I am having a moment while I try to write about CBS4 anchor and reporter Evrod Cassimy‘s announcement recently about leaving Denver and taking a morning news anchor job in Detroit (ick!).

Cassimy, one of the most handsome newscasters on television anywhere, sadly reported to me on Friday that he will be leaving Denver. But a part of me understands since the move represents a promotion.

Here’s the story as it was published in (again, ick!) Detroit:

http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/07/11/5015587/evrod-cassimy-joins-wdiv-tv-local.html.

Here’s what I asked him:

Q: Evrod, when you have time, would you please send me some quotes about why you’re leaving?

A: “I was born in Michigan. I’m excited to be back in the Midwest and have the opportunity to anchor a two and half hour newscast for Detroit’s #1 station, WDIV.”

Q: What brought you to that decision?

 A: “It was a tough decision because I’ve grown so close to my CBS 4 family and the viewers I’ve met over the past two years, but it’s a great opportunity and a great city.”

Q: And what you’ll miss most about Denver?

A: “The scenery! Especially the mountains! And of course the 300 days of sunshine a year.”

Rich Grant, are you listening? Cassimy could easily fit in with the Visit Denver crowd as a major booster!

Evrod Cassimy is leaving Denver television station KCNC-Channel 4 to become the morning news anchor at WDIV in Detroit. (Photo courtesy of CBS4)

Ace is the place

Ace, the Asian food and ping-pong place at 501 E. 17th Ave. is hosting the “Battle Royale” in conjunction with professional table tennis team, Killerspin, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 4-6 p.m. Sunday.

The weekend will feature Killerspin pros Biba Golic (ESPN’s Sexiest Woman in Sports and Ilija “Lupi” (men’s Olympic medalist and world champ), not only treating spectators to some high-skill exhibition play, but also will provide a chance for local players to test their table tennis skills (Saturday only) against the pros.

You can sign up to the challenge the Killerspin pros at Ace during the regular Tuesday tournament starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Exhibition style play, showcasing the skills of two of the world’s best tennis table players will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Both events are free and open to the public. More information at www.acedenver.com.

Summer of lobster at The Palm

The Palm restaurant inside the downtown Denver Tabor Center is celebrating the season with a summer of lobster. Come to the eatery on “Midway Lobster Day’ today to take advantage of two exclusive lobster specials n addition to the $79.95 summer lobster dinner for two (I tried this last week, and it was more than you can imagine and fabulous!)

The Monday deal includes two lobster specials which are $1 Nova Scotia lobster slider specials as well as $45 for a three-pound jumbo lobster from Nova Scotia while supplies last.

You also can email your picture of your The  Palm lobster to lobster@thepalm.com so the restaurant can post the pic to its Facebook page in the album “Show Us Your Lobster.” For reservations, go to www.thepalm.com/Denver/Westin.

In other restaurant news…

I had a private new lunch menu tasting at EDGE on Friday, and was treated to scaled down versions of the amazing food choices which included roasted roma tomato soup with a balsamic glaze and an olive oil float; grilled cheese with cured tomatoes and crispy prosciutto; the new promotion “15 salads in 15 minutes all under $15 and under” including artisanal greens with blueberries, walnuts, smoked Billy Blue goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette; heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad; watermelon and frisee salad; roasted beet salad; lobster and shrimp crab cobb salad and black bean burger with red onion jam and arugula, basil and watermelon.

So fabulous! For reservations, go to www.fourseasonsdenver.com.

Your vote counts

From now through Wednesday, the public can vote on hidden gems around every corner throughout our fair city.

Visit Denver is giving locals a change to put their money where their mouths are and to show off their neighborhood’s best side with the “This is My Denver” photo contest.

Entry details:

* Like Visit Denver at www.facebook.com/visitdenver

* Get your friends to vote on your photo through Wednesday

The person who submits the photo that gets the most votes will win a jackpot stuffed with more than two dozen prizes, including:

* Annual membership to Denver B-cycle

* One-night stay at The Curtis Hotel

* Two tickets to Denver Botanic Gardens

* Two tickets to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

* Two tickets to History Colorado Center

* Two tickets to opening night of the Colorado Ballet’s Giselle

* Two tickets to the Denver Art Museum

* Two tickets to Denver Zoo

* Two tickets to the Downtown Aquarium

* Two tickets to 1964 – The Beatles Anniversary Concert Tribute at Red Rocks

* Two tickets to a Colorado Symphony Masterworks performance of Passport to Paris

* Two tickets to a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

* Balyeat Gallery gift certificate

* Dinner for two at Blue Sushi Sake Grill

* Dinner for two at I-Fish

* Dinner for two at Ignite!

* Dinner for two at Rialto Café

* Dinner for two at The Fort, plus a copy of Shinin’ Times at The Fort, a cookbook autographed by owner Holly Arnold Kinney

* Two-hour wine tasting party for six people at Water2Wine DTC Greenwood Village

* Dinner for two at The Oceanaire Seafood Roon;

* Gallagher Books gift certificate

* Jerri’s Tabacco Shop and Fine Wines gift certificate

* Larimer Square gift certificate

* Mudhead Gallery gift certificate

* One Chocolate Crisis Center Major Crisis Kit

* SOL lingerie gift certificate

For more information, go to www.visitdenver.com/neighborhoods.

