I told you earlier that Jennifer Jasinski, chef-owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, would be competing in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters 5″ along with Richard Sandoval, the restaurant mogul who oversees operations in Colorado at Tamayo, Zengo, Al Lado and La Sandias as well as Maya in the Westin in Avon.
Bravo just announced that viewers will be invited and encouraged to vote weekly for their favorite chef team at www.bravotv.com or by text message to determine which team received a donation to its designated charity.
The total amount that Bravo will donate over the course of the campaign, from July 24 through Sept. 25, will be divided into various amounts each week as designated by the television network.
To vote, tune in to “Top Chef Masters” and follow the on-air instructions. As chef teams are eliminated from the “Top Chef Masters” competition, they will no longer be eligible to compete in the campaign.
You must be 18 years or older to submit your vote. Votes must be cast by the authorized account holder of the cell phone from which the vote is made. The limit is 40 votes per person per weekly voting period regardless of the method.
Jasinski has chosen Work Options for Women, a wonderful organization that teaches underprivileged women hospitality industry skills, as her designated charity.
WOW is holding a premiere party from 7 to 10 p.m. at Kuni Lexus Greenwood Village, 5150 S. Quebec. Donations are welcome. RSVP at www.topchefmasterspremierparty-es2.eventbrite.com/.
In addition to Jasinski’s culinary competition, chef Jorel Pierce of Euclid Hall also will be participating in an online battle that has already begun. To see Pierce in action, go to www.bravotv.com/battle.
Richard Sandoval, above, and Jennifer Jasinski, below, are two Denver chefs competing in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.” The cable reality series debuts July 24. (Bravo TV photos)
Pro golfer Kerr on the menu
EDGE restaurant at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is partnering with Double Cross Vodka to present an intimate dinner on Aug. 7 featuring professional golfer Cristie Kerr, who plays on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association tour.
When not on the course, Kerr swaps her clubs for Cabernet from her own Curvature Wines collection. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. in EDGE bar with passed hors d’oeuvres, Double Cross Vodka and Curvature wines. The three-course dinner begins at 7:15 p.m.
Cost is $75 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations: 303-389-3050.
The Blue Bonnet moves into middle age
The Blue Bonnet Café & Lounge on South Broadway is celebrating its 45th year of the Mobell family ownership this month with steals of deals for diners.
It’s been 45 years since Arlene and Phil Mobell purchased the long-standing restaurant at 475 S. Broadway, and the popular Mexican eatery has evolved under current owners, the brother and sister team of Gary and Marci Mobell. Many of the Blue Bonnet’s staff have logged three decades with the restaurant.
“My sister Marci and I visit with the tables each and every lunch and dinner that we are here, seven days a week,” Gary said. “We love the interaction with the customers and (value) their opinions. My mom was known for this and we carry on her tradition as she calls daily to check in.”
To celebrate the 45th anniversary, the Mobells are offering customers 45-cent bottomless chips and salsa, two happy hour tacos, two happy hour lettuce wraps or Blue Bonnet signature bottled hot sauce for $4.50 each.
Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday. More information at www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com.
New sports sheriff on CBS4
Tom Helmer, former sports broadcaster on Root Sports, is moving over to join the CBS4 news team replacing the departing Gary Miller on Friday and Saturday nights, plus filling in elsewhere as needed.
Miller is taking on play-by-play radio duties in the fall as the voice of the Colorado State University Rams.
For Root Sports, Helmer co-hosted television broadcasts of Colorado Rockies games and covered the University of Denver, University of Colorado and the Colorado High School Activities Association.
He’s been recognized for sportscasting with an Associated Press award and two regional Emmys for host of the Rockies postgame report, and host of a franchise segment called “Tom on the Town.”
Helmer also previously served as sports anchor for KXTV in Sacramento, Fox 6 in San Diego and as sports director at WZZM in Grand Rapids, Mich.
For more information, go to www.cbsdenver.com.
Sweet shower
As the world anticipates the arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first offspring, Coloradans are celebrating the royal birth in their own way with a Royal Baby Shower from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Whole Foods Market at 370 S. Colorado Blvd. in Glendale.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a baby shower gift to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Chefs from Whole Foods will also be creating a special fish and chips meal for $5 with proceeds going to the hospital.
“We try our best to help our patients and families feel as welcome and comfortable as they would at home,” said Sue Brigg, Children’s Hospital of Denver volunteer coordinator. “We really rely on donations of new toys, books, stuffed animals, craft materials, and other items throughout the year, not just at the holidays. These donations are used in the hospital’s numerous playrooms by our therapists as part of a patient’s treatment plan. They are also used to comfort and entertain a child during the hospital experience.”
Eavesdropping on Facebook: “You know you are getting old when your sweetie says, ‘Let’s go upstairs and make love,’ and you respond ‘Pick one, I can’t do both!’ That’s why our new home in Arizona is just one floor.”
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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