Bistro Georgette

The geniuses at LoHi’s Avanti Food & Beverage have delivered another gem: Bistro Georgette, the three-month-old Parisian street-food stall from longtime Mizuna pros Ty Leon, Austin Carson, and Heather Morrison. Carson’s grandmother, Georgia, a consummate host, inspired the name, while chef Leon dreamed up the pastry-centric menu. His sweet and savory hand pies, delicate éclairs, and seasonal tarte Tatins are paragons, as is the hearty croque madame sandwich, which comes dripping with Gruyère-spiked Mornay sauce and crowned with an egg cooked to your liking. Lighter fare includes the Lyonnaise salad: a fresh plate of mixed greens dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette, offset by a runny-yolk poached egg and meaty bacon bits. Morrison and Carson bring years of hospitality experience to the concept, exuding warmth and care from behind the kiosk counter. It’s a win-win-win.

Sunflower Asian Cafe

Littleton’s casual, comfortable two-year-old Sunflower Asian Cafe has something for everyone. If you’re ready to go beyond sesame chicken, there are specialties from the owners’ home province of Yangzhou—the region’s beloved Nanjing salted duck (brined bird, served cold) is particularly outstanding. The traditional Chinese menu, handily translated into English, contains those treats as well as scores of Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. First-timers, don’t miss the “Chinese greens” stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine—aka the most delicious way of eating our vegetables we can imagine. Other greatest hits include the beef slices with tingly Sichuan peppercorn sauce and the Yangzhou Combo fried rice festooned with bits of shrimp and Chinese sausage. Of course, the Chinese-American menu does offer sesame chicken—a wonderfully crispy rendition—if that’s more your style.

5280 November 2018
More From The Issue

Pony Up

Photograph by Sarah Boyum

If we had our way, you’d find us at Pony Up every day (or night) of the week. And that’s a real possibility, as the charming yet casual three-month-old LoDo watering hole, located in the former 9th Door space, is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. All six of chef-owner Sheamus Feeley’s French dip sandwiches will incite cravings; we love the banh mi version (pictured) with garlic pork and spicy mayo, served with pho broth for dipping. If you’re simply peckish, roasted Padrón peppers with yuzu salt and crispy chicken kara age are addictive snack options. Pony Up’s cocktails are also delightful; try the Stay Golden (Spring 44 gin, pistachio-cardamom orgeat, pineapple juice) while playing a round of shuffleboard. Just don’t blame us if you don’t make it home for dinner.

This article was originally published in 5280 November 2018.
Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin is a writer living in Westminster, and has been covering food and sustainability in the Centennial State for more than five years.
Denise Mickelsen
Denise Mickelsen
Denise Mickelsen is 5280’s former food editor. She oversaw all of 5280’s food-related coverage from October 2016 to March 2021.