Was it the bracing cold or the enormity of the project that kept the group, who gathered to witness the “topping out” ceremony, moving this morning for the tour of the under-construction one-stop-student-services-shopping building, called Academic Building One, on the campus of University of Colorado Denver?

Both forces came together while guests were escorted by representatives of AndersonMasonDale Architects and Saunders Construction through the ground-floor public space with a cafe, fifth-floor financial aid and registrar offices and second-floor disability resources offices and the BYOD (bring your own device) computer lab.

Post-tour, attendees were invited to sign the 34-foot 2,200-pound beam that represented the “topping out” construction tradition.

When the beam was signed (even Milo the Lynx, CU Denver’s new mascot put paw to pen), construction workers hoisted and swung the steel into its permanent roof-top place. The beam bore a U.S. and a Colorado state flag along with a potted Blue Spruce tree supplied by the construction crew.

Is the tree a harbinger of the holiday season to come? I wondered. No, it’s tradition with Norwegian roots.

“The evergreen tree is thought to symbolize the life and growth of the building,” CU Denver PR pro Marcia Neville explained in an e-mail. “In Scandinavian countries, the evergreen was considered a good spirit. When a building was erected, an evergreen was placed on the highest point of the structure to ward off evil spirits. And, since we topped off on Halloween, warding off evil spirits is probably a good idea!”

Chancellor Don Elliman gave some brief remarks in deference to the chilly weather.

“We gathered for the ground breaking at this site in January on a wing and a prayer…” Elliman said. “Today is 10 months to the day since groundbreaking. The building is on time and under budget. We are grateful to (AndersonMasonDale) architects and to Saunders (Construction). The biggest single benefit is to consolidate student services in one space.”

Student Government Association vice president Lubna Mazin, a third-year CU Denver biology major, echoed Elliman.

“Academic Building One will be all about the students,” Mazin said. “I can’t tell you how difficult it has been not to have a home of our own. The lack of a centralized space has caused a lot of problems.”

She told the story of her first days on campus where she bounced from building to building in a tedious trek to find the office she was seeking.

“After a long struggle, I finally found the office. That experience made me not a big fan of CU Denver. As a freshman I dreaded having to register for classes. (At Academic One) the students finally have a place to get all their needs taken care of in one building. This building is taking us one step higher toward a united campus.”

The new $60.5 million building, with all sides flanked with glass windows that offer a spectacular 360-degree scenic view is expected to reach completion in July. CU Denver’s enrollment is 14,000 students – an 18 percent increase since 2005, which includes a 30 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment.

Students sign the final beam placed in the University of Colorado Denver Academic Building 1 on Thursday. Below, the beam is lifted by a crane into place. (CU Denver University Communications photos)

Got talent for trivia?

WorldDenver, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to advancing an understanding of global affairs and cultures, is hosting its first Global Cup Challenge trivia fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center in Englewood.

The evening, with beverages sponsored by Molson Coors Brewing Company, will begin with a pub-food themed buffet dinner following by an international trivia competition.

Teams of five will compete in five rounds of questions based on current affairs, geography, businesses and organizations as well as globally minded professionals testing their knowledge to win donated prizes and a year of bragging rights.

Celebrity quiz masters include: Kay Landen and Joanne Posner-Mayer (event co-chairs), Carolyn Richards, Joe Megyesy, Katie Evans, Alice Anneberg, Laurie Zeller, Kim Savit, Beverley Simpson and Selena Dunham. Greg Dobbs and Anna Alejo will serve as celebrity quiz masters for the Challenge.

Funds raised will support WorldDenver’s programs: Denver World Affairs Council, Young Professionals, International Visitor Leadership Program, Home Hospitality, GlobaLiteracy and WorldDenver Talks.

For registration materials, event information and sponsorship opportunities, go to http://globalcupchallenge.org/.

What does the Fox say?

The Fox network reality series, “Master Chef,” is coming to Denver looking for new recruits on Saturday.

The open call casting will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Denver Downtown hotel at 1450 Glenarm Place.

The series, heading into its fifth season, stars renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot and restaurateur and vineyard owner Joe Bastianich.

For application, instructions, audition guidelines, eligibility requirements, open call details and more, visit www.masterchefcasting.com.

A ‘Master Chef’ casting call is coming to Denver Saturday. Chefs Graham Elliot, left, and Gordon Ramsay and restaurateur and vineyard owner Joe Bastianich are judges on the Fox network reality series. (Fox network photo).

Think out of the box

Visionbox, a Denver-based professional actors’ studio and intermedia production company, will present a free open rehearsal of “The American Realism Project” beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 910 ARTS, Skylite Station, 910 Santa Fe Drive. Doors open at 6.

Visionbox’s mission is to develop the work of visionary artists through professional training and public performance. By raising the overall level of technique and excellence in Denver actors, Visionbox strives to contribute to a growing world-class arts culture in Colorado.

For more information, go to www.visionbox.org or call 720-810-1641.

Tasty

It’s a hearty party with a purpose when “A Taste For Life,” a benefit for Project Angel Heart, takes over the Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center ballroom on Tuesday.

Join the charity, which serves meals to people with life-threatening illnesses, and presenting sponsor DaVita for an evening of tasty treats and cocktails from some of Denver’s most celebrated restaurants and caterers.

Guests will also have the chance to bid on silent auction items such as VIP tickets to the smash hit musical “The Book of Mormon,” a Palisade wine country weekend, a priceless www.MLB.com Colorado Rockies opening day VIP experience, plus more than 150 other items. Tickets at http://www.projectangelheart.org/events/taste-for-life.html.

A Taste of Life is coming to the Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center on Tuesday. A Taste of Life is a fundraiser for Project Angel Heart. (McBoat Photography)

Beer here

The Denver Art Museum has teamed up with the Dillon Dam Brewery to craft a special beer in honor of the museum’s exhibition Passport to Paris.

Facebook fans of the museum and brewery chose the name La Seine Shine, submitted by Heather Burnett through an online competition. The brew is part of a larger promotional partnership between the two entities to reach the ski audience and tap into the creativity of the community.

Dillon Dam Brewery brewmaster Cory Forster chose to brew a type of steam beer with elements of lagers and ales.

“A ray of sunshine in a glass” is how Forster describes this beer, which was tapped earlier this week at the Rackhouse Pub in Denver and the Dillon Dam Brewery in Dillon.

The Passport to Paris exhibition is a trio of shows that focus on French art from the late 1600s to early 1900s, and explore changes in art and society during three important centuries in art history. For tickets, go to www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0130.

‘Passport to Paris’ is an exhibit at Denver Art Museum that will run from October 27 to February 9, 2014. (Denver Art Museum photo)

Eavesdropping on a woman: “On my tombstone it’s going to say, ‘Had a weakness for cheese balls, the kind you eat and the kind you meet.’ ”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

Colorado Rising, a benefit concert for flood relief featuring performances by Dave Matthews, The Fray, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites and Neyla Pekarek of The Lumineers, Devotchka and Nathaniel Rateliff raised $650,000 Sunday night at the 1stBank Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane in Broomfield.

