The northeast corner of Alameda Avenue and Downing street has been home to a string of Asian restaurants since the late 1990s — but that's about to change. What originally opened as Stir Crazy quickly changed names to the Crazy Asian Cafe, which survived until 2012, when new owners took over and dubbed the space Spicy Ginger Asian Bistro. But Spicy Ginger closed earlier this summer, and now a sign in the window indicates the spot will soon have a different accent, as Cafe Marmotte.
For those familiar with ski-town dining, that name may ring a bell. La Marmotte has been serving bistro fare in Telluride for more than 20 years; owner Mairen Reagan confirms that the soon-to-open Cafe Marmotte is related to the Telluride original. Chef and co-owner Mark Reggiannini says he'll be heading the kitchen once Cafe Marmotte opens later this summer. The Denver location will have a similar Alpine theme and French influence as its Telluride sibling and will also focus on providing the same caliber of wine service that won La Marmotte a
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence last year.