I wrote about my former Rocky colleague/stand-up comedian Sam Adams’ quest to raise money for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in honor of his pal Sally Gandy.

Adams accomplished his goal of shooting Pop-A-Shot hoops for more than 18 hours straight.

Here’s his Facebook post about the amazing effort: “Learned that CurePSP Foundation officially has our Poppin4PSP donation of $3,344.75, which was made in memory of Sally Gandy.

“The monies will go toward funding programs and research of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Thanks again, to those who supported me in the endeavor – from Megan Tiffany Arntzen assisting with preparations for the event, Rudy McClinon for coming on-site to keep me physically able to shoot Pop-A-Shot hoops for more than 18 hours straight, to scorekeepers/cheerleaders Nancy Pounds Giardini, Lori Musselman, Teresa Mueller, Dianna Benton Freimuth, Hope Shuler, Maria Pearson, Brian Clark (and his crew of merry Poppins!), Jennifer Hall, Kim Opolka, Jon Marc Chambers, Andre Shaw, Trish Morris, Rick “Rooster” Roos, Kevin “Moose” Huhn and Tommy Kaui Nahulu.

“Lastly, thanks again to everyone who made a donation for the cause, in person or online, and to all who stopped by the Hyatt DTC to watch me shoot baskets – especially all of you who challenged me to a game of Pop-A-Shot in exchange for a donation. I’m pretty good at it, huh? Yeah, there’s a new fundraiser brewing inside my head for the future. Can’t wait to spring it on you!!!”

Way to go, Sam, I guess there’s life after The Rocky Mountain News even if we weren’t so positive when it closed.

Sam Adams’ Pop-A-Shot effort earned more than $3,300 for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. (Photo courtesy of Sam Adams’ Facebook page)

Blast from the past

Even going back in the past farther than Adams and my relationship, Jim Carrier – aka The Rocky Mountain Ranger – was a big deal in The Denver Post newsroom.

Carrier’s new indie film, “The Librarian and the Banjo” will have a screening at CBGB Festival in Brooklyn,  on Oct. 11.

Here’s a description of the plot line according to the website  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/478500 “The inspiring true story of a music librarian Dena Epstein who labored 25 years to document the musical contributions of African Slaves to the New World. Her work, now considered classic, shattered myths and stereotypes, proved that the banjo was a slave instrument, and sparked a remarkable revival of black string band music.

Food fight

Set your DVR because Denver-based Sage Restaurant Group will be featured on Food Network’s “Chef Wanted” at 8 p.m. Thursday. Click the link below for more details.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/chef-wanted-with-anne-burrell/mile-high-melee/index.html.

Drink pink

Chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurants Zengo, La Sandia and Tamayo, are honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation by donating $1 from the featured drink, Pink Ribbon Agua Fresca, which will be offered through Oct. 31 for $4. Made with fresh watermelon, this traditional Mexican non-alcoholic drink is refreshing and filled with antioxidants.

This beverage is one of Sandoval’s favorites since it was a beverage that was served at his grandmother’s dining room table. It’s a drink that not only honors one of the most important women in his life but it also pays homage to his Mexican roots.

Here’s the recipe:
Pink Ribbon Agua Fresca
Yields:  2 1/3 quarts
Ingredients:
2 quarts watermelon, cut into cubes
1/3 of a quart of filtered water
Sugar to taste
Preparation:
1. Cube 2 quarts of watermelon
2. Transfer watermelon into a 5 qt. food storage container
3. Add 1/3 quart of filtered water
4. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender
5. Add sugar to taste
6. Blend again
7. Pour through a fine strainer
8. Refrigerate and serve over ice
Healthy fact: Watermelon is the lycopene leader in fresh produce — two cups contain an average of 18.16 mg. (compared to tomatoes at 4 mg.) This fruit is also rich in other types of antioxidants.

Pink Ribbon Agua Fresca drink honors Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Free ski

Looking to ski for free this winter – well how about for the rest of your life? Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a Lifetime Pass to Winter Park, sponsored by the Fraser River Valley Lions Club, all proceeds raised from raffle ticket sales will support the National Sports Center for the Disabled therapeutic and recreation programs. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold now through Oct. 18. For more information, visit http://nscd.thankyou4caring.org/pages/lifetimepass.

Dam brews for The DAM

The Denver Art Museum is partnering with Dillon Dam Brewery to create a Passport to Paris-inspired brew. The beer will evoke the spirit of the museum’s fall blockbuster, Passport to Paris and the 300 years of French art showcased.

The DAM is taking name suggestions from fans on its Facebook page through today. Then the top names will be posted for public voting. The winner will be announced on Oct. 30 and the new brew will be tapped at the Rack house Pub in Denver and the Dillon Dam Brewery in Dillon.

Here is a link with full contest details: http://www.denverartmuseum.org/article/making-doing/we-need-you-name-new-passport-paris-inspired-beer-dillon-dam-brewery.

Phil’s thrill

Fresh off his appearance on the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” Denver’s Phil Palisoul will be headlining the newly remodeled showroom at the Arvada Tavern, 5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., at 8 p.m. Thursday. Tickets at http://www.arvadatavern.com/styled/.

Dance chance

Dancing with Boulder Stars is next week on Oct 17. Who will win Boulder’s version of the Mirror Ball trophy? More important, who will raise the most funds for YWCA programs serving children and families?

Come out and show your support for the YWCA at Dancing with Boulder Stars on Oct. 17. Buy your tickets at the Boulder Theater. Pre-vote on line at www.ywcaboulder.org/dwbs/.

