This week on Denver’s dining scene: It’s Pueblo Chile season … so where are all the roasters? Plus, more national dining accolades and why robots will never replace real, human restaurant workers. Let’s dig in.
🌶️ Where are all the Pueblo chiles? A late harvest this year due to inclement weather means that Metro Denver’s roadside stands are still empty. [CO Sun]
🏆 Michelin Guide, “Bon Appétit,” James Beard — the Denver dining scene is without a doubt having its moment. Now we can add the New York Times’ 2023 list of “America’s 50 Best Restaurants” to that tally of growing accomplishments after it included two Denver eateries. [Westword]
🤖 Despite the surge of AI drive-thrus and robot food runners, dining and technology experts at Denver’s Startup Week said automation will never replace chefs and waitstaff. [Axios Denver]
🥕 Now through October 15, certain local restaurants are participating in Denver’s inaugural Vegan Chef Challenge. Each place will create unique plant-based dishes for diners to vote on. [Denverite]
🍔 For reasons this particular food writer will never understand, Metro Denver might soon get its ninth In-N-Out Burger. [Denver Post]
🎟️ Nonprofits EatDenver and GrowHaus are teaming up for the 16th annual Harvest Week fundraiser Oct. 2-5, which stages five elevated, family-style, multi-course dinners featuring local, independent restaurants. Some of the nights have already sold out, so book your tickets now. [Westword]
☕ A new coffee shop / food truck park is slated to open next week on West Colfax, courtesy of local business hero Danny Newman, who has most notably saved My Brother’s Bar, the Mercury Cafe, and the top of the Denver clocktower. [BusinessDen]
🥃 It’s National Negroni Week. Here are some spots in Denver pouring something extra special for the occasion. Bonus: These cocktail bars are donating part of their Negroni proceeds to Slow Food. [Westword; 303 Magazine]
