Japanese Food Old and New, the Rise of Bodegas, and Cozy Vibes
It’s Thursday, and we are so ready for the weekend. So as usual, newsletter editor and our resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins to talk through Denver’s hottest food news: first, a Japanese restaurant that claims to be the oldest in the state is closing in Cherry Creek, while a hot new Japanese place called Kumoya is promising to change the game in Highland. And speaking of everything old being new again, we dig into the recent explosion of interest in neighborhood markets, aka bodegas, and ask: can they thrive in car-centric Denver? Finally, we share our picks for your weekend.
Bree mentioned past guest Gil Asakawa’s excellent book “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat! A Tasty History of Japanese in America” and DeVotchka’s upcoming shows at The Stanley Hotel. Paul mentioned Rhein Haus (downtown) and Ay Papi (Cherry Creek). Peyton recommended this event for Native American Heritage Month.
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
- The Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...

Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...

After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...

Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises
New fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, bu...

What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame
Little Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver...

How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project
A delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike...

BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National
Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahe...