Eavesdropping on Twitter: “When my mother-in-law visits, she likes to cook for us. But not in a delicious way.”

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.

Penny Parker is taking today (Monday, Oct. 7) off. My On The Town column will return on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

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 opening of the new Nancy P. Anschutz Center Boys and Girls Club on Tuesday was a celebration despite a horrific shooting that occurred just 11 days earlier.

Boldfaced names like Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Phil and Nancy Anschutz, John and Paige Elway and Jack A. Vickers celebrated the opening of the new center at the Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club.

Denver politicos and movers and shakers joined the celebration of a new Park Hill community center that replaced a shopping area that was torched by a gang in 2008.

Boys and Girls Club President and CEO John Aragoni held the sentiments of many in attendance when he said: “The community here had gone through its ups and downs. But we want to recognize its past with an eye on its future.”

‘Mythbusters’ visit Denver

Local pizza place, Patxi’s, is helping the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in preparation for a new exhibit coming to the Denver facility by hosting stars of the Discovery Channel series, “Mythbusters.”

Two of the show’s hosts, Tory Belleci and Kari Byron, will be at the opening party from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Patxi’s Cherry Creek location, 185 Steele Street. Call 303-331-1000 for more information.

Guests are invited to stop by Patxi’s for dinner and the chance to meet Tory and Kari, who will be greeting dinner guests from 6 to 8 p.m. The duo will be making the rounds, saying hello to dining guests that evening.

The exhibit, MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition, is on display at the museum Oct. 11-Jan. 5, 2014. Museum visitors can watch live demonstrations by their MythBusting facilitators and peruse props and gadgets from the show.

To celebrate the exhibit, Patxi’s will give guests the chance to “bust” a common myth: Liquor before beer in the clear? Try it and find out! Add a shot of Jim Beam to any draft beer for just $6.50. Offer available at both Patxi’s locations on Oct. 11-17.

Tory Belleci, left, and Kari Byron will be at Patxi’s on Wednesday to celebrate the new “Mythbusters” exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. (Discovery Channel photo)

Go Peru!

Taita Peruvia Cuisine turns 1 and is celebrating for one week beginning on Monday, Oct. 7 and continuing until Sunday, Oct. 13.  There will be a prix fixe menu featuring the most traditional Peruvian dishes from the Taita menu.  The price is $29 per person and happy hour drink specials will be available all week open to close.  Live music will be featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Oct. 10-12).

Taita Peruvian Cuisine, located at 1521 Marion St. (just north of Colfax Avenue), opened in the fall of 2012 and features a traditional Peruvian menu with a touch of American influence in an upscale and cozy atmosphere.

The menu, inspired from a wide selection of Peruvian delicacies, is Jose “Chef Pepito” Aparicio’s pride: a culmination of over 20 years of cooking experience.

For more information about the first birthday celebration, menu, hours and more, visit www.taitadenver.com or call 720-708-6486.

38^th Cider Days this weekend in Lakewood

The 38^th annual Cider Days returns to the Lakewood Cultural Center this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6.

The center is at 801 S. Yarrow St. in Lakewood. Admission each day is $7 for adults and $4 for children, 3-12 years old. Saturday’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday will be from noon-4 p.m.

This fun event celebrates Lakewood’s agricultural heritage and offers live entertainment, demonstrations, cider tastings and food.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, the event will host a cider tasting at noon, sponsored by the newly formed Rocky Mountain Cider Association. There will be 20 ciders available at the tasting, including 14 from Colorado producers, which will be the largest collection of state-made ciders gathered in one place. Tickets for groups of four 2.5-ounce tasters of cider can be purchased for $5. Other ciders will be from producers in Montana, England, France, Spain and New Zealand.

For more details, visit www.lakewood.org/CiderDays/.

Sign of the times – on a South Havana storefront: “I broke up with my gym. We were not working out.”

Eavesdropping on a driver seeing the name of a South Colorado Boulevard business: “Chin Massage? Sounds like this place has a limited business model.”

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.

Every two years, Blacktie-Colorado honors a special humanitarian with the Georgia R. Imhoff Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

This year’s winner will be announced at the 2013 “Have You Met” party at EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., on Oct. 15. The “Have You Met” feature is a popular piece on the Blacktie-Colorado website about Denver’s movers and shakers.

Since its inception more than 10 years ago, Blacktie-Colorado has interviewed 400 philanthropists and each one has his or her own unique perspective on helping others. The late Georgia R. Imhoff was a co-founder of Blacktie-Colorado.

Tickets for the “Have You Met” party are just $35 and include one drink and heavy appetizers. Registration is at www.blacktie-colorado.com; event code is  HYM2013.

Denver company’s creative designs for your vintage wines

When you see a creative wine storage unit at a Denver restaurant, it’s likely that the sassy shelving system came from VintageView, a Denver-based company, which displays bottles label-forward.

The sleek, innovative design makes it easier to showcase a wine collection and find the perfect bottle of wine, champagne or spirit.

The company recently held a media event at Ocean Prime, a high-end steak and seafood space on Larimer Square in a private room with a gorgeous wine-storage wall.

In addition to restaurant installations, VintageView offers display options for residential projects. The patented metal system features modular-style racks that can be modified to suit various spaces from personal wine cellars and retail stores to large-scale restaurants and event venues.

“The beauty of VintageView, besides its modern label-forward design, is that it can be tailored to any size space,” said Charles Malek, president of VintageView. “Whether you’re looking to display nine bottles in the privacy of your own home or thousands of bottles in a restaurant, VintageView can be customized to suit any needs.”

