As restaurants continue to open back up around the country and healthy and safety regulations are streamlined, we are making it a point to get out there and visit some restaurants that were on our list at the start of the year, supporting some local businesses and enjoying being out and about once more.
This past week, one of our restaurant consultants visited Safta, located in The Source, a food hall in the trendy RiNo area in north Denver. The Source is now totally open, with mask and social distancing requirements, and they have created some unique solutions for keeping space. For starters, food can be ordered at any of the restaurants and eaten in the new outdoor dining area, complete with geometric domes for personal space.
Also, within the two buildings themselves, The Source has clearly marked the floors for traffic flow and distancing requirements. There is adequate signage about masks, hand washing, and the sanitation procedures among The Source’s tenants, as well.
At Safta, tables have been cut to about fifty percent, but because the restaurant space itself is bright and airy, with garage doors to join outdoor seating to the indoor dining area, it didn’t feel sterile or sparse. The warm pink decor and homestyle glasses and dishes perfectly implement a cozy feeling, despite the extra space.
The wait staff is quite knowledgeable and graciously offered suggestions, which is useful as the menu is unique. Diners choose from options for two courses, first selecting a hummus dish and a few salatim, served family style. For the second course, the waitstaff makes recommendations on the number of plates for the guests in the party. The menu is authentic and very vegetarian-friendly.
Our consultants had a perfect view of the bar from their table, where, aside from a hearty wine list, the bartender mixes many signature cocktails. The cocktail offerings marry classic drinks with unique twists, and many are served straight up in an array of glasses. A cocktail before dinner is an excellent treat, but the dessert menu is also worth waiting for, and can be topped off with a number of after dinner drinks.
We are thrilled to see local restaurants and businesses throughout reopening and are happy to support them. If your restaurant needs assistance reopening or reorganizing during this time, please contact a restaurant consultant today.
Photo via @eatwithsafta