Charlie Walling, one of the most amiable big-shots I know, is leaving Dean Foods as general manager of Robinson Dairy, effective March 31.
Walling’s departure is a result of a “sweeping restructuring,” he said in a recent goodbye email message he sent to colleagues, friends and family.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Dean Foods as general manager of Robinson Dairy, due to a sweeping restructure, effective March 31. Leading the Robinson Dairy team has been a tremendously rewarding experience. I wish everyone at Dean Foods the very best, and for the opportunity to work with these truly talented people, I am, and always will be, grateful.
“Since relocating from Houston, the last 12 years in Denver have been the most fulfilling years of my life. This focused, collaborative and energetic community welcomed me and my family with open arms. Valerie and I plan to continue to live in Colorado as I pursue other career opportunities. I look forward to our continued friendship and appreciate the support from each of you. Please keep in touch as new opportunities unfold in the future.
“Please note my new email address: Charlie.O.Walling@gmail.com.”
I asked Walling, who is a personal friend as well as a huge supporter of my pet breast cancer charity, Sense of Security, to send me some thoughts about his separation from the Robinson folks. He said, “I am fortunate and privileged to have led the Robinson Dairy team and been associated with two Colorado leaders, Dick and Eddie Robinson. I will truly miss these talented friends and thank them for 12 successful and rewarding years.”
Sal Siraguse, Robinson Dairy account manager in the downtown Denver territory, said, “Charlie will be missed. Great guy, great boss and so much fun to be around! We are very sad to see him leave Robinson Dairy.”
Fresh fish
To Seattle Fish Company, seafood is more than just a job, it’s a 95-year old family tradition, a passion, a culture and a community. The company continually searches for ways to celebrate its clients throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
In keeping with this spirit, in early 2012 the company created a contest that invited clients to submit photos of Seattle Fish products in action. The prize: The winning images featured on two Seattle Fish distribution trucks for one year.
The contest generated more than 200 entries, which included regional chefs’ plated creations. These images were posted on Facebook where fans were asked to “like” their favorites, ultimately determining the top 20 finalists.
From there, local food experts — chef Jon Emanuel (Project Angel Heart), chef Mark DeNittis (Cook Street), Lori Midson (“Westword”) and chef Christopher Cina (Wynkoop/Breckenridge Group) — were tasked with picking one winner and four runners-up.
1515 Restaurant (at 1515 Market St.) was selected the winner, and chef Garren Teich‘s image of fruits de mer featuring lobster, Colorado striped bass, mussels, shrimp, diver scallops and clams in tomato saffron broth is featured exclusively on one of Seattle Fish’s distribution trucks.
“Our relationship with the Seattle Fish Company has spanned 15 years,” said 1515 Restaurant owner Gene Tang. “Because they are the best at what they do, they allow us to buy from a local company and serve our customers only the freshest products. We were overjoyed to win the contest, and I look forward to serving this dish and others that feature Seattle Fish products in our dining room.”
Contest runners-up included Le Grande Bistro & Oyster Bar, Splendido, Cafe Diva and an alternate image submitted by 1515 Restaurant. All are featured as a collage on a second distribution truck representing the amazing dining scene in Colorado.
1515 Restaurant’s dish of fruits de mer featuring lobster, Colorado striped bass, mussels, shrimp, diver scallops and clams in tomato saffron broth will be displayed on a Seattle Fish Company distribution truck. (1515 Restaurant photo)
Soft Surroundings
The Denver Soft Surroundings women’s clothing store at Park Meadows mall will be holding a free beauty event Friday through Sunday.
The event will feature beauty experts doing a Makeup Bag Makeover where women will bring their makeup bag with them and meet with a beauty specialist to enjoy a complimentary consultation and find the must-have products that meet their beauty and skin-care needs.
The Park Meadows Soft Surroundings store features a Renewal Room inside the boutique, which offers massages, facials, waxing, masks, treatments and more. More information: 303-708-8132.
Pizza pizza!
Oblios Pizzeria has made an application with the city to move into the old Fleur Bistro spot at 1225 Logan St. in Capitol Hill. Oblios already has a thriving Park Hill location at 6115 E. 22nd Ave. Many fans call Oblios a friendly, old Italian neighborhood pizzeria. Besides pizza, Oblios serves calzones, lasagna, salads and two kinds of sandwiches (Italian and meatball).
Fleur Bistro opened in 2011, but lasted less than two years, closing with little notice in late October last year.
Eavesdropping on a woman to another woman: “I was telling a friend of mine about my relative that is college educated but can’t hold a job. My friend said, ‘Do you think she has ADD?’ I said, “No, I think she has L-A-Z-Y!”
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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