The metal racks can be mounted to any wall, attached to freestanding displays or mounted to VintageView’s floor-to-ceiling frames. Finishes include satin black, brushed nickel, copper, brass and chrome.

Denver establishments that have had the wine racks installed include: Rioja, Wash Park Grill, Bones, Grand Hyatt Denver, Lou’s Food Bar, Argonaut Liquors, Osterio Marco, Mizuna, Ocean Prime and Panzano. Other Colorado eateries who use the system are Mod Market and Cured in Boulder, Jax Fish House in Lafayette, Noodles & Co. in Broomfield, Cache Cache and St. Regis in Aspen, The 10th on Vail Mountain and Block 16 at The Sebastian in Vail.

For more details, go to www.vintageview.com.

Wine, women and Woodyard

Are you ready for some football?

Wine, Women and Football, presented by Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development,  is an evening of sipping, snacking and talking smack about any and all Broncos opponents, beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 15 at Chloe, a Lotus Concepts property at 1445 Market St.

Come and share some X’s and O’s with players Montee Ball, Sylvester Williams, Britton Colquitt, Wesley Woodyard and one of my favorite former players, Rod Smith.

One hundred percent of proceeds benefit Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center, an emergency shelter for women and children. For tickets, go to www.voacolorado.org.

Jive drive

DazzleJazz Restaurant & Lounge at 930 Lincoln St. is hosting a Flood Relief Jazz Drive with a marvelous musical line-up beginning at 5 p.m. through midnight on Thursday. The suggested donation is $10 at the door.

One hundred percent of proceeds will go directly to musicians drastically effected by the flood. In addition, all of the performers are donating their time and talents and Dazzle is donating all profits from the evening.

Here’s the melodic schedule:

5 – 5:45 p.m. – Delta Sonics

5:45 – 6:30 p.m. – Hamster Theatre

6:30 – 7:15 p.m. – Adam Bodine Trio

7:15 – 8 p.m. – Pakow and the By All Means Band

8 – 8:45 p.m. – SUCH

8:45 – 9:30 p.m. – CSU faculty & friends band

9:30 – 10:15 p.m. – CU faculty & friends band

10:15 – 11 p.m. – Greg Harris Band

11 – 11:45 p.m. – Gabriel Mervine Band

More information at www.dazzlejazz.com.

Racines rocks!

Racines, one of Denver’s most popular B, L and D restaurants (breakfast, lunch and dinner) is doing something nice for furloughed federal workers in light of the government shutdown.

The restaurant knows that the shutdown has real consequences for the many Colorado federal employees who have been furloughed.

Whether they need to drown their sorrows or feed their souls, all federal staffers with a valid ID will get 20 percent off their individual food and beverage tab at Racines through the duration of the shutdown.

“Here’s hoping this will be the shortest promotion in Racines’ nearly 30-year history,” said spokesman John Imbergamo.

Love is lovelier…

Prominent Denver attorney Jay Kamlet, a partner at Lathrop & Gage, popped the proverbial question recently to girlfriend Stephanie Keyes, a senior broker at Weststar Commercial.

Kamlet is a Denver native, while Keyes was born and raised in suburban Chicago. She has two boys, Jake and Sammy, 18 and 16, who both go to Cherry Creek High School.  She moved to Denver in 1993.

“We were introduced by our mutual friend, Julie Westfield, in spring of 2011, and we have been dating ever since,” Kamlet told me. “My kids, Alyssa, Ian and Amalia all adore her.”

Kamlet, the hopeful romantic, took Keyes to The Palm where the restaurant’s general manager Cathy Cooney gave the engagement ring to the waiter who presented it on the dessert plate with the cheesecake, which Kamlet insisted that Keyes order.

“She is the kindest, most selfless person I have ever met, and I am blessed to have her in my life,” Kamlet said.

Denver attorney Jay Kamlet and Stephanie Keyes are engaged. (Photo courtesy of Jay Kamlet)

Hot, hot, hot

Former Denver newspaper sports reporter (now with ESPN) Adam Schefter has been plucked by Virgin Atlantic Airways to search for a “Red Hot Reporter” for the upcoming NFL International Series game in London, according to a story posted by MarketingDaily at http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/210228/virgin-atlantic-launches-promo-with-nfl.html.

“The selected person will interview players, go behind the scenes with sideline access and showcase the fan experience from the Virgin Atlantic suite,” the story says. “(The winner) will fly in style to cover the game, between the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars, at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 27.”

Applicants must first follow @virgin_atlantic on Twitter. They will then create a video on the platform of their choice and tweet the video to @virgin_atlantic with the hashtag #redhotreporter. Schefter will select and announce the winner on Oct. 14.

Go whole hog

This little piggy went to dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail.

Restaurant owner Liken in conjunction with Denver butchery expert Mark DeNittis will put a specially raised 4-H hog under the knife for the third annual Whole Hog Dinner.

The four-course nose-to-tail dinner (at $99 per person excluding tax and gratuity) will be paired with hand-crafted cocktails by mixologist Ian Tulk featuring spirits from family owned and operated Colorado distillery Leopold Bros.

To see the menu for the dinner and for reservations, go to www.kellyliken.com.

The seen

As posted by USA Today and former Denver Post sports writer Lindsay Jones on Twitter:

Broncos Coach John Fox on Jack Del Rio, candidate for the USC head coaching job and whom some media outlets reported was in Los Angeles on Sunday night:  “I know he’s focused on Dallas. He wasn’t at LAX. I was with him at Del Frisco’s when that report happened.”

