Susan Stiff, one of my favorite PR princesses in town, was feted by friends recently as she sails into “semi-retirement” forced by getting laid off at Starwood Hotels.

Stiff, who ably represented Starwood properties The Westin Hotel Downtown Denver and The Sheraton for more years than she cares to count, also was working on getting The Westin DIA open.

But you can’t keep a good gal down. Stiff, surrounded by friends from the hotel, tourism and media industries, celebrated her end-of-career with cocktails and snacks at The Inn at Cherry Creek, a boutique hotel with a fabulous patio.

Good luck,  Suz, and I’m sure I will see you around town!

The Tavern Hospitality Group, an official sponsor of the Denver Broncos, is rolling out its First Possession Payoff promotion.  A lucky winner will receive $1,000 in cash and prizes for every point the Broncos score during their first offensive possession for all regular season home games.

First Possession Payoff is an on-going contest at the Taverns throughout the football season.  A winner’s name will be drawn for each home game.  Each week’s winner will receive two tickets to the game and get to be on the sideline during the Broncos warm up and through the Broncos first offensive possession.  Tavern will pay the winner $1,000 in cash and prizes for every point scored by the Broncos during that first possession.

“This is such a fun VIP Broncos experience on game day,” said Tavern Hospitality Group owner Frank Schultz.  “It’s pretty cool to be right down on the sidelines watching the teams warm up.  Last year, the Broncos scored during their first offensive possession on almost every game.  So, in addition to being up close and personal with the players, most of our winners walked away with thousands of dollars worth of cash and prizes.  Since guests get a game piece every time they visit a Tavern, we encourage them to come often for more chances to win.”

Every time guests visits a Tavern, they will receive a game piece with a unique code.  Enter the code on Tavern’s website at www.tavernhg.com.  Guests may enter as many times as they have code cards.  Winners will be contacted via phone and/or email.  If there is no response from the winner within 24 hours another name will be drawn.

See game piece on website for complete rules and restrictions.

Founded in 1997, Tavern is an original Colorado bar-restaurant establishment, providing great food and drinks, a fun atmosphere and exceptional value to Denver’s finest neighborhoods.  With eight locations (Uptown, Downtown, Lowry, Tech Center, Wash Park, Littleton, Mile High and Ballpark), Tavern offers neighborhood guests a crafted experience while providing a consistent, high-quality product in each location.  For additional information, visit www.tavernhg.com.

Eavesdropping on Facebook: “People are saying there’s gonna be a ‘meatier’ shower tonight. Isn’t that gonna be a big mess? Should I let the dogs out in it?”

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is enjoying its last splash in the Water Park this Labor Day weekend. The Water Park will be open for its final day this season on Monday for guests to enjoy all the water slides and attractions.

Guests can take a plunge on Splashdown, float down the Castaway Creek Lazy River, or lounge in the full-service cabanas while the kids play in Hook’s Lagoon. Plus, not to be missed is this year’s monstrous addition, SlideZilla, the Water Park’s all-new six-story Hydro-Beast.

After a weekend of Water Park fun, guests can stay late on Sunday as the park lights up the downtown Denver skyline at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display.

Though Labor Day marks the unofficial end to the Summer season, have no fear because Elitch Gardens is not done yet. September and October are full of fun Fall events, like the 3rd Annual Thrills & Pils’ Brew Festival on September 19, the 17th Annual Pet Parade on Oct. 10, and of course, an entire month of Fright Fest chills and thrills with Family by Day and Fright by Night from Oct. 2 through Nov. 1. For more info on these events and more, visit www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/special-events/. The Theme Park is open weekends through Nov. 1.

Located in the heart of Denver and celebrating 125 years of fun, Elitch Gardens is America’s only Downtown Theme and Water Park.  The park is now open through November 1st with 53 rides and attractions, live entertainment, thrilling roller coasters, and special events like Fright Fest. Visit ElitchGardens.com for more information and to purchase discount tickets.

James Beard award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski will cook at the James Beard American Restaurant at Seven Stars Galleria during Expo Milano today and Saturday.

“I was blown away and honored to be invited by the US State Department and the James Beard Foundation to join this incredible lineup of chefs at Expo Milano,” Jasinski said. “Expo Milano has been described as the first world’s fair that’s all about food and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Other chefs featured in the September lineup are Ming Tsai, Norman Van Aken and Hugh Acheson. Tom Collichio, David Kinch, Andrew Carmellini and others are scheduled for October.

Jasinski will be serving 70 guests each night at the Milan dinners. Her menu was created to showcase her American creations for a diverse crowd. The dishes include:

Passed appetizers:

* Crispy bacon cannoli “BLT” with rocket, heirloom tomato, avocado

* Grilled Virginia ham wrapped peaches, Pedro Jimenez gastrique

* Apple crisps with tuna tartare, apple, fennel anise vinaigrette

* Local oysters with citrus-chile granita

On the side: Fresh cornbread served with cultured butter and Hawaiian sea salt.

Salad course: Savory ricotta tart, marinated heirloom tomatoes, pine nut crust, pickled shallots, pine nut pistou herb salad.

Fish course: Alaska turbot, white corn grits, green tomato gazpacho, fresh baby corn, preserved lemons, radishes watercress.