And from what I was told through e-mails and Facebook posts, the evening of unprecedented entertainment from Colorado musicians was a smash hit. The money raised will go to www.liveunitedcolorado.org.

The United Ways of Colorado came together to help and support our neighbors and communities throughout Colorado who have lost so much in the recent floods. The recovery funds will support community organizations working with individuals and groups focused on long-term recovery.

Kudos go to everyone who bought tickets or merchandise, donated by texting and to media partners 97.3 KBCO, CBS4, and sponsors The Gill Foundation and its Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado programs, CH2M Hill and East West Partners, Inc.

“It’s no surprise that the entire music community from musicians to fans stepped up in a time of need for Colorado,” said Chuck Morris, president and CEO of concert organizer AEG Live Rocky Mountains. “Thank you all.”

Off with their necks!

Denver’s venerable Brown Palace Hotel toasts the start of the holiday season with its 26th annual Champagne Cascade at noon Sunday when a master swordsman will use a Napoleonic saber to sever the bottle necks of Moet & Chandon Champagne bottles, which will be poured into the uppermost glass of the two-story, 6,000-glass pyramid erected in the hotel’s lobby.

This year’s toast also will honor the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, Denver Area Council, by offering guests several ways to support the organization.

Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman will assist with the champagne pouring. Following the festivities, guests will be treated to live jazz music and more entertainment in The Brown’s open atrium. The event is open to the public, and champagne pouring can be viewed from the balconies of floors four through seven.

A VIP experience, with prime viewing access on the mezzanine level, unlimited champagne, beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts is available for $100 per person with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Boy Scouts of America. Reservations: 303-294-3618 or go to www.brownpalace.com.

Attendees can also help the Boy Scouts of America by bringing non-perishable food items to donate to the “Scouting for Food” drive, which supports more than 100 food banks throughout the Denver Metro area.

The 26th Champagne Cascade returns to the Brown Palace Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 3. (Brown Palace Hotel photo)

Bonnano ventures into Venue

Frank Bonanno is the Denver restaurant industry’s Energizer Bunny. And although he’s built an empire than includes seven restaurants, two bars and a pie shop, he’s busting a move into the hip Highland neighborhood by opening a sandwich shop in the former Venue Bistro space at 3609 E. 32nd Ave., according to a post at www.denver.eater.com.

Bonanno Concepts marketing director (and former Eater Denver writer) Lauren Hendrick confirmed that a lease was signed for the empty space.

Bonanno intends to offer gourmet sandwiches with house-cured meats, according to the Eater story. Earlier this year, Bonanno took over Vesper Lounge, sandwiched between his signature restaurants Mizuna, Bones and nearby Luca D’Italia on Seventh and Grant, and even broke into the suburbs with Bonanno Brothers pizzeria in the outside outskirts of Park Meadows mall.

Read the entire Eater Denver post at http://denver.eater.com/archives/2013/10/25/former-venue-space-may-soon-be-occupied-by-a-new-frank-bonanno-eatery.php.

Frank Bonanno is bringing a new concept to the Venue space in Highland.

Argyll finds new home

Eater Denver also reports that Robert Thompson, owner of Argyll, the popular Cherry Creek gastro pub that closed in 2011, has found new digs inside the Las Margaritas space at 1035 E. 17th Ave. in Uptown. Las Margaritas will close after 19 years at that location.

Thompson had intended to relocate Argyll, which was previously named “best new restaurant” by Westword, in the Baker neighborhood. But when the Las Margaritas space became available, Thompson made his move.

The new Argyll space, renamed Argyll Whisky Beer, will undergo a remodel and expansion of the kitchen and bar area. The bar menu will include the largest whisky library in Colorado, according to Eater. Executive chef will be John Broening, who runs the kitchen at Thompson’s Le Grand Bistro.

See the whole story at http://denver.eater.com/archives/2013/10/25/argyle-will-reopen-in-the-las-margaritas-space.php.

The Las Margaritas space on 17th Avenue will become the new home of Robert Thompson’s Argyll Whisky Beer.

Colorado restaurants take proper place on national best lists

More Denver and Boulder eateries are taking their rightful place alongside their bigger-city brethren on national “best” lists.

Case in point: Here comes Travel + Leisure magazine’s 30 Best Italian Restaurants in the US., which included Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder on the lauded list.

Said T+L: “Boulder isn’t the first place you’d look for one of America’s best Italian restaurants, but it certainly shouldn’t be last. The philosophy of master sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson’s Italian restaurant in the shadow of the Rockies is based on the neighborhood restaurants in the subalpine region of northeast Italy—informal gathering places inspired by the cuisine and culture of Friuli.

“Begin with the grissini (pencil-size crispy breadsticks) and cocktails at the bar before moving on to whichever pastas you’re lucky enough to find on the menu that night – pray for tortelloni). Oh, and there’s the matter of that wine list, which boasts more than 200 varieties.”

Check out the rest of the list at http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-italian-restaurants-in-the-us?xid=JustIn102413BestItalianRestaurants.

The same story listed the best sushi and best vegetarian restaurants in the U.S. with Sushi Sasa in Denver and Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant in Boulder as the Colorado winners.

“While Denver may be far from either ocean, Sushi Sasa’s chef, Wayne Conwell, says he borrows ideas from chefs from both coasts to keep his menu interesting,” according to T+L. “His customers want something playful at this sparsely decorated restaurant accented with bamboo.

“The Diablo roll is the winner; the signature roll comes with spicy tuna and seared tuna on top, house-made ponzu, and a generous sprinkling of jalapeños and cilantro. The saffron snow crab stuffed with Scottish salmon with a yuzu crème fraîche is another popular item.”

The rest of the story: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-sushi-restaurants/2?xid=JustIn102413BestSushiRestaurants.

And our state’s vegetarian nod goes to Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant in Boulder.

T+L said, “Weathered wooden floors, exposed brick, and a soaring textured ceiling create an elegant downtown space in this food- and health-obsessed college town. The farm-to-table menu, sourced in part by owners Lenny and Sara Martinelli’s nearby Three Leaf Farm, is primarily gluten-free. More than half its items, such as miso-glazed tofu and zucchini-noodle manicotti, cater to those diners avoiding both meat and gluten.”

See the rest of the meatless winners at http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-vegetarian-restaurants-in-the-us?xid=JustIn102413BestVegetarianRestaurants.

Boulder’s best biscuits

Not to be outdone by Travel + Leisure, Food and Wine magazine released its “best biscuits in the U.S.” list, and included Dot’s Diner in Boulder in the mix.

Food and Wine said, “This 30-year-old diner is a Boulder mainstay (popular with both tourists and hippies) and is known for its tender buttermilk biscuits, made in regular and gluten-free versions. Regulars swear by the A.M. sandwich: a warm biscuit filled with a scrambled egg, melted cheddar, and a choice of ham, avocado or vegetarian sausage.”

Read the rest of the story at http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/best-biscuits-in-the-us?xid=TTIPS101513AmericaBestBiscuits.

Fore!

