Christina Ludwick loves the restaurant game. Her many Denver restaurants attest to her dedication to the business. But her latest venture, Sandomi, might be the most finely-tuned of the many restaurants she’s opened in the metro area, all of which have explored flavors from across Asia. The counter-service joint opened at the end of June and specializes in Japanese sandos, onigiri, banh mi and mixed matcha drinks.
Ludwick says each project in her growing restaurant empire is inspired by travel and a fundamental curiosity she has for how people eat across the globe. “I love to eat. Every time I try a new food I get really excited,” said the restaurateur. “Every time I try new food, I want to open a restaurant for it.”
Though Ludwick was born and raised on the island of Saipan, her initial passion for restaurants was sparked while she was attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo. “My first job was at Panda Express,” she said.
Over the years, that love has grown from a personal interest to something more community-minded. Ludwick says that she enjoys introducing flavors and dishes to places that may not have experienced much of them before. “Every time I find something suitable for the community, I try to bring it here,” she said. “People in Denver are really open to new food.”
With the opening of Sandomi, Ludwick is excited to bring a range of convenience-oriented street snacks to Edgewater. “I like the sandos. You don’t have to educate your customer much,” she said, adding that while the Japanese-style sandwich has received plenty of representation in Denver dining, she still thinks that hers bring something fresh to the table.
While sandos are the star of the show, the menu also offers plates like katsu curry and lemongrass beef, both served with rice. The salmon onigiri is good, but the chashu naruto variation delights both the eyes and the palate. Sandos arrive both sweet and savory, with classics like strawberry, egg salad, and beef being joined by the more ornate shrimp katsu. Don’t leave without getting a Teriyaki Spam Musubi, a nod to the Hawaiian staple Ludwick enjoyed plenty of in college.
Sandomi joins a growing portfolio for Ludwick, alongside Yu’s Noodle Shop, Toki Ramen and Sushi, Dumpling Kitchen, and fellow Edgewater resident Dumpling Spot.
Sandomi is located in the Edgewater Public Market at 5505 West 20th Avenue, Edgewater. It is open every day from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Lucy Beaugard.
