Every Opening and Closing This Week: Colfax Doubles Down on Dim Sum and More

It’s been less than five months since the owners of sushi spot Okinawa on Colfax opened dim sum eatery Ma’s Kitchen in the space that had housed the original Tacos Tequila Whiskey just off East Colfax Avenue. The dim sum concept proved to be a quick hit and in January, the decision was made to close Okinawa in order to expand Ma’s Kitchen. Now, the original Ma’s space is a fast-casual eatery dubbed Ma’s Kitchen Dim Sum Next Door, while the new space, which has a separate entrance on Colfax, is the more upscale Ma’s Dim Sum & Bar. It will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, March 14.

We stopped by during its soft opening and found an expanded cocktail menu and some menu items not available next door, though service was a bit shaky as staff trained up. Let’s hope those kinks get worked out quickly, because the eclectic crowd was certainly excited to have this new addition in the neighborhood.

Another opening this week: Ebisu Sushi and Ramen Star, the new iteration of Sunnyside ramen favorite Ramen Star, which is under new ownership that plans to roll out the spot’s full new menu with a grand opening later this month. There’s also a new location of Sukiya Ramen on South Broadway in Englewood, the brand’s fifth in the metro area.

Sounding off on South Broadway is Vaultaire, a new subterranean HiFi bar underneath La Forêt. In Thornton, Ohio-born ice cream brand Handel’s has opened its second Colorado location.

And at Denver International Airport, the renovated Concourse A food court, which already includes Chick-fil-A, Qdoba and Shake Shack, is now home to the first airport location of local chain Fat Sully’s Pizza.

There were two notable changes in the baking scene, too: Three-time James Beard award semifinalist Poulette Bakeshop is now open in its new, bigger location in Parker, while Reunion Bakery has closed its longtime location inside the Source, with plans to open its new digs on South Pearl Street soon.

This week’s other closures include an abrupt end for high-end tasting menu spot the Guest — just four months after its comeback. And Saturday, March 14, marks the end for both Super Mega Bien in RiNo and legendary Boulder bar the Dark Horse, which may still make a comeback in a new location…though it will be nearly impossible to replicate its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

In other openings-and-closings news:

• Acclaimed L.A. chef Douglas Rankin debuted his new RiNo tasting menu spot last week; get a first look.
• The Mighty Burger is leaving Arvada later this month, but teased new locations in Louisville and Denver.

Here’s the complete list of restaurants and bars that opened or closed this week*:

Openings

Ebisu Sushi and Ramen Star (replaced Ramen Star), 4044 Tejon Street
Fat Sully’s Pizza, Denver International Airport, Concourse A food court
Handel’s Ice Cream, 16689 Washington Street, Thornton
Ma’s Kitchen: Dim Sum & Bar, 2301 East Colfax Avenue
Poulette Bakeshop (moved to new location), 19865 Mainstreet, Parker
Sukiya Ramen, 3401 South Broadway, Englewood
Vaultaire, 39 South Broadway

Closures

Dark Horse, 2922 Baseline Road, Boulder (open through March 14)
The Guest, 1432 Market Street
Ramen Star, 4044 Tejon Street
Reunion Bakery (moving to a new location), 3350 Brighton Boulevard
Super Mega Bien, 1260 25th Street

*Or earlier and not previously reported.

Know of something we missed? Email cafe@westword.com.