The airport space will be 1,390 square feet where owner and founder Steve Ballas and his wife, Linda, will serve a litter of their famous hotdogs along with sides such as the scrumptious deep-fried green beans.

Voted “Best hot dogs in Denver” for six years in a row and #11 “Best hot dog across America,” Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs has been catering to Denver residents and visitors for seven years in its Colfax location. Its restaurant is one of the most authentic and welcoming in the area, and its menu has a unique “homemade” feel. It includes hot dogs, burgers, and sides such as French fries, onion rings, potato tots and chili con carne.

Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs is a supporter of local organizations, such as Project Angel Heart, which serves meals to persons with life-threatening conditions.

“This is a dream come true for my wife and I … we’re walking on air in the Mile High City! We’re super excited to be part of this and look forward to working with our partners and the airport team to introduce the world to the city’s best hot dogs,” Ballas said.

Steve’s Snapping Dogs is adding a location at DIA in 2014. (Photo courtesy of stevessnappingdogs.com)

A dine-in restaurant, the DIA Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs also will feature take-out options for travelers in a rush, including “Steve’s On The Go”: a grab’ n’ go counter offering ready-made hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches and wraps. Partnering with the Colorado native Bull & Bush Pub and Brewery — winner of a Gold Award at the World Beer Cup, the world’s largest beer competition — the location also will feature a large bar offering beer, bottled and on tap.

“We are pleased to have Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, and for the first time, LS travel retail, join our team,” said John Ackerman, chief commercial officer at Denver International Airport. “Steve’s is a popular local brand that will enhance the overall offerings at DIA, and help diversify our concessions.”

With this new award, LS travel retail North America, which is already operating restaurants in Aspen and Vail airports, is further increasing its footprint in Colorado, and in the food business.

Set to open in winter 2014, the restaurant is expected to generate about $2.8 million in annual sales throughout the term of the seven-year contract.

With more than 50 million passengers traveling through the airport each year, DIA is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world’s largest aviation market. DIA is the fifth busiest airport in the United States and the 11^th busiest in the world.

LS travel retail operates a network of local, national and international news and gifts, specialty retail, food and beverage and duty-free brands in more than 20 countries, including 245 locations in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

Flicks and food

Girl power

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame is seeking nominations of outstanding women for the Class of 2014.  Members of the hall include singer Judy Collins, former Israeli Prime Minster Golda Meir, dancer and choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson and space scientist Jo Ann Cram Joselyn.

The deadline for nominations is Aug. 23. Visit www.cogreatwomen.org/nominate2013 for information and to download a nomination form.

Since 1985, the Hall has inducted 132 living and historic women. They are women connected to Colorado who represent achievements in politics, medicine, business, philanthropy, education, engineering, activism and other fields. Each woman is a pioneer in her own right, having made a significant and enduring contribution to her profession and to the advancement of women and society.

“Colorado is, and has been, home to many remarkable women past and present,” said Cathy Hatfield, board chair.  “We have only begun to recognize who they are and their impact on our state, the nation and the world. It will be exciting to see who emerges in our next class.  If you know of a woman who meets the hall’s criteria, nominate her today.”

How about Patty Calhoun, founder and editor of Westword, the weekly newspaper that annoys local newsmakers and entertains Denver readers? She’s got my vote.

The hall inducts women every even-numbered year. Inductees are selected from nominations submitted by the public.  The selection committee is an independent panel of community members from around the state. Nominees are evaluated based on the following criteria:

The woman must have ties to Colorado and have:

• Made a significant and enduring contribution to her field;
• Advanced the status of women;
• Helped open new frontiers for women and for society;
• Inspired others by her example;

Inductees for 2014 will be announced November 2013.

Other notable Hall inductees are: Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, legendary golfer Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, Titanic heroine Margaret “Molly” Brown, former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, pioneer Baby Doe Tabor, philanthropist Susan Anschutz-Rodgers, actress and Tony Award namesake Antoinette Perry, Colorado First Lady Dottie Lamm, U.S. Ambassador Swanee Hunt, former State Supreme Court Justice Mary J Mullarkey and Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel. For a complete list of the hall’s inductees visit www.cogreatwomen.org/ByYear.htm.

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame was founded in 1985 to recognize and preserve the accomplishments of women, past and present, with connections to Colorado.

Lauded

Wind Crest retirement community residents Dick and Julie Jones, the founders of Excelsior Youth Center’s residential treatment program in Aurora,  have been honored by the organization’s Board of Directors for their volunteer leadership. Excelsior is one of the largest residential treatment programs in the nation for emotionally disturbed and delinquent girls.

Dick is retiring from the Excelsior Board after 40 years of service, including 12 years as its chairman.  He is the 1984 recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation’s National Volunteer of the Year Award for his personal commitment and leadership in offering new hope and opportunity for troubled youth.

President Ronald Reagan and former First Lady Nancy Reagan congratulated Dick for his “outstanding and dedicated volunteer service to your community and fellowman” in a Washington, D.C., award ceremony presided over by Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole.

In 1994, upon Dick’s retirement as Regional Counsel of Federal Highway Administration, Colorado Governor Roy Romer presented him with an honorary citation for his significant contributions to the state, including his work with Excelsior.

Founders of the Excelsior Youth Center residential treatment program in Aurora. Dick and Julie Jones, are being honored by the organization’s board of directors. (Photo courtesy of Wind Crest retirement community)

Eavesdropping on an indignant elderly woman as the lights come up for intermission of Town Hall Arts Center’s production of the classic musical ”Hair”: “I thought this was ‘HairSPRAY!’”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

That’s what a bunch of budding entrepreneurs did on Saturday when they set up self-decorated lemonade stands in front of  Young Americans Bank, the financial institution established by philanthropist Bill Daniels, at 3550 E. First Ave. in Cherry Creek.

The event was part of Metro Denver Lemonade Day , a free community-wide event dedicated to teaching children how to start, own and operate their own businesses through the simple and time-honored act of building and running a lemonade stand.

