Located at 1610 Little Rave St. in LoDo, Zengo is an eclectic mix of Asian and Latin cuisines served up by chef-owner Richard Sandoval, from New York City.
The open-kitchen restaurant, which debuted in 2004, seats about 200 people and is decorated with orchids and Asian and Peruvian accents.
With a menu including everything from Kobe beef prepared at the diner’s table to the Won Ton Tacos, (charred ahi tuna, sushi rice, pickled ginger and mango salsa), diners can mix and match items according to whatever suits their pallet. Although not marketed as a “family-style dining” experience, the portions are large enough to share and with a fairly pricy dinner menu, one can truly get more for the money that way. Appetizers range from $7 to $16, seafood dishes are about $26, and meat dishes range from $16 to $28. The average price for a plate from Zengo’s vegetarian menu is $9. Zengo also has a wheat-free menu for diners wishing for a healthier alternative. Recommended dishes include the Achiote barbecued salmon, the beef short ribs and the chicken tandoori. From the vegetarian menu, tempura asparagus tacos and the crispy tofu entrée are highly recommended. Besides a non traditional menu, Zengo also boasts a large cocktail menu that includes such favorites as their tropical Mojitos and a large variety of tequilas.
“I really enjoyed the mojitos. It was a perfect mix of rum and mint,” said one patron.
“I loved their Sangria, it’s so light and refreshing. I love the mix of red wine and fruit,” claimed another diner.
The restaurant’s sake and wine are sold by the bottle or by the glass. After-dinner drinks also include cognacs, sherry, ports and dessert wine.
Due to the interesting food and romantic atmosphere, Zengo recommends making reservations for patrons who wish to dine on weekends due to the popularity of the restaurant.
Zengo means “Give and Take” in Japanese and in the spirit of the name, Zengo offers rooms for private and semi-private parties for groups of 10 or more. Set menus “highlight the full range of flavors,” is stated on the restaurant’s Web site, and groups can choose either a four-course dinner or a cocktail party. Zengo also hosts a variety of events such as Restaurant Week, held Feb. 23-29, and the Cherry Blossom Festival March 29-April 13.
Zengo’s daily happy hour, tentatively called “Feng Shui Hour” has specially priced cocktails held Monday-Thursday from 5-7p.m. The restaurant is open from dinner Sunday-Thursday from 5:00-10:00PM and Friday-Saturday from 5 -11p.m. The bar and lounge are open Sunday-Thursday from 5:00-11:00PM and Friday-Saturday from 5 -12 p.m. To set up an event, contact event manager, Amanda Burk at 720-946-1433.
For more information or to set up a reservation, visit their website at www.modernmexican/zengodenver/index.htm or call 720-904-0965.
