Next week, the highly anticipated Departure will launch its Denver outpost at 249 Columbine at the Halcyon Hotel. A stunner designed by Skylab Architecture, the restaurant is the 2.0 version of the Portland staple located in the Nines Hotel. Culinary directory and executive chef Gregory Gourdet is helming the kitchen teams in both cities, bringing to diners modern and bold flavors, in a menu influenced by a variety of Asian cuisines.
The large contemporary space is dotted with air travel influences, from the imposing airport-terminal-like bar, a focal point of the interior, to aerial maps that serve as art, and a cool shoji room covered in an installation featuring the contents of xray-ed suitcases. The layout of the space, which includes two patios, a lounge, two dining areas, booths around the gorgeous bar, a sushi counter and binchotan counter, and more allows for a variety of ways to experience the new attraction.
The large menu, which spans over lunch, brunch, and dinner, is guided by indulgent global flavors. There is sushi and sashimi, dim sum favorites, kushiyaki skewers and wok fired specialties, plus a superb sake list that will please the geekiest Japanese rice beverage enthusiast. Beverage director Brandon Wise created a thoughtful cocktails list that stimulates the eye with bright and diverse colors and the palate with unique flavors. A serious mocktail list is also offered.
Here's what you will find on the menus, from which you must not miss the Departure wings, the tuna poke, and bibimbap.
When it opens on Tuesday, August 9, Departure will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week and dim sum brunch on the weekends.
Shortly after the restaurant opens, its little sister, Departure Elevated, will also launch. With some of the best views of the city and the mountains, this rooftop bar that features a pool and hot tub will offer dim-sum cart service and drinks.
Can't get enough? Chef Gourdet gave Eater a sneak peek tour of the space in a Facebook Live video that you can find here.