Viand Modern American Joins Downtown's Dining Fray

Viand Modern American opened earlier this month in downtown Denver on 15th and Arapahoe in a space formerly occupied by Le Fondue. Just a block away from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Viand boasts a menu created by executive chef Victor Mena in collaboration with chef Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class and Loca Catering. Highlights include the autumn Brussels sprouts salad with frisee, bacon lardons, mustard-parsley vinaigrette, and a fried egg and the whiskey pork belly with apple-fennel chutney and arugula-almond salad.

The restaurant, whose name, Viand, translates to "tasty bite" or "tasty morsel" is open daily for dinner. Sister restaurant, Reunion Gastro Pub + Wine Bar, which offers a modern take on traditional favorites, is located next door at 1480 Arapahoe Street. The casual spot has more than 20 beers on tap - mostly from Colorado breweries - craft cocktails and wine, a large bar with TVs, two dining areas and an outdoor patio.