The Early Bird

We do not go out to eat too much while we are home. When at home, I cook most of our meals. However, there are times when we do go out to eat, and when we do, we like to try places than are fun and different. Very rarely do we go to chains. We much prefer small, independent, family owned businesses. We like all the personality that goes into a family business.

On Sunday, after church, we decided to go out to brunch with Jonathan and Priscilla. We chose The Early Bird, in Westminster. The Early Bird is a local restaurant that specializes in “serving up made-from -scratch breakfast and brunch using only the freshest, highest- quality ingredients” and has been doing so since 2012. “Early Bird is a pioneer in the hospitality industry bringing a world-class chef run and operated food establishment to Colorado, offering big city amenities in the comfort of the suburbs.   Early Bird provides fresh, creative, and quality food and beverage executed flawlessly; delivered in an exceptional yet welcoming environment.  Much of the artwork is created by a long time family friend and artist in 30A (Watersound, FL), Allison Wickey. A priority of Early Bird is serving original, healthful breakfast and brunch fare with the emphasis being placed on the freshest ingredients to create modest yet flavorful breakfast and lunch dishes”.

Chefs Daniel and Kristen Cofrades started the Early Bird Restaurant concept with the goal of filling a void in the North West Denver Area—a locally owned and operated food outlet catering to business leaders, singles, retirees, couples, and families alike—to bring a unique and approachable dining experience to the local community. The name, Early Bird was inspired by the Chefs’ daughter, Isabel, who was born prematurely at 33 weeks. “Izzy” is the beautiful, pint-sized muse behind the restaurant’s concept and philosophy of providing the best ingredients, preparation and presentation.

The Early Bird Restaurant brand is the result of the dream of a husband and wife chef team, who envisioned a world-class chef-owned and operated food establishment that offers a big city vibe, amenities and sophistication, yet offering small-town comfort, familiarity and friendly service.  Chef owners Daniel and Kristen have extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry including hotels, restaurants, consulting and teaching.   Chef owner Daniel Cofrades studied at L’Ecole Lenore in Paris, and brings over 20 years of experience at world-class hotel and restaurant destinations such as Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts in Spain and Venezuela, the Omni Interlocken Resort, the Michelin starred NOMI Restaurant in Chicago, and most recently, at the St. Julien Hotel and Spa in Boulder, CO. He also serves on the culinary council for Sterling-Rice Group based in Boulder, CO.   Chef owner Kristen Cofrades obtained her culinary degree at The Art Institute of Colorado, School of Culinary Arts, and brings over 15 years of culinary expertise. She worked for Omni Hotels, starting as a pastry cook while in culinary school and worked her way up to task force chef out of the corporate office in 8 years time. Most recently, Chef Kristen was an instructor in the Culinary Department at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, CO where she also obtained her MBA in Hospitality in 2015. Chef Kristen also serves on the culinary council for Sterling-Rice Group based in Boulder, CO.

The Early Bird is decorated with fun and family in mind and delicious, and offers nothing but the best, most mouth-watering foods. It is a very comfortable family dining place, no matter if you are dining solo or with a bunch of family and friends. It is very welcoming and inviting to all. It is very much a family friendly restaurant, to both all its customers as well as its staff. Many of the employees have been at the restaurant for years and everyone has become part of the family.

The place was packed and we waited for about 40-45 minutes before getting seated. But believe me, it was well worth the wait.

Once we were seated, it was time to peruse the menu and make our selections. We all chose something different.

Larry ordered a standard breakfast platter, with eggs, bacon, and a huge pancake, and thinking that wasn’t going to be enough, he also ordered a side of potatoes. Surprisingly, he ate it all too.

Priscilla and I both ordered their specialty omelettes with one of their giant homemade, delicious biscuits. The omelettes were open, and more like fritattas, and were very, very good. Mine had prosciutto and tomatoes. Everything came with a little arugula salad as well. I forgot what kind of omelette Priscilla ordered, but she was very pleased with it too.

Jonathan decided on the biscuit and gravy with eggs.

Everything from the food on the plates to the ketchups, sauces and gravies are made from scratch, in-house everyday. And the portions are HUGE. When you go, you definitely need to bring your appetite. We had quite a delectable feast for the day. I am ready to go back again, very soon. Thank you Kristen and staff, for a fabulous dining experience.

The Early Bird is located at 11940 Bradburn Blvd., #400, Westminster, CO 80031. They are open at 7:00 AM. It is probably a good idea to make reservations, because the place is always hopping. You can call them at (303) 568-9297 of find them on Facebook or Instagram. too. You will be taken care of very well and will be fed deliciously.