Profile: Denver’s Central Bistro
Dotted with vintage pieces from Denver’s past, Central Bistro is a true community eatery. Its famous “HOT” sign frames the kitchen entrance – a relic from the once great Regency Hotel where both Elvis and the Pope spent a Denver night. The Central Street restaurant offers patrons unpretentious gourmet dishes and a long list of American whiskeys to enjoy alongside their unobstructed views of the city skyline.
Q: Why is serving American Whiskeys and Domestic Wines Important to Central Bistro?
A: When we opened Central Bistro, America was coming out of a recession. In addition to supporting Denver, we wanted to support the larger community of the USA. What is more American than whiskey!? Bourbon Whiskey was declared a distinctive product of the USA by congress in 1964. We love wines from all over the world, but decided to do our part in rebuilding our economy in America by serving domestic wines.
Q: Tell us the story about the HOT sign that frames the entrance to the kitchen.
A: My family has been part of the North Denver community for so many years and when my family had the opportunity to purchase the Regency Hotel in 2004, I knew I wanted to save the letters that were so symbolic of the once great Hotel. Elvis and the Pope had once stayed there. When my designers and I met, I was naming off all the vintage items I had collected and it was a no brainer to use them near the kitchen.
Q: How has your vintage collection been worked into the restaurant?
A: Through my family’s development business I have had the opportunity to collect random items and been able to meet some great antique collectors along the way. I continue to store items and wait for that next great idea on how to re use it for design purposes. The HOT sign from the Hotel, vintage mirrors from older hotels, early 1900’s fireplace for host stands and all the box car floor are all items I’ve held on to for years. I feel its a way to remind myself where we have come from and how much our City of Denver continues to change.
Q: Happy Hour Every Tuesday! Score! What are your top picks?
A: 40% off all bottles of wine. Need we say more? $5 moscow mules $6 Confit Wings $3 draft beers
Q: What do you most love about Colorado?
A: The weather and seasons. I love the mountains/snowboarding and golfing. I don’t know anywhere else that you can do both sports in the same day and just about every month of the year.
