Additions to program bring new meaning to annual culinary showcase. In its 17th year as the largest culinary event in Colorado, Denver Restaurant Week will still offer a vast selection of multi-course dinners from restaurants across the city. But this year, there are more reasons to take advantage of the annual foodie showcase than ever before. Whether you are a restaurant owner or a diner, here are five things that should inspire you to take part in Denver Restaurant Week 2021.
- Free registration - Access for restaurants to participate has never been easier as VISIT DENVER has waived the customary fee to enter the annual culinary event. Restaurants are encouraged to register at DenverRestaurantWeek.com before March 26 to take full advantage of promotional opportunities. VISIT DENVER will fund the operations and promotions, along with the generous contributions of sponsors E&J Gallo Winery, Society Insurance, Open Table, and Colorado Restaurant Association-Mile High Chapter.
- Added pandemic safety measures - The new statewide 5 Star Certification program, which was developed to reward businesses for exceeding pandemic safety standards, also adds piece-of-mind for COVID-conscious diners. Currently, Denver County remains in “Level Yellow” on the Colorado COVID Dial, allowing Denver 5 Star Certified Businesses to operate in “Level Blue.” When Denver achieves Level Blue metrics, certified 5 Star businesses will be allowed to expand capacity by an additional 50 people beyond Level Blue guidelines.
- New opportunities to give back – VISIT DENVER has partnered with two worthy causes this year:
- Project Angel Heart, a local non-profit organization celebrating 30 years, and its Dining Out for Life event, which will give Denver Restaurant Week diners the opportunity to contribute toward medically tailored meals for Coloradans with life-threatening illnesses.
- Barefoot Wine will donate up to $10,000 to Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), based upon number of registrants for Denver Restaurant Week 2021, as well as match donations made by Coloradans to CORE during Denver Restaurant Week. CORE is a charitable organization devoted to supporting restaurant employees and their families faced with a health crisis, injury, death, or natural disaster.
- Plentiful to-go and delivery options - In response to the pandemic, many participating restaurants have broadened their to-go and delivery menus or created new ones.
- Patio–friendly – The first spring Denver Restaurant Week will allow our struggling restaurant industry to take advantage of extra seating capacity while allowing diners to enjoy Denver’s prime patio season.
VISIT DENVER’s Denver Restaurant Week was originally created to inspire locals to explore Denver’s culinary offerings during slower winter months. This spring, the event will be held April 23 – May 2 featuring specially priced menus from many of the finest restaurants across the metro area. Participating restaurants will create a multi-course dinner based on one of the three available price points – $25, $35 or $45. The program will focus on advocacy for the industry, while keeping the health and safety of the community top of mind.
VISIT DENVER’s Denver Restaurant Week is sponsored by Society Insurance, Open Table, Colorado Restaurant Association-Mile High Chapter, and E&J Gallo Winery featuring Barefoot Cellars, Fleur de Mer, J Vineyards, Louis M. Martini, Whitehaven, and William Hill Estate. Additional sponsors include Westword, 5280 Magazine, CBS4, and Downtown Denver Partnership.