10x10 at The Nickel: An Intimate Culinary Experience

Chef Franco's exclusive 10 x 10 Tasting Menu is coming to The Nickel — 10 creative courses, 10 seats only, for 10 months of the year. You'll gather with fellow food lovers around our chef's table, sharing an intimate evening designed to spark conversation and connection.

Set in the heart of Denver’s Theatre District, this intimate evening unfolds in five acts:

Act I – Overture

Act II – Crescendo

Act III – Interlude

Act IV – Fortissimo

Act V – Finale

The son of a chef who built his career alongside icons including Wolfgang Puck, Chef Franco Ruiz brings a lifetime of culinary storytelling to the table.

Priced at $150 per person, with an optional 10-course wine pairing from local winery Carboy for $75 — or enjoy our full cocktail menu. We can't wait to share this experience with you.

Upcoming Dates:

May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20

Time:

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Details:

$150 per person, additional wine pairing for $75

Seats are limited and advance purchase is required.

Please note that the 10×10 menu is served as designed and cannot be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.

May 10x10 Menu

Course 1: Asparagus - Asparagus, Spring Greens, Sauce Gribiche, Smoked Speck, Burrata

Course 2: Bread - Honey Butter, Bread, Oil · Honey · Chili · Balsamic

Course 3: Beef - Chopped Beef, Truffle, Egg Yolk, Crunchy Bread, Pickles

Course 4: Ricotta - Ricotta Tart, Spring Legumes, Black Garlic

Course 5: Alamosa Bass - Bass, Green Garlic Consommé, New Potato, Herb Sausage, Spring Peas

Course 6: Egg - Egg Custard, Smoky Bacon, Potato Chip, Chive

Course 7: Colorado Lamb - Lamb Loin, Yogurt, Lamb Jus, Spring Onions, Green Strawberries, Harissa Purée

Course 8: Gelée - Lime Gelée, Citrus Ice, Herb Oil

Course 9: Berries - Lemon Curd, Berry Gel, Fresh Berries, Meringue, Cinnamon Crumble

Course 10: Mignardise - Macaron, Chocolate Truffles, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Brittle

A Note from Chef Franco:

“For me, food is about connection — to ingredients, to seasons, and to each other. With 10x10, I wanted to create something deeply personal and interactive. Each course is a story I get to share with you at the table. I can’t wait to welcome you into this experience.”