Press Release

Relive a dining experience from the 1920s at the History Colorado Center

DENVER –  On October 12th, History Colorado will explore Denver’s culinary past as part of the Colorful Colorado lecture series. From mining camp bakeries to continental cuisine, historians Robert and Kristen Autobee will discuss Denver's vanished eateries in their new book, the Lost Restaurants of Denver. The lecture will highlight the stories of innovation, hard work and crazy ideas that led to the Denver restaurants (and meals) of yesteryear.

As part of the event, the Rendezvous Cafe at the History Colorado Center will feature a special dish, Chicken à la King. The dish is made by cooking chicken in a rich butter cream sauce with mushrooms and peppers and then served over toast or puff pastry. Though the dish has debatable origins, one of the most recognized versions explains that Chicken à la King was first created for the proprietor of the Brighton Beach Hotel in New York, E. Clark King II. Chicken à la King came to Denver in the early 20th century as part of the Denver Dry Goods department store tearoom. This Denver institution, known simply as “The Denver”, served three thousand lunches a day with Chicken à la King as a standard on the menu.

“It was great doing research to creating a menu item from the Lost restaurants of Denver book," said Samir Mahammad, the Executive Chef at History Colorado Center "It is amazing to see how advanced the Denver hospitality scene was in the late 1800s."

The Lost Restaurants of Denver lecture will take place at the History Colorado Center from 1-2pm. After the event, Robert and Kristen Autobee will sign copies of their book, which can be purchased at the History Colorado gift store. For more culinary inspiration, try Chicken à la King at the Rendezvous Cafe.

To reserve a spot for the lecture call (303) 866-2394 or go to http://www.historycolorado.org/event/lost-restaurants-denver

Members $4 Nonmembers $5

Monday, October 12,

Did you know you can learn a lot about a city’s history from reading old restaurant menus? History Colorado has some great morsels to share. Join us to see a selection from across the twentieth century.  Check out the historic menus from 2:15-3:15 P.M. Free with admission

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Shannon Haltiwanger
Public Information Officer | Preservation Communications Manager