When you first walk into Den Deli, you wouldn’t think you’re in an Asian restaurant. Upon closer inspection, you start to see the influence of Toshi and Yasu Kizaki, the two brothers who also created Sushi Den and Izakaya Den. According to general manager, Noriko Kolberg, Den Deli is another way for the Kizaki brothers to introduce everyday Japanese cuisine to people who may have never eaten Japanese food before. “It’s not like Japanese people eat sushi everyday,” explained Kolberg.
When SnapshotFoodie asked José Guerrero, Den Deli’s Executive Chef, what their signature dishes were, he decided to start off with something that really exemplified everyday Japanese food: noodles. The first dish was Duck Soba. The subtle flavor profile of this dish is the very definition of “umagi” with its pan-fried soba noodles topped with Shitake mushrooms, and sliced duck. Guerrero then served up their Tomato Udon served with tiger shrimp and seared scallops. Upon first inspection, it looked like a plate of freshly made spaghetti. One bite, and you can taste the Thai influence in its tomato sauce made ginger and fish oil sauce. Guerrero finished with something unexpected: ramen. It may seem somewhat stereotypical, but Den Deli’s Pork Ramen is nothing like the fake stuff you ate in college. It’s served in a savory pork broth topped with sliced pork, been sprouts, and greens. You will never rip open another sodium packet again after you have this dish.
Den Deli also offers a “Create Your Own Bento Box” menu, a variety of pre-made meals, and even an actual fish market at the back of the store offering the same sushi grade fish served at Sushi Den. If this fair is still too “Asian” for you, they also offer some fusion foods such as Kobe Sliders, Grilled Asian Pear Salad, and, of course, mochi ice cream.
This new entry into the “Den” family of restaurants fits into what is known as “casual dining” in terms of price and variety of food. With every item on the menu approved by Toshi Kizaki himself, you can expect the same quality you would expect at Sushi Den and Izakaya Den.
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Den Deli & Seafood Market
1501 S. Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80210
303.733.2503
www.DenDeli.net
