Exclusive first look: Uncle opens this week in Lower Highland

thegreatmeathook

As a fan of this type of food, I am looking forward to giving Uncle a try. I love Momofuku and my curiosity is piqued knowing I might be able to get similar food without having to travel to NYC. As far as it being a rip off of Momofuku; in the Spring 2012 issue of Lucky Peach, in the fantastic Chef Rant section, Chang doesn't seem to mind getting ripped off as long as credit is given where credit is due. Tommy Lee has made no bones (pardon the pun) about where his inspiration has come from for Uncle. I think Chang would probably approve. Chang is also gives vast credit to the rip-offs he's had to make over his career in the Momofuku cookbook. I am looking forward to trying Uncle guilt-free, and I wish them luck.

kkboom

I love it! The Owner, Tommy Lee, is smart, young, hip, and very talented. He has great influences from cultural experiences and travel. The location is amazing for new business... as previously stated that The Highlands is such a great place that supports new business. I think it's truly the newest treasure to this area and to Denver as a City. There unfortunatetly will always be people quick to judge and be negative, but I challenge all them to spend an evening there and meet the owner and enjoy the ambiance prior to making negative unconstructive comments. I personally can't wait to spend more time there and eat yummy and beautiful food. Oh and don't forget to induldge in the ver special and different wine/beer/sake list. All in all great place for anyone who wants a fun night out for dinner.

flashgordon3

Sounds like something new and different to me. Although the location is not convenient, I'll make the trek from Lone Tree (chain capital of the state) this week! Can't wait to try it.

thespot84

I was under the impression both Udon and Ramen were japanese dishes, though chinese variants exist...

Grigio

@thespot84 And Nuoc Cham is Vietnamese, Kimchi is Korean and Harissa is North African.

Point?

thespot84

@Grigio Before I commented the sentence read: "And while his concise menu, which is still evolving, definitely leans toward the cuisine of China-- ramen, udon, steamed buns, rice bowls and sesame pancakes --..." I was simply pointing out the discrepancy, which has obviously since been corrected.

thespot84

2 Like

@LoriMidsonCafeSociety I thought it was what pastafarians said after all their prayers...

LoriMidsonCafeSociety moderator editortopcommenter

@thespot84 @Grigio Ramen noodles (and most noodles, actually) originated in China. Ramen, from what I've gathered, is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters for lo mein.

thespicycheese

1 Like

Looks a lot like Momofuku on the inside and so does the menu layout

beerdrinker

@thespicycheese This is the same floor plan and interior design, down to the heavy wood accents and bar chairs. Also, the menu, as you said, is a rip-off (probably with same-as-New-York prices, too!). This and Bones, man. These are not places I take visitors to. These carbon copies degrade our amazing foodscape here with their lack of originality and creativity.

beerdrinker

@thespicycheese Momofuku's menu, Jan. 15, 2012: http://i.imgur.com/Ll69P.jpg

beerdrinker

@noodlelover Noodlelover, I am sure the food at Uncle, as as Bones, is quite good. The ambiance, too. I harbor no ill will toward the hard-working folks who make restaurants run. But I am just sick of seeing places in Denver, specifically Bones and Uncle, do something that has been done before. It's the same with T|ACO in Boulder, which is a terrible (in my opinion) knock-off of Pinche Tacos in Denver. If you're going to invest a ton of time and money in a restaurant, make it your own!

noodlelover

@beerdrinker As stated above he did draw influence from momofuku, so I don't really see the point. Bones in it self could then be said that they stole the concept from David too. But then didn't everyone who has opened a noodle bar in america in some way steal the ideas from japan. Your point is invalid. Why don't you instead of bitching about where he drew inspiration from go and eat there, meet the owner, and then comment. Maybe it will be one of the better ramens in the denver metro area, done right. It sounds like that what he is at least trying to do.