Downtown toilers can challenge their colleagues during the lunch hour, bring the kids down over the weekend or grab a few friends and head over to Skyline Park to experience the new urban mini golf course at Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe.

Other free games include ping-pong, bocce ball, ladderball and board games brought to you by the Downtown Business Improvement District.

The links are open daily through early November, weather permitting. More information: www.downtowndenver.com.

Eavesdropping on a man: “I have the day off tomorrow so I’m heading to the car wash to get one of those Brazilian wax jobs everyone is raving about.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

The historic mistreatment of wild horses is examined in the film “American Mustang,” which chronicles an emotionally charged journey through a tenuous landscape dotted by ranchers, wild horse advocates, government agencies and the American people.

The film screens at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the SIE FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax, as part of the 36th annual Starz Denver Film Festival. The movie-lovers madness opens Nov. 6 with an 8 p.m. screening of “Labor Day” and runs through Nov. 17.

In her filmmaking debut, “American Mustang” producer Ellie Phipps Price, vintner and animal welfare advocate, brings her passion for protecting wild horses to the big screen.

“American Mustang” is a feature film, shot in eight Western states with wild horses filmed for the first time in 3D. Threaded into the narrative is the story of a girl, a cowboy and an American icon – the wild horse. The film encourages protection of America’s wild horses while being aware of the reality of limited grazing and resources on the open range.

The film is narrated by actress and activist Daryl Hannah. Throughout a 30-year film career, Hannah has starred in more than 40 feature films, and has created numerous iconic roles in successful, critically acclaimed and enduring movies.

Collaborators on “American Mustang” include director Monty Miranda who worked closely with writer and co-producer Henry Ansbacher and executive producer Phipps Price. Phipps Price and Ansbacher co-wrote and developed the characters based on extensive interviews that create a rich palate of voices for the film. The interviews are with people who are on the front lines of the battle over preservation and management of wild horses – a contentious issue that incites strong emotions from every side.

Phipps Price spent her early years in Colorado, studied film at University of California, Berkeley and currently resides in Sonoma, Calif., where she produces Dunstan Wines from the Durell Vineyard. She adopted her first mustang, Dunstan, from the Bureau of Land Management holding facility at Cañon City in 2009.

Recently, Phipps Price established a 2,000-acre wildlife preserve for wild horses in northern California. “I am thrilled to be coming home to Colorado for the launch of ‘American Mustang’ – a film about these amazing and beautiful animals that have captured my heart,” she said.

Director and former Denver dweller Miranda attended the University of Colorado to study film and journalism and currently lives in Los Angeles. His career includes credits for the memorable TV commercials for John Hickenlooper’s mayoral campaign. Miranda’s feature-film directorial debut, “Skills Like This,” won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

Colorado-based Ansbacher of Just Media focuses on film projects that have a history of bringing change, social justice and raising awareness about environmental issues. Ansbacher’s film “The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short.

More information on the movie at: www.americanmustangthemovie.com.

For screening times and to purchase tickets, go to: http://www.denverfilm.org/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=25922&FID=77.

To learn more about the 36th annual Starz Film Festival and the featured movies, go to http://www.denverfilm.org/festival/index.aspx.

Cowboy Luke pets one of the horses in the film, ‘American Mustang.’ The film, which has many Colorado ties, will screen Nov. 7 at the 36th annual Starz Denver Film Festival. (American Mustang|Just Media photo)

Top spots

I told you on last week that Lakewood was included in the Top 100 Best Places to Live on liveability.com’s inaugural ranking, but that was only part of Colorado’s prized participation. Culinary Colorado’s Claire Walter (thanks, Claire!) pointed out that there’s more to the story.

While Lakewood ranked No. 88 (besting Scottsdale at No. 89), Aurora scored No. 49, and Boulder came in at an impressive No. 2. Topping the lauded list was Palo Alto, Calif., which I’m proud to say is my hometown (think Stanford University, John Elway, Eddie McCaffrey, Andrew Luck, etc.).

“The list was created in partnership with the Martin Prosperity Institute, the world’s leading think tank on the role of location, place and city-regions in global economic prosperity. The list was produced after studying U.S. cities and factors that make them the best places to live, work and play,” according to the Livability.com website.

Factors included in the Top 100 ranking included good schools, hospitals, amenities, affordability and the local economy. Read more at http://livability.com/top-100-best-places-to-live#/palo-alto/ca.

Viva los muertos!

Denver Botanic Gardens continues its annual celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican day of remembrance and honor for the departed, with expanded programming this year.

In Mexico, streets near cemeteries are filled with parades, colorful decorations, flowers, candy, skeletons and skulls. It is believed the spirits of the dead visit their families Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Families make altars with a photo of the deceased, along with offerings of food, candles, incense and yellow marigolds. 

The Gardens will observe the tradition with an all-ages celebration of Latino music, food, art and history on Friday. All events take place at the York Street location. For tickets and more information, go to: http://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/d%C3%ADa-de-los-muertos.

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Denver Botanic Gardens on Friday, Nov. 1. (Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens)

Shanahan shares steaks

The Washington Redskins lost to the Broncos Sunday, but head coach Mike Shanahan’s team will eat like winners on the plane home.

Shanahan told 104.3-FM The Fan on Friday his team will nosh on Shanahan’s Steakhouse fare on the plane ride home after Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Shanahan also noted he wouldn’t have time to visit his signature steakhouse in south Denver.

And speaking of the Broncos…

Ace Eat Serve at 501 E. 17th Ave. will be the place to catch all the Denver Broncos football action this season where the games will be shown on one of two projection screens.

Happy hour specials for the entire game (menu at www.acedenver.com/menus/happyhour).  And, tap into your own competitive spirit with free Ping-Pong as long as the Broncos are playing.

Tables can be reserved in advance, and for the entire length of the game. Get your reservations now for the next game (Broncos vs. Chargers on Nov. 10 since Sunday is a bye week) at 303-800-7705.  Free Ping-Pong and extended happy hour specials will be available during all Broncos home and away games for the rest of the 2013 – 2014 season.

The seen

The “dolphin trainer” actor in the Colorado Lottery commercial (created by local ad shop Cactus) shopping Thursday at Whole Foods Market on Hampden. He wasn’t spotted in the fresh fish section.

Eavesdropping on a group of golfers at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club: “I wonder if Shanahan took the team to Shanahan’s (Steakhouse) last night?”

“Well, he sure didn’t take them to Elway’s!”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

For a suit-and-tie CEO of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Daniel Ritchie makes a handsome woman.

And he proved just how fetching he can be in a blingy ball gown during “Theatre Threads,” a costume department fashion show featuring models from the DCPA’s financial and emotional support group.

As an unadvertised final entry in the fashion show, Ritchie shuffled to the microphone where 9News entertainment editor Kirk Montgomery was lending emcee duties. Much to the delight of the lunching crowd, Ritchie sported a Texas-sized blonde wig, full makeup, false eyelashes, figure hugging bedazzled gown, feather stole, full-length black gloves and black patent open-toe heels.

In a twisted way, he looked hot!

Ritchie was promoting “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” which plays in the Ricketson Theatre from Jan. 10 to Feb. 23.

