Happy New Year, Colorado! 2024 was a great one for In Good Taste Denver with more readers, subscribers and podcast listeners than ever before in our 14+ years of blogging history. Thank you for that! We welcome 2025 and all the promise it brings. Let’s get started with our roundup of What’s In Good Taste in January.
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Ongoing Events In Good Taste in January
NEWS Ambler, in Downtown Denver, has added breakfast to its menu. Go for the Coconut French Toast with citrus-ginger syrup and berries; the Farmer’s Breakfast with eggs, a protein, toast and breakfast potatoes; an Açaí Bowl Parfait and more.
NEWS Bamboo Sushi is opening a second location in late January 2025, at 1160 Madison St. They will be open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, takeout and delivery serving sustainably sourced sushi and a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian and non-sushi options.
NEWS Bezel Cocktail Lounge has launched a Bezel Engagement Photo Shoot Package. For $250+, the private shoot package includes exclusive, private access to the lounge for a 2-hour photo session, a bottle of chilled sparkling wine, custom engagement treat from in-house pastry chef and a $75 credit toward a future date night at Bezel.
Blossoms of Light, through January 12, has a mile-long path that meanders through immersive light displays that highlight the trees and plants of the Denver Botanic Gardens. Going in January is ideal since crowds are lower and you can extend the holiday season.
Centro Mexican Kitchen debuts a new Express Lunch and weekly programming. Get a checkoff menu and mix and match a variety of tacos or go for salads or tostadas. Everything on the menu is under $13.
Denver Jewish Film Festival runs Jan. 23-Feb. 2 at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center. The festival features more than 20 entertaining and educational films including documentaries, comedies, narratives and shorts.
NEWS Fruition Restaurant is closing after 18 successful years. Their final service is scheduled for Jan. 12.
NEWS HomeDog will make its debut in the Platt Park neighborhood in early 2025. The membership-based community combines pup-friendly coworking space, dog daycare and a bar/coffee shop.
NEWS Illegal Pete’s debuts its first new menu item in more than 15 years with a new spin on “taco meat” crumbles, an all-natural, “ground beef” plant-based protein. They’re calling the protein “Taco Night” and it’s now available at all of their Colorado locations.
International Snow Sculpture Championships return to Breckenridge Jan. 20-29. Watch as teams carve 12-foot tall, 25-ton blocks of snow by hand into works of art, then see them on display once created. They’re doing things a little differently this year, so check out the website before heading up.
NEWS Le Bilboquet launches “Burgers and Bottles” Mondays, expanding the deal from Sundays. Starting Jan. 13, the deal, which starts at $45 includes a signature Le Bilboquet Burger with an 8-ounce Niman Ranch prime beef patty topped with Swiss and caramelized onions, finished with French cocktail sauce, served with fries plus a special wine bottle pairing chosen by the sommelier.
NEWS Le Colonial is now open for lunch service combining traditional Vietnamese cuisine with modern culinary influences. Look for sesame beef ravioli, pan-seared chicken dumplings, ginger-marinated sablefish and more. They also have a prix-fixe lunch menu for $55.
Light the Lights, through January, illuminates the City and County Building with two eight-minute choreographed light and music holiday shows each night before going into a static light display the rest of the evening.
McGregor Skate has a month of themed fun leading up to the end of their season. That includes 80s Retro Skate Jan. 10, Mascot Skate Jan. 11, Onesie Night Jan. 17, Rockies Fan Fest Skate Jan. 25 and Final Skate Day Jan. 26. See Jan. 18 below for a special ticketed event.
Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition, recurs weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Feb. 9. During the 60-minute experience buying property, charging, rent, breaking out of jail and all that fun stuff.
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo runs Jan. 11-26. See rodeos, horses, competitions, Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, Denver Professional Bull Riders Chute-Out and more.
New Winter Menu at Leven Deli Co. is available for breakfast, lunch and all-day sipping. Items include caramel tahini breakfast toast, a loaded biscuit with strawberry-rosemary jam and cream cheese, lemon chicken and vegetable soup, winter pomegranate spritz and more.
Stock Show Specials Kachina Cantina has rodeo-inspired flavors Jan. 9-26 with “Cowboy Cantina” specials like the tequila-marinated skirt steak served with rajas con crema, mixed roasted poblano chilies with corn, caramelized onions, cream and melted cheese or a bison sirloin taco topped with garlic lime crema, onions, cilantro, queso fresco, salsa morita and avocado.
Stock Show Specials Slater’s 50/50 is offering a pint of Tivoli Brewing Company’s Outlaw beer and a shot of Benchmark Bourbon for $10. Diners can get a free pint of the beer when purchasing January’s burger, “The Ron Burgundy,” an elk patty with seared pork belly, grilled onions, Gruyere cheese and more plus sage butter fries.
Stock Show Specials The Cherry Cricket’s Rodeo Cowboy Burger has a half-pound Cricket patty topped with horseradish cream cheese, candied bacon, crispy onion strings and campfire sauce on a brioche bun with ranch-seasoned fries. It’s available throughout January. They are also offering a special on a “tall boy” can of Montucky Cold Snacks and a shot of Pendleton Whiskey for $13.
