Denver's Culinary Love Affair with Italy: A Tapestry of Flavors
Denver's culinary scene is currently abuzz with a vibrant love affair with Italian cuisine, marked by a diverse array of restaurants that showcase the versatility of Italian-inspired dishes. In the last three months alone, four distinct Italian-themed eateries have emerged, each offering a unique twist on traditional Italian fare.
The first to make its mark was Boombots Pasta Shop, nestled in the Sunnyside neighborhood. This establishment takes a bold approach, pushing the boundaries of pasta with creative dishes like smoked duck and green chile lumache, made with semolina pasta, and cavatelli stroganoff with porcini pasta. Founder Cliff Blauvelt, also the owner of Odie B's sandwich shop, emphasizes the fun and creativity in his menu, even experimenting with unusual ingredients like olive pasta for a dirty martini bucatini.
In contrast, Dear Emilia pays homage to the culinary traditions of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, infused with a touch of Colorado flair. Co-owner Heather Morrison and her team were inspired by the region's local ingredients, hospitality, and warmth during their visit. The menu features anolini, a coin-shaped pasta filled with beef cheek and topped with 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.
Another notable addition is Johnny Bechamel's, located near Washington Park. Chef Spencer White and business partner Alex Figura offer playful twists on classic Italian dishes, such as matzo meatballs made with ground pork and chicken, and lasagnette stuffed with mushrooms and leeks. The menu also includes 'doughnuts' as an appetizer, a nod to gnocco fritto, which is served with domestic prosciutto and pear mostarda.
Florence Supper Club, situated a few blocks away, takes a more traditional approach. Co-owner Miles Odell, originally from New Jersey, emphasizes the evolution of Italian food on the East Coast. The menu features straightforward classics like meatballs in red sauce made with Jersey tomatoes, lasagna Bolognese, chicken parmesan, and spicy rigatoni, paying homage to the dishes he grew up with.
These diverse restaurants showcase the richness of Italian cuisine, from creative pasta dishes to traditional classics, each contributing to Denver's thriving culinary landscape.