“We didn’t have costumes yet so we hired a professional drag queen, and he worked with Dan on the outfit,” said Alexandra Griesmer, public relations and promotions manager for the Denver Center Theatre Company. “(Ritchie) was such a great sport – didn’t take much convincing!”

Ritchie said his gender-bender experience lent him more empathy toward females.

“I learned that high heels are risky,” Ritchie said while Montgomery, dressed as one of the three musketeers, doubled over in laughter. “I was surprised to learn what you do every day. My respect is even higher (for women).”

The play is about a straight young man who unexpectedly takes a dip into the world of drag, Ritchie said. “I didn’t know much about being a woman, so I thought I should learn first hand.”

Denver Center Alliance’s Theatre Threads is a tribute to the talent and passion of the models and backstage stars, Denver Center Theatre Company’s costume department. Proceeds support the Arts in Education program, which allows more than 50,000 students the opportunity to experience live theater this academic year.

Other models were: BJ Dyer as a sinister character from “Dracula,” Judi Wolf and Carmel Koeltzow from “Pork Pie: A Mythic Jazz Fable,” Jeremy Anderson from “Dirty Story,” Fiona Baldwin from “Sense & Sensibility The Musical,” Murri Bishop from “A Christmas Carol,” Keri Christiansen from “Scapin or the Con Artist,” Roger Hutson from “A Winter’s Tale,” Sharon Cooper from “Picasso at Lapin Agile,” Terri Fisher from “Room Service,” Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons and Alice Foster from “The Three Musketeers,” Gayle Novak from “Richard III,” Stacy Ohlsson and Jackie Rotole from “Romeo & Juliet,” Loretta Robinson from “1001,” Jamie Angelich from “Twelfth Night” and Robyn Taylor from “The Voysey Inheritance.”

Wolf, the DCPA’s grand dame, choreographed the show and chose the musical accompaniments.

Denver Center CEO Daniel Ritchie (with emcee Kirk Montgomery of 9News) dresses in drag as part of ‘Theatre Threads’ with the entire cast below. Below that photo is Loretta Robinson as a character from ‘1001.’ Bottom photo: Gayle Novak from ‘Richard III.’ (Photos by Vicki Little)

In other DCPA news …

Matthew Morrison, who plays choir teacher Will Schuester on Fox TV’s hit series “Glee,” is this year’s headliner at “Saturday Night Alive,” the annual big fancy fundraiser.

Although Morrison has received national attention for his role in “Glee,” his acting career blossomed on Broadway with performances in “Footloose,” “Hairspray” and “The Light in the Piazza.”

“Saturday Night Alive” begins at 6 p.m. March 1 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom. Tickets start at $400; proceeds benefit the Arts in Education program. More information: 303-446-4815 or at www.denvercenter.org.

Matthew Morrison will perform at Saturday Night Alive, a fundraiser for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on March 1, 2014. (Photo courtesy of matthewmorrison.com)

Fish tales

If you order fish at a local restaurant or pick up some DIY fish filets or shellfish at a specialty grocer, it’s likely that the source is Seattle Fish Company, the 95-plus-year-old distributor based in Denver. Seattle Fish supplies the lion’s share of swimmers (roughly 80 percent) from a variety of species to the Colorado market.

On Monday, Seattle Fish held its inaugural tasting and seminar in its SFC Educational Series, a media focused program designed to provide a better understanding of the seafood industry. Monday’s topic was “The state of the seafood industry, and what does that mean for the future?”

Featured seafood was “discards, underutilized seafood and trash fish.” Chef/owner of Il Posto (2011 17th Ave.) Andrea Frizzi bravely went where most chefs dare not tread – into the world of fish that rarely earn a spot on local menus. Dishes sampled included blue fish crudo (Italian ceviche), mackerel crudo, spot fish and porgy.

Seattle Fish chief operating officer Derek Figueroa “schooled” us on aquaculture or farm raised fish vs. wild catch, which uses different hooks and targets specific species. Whereas 2011  fish “scale” statistics in terms of the farm-raised vs. wild fish supply showed roughly two-thirds farm-raised fish to one-third captured in the wild, by 2030, indicators are that the two methods of harvesting fish – farm-raised and wild – will be nearly equal.

Frizzi said he’s not above serving “discard fish” on his menu, which changes almost daily. The chef is most concerned over what’s fresh.

“Andrea goes out on a ledge and plays with a variety of fish,” Figueroa said. “We’re going to make ‘discards’ sexy.” And Frizzi delivered. In addition to the two crudo dishes, we sampled (cooked) porgy with sweet potato soup and (cooked) spot fish with baby carrots, hearts of palm and cipollini onions.

“I’m a fly fisherman – catch and release,” Frizzi said. “I want to make my resources stay that way.” For more information on sustainable species, go to www.sustainablefish.org.

Que paso?

Restaurant mogul Richard Sandoval isn’t one to let cilantro grow under his feet. If a concept isn’t working, he’s willing to throw out el bebe con el agua de bano (the baby with the bath water).

Hence the upcoming reincarnation of the al Lado space at 1610 Little Raven, right around the corner from Sandoval’s successful Zengo restaurant.

Al Lado, a small plates and multiple wines by the glass concept, will close on Saturday for a remodel and re-concepting into La Biblioteca (the library), a tequila library and lounge modeled after Sandoval’s spot by the same name in New York City.

La Biblioteca will serve an extensive collection of Sandoval’s hand-chosen tequilas, some of which are aged up to 250 years. Patrons will “check out” bottles of tequila instead of books and store their selections in a personal locker to sip upon their return. The new casual concept will be a more affordable sibling to Zengo and the menu will feature Latin American and Asian inspired dishes ranging from sushi and wok creations to ceviche and tacos.

Interior changes will include the installation of tequila lockers along the walls, more comfortable furniture, marble-topped tables and more.  And in the spring the space will expand with a new patio.

Boffo burger

Zagat.com food folks included the buffalo burger at Denver’s CityGrille (321. E. Colfax Ave.) in its piece called “50 States, 50 Burgers” currently posted on www.zagat.com.

The best-burger story includes the kind of meat or meat substitute Americans like for the burgers, what kind of roll, favorite condiments and where the best burgers can be found, first posted by Culinary Colorado (http://culinary-colorado.com/2013/10/23/city-grille-tops-zagats-denver-burger-list/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+culinary-colorado+%28CulinaryColorado%29).

Here’s what Zagat said:

“In a state known for buffalo and burger lovers who crave bison over beef, it’s only fitting that the Buffalo Burger is a favorite of the Centennial State. Bison, or American buffalo, is often leaner, less fatty and some say sweeter — though many also claim the taste isn’t much different from a beef burger. Over at local favorite CityGrille in Denver, they serve up a hefty buffalo burger: a half-pound patty, charbroiled to perfection. Much praised, the healthy low-fat, low-cholesterol burger can be topped with a variety of cheeses, a fried egg or guacamole.”

For my money, the bun also deserves a nod for its toothsome texture which holds up to a dripping burger without disintegrating under the weight of the patty, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. CityGrille has been a favorite of the On the Town family for years. Check out the menu at www.citygrille.com.

