Eatery News

Openings/Closings

Sweet Cow ice cream opened its third store, this one in North Boulder.  Kokopelli Beer Company and Westminster Brewing opened in Westminster. Cyclhops Bike CANtina and a new Modmarket location opened in Longmont. Food at the Riverside opened right on Boulder Creek with former John’s restaurant chef and owner Corey Buck at the helm. And Big Red F’s Post Brewing Co. opened in Lafayette. The tiny Frasca Caffe, closed (and will be reimagined as a private dining room) in Boulder. The Buff Restaurant, a Boulder landmark, has made a big move…about a block away (2600 Canyon Blvd.). And Boulder’s Gondolier reopened for business in December. Kachina Southwestern Grill in Westminster has started up Ladies’ Night every Thursday.

News

Westword’s food blog reports that more than 250 restaurants opened in the Denver metro area in 2013. Local frozen foods brand EVOL sold to Boulder Brands and quick service restaurant chain Mad Greens sold to Coors. Forbes magazine figured out what lots of people have known for a while, naming Boulder one of its five “Secret Foodie Cities.” The Kitchen announced it will open a restaurant in Chicago, and Pizzeria Locale announced a partnership with Chipotle and plans to open many new locations.

Amuse Bouche

If you haven’t made the trek to Yak and Yeti in Westminster or Arvada, you’re missing out. Both locations feature excellent lunch and dinner buffets that will tempt you with just one more bite. My favorites include the always-excellent chicken tikka masala, vegetable korma, and aloo gobi, but there is also an interesting rotation of lesser-known dishes to try as well as soup and fresh, hot naan. The real icing on the cake? Yak and Yeti is also an award-winning brewery.

Events

Many popular restaurants fill their tables weeks in advance for Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, since the big day falls on a Friday this year, some restaurants are offering special menus through the weekend, including Boulder’s Leaf and Aji restaurants. Hotel Boulderado will host Romance on the Mezz with a reserved table on their mezzanine, three-course meal, and live music. And BRU Handbuilt Ales & Eats will host a creative Valentine’s dinner they’re calling Barley and Hops for Beer Lovers, featuring all things hops and barley. Look for Taste of Pearl event tickets to go on sale February 26.

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