What a blast!
One of the best parties I have attended lately took place Wednesday inside the $5 million refurbished meeting spaces inside The Westin Downtown Denver Hotel.
The event, which showed off the new digs of the mezzanine level Continental Ballroom, renamed the Confluence Ballroom, as well as the ballroom foyer and all breakout meeting rooms.
To unveil the renovation, The Westin’s sales team partnered with Destination Services Design Team to transform the space into specialty rooms such as a Molecular Microbrew bar, a Rock ‘n’ Roll sushi station and a soothing Spa-Ception room.
“A major component of the project was leveling the mezzanine level fixed-seat Tabor Auditorium to create an additional 3,000-square-feet of flexible meeting space,” said Tom Curley, the hotel’s general manager and owner Starwood’s area managing director. “This new space, called the Platte River Room, allows the hotel to service groups more effectively by offering additional dining and meeting space options.”
Yes, the spruced-up space looked lovely, but the most outstanding aspect of the party was something I’ve never seen done in catering before: a salad martini bar.
When I glanced over to that food station, I thought, “Oh no, another mashed potato bar. No thanks.” But when I saw socialite and philanthropist Susan Kiely munching salad in a martini glass, I had to investigate.
Rather than heavy mashed potatoes, the station offered a healthy selection of salad ingredients mixed in a martini shaker (not stirred) with your choice of salad dressing. Bravo and brilliant!
In the limelight
The 23rd annual Limelight Awards, which recognizes outstanding people and places who over the past year have embodied the true spirit of LoDo, took place Thursday in the refurbished McNichols Civic Center Building, on the corner of Colfax and Bannock. (Frankly, not my favorite space for an event because there is mostly metered parking and no valet.)
But the event, despite the number of guests who were ticketed for expired meters, was a festive celebration put on by the LoDo District Inc.
This year’s awards went to:
Cares Award for philanthropic contributions to the neighborhood: Carol Ann and Paul Rothmann for the Downtown Denver Children’s Playground.
Spotlight Award for a successful marketing campaign that brought activity to the area: Tom and Diane Coohill, owners of Coohills restaurant at 1400 Wewatta, for the Beats on the Creek concert series.
Legacy Award for development projects that contribute to LoDo’s culture of historic preservation and innovation: Wazee Supper Club.
Service Award for those who go above and beyond to aid LoDo District Inc: Rob Grey, LoDo District Vice Chair.
New Business Award for a new neighbor who has made a notable impact: Springhill Suites Denver Downtowwn at Metro State.
Diane and Tom Coohill (above), owners of Coohills restaurant and winners of a Spotlight Award at the LoDo Limelight Awards ceremony. (Penny Parker photo)
Party with a view
Can pigs fly? They do at Grillin’ Wings & Things at 723 S. University Blvd. (SW corner of University and Exposition).
The new fantastic wings joint (I tried them last week and can you say finger lickin’ good?) features pig wings (lip-smacking mini pork shanks served “special grilled” style tossed in a choice of sauces, along with egg-cellent chicken wings grilled or deep-fried.
Chicken tenders and jumbo shrimp also grace the menu, along with salads and wraps. Sides include deep-fried corn on the cob, garlic parmesan fries, and beer-battered onion rings.
The sauces are a stand-out with everything from honey hot to sweet ginger Thai to spicy garlic chili. Many are gluten free.
Grillin’ Wings also serves wine and beer. Fly on over and check out this place.
Gluten be gone
The Walnut Room’s two locations – Two North Broadway and 3131 Walnut St. – have expanded their gluten-free offerings.
In addition to gluten-free pizza, the restaurants have added gluten-free bread for sandwiches and a flourless torte.
The Walnut Room restaurants also have expanded their gluten-free beverages to include the Strongbow Cider at the Broadway location, and Magners at the Walnut Street eatery.
“We are proud to offer our gluten-sensitive customers more choices to make their dining experience more varied,” said Leslie Odell, director of operations.
Wine time
John Sutcliffe, founder of Sutcliffe Vineyards in Cortez, Colo., is hosting a premium dinner and wine pairing event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Strings restaurant, 1700 Humboldt St.
This boutique winery is making a name for itself turning out memorable wines from the McElmo Canyon in the southwest corner of the state. The winemaker, Joe Buckle, joined the winery from Sonoma five years ago and is making his own mark on their limited production.
Sutcliffe will walk attendees through the five stages of Sutcliffe Wines starting with the terror at the thought of drinking Colorado wines and ending with a missionary zeal to spread the word.
The event is $65 for AWS members and $75 for non-members. Tickets are available on-line only by going to www.blacktie-colorado.com.
Adieu
Bid adieu to The Big Easy Creole Kitchen, at 250 Steele St., which closed last week after less than six months in business.
The good-food restaurant owned by George Gastl, a native of Denver who lived in New Orleans and cooked at the Palace Cafe, served New Orleans favorites including turtle soup, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, blackened shrimp and sweetbreads.
No word on whether Gastl plans to reopen The Big Easy Creole Kitchen elsewhere. The lower level space has been a challenge to other restaurateurs as well. Jesse Morreale, owner of El Diablo on First and Broadway, operated Sketch in that space, but later changed the concept to Tambien with chef Sean Yontz. That restaurant eventually closed.
Bonjour
Kate Spade boutiques may no longer be guided by the namesake founder, but they’re still make a fashion forward statement about a city.
Now, Denver can boast about snagging a Kate Spade store of its own. The chic boutique opened quietly last week at 105 Fillmore St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. More information: 303-321-3112.
Eavesdropping on an employee to a fellow employee: “Is St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 again this 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.
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