Entree: Piedmontese beef filet, smoked sweet corn risotto, squash alla Montava, romano beans, sauce bordelaise bone marrow butter.

Dessert: Strawberry rose Bavarian, pistachio-cashew phyllo, Pernod honey candied rose petals.

Further information is available at these websites:

http://www.usapavilion2015.net/schedule?date=09%2F20&view=month

http://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/expo-milano-programming-preview-and-nyt-coverage

http://www.usapavilion2015.net/blog/usa-pavilion-announces-the-james-beard-american-restaurant-at-seven-stars-galleria-in-milan

Jasinski and business partner Beth Gruitch own and operate Rioja, Bistro Vendôme, Euclid Hall and Stoic & Genuine in Denver. Jasinski was the first Denver chef to receive the James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southwest award in 2013, the same year she appeared through the final episode in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters”. Further information is available on the restaurant websites at www.rojadenver.com, www.bistrovendome.com, www.euclidhall.com and www.stoicandgenuine.com.

This football season, be a part of the game day action at Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill, 1605 Wynkoop in the redeveloped Union Station property. With eight TVs streaming live NFL and college games and 52 beers on tap, downtown Denver’s Union Station pub offers the hottest seat in town.

Game-day features include:

• $5 Bloody Marys on Saturdays and Sundays (open-3 p.m.)
• $4 Coors Light on Saturdays and Sundays (open-3 p.m.)
• Happy Hour kicks in at 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. for post-game celebrations
• Broncos 6 Pack Promo: During September and October guests can register to win dinner at Thirsty Lion and six tickets to a Broncos game
• Top of the line video and audio system for football viewing
• Channels include: NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Gameplan, Big Ten Package, Comcast for local college games, Pac 12 Network

Sports fans can find a seat at one of the many bar stools or surrounding high tops. If the game gets too intense, Thirsty Lion’s spacious patio offers fresh air and access to Union Station’s fountains.

Come join the cool kids for the Patio Tasting Series featuring Duckhorn favorites from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at The Palm restaurant on 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe inside The Westin. Chef Marco Ramirez will prepare tasty appetizers from the new Prime Time bar menu with these delicious wines.

Cost is $30 per person for wine tastings and appetizers. RSVP to Jennefer Weeks at 303-825-1810 or email her at  jweeks@thepalm.com.

Free valet parking with validation.

Ridge at 38 is gearing up for Ridgefest 2015, a full day of fun for the whole family, which will be held from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the heart of the Ridge at 38 district. Ridgefest is an event highlighting the agricultural heritage and handmade/homemade appeal of Ridge at 38 and the entire Wheat Ridge community.

Presented in partnership with the Colorado Folk Art Council’s International Festival, Ridgefest will kick off a day of eclectic musical performances with bluegrass bands taking center stage at 5 p.m. through the close of the event. Ridgefest welcomes more than 25 artisan and food vendors from Wheat Ridge and surrounding communities, and will feature the same local brews available in nearby Wheat Ridge breweries and restaurants.

Thunder and Rain is the headlining band with Doctor Harlan’s Amazing Bluegrass Tonic performing just before them. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to throw over straw bale seating or on the ground to enjoy the performances.

The Ridgefest 2015 lineup includes:

• Artisan and Agriculture Marketplace: More than 25 distinctive vendors offering handcrafted, locally made goods and services, including chile roasting.
• Food Court: Foods from traditional festival favorites such as pizza and tacos to Cajun and Creole dishes.
• International Festival: An eclectic lineup of music and performances, including acts like Chimaltonali Aztec dancers.
• Beer Garden: Unique, locally-crafted microbrews from Brewery Rickoli, Colorado Plus Brewpub, Clancy’s Irish Pub, Right Coast Pizza and more. Taste the special Ridgefest Red, a beer brewed specifically for the event by Colorado Plus Brewpub.
• Cottage Foods Contest: Participate as a contestant in pickles, jams/jellies or bread category. Purchase a $1 ticket to judge contests. Ribbons and prizes awarded to the winners.
• Home Brew Contest: Purchase a $5 sample glass to participate as a judge. Winner of the Home Brew contest gets to have their beer brewed and served by Brewery Rickoli.
• Car Show: No need to register, move in at 1:30 to participate. Show is limited to 40 cars. Prizes awarded to top five and Best in Show.
• Kid’s Activity Zone: Arts activity by Teller Street Gallery and free face painting. Field games like hula hoop contests and races for kids of all ages.

Ridgefest will be held on the Green at 38 on West 38^th Avenue between High Court and Upham Street.

For more information about Ridgefest 2015, visit www.ridgeat38.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/Ridgeat38 or contact Carolyn Doran at Wheat Ridge 2020 (720-259-1030 or email cdoran@wheatridge2020.org).

Eavesdropping on Facebook: “Last night we had dinner at the home of some friends. After eating, the wives went to the kitchen. My friend says, ‘Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.’

“I asked, ‘What is the name of the restaurant?’

“My buddy asks, ‘What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know, the one that’s red and has thorns.’

“I say, ‘Do you mean a rose?’

“He says, ‘Yes, that’s the one!’ He then turns toward the kitchen and yells, ‘Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?’ ”