Eavesdropping on a wife and a husband: “I thought you said you were going to change that light bulb.”

“I did. But I didn’t say I was going to change it today.”

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.

“Girl” power.

Sonia Riggs, formerly the executive director of the American Institute of Architects Colorado, is the heir apparent to eventually take over Pete Meersman‘s chief cheese job with the Colorado Restaurant Association as Meersman prepares for his departure.

CRA chairman of the board Rich Yoke appointed a search committee to advertise, screen, interview and select someone to serve as the new CRA chief operating officer, a position that will transition into the president and chief executive officer when Meersman, who has led the CRA for 30-plus years, leaves the association Nov. 1, 2014.

As of that date, Meersman will become the CRA’s chief strategy officer by serving on various affiliated boards and working on special projects until November 2019.

“Sonia will officially begin work at CRA on Nov. 20,” Meersman said in a mass e-mail. “She will be at CRA building on occasion before then for other meetings.

“Sonia’s professional references raved about her when I talked to them. (All four AIA references not only praised her, but they asked me not to hire her because they wanted her to stay there.) I spent a morning last talking with Sonia in person. She has a great personality and sense of humor. She will fit in well with our very talented staff.”

Congratulations to Riggs, and I look forward to meeting you!

Sonia Riggs will take over for Pete Meersman as president and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association when Meersman leaves the group in 2014.

A really big “shoe”

Jeff Shoemaker, who has been a prominent proponent and supporter of the Platte River Redevelopment, will be performing George Gershwin‘s Rhapsody in Blue as part of a benefit concert supporting Up Close and Musical, a local nonprofit that raises funds to provide free concerts to area elementary schools performed by members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

For the Oct. 5 concert, Shoemaker will be accompanied by CSO musicians under the guidance of conductor Eric Bertoluzzi. The event is being held in honor and memory of Shoemaker’s parents, Penny and Joe Shoemaker, who were co-founders of the Helen Marie Black Music Education Fund dedicated to engaging young people throughout the metro area in the world of music.

Doors to Hampden Hall (on the second floor of the Englewood Civic Center at Hampden and South Jason) open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and free for students under 18 and available at www.englewoodarts.org.

Juicy Lucy or Larry

Sullivan’s, where I enjoyed dining recently, is honoring breast cancer research by donating a portion of sales in October from the restaurant’s new $39 prix fixe menu.

The premium 8-ounce hand-cut filet is paired with your choice of a starter, soup or salad, garlic horseradish mashed potatoes and Bordelaise sauce.

Sullivan’s is located at 1745 Wazee St. and the phone number for reservations is 303-295-2664.

“Orange” you glad for a deal?

Denver hotel The Curtis – a Doubletree by Hilton has an “orange crush” on the Denver Broncos.

According to spokeswoman Julie Dunn, “We’re mad about Manning, wild about Welker and delighted over Decker. that’s why we’re inviting hardcore fans to join us in rooting on the Broncos this fall with a stay at Denver’s only pop culture-themes hotel, and then to come back and do it all again in December.”

Here’s the “Booking Broncos” breakdown:

Rates start at $129 per night when you book your football stay at the Curtis on Oct. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oct. 26 or 27 vs. the Washington Redskins (and former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan) or Nov. 16 or 17 vs. the (4 and 0) Kansas City Chiefs.

And the rest of the story … say “Play it again, Peyton” and earn a second visit to the Curtis for $83 per night – in honor of Welker – plus $18 valet parking with homage to Manning on Dec. 7 or 8 vs. the Tennessee Titans or on Dec. 12 against the San Diego Chargers.

To take advantage of the Curtis Orange Crush offer, call Scott at 720-889-4747. For more information on the Curtis, go to www.thecurtis.com or call 800-525-6651.

And, speaking of the Curtis…

The third annual Denver Public Safety Luncheon, presented by Columbine Health Plan, will be held from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at the aforementioned Curtis Hotel.

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the heads of the public safety departments for the city will each give a brief talk on something “new or unique” that people might not know about public safety.

The first Denver Public Safety Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to retired Denver Police Division Chief Jerry Kennedy, who made headlines when he was a police captain as the recipient of a Lincoln Mark IV courtesy of Elvis Presley, the King of rock ‘n’ roll.

The goal of the event is to inform the business community and other interested parties on public safety in Denver. Net proceeds benefit six Denver charities that focus on public safety: the Friends of the Denver Fire Department, Denver Health, the Denver Justice Council, Crime Stoppers, the Denver Police Foundation and the Denver Sheriff’s Foundation.

Sponsor tables are $1,500 and individual tickets are $175 or $100 for those attendees under 35 years old. To register, go to http://ezregister.com/events/7818.

Angels with a heart

I can’t throw enough praise on Project Angel Heart, the nonprofit organization that provides healthy meals to ailing men, women and children in the Denver area and Colorado Springs, which has been named Top Company of the Year in the Nonprofit Category by ColoradoBiz Magazine.

The 26th annual Top Company Awards took place earlier this month at The Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Project Angel Heart was selected, in part, for the successful completion of a $7.1 million capital campaign and subsequent move to a larger home in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood, as well as for the depth of support the organization received from donors and volunteers.

If you care to help out Project Angel Heart, you can make a donation at www.projectangelheart.org.

Major makeover

Colt & Gray, one of my favorite Denver fine dining (but unstuffy) establishments, reopened Friday night after an astonishing turn-around time for a remake of one week.

The interior has been reworked to add roughly 30 much-needed seats considering how popular the place is. The bar has also been reconfigured to incorporate with the main dining room rather than looking like a separate entity.

