In July of 1997, Vesta opened in the emerging Lodo district of downtown Denver with a unique name and intriguing concept. The name, derived from Vesta (the Roman Goddess of the hearth), was meant to conjure feelings of warmth and family gathering. Hearth fires, as described in Roman mythology, represented the center of the home, providing an oven to prepare meals as well as warmth to gather friend
s and family. This imagery sparked many of the design elements in the bar and dining room and inspired the concept of the kitchen's exposed grill. The original Vesta concept focused on grilled meats inspired by preparations from around the world. These dishes were paired with your choice of sauces, served on the side, also inspired from cuisines across the globe. Chutneys, salsas, marmalades, aiolis, and more, competed for attention from a list of over 30. Over time, the exotic dipping sauces and skewers phased out and Vesta's cuisine evolved into a refined menu of seasonally-driven, stand alone dishes prepared with a focus on technique. In late 2016, Vesta brought in Denver-raised Executive Chef, Nicholas Kayser, to update the menu. With his prior experience as an Executive Chef at top restaurants in NY, Las Vegas, and Hong Kong, the menu saw a full update in November of 2016. In the front of house, owner Josh Wolkon has built a team second-to-none that reflects Vesta's commitment to hospitality. General Manager Patrick Fitzgibbon has 15 years in the hospitality industry, working and managing restaurants from Grand Junction to Fort Collins. Jeremy Stevens lead The Black Pearl, a Denver staple, to many successful years. As beverage director, Michael Casey has designed a beverage program to reflect Denver’s great culture of micro-brewing and distilling, Vesta offers an ever-growing selection of world class beers and the best, locally-produced spirits. His wine list received 5280's coveted "Best Wine Bar" reader's choice selection in 2016, and the Sommelier Journal featured Vesta’s barrel-aged cocktail program as a leader in the field. Kari Cummings, Vesta's bar manager, continues to drive a bar program that set's the standard for Denver' craft cocktails. Perhaps the most telling awards on Vesta’s mantle are their multiple ‘Best 1st Date in Denver’ awards -- an indication that Vesta combines a beautiful, sexy interior; warm but unobtrusive service; and a dining experience worthy of putting your best foot forward. But the achievement that trumps all others for Vesta is that the restaurant has become a go-to destination for guests celebrating special occasions or hosting friends and family from out of town. In that sense, Vesta truly embodies the essence of the hearth -- a place where delicious meals are prepared, and friends and family gather by the warmth of the fire.