Eavesdropping on Twitter: Hubby, to his 5-year-old son: “You have to be the man of the house while daddy is away.”

Son: “But I can’t cook!”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

I told you earlier that Jennifer Jasinski, chef-owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, would be competing in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters 5″ along with Richard Sandoval, the restaurant mogul who oversees operations in Colorado at Tamayo, Zengo, Al Lado and La Sandias as well as Maya in the Westin in Avon.

Bravo just announced that viewers will be invited and encouraged to vote weekly for their favorite chef team at www.bravotv.com or by text message to determine which team received a donation to its designated charity.

The total amount that Bravo will donate over the course of the campaign, from July 24 through Sept. 25, will be divided into various amounts each week as designated by the television network.

To vote, tune in to “Top Chef Masters” and follow the on-air instructions. As chef teams are eliminated from the “Top Chef Masters” competition, they will no longer be eligible to compete in the campaign.

You must be 18 years or older to submit your vote. Votes must be cast by the authorized account holder of the cell phone from which the vote is made. The limit is 40 votes per person per weekly voting period regardless of the method.

Jasinski has chosen Work Options for Women, a wonderful organization that teaches underprivileged women hospitality industry skills, as her designated charity.

WOW is holding a premiere party from 7 to 10 p.m. at Kuni Lexus Greenwood Village, 5150 S. Quebec. Donations are welcome. RSVP at www.topchefmasterspremierparty-es2.eventbrite.com/.

In addition to Jasinski’s culinary competition, chef Jorel Pierce of Euclid Hall also will be participating in an online battle that has already begun. To see Pierce in action, go to www.bravotv.com/battle.

Richard Sandoval, above, and Jennifer Jasinski, below, are two Denver chefs competing in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.” The cable reality series debuts July 24. (Bravo TV photos)

Pro golfer Kerr on the menu

EDGE restaurant at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is partnering with Double Cross Vodka to present an intimate dinner on Aug. 7 featuring professional golfer Cristie Kerr, who plays on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association tour.

When not on the course, Kerr swaps her clubs for Cabernet from her own Curvature Wines collection. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. in EDGE bar with passed hors d’oeuvres, Double Cross Vodka and Curvature wines. The three-course dinner begins at 7:15 p.m.

Cost is $75 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations: 303-389-3050.

The Blue Bonnet moves into middle age

The Blue Bonnet Café & Lounge on South Broadway is celebrating its 45th year of the Mobell family ownership this month with steals of deals for diners.

It’s been 45 years since Arlene and Phil Mobell purchased the long-standing restaurant at 475 S. Broadway, and the popular Mexican eatery has evolved under current owners, the brother and sister team of Gary and Marci Mobell. Many of the Blue Bonnet’s staff have logged three decades with the restaurant.

“My sister Marci and I visit with the tables each and every lunch and dinner that we are here, seven days a week,” Gary said. “We love the interaction with the customers and (value) their opinions. My mom was known for this and we carry on her tradition as she calls daily to check in.”

To celebrate the 45th anniversary, the Mobells are offering customers 45-cent bottomless chips and salsa, two happy hour tacos, two happy hour lettuce wraps or Blue Bonnet signature bottled hot sauce for $4.50 each.

Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday. More information at www.bluebonnetrestaurant.com.

New sports sheriff on CBS4

Tom Helmer, former sports broadcaster on Root Sports, is moving over to join the CBS4 news team replacing the departing Gary Miller on Friday and Saturday nights, plus filling in elsewhere as needed.

Miller is taking on play-by-play radio duties in the fall as the voice of the Colorado State University Rams.

For Root Sports, Helmer co-hosted television broadcasts of Colorado Rockies games and covered the University of Denver, University of Colorado and the Colorado High School Activities Association.

He’s been recognized for sportscasting with an Associated Press award and two regional Emmys for host of the Rockies postgame report, and host of a franchise segment called “Tom on the Town.”

Helmer also previously served as sports anchor for KXTV in Sacramento, Fox 6 in San Diego and as sports director at WZZM in Grand Rapids, Mich.

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

Sweet shower

As the world anticipates the arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first offspring, Coloradans are celebrating the royal birth in their own way with a Royal Baby Shower from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Whole Foods Market at 370 S. Colorado Blvd. in Glendale.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a baby shower gift to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Chefs from Whole Foods will also be creating a special fish and chips meal for $5 with proceeds going to the hospital.

“We try our best to help our patients and families feel as welcome and comfortable as they would at home,” said Sue Brigg, Children’s Hospital of Denver volunteer coordinator. “We really rely on donations of new toys, books, stuffed animals, craft materials, and other items throughout the year, not just at the holidays. These donations are used in the hospital’s numerous playrooms by our therapists as part of a patient’s treatment plan. They are also used to comfort and entertain a child during the hospital experience.”

Eavesdropping on Facebook: “You know you are getting old when your sweetie says, ‘Let’s go upstairs and make love,’ and you respond ‘Pick one, I can’t do both!’ That’s why our new home in Arizona is just one floor.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Chef John Broening, who gained famed for his two revered Denver restaurants, Denver Brasserie Rouge in The Ice House and at Duo in the Highland neighborhood, is returning to kitchen at at Le Grand Bistro & Oyster Bar at 1512 Curtis St. See the full story at http://www.5280.com/blogs/2013/07/08/breaking-john-broening-heads-le-grand-oyster-bar-bistro.