Colt & Gray is still working on the build-out of its sister speakeasy Ste. Ellie and charcuterie dispensary Viande, which should be ready to rock in roughly six weeks.

More details at: http://denver.eater.com/archives/2013/09/26/renovation-report-colt-gray.php.

Eavesdropping on CBS4’s sports anchor Vic Lombardi on Facebook: “I can honestly say the NFL Red Zone has changed my life. My family hates me more than ever. Thanks, NFL.”

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.

I have the deepest respect for Denver restaurant owner and super chef Jennifer Jasinski (Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Euclid Hall) for her stellar performance in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” which ended sadly not in her favor Wednesday night.

In losing, as part of the final three, she was nothing but gracious, of course. Here’s what James Oseland, editor-in-chief of “Saveur Magazine” had to say about the end results:

“I thought I had a handle on Jennifer’s excellence as a cook, and then during the finale meal, she served us her paella gnocchi. My God, it was the single best dish I ate all season — so perfectly balanced, so beautifully executed, so lovely to look at. Unfortunately, for her chances at winning the season, her other three courses — while very, very good — didn’t come anywhere near the glory of that dish. Still, if we’re handing out prizes for individual plates of food, this one is the season five gold-medal winner.”

Almost more important than Jen actually winning the Top chef title, was that not only did she make a major comeback after being disqualified, but then having a rebirth like a Phoenix by returning to the main show after winning with Euclid Hall chef, Jorel Pierce, who played the role of Jen’s sous chef, a second-chance chance.

Not to be overlooked was her remarkable snaring the most money for her charity: $35,000 for Work Options for Women, a Denver nonprofit that teaches food service skills to women in poverty.

“I have no regrets at all about this experience,” Jasinski said after being defeated by chef Douglas Keane. “Top Chef Masters” win or lose aside, Wednesday was still a good day for the Denver chef. Two of her restaurants, Rioja and Euclid Hall were named among the Top 25 Best Restaurants in the October edition of “5280 Magazine.”

On its fourth year, the “5280” list included Rioja in its first two years, however none of Jasinski’s eateries made the cut last year. Jen, it was a privilege and pleasure to ride along with your journey on the show, and you’re still a Top Chef in Denver!

‘Top Chef Masters’ winner Douglas Keane, left, with finalists Bryan Voltaggio and Denver chef Jennifer Jasinski. Below, Jasinski’s ‘borrowed’ dish, an ode to her former mentor, Wolfgang Puck. The dish was Chinese duck with shiitake broth, eggplant daikon, grilled bok choy and duck wonton. (Bravo TV photos)

And speaking of “5280”…

Love it or hate it, the aforementioned best 25 restaurants edition is out. And for the second year in a row (big drum roll) Frasca Food and Wine, the much lauded Boulder eatery co-owned by chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and master sommelier/co-owner Bobby Stuckey scored the No. 1 position on the list.

Other eateries worth noting were Cholon Modern Asian Bistro at Nov. 2 (love!); perennial Japanese favorite Sushi Den at No. 3, Mizuna (chef/owner Frank Bonanno has the golden touch) at No. 4 and relative newbie Bittersweet at No. 5.

Also worth  your dining dollars and were included in the top 25, were Fruition restaurant (to die for) at No. 7, Luca D’Italia (another Bonnano concept at No. 8) and my latest fave rave Old Major where chef/owner Justin Bronson gets jiggy with his knives to create “nose to tail” cuisine.

Another Boulder best 

The University of Colorado-Boulder is back in the top 10. No, not its football program, but on Playboy magazine’s top 10 party schools.

CU ranked third in Playboy’s 2013 list released in the October issue. West Virginia University topped the list, followed by the University of Wisconsin.

CU topped the list in 2011 and has been a regular in Playboy’s poll, which began as the top 40 party colleges in 1987. CU did not make the list a year ago.

This year’s list was determined by “Playboy’s” editors who used data from resources including the National Center for Education Statistics, the NCAA, and the US Economic Census, as well as feedback from Playboy’s more than 12 million social media fans.

The 2012 top party school, University of Virginia, failed to make the 2013 list.

Here’s the complete list:

1. West Virginia University
2. University of Wisconsin
3. University of Colorado
4. University of Southern California
5. Florida State University
6. University of Texas
7. Louisiana State University
8. University of Georgia
9. Arizona State University
10. University of Maryland

The October 2013 Playboy magazine cover.

Anchor woman

Kim Posey, who has been filling in as a morning co-anchor on KWGN-Channel 2’s “Daybreak,” has been named to the position permanently.

Posey has been a reporter and weekend news anchor at KDVR-Channel 31 since 2000, when the Fox station launched its news programming.

Posey replaces Natalie Tysdal, who left in May. Posey will join longtime “Daybreak” anchor Tom Green on the Channel 2 morning show that airs from 5-9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Posey will continue some news reporting duties for KDVR and KWGN, which shares news staff.

Kim Posey was named the permanent “Daybreak” morning co-anchor on KWGN-Channel 2.

Love story

Bride to be Lori Paladino Jones posted this thank-you note on the Hyatt Regency Denver at Convention Center’s Facebook timeline:

“Our wedding was saved on Saturday September 14 by Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center and several strangers,  who willingly dropped everything to help us out. It all started last Thursday when our caterer, on one of the only communications we could get from Estes Park said, ‘I don’t think we can do your event Friday, as I don’t think we can get product to Estes to cook. We’ll do what we can, but it really doesn’t look good. With over 150 wedding guests who had flown in from all over the country we started to panic. Friday morning came, and with it, the teary reality that Estes Park was not to be. Kelly and I simply weren’t going to let a little hundred year type rain stand in our way. Friday morning, 9:30 a.m. phone call from my aunt who was staying at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Convention Center telling us to get over there ASAP.