Lemonade Day Metro Denver receives major support from The Daniels Fund as well as The Anschutz Foundation, LiveWell Colorado and the Riverfront Park Community Foundations.

Inspired by the lessons of Houston entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Holthouse who taught his young daughter and her friend when they set up a lemonade stand, Lemonade Day was born in 2007.

Event organizer Ellen Robinson asked me, along with a handful of other judges including chef/restaurateur Troy Guard, to judge each lemonade based on “healthiest” and just plain best tasting.

Here were the winners:

* Healthiest lemonade recipe winners were Nicole Taylor and Adam Thiret.

* Third place, best recipe: Sara and Lucy Francone.

* Second place: Fresh Start Kids.

* First place: Nicole Taylor and Adam Thiret, who won $500 for their good tasting effort.

Major sponsors were Waste Connections, Dependable Cleaners, LiveWell Colorado, Young Americans Bank and Daniels Fund.

But Saturday was only a preview of the big lemon squeeze to come on June 9 when roughly 2,500 stands will be set up throughout Metro Denver and the lucky best tasting liquid will be awarded $5,000 in scholarship money.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has declared June 9 Lemonade Day Metro Denver.

Tailgate time

Tickets are now on sale to support the Colorado Restaurant Association Mile High Chapter annual Tailgate Party from 4-6 p.m. on June 11 at Coors Field Parking Lot B to support The Colorado Restaurant Association Education Fund and The Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund, which donates money to individual restaurant workers who are injured or have otherwise fallen into hard times.

Tickets are only $25 until June 1 and then go up to $30 after that date.

Come celebrate your Rockies, your successes or just plain celebrate while raising money for The Colorado Restaurant Association Education Fund and The Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund.

Questions? Call Lauren O’Brien at 720-291-8007 or email cratailgate@hotmail.com. The Rockies are playing the Washington Nationals that day. Enjoy beers, burgers and bands while raising money for good causes to support restaurant industry workers.

I have been to this hearty party many times, and it’s a major good time!

Chefs’ dinner series

Charcoal, the Scandinavian-inspired spot at 43 W. Ninth Ave., is continuing its chefs’ dinner series on June 11.

Seating is at 6:30 p.m. and dinner is at 7. Josh Leiby and Meagan Curley will be next month’s chefs serving a rustic American menu. Cost is $50 for the five-course meal only or $70 when paired with wines.

Just to entice you foodie folks, the recent dinner consisted of peas and carrots three ways; pan-seared Alamosa bass with risotto cake, Spanish chorizo, calamari, baby zucchini and tomato broth; and rhubarb-lemon tart with strawberry meringue and mint foam.

Reservations for the June 11 dinner: 303-454-0000 or by going to www.charcoaldining.com.

Political pundit Monaghan dies

Jim Monaghan, a political strategist and longtime spokesman for Denver billionaire Phillip Anschutz, died Wednesday at 66.

Monaghan, who  died at University of Colorado Hospital after a brief illness. began his political career in 1972, as an adviser for Democratic candidates. He led many to election as governors, senators and mayors.

“If you were a Democrat in this town and you were evaluating getting into public life or had a ballot issue, you wanted to know what Jim Monaghan thought,” Jim Lyons, an attorney at the Denver law firm Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons, told The Denver Post. “He would give it to you straight.”

Gov. John Hickenlooper responded to Monaghan’s death with a post on Twitter: “Jim Monaghan defined for many of us how to think strategically about political issues & events. His death is a loss for all of (Colorado).”

Monaghan’s funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Ghost Church, 1900 California St.. A reception will take place at the Carriage House of the Governor’s Residence from 1-4 p.m. the same day.

Dress success

Olympic gold-medal swimmer Missy Franklin attended her prom at Regis High School recently. She was decked out in a fab red gown she bought at Mariel, the most wonderful women’s clothing and formal-wear boutique in Cherry Creek North.

Denise Snyder is the owner and buyer for the store. If you haven’t been, check it out. My sister shops there whenever she is in Denver, and she seriously gets stopped on the streets of Chicago by women wowed by her outfit. She gets a kick out of saying, “I bought this in Denver!”

More information at www.marielboutique.com or by calling 303-623-1151.

Mariel Boutique in Cherry Creek North provided Missy Franklin’s red prom dress. The gold-medal winning swimmer recently attended her prom at Regis High School where she is a graduating senior. (Photo courtesy of Mariel)

Truffle time

Rob and Karin Lawler, owners of the magnificent Truffle Cheese Shop on Sixth Avenue, are opening Truffle Table Restaurant in a couple of weeks at 2556 15th St.

I’m told that they have hired a great chef and have major plans for the place. No phone or website yet, but for more information, you can call the cheese shop at 303-322-7363.

Here’s hoping that the restaurant will be as wonderful and as well received as the original cheese shop!

Eavesdropping on Sam Adams, the journalist/standup comedian (not the beer guy):

“A man buys a copy of my book after last night’s show. While I sign it, he asks, ‘Who are some of the people you wrote about?’ I said, ‘Joe Montana, John Elway, Bill Cosby, Nolan Ryan, Barry Bonds, Kobe Bryant, Chauncey Billups, Kevin Costner and Paul Newman. That’s off the top of my head.’ Dude says, ‘Paul Newman – the salad dressing guy’ I said, ‘Yeah, and he was in a couple of movies too.’”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

For a person who has spent most of her career following or chasing celebrities on the national or local level, even I was star struck on Thursday when Oakwood Homes owner Pat Hamill invited me (once again) to attend the after party for the Jack A. Vickers Invitational 2013 golf tournament at Castle Pines Golf Club, a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.

I went accompanied by my star stalker “gusband” (gay husband), Bradley Joseph, who drove through Tech Center rush hour traffic to get us to Castle Pines.

We were over the moon from the moment we drove up to the entrance (thank you Castle Pines’ valets, who are fab).

