In its third year, the restaurant week adds more Front Range events

By Rebecca Toy

While the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community represents less than 5 percent of Denver’s population, their cultural contributions to Colorado far surpass their numbers. This restaurant week fosters recognition and connection in the most appetizing way.

The Third Annual Mile High Asian Food Week (MHAFW) – April 27 to May 3 – celebrates the culinary prowess of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI)-owned businesses across the Front Range. From Loveland to Colorado Springs, more than 80 restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups are offering special discounts, secret menu items and specialty menus.

Diners enjoy a meal at Baon Supper Club. Photo provided

Nationally acclaimed favorites like MAKfam, Hop Alley, and Yuan Wonton anchor the vendor list, but MHAFW also highlights neighborhood favorites and pop-ups. For unique, not-to-be-missed events, come ready to chow down at one of these fun collabs.

As a sneak peek for the week, the first event fires up on Friday, April 25, at Social Fabric Hub, the Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network’s (CACEN) recently opened center in Englewood. Eight vendors are serving a range of options from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to satisfy any cravings, including sweet treats (Sweet Rice Flour and Colorado Cocoa Pod), coffee and tea bars (Carbon Coffee and The Sen Cafe), momos (Rocky Mountain Momo), hearty subs (Sesame Sandwiches), fresh bowls (Everbowl), and savory vegan options (Kids Table.)

It’s a fitting start, as this is the event’s first year under CACEN’s programming umbrella. MHAFW originated as a grassroots idea among AANHPI women seeking to inspire and elevate the community. Entirely volunteer-run, this year’s new association with CACEN allows for future growth of both the event and funding from the event for other youth and cultural programs.

“Beyond just talking about food, this looks at how we can really support the businesses and people behind them,” says Annie Guo VanDan, the event’s director of finance and CACEN’s executive director. For restauranteurs, the week supports livelihood, connection and identity. “This is not only what they have to offer for food week but this is also who they are.”

The community-building spirit finds its party stride on April 28 with a “Friends on Federal” pop-up at Adobo from 5 to 9 p.m. The event includes 10 businesses: Panda Bao, Wong-Way Veg, Die Die Must Try, Kids Table, Pho King Rapidos, Switch Gears Farm, Colorado Cocoa Pod, Adobo, Tum Yumz, and Rocky Mountain Momo.

A selection of eats from the acclaimed MAKFam. Photo provided

Melissa Mooney, owner of Kids Table, says attendees can expect a collaboration of AANHPI owners who passionately perfect what they will be offering. “Also, like any good Filipino party, we'll have karaoke going, cocktails, pop-up food specials, and more.”

For owners like Mooney, these events are not only about bringing delicious eats, but also supporting small business owners challenged by stigmas and rising international raw costs. “We kick off the great mission of MHAFW with good intentions and people who are just really damn good at what they do,” Mooney says.

Whether you make reservations at a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, snag a chef’s table seat with a mystery menu, or belly up to a food truck, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A dragon winds through Chi Lin Asian Eatery. Photo provided

Other MHAFW Pop-Up and Special Events:

Sunday, April 27
● Little Ogre Takeover at Block Distilling Co. (1-8 p.m.)

Wednesday, April 30
● Wong Way Veg x Taeko-san Takeout at Art Gym (7 p.m.)
● Mystery Menu Night at The Passenger (6 p.m.)

Thursday, May 1
● Umma’s Food: My Mother’s Korean Recipes at Noisette (6 or 8 p.m. seatings)
● Chaatwala Tangra Takeover at MAKfam (5-9 p.m.)

Friday, May 2
● Boba Party at Die Die Must Try (6-10 p.m.)

Saturday, May 3
● Baon Supper Club at the Kamayan Hideaway (5:30 or 8 p.m. seatings)