“We’re putting the Brasserie Rouge band back together,” restaurant owner Robert Thompson told “Westword”. Broening will join  Le Grand Bistro & Oyster Bar as executive chef and also as  culinary director of Seasoned Development, Thompson’s restaurant company.

Thompson owns Le Grand, Punch Bowl Social and the Argyll Gastro Pub concept. He co-opened Brasserie Rouge with Leigh Jones in 2003. Broening, now chef and co-owner of Spuntino and formerly the executive chef of Duo and the late Olivéa, headed up the kitchen originally at Brasserie Rouge. Broening’s French cooking skills were not enough to prevent the restaurant closing a year later, though.

“This is not a statement about where Le Grand is but where we’re trying to be,” Thompson told “Westword”. “I don’t believe I’m alone in having always wanted John Broening’s experience, skill-set, and culinary creativity to have a larger stage from which to speak.” Broening will oversee the culinary operations of Le Grand, Argyll (a restaurant in Cherry Creek North that Thompson wants to revive somewhere) and other possible concepts.

Expect lighter fare at Le Grand, Broening says. He notes that Le Grand’s offerings will be more seasonal.

Hollywood comes to Highlands Ranch retirement community

When Elly and Jim Andersen moved to the Wind Crest retirement community five years ago, they didn’t move far from their former house in Cherry Hills, because they didn’t want to move away from family.

The couple is proud of their family legacy — all their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren contribute so much to their lives. But one grandchild in particular is making a splash in the celebrity spotlight. And her work in Hollywood is attracting a new generation of fans and the Highlands Ranch community where she often visits.

AnnaSophia Robb, the 19-year-old actress who has starred in major motion pictures like” Soul Surfer,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Because of Winn-Dixie” now stars in “The Carrie Diaries.” The weekly television show on The CW is based on the popular HBO series “Sex and the City.” In it, Robb plays teenager Carrie Bradshaw in high school in 1984.

The Andersens love seeing Robb work — they’ve been on set with her as far away as London—but they love it the most when their granddaughter visits them on the Highlands Ranch campus and spends quality time.

As for Robb, well, she’s a huge fan of Wind Crest.

Robb grew up in Colorado not far from where her grandparents lived and was in high school when her grandparents moved to Wind Crest. “My Grandpa would pick me up from school two times a week, and I’d hang out with them before I went to kickboxing,” she says.

She appreciates the pool, the hot tub, going to dinners and brunches on campus, and she wishes they sold the cookies in the marketplace store 24/7. She laughs, “I’d get home from school and miss them,” referring to both the cookies and her grandparents.

But the thing Robb says she appreciates most about Wind Crest is how both her grandparents thrive on campus. “It’s just really convenient. They can go to the gym, join clubs, and my Grandpa can work on his trains. They have everything they need and want at their fingertips,” Robb says.

The model railroad club is one of the most appealing things about Wind Crest to Jim; his outdoor train set is a memory that warms his granddaughter’s heart, and she’s glad he can continue to do what he is so passionate about.

Passionate living runs in the family. While raising her family and helping with her grandchildren, Elly’s lifework has been to give of herself and her time to those she loves. She’s even kept a treasure chest of all the clippings she can find about Robb for the last 10 years, since she began acting in Because of Winn-Dixie.

Elly recalls a fond memory from the set. Cicely Tyson had forgotten a line, and Robb whispered to the actress, “It’s okay, my Grandma forgets things, too.” Elly laughs at what she calls a “sort of backhanded compliment.”

“It’s neat to look back and see how little she was,” Elly says of her granddaughter. The whole family knew she would be an actress when she was just two years old. She was, according to the Andersens, born for the spotlight and with “the prettiest little face.”

Even though their granddaughter lives in New York while working on the show, the Andersens know it won’t be long before they see her again.

AnnaSophia Robb and her grandmother, Elly, during a recent visit to Wind Crest, a retirement community in Highlands Ranch. (Wind Crest photo)

Mike Rowe a Fat Tire drinker

A photo of Mike Rowe, the host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” and huckster for Ford and Viva paper towels, was posted on eBay.

The photo featured Rowe smiling through the lid of a toilet seat autographed by the TV host-producer for a charity. Rowe looked like his usual goofball self, albeit holding a bottle of Fat Tire. The beer produced by Fort Collins-based New Belgium posted the photo on its Twitter account.

Mike Rowe shows off his beer of choice, Fat Tire. (Mike Rowe photo)

Eavesdropping on one woman to another at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club: “Is Mr. Handsome here? (referring to the gorgeous Steve Thomas.)”

“If he’s here, he only improves my game!”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

On Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m., HBO Documentary Films will premiere “The Crash Reel” at Sports Authority Field.

“The Crash Reel” is the story of one unforgettable athlete, Kevin Pearce; an eye-popping sport, snowboarding and the explosive issue of traumatic brain injury. Directed by two-time Oscar nominee Lucy Walker, and filmed over two decades, “The Crash Reel” follows Pearce, his family and friends, using footage that captures the soul of the dangerous sport. “The Crash Reel” was an official selection at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won the Audience Award at South By Southwest Film Festival.