It was hard to choose between hunger – which was taken care of by Del Frisco’s, Shanahan’s, Elway’s, Castle Pines, etc. – and our desire to pay homage to the celebs who attended the event.

I think the most satisfying part of being around Colorado’s notable folks is just how genuinely nice they are. Take for example John Elway, perhaps the most famous Coloradan we can claim as our own.

John Elway poses with On The Town columnist Penny Parker at Thursday’s after party for the Jack A.Vickers Invitational golf tournament at Castle Pines Golf Club. (Bradley Joseph photo)

I’ve probably seen and spoken to Elway a jillion times, yet he is still the kindest famous person I know. And his wife, Paige, what a dish! And she is as nice as she looks.

Bradley and I paid the proper props to Mr. Jack A. Vickers for being our host for the evening, and tried to meet as many “green jackets” as we could.

Brian Griese, former Denver Broncos quarterback, was there and couldn’t have been sweeter. He and I have struck up a friendship since he left the Broncos. When he was wearing blue and orange, he never felt comfortable in his skin and didn’t trust the press. But after he retired, he’s been nothing but lovely.

But my “pinch me because this isn’t real” moment came when Bradley pushed me toward Peyton Manning. I protested because I didn’t want to be “that” person who was drooling over herself from meeting one of the most famous NFL players EVER!!!!

What a doll! Of course, I tripped on my words because I was fairly tongue tied. But how lucky are we, as Coloradans, to have such a wonderful ambassador for our state. And what you can’t figure out from TV is that Manning is actually bigger than Elway.

They were standing really close together and you could see the difference. Manning, of course, has to maintain his playing weight, and Elway has reduced to a size that fits him off the field, but it was striking to see them nearly side by side.

And then I met some guy named David N. Siegel, who I wouldn’t have known from a hole in the wall, except he gave me his card. What the what? He’s the president and CEO of Frontier Airlines, a company I have supported  since I can remember.

In fact, my husband just did research on flying me to New York City for my VIP experience on the Hoda and Kathie Lee  hour of the Today show, and found me a Frontier flight which was the best bang for the buck (read cheapest).

So, Mr. Siegel, would it kill you to send me a couple of drink tickets? I’m a nervous flyer, even though I grew up in an airline family because my dad worked for Pan Am and then United.

So, I’m still basking in the afterglow of an amazing evening. Thank you, Pat Hamill, I owe you big time. And thank you to all of the fame and fortune folks that we encountered.

Peyton Manning enjoys Thursday’s after party for the Jack A. Vickers Invitational golf tournament at Castle Pines Golf Club. (Bradley Joseph photo)

Triple Crown No. 2

The Celtic Tavern at 1801 Blake St. is hosting the second of the three Triple Crown parties this Saturday. The restaurant opens at 8.15 a.m. You will be able to place your bets all day at the Off Track Betting facility inside the Celtic.  A Dixieland jazz band will entertain all afternoon. Call 303-308-1795 to reserve a table.

Big Break

We told you about former University of Colorado All-American women’s golfer Emily Talley participating on Golf Channel’s reality show “Big Break” on Wednesday.

After the airing of just one show (Monday), Talley already has seen an elevated level of fame.

“I posted that I was going to be on the show on Facebook and it was the most response I have ever had,” Talley said. “I don’t think I could say I’m getting married and get that much response. But it’s fun, you see how many people love the show, how many people are rooting for you.

“A lot of people you don’t know connect with you on a TV show, you have a lot of people rooting for you,” Talley said. “Maybe I made them laugh or maybe they felt my frustration.”

“Big Break,” which was filmed at an Iberostar resort about 45 minutes south of Cancun in Mexico, airs at 7 p.m. Mondays on the Golf Channel.

Last July, Talley heard she had made the first round of cuts and would be brought in for an interview. But it wasn’t until November that she heard anything. She was at the Arizona State Open when she got a call saying that she had made it to the third round of interviews. Then after missing her LPGA card by three strokes at the third stage of qualifying school, she got the call that would change her life.

“You don’t hear anything forever,” Talley said. “I had a feeling they were waiting for Stage 3 to be over, because if you do well there, you have your card, you don’t need your Big Break.”

It was then another six weeks before she would leave for the filming of the show, which took 31/2 weeks.

But it wasn’t all margaritas.

“It was a stressful situation,” Talley said. “But it was some of the best fun I’ve ever had. We had to get up at 4:30 a.m. every morning, we were mic’d up by 5 and by the time we were at the course, had the competitions, it was 5 p.m. before we were back. We’d all have dinner together and then you’re shooting interviews until midnight, and then you do it all over again. But when it’s something like a once in a lifetime opportunity, your body just figures out how to cope with it.”

The seen

Prince Harry at The Market on Larimer at 10:30 Monday (and to think I was just there last Friday).

Eavesdropping on two women: Overheard at an anti civil unions rally at the Capitol: Dan Caplis telling a woman, “My wife won’t let me Tweet.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Love is lovelier…

Never mind how many times around. My great pal, L. Roger Hutson, sealed the deal with Meredith J. Black on Monday in The Brown Palace lobby.

It was a beautiful and breathtaking ceremony officiated by our good guv, the Honorable John Hickenlooper. The ceremony gave me an (inside) chuckle because Roger is a major Republican and Hick, of course, is a giant Dem.

But Roger didn’t let politics get in the way of his wedded bliss. Meredith was gorgeous and Roger was a dashing groom. Best wishes to both!

Buffs are best

Former University of Colorado All-American women’s golfer Emily Talley made her television debut on Monday as a contestant on the latest installment of the Golf Channel reality show “Big Break,”, which was filmed in Mexico this season.

It’s been a year in the making for Talley and her reality career to get off the ground, as it was shortly after she graduated from CU.

“Everybody always said I’d be good for the show, that I’m a happy golfer and show a lot of enthusiasm,” Talley said. “I always thought it would be fun, so as soon as my college career was over I signed up for the Big Break audition.”

