Chef’s tables have become increasingly popular across the country as curious diners want an inside look at how their food was crafted. By taking the traditional swinging kitchen doors out of the equation, chefs are welcoming their guests to get a front row seat by creating special seating that overlooks the lively kitchen. This new trend not only allows diners to interact with the chefs and other kitchen staff, it also showcases the artistry behind the cuisine. Here are a few of Denver’s best chef’s tables worth trying:
To the Wind Bistro
Located in Central Denver, To the Wind Bistro is a cozy eatery serving a unique take on New American cuisine. Everything about the restaurant itself is miniature—the kitchen, the dining room as well as the chef’s table seating. What the restaurant lacks in size, however, they make up for with their inventive menu. Sitting in one of the few seats along the chef’s countertop, guests feel as if they are hanging out in the chef’s home kitchen. Given the small space, it doesn’t take long to capture the aromas of the seasonally-inspired fare that includes dishes such as Roasted Quail or Octopus a la Plancha. Bold flavors are the big draw at this tiny restaurant and with a front row seat, diners can see it all unfold firsthand and one of Denver’s best chef’s tables.
Mercantile Dining and Provision
There is an old saying that states that “too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the broth” but at Mercantile Dining and Provision, nothing could be further from the truth. Part restaurant, part wine bar and part marketplace, the Mercantile is one of Denver’s most unique dining experiences. Located near Union Station, this eatery boasts recent James Beard Award’s Best Chef in the Southwest, Alex Seidel. With Seidel at the helm, the chef’s countertop is clearly the place to be at the Mercantile with a view of the massive operation that goes in the kitchen. An array of handmade pasta dishes and hearty comfort food plates make up the eclectic menu with dishes such as the Pan Roasted Barramundi and Chermoula Roasted Chicken.
Brazen Neighborhood Eatery
Making its home in the West Highland neighborhood, Brazen Neighborhood Eatery is aptly named given that you feel like you’ve been invited to a casual dinner at a friend’s house when you walk through the door. Casual and inviting, Brazen Neighborhood Eatery focuses on locally-sourced food that is created with a nod toward traditional French bistro cuisine. The chef’s seating at Brazen Neighborhood Eatery is immersive, getting diners close enough to hear the sizzle in the Chicken Confit or the Braised Lamb Pappardelle. The menu is small, but there is something for everyone with a selection of delicious small plates and mouth-watering pasta dishes.
Il Posto
The modern decor and clean lines set the stage at River North District’s Il Posto. While the high-back booths may seem inviting, the best seat in the house is at one of the six stools that overlook the lively kitchen. Here, Northern Italian dishes are crafted with a mindful focus on locally-grown produce and meats that can be found throughout the menu. House favorites include Spaghetti Neri, featuring PEI mussels and shrimp, or the Poletto, fragrant roasted chicken with earthy vegetables. An Italian meal goes hand in hand with a great bottle of wine and with Il Posto’s resident sommelier on hand, diners are assured of an incredible wine pairing from the eatery’s extensive menu.
Acorn
Located in the bustling food market, The Source, Acorn has made its mark as one of Denver’s best chef’s tables with its creative wood-fired cuisine. The rustic charm of the artisan market extends to the Acorn, with its exposed brick walls and industrial-style garage doors. From the chef’s counter vantage point, diners can enjoy the wafting smells from the oak-fired oven from which family-style cuts of meat emerge. Small plates that cater to seasonal fare are also of note in this lively hotspot with a refreshing Kale and Apple Salad or the famed Wagyu Beef Tartare. As the kitchen heats up, one of the best ways to watch the magic unfold is with a counter seat and one of Acorn’s many hand-crafted cocktails—the perfect way to spend an evening.
These are just a few of Denver’s best chef’s tables that make it one of the country’s most livable and dynamic cities. If you are looking for insight and expertise on the Denver housing market, Dyllan Real Estate can help lead the way. Please contact me for more information.