In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multicourse meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why we're highlighting Bib Gourmands and sharing where to go, what dish to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. Whether it’s food truck turned Denver favorite or traditional Asian flavors with modern culinary techniques in Toronto, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
The idea behind Ash’Kara, according to Chef Reggie Dotson, was to create a special place where guests can gather and share special and casual moments.
"We want to continuously thread the needle of traditional cuisine with my interpretation of nostalgia." explains Dotson. "As we continue our journey, I hope to create a continued following of people who trust our unique and special representation of Middle Eastern cuisine."
Doton's philosophy is on full display with the menu, where elevated staples like hummus, babaghanoush and falafel serve as a familiar anchor while stylishly flavored dishes like savory tagines with eggplant and lamb tenderloin round out the menu.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what our Inspectors have to say here, and below, learn from the team about what you need to know before you go.
What is the dish to order at Ash'Kara?
Wood-roasted chicken with harissa butter.
This dish is a great centerpiece to everything we offer on the menu. Hummus and dips are an absolute favorite of our guests, and you can make a full meal out of our salads and shareables, but I love to create dishes that pair our unique vegetable dishes and tagines as they add to an incredibly unique diverse flavor experience.
What price range can customers expect at Ash'Kara?
A great feature of Ash’Kara is that you can create your own price range. Our happy hour is a great way to get a sample of the lighter, more vegetable-forward dishes, and dinner is a great way to be able to experience a vast variety of the menu. Guests can usually be satisfied with an average range of $20-$55 per visit.
When is the best time to stop by?
I believe the best time to visit is when you're in the mood for sharing! Some of my favorite meal experiences have been on our patio in the evening, the iconic Denver sunset is a great backdrop and creates a genuine vibe unlike any other. The weekends are full and livelier, but we find the neighborhood loves the first few days of the week when they can enjoy a quieter but delicious meal.
What is your goal for Ash'Kara?
My goal with Ash’Kara has been to continuously thread the needle of traditional cuisine with my interpretation of nostalgia. Cooking with the intention to create a memorable experience or to invoke one from the past has always been my starting point. As we continue our journey I hope to create a continued following of people who trust our unique and special representation of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine.
How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
I’ve always kept my approach to food simple, intuitive, and vegetable driven. I’m traditionally trained in French and Western techniques but throughout my career I've been able to combine all of my experiences to really hone in on the artistry and mastery of blending bold spices to create depth, while also maintaining a lighter-style of eating.
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
Having both a thoughtful and playful approach to our menu has allowed us to create a cuisine that we are confident in. Through a lot of diligent study and travel, we’ve been able to gain an understanding of a variety of ingredients, as well as technique. I believe that creating a balance between both has led us to this point.
How have you been able to maintain your standards with the rising cost of ingredients?
Eastern Mediterranean cuisine has a vast variety of ingredients, and finding both traditional ingredients and similar local ingredients has been the key to finding a balance to maintain high standards while also being conscious of cost.
Hero image: Eric Donzella / Ash'Kara
