Keeping up with Denver’s bustling restaurant scene is almost as challenging as finding a cheap apartment in the Mile High City; you can try, but you probably won’t succeed, which is why The Denver Ear is here for you. We scour the best restaurants, the new hot spots, and the best deals, all so you don’t have to.
This time, it’s ZENGO in Denver’s riverfront park from world famous chef, Richard Sandoval. He just launched a new menu, with over 20 dishes inspired by his recent travels to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Thailand, and it’s more than just worth your attention. It needs to be on the top of your list for future date nights.
Richard Sandoval (center), Katelyn Shields (right) & Mor Zucker (left).
If you’re not already familiar with it, ZENGO is a chic, Latin-Asian restaurant that is modernly decorated, complete with orchids and an open kitchen. When I arrived on a Wednesday night, it was dark and dimly lit, which I liked. The ambiance paired perfectly with my long workday and a Mongolian Mule, which is their version of a Moscow Mule, only better. It’s made with vodka, lime, pineapple, rosemary, and ginger beer.
The new appetizers were my favorite and shouldn’t be overlooked on your night out. The ‘Angry ZENGO Roll’ is made with spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber, with a delicate dollop of chipotle aioli on top. The combination added just the right amount of spice to the roll.
I then tried the vegetarian roll, which is not something I would normally gravitate toward, since I love seafood (and generally prefer sushi with as much raw fish as possible!). I was extremely surprised, though, by how much I liked it! It’s made with asparagus tempura, soy paper, and sambal aioli, and it’s a perfect option for anyone unaccustomed to the flavors of the sea.
Throughout this tasting experience, and in between sips of my Mongolian Mule, I sampled Thai Seafood Ceviche, Japanese Chicken Meatballs, and a variety of Grilled Sata—all new appetizers available now. They were all delicious, but the Japanese Chicken Meatballs were one of my favorites. They were topped with a teriyaki glaze and sesame seeds. I really enjoyed the change of pace with chicken, rather than the more traditional meatballs made with beef. But keep in mind, these are definitely filling, so you’ll want to make sure you save room for the main act: dinner!
You can view the details of the full menu here. But we know you eat with your eyes first, so below we’ve included a variety of photos of ZENGO’s new menu, including photos from chef Richard Sandoval travels to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Thailand.
Planning on visiting ZENGO in the next few weeks? Be sure to tag @TheDenverEar with a photo on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for a chance to win a gift card to our next restaurant feature!