In late 2009, Pearce was known as the one snowboarder who could challenge Olympic medalist Shaun White at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. But during a simple training run on New Year’s Eve, Pearce’s life changed forever. He suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma, followed by a long adjustment to a lifelong disability away from the sport, but a new opportunity to serve as an advocate for brain-trauma patients.

Pearce’s horrific crash was initially captured on film by his buddies who rushed to the scene. After being airlifted to University Hospital in Salt Lake City, Pearce was transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver where he received treatment in the hospital’s Brain Injury Program for two and a half months.

Following the screening on July 9, Pearce and Dr. Alan Weintraub, medical director of Craig’s Brain Injury Program, will participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience regarding Pearce’s crash, recovery and the need for increased awareness of brain-function safety in sports like snowboarding and football.

The film will premiere on HBO on July 15.

Closed and opened

Last week, Eater Denver reported “that the Boulder location of H Burger shuttered” and now details emerged about the new eatery at 1710 Pearl St. A new concept, Zeal, will open in the fall. The new restaurant, owned by part of the group behind H Burger, will feature food for health enthusiasts that will include fresh juices, açaí bowls, salads, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served.

Eater Denver adds: “Zeal is not expected to take over the Denver location of H Burger. The burger joint located at 1555 Blake St. will remain open and continue to operate for a several weeks — with no specific closing date established yet. The space will be taken over with a different company, unrelated to the Zeal entity. At some point next year, in a different space, there may be a Zeal location in Denver.

“In the meantime, Little H Burger, a mini-version of H Burger will continue to sling burgers at its one and only location in Denver at 727 Colorado Blvd. The word is that both locations of T|ACO are doing well and will keep their doors open indefinitely.”

Also posted on Eater Denver: “Good bye Phat Thai, hello Harman’s Eat & Drink! Chef Mark Fischer closed his Asian-inspired eatery in Cherry Creek North just a couple of weeks ago and, (last week), he reopened the doors to a restaurant that features imaginative yet simple American food.

Miss and hit

PGA Tour golfer and Denver resident David Duval obviously had a bad experience at The Sebastian Vail (www.thesebastianvail.com), a Timbers Resorts Hotel & Residences in the mountain community.

Here’s what Duval posted on Twitter (@david59duval) on Friday:

“So make sure when you come to Vail AVOID the @SebastianVail.”

On the other hand, Duval praised Flame restaurant in two separate tweets:

“If you are fortunate enough to get to Vail hit Flame at Four Seasons for dinner. Spectacular. …

“Flame accommodates the kids as well as adults. Amazing food, amazing folks.”

Gary the grandpa

Gary Miller, who is leaving KCNC-Channel 4 to become the voice of Colorado State University football and basketball, posted on Twitter his new position: grandfather.

Miller, who worked at Channel 4 for 22 years, including the last 15 as the station’s Broncos reporter, posted on his Twitter feed (@thegarymiller) this note and a picture of his new granddaughter from California:

Back in California with granddaughter. She is so excited to see me.”

Gary Miller’s granddaughter. (Twitter.com photo)

Cher shares

Cher (yes, that Cher) posted on Twitter Friday about an impending visit to Aspen.

“Richard, Laurie, Tim just left…We’re getting up at 5 a.m. & flying 2 Aspen to look at a House ! Sounds like fun… Ill take Pics !!”

The seen

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III married his fianceé, Rebecca Liddicoat (who’s from Denver), Saturday in Denver, according to The Denver Post.

Griffin and Liddicoat held their rehearsal dinner Thursday night at Shanahan’s Steakhouse in Denver. Thirty to 40 guests attended the dinner at Redskins coach (and former Broncos coach) Mike Shanahan’s steakhouse in the Denver Tech Center.

Griffin reportedly was seen picking up his wedding tuxedo Friday at the Men’s Wearhouse in Cherry Creek.

Other members of the Redskins organization – Shanahan, his son and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, owner Daniel Snyder, General Manager Bruce Allen, starting right tackle Tyler Polumbus and backup quarterback Kirk Cousins – also were seen in Denver this week.

Also seen around town at the Avett Brothers concert at Red Rocks on Saturday: Gov. John Hickenlooper and his estranged wife, Helen Thorpe.

Robert Griffin III and his wife, Denver’s Rebecca Liddicoat, were married in Denver Saturday. The Heisman Trophy winner and Washington Redskins quarterback met Liddicoat when they both attended Baylor University. (Twitter. com photo)

Eavesdropping on one woman to another at Posh the Salon: “I’d do anything to be skinny except to quit eating and drinking.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Who wants to be a millionaire? Now, you can as the syndicated game show will audition Denverites on Friday, July 12 at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” auditions will include a timed multiple choice test and, for those people who pass, an interview with one of the show’s producers.  The first audition sessions start at 7 p.m., with tests to follow 10 a.m.  The second session will begin at 5 p.m. and will continue through 7 p.m.  The last session of the day will begin at 7 p.m. and contestants will be tested exclusively for “Movie Week,” a specialty series featuring film buffs answering movie-themed trivia.

Auditioners will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis and producers will audition as many people as they can.  Participants must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. resident and meet all eligibility requirements, which can be found on “Millionaire’s” website at www.millionairetv.com.

