 E. 17th Ave.; 5–8 p.m.
Oms and Mms at Il Posto | January 19
Support your New Year’s resolution to be more active with a 60-minute yoga session on the window-walled second floor at Il Posto, surrounded by gorgeous views of Denver. Then reward yourself with a brunch entrée and a mimosa (or a mocktail). $30; 2601 Larimer St.; 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Champagne Tasting at the Nickel | January 19
Celebrate 2020 by tasting a bevy of sparkling wines and Champagne while snacking on fruit, nuts, and charcuterie. Expert guidance from the Nickel’s level-two sommeliers included. $45; Hotel Teatro, 1100 14th St.; 2–3:30 p.m.
Galicia: Coastal Cuisine at Barcelona Wine Bar | January 20
At Barcelona Wine Bar’s latest wine experience, embark on a culinary journey to Galicia, a coastal region in northwest Spain. Pair the region’s wines with specialities from the culinary-rich area, such as mussels with garlic, pepper, onion, and tomato and seafood empanadas. $45; 2900 Larimer St.; 6–8 p.m.
Frasca Food and Wine Guest Chef Dinner With Evan Funke | January 20
The award-winning Boulder restaurant’s first guest chef dinner of 2020 features chef Evan Funke, the premier pasta maker of Los Angeles’ Spago, Rustic Canyon, Bucato, and Felix Trattoria. Savor Funke’s hand-rolled pastas with wine pairings and take home his debut cookbook, American Sfoglino. $180; 1738 Pearl St., Boulder; reservations start at 5 p.m.
Wild West Beer Dinner at the Post Brewing Co. | January 22
Grab your partner in crime to solve a whodunit at this multi-course murder mystery meal. Prickly pear salad, grilled t-bone steak, and roasted corn cornbread pudding will fuel the investigation—a beer paired with each course won’t hurt either. $75; 105 W. Emma St., Lafayette; 6 p.m.
Village Exchange Center Multinational Third Anniversary Benefit | January 22
The Village Exchange Center, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a safe space of belonging for all while celebrating religious and cultural diversity, will host an international bazaar-themed benefit to ring in its third anniversary. Dine on dishes provided by immigrant- and refugee-owned eateries, such as Mango House’s Jasmine Syrian Food and Taste of Sudan, and shop for handmade treasures at a market provided by R Bazzar, an organization spotlighting immigrant and refugee artisans. $81 ($100 after January 15); the Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St.; 5:30–8 p.m.
Dining in the Dark at the Fort | January 24
Part of the historic restaurant’s Friday Night Doin’s program, Dining in the Dark allows diners to explore and heighten their taste buds by eliminating the sense of sight. The friendly staff at the meat-forward restaurant will walk you through a four-course prix-fixe meal in complete darkness. Starting at $49 (get your tickets here); 19192 CO-8, Morrison; 6 p.m.
The Zero-Proof Experience | January 23
Learn about the art of no-proof mixology while you munch on appetizers and sip on n/a cocktails at this fundraiser benefiting Bar Zero, an alcohol-free community hub that offers job training for individuals recovering from substance-use disorders. $25; 2797 Wewatta Way; 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Baked NYC Pop-up at Hotel Jerome | January 23–27
Cocoa master Matt Lewis, co-founder of Brooklyn-based Baked NYC, will host a special pop-up at Hotel Jerome, where guests can pick up his famed brown sugar blondies, fudgy brownies, and hot chocolate. Menu prices vary; 330 E. Main St., Aspen
Do Sum Dim Sum | January 26
Join Cholon’s executive chef Lon Symensma and dim sum chef Michelle Xiao for a dim sum demonstration at the restaurant’s new Stapleton location. Make (and eat) myriad Cantonese small bites and dumplings and enjoy a limited open bar. Pint-size chefs are welcome, too. $45–$77; 10195 E. 29th Dr., Ste. 140; 12–3 p.m.
Uchi Beer Dinner Series | January 28
Uchi is collaborating with some of Denver’s most respected breweries for a four-part dinner series. The first installment pairs Odell Brewing’s specialties with a 10-course meal from the creative Japanese restaurant. Beer-braised pork jowl, hama kama (yellowtail collars), and oyster and beef tartare nigiri are all on the menu. $115; 2500 Lawrence St.; 6:30–9:30 p.m.
