Catching up from a whirlwind week

Last week was a busy one for this columnist who pledges to be “On the Town.”

It started with the Colorado Restaurant Association’s Industry Spotlight Awards at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, which I told you about last week. Deserving folks in the industry awarded, and fab fare from The Ritz culinary staff.

Tuesday was CRA Award-winner Jim Smith‘s retirement from Republic National Distributing Company, at Guard and Grace, where RNDC bought out the restaurant for an awesome sendoff to one of the nicest men in the liquor business.

Smith, who won the Distinguished Service Award the night before at the CRA Spotlight Awards, will stay on with RNDC as a consultant. Chef/owner Troy Guard’s staff of many chefs turned out food befitting a winner like Smith.

Then it was off to the Denver Auto Show’s pre-party hosted by Tim Jackson and his staff at the Colorado Convention Center. The latest, greatest, shiniest new cars were on display early for the VIPs at the benefit event.

Thursday was the invite-only celebration of the opening of Cho77, super chef Lon Symensa’s latest creation after he won over Denver diners with ChoLon.

Cho77, 42 S. Broadway, is a Asian street food restaurant festooned with Vietnamese decorations and fixtures brought back from Southeast Asia. Most notably is the bicycle street cart above the entrance. Cho77 is open daily for happy hour and dinner starting at 4 p.m. No reservations.

And the week wound up with DAM Uncorked, the wildly popular annual fundraiser for the Denver Art Museum where vinophiles gather with glass in hand to sample from hundreds of labels including Duckhorn, Stags Leap and Silver Oak.

Chef Kevin Taylor and his team created buffets in each Museum room consisting of sliders, salads, deep-fried mac and cheese balls, cheese trays and desserts.

A retirement bash for Jim Smith was held at Guard and Grace.