TAG|RAW BAR's vegan omakase dinner is awesome

We're always happy to see another multi-course vegan dinner being offered -- and we'll be really happy if TAG|RAW BAR continues to host its weekly vegan omakase meal for a long time to come. Every Thursday, chef/owner Troy Guard puts together a four-course, $30 menu for plant-based gourmands. See also:...

By Amber Taufen

October 2, 2012

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

We're always happy to see another multi-course vegan dinner being offered -- and we'll be really happy if TAG|RAW BAR continues to host its weekly vegan omakase meal for a long time to come. Every Thursday, chef/owner Troy Guard puts together a four-course, $30 menu for plant-based gourmands.

TAG|RAW bar was fairly busy last Thursday at dinnertime, but it still had a leisurely atmosphere that encouraged diners to linger over their food. The subterranean space in Larimer Square is simple and lovely, with clean, blond-wood lines augmented by patches of green here and there -- most notably from the bamboo on the tables.

A dish of poppycock (caramel corn and toasted kombu, aka seaweed) arrived as a snack. Caramel corn isn't usually vegan, so steer clear if you're not down with butter. (But the kombu should be fine.) The first official course was a salad -- mixed greens, figs, candied walnuts and hearts of palm -- drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction.

Next came deconstructed sushi with nori and garden vegetables, with condiments artfully dotted around the plate (pictured at the top of the page).

Pad Thai was the main course: thick rice noodles in a spicy peanut sauce. Berry sorbet with fresh, plump blackberries rounded out the meal.

Altogether, it was a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds. The deconstructed sushi and sorbet were particular favorites, but the salad and the pad Thai were close behind.

You can eat a different multi-course vegan meal every Thursday at TAG|RAW BAR; call 303-996-2685 to find out that day's menu and make a reservation (recommended).

Follow @CafeWestword

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

Contact: Amber Taufen

Follow:

Instagram: @polished_amber_taufen