Meet Josh Oakley of Avelina in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Oakley.

Josh let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My career began twelve years ago in Scottsdale, Arizona at Christopher’s and Crush Lounge, where I started as a pantry cook and worked my way up to the line and grill. 

I remember it was that classic scene of an 18-year-old in over his head with star-packed chefs—and it was a butt kicking. I was hungry for more, so I embraced my sense of adventure and accepted a line cook position with the Pullman in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, working my way up to sous chef in just one year.

Now I am the executive chef of Avelina. I have a fearless sense of adventure and a true passion for cooking, both of which have guided me through my culinary journey. I really enjoy the working environment, where 10 hours pass, and it doesn’t even feel like working. It’s a passion that has taken me to France and throughout Colorado. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the talented team at Avelina.

This year I am proud to be a part of the 2020 Colorado FIVE—a collaboration of local and regional chefs and beverage heavyweights that represent the state’s thriving culinary scene on a local and national level. Since its inception thirteen years ago, the Colorado FIVE has cooked at numerous culinary showcases, including the Aspen Food & Wine Classic and the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, where the Colorado FIVE has been invited to cook every single year of its existence.

Avelina is hosting the first FIVE dinner at Avelina on 4/20. It will be a CBD themed dinner, and tickets are now on sale.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say that I have been pretty lucky in my career. I have always found myself a good job, with good owners, who take care of their employees and not put people through those horrific stories you hear of with mismanagement and all the jazz.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the executive chef at Avelina. Avelina, a sophisticated stunner in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo), turns out captivating New American cooking from an open kitchen that peers over a beautifully designed dining room. Our award-winning culinary team creates cuisine from seasonally available ingredients for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. From shared plates like roasted cauliflower flatbread and charred octopus to large plates including short ribs, pork tenderloin and Colorado striped bass, you can expect an elevated Denver culinary experience. The beautifully executed dishes, exceptional wine list, thoughtful cocktails and intoxicating ambiance are not to be missed.

We won best new restaurant when we opened, and we are constantly in the top 10 in all the reviews each year in downtown Denver. We set ourselves apart by being genuine and honest in the kitchen.

What were you like growing up?
As a kid I wanted to be a drummer. I wanted nothing more then to be a drummer and travel and live out of a bus and give people a show. I was always told I was outspoken and goofy in school because I always wanted to turn everything into some kind of a joke.

Now instead of drumming, I create EDM music with my girlfriend. We are called Mom N Dad Tunes. We are a DJ duo and super-couple extraordinaire. Not only do we make excellent music, we offer free parental advice as well. It’s weird, but it works. We have played at The Fillmore and even Red Rocks. Check out some of our music here https://soundcloud.com/momndadtunes/tracks.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1550 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
• Website: https://www.avelinadenver.com
• Phone: (720) 904-6711
• Email: joakley@urbanfoodgroup.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/avelinadenver
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avelinadenver
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/avelina-denver

Image Credit:
Natalia Mills

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