The seen
Rocker Joe Cocker (who’s lived in Colorado for 20 years) dining at The Oceanaire Seafood Room on Wednesday. My spy tells me that Cocker, who recently returned from a summer-long 46-city European tour, enjoyed fish and chips English style.

Eavesdropping a man talking to a woman about “The Book of Mormon” at “Theatre Threads:” “The first time through, it’s crazy. It’s like signing up for Obamacare.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver has achieved what no other Denver hotel has earned, and it did it four years in a row.

Hotel general manager Steven Janicek announced Tuesday that the ritzy hotel has been awarded the coveted AAA Five-Diamond designation for 2013, the only Denver hotel in history to be awarded this rating.

The property located at 1881 Curtis St. downtown is among fewer than one-half percent of the 30,000 properties approved by AAA’s professional inspectors to be of Five-Diamond caliber. The Ritz-Carlton Denver boasts the largest guest rooms in the city starting at 540 square feet, Elway’s Downtown steak house, an urban oasis at The Ritz-Carlton Spa and the intimate Ritz-Carlton Club Level.

“I am extremely proud of our hotel’s achievement which could not happen without the genuine, personalized care our ladies and gentlemen provide to our guests every single day,” Janicek said. “By enlivening The Ritz-Carlton service philosophy at every interaction, maintaining this coveted rating was possible.”

The AAA Diamond rating process is considered to be North America’s premier hotel rating program. Only .3 percent of all hotels AAA inspects meet industry standards to achieve Five Diamonds. The association annually evaluates more than 54 million lodging establishments and restaurants, and rates them on a scale of one to five Diamonds.

“Five Diamonds for four years from AAA adds up to some very nice numbers for Denver and a great honor for the city’s hospitality industry,” said Visit Denver spokesmodel Rich Grant.

The Ritz first earned the distinguished distinction four years ago under the helm of then-GM Andrew Rogers, who transferred with the hotel chain to China.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver offers great views of downtown and Elway’s Downtown (below) provides premier dining options at the hotel at 1881 Curtis St. THe hotel earned its fourth consecutive AAA Five-Diamond rating. (Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver photos)

Hot hotels

Colorado hotels nearly swept Conde Nast Traveler’s 26th annual Readers’ Choice Poll this year. With the exception of two picks in Utah, Colorado’s homes away from home took the rest of the top 10 spots.

Nearly 80,000 readers participated in the 26^th annual Readers’ Choice survey, which ranks the world’s best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels and resorts and is featured in the November issue of the magazine.

Here are the rankings:

• 1. Beaumont Hotel & Spa, Ouray
• 2. Oxford Hotel, Denver
• 3. Hotel Teatro, Denver
• 4. St. Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder
• 5. Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City
• 6. Four Seasons Hotel Denver
• 7. Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Denver
• 8. Ritz-Carlton, Denver
• 9. Hotel Monaco Denver
• 10. Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

See the whole story at http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/united-states/best-hotels-west.

Boulder’s Best Western wins best

The Best Western Plus Boulder Inn received the Champion Best Western Rewards Award and the Best Western Green Award at Best Western International’s Convention held recently in San Antonio, Texas.  The awards were presented in front of more than 4,000 industry peers.

The Champion Best Western Rewards Award is bestowed upon those member properties that demonstrate extraordinary support of Best Western Rewards, Best Western’s guest loyalty program. The Best Western Green Award is given to properties that demonstrate a commitment to sustaining resources and reducing their carbon footprint. Hotels must also meet design and customer care standards, as well as other membership requirements, to qualify.

The Best Western Plus Boulder Inn is one of only five hotels out of more than 2,400 properties in the U.S. and Canada to receive both of these awards.

“The Best Western Champion Awards recognize those Best Western hotels that demonstrate the highest levels of service, design and commitment to our loyalty program,” said Julie Montmaneix, Chairman of Best Western International’s board of directors. “The staff of the Best Western Plus Boulder Inn has a strong commitment to growing and strengthening our loyalty program, a critical guest engagement tool. And their dedication to environmentally-friendly practices is truly admirable. We’re proud of their success.”

Located directly across from the University of Colorado, the newly remodeled Best Western Plus Boulder Inn features 98 rooms, conference facilities, a large outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles. More information: http://www.hotels.com/ho176607/best-western-plus-boulder-inn-boulder-united-states/?gclid=COrR88ykq7oCFclDMgodLlMAYQ.

Best Western Plus Boulder Inn won two awards during a recent convention of the hotel chain in San Antonio, Texas. (Best Western photo)

Clothing connection at ConneXions

The collection of ConneXions stores in the Southwest Plaza Mall at 8501 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton, is holding a clothing swap party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Time to dig out those fall fashions from the back of your closet and swap them for some new pieces. ConneXions will accept clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry to swap with other thrifty fashionistas.

Each participant should bring five to 10 items to swap, and will receive a ticket for each item they add to the pile. Then, the stores will let you swap till you drop. All items (from any season) should be clean and in good condition.

Drop off your fashions all day on Thursday or between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday. All remaining clothing and accessories will be donated to Dress for Success Denver whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Flood relief funds 

AEG Live Rocky Mountains and Live Nation are bringing Colorado’s music community coming together for “Colorado Rising” a night of music to benefit flood relief through www.LiveUnitedColorado.org.  Presented by 97.3 KBCO and CBS4 Denver, the benefit concert takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday at 1stBank Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane, Broomfield, featuring Dave Matthews, The Fray, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, members of The Lumineers, DeVotchKa, Nathaniel Rateliff and more.

“Coloradans unite during crisis – so does the music community,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “We are thrilled so many musicians are coming together for this flood relief benefit concert. This is a great way to highlight recovery efforts and raise money at the same time. We are grateful AEG Live, Live Nation and other community partners are stepping up to help Colorado communities impacted by the historic flooding.”

“The fans, musicians and members of Colorado’s music community are always willing to help those in need.  My staff and I are humbled to be a part of this event helping those affected by the floods” said Chuck Morris, President and CEO of AEG Live Rocky Mountains.

All proceeds from the concert will go directly to the United Ways of Colorado Flood Recovery Fund, which  will distribute funds to the United Ways in communities across Colorado affected by the recent flooding. Each community will build collaborations to identify their needs and funds will be used to support their long-term recovery.

Tickets at www.TicketHorse.com, or order at 866-461-6556. TicketHorse also has kiosks located at all Colorado Dick’s Sporting Goods Stores (credit cards only). Reserved tickets are $65-$125 plus applicable service charges.  All ages are welcome.

With the recent floods impacting communities across Colorado, the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck launched a firm-wide fundraiser to support the victims of the recent disaster with both financial contributions and in-kind goods.

The firm matched employee contributions with more than $15,000 going to the American Red Cross and the Foothills Flood Relief Fund. The in-kind items were donated to the Community Food Share, ensuring that people in Boulder and Broomfield counties have food, and House of Neighborly Service is providing assistance to individuals and families in need in southern Larimer County.

