BY MIGUEL OTÁROLA, @MOTAROLA_EATS

The year is coming to an end, making this a fitting time to go over some of the biggest restaurant openings of the last 12 months. See below to find which eateries made our list. Keep scrolling for our follow-up on the bleaching of a delinquent taco stand that went viral and broader look at the local ecosystem of street vendors and health inspectors. Finally, my "Eat This" of the week is a recommendation for a brunch spot that opened earlier this year and does eggs bennys right.

I hope this is a period of (safe) feasting, joy and celebration for all of you. Stuffed will be back on New Year's Eve!

EDITOR'S PICKS

Despite the city’s show of force, unlicensed street vendors still roll around Denver

TIP POOL

What's an underrated burger in Denver?

MORE HEADLINES

• Former Frasca chefs make national list of most anticipated winter restaurant openings
  

• Taco Bell apologizes to Nikola Jokic for 2014 draft-day moment
  
• Sushi Den, Izakaya Den chef to make solo debut in former Fruition space — BusinessDen
  
• Johnny Curiel to open ‘tasting menu restaurant’ on Taxi campus — BusinessDen

EAT THIS

HashTAG

For friend groups scouting out brunch spots for the weekend, HashTAG's newest location in downtown Denver has dishes on par with older, traditional diners. I went straight for the "Old School" eggs Benedict and I'm glad I did, as the hollandaise, grilled sliced ham and poached eggs were a nice texture and flavor combination. Keep an eye out, too, for the slow-roasted pork birria hash on the menu, which consists of adobo pork shoulder with birria au jus on the side. The TAG Restaurant Group is home to Guard and Grace and Tag Burger Bar, and HashTAG is another solid concept.

1125 17th St. Unit 100, Denver; hashtag-restaurant.com