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7 Colorado neighborhood holiday dinner ideas

Meals perfect for small groups and support local businesses
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Denver7
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DENVER — Holiday gatherings likely look different this year and that may mean smaller dinners with close family.

Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, we've compiled a list of local Colorado businesses who are serving up meals perfect for your smaller holiday gatherings.

Here's 7 Colorado neighborhood holiday dinner ideas:

1. The Chicken Shack

With locations in both Aurora and Parker, this small business is serving up fresh fried chicken from wings, to tenders, to sandwiches. You also get your pick of more than two dozen tasty sauces.

  • What they have to say: "We are a small family, veteran and locally-owned business. We serve all fresh, hand breaded chicken wings and chicken tenders, known for our Buffalo Chicken Fries!"
  • Holiday meal idea: Their Shack Pack includes 20 fingers or 25 wings with three large sides (fries, mac salad, potato salad or cole slaw) perfect for a family of 4-6. Their Cluck Covid includes 10 fingers or 12 wings, one large side and 2 desserts perfect for a family of 2-3.
  • How to order:

2. Ohana Grille

Get the best of both worlds with a white Christmas in Colorado while your taste buds are transported to the beach. Ohana Grille's cultural cuisine emulates the local street food of Hawaii.

  • What they have to say: "At Ohana Grille, Chef Rich Braunthal brings Hawaiian traditional foods with a fusion of Asian and Latin flavors to make some incredible dishes. With two locations in the metro area, Edgewater and Castle Rock, Ohana Grille brings the Aloha Spirit to you one bite at a time."
  • Holiday meal idea: Try their Family Meal where you can choose from Teri Chicken, Teri Beef, Chicken Katsu, Kalue Pork or Kalbi Ribs, or get a combination of the two meats, as well as two sides, with a choice of Mac Salad, Island Slaw, Coco Veggies, Fried Rice, Sticky White Rice or Ono Fries. Ohana Grille suggests adding Pupus, such as Spam Musubi, Edamame or Ahi Poke.
  • How to order:
    • https://ohanagrille.com/
    • Edgewater: (303) 232- 0787; 2045 Sheridan Blvd, Denver
    • Castle Rock: (720) 458-0920; 2240 Mercantile Ave 100, Castle Rock
    • Catering: info@ohanagrille.com or 720-467-5353

3. La Rola Urban Colombian Food

La Rola Urban Colombian Food started as a food truck in 2017 and later grew to a brick and mortar location in February 2020. Owned by a mother-daughter duo, they serve up authentic Colombian specialties.

  • What they have to say: "Our colorful and diverse cuisine is based on typical dishes from the capital city of Bogota, such as the Empanadas, the overloaded hot dog (Billionaire hot dog), the stuffed Arepas and many more! Since the pandemic arrived, we came up with ways to help our clients save money and help our business grow by creating family meal packs/affordable menu combinations."
  • Holiday meal idea: La Rola is offering family pack deals available for pick-up and free delivery: the El Baratico includes two entrees (Arroz con Pollo, Frijolada Bowl, Toston Monta'o, Billionaire hot dog, Arepa Rellana), 4 Empanadas (beef, chicken, pork, cheese or veggie) and two drinks for 2-3 people; the El Rebajado includes four entrees, four Empanadas and four drinks for 4-5 people; and the El Dorado includes four entrees, one Picada for two, eight Empanadas and 6 drinks.
  • How to order:

4. Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que

Chef Coy Webb hails from Texas and Rachael Webb is a Colorado native, which made for the perfect blend to serve up traditional BBQ with some Colorado flare. The Colorado staple has grown into a second location in Golden, taking a chance and opening during the pandemic in March 2020.

  • What they have to say: "Coy and Rachael Webb began serving their Colorado Craft BBQ at their original Denver location in 2015 and feature Colorado Lamb Shoulder and Bison Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, Housemade Sausage, in addition to the traditional BBQ fare. They make all of their sides, desserts, BBQ rubs and sauces from scratch and are open from 11 [a.m.] until they sell-out."
  • Holiday meal idea: Roaming Buffalo BBQ is offering Smoked Prime Rib and Turkey Breast in addition to their craft BBQ for pre-order for the holidays.
  • How to order:

5. Sushi Den

Sushi Den, Izakaya Den and Ototo Den’s have combined menus available daily for 'Patio Pick Up' to offer customers a premier sushi and Japanese restaurant experience from home.

  • What they have to say: "Toshi and Yasu Kizaki are consistently upping the sushi scene, sharing their favorite Japanese traditions and offering guests a culinary journey right at home. Celebrating Sushi Den’s 36th anniversary next week, the dynamic duo created a distinct and delicious 'The Holiday' bento box, 'Chef's Table at Home' and 'Cheerful Bottled Cocktails.'"
  • Holiday meal idea: The Holiday offers a Japanese tasting journey, which includes a triple bento box combining sushi, sashimi, seafood and izakaya-style items perfect for two people (requires 48-hour notice, available Dec. 23-30); the Cheerful Bottled Cocktails are top shelf, festive cocktails for two, including Lychee Margarita, the Blood Orange Horizon and Den Corner’s signature DenHattan.
  • How to order:

6. Cracovia Restaurant & Bar

The owners at Cracovia are the executive chefs, immigrating from Poland about 27 years ago. They opened Cracovia in 2008, and with more than 20 years of cooking experience, they're sharing classic Polish fare.

  • What they have to say: "Cracovia Polish-American Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned and operated restaurant that prides itself on being the most authentic Polish restaurant in Colorado. We use only the finest ingredients in our kitchen and ensure each dish has the warmth of a traditional home-cooked meal. Pierogi, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Kielbasa and more! Everything made from scratch, even our mustard is homemade!"
  • Holiday meal idea: In addition to their full dinner menu, they're also serving a special Polish-style Christmas Eve Platter, including Pierogi, Croquette filled with cabbage & mushroom, a cup of Red Borscht, seasoned Tilapia, sauerkraut and peas, mashed potatoes, macaroni with poppy seeds and raisins and a glass of homemade kompot (available Dec. 23-24). Their best-selling Forest Mushroom Soup is also a must-have (available Dec. 23-24, limited quantity). Cracovia is also offering a special Take-Home Menu freshly prepared and ready to take home and cook for your family.
  • How to order:

7. Carmine's on Penn

Just like a traditional meal in an Italian family's home, meals from Carmine's on Penn are meant to be shared and prepared with time, love and attention to flavor and detail.

  • What they have to say: "We believe in generous portions and generous flavors. Our food is made from scratch starting early in the morning, baking and simmering sauces for fresh and refined taste. We use no menus, we talk about dinner. All our food is made to share and our trained servers will assist to select dishes and portions right for you. This includes selecting wine from our 100% Italian wine list."
  • Holiday meal idea: Their daily menu is ideal for sharing with a family of four, but they're also offering a Family Meal Deal which includes salad, entree and dessert and a selected wine option. When you call to order, they'll assist you with portion options and what they're offering. FYI: Christmas Eve is traditionally a very large take out night for Carmine's, with scheduled take out beginning at 3:30 p.m.; all orders include six freshly baked garlic knots per entree.
  • How to order:

Denver7 is keeping a list of your favorite Colorado businesses that are continuing to serve customers during the coronavirus outbreak. Let Denver7 know of a business that is open during the pandemic.

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