“As a member of this community, there was no question that we were going to help support flood relief efforts,” said Kristin Stork, director of community relations for Brownstein. “Financial and in-kind contributions came in from not only those attorneys and staff in the Denver office, but from our offices across the country.”

Brownstein also plans on organizing a Karma Project (the firm’s employee volunteer program) in 2014 to further assist in rebuilding efforts.

Eavesdropping on a woman to a man: “You drink tequila? What do you drink with your tequila?”

“Ice.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

If you’re looking for a fine food shopping and dining experience under one roof, check out The Source, a recently opened “new generation artisan food market” in an 1880s iron foundry building at 3350 Brighton Blvd. in the RiNo neighborhood.

The Colorado Tourism Office held a media reception in the industrial building appointed with metal bars, corrugated store fronts and concrete floors last week. The spectacular site is quite the spectacle planted in this burgeoning neighborhood north of Coors Field.

CTO guests sipped on specialty cocktails concocted by bartenders at CapRock Farm Bar, the wall-less fixture in the center of the building, and snacked on delicioso bites from Comida, serving house-made Mexican street food, and Acorn, the fine dining restaurant from the folks who brought you Oak at Fourteenth in Boulder, which burned to the ground and rose again like a Phoenix.

The complex also houses specialty shops including the soon-to-open Proper Pour liquor store and bartenders’ supply source; Mondo Food, a gourmet cheese and spice shop; Babette’s, a French bakery; Crooked Stave, a craft brewery and tap room; Boxcar Coffee Roasters coffee shop, a whole animal butchery with a meat counter; a produce vendor; florist; bank and design studio.

The project is the brainchild of real estate developer Zeppelin Development Inc., builders of the TAXI mixed-use site on 20 acres of former industrial land off Brighton Boulevard just southwest of The Source.

Zeppelin’s principals are longtime Denver developer Mickey Zeppelin and his son, Kyle.

“(The Source) is a new generation urban market,” Kyle told the gathering. “We made the mistake of walking into this place three years ago (and decided to develop it).”

But in addition to ogling RiNo’s newest digs, we were there to listen to tourism touter Al White, the former state senator turned CTO director. White takes every opportunity to preach the Colorado tourism gospel.

“Colorado tourism is vital to the state’s economy … duh!” White said, preaching to the choir.

(Photos by Adam Larkey)

The incredible shrinking anchor

Have you seen 9News entertainment anchor Kirk Montgomery lately? Rather, have you seen what’s left of him? His cheeks are no longer “cherubbed,” and his torso is oh so trim.

I caught his act last week, and couldn’t help asking Montgomery the secret to his slimmed-down success.

“I downloaded a free app (My Plate from www.livestrong.com) and I’ve been counting calories,” he told me. “I input the good the bad and the ugly – and just getting into the habit of doing that was an eye opener. I’ve tried to stay around 1,500 (calories consumed) a day. Some days are lower, some higher, but I’ve lost weight before – the goal this time is to keep it off.

“Lots of people have noticed, which is flattering, but again the pressure is keeping it off … honestly I really think the habit of inputting and keeping track of everything is what has made the biggest difference.”

Kirk, you’ve got it, now flaunt it! Congrats on the weight-loss accomplishment that many of us seek.

Kirk Montgomery thanks a healthy regimen for his slimmer look. (9News photo)

Lakewood gets new nod

Livability.com named Lakewood as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in its inaugural ranking released Friday, according to the City of Lakewood’s weekly e-newsletter.

“The list was created in partnership with the Martin Prosperity Institute, the world’s leading think tank on the role of location, place and city-regions in global economic prosperity. The list was produced after studying U.S. cities and factors that make them the best places to live, work and play.”

“The list is based on what Americans value most in their communities,” the website said. Factors included in the Top 100 ranking included good schools, hospitals, amenities, affordability and the local economy. Read more at http://livability.com.

Possessed Palace

The “spooky” Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is hosting its first Haunted Happy Hour to honor all things that go bump in the night on Oct. 25. The eerie evening is being led by the property’s historian, Debra Faulkner.

“I’m looking forward to sharing all of the stories and sightings with guests,” Faulkner said. “There are many cases of unexplained phenomena that have taken place in these walls. I believe there are multiple spirits (or past guests) that enjoyed the hotel so much they weren’t willing to check out. The upcoming Halloween season is the perfect time to celebrate just that.”

The Spirited Weekend package includes:

*  A “haunted” reception with Halloween-inspired hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails.

* Exhibition of The Brown’s reported sightings and captured phenomena.

* Private guided tour through the hotel’s most popular spirited spot with The Brown Palace Historian.

* An evening stay at The Brown.

Pricing begins at $239 for single occupancy. For reservations, go to www.brownpalace.com or call 303-297-3111.

Boffo boutiques

A Line Boutique in Greenwood Village’s Landmark development, Perch in Vail and Max in Cherry Creek North were named “Lucky Magazine’s” favorite stores in Colorado in the current issue.

Lucky Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Personal Style is on newsstands now. All three boutiques were chosen for exceptional customer service, fashion forward clothing and accessories and for creating an intimate shopping experience. The story isn’t online yet, but you can keep checking at www.luckymag.com.

College daze

Quick, where did you and your cohorts go to satisfy food cravings when you were in an altered state in college?

Everyone had the go-to spot during periods of questionable late-night judgment when alcohol was the boss of you. Thrillist (www.thrillist.com), the snarky website that tracks food and drink trends and reports them in young-adult speak, has compiled a list of The Best College Drunk Foods at the 25 Best Party Schools in a story posted Sunday.

And CU Boulder should be so proud to be included on that list. Here’s what Thrillist had to say about Cosmo’s Pizza, its top CU drunk food pick:

“Slices bigger than your head even if you’re some freak with a really huge head are the featured item at this joint in the little drunk/hungover-person Nirvana of a shopping center that also has Dot’s Diner. Really super-stoned people — not just drunks line up for slices that are basically just vehicles for the spicy ranch, which is also sold by the mason jar if you need to get your severe acid reflux on at home, too.

“Runners-Up: Tra Ling’s Oriental Cafe, Smelly Deli (University Hill Market & Deli).”

See the whole list at http://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-college-drunk-food?utm_content=feature&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Thrillist%20Weekender&utm_campaign=10.20.13%20WKNDR:%20The%20best%20college%20drunk%20foods%20at%20the%2025%20best%20party%20schools.

Cosmo’s Pizza in Boulder.

Eavesdropping on a man talking about his recent Frontier Airlines flight: “I’m doing my best but OMG the passengers on Frontier are not the same you’ll find on a premier airline. People getting up when the seat belt sign is on, walking around, kids crying. And the flight attendants trying to hock the Frontier credit card and drink purchases … Thank God I could pee for free.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

Congrats to Lakewood High School for winning the “Good Morning America” contest to have Katy Perry perform a song at their high school!

More than 2,000 Lakewood High students lip-synched to Perry’s hit song, “Roar,” as part of the school’s video entry.

Perry announced the winner on “Good Morning America” Friday morning.

