Taste of Arvada is always a highly anticipated affair around town, and this year’s iteration did not disappoint.
Hundreds of community members came out to the Apex Center on July 11 to sample the best bites and sips from 50 restaurants — and 76 total vendors — at this year’s event. The Weber Brothers Band returned for the third straight year to soundtrack the festivities, which took place in Apex’s parking lot and across two gymnasiums.
The event was put on by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President and CEO Kami Welch said the event is great because it acquaints folks from around town with local businesses and eateries.
“What I love about Taste of Arvada is that it brings our business community and our residents together to celebrate all the amazing things that we have here in Arvada,” Welch said. “It’s really exciting to see some of these new restaurants coming out, and for people to know that they exist so we can all support them.”
While the winners of the contest portion of Taste — which is voted on by attendees — won’t be available until after press time, here is a quick roundup of some highlights from this year’s event:
- Olde Town fine dining favorite Stone Cellar Bistro offered samples of their tuna tartare on a sesame crisp that was not to be missed.
- New-to-Arvada restaurant Spice Room went all out for the affair, offering folks a large plate with a plethora of samples from their menu including chicken tikka masala, samosas and saag. The eats did not disappoint!
- AJ’s Deli and Jack’s Bar and Grill — both Five Parks mainstays — passed out utterly scrumptious cherry pie cups, with the vessel itself serving as the crust. Make sure to catch Jack’s rotating pie menu this summer.
- Acclaimed local Chef Oscar Padilla did double duty with his Freedom Street Social establishment Gaucho Parilla and previewed his new concept Agave Blue, which should open in the coming months. Gaucho’s nachos and Agave’s tuna ceviche were both highlights of the night.
- Another Five Parks eatery stood out, as Lot Que served hash browns topped with brisket, which made for a fabulous bite.
- Finally, Footers Catering offered a rare glimpse into the magic that happens inside its kitchen, which is typically reserved for event cuisine. Its katsu corn dogs and key lime pie samples were the talk of the town.
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