Last July, Talley heard that she made the first round of cuts and would be brought in for an interview, and that’s when she showed the show just how good she would be.

“It worked out that I went to Arizona for two days,” she said. “I had a large iced coffee so I was bouncing off the walls for the audition.

“One of my friends was also auditioning. I started 15 minutes before her and was done after her. When somebody asks me a question, I’ll just run with it for days until I’ve squeezed every last drop out of it.”

The show is set at the Riviera Maya at an Iberostar resort about 45 minutes south of Cancun. “It was great weather, great food and great drinks,” Talley said. “Everybody on the show is so nice…”

Former University of Colorado golfer Emily Talley is competing on Golf Channel’s “Big Break Mexico.” (photo courtesy of Golf Channel)

Salud!

From Asia to Europe to the Americas, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is raising a glass and betting big on its premium wine program, Sheraton Social Hour.

Sheraton Hotels, in cooperation with Wine Spectator Magazine today, is announcing the global roll-out of its signature wine program to 430 hotels around the world.

In celebration of the program’s success Sheraton, Wine Spectator and its valued wine partner Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in Washington state is hosting a 24-hour “Toast Around the World” at Sheraton hotels and resorts across the globe in cities such as Edinburgh in Scotland, Mexico City, Bali, Bangalore, New York and Denver.

So raise a glass at 6:15 this evening when the Sheraton Denver Downtown team members will toast the upcoming Solheim Cup, a golf event that promises to bring international recognition to Colorado.

The festivities kick off in Asia with celebrations at the Sheraton Hong Kong and Sheraton Shanghai. A celebratory toast will be passed virtually around the world, including a toast at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, until it reaches The Sheraton New York Times Square and The Sheraton Waikiki for the conclusion of the day-long global celebration.

Want to raise a glass? Consumers and guests are invited to join the conversation and celebration at #Sheraton Toast.

Memorial

In less than one month, the Colorado Freedom Memorial will be dedicated to Colorado and the nearly 6,000 Colorado Gold Star Families whose loved ones make up the memorial’s roll call.

Beginning with the Gold Star concert on May 25, and carrying through to the Home with Honor Dedication on May 26, the Colorado Freedom Memorial will proudly stand in honor of those who gave all in service to their country.

The dedication weekend events that are open to the public include: The Gold Star Concert from 5 to 7 p.m. May 25, celebrating “Heroic Lives” with performances by the 101st Army Band, Face Vocal Band and Mollie Weaver on The Great Lawn at the Aurora Municipal Building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

Tickets are limited and available at www.militaryevents.us/rsvp using event code: CFM.

On May 26 at 2 p.m., the dedication will begin with the arrival of the dedication processions at the memorial. The procession will include a horse-drawn caisson, full military honors, representatives from each branch of the military, VIPs and Colorado Gold Star Family representatives.

The dedication ceremony will feature VIP guest speakers, representatives of Colorado’s legislative delegation, honor guard and color posting, a wreath-laying ceremony, bird release and performances by the 101th Army Band.

The dedication ceremony is open to the public, and will be held at the Colorado Freedom Memorial/Springhill Community Park, 756 N. Telluride St., Aurora.

Eavesdropping on a man talking about his dog: “I think my dog is on a 12-step program. When we go for a walk, every 12 steps he stops to pee.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

It’s easy to think that Elway’s Cherry Creek is the only place throwing big patio parties this summer (but don’t forget Coohills’ Beats on the Creek series), but if you venture out of downtown or Cherry Creek, Oakwood Homes is hosting its annual free Summer Concert Series at the Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater, 4890 Argonne Way.

Concerts begin on July 4, and run for four consecutive Wednesdays. The Fourth of July kick-off features Chase ‘N The Dream and begins at 8 p.m. Subsequent Wednesday shows begin at 7 and run until 8:30 p.m.

The Summer Concert Series is presented and sponsored by Oakwood Homes as a contribution to enhance quality of life in the community. Additional concert information is available online, including directions to the amphitheater at: www.skylineusa.com/oakwood_concert_series.asp.

Concerts are subject to rescheduling in the event of rain. For updated schedule information, call Skyline at 303-595-8747, ext. 3 or check online.

Free parking is available next to the amphitheater and in the Oakwood Homes parking lot at 4908 Tower Road.

Guests may bring a picnic dinner and soft drinks in cans or plastic bottles. Pets and barbecue grills are not permitted at the amphitheater on concert days. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in accordance with Denver City Park ordinances.

Chase ‘N The Dream plays Motown, R&B and dance music. The band has opened for national acts including the Ohio Players, Jennifer Holiday, the Chi-Lites, Stephanie Mills and Kool and the Gang. A fireworks show choreographed to music follows the concert.

July 10 features the Steve Thomas Band with rock hits of the 1980s. The funny part is that Steve Thomas is the assistant head pro at Green Valley Ranch Golf Course, a 3-wood away (with a good wind behind you!) from the concert venue.

July 17 is FACE – the all-vocal rock band with a full range of sounds including vocal percussion or “beat-box” with memorable rock, pop, funk and upbeat jazz styling.

July 24 features Tunisia playing fun R&B, Motown and hip hop. Tunisia is 10 members strong with three lead vocalists, a blazing horn section and a playlist of more than 100 songs that includes dance favorites from Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and more.

July 31 concludes the summer concert series with Brad Lee Schroeder bringing country rock and straight-up country music. Schroeder developed a deep appreciation for country music after performing mostly rock for the first 10 years of his career. He concerts are a fusion of the two genres and also include elements of soul and gospel.

Masterful

Masterpiece Deli mastermind Justin Bronson, chef and co-founder of Masterpiece Deli and Old Major (my current fave rave) is finally coming out of LoHi, where his sandwich shop has reigned supreme, and will open a second spot this summer at 1710 Sherman St. in the Wells Fargo Center.

Brunson and partners Colin Forkin, Casey Taylor, Eric Clayman, Todd Grayson-Partner and Stephen Allee will open the second outpost in the Uptown neighborhood. Yay!

