An Unforgettable Culinary Journey: Reliving the Denver Food + Wine 2016 Festival

It’s truly hard to believe that I’m sitting here, reflecting on and writing this recap of the incredible Denver Food + Wine 2016 festival. The entire experience flew by in a delicious blur, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable flavors and cherished memories. For those who followed my culinary escapades on Instagram and Snapchat (@megbassett23), you witnessed the sheer volume of gastronomic delights and exquisite beverages I savored over two exhilarating days. This annual celebration of Denver’s vibrant food and drink scene consistently delivers, and 2016 was no exception.

There’s a reason this particular photo always makes the cut—it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the event: a meticulously crafted cocktail, the expansive blue skies above Denver, and the iconic city skyline stretching out before you. It’s a snapshot of pure bliss and a testament to the unparalleled atmosphere that the Denver Food + Wine Festival cultivates. I often wonder where I manage to fit it all, but let’s be honest, this is precisely the level of epicurean exploration I spend all year anticipating and, dare I say, training for!

Kicking Off with The Shakedown: A Cocktail Extravaganza

The festival officially commenced with “The Shakedown” cocktail competition on Friday night, an event tailor-made for anyone who appreciates the art of mixology. As a devoted cocktail enthusiast, this was absolutely my jam! The energy was palpable, with many of Denver’s most celebrated bars and restaurants showcasing their talents, diligently crafting innovative drinks and delectable bites throughout the evening. It was a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the creativity and skill that defines Denver’s burgeoning cocktail culture.

Each booth was a mini-showcase, bustling with bartenders shaking, stirring, and muddling, transforming premium spirits into liquid masterpieces. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the delightful hum of conversation as attendees mingled and discovered new favorite libations. From classic twists to avant-garde creations, The Shakedown truly highlighted the inventive spirit of Denver’s mixologists.

Unforgettable Bites and Sips from The Shakedown

The undeniable highlight of Friday night was a truly theatrical treat: the flaming doughnut from Habit Doughnut Dispensary. Imagine a perfectly crafted, soft doughnut, dramatically set alight with a splash of whiskey. It was served piping hot, the whiskey caramelizing beautifully as it burned, creating an intoxicating aroma. The moment it touched your tongue, it practically melted in your mouth, a symphony of warm, sweet, and smoky flavors. It doesn’t get much better than the audacious combination of doughnuts and whiskey, creating an experience that was both playful and incredibly delicious.

Apparently, I was on a serious dessert kick that evening, because my other top pick for the night was the exquisite Brown Butter Eclairs with Salted Caramel Bavarian Cream from Williams & Graham. These were pure decadence – a rich, nutty brown butter pastry filled with a silken, perfectly balanced salted caramel cream. I honestly wanted to hoard about twenty of them, but I figured sharing was probably the more polite route to take, even if my taste buds begged otherwise. The elegance and craftsmanship of this dessert were truly remarkable.

Of course, it wasn’t *all* about dessert. My savory side was more than satisfied after indulging in this massive, tender short rib dish. The meat was fall-off-the-bone succulent, rich with flavor, and perfectly complemented by its accompanying elements. It was a hearty and comforting contrast to the more delicate desserts.

And let’s not forget this delightful fried chicken bite, perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy within, served with a vibrant pimento cheese. The Southern-inspired flavors were a welcome addition to the night’s diverse offerings, showcasing the breadth of culinary talent present.

My favorite sip of the night, you ask? Without hesitation, “Irishman’s Delight.” As a true whiskey girl at heart, the rich, smooth notes of this particular cocktail resonated deeply with my palate. It was a wonderfully balanced drink that perfectly highlighted the whiskey’s character, proving that sometimes, simplicity and quality truly win out.

The Main Event: Denver Food + Wine Grand Tasting

After an exhilarating Friday, Saturday brought the pinnacle of the festival: the Denver Food + Wine Grand Tasting. Year after year, I gush about this event, and for good reason—it’s hands down one of my absolute favorite foodie experiences in Denver. Picture this: a magnificent gathering featuring a round-up of over 40 of Denver’s finest restaurants, alongside an astonishing array of over 700 wines and spirits from around the globe. It’s a sensory feast that truly doesn’t get much better than this.

