Business Details
39 Years
experience
Award-Winning Restaurants & Catering in Denver, CO
Founded in 1987, our restaurant group has established itself as a leader in Denver's culinary scene through our unwavering commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artistic presentation. Our founder's 35+ years of experience in the industry, combined with formal training under renowned chefs, has cultivated a reputation for excellence that spans multiple award-winning concepts. We specialize in creating immersive dining experiences that blend exceptional cuisine with curated ambiance across our three distinctive locations. Our team of certified culinary professionals maintains rigorous standards of quality control while embracing innovation in both menu development and service execution.As a family-operated business, we prioritize personal attention to detail that extends from our kitchen staff to event coordinators. Our track record includes numerous national accolades and partnerships with prestigious cultural institutions. We maintain transparency in sourcing practices and adhere to strict food safety protocols. Our catering division extends these same standards to private events, offering customized menus for occasions ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations. Our Denver locations serve as culinary anchors within their communities while our Cozumel venue introduces Italian cuisine with tropical influences.
Services
Restaurants
Catering Services
Event Venues
Private Dining
Wine Pairing Experiences
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We utilize fresh, local ingredients complemented by artistic presentation in all our restaurants
- Our founder has been cooking since age 14 with formal training from Savoy Hotel chefs
- We operate three distinctive venues including a James Beard House-recognized establishment
- Our team includes Zagat 30 Under 30 award-winning chefs and experienced event planners
- We offer full-service catering with customized menus for events of all sizes
What people say
Exceptional cuisine
Elegant presentation
Premier event venues
Award-winning chefs
Unique ambiance
Services
Hickory & Ash Dining
Our modern American meatery features hand-crafted Colorado-centric cuisine grilled with hickory-smoked fire. The menu showcases Aspen Ridge Natural Beef, sustainable seafood, and extensive vegetarian options. Executive Chef Ryan Taylor's innovative dishes include short rib pastrami and squash Bolognese gnocchi.
Opera House Catering
Full-service catering for weddings and events at Denver Performing Arts Complex venues. We provide customized menus, professional service staff, and complete event coordination. Our team accommodates special dietary needs and offers beverage service with uniformed bartenders.
Private Dining
Exclusive spaces for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations at multiple locations. Our venues include the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with capacities up to 700 guests. We offer ceremony spaces, bridal suites, and convenient parking options across our venues.
Ola Italian Dining
Our Cozumel location blends Italian culinary traditions with tropical flavors in a vibrant island setting. The menu features house-made pastas and fresh seafood preparations, complemented by an extensive wine list. The venue emphasizes art and conservation themes in its ambiance.
Pre-Theatre Dining
Special pre-theater menus at our Opera House location timed to performance schedules. We offer expedited service with classic American cuisine and cocktail pairings. Reservations are available before all evening Opera Colorado performances.
People
Kevin Taylor
Founder & Chef
Celebrated Denver chef with 35+ years experience, recipient of four-star ratings and national media recognition. Apprentice at Green Gables, former sous chef at Cherry Hills Country Club, and James Beard House guest chef.
Denise Taylor
Operations Director
Oversees general operations at Hickory & Ash with 20+ years experience in event management. Financial partner since 1997 and former director of arts patron programs at Denver Art Museum.
Ryan Taylor
Executive Chef
Zagats 30 Under 30 award winner with Michelin-starred restaurant experience. Helms the kitchen at Hickory & Ash after working at Mugaritz and Opera House locations.
Questions
What types of cuisine do you offer?
We serve modern American cuisine at our Denver locations and Italian fare with tropical influences in Cozumel.
Do you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, our menus include extensive vegetarian options and we can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Can I book private events at your restaurants?
We offer private dining spaces and event venues at multiple locations with capacities up to 700 guests.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dining and required for event bookings at all locations.
Do you offer catering services off-site?
Yes, our full-service catering division provides customized menus and professional service staff for events at any venue.
