Metro Denver’s food scene has never been as vibrant as it is today, something The Denver Postap food writers understand. Thatap why we’re out on the town as much as possible. Each month, we’ll provide you with recommendations about a few of the dishes we’ve tried. Want to hear about them early? Subscribe to the Stuffed newsletter, where we introduce one each Wednesday.
Ogo Korean BBQ & Sushi Pronto
Find yourself at Union Station? Wander to the west wing of the historic building and into Ogo Korean BBQ & Sushi Pronto, a hybrid Korean and Japanese restaurant that opened in March in the space formerly occupied by Stoic & Genuine. There are several options for a quick lunch — sushi, kimbap, bibimbap — but it was the spicy pork Korean bento box that intrigued and impressed me with its presentation. All the banchan, each in its own compartment, plus dipping sauces and three small cream puffs for dessert. It’s a fun, efficient meal for a place that’s filled with people who are constantly on the move.
Located at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver;
Noodles by Nina
I didn’t need to look beyond the chalkboard at the front of the hostess’ stand at Noodles by Nina to figure out what I wanted. Cold. Noodles. ($12 vegetarian, $6 extra for pork or chicken or shrimp.) It was the relentless, baking sun that lingers for a few more hours every summer that called for it. The dish was simple, but fresh and well-presented. The noodles (at Noodles by Nina, which opened late last year, they are either hand-pulled or sliced) were tossed with thinly sliced vegetables and sprinkled with nuts for added crunch. The cuts of pork belly varied, some soft, some a little chewier, but decadent nonetheless. It hit all the requirements for that bright, summer day, and we all know summer ain’t going nowhere anytime soon.
1400 E. 17th Ave., Denver;
The Brutal Poodle
There’s a record store that’s right next to The Brutal Poodle, a metal-themed bar and grill on South Broadway, that I check out every couple of months. Despite all my visits to the record store, though, I was completely unaware of what was going on next door. I owe The Brutal Poodle an apology. I wasn’t really familiar with their game. The brisket “sammy” on the menu is handled with extra care: piles of smoked brisket and coleslaw on a brioche bun, with French fries and barbecue sauce on the side. It goes without saying, but slather some sauce on the top bun for a true BBQ special.
1967 S. Broadway, Denver;
Stellar Jay
Eat a little salad, why don’t cha? The plum salad ($17) at Stellar Jay, the bar and grill on the rooftop of the high-fashion hotel that is the Populus Denver, has the kind of contrast that reminded me of those my mom used to make for holiday feasts. Sweet, tender plums collide with clumps of whipped feta, crumbled walnuts and crisp spinach. It’s a gentle starter that balances the grilled flat iron steak, pork chop, arctic char, roasted chicken and short rib listed as entrees.
240 14th St., Denver;
