Westword magazine much-anticipated “2013 Best of Denver” edition is out on newsstands, online and on a free mobile app.
This issue – all 196 pages of it – marks the 30th year the newspaper staff has taken on the daunting task of settling on the best in shopping & services, sports & recreation, food & drink, arts & entertainment – and replacing people and places this year – Colorado Classics, representing 30 “individuals, institutions and enterprises” celebrated in each of the previous year’s publications.
Westword editor and founder Patty Calhoun chose the list of Colorado Classics, well, because she can, and she’s only one of two staff members who’s been there for all 30 “Best of” years. And since she’s a gal pal o’ mine, I wasn’t surprised by many of her picks.
Starting in 1984 with the brand new Broncos QB John Elway.
1985: My Brother’s Bar.
1986: Mayan Theatre.
1987: Benny’s Cantina.
1988: Chuck Morris.
1989: Wynkoop Brewing Company.
1990: Barry Fey.
1991: Mercury Café.
1992: Lake Steam Baths.
1993: Chubby Burger Drive Inn.
1994: “America, Why I Love Her.”
1995: Denver Central Library.
1996: Phil Bender and Pirate.
1997: Tattered Cover.
1998: Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
1999: Antique Row.
2000: El Chapultepec.
2001: Oxford Hotel.
2002: Rockmount Ranch Wear.
2003: Confluence Park.
2004: Chipotle.
2005: La Fiesta.
2006: PeaceJam.
2007: Buffalo Museum and Grave.
2008: Racines.
2009: Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
2010: 16th Street Mall.
2011: George Karl.
2012: “Mustang.”
2013: John Hickenlooper.
In most of the zillions of “Best of” items, reader’s choices are also listed. So love it or hate it, “Westword’s” annual “Best of Denver” makes a good read.
Patinkin keynote speaker at JFS Luncheon
Jewish Family Service of Colorado manages to consistently snag a super speaker for its annual JFS Executive Luncheon, and this year promises to be no exception when dynamic Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and singer Mandy Patinkin takes the stage as the keynote speaker on April 24 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center.
Patinkin, who’s currently starring in Showtime’s hit drama series “Homeland,” has a litany of stage and screen roles on his resume. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., program starts at noon.
Tickets are $150 each at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon. All proceeds benefit the life-transforming work of Jewish Family Service, which helps more than 20,000 people of all ages, faiths and incomes every year.
Riedel’s right
Maximilian Riedel, the 11th-generation glassmaker and CEO of Riedel Crystal of America, will demonstrate why shape matters when it comes to pairing the proper glass with the right wine from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 11 at the Metro State University of Denver Hospitality Learning Center, 1190 Auraria Parkway.
Tickets are $100 for this fundraising event for the university, and includes a three-piece set of Riedel glasses valued at more than $103. Riedel has held this seminar two years in a row at Denver Food and Wine, and it sells out quickly. Register at https://events.mscd.edu/riedel.
Well-suited
Andrisen Morton, the upscale men’s wear store in Cherry Creek North whose typical customers are Denver’s well-heeled dudes, donated a custom-tailored suit to 16-year-old Moises Banuelos for his big night recently being recognized as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s Colorado State Youth of the Year.
Banuelos, a sophomore at Abraham Lincoln High School, has been a member of the William E. Cope branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs for 10 years. The ambitious young man plans to attend the University of Denver to study to be a FBI agent.
The suit will get a second showing when Banuelos competes in regional competition this summer.
Andrisen Morton men's clothing store donated a suit for Moises Banuelos to wear for being recognized as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver's Colorado State Youth of the Year. (Photo by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver)
Sparkle
Chris Parente, the zany Emmy Award-winning host of the “Everyday Show” on KDVR Fox-31, will emcee NightSparks from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Wellshire Event Center, 3333 S. Colorado Blvd.
The event benefits LifeSpark Cancer Resources for cancer patients through the use of Reiki and Healing Touch. The volunteer driven organization provided more than 1,000 session hours to more than 100 individuals with cancer in 2012.
The evening will include dinner, cash bar, dancing, silent and live auctions and entertainment provided by The CopperTones, a division of The Nacho Men. Doug Tisdale, mayor of Cherry Creek Hills Village, is the auctioneer.
Tickets are $75 each, $140 for two and $65 for young professionals 40 and under. More information: www.lifesparknow.org.
More than Tex Mex
Zanitas Mexican and Margaritas, a fast casual eatery that turns most perceptions of Mexican fare on its cabeza, is now open at I-25 and Hampden at the Shoppes at High Pointe.
Owners Nick Hayes and Matt Dark set out to create a “Nu Mex” menu including “toasted burritos” with chicken and bacon or mac and cheese with grilled smoked sausage and crispy fried pickle, and tacos with fried avocado or wood roasted salmon with arugula.
They also serve more traditional dishes such an enchilada, taco platter and taco salad, plus house-made salsas, pico de gallo and guacamole and fresh-lime margaritas.
More information at http://zanitasmexican.com/.
Eavesdropping on one male skier to another in the lift line on chair 4 at Vail: “I told my dad I’d never be out of shape.”
“You’re not. It’s just the shape you’re in!”
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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