The Grand Tasting is a unique opportunity to revisit beloved restaurants, stumble upon exciting new culinary gems, and explore a vast selection of wines and spirits that I might never encounter otherwise. It’s a journey of discovery, offering insights into emerging trends, classic techniques, and the incredible diversity of flavors available. This year, the highlights were simply too numerous to count, but I’m going to do my best to break down my absolute favorites, hoping to convey just a fraction of the magic that unfolded.

Grand Tasting Highlights: A Culinary Treasure Hunt

Receiving a genuine Riedel glass upon entry? That’s a touch of class right there, setting the tone for a sophisticated tasting experience. It’s these small details that elevate the entire event, showing a true appreciation for the craft of wine and spirit enjoyment.

The Noshery truly hit my sweet tooth with their unexpectedly delightful vanilla and ROOT BEER macarons. Seriously, root beer! This inventive flavor combination was a complete surprise and an absolute triumph. The subtle effervescence and distinct flavor of root beer, perfectly captured in a delicate macaron shell, made for an unforgettable treat. It was a unique twist on a classic, earning a definite *swoon* from me.

I confess, I hadn’t properly explored Elijah Craig or Evan Williams bourbons before this event, but that quickly changed. I discovered two new favorite bourbons: the Elijah Craig Small Batch and the Evan Williams Single Barrel. These are an absolute must-try for any bourbon lover out there. Their rich complexities, smooth finishes, and distinct characteristics immediately made them stand out amongst the vast spirit offerings.

La Patisserie Française had everyone melting with their exquisitely crafted caramel apple pie bites and refreshing key lime cheesecake bites. These miniature desserts were perfect morsels of classic comfort and vibrant tang, showcasing the mastery of French pastry techniques adapted to beloved American flavors. Each bite was a delicate balance of texture and taste.

Not to mention the stunning culinary artistry that River & Woods put out. Their dish was a visual masterpiece, featuring vibrant colors and intricate presentation that made it almost too beautiful to eat. The depth of color alone was enough to draw a crowd, promising a flavor profile as bold as its appearance.

Then, a truly transportive experience: being whisked away to the French Riviera courtesy of Grey Goose and St. Germain. Their expertly mixed cocktails and beautifully themed setup created a mini-escape, making you feel as if you’d stepped into a luxurious European vacation. It was pure elegance and refreshment – pinch me, I must be dreaming!

And yes, another essential stop at Habit Doughnut Dispensary was in order. Because, let’s face it, one can never have too many expertly crafted doughnuts. Their consistent quality and delicious offerings make them a perennial favorite at the festival.

My absolute favorite bite of the entire day was, hands down, the confit chicken thigh taco from Degree Restaurant. This culinary masterpiece featured tender, flavorful confit chicken thigh, perfectly balanced with a bright chimichurri, a smoky molcajete salsa, and the zesty kick of pickled fresno. Degree Restaurant wasn’t even on my radar before, but after this exquisite taco, they’ve definitely earned a permanent spot on my must-visit list. It was a harmonious blend of textures and bold, fresh flavors.

Aside from the bourbons, my favorite sip of the day was Patron’s vibrant mango margarita. Talk about a cocktail that’s both incredibly delicious and deceptively potent! Its tropical sweetness and zesty lime notes were perfectly refreshing, making it an ideal companion for a warm Denver afternoon. It was expertly crafted, delivering a smooth yet impactful experience.

And here’s a fun discovery: Moscow Mules in a can are a thing, and they surprisingly taste absolutely fantastic! It’s a testament to the innovation in the beverage industry, offering a convenient and surprisingly high-quality version of a classic cocktail, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

Plan Your Visit to Denver’s Premier Culinary Event!

The Denver Food + Wine Festival truly stands out as a premier culinary event, showcasing the very best of what the city’s dynamic food and beverage scene has to offer. From the innovative cocktails at The Shakedown to the expansive array of dishes and drinks at the Grand Tasting, it’s an experience that delights all the senses and provides a comprehensive look at Denver’s gastronomic prowess.

If you’re in the Denver area, or even if you’re looking for an excuse to visit this incredible city, make sure to mark your calendar for the week after Labor Day next year. This is when this insane week-long foodie extravaganza typically takes place, offering a variety of events for every taste and budget. And for those not currently residing in Denver, isn’t it about time you planned a trip out here? Consider this your official invitation to discover why Denver is fast becoming one of America’s most exciting culinary destinations. You won’t regret immersing yourself in the vibrant flavors and unforgettable experiences that await!