Ash Eats: The Yum Yum Chronicles – Denver Brunch Fest

Picture this: You step into the Tivoli Quad, and it’s like you’ve wandered into a foodie’s fairy tale. The air is buzzing with the smell of pancakes flipping, bacon sizzling, and coffee brewing—so scrumptious it could wake up even the sleepiest among us. The whole place feels alive with anticipation, like everyone’s here for a deliciously good time. That’s what I experienced at this year’s Denver Brunch Fest. 

Every booth is its own little chapter in this culinary storybook, inviting you to explore flavors and dishes that are sure to delight. Take the maple-glazed chicken and waffles, for example—something that seems straight out of a seriously badass kitchen. Imagine crispy, golden waffles hugging tender, juicy chicken, all drizzled with maple syrup that glistens in the sun. One bite, and suddenly you’re transported to a world where everything tastes as beautiful as it smells.

Bubbles, Brews, and Boozy Bliss

But let’s be real—What’s brunch without a little bubbly? Before we dive into all the deliciousness, let’s give a quick nod to the whole concept of brunch. Mixing breakfast and lunch started in Britain in the late 1800s, mainly as a way for late-night revelers to ease into their day. Over time, brunch has become a much-loved tradition that is the perfect excuse to slow down, relax, and enjoy good food and great company.

And then there’s the mimosa, the unofficial mascot of brunch. This classic mix of champagne and orange juice was first created at the Ritz Hotel in Paris in the 1920s. Light, refreshing, and a little bit fancy, it quickly became the go-to drink for lazy, late-morning meals.

At Denver Brunch Fest, the mimosa offerings were out in force with a sparkling oasis of options. Fresh juices were flowing and just waiting to mix with champagne for a glass of pure liquid sunshine. But the bubbly offerings didn’t stop there. The DIY Bloody Mary bar was a festival favorite, where you could craft your own savory masterpiece with everything from celery stalks and olives to bacon strips and pickled delights. For those who needed an extra jolt of energy to fuel their festival adventures, coffee of every savory kind was everywhere. Cold brew coffee stations were on hand to provide that perfect caffeinated kick on the warm and sunny day.

Now let’s talk about food because this Brunch Fest had it all! Denver’s best eateries of every kind were out in full force. The Denver Biscuit Company was serving up their legendary biscuit sandwiches—fluffy, buttery, and piled high with everything from crispy fried chicken to the perfect poached egg, each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Over at Pablito’s Burritos, the line stretched on as they dished out their famous breakfast burritos, stuffed to the brim with eggs, cheese, potatoes, green chili, and all the good stuff that makes mornings worth getting out of bed for.

The Sweet and the Savory

Meanwhile, Heavenly Tacos had everyone lining up for breakfast tacos that were, well, heavenly! Think warm tortillas filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, spicy chorizo, creamy avocado, and a dash of salsa that brought just the right amount of spicy goodness to the palate. Across the way, local favorite My Neighbor Felix was making a splash with their inventive Mexican-inspired brunch offerings. Famous for dishes like avocado toast topped with pico de gallo and cotija cheese and chilaquiles that pack a punch. It was a taste sensation sampling of the vibrant, delicious energy they bring to their regular menu, right in the middle of the festival.

And if you thought brunch was all about eggs and pancakes, think again! The festival also had something for those with a taste for the unexpected. Vendors like STK Steakhouse brought their upscale vibe to the mix, offering tastings that were a cut above the rest and inventive small plates that felt just made the tastebuds sing. It was a little taste of luxury amid the relaxed, cheerful atmosphere of the festival grounds.

Music, Merriment, and a Dash of Drag Magic

But Denver Brunch Fest wasn’t just a feast for your taste buds. The entire Tivoli Quad was alive with music that seemed to float on the breeze, tickling the soul and putting a spring in everyone’s step. Local bands played tunes that had toes tapping and hearts humming—Everything from laid-back acoustic sets to lively folk songs that got the whole crowd dancing with plates in hand.

And this year, the festival turned up the sparkle with a fabulous drag show hosted by the one and only Anna Staysha! With her larger-than-life personality, dazzling costumes, and razor-sharp wit, Anna Staysha took the stage and turned the Tivoli Quad into a playground of glitter, glam, and fierce performances. Imagine a mix of bold lip-syncs, high-energy dance routines, and all the fabulousness you could ask for. The show added a new layer of fun to the day, making it feel like brunch had leveled up to a whole new game.

A Tapestry of Color and Craft

But the fun didn’t stop there. The festival was a feast for the eyes as much as it was for the palate, with booths in every color of the rainbow selling handmade soft pretzels, quirky collectibles, and unique finds representing the event. It was impossible to walk through the quad without finding something that caught your eye.

Photo ops were everywhere, inviting everyone to capture the joy of the day. Plenty of shaded seating under a large tent in addition to pub style table scattered about offered plenty of space to kick back, relax, and soak in the good vibes. It was the kind of place where you could grab a bite, sip a drink, and simply enjoy the moment.

A Gathering of Goodness

But Denver Brunch Fest wasn’t just about indulgence—It was about connection and community. The Tivoli Quad, with its cool history and welcoming vibe, was the perfect backdrop for local vendors, some of them small businesses with big dreams, to display their best and some well-established dining venues. From the food stalls to the craft booths, every corner of the festival was a celebration of local talent, creativity, and the unique spirit of the Mile High City.

There truly was a real sense of camaraderie in the air, with people coming together to support each other and share in the joy of good food, great company, and unforgettable entertainment. Whether you were chatting with a vendor about their craft, cheering for a performer, or just sharing a laugh with friends over a deliciously eclectic offering of brunch goodies you could feel the love and Pride that everyone had for their city.

Happily Ever After

As the day wound down and the last drops of mimosas were sipped and savored, it was clear that Denver Brunch Fest was more than just an event—It was a love delightfully tipsy letter to the city, its people, and the little moments that make life just a bit sweeter. Until next year, I will keep dreaming of those waffles, mimosas, breakfast burritos from Pablito’s, and fabulous drag shows hosted by one of my favorite local Super Queens and singing yoga gurus, Anna Staysha. Because when Brunch Fest rolls back around, it promises to bring even more magic, more sparkle, and even more delicious delights into our lives.

So, Denver, keep your forks ready and your spirits high. The magic of brunch is never far away! In the meantime, all of you beautiful babies, cheers to Brunching So Hard each and every Sunday!

Photos courtesy of social media