Stock Show Specials Wynkoop Brewing Co., which is located at the start of the National Western Stock Show parade route, has a special menu of cowboy-inspired dishes. Get classic chicken fried steak served with green beans, mashed potatoes and country gravy. Or Cowboy Philly Steak Sandwich. To drink, it’s Trick Rope Blonde Ale with hints of sweet biscuit and lightly floral hops.
NEWS Tamayo, the modern Mexican restaurant on Larimer Square, will undergo a renovation starting this month. They’ll close their doors on New Year’s Day and will reopen on March 4.
The Maven Snowpack(ed) and Ready to Ski Offer provides 20% off a stay at the Hotel with a valid ski pass. Build it into pre- or post-heading to the mountains. Order one of their new, handcrafted “charcuteski” to be delivered to your room with meat, cheeses, crackers, dried fruits and nuts.
The Mile High Tree, running through January, is a seven-story, 110-foot-tall piece of immersive holiday art with 60,000 LED lights that put on a show choreographed to multicultural holiday music. Step inside to be immersed or enjoy the view from around the outside.
NEWS White Elephant Aspen has announced its opening slated for late fall. The 54-room hotel will have modern decor with rooms that can be made into multi-bedroom suites. They will also offer complimentary courtesy cars from BMW around town and a shuttle to and from the ski slopes.
Dated Events In Good Taste in January
January 1 – Happy New Year!
Bonjour to 2025: Pajama Brunch at Chez Maggy is a French-inspired celebration of new beginnings. There’ll be a Bloody Mary bar, mimosa cart and house-made pastries.
Church and Union has a New Year’s Day Brunch with bottomless mimosas and the Holy $h*t breakfast, served charcuterie board-style with fried chicken, eggs, bacon, house made donuts, biscuits, house made jam and a choice of one mimosa or bloody Mary.
Federales’ Game Day & Brunch offerings include bottomless mimosas, flan French toast, a breakfast torta and happy hour specials starting at 3pm.
Flight Club serves up a New Year’s Day Brunch with $39 bottomless flatbreads or $49 bottomless mimosas, both of which include reservations for Social Darts(R). Combine all three for a $59 package.
Hair of the Dog Brunch at Apple Blossom features bottomless mimosas, a New Year’s Bloody Mary bar and brunch classics.
Local Jones has specials for the day including a crab cake benedict and cranberry orange donuts in addition to their standard menu.
New Year’s Day Recovery at Centro Mexican Kitchen will serve a trio of cups of chicken tortilla, corn chowder with shrimp and pork green chile, served with Mexican sweet cornbread.
New Year’s Slay Drag Bingo Brunch at Denver Milk Market features free bingo, live music, prizes, $20 bottomless mimosas and tasty food.
January 3
Japan in January Dinner at Jax Fish House Glendale provides a culinary journey to Japan with a three-course meal for $39 to which guests can add a perfectly-paired sake and shochu tasting flight. Dishes include salmon belly yakitori, short rib ramen and matcha green tea ice cream. Reservations are recommended.
Rotating Tap Comedy at Chain Reaction Brewing on the 1st Friday of the month.
January 4
Prost Brewing Co. celebrates their one-year anniversary in Northglenn with Gingerbread house decorating, ugly sweater and stein hoisting contests. On the second day of the celebration, Jan. 5, get a commemorative pint glass free with purchase of Prost bier while supplies last.
January 5
Donny Most (of Happy Days fame) and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, appear at Dazzle Jazz.
Prost Brewing Co. anniversary celebration continues. See Jan. 4.
January 9
Stock Show Kick-Off Parade has more than 30 Longhorn cattle walking through the streets of downtown Denver. Celebrate Colorado’s western traditions and the iconic National Western Stock Show including horses, cowboys, cowgirls, tractors, marching bands and floats.
Stock Show Parade Gem Hat Pop-Up celebrates the National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade through LoDo. Shop hats handcrafted using upcycled materials, with on-site customization available.
January 10
A Tale of a Tiger is a critically acclaimed, Israeli-American adaptation of a Nobel Prize-winning play by Dario Fo. Based on an ancient Chinese folk tale with roots in Indian mythology, it’s a comedic story of survival, humanity and transformation.
Tangozo Quintet performs a free concert at Maria Empanada on South Broadway.
January 11
A Night in New Orleans, with vocalist Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield and the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra will transport everyone to the heart of the Big Easy, via the Aurora Fox Main Stage.
Adulti-Verse: Space Rodeo at Meow Wolf Denver celebrates the start of the Stock Show with an adults-only rodeo party with drink specials and themed cocktails plus a $150 gift card for the best-dressed Ranch Hand in a costume contest.
January 12
Community Matinee at Nocturne is a discounted, family-friendly live jazz show with specially priced beverages and snacks.
Dickens Glitz n Glam Drag Show features Jessica L’Whor and friends. There’ll be food and beverages as well.
Federales hosts a Broncos vs. Bills Brunch party with specials including a brunch dish (excluding steak & egg platter) + a rocks Margarita for $18; Walking Taco for $5; select beer bucket for $25, Bottomless Mimosas for $25 and certain Tamales for $2.
