MAKfam Introduces New Surf and Turf Offering on Sept. 17
Asian Avenue Staff • September 1, 2025

Over the past months, MAKfam has been busy in R&D mode, freshening up their menu with tradition-inspired Cantonese-ish food. For owners Chef Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen, a husband-and-wife duo that grew up in the East Coast and Hong Kong respectively, the following dishes give a reverent nod to the dishes they grew up eating which include a blend of Chinese and American influences as well as comfort food classics.


“Growing up in a Chinese household, there was no greater luxury than walking into a steakhouse and ordering Surf and Turf,” says MAKfam Chef and Owner Kenneth Wan. “Doris and I love a good steak and it’s even what I typically prepare on Thanksgiving instead of turkey. MAKfam’s version of a ‘steakhouse-style’ steak utilizes our house-made XO sauce to add an even richer and deeper umami flavor.”


Photo Credit: Jeff Fierberg

Sliced steak, shrimp, and greens served on a sizzling platter, red background.

Taking center stage is MAKfam’s new Deluxe Steak Platter with Shrimp ($88.88) which includes boneless ribeye with seared shrimp and house-made XO butter. This larger format dish serves two and makes for a great special occasion meal and is available Mondays and Wednesdays only for dinner service starting on September 17.

Fried calamari in a floral bowl with dipping sauce, and a purple cocktail, on a white table.

Salt & Pepper Calamari ($15)


A beloved dish among ABC (American-born Chinese) kids, Chef Wan and his siblings had to order Salt & Pepper Calamari anytime they frequented Chinatown. MAKfam’s take on this Hong Kong-style dish features crispy calamari tossed with ginger, peppers, and onion and is served with a spicy mayo sauce. 


“Doris and I absolutely love a good Caesar Salad so I wanted to incorporate our own version that’s quite off the beaten path of what MAKfam typically offers,” says Wan. “Our twist includes fish sauce and fermented tofu in the dressing that’s balanced by classic key ingredients in a Caesar, such as mayonnaise, anchovies, and parmesan cheese.” 


“Swapping romaine lettuce for charred gai lan adds another depth of flavor that’s smoky, sweet and slightly bitter. Finally, we playfully topped the dish with milk toast croutons which is truly unique.” 

Salad with croutons and cheese in a brown-rimmed dish on a table.

Chopped Charred Gai Lan Caesar ($12)


This isn’t your typical salad with chopped gai lan, Fu-Yu lemon dressing, parmesan, and milk toast croutons.

Person pouring sauce over a rice bowl topped with meat, cucumbers, and red relish.

Mama Wan’s Pork Belly ($17)


A recipe developed by Chef Wan’s mom that includes shredded braised pork belly, hoisin, and pickled vegetables over rice. Comfort food that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, Chef Wan grew up eating his mom’s pork belly over rice and demanded it when he’d come home for college or on special occasions like his birthday.

Plate of food: rice with sauce, meat, and green onions, served with chopsticks on a white and red background.

HK Tomato, Egg, and Beef ($16)


According to Chef Wan, every Chinese household has their own version of this dish. Chef’s parents made this meal nearly every week, a home-style and humble dish that includes wok-roasted tomatoes, marinated beef, scrambled eggs, and ginger.

MAKfam

39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223

Phone: 720.982.5011 

www.makfam.co  |  @makfamdenver

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Discover More Features

Tens of Thousands of Fans Celebrate Taiwan’s Culture in Historic MLB Event

By Emily Stadel • October 21, 2025
The Colorado Rockies made history by hosting their first-ever Taiwan Day at Coors Field, in partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the local Taiwanese community. The cultural celebration drew more than 50,000 fans, including approximately 500 Taiwanese attendees and VIP guests, creating a vibrant evening of baseball and cultural exchange. Prior to the game, the Rockies held a special on-field ceremony introducing distinguished guests: Consular Officer Natalia Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Denver; Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of Denver (TCCD) President Cher Chan, Vice President Vivan Chien, and former Secretary General Fay Lee; Colorado Taiwanese Association former President Rachel Chiu; and Colorado Chinese School Principal Mitchell Hong. Representatives of the Taiwanese community walked onto the stadium stage wearing aboriginal costumes, The folk legend Third Prince (Ne Zha) costumes, and Rockies Taiwan Day commemorative shirts to showcase Taiwan’s cultural characteristics to the audience. 
Group of people posing by abstract art in a gallery setting.

Homeland and Beyond: Rediscovering Lain Singh Bangdel opens exhibition in Denver at the Auraria Campus

By Asian Avenue Staff • October 21, 2025
Curated by Yang Wang, an Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Colorado Denver, Homeland and Beyond features the paintings of Lain Singh Bangdel, widely regarded as the father of modern art in Nepal.

The Community Aurora Taught Me: Ambassador64 Notes from Arapahoe County

By Maureen Maycheco • October 1, 2025
Rocky Mountain Public Media , the home of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and TheDrop303 has a partnership with Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange to launch this monthly essay series, as part of our vision to co-create a Colorado where everyone feels seen and heard.