Michel Wahaltere exits MiniBAR to open a sports bar

Just got word from Denver chef/restaurateur Michel Wahaltere that he's been bought out of MiniBAR (222 Columbine Street), the five-month-old miniature lounge (and unofficial viewing headquarters for ABC's Cougar Night) in Cherry Creek. According to Wahaltere, MiniBAR owner Bill Ward is "taking full control of that vision and concept." That means that Wahaltere can focus on another project: opening the Sportsbook at 1432 Blake Street. 

Wahaltere is looking at a mid-October debut for the Sportsbar, which will offer the "foods that America loves to eat." Dishes like beer bratwursts with German-style sauerkraut and steak peppercorn, for example. "We're planning to feature an American sports bar menu that includes something for everyone," he promises. "We'll have bar grub made with a twist -- things like truffle Parmesan popcorn, homemade mac and cheese nuggets, and comfort offerings like tortilla soup and PBR fish and chips."

Wahaltere also plans to feature "Daily Gourmet" specials -- things like chicken pot pie and shrimp and cheesy grits -- and scratch-made desserts. "We're hoping that our unique take on tried-and-true favorites will please every palate by fusing local ingredients with unique flavors to produce creative offerings," said Wahaltere.