A new season of “Millionaire” will debut at 2 p.m., Sept. 2 on KMGH-Channel 7 with new host, Cedric the Entertainer.

Cedric the Entertainer debuts as the new host of “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” in September. Contestant auditions will be held Friday, July 12 in Denver. (Photo courtesy of Disney-ABC)

Bubbles and bites at Wash Park

The American Wine Society Denver Chapter invites you to celebrate summer wines with bubbles and bites, beginning at 6 p.m. July 24 at The Washington Park Boathouse (Exposition Avenue between Downing and Franklin).

The effervescent event benefits Sense of Security, an organization that helps to ensure that breast cancer patients receive the financial assistance they need while undergoing treatment. Your participation in this event helps to add to patients’ quality of life during this difficult time (check it out at www.senseofsecurity.org). Sense of Security is my pet charity, and I’ve been fortunate to help raise thousands of dollars for this worthy nonprofit for several years.

The Boat House overlooks the south short of Smith Lake in the northern half of Washington Park, and is close to Exposition and Downing. Parking is available along the perimeter of the park or there is limited parking within the park using the following entrances: Marion and Virginia (north side, Exposition and Downing (west side), Kentucky and Franklin (east side) or Mississippi and Franklin (south side).

To order tickets, go to https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp/rsvp.cfm?eventcode=%26%3E%2B%26L2%40%5B%5F.

Another event benefitting Sense of Security: The Bra Project for Breast Cancer has kicked-off at Coquette Boutique in Cherry Creek North. Local survivors have created amazing works of bra art which are available to the public during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Bidding is now open! Photos can be found on Coquette’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/Coquette-Boutique-Denver/90408419877). Stop by or call 303.355.7770 to place your bid.  Artists include Keri Christiansen, Anne Fanganello, Sue Miller and Joby Koren, among others.  All proceeds benefit Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation and Sense of Security.  Bidding ends at the wrap-up event at 6 p.m. on July 12 at Coquette, 3003 E. 3rd Ave.

Closed for good

Ristorante L (formerly known as Laudisio) closed down its restaurant last month after more than 20 years serving Boulder diners.

According to its website (www.ristorantel.com): “The restaurant would like to thank all its patrons who have been dining at the 29th Street location (since 2006) and previously at the Iris location.

“Antonio Laudisio can still be found weekly at the Boulder Farmers’ Market. He is also still available for catering events and pizza parties. If you would like to talk to Antonio about a catered event or a pizza party, he can be contacted via e-mail at laudisio3328@comcast.net.”

Vesta’s anniversary

On July 19, Vesta Dipping Grill will celebrate its 16-year anniversary.  Vesta was on the forefront of the Denver dining scene when it opened in 1997, and has remained a leader in culinary creativity, hospitality and philanthropy throughout the years.

Chef Brandon Foster and the team at Vesta decided the best way to celebrate Sweet 16 is to bring back a few crowd favorites from menus gone by including spicy malted lamb ribs, Carolina barbecue grilled hangar steak skewers, and ice cream sandwiches.

Vesta’s full dinner menu will also be available.  Paired with cocktails or wine recommendations from GM/Sommelier Eric Dutton, the evening will be filled with great food, drinks and friends!  Reservations available at 303-296-1970 or at www.vestagrill.com.

Here’s the special menu: Vesta 16-year anniversary; Appetizer, $10: spicy malted lamb ribs with pistachio-mint rub, rose blossom yogurt; entrée, $26 for Carolina BBQ grilled hangar steak skewers with hot bacon potato salad and sauces of Carolina Ghost chili and sweet onion barbecue.

Dessert is your choice of ice cream sandwiches or mascarpone caramel pistachio gelato for $8.

Paladins return

After a nearly 10 year hiatus,  legendary rockabilly and western swing legends the Paladins have reunited to perform in Denver again on Friday, July 12, at Denver’s storied “Ninth Avenue West,” now named La Rumba.  Sure to be a live-music and dancing highlight of the year for many fans, the all original lineup will feature founding members Dave Gonzales and Thomas Yearsley.

Tickets can be purchased in advance through www.Ticketfly.com, or at the door.  Admission is 21 and over only, and doors open at 9 p.m.

The Paladins, from San Diego, Calif., were founded in the early 1980s by guitarist Dave Gonzalez and his high school friend and double bass player, Thomas Yearsley. They have recorded nine studio and three live albums, and along the way built a reputation as one of America’s hardest-working live bands.

The Paladins, a rockabilly band from San Diego, have reunited and will play Rumba Room on July 12 (Photo courtesy of Alligator Records)

Dish, Southwest Airlines team up

Now, thanks to Dish Network and Southwest Airlines, TV flies free. Dish is sponsoring free TV for all customers on eligible Southwest flights.

The service offers 10 channels of live television and 75 on-demand programs to Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. Usage is unlimited and only requires a Southwest passenger to view a Dish commercial touting Hopper

Eavesdropping on an employee listening to an advertisement on Colorado Public Radio: Ad voiceover: “What is baroque music?”

Employee: “That’s when the music is not fixed; it’s broke.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Colorado AvidGolfer is celebrating a 100th milestone.

Not that the local magazine is becoming a centenarian – it still has a few years to go before hitting that drive – rather CAG is publishing its 100th issue with the July edition, on newsstands and online (www.coloradoavidgolfer.com) this week.

