Denver's Culinary Love Affair: A Pasta Extravaganza
Denver's food scene is currently abuzz with a love affair of epic proportions - a culinary journey through the heart of Italy. In the last three months, four distinct Italian-inspired restaurants have sprouted across the Mile High City, each with its own unique twist on the beloved pasta. This isn't just a trend; it's a celebration of diversity and creativity in the culinary world.
The first to make its mark was Boombots Pasta Shop, nestled in the Sunnyside neighborhood in November. This was followed by the Florence Supper Club and Johnny Bechamel's, both opening their doors in December, just west of Washington Park. The most recent addition to this Italian invasion is Dear Emilia, which debuted in the River North Art District on January 29th.
Each of these restaurants brings a unique flavor to the table, quite literally. Heather Morrison, co-owner of Dear Emilia and its sister spot, Restaurant Olivia, explains, "People crave pasta. There are a million different ways to do it well, and I think the Denver scene is a testament to that."
Boombots takes a bold approach, pushing the boundaries of pasta with dishes like smoked duck and green chile lumache made with semolina pasta, everything-seasoned cavatelli stroganoff with porcini pasta, and samosa agnolotti with curry-flavored pasta. Founder Cliff Blauvelt describes it as, "Looking at pasta through a different lens and making it fun and creative."
Dear Emilia, on the other hand, pays homage to Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, infused with Colorado's local flavors. Their menu features anolini, a coin-shaped pasta filled with beef cheek and tossed in a Parmigiano crema and balsamic essence, as well as classic lasagna verde layered with Bolognese sauce and bechamel, and cappellacci, a type of tortellini filled with butternut squash and dressed in a squash miso jus.
The inspiration for Dear Emilia's menu came from a trip to Emilia-Romagna a few years ago, where Morrison, co-owners Austin Carson, and Ty Leon were captivated by the local ingredients, hospitality, and warmth. "We were so taken by the ingredients, hospitality, and warmth of every place we went," Morrison recalls.
Johnny Bechamel's, located near Washington Park, offers a playful twist on classic Italian dishes. Chef Spencer White describes their style as, "Italian-American with our own little touches." Their menu includes matzo meatballs made with ground pork and chicken, and lasagnette stuffed with mushrooms and leeks.
Florence Supper Club, with its East Coast roots, favors tradition over reinterpretation. Chef and co-owner Miles Odell, originally from New Jersey, sees it as a tribute to the classic flavors of Italian cuisine that evolved on the East Coast. "These are the dishes I grew up with," he says.
As these restaurants continue to thrive, Denver's culinary landscape is enriched with a variety of Italian flavors, proving that there's more than one way to love pasta.
