Epernay restaurant, which refers to the capital of France’s Champagne region, will open in Denver’s theater district this month next to Backstage Coffee on 14th and Arapahoe.
The new project is the brainchild of Opal restaurant owner J Chadrom who’s taking on the formidable space along with Asian-French fusion chef Duy Pham, who earned his culinary chops at Tante Louise, Flow in The Jet Hotel and other projects in the metro suburbs and Pueblo.
Pham said after his four-year hiatus from Denver, he’s ready to rejoin downtown’s burgeoning restaurant scene. “I’ll be dealing with a lot of local farmers,” Pham said about ingredients he will use for what he calls a Modern American menu.
The spacious space will include a raw bar with oysters, clams, mussels, king crab legs and lobster. The sushi dishes will offer sashimi and rolls while foregoing any fried foods.
In fact, a fryer won’t be found inside Epernay’s kitchen. “We are very health-based,” Pham said. “Dishes will be very clean without a ton of sauce all over the plate.”
Pham will liberally use the French sous-vide method of cooking food sealed in airtight plastic bags in a temperature-controlled water bath for longer than normal cooking times.
Pham predicts that entrees will cost roughly $20 to $27 for seven to 10 ounces of protein on a composed plate that will include a starch and vegetable. He’ll also offer a five, seven or nine-course chef’s tasting menu for dinner when the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday with valet parking as an option.
The restaurant’s crew is also intent on creating a serious bar menu with cocktails that pair with Pham’s food, plus a list that includes 15 cocktails along with 50 sakes and 50 vintage champagnes.
You can check out the restaurant’s progress at http://epernaylounge.com/.
Diamonds are Denver’s best friends
The Ritz-Carlton Denver, the only local hotel to have won the five-diamond designation from AAA three years in a row, celebrated with a select group of guests Monday in the hotel’s sweet suite.
The award recognizes The Ritz’s commitment to excellence as defined by the AAA standards and guidelines. New general manager Steve Janicek accepted the honor on behalf of the hotel’s staff.
Socks don’t rock
Join Denver business, city and sports leaders for the inaugural “No Socks to Work Day today, and campaign to gather sock donations for Denver’s homeless.
The campaign will run through Dec. 31. With support from local companies including Crocs, HomeSmart Realty, Marco’s Pizza Colorado and Communications Strategy Group, No Socks to Work Day has gained traction.
The intent is to ask workers to forego their socks for the day, donate a new pair of socks in their place, and sport bare ankles in the workplace to show support for the campaign. The goal is to raise 50,000 pairs of socks to be donated to local organizations supporting the homeless like the Denver Rescue Mission.
Those participating in today’s “No Socks to Work” pledge can register on Twittter @NoSocksToWork. Go to www.twitter.com/nosockstowork and Tweet: “I’m going sockless to work on 12/12 to support No-Socks-To-Work Day. I’ll donate a pair of new socks to the homeless.”
Participants can also connect with No Socks to Work Day on Facebook and post images of sockless employees: https://www.facebook.com/NoSocksToWorkDay.
More information at www.NoSocksToWork.org.
12-12-12
Tuaca Liqueur has launched its new Cinnaster line in Colorado today – only one of four states where the liqueur is available.
The launch party takes place during a Cinnfull & Sweet Release party this evening at Dive Inn (1380 S. Broadway) to introduce the brand to the Colorado market.
Cinnaster combines Italian brandies, vanilla and citrus with a kick of cinnamon flavor and represents the first time Tuaca has expanded its brand.
To support the launch of Cinnaster, Tuaca will air television commercials in Denver, Colorado Springs and Austin starting early next year. For more information about Tuaca, go to www.tuaca.com.
The Seen: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch on Saturday. Not skiing (obviously).
Eavesdropping on a woman talking to another woman about her recent mammogram: “When the lady asked me if I had any implants, I said, ‘Well, if I did, I was robbed!'”
Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.
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