EPISODE · Feb 11, 2026 · 34 MIN
Meet the Ambiance Architect of Denver’s Coolest Restaurants
from City Cast Denver · host City Cast
From gaining Michelin star status to collecting a bounty of James Beard Awards, Denver’s culinary profile keeps rising. But beyond decorated chefs, all star meals, and international media attention lies a low-key secret to the Mile High’s dining out success — a well-designed restaurant. Award winning architect Kevin Nguyen grew up in Aurora and has been the mind behind the look and feel of spots like Brutø, The Wolf's Tailor, Hey Kiddo, Hop Alley, Xiquita, and many more. He joins host Bree Davies to dig into why the placement of a restaurant’s entrance and the sound of a dining room are just as important as what’s on the menu. A few years ago, we took a tour of Casa Bonita with “Professor of Fun” David Thomas to learn about how the design of this iconic eatertainment space is as much about its built environment as it is the cliff divers. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What’s your favorite Denver Restaurant? What place makes dining out in Denver worthwhile? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this February 11th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
What this episode covers
From gaining Michelin star status to collecting a bounty of James Beard Awards, Denver’s culinary profile keeps rising. But beyond decorated chefs, all star meals, and international media attention lies a low-key secret to the Mile High’s dining out success — a well-designed restaurant. Award winning architect Kevin Nguyen grew up in Aurora and has been the mind behind the look and feel of spots like Brutø, The Wolf's Tailor, Hey Kiddo, Hop Alley, Xiquita, and many more. He joins host Bree Davies to dig into why the placement of a restaurant’s entrance and the sound of a dining room are just as important as what’s on the menu. A few years ago, we took a tour of Casa Bonita with “Professor of Fun” David Thomas to learn about how the design of this iconic eatertainment space is as much about its built environment as it is the cliff divers. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What’s your favorite Denver Restaurant? What place makes dining out in Denver worthwhile? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this February 11th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
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Meet the Ambiance Architect of Denver’s Coolest Restaurants
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