Boulder County is known throughout Colorado as having some of the best terrain, finest schools, and coolest downtowns. However, our bustling area is also home to a plethora of fine dining establishments that have garnered awards on national and international stages. Each year, First Bite: Boulder County Restaurant Week, takes nine full days to highlight our restaurants by serving up innovative dishes that showcase the exceptional chefs behind each. Here’s what you need to know about this treasured event.
About the Event
For almost 15 years, First Bite has featured restaurants across the entire county. From international cuisine in Longmont to high-end dining along Pearl Street, First Bite seeks to feature restaurants whose food, service, and atmosphere are authentic and exceptional. Now, First Bite is one of the most popular foodie events in our colorful state and has grown to include over 50 local restaurants.
This year, First Bite is under new ownership and its producer, Jessica Benjamin, is setting up the event to be even more inclusive. Benjamin created tiered pricing options in an effort to open up the event to a broader range of guests. She also arranged for First Bite to include a non-profit program, which helps the event become an even stronger community contributor.
Boulder County Restaurant Week features locales from Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, Lyons, and Gunbarrel. Each will offer a three-course, prix-fixe tasting menu. Menus will be released closer to the event and interested parties may check back here for additional info.
When and Where
First Bite kicks off on 11/8 and continues through 11/16. Reservations must be made directly with each restaurant as this is a non-ticketed event. Some of Boulder’s most popular restaurants like OAK at Fourteenth, Leaf, and SALT made the cut so be sure and call your reservation in soon to ensure a table.
“Two on Tuesdays”
This year, First Bite will introduce a new aspect to the nine-day affair. Its “Two on Tuesday” event on 11/12 encourages guests to donate $2 or more to any of the five featured local nonprofits. Additionally, corporate and private donors have agreed to match contributions, which means that your $2 will go even further to bettering our community. Stay tuned for a list of participating restaurants.
Check out your favorite Boulder County restaurants or explore new ones during First Bite: Boulder County Restaurant Week this November. Catch up with our lively community over innovative and thoughtful dishes served across the county during this much-anticipated, nine-day restaurant tour.