Editor Jon Rizzi realized a couple of months ago that the magazine was approaching its 100th edition.

“It’s been a really great run so far,” he said, reflecting on the past.

To celebrate CAG No. 100, the pages pay homage to past covers along with its current cover guy Billy Casper, whose company recently took over management of The Golf Club at Ravenna in Littleton.

Other big names whose mugs have graced the coveted CAG cover include: Todd Helton (first cover), John Elway (twice), Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jill McGill, Amelia Earhart (last month), Amy Van Dyken, John Lynch, Terrell Davis, Don Cheadle, Kevin Costner, David Duval, Tom Weiskopf and on and on.

But Rizzi doesn’t let the fairway grass grow under his feet. He’s set his sights on Broncos QB Peyton Manning for a future cover.

“He’s only been here for a year, so we’re still working on that,” Rizzi said.

After celebrating the biggest issue ever in 2006 just before The International held its last tournament at Castle Pines, CAG, along with the rest of the country, figuratively boarded up the windows to brace against the recession’s storm.

“We weathered the recession, which hit the golf business and publishing business very hard,” Rizzi said. “We kept our hand firmly on the tiller and navigated the waters. We pulled back from nine issues to eight issues a year, which made us a stronger publication.”

Rizzi, employee No. 1, was supported by co-captain and publisher Allen Walters, employee No. 2 in the company majority owned by The Baker brothers – Dick, Don and Ray.

What does Rizzi hope to accomplish for the magazine’s next 100 issues?

“Surviving is a good thing,” he said. “We want to continue to come up with some new ideas and new ways of covering the Colorado golf scene. We always want to be the ultimate resource for golf in Colorado.”

Former PGA Tour winner and new owner of The Golf Club at Ravenna Billy Casper graces the cover of Colorado AvidGolfer’s 100th issue. (Photo courtesy of Colorado AvidGolfer magazine)

Go forth over the Fourth

If you’re staying close to home for the Fourth of July weekend (or entertaining guests), Visit Denver (the city’s gang of gung-ho boosters) has compiled a list of area activities meant to put a bang into your holiday festivities. Here are 10 ideas to add sizzle to your celebration.

Free concert and fireworks

The fourth annual Independence Eve Celebration at Civic Center Park will feature a free patriotic concert by The Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale on July 3. Lawn seating on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs encouraged.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Cherry Creek North hosts this free, outdoor art show – a celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts – July 5 through 7. Culinary Avenue features tasty treats and live cooking demonstrations from some of Denver’s most popular eateries.

Rock out at Red Rocks

• Michael Franti and Spearhead on July 3.
• Blues Traveler on July 4.
• The Avett Brothers on July 5 and 6.
• Pop-classical vocalist Josh Groban joins forces with the Colorado Symphony for a special concert on July 7.

Pro Sports Paradise and Post-Game Fireworks

• At Coors Field, the Colorado Rockies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers during a three-game homestand, July 2-4. A fireworks show follows the July 3 and 4 games.
• The Colorado Rapids face the New York Red Bulls at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on July 4  with a fireworks display after the game,
• The Denver Outlaws lacrosse team battles the New York Lizards on July 4 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Fireworks follow the game.

Roller coasters, water slides, fireworks at Elitch Gardens

Spend July 4 at Denver’s downtown amusement park and then watch a fireworks display.

Red, White & Blue Race

Work off all the barbecue and desserts by running in the Liberty 4-mile run in Washington Park July 4. The Liberty Run also includes a Firecracker Kids Fun Run.

Rhythm of Drums Along the Rockies

Eight of the nation’s top drum and bugle corps perform July 6 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Oompa Loompas in downtown Denver

Head to downtown Denver’s Skyline Park hosts a free screening of the family-friendly classic “Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” on July 6. Showtime at dusk.

Swing to the Sounds of City Park Jazz

The Sam Mayfield Blues Band will perform a free outdoor concert July 7 in City Park.

Even more ideas to plan a Fourth of July weekend excursion to The Mile High City at visitdenver.com/July4.

Red, white and chew

Many of us prefer to hang out at home with family and/or friends on the Fourth of July (also known at my house as “annual potato salad day”), but others would rather revel at a local eatery where someone else does the cooking and the dishes.

Here’s a list (with credit to www.denver.eater.com for some of the restaurants that are open and those that are closed during the nation’s birthday.

Open on the Fourth:

Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, 3525 E. Colfax Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; The Corner Office on 14th and Curtis streets; Adelitas Cocina y Cantina, 1294 S. Broadway; Second Home in the JW Marriott Cherry Creek; Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria, 410 E. Seventh Ave.; Govnr’s Park, 672 Logan St.; Marlowe’s, 501 16th St.; Paramount Café, 519 16th St.; Avenue Grill, 630 E. 17th Ave.; Biker Jim’s, 2148 Larimer St.; Jonesy’s Eat Bar, 400 E. 20th Ave.; The Kitchen Denver, 1530 16th St.; Coral Room (brunch only), 3489 W. 32nd Ave.; Linger (dinner only), 2030 W. 30th Ave.; The Fort (a cannoneer will shoot a replica of a 1780s French cannon at the top of every hour), 19192 Colorado 8, Morrison; Punch Bowl Social, 65 Broadway; Vesta Dipping Grill, 1822 Blake St.; Steuben’s, 523 E. 17th Ave.; Ace Eat Serve, 501 E. 17th Ave.; EDGE Restaurant & Bar in The Four Seasons Hotel Denver, 1111 14th St.; Elway’s Downtown in The Ritz-Carlton Denver, 1881 Curtis St.; Racines, 650 Sherman St. and Tony P’s at 777 E. 17th Ave. and at 2400 W. 32nd Ave. (Tony P’s in Cherry Creek at 240 Milwaukee St. will reopen during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival only on July 5, 6 and 7).

