DECEMBER 2014 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
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W
hile bigger cities like New York, Chicago
and Los Angeles have world-renowned
upscale restaurants and Portland, Ore-
gon, and Austin, Texas, are recognized for
their excellent casual dining, Denver has married
the best of both, becoming known for its balance
of high-caliber food in settings where neither suits
nor jeans feel out of place. Once known primarily
for its steaks and roadside stops, Denver now offers
diners a unique mix of sophisticated menus in chic
environments.
“High-quality food in comfortable spaces is how
Denver is putting itself on the food map,” said Kimber-
ly Timmons-Beutner of KTI, the interior design firm behind several
well-regarded Mile High City restaurants, including Tag, Bubu, Slotted
Spoon, and Guard and Grace. Guard and Grace was named best steak-
house in Denver by lifestyle magazine 5280 and more recently, as one
of the “seven sexiest restaurants in Denver” by Zagat.
“In the past,” continues Timmons-Beutner, “the only concept of fine
dining was a stuffy restaurant with starched white table cloths. Even
if the food was spectacular, it was not a comfortable experience for
everyone. Now the trend is “casual elegance.” Instead of white table
cloths, we are seeing exposed wood table tops and unique, presenta-
tion tableware. Designers are doing the same thing that chefs are: us-
ing premium ingredients to create something equally enjoyable and
more approachable.”
Design is a crucial part of what makes chic new Denver restaurants
so welcoming. Guard and Grace maintains a relaxed feel because of
the open atmosphere and scrupulous attention to detail. Everything
from the glassware to the light fixtures was carefully considered to
ensure that every type of patron would feel comfortable.
Front Range restaurants are also embracing the national farm-to-
table movement, which highlights knowing how food is made, with
a focus on local produce and meat. This trend alone has influenced
restaurant design in several ways.
The farm-to-table emphasis on local sourcing plays out in design
Chic Restaurants
Designed to
Make Everyone
Feel Welcome
Rebecca
Aronauer
Layer Cake
Creative
