Nestled along the picturesque South Pearl Street, Denchu presents a unique architectural experience that seamlessly integrates two culinary visions – Chef Toshi Kizaki’s Denchu and Chef Justin Fulton’s Margot.
Spanning an elegant space characterized by a sophisticated design ethos, guests entering Denchu are treated to an ambiance that is both vibrant and warm.
The wood-panelled corridors lead through an inviting dining room furnished with community tables, culminating at a meticulously curated black limestone bar stocked with top-shelf spirits.
Overhead lighting enhances the intricate details of the restaurants, while large windows and skylights flood the soft spaces with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere, particularly during the sun-soaked summer evenings.
Chef Justin Fulton’s Margot thrives on the principle of seasonal and local sourcing while combining French farmhouse comforts with contemporary elegance.
For guests seeking a refined dining experience, the eight-seat Chef’s Counter offers a rotating tasting menu, showcasing the culinary artistry of Fulton atop the exquisite plateware crafted by artisan Kazu Oba.
Fulton’s menu, a vibrant representation of local and seasonal produce, evolves with each visit, reflecting the freshest market finds and the changing seasons.
Each course unveiled at Margot captivates the palate with an intricate balance of flavors and presentation.
Starting with a trio of light bites, the Smoked Trout Tartlette is complemented by edible flower blooms, while the Pâté Grand-Mère evokes nostalgia through its rich blend of pork, chicken liver, and pistachio.
A surprising sweetness in the Chickpea Panisse brings harmony to the introductory selections, setting the stage for the complex flavors and textures to follow.
A Tuna Tartare showcases harmony with its luxurious fatty cuts, enhanced by the freshness of snap peas and three variations of coriander, skillfully seasoned to elevate the dish.
Following that, juicy Heirloom Tomatoes, dressed in ginger’s spice and bitterness from treviso, provide a delightful contrast with salty French Feta.
Similarly, Local Asparagus is cooked to a tender perfection, seasoned with anchovy, marigold, and topped with breadcrumbs to create a dish full of texture and depth.
Moving through the courses, Fulton and his dedicated team meticulously craft each plate with precision.
The Sourdough Kinship Toast, layered with whipped ricotta and garnished with crushed peas and mint, presents a delightful balance of flavors.
The Parisian Gnocchi, enriched with roasted garlic and mushroom dashi, exudes a robust decadence that complements the lighter fare observed earlier.
Renowned for its quality, the fluffy Olive Oil Brioche is a standout, demanding its own spotlight within a well-curated menu.
However, if one dish epitomizes the philosophy of Margot, it is undoubtedly the Grilled Zucchini.
Fulton expresses his enthusiasm as he describes this dish, noting its fleeting presence on the menu, dependent on the season’s best offering.
The zucchini, enhanced with salty trout roe, purple basil, and depth from green curry, connects diners to the ethos of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients prominent throughout Margot’s offerings.
The 14-Day Dry-Aged Duck Breast follows, providing a savory richness drizzled with truffle jus, served with thin and sweet mokum carrots – a testament to the balance between indulgence and exercise in artistry.
Between the savory and sweet, a crumbly British Cheddar, harmoniously drizzled with house-infused spruce needle honey, strikes a delightful mid-course balance.
Completing the symphony of flavors is a Dark Chocolate Torte accompanied by a Beet & Miso Sorbet, masterfully blending earthiness with natural sweetness, grounding the dining experience in Margot’s core philosophy.
The experience at Margot is defined by balance, marrying local produce with refined culinary techniques to create an ever-evolving tapestry of unique and memorable dining experiences.
No matter how frequently the menu changes, each visit unearths an exciting new composition, a mosaic of flavors reflective of the season.
Located at 1551 S Pearl St., Denver, Margot welcomes guests Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.
With every detail considered, from plate designs crafted by artisan contributors to the nuanced flavors on the plate, both Denchu and Margot offer more than just a meal; they both deliver a thoughtful exploration of culinary artistry in a beautifully designed space.
image source from：303magazine
