In 2000, Lon Symensma was doing a fellowship at The Culinary Institute of America in Escoffier, the Classical French restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The following year with two friends from the CIA sharing an apartment in New York City, now working professionally in New York's world class restaurant scene. In 2002, Lon decided to continue his culinary training and left NYC to travel throughout Europe and Asia where he spent a year working at two Michelin two-star restaurants in the south of France and apprenticing at the acclaimed Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain. The next year Lon continued his travels throughout Southeast Asia and China under the guidance of mentors and renowned chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Gray Kunz and was a part of the opening team at Jean Georges Shanghai. When Lon returned to New York City, he joined Jean-Georges at his iconic Southeast Asian inspired restaurant, Spice Market. Fast-forward to 2010, with numerous culinary accolades and four years at Buddakan, which earned a coveted New York Times two star review and was named the fifth highest grossing restaurant in the United States, Lon moved to Denver to join his long time friend Alicia Pokoik Deters and Jim to make their dream of opening their own restaurant a reality in Denver's thriving culinary scene. With access to local, sustainable agriculture and a community with an appetite for healthy living and inspired cuisine, the Mile High City is an ideal place to showcase Lon's talents in the kitchen.
About ChoLon Bistro
ChoLon, which translates to "big market", is named after the largest Chinese-influenced market in Saigon, Vietnam. In addition to lunch and dinner service, ChoLon offers a small bites menu that is available throughout the day. Symensma's menu features inspired interpretations of traditional Asian dishes with presentations ideal for sharing. The bar and lounge will serve handcrafted, artisanal cocktails developed to enhance Symensma's creations. The venue is also ideal for business meetings and presentations and features a large projection screen in the lounge area. "Many of my dishes are twists on classical Asian cuisine," says Symensma. "I look forward to share my own personal perspective on the dynamic and vibrant flavors of Asia in order to create an experience that is both exciting and familiar." ChoLon Bistro is located in Denver's Historic LoDo District at 1555 Blake Street, on the corner of Blake and the 16th Street Mall. Learn more about Symensma's travels and inspiration by visiting www.cholon.com. Make reservations on the restaurant website or by calling 303.353.5223.
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