Closed on the Fourth:

El Camino, Barolo Grill (closed through July 10 for the staff’s annual trip to Italy), Fresh Craft, Trillium, Euclid Hall, Pinche Taqueria, The Lobby, Le Grand Bistro & Oyster Bar, Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Panzano.

The seen

* Taylor Armstrong of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” hanging out at the new Maya Beaver Creek inside The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Friday evening during the restaurant’s first Friday Patio Party. Armstrong spent the winter in Vail with her “married” (in the process of getting divorced) attorney-boyfriend John Bluher, who’s originally from Parker, according to Internet reports.

* Denver Mayor Michael Hancock glad-handing and groovin’ to the Railbenders Wednesday at Elway’s Cherry Creek’s patio concert series.

* Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown shopping in the produce department at the Sheridan Costco.

Eavesdropping on one single man to another at the Whole Foods on East Hampden Avenue:

“Dude, we need to hang out here more often. Even the ugly girls are hot at this Whole Foods.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Hunka-hunka Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker and his equally stunning fiancé and country pop singer Jessie James tied the proverbial knot Saturday in Castle Rock.

The bride posted a handful of photos from the celebration on her Instagram account thejessiejames. The ceremony took place at St. Francis in Castle Rock followed by the reception at the impressive Castle Cliff Estates, according to Internet reports.

The cute couple (I’ve met them and they are cover girl and guy gorgeous) met through a mutual friend and struck up a phone relationship.

The newlyweds have jumped on the reality show bandwagon by letting the E! cameras roll and capture their lives and loves on the new show “Love and Other Contact Sports” debuting on E! late summer.

The series will “chronicle the sexy young couple’s road to the altar as they juggle careers, relationships, family and more,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Decker reportedly received permission from Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway before selling his soul to basic cable.

“He came in and talked to me about it,” Elway told reporters via www.MaxDenver.com. “I gave it my blessing.”

Photographic memories

Local award-winning photographers Jody and Zach Zorn at Zorn Photography (the folks who just shot James and Decker’s wedding), are launching a donation program to help those affected by the Colorado wildfires rebuild their pictorial histories.

Twenty families will be selected at random after submitting an application — including name, e-mail address, phone number, former address in fire region, number of immediate family members and number of pets — and sending it to wildfire@zornphoto.com.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1 with winners notified by Aug. 15. Photo shoots will be scheduled for two dates in late August or early September.

Zorn Photography is seeking gift card donations from beauty, apparel (adults and children), home goods and grocery retailers to present to the families on photo-shoot day. Interested business should e-mail bfdonations@zornphoto.com.

Mensa not densa

Some would say that Steve Weil, third-generation owner of Rockmount Ranch Wear in LoDo, is one smart cookie when it comes to the Western wear biz.

But his business brainiac status was put to the test Wednesday when Mensa, the international high IQ society, ordered dozens of hats for its July convention in Fort Worth, Texas.

This is not the first time they ordered Rockmount hats according to Weil, president and grandson of Papa Jack (who was definitely a brainiac but used the term “egghead” liberally).

Visit Denver spokesmodel Rich Grant also picked up one of the simple straw chapeaus on Wednesday.

“I can’t swear that it’s made me smarter, but it’s the smartest looking hat I’ve ever owned,” Grant said. “I wore it while giving a 3-mile walking tour to the visiting Japanese travel writers, and was met everywhere downtown with smiles, and compliments on what a ‘smart’ looking hat it was.  I won’t leave home without it!”

Does Visit Denver spokesman Rich Grant look any smarter in this hat from Rockmount Ranch Wear? We’ll let you be the judge. Rockmount owner Steve Weill sent versions of this hat (below) to Mensa, the international high IQ society. Mensa ordered dozens of hats for its July convention in Fort Worth, Texas. (Rockmount Ranch Wear photos)

Restaurant RIP

When former “Rocky Mountain News” and “Nation’s Restaurant News” reporter Dina Berta walked away from her career covering the restaurant industry, she jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

After a 17-year journalism career, Dina opted to join her husband, Frank, in a new culinary venture – Frank’s Kitchen – at 2600 High St. in Denver’s Whittier neighborhood. Doors opened on May 2011, and closed on Monday.

This is what the couple posted on Frank’s Kitchen Diary:

Goodbye and thank you.

The end happened as quickly as the beginning. Just three years ago Frank was sliding a check across a table to our future landlords and we were in the restaurant business.

On Sunday, sitting on the patio of Frank’s Kitchen, the buyer’s accountant was sliding a check over to Frank. It was a down payment to our asking price. And just like that, we closed our restaurant.

For all our stunned customers, friends and supporters let me tell you how we got here. I was not lying when you came in and asked how is the business and I said doing well. After about a year and half it was paying for itself. It probably would have turned the corner in the third year, especially if we obtained a liquor license.

