Rioja
5-Course Inventive Mediterranean Tasting Event
On today’s tumultuous restaurant scene, Rioja, the Mediterranean eatery on historic Larimer Square, is “The Survivor.” And why? Because Chef/Owner Jennifer Jasinksi is so talented that she was the first chef from Denver to win a James Beard Award for “Best Chef: SW.” She was also named to Thrillist’s List of “17 Best Female Chefs in the US,” and Rioja has been on Condé Nast Traveler’s “33 Best Restaurants in Denver” and Eater’s “38 Essential Restaurants” Lists. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Jasinski got her start at New York City’s fabled Rainbow Room, where she met a diner named Wolfgang Puck who became her mentor. She worked at various Spago restaurants before opening Rioja—and then opened such other Denver mainstays as Bistro Vendome and Stoic & Genuine. At Rioja, she keeps things fresh with starters like fresh bacon with cardamom and curried garbanzo bean puree, mains like braised short rib and Thai chili pork, and luscious desserts like lavender pistachio Napoleon and warm fig beignets. “One of the best restaurants we have,” raves Infatuation, so naturally we are pumped to visit here!
About the Host:
Jennifer Jasinski
Chef/Owner
Hailing from California, Chef Jennifer Jasinski graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. After graduation, she honed her craft at such celebrated spots as NYC's Rainbow Room (under renowned restaurateur Joe Baum and Chef André Rene), LA's Spago (under Wolfgang Puck), and Paris' 2-Michelin-Starred Ledoyan before settling in Denver, CO.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually-plated. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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Cardamom Spiced Pork Belly
curried garbanzo bean purée
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Rioja House Salad
arugula, medjool dates, mountain gorgonzola, almond vinaigrette
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Wild Mushroom Risotto
fontina, roasted squash, red wine nage, herb salad
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Braised Short Rib
mokum carrot purée, potato pavé, crispy buckwheat groat
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Butterscotch Budino
vanilla, poached pear, croquante
Rioja
1431 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80202
Event FAQs
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- 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 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].
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not 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.