True confession: I have never been to Masterpiece Deli although I’ve heard many stories about the roast beef sandwich or truffled egg salad that put me to shame! I’ve been to Old Major three times, and adore the fab fare there. Now that Masterpiece will be within walking distance of my place (who am I kidding, I will drive), I can’t wait to bewitched by its sandwiches.

We’re Number Five

CNN Travel recently ranked beer towns in the U.S., and deemed Denver as No. 5. Now, we could argue with that – especially considering that our governor helped put this cowtown on the beer map - but national exposure is all good. Here’s what CNN had to say:

“The history of beer in the United States is a rich one dating back to the colonies, when soldiers were paid in spruce beer and cider. From there, beer weathered a Revolution, Prohibition and a right turn at Albuquerque before positively exploding with deregulation of the industry through the early 1980s.

“Ever since, Americans have been sampling, celebrating and sophisticating the unofficial national beverage in ways previously unimaginable, and it seems nearly every town’s gotten into the act.

“But not all cities are carbonated equal. Some have begun to take beer personally, innovating its craft and consumption and throwing festivals to honor the finest ales and lagers — creating a blueprint for the rest of the country to follow. Still others have been doing this all along.”

Check out the story at http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/06/travel/usa-beer-towns/index.html?sr=sharebar_facebook.

Going underground

Blake Street Tavern has opened “Underground Social,” a new downstairs addition featuring interactive games and more to patrons of the Blake Street venue.

The new downstairs addition features the most diverse selection of interactive games in the downtown/ballpark bar district including Cornhole, darts, shuffle board, Ping-Pong, skeeball, pop a shot, big buck hunter HD, giant connect 4, Giant Jenga, air hockey and more.

Beer lovers can enjoy 24 drafts in addition to weekly drink specials while also taking in the venue’s 18 high-definition TV’s broadcasting every major sporting event.

Eavesdropping on a wife whose husband bought her flowers on Mother’s Day: “Honey, those are so beautiful!”

“It’s not my first flower rodeo.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

It’s good to be Jennifer Jasinski.

Earlier this week she snagged Denver’s first James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest, now word comes from a super secret source that Jasinski’s follow-up act will be a spot on season 5 of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.”

The rumor mill is all over the blog-0-sphere, but confirmation literally fell into my lap during dinner the other night.

No one’s talking on the record, but you can take this to the walk-in. One blogger actually spotted Jasinski on the “Top Chef Masters” set, along side famed New York chef David Burke.

Jasinski is the chef/owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, who first arrived on Denver’s dining scene as top chef at Panzano, a kitchen now helmed by the equally talented Elise Wiggins.

Stay tuned for details when Bravo lifts the cone of silence.

FirstBank bash

On Tuesday, FirstBank held a look-see for invited guests to get a glimpse of the landmark 100 St. Paul redevelopment of the space that is expected to be completed in 2015, which will significantly change the landscape of Cherry Creek North.

One of the key tenants of the redevelopment, headed by Denver Tech Center godfather Bill Pauls, CEO of The Pauls Corporation, is Del Frisco’s Grille, an upscale bar and grill dishing out modern American cuisine.

Del’s used its older sibling – Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, a pricey prime steak house in the Tech Center - to cater the affair.

The Del Frisco’s Grille space in the new 100 St. Paul project will include a huge rooftop patio, a one-of-a-kind fixture in Cherry Creek North. Can’t wait! Another key tenant is Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty’s Denver headquarters (http://www.fullersothebysrealty.com/eng).

During his speech, Pauls said, “FirstBank decided this site (as is) was not the best use. They had a beauty contest for developers and we’re honored that you selected us …This is a huge iconic building with FirstBank’s name on it. By the way, we still have space left (to lease).”

At the party, we sampled Del’s fare including absolutely divine ahi tacos (tuna tartare, avocado and spicy citrus mayo), truffled deviled eggs (oh my!), filet sliders and cake lollipops.

Count on a knife fight between Del’s and Cherry Creek Grill, a persnickety place that needs to go down. Del’s is user-friendly and judging from the sampling of the fine fare, it’s going to be a delish dining experience.

The Denver space will be the seventh Del Frisco’s Grille location.

More on the menu at www.delfriscosgrille.com.

All American

History Colorado kicks off a summer of exploration of local and national military history at the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, with the opening of The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute on May 25 and continuing through Sept. 2.

This national traveling exhibition features 116 enlarged photographs that capture images of American soldiers, beginning on the Civil War battlefields in 1861 when the new medium of photography first documented the grim realities of war, to the war in Iraq.

“Spanning nine wars, I’ve often wondered what the exhibition photographs have in common,” said exhibition curator Cyma Rubin. “These photographs have power. They have an ability to reach people … each image has a life of its own.”

For complete information, go to www.historycolorado.org.

Drew crew

Comedy Works South at the Landmark has landed a big fish: Television personality/actor Drew Carey will perform there on June 21 and 22.

Show times are at 7:15 and 9:45 p.m. both days. Ticket prices are $26 per person. Advance tickets are available by calling 720-274-6800 or online at www.comedyworks.com.

Drew Carey will perform at Comedy Works South at the Landmark on June 21 and 22.

Chef’s best

Charcoal, the fab fare eatery at 43 W. Ninth Ave., is cooking up a special chef’s dinner at 6:30 p.m. May 16 featuring the culinary talents of Charcoal chefs Greg Lucero and Max Kofoed.

Here’s a sample of the menu to tempt your taste buds:

Pan-seared sea bass with risotto cake; pan-roasted rabbit with braised greens, sorrel puree, grits stuffed morel mushroom and rhubarb lemon tart.

Cost is $50 per person or $70 with wine pairings. Reservations: 303-454-0000.

SOL woman

SOL Store of Lingerie at 248 Detroit St. is offering a toast to the mom in your life from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday in honor of Mother’s Day.