“By noon that Friday with the help of a lot of very special people, who were strangers to us, we had a plan B. Very Special Thanks goes out to the people at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Denver! Thank you so much Kris Randall, Lauren Kirkpatrick, Laura Johnson, Eric Leclair and the countless other staff member who worked tirelessly to make our wedding happen.”

Mediabistro.com first reported the announcement.

Eavesdropping on a woman watching “Top Chef Masters”: “Chef Jen got robbed!”

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.

Denver Restaurant Week(s), one of the most popular events in town for the generous portions for a small price, is doing a double take by splitting its personality with two weeks spaced out during the year.

In observation of the event’s 10th anniversary, Visit Denver’s Denver Restaurant Week will double the fun by holding one week from Feb. 22-28 and a second week Aug. 23-29.

The new price per meal per person is $30, FYI … Not a bad deal when you factor in inflation with the cost of food, etc. As you may recall, in several of the previous years, Denver Restaurant Week was two weeks, which in many cases put a mad crush on diner volumes, although the financial gains, in many cases, were well worth the effort.

“A summer version of the event offers restaurants a lot of interesting serving and meal options,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver, the creator and organizer of DRW. “Restaurants will be able to offer outdoor dining and feature fresh Colorado produce. We anticipate that summer menus will be very different from the winter ones, and they will be able to showcase the farm-to-fork movement that is so popular in the state.”

In 2013, a record 355 participating restaurants served 436,650 meals. For more information, go to www.denverrestaurantweek.com or www.eatdrinkdenver.com.

Toronto blogger Andrew Dobson likes us … he really likes us!

Check out the strokes Toronto blogger Andrew Dobson gave our folks during a visit to the Mile High City. And forgive the British spelling of certain words … what does it matter when it’s all positive press? This is just a sample.

“Moments after my plane swooped into Denver I sat in my seat on the tarmac as the flight attendant chirped, ‘Please do not unlatch your seat buckles until the plane finishes taxing to the gate and has come to a complete stop.’ This announcement always makes me laugh as I’m often clasping at the blunt ends of my armrests ready to bolt.

“This would be my first visit to Colorado and I was beyond excited to spend the next three days in one of America’s most buzzed about urban eats destinations. I had ample time to uncover the city’s top attractions, best restaurants and felt a thriving arts vibe unique to Colorado’s favourite city. Here are a few fun facts about Denver important to take note before planning your trip:

• Denver      has 300 days of annual sunshine. Located east of the mountains, the city has a      mild, dry and sunny climate with more annual hours of sun than San Diego      or Miami Beach.
• Denver      is near the mountains, not in them! The city is located on high rolling plains, 12 miles      east of the “foothills,” a series of gentle mountains that climb 11,000      feet. The picturesque Rocky Mountain panorama from Denver is 140 miles      long.
• Denver’s      history is short, but colourful.  In 1858, there was      not a single person living in Denver metro area except for a few migrating      camps of Arapaho and Cheyenne Native Americans. Just 30 years later,      Colorado was a state with a population of almost 200,000! Tipping our hats      to the Gold Rush!
• Denver      loves its sports.      Denver is one of the only two cities (Philadelphia is the other) to have      seven professional sports teams. Hot dog and Coors Light lovers rejoice at      many a rowdy stadium.
• Denver      brews more beer than any other city. The first building in      Denver was a saloon, so its natural that Denver would become a great beer      town. Coors Brewery is the worlds largest and Denver’s Great American Beer      Festival is the largest in the nation, with more than 1,900 different      beers on display. On an average day Denver brews more than 200 different      beers.
• Denver is the Mile High City. By an amazing stroke of good luck, the 13th step on the west side of the State Capitol Building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level – one mile high. In Denver’s rarified air, golf balls go 10 percent farther, and so do cocktails! Alcoholic drinks here pack a punch and did I ever notice from one restaurant and bar to the next. Be sure to sip slowly as your acclimatize to the new elevation.

For the rest of the post, go to http://dobbernationloves.com/2013/09/23/travel-to-denver-colorado/.

Open Table gives Denver restaurants props

Open Table this week announced its list of the 100 American restaurants that are “Fit for Foodies.”

Four Colorado restaurants, three in Denver, were named to the list compiled by the online restaurant reservation service. The list is based on more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by OpenTable.com diners on 15,000-plus restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The three Denver restaurants, Old Major, beast + bottle and The Squeaky Bean, are all less than a year old. The fourth Colorado restaurant on the list is The Pullman in Glenwood Springs, which is helmed by chef Mark Fisher, famous for opening Six89 and Phat Thai in Carbondale. Unfortunately, Phat Thai’s attempt to add another site in Cherry Creek failed.

Old Major in Lower Highland is run by chef Justin Brunson; Paul Reilly is the chef of the Uptown eatery  beast + bottle, known for its “snout to tail” fare, and Theo Adley heads the kitchen at The Squeaky Bean, which was revived in Lower Downtown by its original chef, Max MacKissock.

More at http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2013/09/beast_bottle_old_major_the_pullman_squeaky_bean_opentable_100_best_restaurants.php

Dunk tank

Denver’s “flagship” Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant opened with fanfare Tuesday in the coffee-clatch 8 a.m. hour Tuesday at 366 Broadway.

