Even with more than 30 Latin-inspired restaurants in his global empire, executive chef Richard Sandoval isn’t slowing down. In fact, on August 16, the celebrity chef (winner of many awards including the coveted National Toque d’Oro, or Mexican Chef of the Year) is set to swing open the doors of Al Lado, a Latin wine and tapas bar, adjacent to his restaurant, Zengo, in Riverfront Park. (Sandoval also owns Tamayo, along with Cima in Beaver Creek and Venga Venga in Snowmass.)

The opening of Al Lado (which is Spanish for “next door”) coincides with the 15th anniversary of Sandoval’s successful restaurant group, and it is his first concept based on a classic European wine bar.

The menu includes innovative tapas, cocas (flatbreads), and caseullas (small plates named for the traditional Spanish clay cookware). Look for dishes such as boquerones con huevo with Spanish anchovies, grilled bread, quail egg, pequillo peppers, capers, and gigante beans; short rib-stuffed piquillo peppers; and flatbread topped with Serrano ham, figs, arugula, and Manchego cheese.

A Latin-focused wine list (including a strong collection of affordable magnums) mingles with fruit-driven sangrías and cocktails such as the Basque Kiss with Svedka Citron, Cedilla (a Brazilian acai liquor) passion fruit juice, and a splash of sour.

Tip: Join Al Lado's members-only wine club and enjoy tastings, discounts, and bottles delivered to your personal wine cubby.

1610 Little Raven St., 303-572-3000