“For me Lakewood really embodied a whole school spirit. You saw so many different people coming together to do one shot,” Perry said Friday. “It was so interesting and so well done.”

Amazingly, the video was shot in one take and has been viewed on Vimeo more than 564,000 times and earned 246,000 views on YouTube. 7News first reported the news.

Perry will perform at Lakewood High  — the home of the Tigers (how’s that for some cosmic karma!) — on Friday, Oct. 25 and will be broadcast on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Proceeds from the concert reportedly will go to the Colorado flood relief effort.

Check out the video at http://vimeo.com/75058173.

Plante’s pregnant pause drama

Media madness or a pregnant pause, perhaps?

Was KOSI radio/9News’ personality Denise Plante pulling a prank on thousands of Facebook friends when she posted a picture of a pregnancy stick she allegedly peed on Wednesday?

She let the drama play out as she posted evolving pictures of the stick as it was turning positive or negative. She even snagged 9News medical expert Dr. John Torres to witness the gag.

“Am I pregnant?  We will soon find out,  Dr. John Torres from @9News is in the house!” Plante posted. The plot thickened with pictures of the stick as it revealed her pregnancy status.

And when the “results” were in?

“Turns out, I’m just a moody momma. Not pregos  … good news for (husband) Michael Plante.”

On the serious side, Plante, co-DJ of KOSI’s morning show and host of “Colorado & Company,” said she thought at one point that the pregnancy was possible.

“I called Dr. John Torres … to ask if it’s possible after tubes tied over 10 years ago, and he said, ‘Yes,’ so (I) decided to do the test. He comes in every Wednesday so he said he would bring the test. It turned out that hormones are wacky at 41.”

Denver radio and TV personality Denise Plante had a ‘false alarm’ when she took a pregnancy test that proved negative. (9News photo)

Tamburello honored for philanthropy

More than 100 community do-gooders (thank goodness for them) gathered at EXDO Event Center Tuesday to bestow Highland developer and philanthropist Paul Tamburello with the Georgia R. Imhoff Philanthropist Award, which recognizes an individual who has given back.

Imhoff was the co-founder, with Blacktie owner Kenton Kuhn, of blacktie-colorado.com, the online resource for local charities. Blacktie has been around for 12 years and has profiled more than 350 leaders in the Colorado philanthropic community in its “Have You Met?” column.

More than 100 of those philanthropy superstars gathered to mingle, munch and pay tribute to Tamburello, the force behind Little Man Ice Cream, Linger, Root Down and Lo-Hi.

“Every two years, we throw a party to honor all the people that we’ve interviewed for our Have You Met column,” Kuhn said. “It’s always a great party and a fun event that celebrates the philanthropic community.”

Strings restrung

I’ve been back to Strings once since owner Noel Cunningham died. Since his wife, Tammy, opted to close the place (running a restaurant is not her thing) the building on 17th Avenue and Humboldt had stood like a monument to a time when the restaurant was frequented by celebrities from stage and screen, along with loyal locals.

When it was announced that there would be new life stirring in that space with the occupation of Humboldt Farm. Fish. Wine, a Rock Bottom founder Frank Day project, I, for one, was happy to hear of the rebirth.

Humboldt opened about a week ago under the leadership of Concept Restaurants.

“From the instant our guests walk in and have that ‘wow moment’ to the time they leave, we want to make sure their experience here is spectacular and memorable,” said Concepts designer Dianna Lynn. “Whether you are on top of the Denver foodie scene or visiting Humboldt for the first time and looking for an amazing dining experience, we are a welcoming place for everyone.”

The remodeled restaurant features an oyster bar and open kitchen. The kitchen team of executive chef DJ Nagel and chef D cuisine Kollin Gately collaborated on a menu featuring reinterpreted classics as well as seasonal and modern cuisine.

Humboldt is open daily from 11:30 a.m. Weekend brunch starts at the end of October. For more information, go to www.humboldtrestaurant.com or call 303-813-1700.

People’s court

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction up a notch when the 2014 Fans Rule World Tour comes to the Pepsi Center at 2 p.m. March 30.

Through online voting at www.harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see when the creative b-ballers come to our court.

The 2014 online ballot includes three never-before-seen rules:

* Hot Hand Jersey – both teams will have a “Hot Hand Jersey” they can pass among each other. The player wearing this jersey will receive double points on make baskets.

* Make or Miss – The quarter begins with only two players on the court from each team. When a team scores, a teammate may enter the game. When they miss, the player missing the shot must leave the court.

* Trick Shot Challenge – Using three challenge flags per team, each coach can challenge the other team to make a trick shot. If the team makes the shot, they earn five points. If they miss, the other team receives five points.

Tickets start at $19, and are available at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, www.tickethorse.com, the Pepsi Center box office or by phone at 866-461-6556.

Big Easy and the Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Pepsi Center in March with some new ‘rules.’ In this photo, Big Easy clowns with ‘Modern Family’ actor Rico Rodriguez. Big Easy and his fellow Globetrotter, Flight Time Lang, competed on the CBS reality series, ‘The Amazing Race.’ (Harlem Globetrotters photo)

Lottery line

Although the second Denver run of “The Book of Mormon” is not sold out, a limited number of tickets for each performance (Oct. 22-Nov. 24) will be sold through the luck of the lottery.

Entries will be accepted at the box office beginning 2 1/2 hours before each performance. Each person will print his or her name and number of tickets (one or two) they wish to purchase. Two hours before curtain, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of tickets priced at $25 each.

Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner.

Additional tickets for the hit musical start a $40 by calling Denver Center ticket services at 303-893-4100, at the Denver Center ticket office or at www.denvercenter.org.

“The Book of Mormon” features story, music and lyrics by Colorado natives Trey Parker and Matt Stone of “South Park” fame, along with Robert Lopez.

Oy vey, Ho Mei

A Denver restaurant again is being “honored,” but for its bad food.

Yahoo.com’s The Daily Meal announces its 101 Best Restaurants in America. Monday, the Daily Meal revealed its five worst eateries and one Denver restaurant – Ho Mei Chinese – made the list.

Ho Mei has two Denver locations – 3740 Peoria St. and 3260 Colorado Blvd. – so maybe it should be a “double dishonor” on the list?

Here’s what Yahoo wrote about Ho Mei, which ranked third worst:

“Ho Mei must translate to the Yiddish ‘Oy Vey’ or more poignantly, ‘Viscous Mush,’ wrote one Yelp reviewer of this questionable Denver Chinese restaurant. ‘FLEE!,’ chimed in another reviewer; ‘AVOID,’ another. ‘The sesame chicken was hard as a rock and tasted like nothing I could identify,’ another wrote. ‘The place is dirty. I shudder to imagine what the kitchen looks like. Save your money. Go lick a bus seat to get the same gastrointestinal experience for free.’ And in 2012, they racked up $7,000 in health code violation fines. Yikes.”

Here’s the entire Yahoo “bottom” five: http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/worst-restaurants-america-153400509.html

Eavesdropping on a woman: “There’s no divorce in this family, only death.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

Because of a technical glitch, Monday’s column went out to subscribers with only a few lines from the first item.

