Kawa Ni
5-Course Inventive Izakaya Tasting Event
Opened in late 2023 in a former fire station in the LoHi neighborhood, this non-traditional take on a Japanese izakaya has appeared on Eater’s 2024 List of “38 Essential Denver Restaurants” and its chef/owner, Bill Taibe, is a 4-time James Beard Award nominee. After 15 years in business in Connecticut, Chef Taibe went looking for a new community that would perfectly fit Kawa Ni. While visiting Denver in 2021, he realized he had found the ideal location for his latest venture. “Everything about the city excited us, from the people to the atmosphere and the beautiful landscape,” he says. “It all felt right.” At Kawa Ni, Chef Taibe is offering up a menu that features Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese influences, with a wide variety of dumplings, ramen, noodles, rice bowls, and sandoitchis (Japanese sandwiches, if you don’t know them). And it’s all served up in a traditional izakaya environment with cedar walls, a cedar bar, and traditional Japanese artifacts and paintings. “A gem, unique in its creativity,” said New York Times when they visited here. Naturally, we’re excited for our visit as well. Hope to see you there!
About the Host:
Bill Taibe
Chef/Owner
A Connecticut transport, Chef Bill Taibe opened his first restaurant, LeFarm, in 2009, beginning an east coast culinary empire that also includes The Whelk, the original Kawa Ni, Jesup Hall, and Don Memo. He recently moved to Denver, where he expanded his empire with a new version of Kawa Ni in 2023.
The Lineup
Courses #1 and #5 will be individually plated; courses #2 - #4 will be served family-style. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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Salt & Pepper Tofu
shikuwasa dashi, daikon oroshi
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Cara Cara & Mandarin Orange
chogochujang, kumquat, moliterno, toasted sesame, mint, basil
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Kare Niki Ribu
curry beef rib, okinawa sweet potato
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Crab Donabe
ikura, uni, kinome
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Melon Pan
black sesame ice cream, red miso caramel
Kawa Ni
1900 W 32nd Ave
Denver, CO Denver, CO 80211
Event FAQs
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event, the restaurant WILL be providing substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Pescatarian, Dairy, Mushrooms, Alliums, Shellfish, and Nuts. The restaurant WILL NOT be able to accommodate the following restrictions/allergies: Celiac & Fish. Please also note, the restaurant will not be able to make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know.
