Mile High’s Rising Kings of Gastronomy

By Will Coonradt

A hot new pop-up culinary group has emerged as a fresh attraction trending on the Denver nightlife scene. The group known as Culinary Beats teams up with art venues while developing multi-course tasting menus accompanied by melodic house music to create a harmonious dining experience for guests.

Sommelier Eric Carter, previously of Venice Restaurant, and Chef Tye Idleman, from the culinary ranks of Dio Mio, are behind the trending style of dining in Denver. With more than 24 years of restaurant experience between them, they saw it as the time and opportunity to break away from the chains of a brick-and-mortar restaurant to embrace pop-up tables and portable burners to shape a new dining experience.

Carter said the goal is to “touch on all your senses,” including visual, taste, sound and maybe more importantly, emotions.

“While your palate is being stimulated, we heighten your pleasure senses with live melodic deep house and progressive music,” according to the Culinary Beats website. Courses are paced with the music that rises in beats per minute throughout the dinner.

The dinners maintain a relaxed, mod ambiance. Carter attributes such a desirable atmosphere to the melodies and nature of the venues.

The next experience will be Jan. 17, at The Crown Collection, a high-end art collection that showcases ornate pieces of jewelry, paintings and sculptures. However, guests will enjoy the good fortune of dining among a private selection from curator Ryan Rehbock.

Inspiration for this special menu was drawn from the Crown Collection, Carter and Idleman said, as well as a chance pull of the King of Cups from a tarot deck. With these key influences, the two took to the drawing board to devise a three-course tasting menu worthy of royalty, with appearances of such delicacies as oysters, roses and lobster.

With deep roots in the club and electronic dance music scene, the pair have mustered lasting connections. They also have sights set on hosting private dinners at festivals, like Coachella, and hosting events for professional athletes.

Space is limited. Click here to order tickets.