An aerial view of Top Taco 2015
There is so much happening in June that we split the month in two.
[Must-Do June Events Thru June 16]
But before you read about the ultimate rooftop patio party, 2,000-pound pig fest, and other events you need to check out this month, we want to share our excitement for our very own shindig, the third annual, bigger than ever Top Taco fest on June 23! Here are the details for that and all the other happenings this month:
Top Taco
When: Thursday, June 23, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: CU Denver Fields at Auraria Campus
What: Top Taco–the festival that marries the fun of tacos and tequila with the elegance of a food and wine festival–is back for its third year. This culinary throwdown brings together more than 40 restaurants that compete head to head for the Top Taco title in the Creative Taco, Traditional Taco, Vegetarian Taco, and Signature Tequila Cocktail categories. Guests will enjoy samples of all the tacos and margaritas, along with over 100 unique tequila samples, beer, wine, and live salsa/samba music. Tickets are $75 General Admission, $95 for early entry at 5:30pm, and $131.50 for 5:30pm entry, a VIP-only private lounge area, and a special taco section with 11 all-star local chefs. Top Taco benefits the Colorado Restaurant Associations’ Education Foundation; Pro Start Colorado.
Colorado Barbecue Challenge
When: Thursday, June 16-Saturday, June 18
Where: Frisco
What: The town of Frisco will hold its 23rd annual Colorado Barbecue Challenge with more than 70 national barbecue chefs competing for several awards including pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, barbecue sauce, side dish, salsa, and dessert. Each team competes for the coveted Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion titles. In addition to sampling some of the best barbecue from around the country, weekend festivities will include live music, pig races, and a whiskey and barbecue pairing tour. The Colorado Barbecue Challenge also creates an outlet for other local nonprofits to raise funds for their organization. Over the past 20 years, the Town of Frisco has partnered with six nonprofits during the event and has raised more than $800,000 for the organizations.
Grand Cochon
When: Saturday, June 18, 7pm
Where: Viceroy Snowmass {130 Wood Road, Snowmass}
What: The epic finale of the yearlong 10-city touring culinary competition brings together the 10 winning chefs of the regional competitions, including Chef Troy Guard, Denver’s Prince of Porc winner, in a nose-to-tail culinary showdown. The winner of this final round will be named the 2016 King of Porc and win a four-day wine trip to Rioja, Spain, the countries most prominent wine region. In addition to over 2,000 pounds of piggy culinary creations, guests will enjoy periodic “pop-up” experiences, cocktails, desserts, wines, cheese, and cocktails. VIP tickets are $200 with entry at 7pm and General Admission tickets are $125 with admission at 7:45pm.
Chef/Owner Paul Reilly of beast + bottle
Musical Chairs Dinner: A Tribe Called Betts
When: Monday, June 20, 5:30pm
Where: Beast + Bottle {719 East 17th Avenue, Denver; 303.623.3223}
What: The next Beast + Bottle “Musical Chairs” series, inspired by the music of A Tribe Called Quest, teams up with Master Sommelier Richard Betts for a five-course menu that will journey from Mexico to Australia with select pairings for each course. Reservations are $110 per person and include a signed copy of Betts’ book, The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert. For reservations, call the restaurant at 303.623.3223.
Stag’s Leap Cellars Wine Dinner
When: Tuesday, June 21, 7pm
Where: Elway’s Downtown {1881 Curtis Street, Denver; 303.312.3107}
What: Elway’s Executive Chef Marco Ugarte has created a luxurious four-course menu designed to pair with five award-winning wines of Stag’s Leap Winery. The wines include the “Karia” Chardonnay, “Fay” Cabernet Sauvignon, and “SLV”Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations are $150 per person and can be made by calling the restaurant at 303.312.3107.
Summer Rooftop Party
When: Tuesday, June 28 and Wednesday, June 29, 5-10pm
Where: Sushi Den Parking Garage Rooftop {1487 South Pearl Street, Denver}
What: Simply because it was “the right thing to do,” Yasu and Toshi Kizaki, the founders/owners of Izakaya Den, Sushi Den, and OTOTO have built a parking garage for restaurant guests, employees, and select local businesses that will reduce traffic congestion and street parking in front of neighborhood residents’ homes. They will host a rooftop party that brings in special guest chefs from Japan and features ramen, sushi, barbecue, sake, and beer. One hundred percent of the $55 ticket price will be donated to earthquake relief agencies in the Kizakis’ hometown of Kumamoto, Japan, assisting the victims affected by the April 2016 earthquakes.
By Elizabeth Woessner | Online Editor
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