The day includes champagne and strawberries, a photo booth for a picture together or to create a personalized card, an opportunity to enter to win the Mother’s and Daughter’s Day in Cherry Creek North sweepstakes (valued at $700 with gift cards to Antoine du Chez for mani/pedis, makeup application and blowout, bra fitting at SOL; shopping at Show of Hands; lunch at Vinue).

For last-minute mom shopping, SOL has selections from sleepwear designer Josie Natori. Bright colors and prints are the hallmark of the Natori brand and SOL has an extensive selection from negligee short robes to Aphrodite gowns.

More information at www.sollingerie.com.

Wine time

Twelve students from the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business will plan and implement the annual DU Vin Wine Festival on May 16 and 18.

DU Vin will feature culinary experts and winemakers who will meet to enjoy some of the finest varietals and raise scholarship funds for KSHM students.

On May 16, a multi-course gourmet dinner will be prepared and served by renowned chef/restaurateur Frank Bonanno with his culinary team and KSHM students.

There will be a reception before the dinner and each course will represent a dish offered at one of Bonanno’s restaurants. Tickets are $125 per person, and complimentary parking will be provided.

On May 18 from noon to 4 p.m., the grand tasting will be held with vintners, wine vendors and food experts pouring high-end wines from around the world paired with local food prepared by the student culinary team from the Knoebel School.

Music will be provided by students of DU’s Lamont School of Music, and tickets are $52.80.

Both the DU Vin wine pairing dinner and grand tasting will take place in the Joy Burns Center building on the University of Denver campus. Tickets can be purchased at www.knoebelevents.ticketleap.com. More information at www.duvinfestival.com.

T-shirt talk

A breast cancer patient who had a double mastectomy spotted a T-shirt with these words: “Yes, they’re fake! (my real ones tried to kill me).” I get it, but ouch!

Eavesdropping on Facebook: “I just ate a bite of wedding cake that was so good, it actually made me want to get married. Now that’s a darn good cake.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

The crowd that gathered for Women Cook! a (mostly) all-female display of culinary prowess Monday night, erupted into applause and whoop-whoops when Jennifer Jasinski‘s name rang out.

Minutes before the presentation during the benefit for Work Options for Women at Temple Emanuel, word had spread that Jasinski, chef/owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, had bagged the first James Beard award for a Denver chef.

For Denver, winning a Beard – the equivalent of an Oscar – further cements this burgeoning foodie town’s growing reputation as a gastronomical force to be reckoned with. Jasinski took home the Best Chef award for the Southwest Region, and was joined in the winner’s circle by Frasca Food and Wine’s Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan MacKinnon-Patterson, who won in the Outstanding Wine Program category.

Jasinski (who ironically was seated in row “J”), was accompanied to the awards ceremony in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center with an entourage of her husband and Squeaky Bean chef Max MacKissock, business partner Beth Gruitch and publicist John Imbergamo.

“Max, Beth and I all jumped up when we heard her name,” Imbergamo told me. ”Max nearly decapitated the man in front of him. Tears, joy ensued. Jen gave a short thank-you speech.”

In her speech, Jasinski thanked her accompanying support team plus the staff at Rioja, a Larimer Square Mediterranean eatery that’s been open for nine years.

Jennifer Jasinski, center, celebrates her James Beard Award with fellow Wolfgang Puck restaurant alums, Sherry Yard, left, and Barbara Lazaroff. (John Imbergamo photo)

Meanwhile, back at Women Cook!

Patrons grazed at 15 food stations serving tapas style plates, and sipped on wine and beer during the sold-out event.

I sampled spring lamb shepherd’s pie from Alex White at Jonesy’s Eat Bar; house-made Italian beef bratwurst with giardiniera and celery salt aioli from Aniedra Nichols at Elway’s Cherry Creek; Colorado lamb burger with hummus, goat cheese and cucumber plus a leek and goat cheese mini quiche from Craig Dixon at Café Options; steak tartare on a grilled baguette from Dana Rodriguez at Bistro Vendom;, pasta al forno in a mornay sauce from Elise Wiggins at Panzano; spring pea risotto with truffle and parmigiano with Gabe’s chicken sausage in endive leaf from Jasinski at Rioja; verinne of strawberries in balsamic and vanilla bean buttermilk panna cotta from Lisa Bailey at D Bar Desserts and tea cookies from Kathleen Kenny Davia at Gateaux.

Despite all the tempting treats, the evening raised a lot of “dough” for Work Options for Women, an organization that trains indigent women skills to ready them for work in the hospitality industry. More information or to donate, go to www.workoptions.org.

Samples of the verinne of strawberries in balsamic and vanilla bean buttermilk panna cotta from D Bar Desserts and chef Lisa Bailey (pictured below with husband and D Bar co-owner Keegan Gerhard). (Wendy Aiello photos)

Makes cents

Quarters for Kids, the annual event founded by Tammy and the late Noel Cunningham, will continue holding its annual fundraising campaign despite the recent closure of Strings restaurant.

Viewhouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop, a new venture for Lotus Concepts at 2015 Market St., has stepped into the Cunninghams’ sizable shoes to acknowledge the fundraising efforts and honor the children with a private breakfast on Friday.

Quarters for Kids is a school-based program where students raise quarters to help provide breakfast residents at the Volunteers of America Brandon Center for Battered and Homeless Women and their children.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock will recognize the efforts of area students, KOSI-101 radio personality Murphy Huston will emcee the event and Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky will entertain the students.

According to VOA legend, 22 years ago Noel discovered – after talking to VOA’s Jim White – that the cost to feed breakfast to a child living in one of Denver’s home shelters was 25 cents. The idea that such a small amount of change could make such a difference motivated Noel to start the Quarters for Kids campaign.

While this year’s campaign ended in April, schools and students can plan to participate next April. For more information, go to www.voacolorado.org.

