These food halls are a far cry from the Yum Yum Tree, the city's first big (600 seats!) food court that opened in 1968 on South Colorado Boulevard and served up much less authentic, if weirdly exotic, fare. Even so, it was a place that kids and stoners alike clamored to go, and five decades later, they're serving up memories of this former must-stop on Denver's dining landscape.
Says Toby:
Who from that era doesn't remember that place? Nobody had an argument as to what to eat. It was a preferred stoner dining destination...brunching was also big. Gluttony ruled the day.Adds Dale:
I was just telling my wife about this place the other day. I grew up in Boulder, and my parents would bring us to the Yum Yum Tree as a treat.Remembers Jill:
The Yum Yum Tree left me with fond memories, an ingredient lacking in restaurants today. I miss Old Denver.Recalls Lynne:
Such a fun pile of pseudo-foreign foods. Unique in its day.Comments David:
Ate there over fifty times, at least, as a kid. Very good, actually. Got caught trying to dine and dash one time. Thanks for bringing this up...yum yum.And Ellen offers this:
Now, there is a memory that has escaped me all these years. My first job while in high school was cleaning tables at this food court. After two weeks, I quit because my hands reeked of chlorine from the cleaning rag. I knew after that, I had no interest in pursuing any job in the food industry. In a venue where tips were not expected, I do recall how finding someone's change left on the tray was like hitting the jackpot. Keep in mind that in 1970 that meant pennies, nickels and an occasional dime.Keep reading for more on the Yum Yum Tree and today's food halls.
