It was an overcast late afternoon when I skipped along 17th Ave and stopped in my tracks at Beast + Bottle. I arrived just before the restaurant opened its doors so stood under a tree while running through my itinerary for the evening. Visit Denver had me stopping by three spots that night, a “first dinner” at B + B followed by a “second dinner” at The Squeaky Bean and final sips at Green Russell Speakeasy. I was fully aware of how the next few gluttonous hours were going to pan out so once stepping into my first restaurant made a promise to myself to tread lightly.
Beast + Bottle is a rustic American restaurant serving craft dinner and brunch. B + B is run by siblings Paul C. Reilly who mans the burners, and Aileen Reilly, who oversees front of house. The “beast” refers to the restaurants appreciation for the whole animal, utilizing all parts to honour its integrity. In-house butchery ensures every beautiful, usable piece finds its way on the menu. The “bottle” refers to the teams love for great beverage represented through their excellent local brew offering, wines by the glass and creative cocktail list.
Located in Denver’s Uptown neighbourhood, the petite space feels like home featuring minimalist white walls and wee pink posies which sit smiling on each table. I hopped up on a barstool and spent the next hour nibbling through a series of fantastically fresh dishes. The cocktails here are exceptional (and another reminder that Denver’s drink scene is ever so lively). While reading through the menu I sipped on “Pretty Fly for a White Rye,” featuring high west white rye, apricot eau de vie, maraschino and lemon bordeaux cherry.
Over the course of the next 90 minutes I raced to photograph and sample dishes as they whisked themselves under my nose. Highlights from the kitchen included: watermelon “ravioli” stuffed with bbq pulled pork, porchetta di testa featuring fresh fava beans, radish, citronette, parsley and a divine yellow corn souffle adorned with black truffle, popcorn shoots, celery and creme fraiche.
The Feast:
Pretty Fly For a White Rye
high west white rye, apricot eau de vie, maraschino, lemon bordeaux cherry
Lime After Thyme
monopolowa vodka, thyme simple, lime
Great Divide Titan India Pale Ale, Denver CO
Lola Rossa
dried cherries, candied pepitas, chevre, white balsamic
Fried Green Tomatoes
duck liver mousse, mizuna, tomato relish
Watermelon “Ravioli”
bbq pulled pork, smoked salt, lavender
Porchetta di Testa
fava beans, radish, citronette, parsley
The Fig + Pig
guanciale, gorgonzola, baby arugula
Yellow Corn Souffle
black truffle, popcorn shoots, celery, creme fraiche