Arts festival makes move

The original Downtown Denver Arts Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, will include a lineup of some of the state’s most outstanding artists during this year’s festival May 24-26 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

The festival is moving from the Denver Pavilions back to the DPAC where it was held during its first three years.

“The DPAC will be able to better accommodate our popularity and growth, while providing a more spacious, enjoyable and art friendly atmosphere for our attending artists and their clientele,” said DDAF director Jim DeLutes, “It will be a tremendous location to celebrate our 15th anniversary.”

More information on this year’s event, go to www.downtowndenverartsfestival.com.

Den-Mex fare finds its way onto top ethnic food list

Food & Wine contributing editor and the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern included two Denver institutions in his list of Best Ethnic Food in the U.S., which was released Tuesday on www.foodandwine.com.

He found satiating solace at two Denver institutions: Chubby’s and El Taco de Mexico. Here’s what he wrote:

“About a third of Denver residents listed themselves as Mexican American on the 2010 Census, so it’s no surprise that nearly every local food writer you talk to says that if there’s a food that defines Denver—it’s Den-Mex. The signature of Den-Mex is green chile, a spicy bright orange sauce with the consistency of gravy, made from Colorado chiles, pork, lard and tomato.

“You can check out Chubby’s for a late-night after-the-bar gut bomb commodity burrito, but for truly amazing flavors El Taco de Mexico is a must. Denver’s quintessential taqueria, the authentic spot serves the best menudo and tacos in the city. I bet there isn’t another restaurant in town that utilizes as many varied techniques of meat cookery as well as the grandmoms do behind the counter at ETM.”

See the entire list of his ethnic finds at: http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/andrew-zimmerns-favorite-ethnic-food-in-the-us?xid=TTIPS050713FullListAndrewZimmerns#!slide=10.

Eavesdropping on a woman to a man: “Happy Cinco De Mayo!”

“Does Cinco De Mayo fall on the same day every year?”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum invites you to join in this epic Star Wars event at the hangar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

• Train with The Jedi Lightsaber Academy and walk away with your own foam Saber.

• Attend Trooper Training School with real storm troopers.

• Create your own Ewoks and Wookiees in the Galactic Zoology Nursery.

• Visit the Denver comic book classroom and bring your own comic and characters to life.

• Purchase your tickets in advance online for an opportunity to sit in the only Star Wars X-wing signed by Harrison Ford and members of the cast.

And don’t forget to wear your Wookiee costume or other attire to celebrate the day with fellow Star Wars fans. The event location is Wings Over the Rockies at 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver.

Admission: Museum members, free; adults 13-64, $20; children ages 4-12, $10. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.wingsmuseum.org/component/jcalpro/view/209.

Barry booster

I was invited to attend Denver music icon Barry Fey‘s funeral on Tuesday where nearly 200 of his friends and family gathered within a few hours notice to honor the man who really put this town on the music map.

The service, held at Feldman Mortuary at 17th and York, was a standing-room-only event, as Barry would have loved. His sons gave testimony in honor of the father who was complicated and imperfect yet a profound influence on each of their lives.

After the service, Patty Calhoun, Wendy Aiello and I thought it would be apropos to raise a glass to Barry at Strings, which was also seeing its end that evening, but we were turned away because the restaurant was readying for the auction and cocktail party later that night.

It was an ironic moment because I could never imagine Strings owner and founder Noel Cunningham ever turning away anyone.

Instead, we drove over to another Denver institution – the 17th Avenue Grill. There, we ordered martinis with bleu cheese olives (sparkling wine for Calhoun) and toasted our fallen friend who didn’t drink.

On the up side…

Opie Gone Bad lead singer Jake Schroeder has been leading the effort to have a statue of Fey placed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Here’s what Schroeder told me:

“I reached out to Geoff Fey and asked him for his blessing in moving forward.  I told him to take his time and get back to me when things calm down a bit.  I figure if they’re good then I’ll just coordinate getting artists to submit to the family and I’ll try to raise the money and lead the unavoidable battle against the Parks department to get it done.

“I knew Barry enough to say hello, but that was about it.  He never booked my band, or had anything to do with it, really.  I just think he helped create an environment in Denver that allowed me to grow up seeing the best concerts in the world and allowed me to have a 25-year career (so far) playing music here.  He should have a huge statue at Red Rocks.  I think it would even be cool to have it backstage in the wings, so all the famous artists that play there forever would know why they’re there.”

If you’d like to donate to Schroeder’s effort, you can email him at jschroeder@denverpal.com.

On another note…

Jobs list guru Andrew Hudson has taken up the good fight to honor Fey’s wish to be buried in Morrison below Red Rocks, which makes total sense considering how much the concert promoter did to bring international attention to the amphitheatre.

Here’s what Hudson posted on Thursday: “The number to the Morrison Cemetery Commission is 303-973-5916. It is probably too late to do anything, but feel free to share your concerns with their decision to deny the request to allow Barry Fey to be buried there.”

Baby steps

Bob Bonner, the Denver-based director of operations for Richard Sandoval Restaurants and his wife, Marj, welcomed their first child, Oliver, into the world at 6:49 p.m. Sunday at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Baby “Ollie” weighed in at 8.3 pounds and measured 19.5 inches long. Congrats to the new family!

Also on the baby boom, Elway’s executive chef Tyler Wiard and his wife, Jennifer, are expecting their second child on July 18. They knew ahead of time that their first – who’s now 2 years old - would be a girl, but the couple opted to have the second child’s gender kept as a surprise.

Congrats ahead of time to them!

Bob Bonner with baby son, Oliver. Bob’s wife,  Marj Bonner, gave birth to their first child on Sunday.

Best bet

The Celtic Tavern and Delaney’s Cigar Bar and Lounge at 1801 Blake St. are the only facilities in Denver licensed to allow off-track betting.

This now makes the pubs the only spots in Denver where people can place bets in person for the Kentucky Derby. The pubs will celebrate with a Kentucky Derby party starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, which will give patrons plenty of time to place bets for the first race, which begins at 8:45 a.m. our time.