What was supposed to happen was the launch of a new format that would give subscribers the top item, then direct them to click on the link to the Blacktie-Colorado website in order to drive more traffic there. Let’s hope it works today…

So, here’s what you missed on Monday:

Let’s rewind the clock to a few days before the Broncos victory over the Jaguars, who though winless, were certainly no pushovers in Sunday’s game.

Former Broncos tight end turned CBS Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe, in Denver Sunday to cover the Broncos-Jaguars game, was spotted at his former quarterback, John Elway‘s Cherry Creek steak house Saturday night.

But while he warmly greeted Elway and his wife, Paige, in the restaurant, was he also picking Elway’s pocket? During the “NFL Today” broadcast, Sharpe told fellow football prognosticators James Brown and Dan Marino that he had dined at Elway’s establishment Saturday night.

“I put dinner on John Elway’s tab,” Sharpe said, most likely joking. I can only confirm that Sharpe, joined by fellow former teammate Rod Smith, were there, but who paid is not known.

Meanwhile, back at “The Late Show With David Letterman” last week, lead guest Michael Strahan, star of “Live! With Kelly and Michael” and former New York Giants defensive end, and Letterman discussed Broncos QB Peyton Manning. Although Letterman will always favor his hometown Indianapolis Colts, he can’t “quit” Manning after all his years as the Colts QB.

Here’s the transcript from CBS.com:

Dave asks (Strahan) about Manning: “What’s all that barking he does at the line of scrimmage?  Peyton points and shouts and prances up and down the line yelling instructions to his linemen and backs. What’s he doing?”

Strahan: “It’s a lot of B.S.  Peyton Manning may be smart enough to understand all that yakking he’s doing, but the guys he’s yelling to? The linemen? The other guys on the team? They aren’t that smart. He’s doing it for show. The defense bark, ‘Just snap the ball!!'”

Que bueno!

I took a neighbor to see “Just Like Us,” the play adapted from the book by Helen Thorpe, the estranged wife of Gov. John Hickenlooper, at the Stage Theatre last week.

We were the two mature women sitting in the first few rows with tears streaming down our faces. The story follows the plight of four young Latina women — two who are U.S. citizens and two who are illegal immigrants — as they struggle with their high school, college and post-college years.

At the urging of Kent Thompson, Denver Center Theatre Company’s producing artistic director, Thorpe agreed to let playwright Karen Zacarias transform her words onto the stage.

The result is a riveting performance, which no matter where you stand on immigration, will at least make you think. The cast is simply marvelous and the sets move around almost as fast as the teacup ride at Disneyland.

If you can go, go. “Just Like Us” plays at the Stage until Nov. 3. Tickets: 303-893-4100 or at www.denvercenter.org.

Helen Thorpe wrote ‘Just Like Us,” which was transformed into a stage play for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. (Blacktie-Colorado photo)

Diamonds are this girl’s best friend

Call it the fickle finger of fate. Call it divine intervention. Or call it just plain luck.

But on Saturday during the annual Champagne and Diamonds gala to benefit Sense of Security, the evening’s last act was a random drawing from a glass bowl full of names who had purchased a chance to win a $12,000 diamond necklace donated by Hadley’s House of Diamonds.

Drum roll, please. The winner was Vicki Tosher, and the crowd gathered at the downtown Grand Hyatt went wild. Tosher founded the breast cancer patient financial support charity 13 years ago after a dear friend had been diagnosed. Tosher is a two-time survivor.

When her name was called, Tosher wobbled toward the dance floor and her prize in sheer shock. Then she fell to her knees.

“I’ve won two other things in my life,” she said after being helped to her feet. “One was a calculator.”

Congratulations, Vicki. There is no one more deserving. Sparkle on, girl!

Playing dress-up

It may be a bit premature for Halloween, but nevertheless, some of Denver’s fiercest supporters of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts will be modeling costumes from the Denver Center Theatre Company’s closet during Theatre Threads from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Seawell Ballroom. Proceeds will benefit DCTC and its education programs.

From the looks of the get-ups modeled in the past, this event will upstage a Vegas floor show. This years models are Jeremy Anderson, Jamie Angelich, Fiona Baldwin, Murri Bishop, Keri Christiansen, Sharon Cooper, BJ Dyer, Terri Fisher, Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, Alice Foster, Roger Hutson, Carmel Koeltzow, Gayle Novak, Stacy Ohlsson, Loretta Robinson, Jackie Rotole, Robyn Taylor and (dame) Judi Wolf.

But a would-be thespian also hinted that DCPA chairman and CEO Daniel Ritchie is expected to get into a get-up.

The event features the aforementioned fashion show and luncheon hosted by the Denver Center Alliance.

“I will always remember as a child going to the theatre and being swept away into this magical world filled with lively characters dressed in beautiful costumes,” said event chair Denise Bellucci. “It’s because of fundraising events like Theatre Threads that, not only can the Denver Center for the Performing Arts give a child this wonderful experience and love of the theatre, but they also help support the creation of it.”

Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations: 303-446-4815 or visit www.denvercenter.org/threads.

Judi Wolf will be one of many of Denver’s charitable citizens modeling Denver Center Theatre Company’s costumes at the Oct. 23 event, Theatre Threads, at the Seawell Ballroom. (Denver Center photo)

Wise wine guy

If you haven’t heard Marczyk Fine Foods and Fine Wines owner Pete Marczyk wax poetic about the perfection of wine and food pairings, you’ve missed seeing a showman at his grapey best.

Now’s your chance. Marczyk, along with colleague Maxine DiJulio, will present a selection of some of their favorite Italian holiday wines representing styles you may know but varietals you likely don’t during an event sponsored by The Denver Chapter of the American Wine Society, beginning at 6:30 p.m. today (Oct. 16) at Panzano, inside the Hotel Monaco at 909 17th St.

Each course, prepared by exceptional executive chef Elise Wiggins and her team, will be paired with two wines of similar styles but at different price points. Attendees will compare and contrast these wines and then pick a favorite. After the votes are counted (barring any hanging chads), the price of each will be revealed.

The event is $65 for AWS members and $75 for non-members and guests. Registration is online only by visiting https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/calendar/event-detail.cfm?id=26189.

Eavesdropping on a woman at a recent charity event: “I am growing out my bangs, it’s cheaper than Botox.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

You can paint the town pink this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with several pink promotions going on around town that will encourage you to buy pink, think pink, eat pink or drink pink.

Here are some local spots that are thinkin’ pink:

Sage Restaurant Group’s Denver-area eateries are having various deals to take a bite out of breast cancer. Throughout the month of October each restaurant will offer pink doughnuts where a portion of proceeds from each doughnut sold will benefit the Denver affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

* Second Home Kitchen + Bar, 150 Clayton Lane: doughnut holes with pomegranate glaze.

* Kachina Southwestern Grill, 10600 Westminster Blvd.: Pink Chocolate Beignets with White Chocolate Crème Anglaise.

* The Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar, 1401 Curtis St.: Pink Velvet Icing Doughnuts. (more…)