Justin Brunson, chef/co-owner of the superb Masterpiece Delicatessen, has long been at the top of my list of chefs. I could sit on the spot’s patio every day with an order of the wild ahi tuna sandwich (pictured). Thankfully, I'll soon have another way to indulge in his cuisine: August marks the much-anticipated opening of Brunson’s second eatery, Wild Catch, a sustainable seafood restaurant.

“We want to create a comfortable but upscale, urban feeling to the space, using totally green practices,” Brunson says. After three years at his wildly successful delicatessen, Brunson (who has manned the burners of nearly every fine-dining establishment in Denver, including Adega, Zengo, Luca D'Italia, and Fruition Restaurant) is aching to get back into fine dining. He partnered with co-owners Daniel Kuhlman (Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro) and general manager/wine director Jonathon Greschler (of New York’s Blue Hill) to bring something new to the Uptown neighborhood.

Wild Catch will serve an ever changing, fully sustainable seafood menu (including fresh lake fish), as well as seasonal vegetarian entrées and meat dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms. Having some big names in the kitchen won’t hurt, either: The staff includes chef de cuisine Galen Kennemer (Fruition, Emma’s Restaurant, and Masterpiece), Josh Kauffman (Steuben's), and Lance Barto (Strings).

With its all-star lineup, Wild Catch is well on its way to being this summer's most exciting opening.

1033 E. 17th Ave.

Photo: Carol W. Maybach