Denver Gains Two New Restaurants In Sloan’s Lake

Photos courtesy of Caren Austin

Hello my fellow foodies, and welcome back. This is a special adventure because Lon Symensma is one of my favorite chefs and restaurateurs in Denver. I love Cholon Denver and have said many times that it is one of, if not my favorite places to eat in Colorado. Lon and his business partner Christopher Davis-Massey have opened two new restaurants in Sloan’s Lake. Cholon, and the newest concept, Gusto. They sit right next to each other overlooking Sloan’s Lake, and I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek before opening day.

I am no stranger to Cholon. Lon Symensma has been serving up some of the most inventive Asian food since 2010 in his downtown Denver restaurant and I have been a fan for a long time. He incorporates things into dishes you would never think of.  Lon is a true master of cuisine. One thing you must try here is the soup dumplings filled with gruyere cheese and French onion soup. These are mind-blowing, life changing, and the best bite I have ever had at a restaurant. The dumplings have had many accolades, and there is a reason why; they are just that good. New on the menu is the Scallop Tartare and once again, Lon has mixed a flavor explosion in just one bite. Coconut, ginger, lime, and pineapple take this appetizer to another level. Shared larger plates are a good way to try lots of dishes there. The stir-fried noodles and the kimchi fried rice are two of my favorites as well.

After having a cocktail and a few tasters at Cholon, I headed over to Gusto. Gusto translates to “taste” in Italian, and Lon’s newest venture is a nod to his time spent in southern Italy during a study abroad program at The Culinary Institute of America. He has traveled to Italy in the past to understand how each region’s food is different and so special. This quaint, beautiful Italian restaurant has items on the menu that are traditional to regions in Italy, with Lon’s spin on them. We had a pizza called the “Amalfi Pie”, paying homage to the citrus grown in the Amalfi region of Italy. Topped with thinly sliced lemons, Calabrian Chili, pecorino and ricotta, this pie was sweet, spicy, salty, and tart all the same time. The crust was perfect and it all worked so nicely together. All pastas, pizza dough, breads, and sauces are made in house. Gluten-free bread and pasta are available as well. They even make their own sausage and mortadella! The Tiramisu for dessert was off the charts, and of course, homemade. I cannot wait to come back and try the Fried Carabonara-ncini. That’s right, it’s an arancini ball stuffed with carbonara pasta, because that’s how they do things at Gusto. The “Marry Me” Eggplant Parmigiana is another one I can’t wait to taste!

I would suggest making reservations at either restaurant to make sure you get a table.  If you want to go out and have a fantastic dinner, and can’t decide between Cholon or Gusto, just toss a coin. Whatever it lands on, you win! You simply cannot go wrong at either restaurant. They are both stunning and the food is exceptional. Spend a day at the lake walking, kayaking, or just taking the fresh air, and then head over these beautiful restaurants. Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well. 

Gusto & Cholon

1691 N. Raleigh St, Denver, Colorado 80204