Even though Chef Bradford Heap’s newest sea-inspired restaurant, Wild Standard, has yet to set an official opening date, that hasn’t stopped the place from making big waves in Boulder’s dining scene. Expected to open in mid-September, Heap’s newest venture promises patrons a voyage highlighting “responsibly-sourced fish and seafood dishes, influenced in culinary traditions which traverse the seven seas.”
Located along the Pearl Street Mall’s main drag, Wild Standard will bring new life and new flavors to a building that most recently housed Pasta Vino, a short-lived Italian restaurant that shuttered it’s doors in November of 2014. The restaurant’s interior will pay homage to the building’s historical past, with sea-inspired accents that reinforce the restaurant’s theme.
“This is an ambitious and exciting concept that compliments our other restaurants, SALT and Colterra,” said Heap in a press release from late August. “We’ll offer multi-cultural cuisine featuring both classic and innovate menus.”
When Wild Standard officially opens it’s doors to the public at 1043 Pearl Street, it will join Chef Heap’s two other busy Boulder County eateries— downtown Boulder’s SALT the Bistro, and Heap’s charming Niwot neighborhood gathering place, Colterra. In keeping with Heap’s signature style, Wild Standard’s menu will focus on locally-sourced ingredients, seasonally-inspired menus, and a thoughtful beverage program seeped in craft cocktails, craft beer, and select wines—all of which can be enjoyed in the dining room, or in the Pearl Dive, a “watery retreat in the cellar designed for large parties, celebrations and meetings”. Small plates will make up the bulk of the menu which also includes a raw oyster bar, “seacouterire”, tartar, ceviche, crudo, and dishes finished in the kitchen’s wood-burning oven.
While Wild Standard hasn’t released details of their official opening, Heap and his crew are hosting guests in the new digs on September 9th for the Wild Water Benefit—a collaboration event with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to aid a restoration project for the Colorado River. Tickets for the event are $65 and will garner a first look at Wild Standard along with hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, cocktails, and information on water conversation and reducing one’s H20 footprint. The Wild Water Benefit also features a silent auction with prizes including a fishing trip and a shore dinner with Cheap Heap, exploring the farmers’ market with Chef Heap, and a private meal prepared by Heap for one lucky bidder and five guests. The benefit kicks off at 5:30 p.m. More info can be found and tickets can be purchased here.
Wild Standard will open for lunch, happy hour and dinner seven days a week. Stay tuned to the restaurant’s Facebook page for more details on the highly-anticipated official opening.