To celebrate the chain’s entrance into the Denver market, customers will be offered free medium hot or iced coffee (one per person) and 99 cent medium lattes at the Broadway location through Sept. 29, National Coffee Day.

The well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Colorado Rockies’ mascot Dinger, Denver Broncos’ mascot Miles and Colorado Rapids mascot Edson the Eagle and the Rapids’ street team. The sports team mascots were hosted by Dunkin’ Donuts mascot Dunkin’ Cuppy.

For more information, go to www.dunkindonuts.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts mascot Dunkin’ Cuppy.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Out of respect for the Colorado flood victims, Film on the Rocks, produced by the Denver Film Society, and The Barry Fey Foundation have cancelled the screening of “Under a Blood Red Sky, which was scheduled for Thursday at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

A memorial showing of “Under a Blood Red Sky”, the famous U2 concert video in large part engineered by the late Fey, will be rescheduled for next summer as part of the 2014 Film on the Rocks series.

(Photo courtesy of U2.com)

Buy chops for a good cause

When it comes to helping flood victims, folks will take just about anything offered, including a Colorado lamb chop lollipop served with warm fingerling potato salad, red onion and arugula tossed in a mustard sherry vinaigrette and finished with a maple Dijon cabernet au jus at Ocean Prime on Larimer Square.

Even better, every dime of the $22 everyone spends on that lollipop at the restaurant Ocean Prime goes to flood victims. The deal takes place on Thursday. For reservations, go to www.oceanprimedenver.com.

Eavesdropping on a husband to his wife: “You’re Beverly Hills, I’m Beverly Hillbillies.”

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.

It was a heck of a week last week with two amazing events that I was lucky enough to attend.

First up was the Moonbeam Harvest at Clayton Early Learning Center where some of Denver’s best chefs put on their culinary best to support a deserving charity. Big shout out goes to chef Troy Guard for organizing the tasty event.

They also had the environment in mind by using recyclable plastic cutlery, which was vegetable based and by having Green Up Denver providing bins throughout the event.

Worth noting was the insane line for Scott Parker‘s (no relation and not the former Colorado Avalanche player) “waffle eggplant  with chive butter and sweet chili syrup.” Really? I mean with a flag sign that says “eggplant” I would normally ignore, but it was TDF (to die for).

Also on the fun meter…

The Carousel Ball to benefit The Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes on Saturday.

It was a “ball” to forgive the pun. Sherri Shepherd, who clearly doesn’t take herself too seriously, was asked, “How are you going to live without Barbara (Walters),” who, BTW is not going away any time soon from “The View,” Shepherd said, ” Oh my gosh, I don’t even want to think about it! ”

There’s a new ride in town

A new car service has arrived in Denver.

Lyft promises a friendly driver is just minutes away. All you have to do is download their app, tap a button and a car will on the way within minutes. Lyft launched in June 2012 and more than 1 one million rides have been shared across the country.

Lyft operates in 13 cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago, St. Paul, Minn., Indianapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Denver, Washington, D.C. and San Diego.

Technically, Lyft is a free service. Drivers use their own car, with pink mustaches on their front grill, and riders give donations to drivers and Lyft takes a cut.

Lyft promises safety measures that go beyond what any taxi, limo or casual carpool has done before, including an extensive screening process, DMV and background checks and first-of-its-kind $1 million per occurrence excess liability insurance. Lyft’s Denver service started Friday.

Download the app at www.lyft.me.

Craft beer dinner

1515 Restaurant at 1515 Market St. is featuring a special dinner paired with craft beers beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The menu for $45 per person includes:

A selection of exceptional beers brewed by the Goose Island Brewing Company of Chicago and Leffe and Hoegaarden from Belgium.

Amuse bouche: Steamed mussel, bacon lardon, crispy beer batter

First course: Stella popcorn beloute, pork belly, sour cream pillow, chives;

Second course: Hoegaarde n braised bison, sweet potato pudding, rainbow chard, grilled peach;

Dessert: Peach pie, Leffe Brown “liquid nitrogen” ice cream, caramel lavender foam.

For more information, email events@1515restaurant.com, call 303-571-0011 or visit www.1515restaurant.com.

Mary Nguyen’s new venture

The lovely and talented Mary Nguyen (above), who originally opened Parallel 17 at 1600 17th Ave. is concocting a new venture called Olive &  Finch at 1552 E. 17th Ave. She also owns Street Kitchen Asian Bistro at the Villagio in Englewood.

The latest concept from chef/owner Nguyen is an eatery, which includes a bakery and market. Specialties include scratch-made   pastries, artisan sandwiches and soups, salads, fresh pressed juices, and a  coffee bar with monthly rotating beans, all with a focus on healthy options  for those with allergies.

Nguyen’s pastry chef is  Leslie Melland, graduate of the Culinary School at Le Cordon.

Olive & Finch also will have handcrafted items  for the table (linens, dish ware), fine prepared foods for takeaway, and  will be providing curbside delivery, catering, boxed breakfast and lunches in addition to holiday menu planning/preparation. The space is 1,500 square feet (55 seats), and was designed by Zar Designs, with interior design by Nguyen.

Eavesdropping on Sherri Shepherd at The Carousel Ball talking about her new co-host Jenny McCarthy: “She is fearless. She is great to work with, actually.”

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.

Denver bigwig and deep-pocket giver Larry Mizel is proud to announce that “Jewtopia,” a movie written by daughter Courtney Mizel, is coming to theaters today.

If you are thinking about a date-night with your significant other, this is the one to see, so I’m told.

