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Q: What was the biggest dining surprise of 2015
Linnea Covington, freelance writer, Westword contributor
So much good pizza popping up.
Gigi Sukin, CoBiz and Eater Denver contributor
OneFold - everything was beautifully presented and tasted even better than it looked.
Jennifer Murphy, freelance writer, AFAR contributor
The emergence of so many 24 hour food hubs like Avanti, Union Station, and the Source becoming social gathering spots.
Brittany Werges, 303 Magazine food editor
Oh man, with so many openings it was surprising to also see some major closures this year. The departure of Lower48 really broke my heart. I had some of the best meals I've ever had in Denver there. it was hard to say goodbye. I really hope they come back and open another spot!
Andra Zeppelin, Eater Denver editor
The closure of Tom's Home Cookin'. I guess you think some places will never close. This was one of those for me.
Amanda Faison, 5280 Magazine food editor
The sale, and thus closure, of Tom's Home Cookin'.
Ruth Tobias, Thrillist contributing writer
A long-overdue improvement on the barbecue front. Why now? Who knows. The answer is definitely not the price of meat.Jessie Levine, Eater Denver contributor
Tom's Home Cookin' closes!? A major blow.
Lori Midson, Zagat Denver editor
From the surprise shutterings of Le Central and Tom's Home Cookin' to the closure of Fuel Café, we lost some very good restaurants.
Maya Silver, Dining Out Magazine writer
How many classic seemingly successful restaurants closed their doors. That and how frequently Guy Fieri seems to be coming to our state--he's amassing quite the Colorado portfolio.
William Porter, Denver Post restaurant critic
The departure of Brian Laird after his short stint opening Sarto's. Yes, I know the restaurant business is flighty and volatile, but I thought Laird, who made his name at Barolo Grill, had found a home at this creative Italian spot in Jefferson Park. The kitchen was putting out excellent food, and then poof, he was gone.
Adam Larkey, Eater Denver photographer
The closings of quite a few notable and successful restaurants.
Rebecca Treon, freelance writer, Denver Post contributor
Tom's Home Cookin' closing!
Grace Boyle, Eater Denver contributor
That Brussels sprouts and kale are still a novelty and on every menu.
Rachel Greiman, Eater Denver contributor
The closing of Tom's Home Cookin' ... there were plenty of iconic Denver restaurants that shuttered this year, but that one knocked the wind out of everybody's sails.