James Beard Winner Uchi Lands in Denver

After 14 years of success and expansion in Texas, chef Tyson Cole and his partners are branching out of state to Denver with a new outpost of Uchi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant that will open at 2501 Lawrence Street.

"We are excited to open Uchi in such an energetic city with its vibrant culture and evolving food scene," says Uchi chef and Owner Tyson Cole. "We are always exploring new avenues to expand how we connect with food and the community. Uchi’s proximity to the greenhouse space above the restaurant and the community garden at S*Park presents an amazing opportunity," Cole added.

Set in Curtis Park, Uchi Denver is being designed by tres birds workshop and will incorporate elements like the greenhouse and community garden that Cole is talking about. Austin architect Michael Hsu, who led the design efforts for other restaurants in group’s portfolio, will remain a consultant in the process.

Chef Cole's plan for the Denver menu is to bring a mix of the best offerings of the original Uchi and its younger sibling Uchiko. Guests should expect hot and cool tastings, makimono, yakimono, tempura, plus sushi and sashimi. Most dishes such as machi cure – smoked yellowtail served with yucca chips and marcona almonds – and kinoko nabe – mushrooms, rice and egg yolk cooked together tableside in a ceramic bowl – are designed to be shared by the table.

Uchi was born in Austin, Texas in 2003. The restaurant quickly rose among the top fine dining restaurants in the city and brought the chef-owner accolades that include a coveted spot on Food and Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs of 2005 list and the honor of being named James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2011.

The Denver outpost, set to open early in 2018, will be the seventh restaurant from Hai Hospitality, a group that also includes Uchi Dallas, Uchi Houston, Uchiko, Top Knot; and Loro, which will open later this year in Austin.