Bars, Boulder, Drink, Eat, Food, Restaurants, Wine

Emmerson “Neo-Bistro” Builds on Community – And Delivers CA Wildfire Relief

Walking into Emmerson in downtown Boulder is a delightful experience. It’s inviting, relaxing, warm, soothing and, immediately, and, almost impatiently, let’s you know you’re in for a treat. The ambiance is modern but retro and the simplicity is perfectly apportioned for Happy Hour allure, as I walked in to meet a friend who I haven’t seen in far too long.

Adding a European flare
A communal table brings a European flare and builds a sense of community

I love the juxtaposition of this place. Yes, it is “fancy.” But, not overstated. While it is certainly possible, you don’t have to spend a ton of money here to enjoy it. Emmerson is playful on one side but entirely inviting and down to Earth at the same time. I can only say it is rare when an establishment attempts so much and succeeds as well as Emmerson has with this new neighborhood gathering place and destination restaurant for those of us that live miles from downtown Boulder.

Here's a first - an illustrated cocktail menu. Each drink has its own personality
Here’s a first – an illustrated cocktail menu. Each drink has its own personality

The Happy Hour / Drinks menu is sure to please. I enjoyed the Hi-Teq and a glass of the happy hour wine with the Gougère (a delightful Burgundian cheese puff) and charcuterie. You can rest assured that Beverage Manager Ben Foote, formerly of Jax and Blackbelly, will have just the right options on the drinks menu.

What I’m also impressed with is Emmerson’s commitment – more like a passion – for community. And it is not just the striking communal table that reinforces this message.

Knowing many of the winemakers devastated by the wildfires, Emmerson is offering several glasses of wine where all proceeds will support the Winemakers & Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief (WSCWR). Just look for the wines highlighted in red on the list. Proceeds are being channeled directly to the un/under insured workers and employees of the wineries as many have lost their jobs as a result of the fires and there’s no telling when these jobs will be coming back. If you would like to go a step further, Emmerson is hosting a benefit dinner for WSCWR on Monday that I am sure will be exquisite and delightful. Check out their Instagram page for a closer look!

When: Monday, November 13, 2017 7pm – close
What: Four course dinner with wine pairings selected by the Emmerson team
$100 per person; reservations limited to the first 20
For more information or to book your reservation please contact Emmerson 303.953.9852

For more great coverage on Boulders’ newest delight check out this delightful article on 5280

 

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Jennifer ONeil

Jennifer covers the Gunbarrel beat for all things food, wine and beer related. Having immersed herself in many different cultures over the years, Jennifer is a passionate traveler with an uncanny ability to look into the heart of a city or town and find authentic places to eat, drink, and hang out -- or simply pass time blissfully. She has recently earned her status as Sommelier through the International Wine Guild but, even so, she knows her personal journey exploring wine has only just begun.