There will be a contest for best-dressed man, best-dressed woman and, of course, best hat. Table reservations are recommended and are available for $40 per four-top. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis after reservations are filled.

The Celtic Tavern is a non-smoking establishment while Delaney’s Cigar Bar and Lounge is smoker friendly.

For reservations and more information, call 303-308-1795.

Get happy

USA Today has come up with its top 10 list of happy hours at high-end restaurant chains across the country. Many of the top 10-ers have outposts in the metro area, with McCormick & Schmick’s logging in at No. 1.

Check out the entire list at http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/03/09/the-best-happy-hour-deals-nationwide/1974659/.

Think pink

Adam Vance, Elway’s Cherry Creek sommelier, needs your help choosing pink wines to put on the summer menu. Join Adam on the Elway’s patio to taste and evaluate more than 30 rose wines from France, Spain, Austria, California, Italy and Greece that are under consideration for a summer rose flight on the Elway’s wine list.

The event, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 29, costs $35 per person including tax and tip.

Chef Tyler Wiard also will prepare light hors d’oeuvres to enjoy during the sip soiree. For reservations, call Lara at 303-399-7616.

The seen

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor dining at Benny’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar (nice choice!) in Capitol Hill Wednesday night. Sotomayor was in town to attend the opening ceremony of the new Ralph L. Carr Justice Center downtown Thursday.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, second from left, dined at Benny’s Wednesday night before attending the opening ceremony of the Ralph L. Carr Justice Center on Thursday in downtown Denver.

Eavesdropping on a female nurse to a man during a pre-op appointment for a knee replacement:  “Sir, please take your shirt off.”

“You first!”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

We can only hope he keeps his day job, but Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning diverted from the playbook and took the stage with country Western singer Luke Bryan during the Children’s Hospital Gala in Indianapolis, Saturday.

Manning, who played 14 seasons as the Indianapolis Colts QB, attended the event to show support for the hospital that bears his name. And although Manning looked far less comfortable on the stage than he does on the gridiron, he was a good sport by joining Bryan, this year’s Academy of Country Awards entertainer of the year, in a “rendition” of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and Waylon Jennings’ “Luckenbach, Texas.” Check out the melodically challenged Manning’s duet at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSG7FeGxRwY.

Train drives gala’s engine

A group that deserves the limelight on stage, Train, headlined NightShine, a benefit for Denver Health Foundation Saturday at the National Western Events Center.

After the presentations and recognitions were over – including the 2013 Denver Health Stars award-winners James Q. Crowe (Level 3 CEO) and Pamela Crowe – Train lead singer Pat Monahan engineered the popular band through hits such as “Calling All Angels,” “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” and fan favorite “Drive By.”

But this was no ordinary, roped-off, don’t-block-the-aisles affair, rather Monahan encouraged a stampede of gowned gals who didn’t hesitate to swarm the stage. No doubt the best concert at a gala that I’ve ever seen.

I spotted music man Chuck Morris in the well-heeled crowd. I’m thinking he “steered” Train into making tracks to the Denver event.

Speaking of music men…

There’s a Facebook movement afoot to have a statue of Denver rock n’ roll icon Barry Fey (who died Sunday) erected at Red Rocks, the venue Fey made famous with the considerable help of U2′s “Under a Blood Red Sky” performance.

Opie Gone Bad lead singer Jake Schroeder posted on his FB page Tuesday that if no one else was taking the lead on this project, he would. Let him know you can help by adding to the posts.

Nicole Isenberg takes a photo of her and Train lead singer Patrick Monahan during the band’s concert at NightShine, a benefit for Denver Health Foundation on April 27.

Balfour bounty

On a completely different note, Balfour Senior Living CEO Michael Schonbrun was joined by Gov. John Hickenlooper, Balfour general counsel Susan Juroe, Denver’s executive director of economic development Paul Washington and author and train historian Dick Kreck, for a ceremonial ground-breaking at the site of the future Balfour at Riverfront Park on Wednesday.

The $74 million senior-living community at 15th and Little Raven will become one of a select few senior communities in the United States offering a full range of independent and assisted living choices. The first Balfour community already exists in Louisville, and offers amenities and services that have the look and feel of a five-star hotel.

“Until now, seniors have had few options for upscale downtown living and few anywhere in the state will offer what Balfour at Riverfront Park will provide: an urban lifestyle in a park-like setting where residents have easy access to the city’s leading restaurants, cultural events, entertainment and sports venues,” Schonbrun said.

The dignitaries dug a shovel into a wheelbarrow cradling the biggest bottle of champagne I’ve ever seen, posed for photos, then filed over to Zengo for a party that attracted Denver’s who-who’s. More information on the project that is slated for completion in June 2014, go to www.balfourseniorliving.com.

From left, Balfour Senior Living CEO Michael Schonbrun, Balfour general counsel Susan Juroe, Gov. John Hickenlooper and Paul Washington, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development, perform the ceremonial ground-breaking on the Balfour at Riverfront Park community under construction at 15th and Little Raven.

Celebrate

Racines restaurant at 650 Sherman St. will celebrate the first month of legal civil unions for same-sex couples beginning May 1 and continuing through the month of May.

During that celebration, Racines will give each couple a 187-milliliter bottle of Korbel California Brut Champagne to share when they celebrate their civil union with breakfast, lunch or dinner at the restaurant, a long-time favorite of the gay community.

“We are proud that our legislature took this major step toward equality for all,” said Lee Goodfriend, co-owner of the restaurant. “For nearly 30 years, Racines has been a strong supporter of the LGBT community,” added co-owner David Racine.

Civil unions became law on March 21 when Gov. Hickenlooper signed into law the bill passed by the Colorado legislature.

Denver’s Office of Clerk and Recorder opened at midnight Wednesday to issue licenses and ceremonies were performed formed until 2 a.m. that morning.

Eavesdropping on two men at the NightShine gala: “How old are you?”

“Which part?”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.