Penny Parker’s On The Town: Greyhound race track coming down

November 9, 2012

Commerce City will host a special event to commemorate the past and celebrate the future as the demolition of the former Mile High Greyhound Park begins starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Following a brief ceremony with remarks from councilman Rene Bullock, Ward IV councilman Rick Teter, city manager Brian McBroom, as well as a special presentation to Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver, a demolition of the clubhouse entrance will occur and continue until the building is down.

I have to say from a personal standpoint, this makes me sad. Mr. On the Town and On the Town Junior and I had so much fun going to the greyhound races and chomping on turkey legs.

I realize that the races can be highly controversial because of the alleged mistreatment of the dogs, and no way would I support that. But the experience was fun, highlighted by the announcer yelling, “Here comes Rusty!” when the mechanical rabbit got the race going.

Art meets The Curtis

The Curtis – a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel  is going Dutch with a new package that celebrates Denver Art Museum’s exclusive Becoming Van Gogh exhibit with a “Gough With the Flow” package that includes two VIP tickets that lets guests bust through the lines.

The package, starting at $159 per night, includes accommodations for two in a guest room with one kind or two queen beds, two VIP tickets to the exhibit, one bottle of Starry Night wine, a bix of Dutch chocolates and hotel car transportation to the Denver Art Museum.

The offer is good through Jan. 20, based on availability. To make a reservation, go to www.thecurtis.com or call 1-800-525-6651.

Art meets beast

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver will hold the second annual Art Meets Beast festival, a two-day event showcasing a whole bison roast as well as a bison butchering workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday at MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St.

“Art Meets Beast is not just an opportunity for people to learn more about local production of food, it’s also a chance to have fun at the museum and have great meals,” said Sarah Baie, director of programming. “We want to invite audiences to consider the connections firsthand between food and culture by looking more closely at the food we eat.”

Most of the events are sold out except for the 4H livestock showcase from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event includes a sheep, goats, pigs and a miniature pony presented by The Urban Farm. Music by B. Sue with former retailer Brandi Shigley. The event is free with museum admission.

For more information, go to www.mcadenver.org.

She be crazy!

Denver’s Tupperware lady Dixie returns to the Garner Galleria Theatre for Dixie’s Tupperware Party now through Dec. 30.

The play stars Dixie Longate, who has packed up her catalogs and left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey across America. Dixie throws a good old-fashioned Tupperware party filled with funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways and audience participation.

“I am all tingly with excitement knowing tht I am coming back to Denver again,” said Longate. “Everyone was so neighborly the last time I was there I figured why not come back to help more people with their food storage needs? I’m ready to party like I just got out on parole!”

For more information, go to www.denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100.

Barolo truffle time

There’s still time to get in on Barolo Grill’s once a year truffle time. During dinner, you can order either the five-course pre-set truffle dinner with wine pairings or just get truffles added to a dish.

I went to the five-course dinner Wednesday, and will tell you it was heavenly! So, if you’re trolling for truffles, go to Barolo. Reservations: www.barologrilldenver.com or call 303-393-1040.

Four Seasons GM gets more duties

Thierry Kennel, general manager of The Four Seasons Hotel Denver has been promoted to regional vice president, which means he will assume additional responsibilities as regional vice president for three other Four Seasons properties.

Kennel will oversee operations at Four Seasons Hotel Palo Alto (my hometown), Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Prior to arriving in Denver nearly three years ago, Kennel served as general manager at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. He recently celebrated his 25th anniversary with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Congrats, Thierry!

And speaking of the Four Seasons…

EDGE, The Four Seasons Denver steakhouse, is offering a pre-holiday three-course menu for $33 per person on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 1.

The menu includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Tax, beverages and gratuity are additional. There’s an optional three-course wine pairing from the sommelier for $20.

Reservations: 303-389-3343.

Eavesdropping on a wife and a husband: “How do you like this outfit?”
“It’s fine.”
“Just fine?”
“Well, it’s not cut down to your navel or up to your hip, so it’s just fine.”
Wife leaves the room.

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.