The Denver dining scene is abuzz with new openings, and this week is no exception. Two Mexican restaurants are set to debut, bringing a burst of fresh flavors to the city. Ash & Agave, a new concept from the owner of Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood and Oliver’s Italian, promises an immersive culinary journey inspired by the sun-soaked flavors of the Mexican Riviera. The restaurant, located in the former California Pizza Kitchen in Cherry Creek, is designed to transport guests with its lighting, music, cocktails, and food. It's an exciting addition to the area, but it will be interesting to see how it competes with other upscale Mexican eateries in Cherry Creek, such as Richard Sandoval’s Toro and Johnny Curiel’s Alteño.
Over on Tennyson Street, Nicolas Medina is back with Cenizas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. This new spot offers daily specials, including $5 margaritas on Mondays and half-off tacos on Tuesdays. Medina previously ran Tres Chiles in the same space before closing it in 2023 and renting it out to Santo Remidio. Now, he's back with a new concept that's sure to be a hit with locals.
These new openings are a welcome addition to the Denver dining scene, offering a variety of fresh flavors and concepts. However, it's also important to note the closures that have occurred this week. Noodle Express, a Szechuan favorite on Colorado Boulevard, will close by the end of May due to plans for redevelopment of the Belcaro Shopping Center. Additionally, The Family Jones is closing its Spirit House tasting room on May 1 to focus on distillery operations.
Despite these closures, the openings are a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of Denver's dining scene. The city is always buzzing with new concepts and flavors, and it's exciting to see what the future holds. As a food and drink editor, I can't wait to see what new restaurants and bars will pop up in the coming weeks and months. So, stay tuned, Denver foodies, because there's always something exciting on the horizon.
