Le French
DAY 2: 6-Course Paris Meets Dakar Dinner Series
Le French opened its first location in April 2019 and it has become a true-blue culinary institution in Mile High ever since, with several spots added across the city. It's their latest near Congress Park that we'll be taking over for our next event, but rest assured, Senegalese-born and Paris-raised (and trained chefs) (and sisters) Rougui and Aminata Dia still helm this sleek “bistro & bakery” with all the sophistication Denver's dining denizens have come to expect. Chef Rougui served as Executive Chef at Paris’ famed Petrossian—the first black woman in the world to hold this position at any restaurant awarded a Michelin star—and helmed Le Vraymonde in the five-star Buddha-Bar Hotel. Meanwhile, Chef Aminata launched AmiCuisine, her successful catering business in Denver. Now they're both 2024 James Beard “Best Chef: Mountain” Semi-Finalists, to name just one of the more recent feathers in their cap, and are still turning out classic French dishes like escargot, steak frites, and duck confit, along with the occasional Senegalese entrée like gniiri (creamed cornmeal with peanut, black eyed-peas, mushrooms, pine nuts, and truffle oil). We look forward to checking in again with hosting Chef Aminata to hear the updated highlights of her life and food journey!
About the Hosts:
Rougui Dia
Executive Chef & Co-Owner
Born in Senegal and raised in Paris, Chef Dia rose to fame when she was named the executive chef at lauded Paris restaurant Petrossian in 2005, at the age of 29 becoming the first black woman in the world to lead a Michelin-starred kitchen. She received the Trofemina Award and the French National Medal of Honor before relocating to Denver to open Le French with her sister Aminata in March 2019.
Aminata Dia
Co-Chef/Owner
A 2024 James Beard “Best Chef: Mountain” Semi-Finalist, Chef Aminata Dia was born in Senegal before moving to France at a young age. After relocating to the US over 20 years ago, she followed her love of food by pursuing a degree from the Art Institute of Colorado. From there, she launched her own successful catering company, AmiCuisine. Alongside her sister, Rougui, she opened Le French in March 2019.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated.
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Foie Gras Deux Façons
foie gras two ways with pistachios and figs
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Tartare De Daurade
red snapper tartare with orange zest, avocado, truffle oil, crispy puffed rice, house pesto, and radish
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Seared Salmon
with diced vegetables and potato and truffle emulsion
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Colorado Lamb Shoulder
rubbed with mediterranean spices and slow cooked in red wine sauce and served with potato puree, pickled lentils, and red onions
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Gniiri
creamed cornmeal with peanut, black-eyed peas, roasted cremini mushrooms and carrots, cherry tomato, fried shallots, pine nuts, and truffle oil
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Baba Hibiscus-Lychee
yeast cake soaked in hibiscus-lychee syrup topped with berry compote
Le French
846 Albion St
Denver, CO 80220
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $75 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know.