Here’s the email Courtney sent about her project:

“Dear friends,

“As many of you know, I have spent the past couple of years working on ‘Jewtopia.’ First the play at the Greenway Court Theater, and then, the movie!  I am very excited to announce that the movie will be out (today) in theaters around the country as well as on VOD on most cable carriers as well as on iTunes, XBox and a number of other online platforms.

“Needless to say I am very excited about this release and I would greatly appreciate your support!  If you would …

“1) See the movie either in your local theater or online

“2) Spread the word: Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, short wave radio, smoke signals … Whatever works for you.

“I can’t promise that everyone will love the movie (not everyone loved the play yet it was the longest running off-Broadway comedy), but I do promise you will laugh (either because the movie is funny or at me for spending two years of my life on the project!!)”

The film’s cast includes Ivan Sergei, Joel David Moore, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Rita Wilson and Jon Lovitz.

To see the trailer go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a0zZSVeW-k

“Jewtopia” opens locally today at the AMC Cherry Creek 8 in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

Jon Lovitz, left, and Rita Wilson star in ‘Jewtopia,’ which will be released Friday. (Le Petit Canyon Productions)

A blast from the past

Colorado Neurological Institute’s 25^th anniversary will celebrate the 1940s at Wings Over the Rockies featuring music, dancing, vintage dress and decor and dining from 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 12. 

The Colorado Neurological Institute’s 25th anniversary party will carry a 1940s theme. (CNI photo)

The event’s emcee is 9News meteorologist and traffic tracker Amelia Earhart.

CNI’s “flight crew” will include local medical neurological professionals, inspirational patients and dedicated staff members. This enthusiastic group will welcome the organization’s supporters to a night of Frank Sinatra and big band music, dancing, silent and live auctions, a first class dinner and several surprises.

“We are so excited that CNI has made it 25 years in the community! Our mission has truly been fueled by neurological patients across the region and their inspirational commitment to living well, their generosity and their innovative ideas,” said Tami Lack, executive director of Colorado Neurological Institute.

Tickets are $250 each. “Early career” tickets are $175. To purchase your tickets, go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp and enter event code: CNI1012 (All one word, not case sensitive). Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available. For details, contact Nancy Miller at 303-806-7415, 303-806-7415 or e-mail nmiller@thecni.org.

Amelia Earhart, 9News traffic reporter and meteorologist, will emcee the Colorado Neurological Institute’s 25^th anniversary event on Oct. 12 at Wings Over the Rockies. (CNI photo)

The Sink sticks out

Boulder’s The Sink restaurant (1164 13th St.), perhaps best known for a visit from President Barack Obama during one of his Colorado whistle stops, has been named No. 3 on The 25 Best College Campus Bars list, according to Complex City Guide. Here’s the blurb:

“Come for the best burger in Boulder and stay for the Beatnik wall art. True to the green culture of Colorado, the Sink is run by 100 percent wind power and only serves Angus and grass-fed beef. If you aren’t down with the Sink Burger, they offer a full and varied menu that includes brisket, the Cowboy Reuben, and tilapia. If you’re tall, watch out for the low ceilings, but otherwise, there is absolutely nothing to complain about at The Sink.”

Read more at www.complex.com/city-guide/2013/04/the-25-best-college-campus-bars/the-sink.

Patxi’s Pizza fundraiser for flooding victims

Patxi’s Pizza, Denver’s newest addition to the pizza scene, takes its new role as member of the Colorado community seriously. With two locations in Denver and a third slated to open in Uptown this fall, Patxi’s wants to help lend support to those affected by the recent floods throughout the state.

In response, Patxi’s (pronounced PAH-cheese,‘t’ before ‘x’) will be hosting a city-wide fundraiser, with both locations (Cherry Hills and Cherry Creek) participating. Ten percent of all proceeds from sales at both stores on Sept. 23 (for lunch, dinner, dine-in, carryout and delivery) will benefit flood victims through Intermountain Salvation Army Disaster Relief program.

Locations: 3455 South University Boulevard, Unit B, Englewood, 80113 and at 185 Steele St., Denver, 80206.

And another flood fundraiser

Allyson Fredeen, who’s been the go-to gal and brains behind the success of The Ritz-Carlton Denver Hotel since pre-opening, has been promoted (and deservedly so) to communications manager, it was announced this week.

Ally is a Colorado State University alum who got her customer service feet wet working at Bloomingdale’s. Way to go, girl!

Allyson Fredeen earned a well-deserved promotion to communications manager at the Ritz-Carlton Denver Hotel.

The seen

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to walk on the moon, was spotted having dinner on Monday and lunch on Tuesday at Panzano, the charming Italian eatery inside The Hotel Monaco.

According to my spy, however, Aldrin wasn’t wearing a space suit. And he was not quoted as saying, “One small meatball for man, one big bowl of pasta for mankind.”

Also spotted around town:

Fox-31 meteorologist Nick Carter eating lunch with a friend at south Denver restaurant Piccolo’s, a former frequent and favorite haunt of the On The Town family when we stayed at Marriott’s TownePlace Suites for four months five years ago while waiting for our Capitol Hill condo to be completed.

Eavesdropping on two tourists walking through Cherry Creek North:

Tourist 1: “It’s really horrible to see all those people suffering from the floods in Colorado. I wonder what we can do to help those folks?”

Tourist 2: “I bet if everyone gave some money to the Red Cross that would be a good start. Go to www.redcross.org to help.”

OK, we made this one up, but folks, please give the Colorado flood victims a helping hand and give to the Red Cross.

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.