Sap Sua

After my introduction to Ni & Anna’s distinct modern Vietnamese cuisine at YETI’S Wild PDR Series at SingleThread Farm event, I was excited to arrange a reservation at their acclaimed sắp sửa in Denver. Once my reservation was made, I knew it would be the best treat for me to enjoy after a day on Copper Mountain.

It was an easy Lyft ride from Limelight Denver to the restaurant. Within minutes, I was delighted to be at one of my favorite spots in Denver: The Tattered Cover Bookstore – as well as the entrance to sắp sửa.

Books and great food? Yes, please.

After a quick change in seating areas – I’d reserved the bar but now wanted a table – I was led to my dining space. As the host led me to my table, I loved stopping and noticing the book “Dac Biet: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook Book by Nini Nguyen and Sarah Zorn displayed on the hutch.

It immediately brought me back to my event earlier in the year - Culinary Demo: Showcasing Nini Nguyen’s Dac Biet Cookbook at the Ojai Food + Wine Festival - where a passing conversation with a stranger at the table introduced me to sắp sửa’s presence in Denver.

Funny how now, months later, things had fully come full circle.

I started with a glass of the Syrah – Matthieu Barret Petit Ours ’22 from France.

I continued with the hiramasa crudo (tom kha, granny smith, jicama, chile). This was a spicy delight. I absolutely loved how well it paired with my glass of wine.

As a palate cleanser, I was served a small cup of  Mushroom pho broth.

My main course – the “sườn ram nướng sả” (grilled pork spare ribs, salt and pepper, mustard greens, rice) with a side of sambal sauce - was outstanding. This was a dish that made me excited with every bite. It was the right amount of spicy heat and flavor. It reminded me of what I loved about Kiln SoHo in London and overall about spicy Asian cuisine.

Overall, my dinner at sắp sửa was exactly what I hoped it would be: satisfying, well-executed, and a great way to end the day. The food was flavorful without being overcomplicated and each dish felt intentional and well crafted.

It was a solid, memorable meal and one I was genuinely glad I made time for while in Denver, Colorado.

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