Usually, at the back end of your local mall, you always find a food court. I wouldn’t say this is an exceptional dining experience, it’s more so that you’ve been in the confines of a huge building and by the time you realize it, you’ve definitely skipped a meal. But, as our gentrified city continues to show us, the congregation of food stands all in one area can be a fun and exciting time, if done right. Since Denver already has Denver Central Market and Denver Milk Market, it’s interesting to see if this young buck could hold its own with these well-established veterans. I don’t think there is a moment where the Moo Bar at the Denver Milk Market isn’t swarmed by people eating anything from Jewish-style deli sandwiches, multi-colored pasta or bao buns. Entering the Denver Central Market can be challenging on a warm day when the line for Highpoint Creamery extends out the door, with people dying for a bite of their latest collaboration with another vendor, Izzio’s Bakery, it’s a croissant-style French pastry ice cream sandwiches. But, Broadway Market was able to show its creative, innovative dishes that satisfy any foodies taste buds, even with the competition continuing to grow.
The sleek white interior heightens its newness appeal, from the second you step in it, it feels a bit untouched because of its pristine polish. It seems they left it to the food to be the dashes of color that amplify the room, even though the huge windows allow for the sun to radiate in. Each stall is planted like a food court but with each livening up their venue, it seems as if it was their own brick and mortar. The fare ranges from snacks to meals, which allows eating at the Broadway Market to be an anytime activity. Tables with chairs for a proper feast contrast the comfortable lounging area that has a TV, ensuring you’ll stay a while. Anyway, the food is what draws you in and here’s why.
The market wanted to hit every avenue with the food cultures they present. They acknowledge the early risers craving sugar or the classic cop at Glazed and Confused, one of the first stands to catch your eye as you walk in. They have the classic cake donut as their base and then go wild with toppings. They have cereal donuts infused with CBD instead of milk. The Elvis donut gets filled with a fluffernutter (peanut butter and marshmallow) cream and topped with bruleéd bananas and bacon bits to enhance the salty sweet combo. The combination of Nutella and cinnamon makes perfect sense and yet they are the first to truly experiment with it. The crumble is just right and the yeast gives it the rise it deserves. It can either be a great beginning to the day or a sweet finish.
The ideal lunch break resides here with a ton of meal options. A bed of ice houses fresh fish that, when sliced just right, will pair with the sticky, vinegar rice to make that ideal bite at Misaki. They also shuck oysters fresh to ensure you feel seaside. The plating is elaborate, but every garnish has a purpose. The variety of fish color the plate beautifully, while the nori is always crunchy which is trademark of a good sushi spot. While I recommend making a sushi date to Sushi Den, this is the best option if you’re looking for something quick.
Then, strolling around the corner will drop you at an Indian Bazaar with a depth of flavor that comes from more spices than I can count on my hands. Biju’s Little Curry Shop is a build your own concept which can make every experience unique as the rubs on the proteins change and their sauces alter due to what’s in abundance. The coconut curry arrives in its iconic golden color which is a clear indication of the medal it deserves. The turmeric and curry powder play off each other to create that recognizable savory note while the coconut brings in the cool sweetness to provide a creamy balance. Although the protein is all about personal preference, a requirement for this dish is their chapati flatbread. It’s the hybrid between roti and naan bread. The resemblance to a tortilla makes it the perfect vessel for creating an Indian style burrito. This may be Chipotle’s newest competition and it doesn’t even serve Mexican food. The chapati soaks up the juices from the tender chicken breast and the flavorful sauce that gets spooned on right before. The green arugula adds a peppery finish and fresh note that any good dish needs. a bit of crunch surprises you when you munch on the toasted coconut shavings. The mango chutney is also a delicious addition. It is a fun homage to the food from south India.
There is not a lack of options here at the Broadway market which makes it a great candidate to continue to explore. The chocolate truffles look like paintings and the roman-style pizza needs to be cut with scissors, because the dough resembles focaccia more than iconic New York-style pizza. Or escape your wheelhouse with Turkish delights – their spiced fries beats out any salt bomb you’re used to. While the flavors and execution of food far surpass that of a mall, the buzz of people and lively atmosphere will make you feel like you’re waiting in line for steaming cinnamon buns or the typical lo mein and orange chicken dinner.
An earlier headline incorrectly identified the restaurant as Denver Milk Market. The headline has been corrected.