January 13
NEWS Leven Supply officially opens. The restaurant, grocery, gift and wine shop by the Leven Deli team is located in the Wash Park Supply retail center.
January 14
Cucina Bella’s Two Year Anniversary Celebration has two seatings during which brothers Luis and Heriberto Gutierrez have planned a three-course dining experience with the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
National Pastrami Day at Leven Deli celebrates their house-made from scratch meat that takes 12 days to make. Enjoy it on a classic sandwich with house-made bread or for breakfast as pastrami gravy over biscuits.
Stoke & Rye American Whiskey Experience is a pairing dinner featuring Bulleit Burbon, Blade & Bow, Balcones Bottled in Bond, and George Dickel x Leopold Bros Rye Blend Executive Chef Angel Munoz has crafted a special menu to complement each whiskey, enhancing their unique flavors with perfectly paired dishes.
January 16
Steak & Whiskey Dinner at Stranded Pilgrim is an exclusive dinner featuring a steak duo paired with Pendleton Whiskey. Advance reservations are required.
January 18
Après Skate Silent Disco at McGregor Skate in the McGregor Square Plaza encourages you to throw on a neon ski suit, tease your hair and generally get down and get funky while you skate to retro mixes and modern hits. Two live DJs will spin tunes and there’ll be drinks from Milepost Zero. Tickets include a Silent Disco headset, ice skate rental, rink admission and one complimentary drink.
Bites & Brews: A Culinary Craft Series in Keystone, pairs food from Graze & Torrey’s with local craft beers.
January 19
Polar Bear 5K is a run/walk, Polie’s Kids Fun Run Start, refreshments at the finish line, and prizes.
January 22
The Union des Grands Crus Bordeaux wine tasting, presented by Applejack Wine & Spirits, with proceeds benefiting We Don’t Waste, offers up wines from around 80 different chateaux. Meet owners, growers and representatives from each chateaux as they pour the 2022 vintage.
January 23
Bookcliff Vineyards and River & Woods pair up for a January Wine Dinner. Held at the Boulder wine production facility, the five-course seasonal dinner is paired with wines. A vegetarian menu is available upon request.
January 24
79th Annual Steer at The Brown Palace Hotel is a traditional part of the National Western Stock Show. The Stock Show’s 2025 Grand Champion Steer will make a special entrance and waltz down the red carpet into the 9-story atrium lobby of The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa.
FIRE Restaurant & Lounge at The ART Hotel Denver has a complimentary tasting of Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits, featuring the “Designated Drive” NA margarita. While there, enter to win a Diageo giveaway basket filled with non-alcoholic goodies including a cocktail book.
Rowdy Poppy’s Seasonal Vase Arranging combines fresh stems with dried elements and various textures, teaching attendees the skills needed to create beautiful arrangements. Flowers, vessel, materials and instructions are included plus a glass of wine or NA option.
January 25
2025 Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival includes more than 20 small-batch whiskeys, plus food and drink specials and a DJ for dancing.
Eat, Ski and Be Merry in the Town of Frisco illuminates the Frisco Peninsula with candlelight and has four bonfire stops with snacks and drinks along the 2.5k course.
Summertime in Winter, at the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, features The Music of Gershwin and more with Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield. Join CJRO for the timeless music of Gershwin and other jazz classics featuring the smooth and soulful sounds that define a generation like “Summertime” and other much-loved songs.
The Denver Denim Ball at Spangalang Brewery includes Cowboy Karaoke, denim fashions and brews at this 3rd annual event for ages 21+.
January 26
43rd Annual Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest has works from 150 fine artists and craftspeople representing Native American arts and Southwest heritage plus colorful dances and entertainment.
Blanchard Family Wines Mocktail Mixology Class has participants learning how to layer flavors and use basic bar skills to create three seasonal cocktails in no-, low- or regular ABV options. Reservations are required.
January 27
Winter Brew Fest has a daytime and night time session during which attendees can enjoy unlimited tastings of great views, with a souvenir glass. There will also be VIP swag for the evening session, musical entertainment and prizes.
January 29
Mecha Noodle Bar celebrates Lunar New Year by giving the first 100 guests through the door (opening at noon) a lucky red envelope containing a $7 gift card. That’s a gesture symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. They’ll also offer a specialty cocktail, Hanoi Highball with Pierre Ferrand 1840, Grand Marnier, fresh orange, lemon, and a splash of club soda.
January 31
FIRE Restaurant & Lounge at The ART Hotel Denver has a complimentary tasting of non-alcoholic spirits.
High Country Hootenanny Music line-up at Warren Station in Keystone, runs through Feb. 1 with live and varied music from Pluck Norris, Sunday Bankers (we love them!) and Slay & Stinson.
“Now You See It, Now You Don’t” is the masquerade-themed murder mystery dinner event at The Fort. Tickets include a four-course dinner. Guests are encouraged to arrive in fancy evening wear.
UllrGrass Music & Beer Festival 2025 runs Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in Golden. Celebrate winter, wear Viking regalia and celebrate with performing arts, live music and craft beer from more than 30 breweries.
-Compiled by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, In Good Taste Denver.
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