It was in the pursuit of a beer and wine license that we came to a realization about who we are and the kind of life we wanted to live.

The alcohol licensing was going to take six months. We probably weren’t going to be able to serve beer and wine until November. Our lease is up in December. We needed the warm spring and summer months to recoup the investment in the license and product. That meant we would have to sign a new lease, most likely for five years.

The thought of another long-term lease made us both sigh, heavily. A little too heavily.  That’s when we knew. We have worked extremely hard and for long hours day in and day out since we opened. Frankly, we’re tired and did not want to keep going. Some people have the restaurant business in their blood. We had to admit we did not. This was no longer what we wanted to do with our lives.

We listed the restaurant for sale on Craigslist.com.

Joe Van Dyke, aka “Jammin’ Joe,” a blues guitarist and restaurateur from Virginia was our first serious response to the ad. Jammin’ Joe has owned and or operated several restaurants in his life. He carved out a pretty good reputation for barbecue back east and wants to do the same in Denver. He liked our restaurant and accepted our price. He plans to open in early July.

Thank you everyone who supported us in our endeavor. We appreciated it more than you know.  And thanks to our awesome employees. A few are staying on with Joe. May God bless all of you.

Shalom, Dina (and Frank)

Read the rest of the story at http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2013/06/franks_kitchen.php.

Frank and Dina Berta opened Frank’s Kitchen in 2011 and recently sold the Whittier neighborhood eatery. (Photo courtesy of Frank’s Kitchen)

Denver Film Society reaches $150K goal for new digital projectors

The Dude abides.

Or the dudes and the dudettes who contributed to the Denver Film Society’s Kickstarter campaign do.

The Denver Film Society needed $150,000 in donations today to reach its Kickstarter campaign goal. The money is needed to purchase four new digital projectors to continue showing films at Film On The Rocks, Starz Denver Film Festival and the Sie FilmCenter.

DFS reached its goal a day early on Thursday with nearly 2,000 contributors and more than $162,000 in donations.

Each $25 contributor will view an exclusive screening of “The Big Lebowski” on July 31 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Learn more at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1728212872/secure-the-future-of-the-denver-film-society?ref=home_location.

Eavesdropping on a woman trapped in the massive crowd on the patio outside of Elway’s during the Railbenders’ concert: “Every time I turn around, I see someone I don’t want to talk to.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

You could say that Golf Magazine’s Joe “The Traveling Golfer” Passov gets around.

The architecture and course rankings senior editor “has written more than 750 articles for nearly 60 publications since 1987. He is also the author of ‘The Unofficial Guide to Golf Vacations in the Eastern U.S.’ He has been a staff editor at four different golf publications and was formerly editor-in-chief of ‘Links Magazine.’ He has played more than 1,200 courses in 46 states and 21 countries,” according to his biography posted on www.golf.com.

In the mag’s current July issue, Passov, whose column is a Q&A from avid golfers looking for their next best destination for hitting the links, fields a question from Dean Blank in Twin Falls, Idaho, who said he had one day to play in Denver.

“I’m a 20-handicap but would like to play the best course in the area,” Blank’s note says. “Cost is not a problem.” (Lucky him!)

Travelin’ Joe’s answer: “The Mile High City has lots of value layouts but if money’s no issue, Richie Rich, play the trophy tracks.

“Start with The Ridge at Castle Pines North ($69-$145; 303-688-4301; www.theridgecpn.com), which serves up a quality Tom Weiskopf design and Pikes Peak views with Troon Golf service and conditioning.

“I also like Fossil Trace (one of my personal faves) ($58-$85; 303-277-8750, www.fossiltrace.com), a Jim Engh creation that features the remnants of brick and sandstone pillars in the fairways and a view of the Coors Brewery from the 13th tee.

“Finally, there may be better courses in the Denver area, but none are more memorable than Arrowhead (breathtaking!) ($70-$140; 303-973-9614, www.arrowheadcolorado.com), a 41-year-old Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that sits among huge, jagged plumes of red sandstone, most notably at the downhill par-3 13th.”

While I have no quibble with Passov’s picks, he would have done Blank a favor by recommending Green Valley Ranch, the Perry Dye course closest to Denver International Airport. The course is in tip-top shape (yes, I’m a member), the pro shop staff – largely because of the charming assistant pro Steve Thomas – knows quality customer service, and there’s an outdoor patio space for private parties just off the monster 18th hole.

Check it out at www.gvrgolf.com; 303-371-3131; semi-private course with greens fees from $50-$65 during peak season. Note: No denim allowed and collared shirts required.

Golf for good

Tee it up for a great cause during The Frontier Club’s second annual Golf Tournament at Heather Ridge Golf Club in Aurora on Saturday.

A portion of the registration fee and 100 percent of proceeds from mulligans and door-prize tickets will be donated to Sense of Security, the only Colorado charity that gives financial assistance to patients going through breast cancer treatments. Funds raised ensure that patients can stay secure in their homes, and have enough good food to nourish themselves and their families.

While I was lucky enough to have good insurance when I was going through treatment while I worked at the Rocky Mountain News and didn’t need Sense of Security’s services, I became attached to the charity and have helped raise thousands of dollars for this worthy organization.

Registration for the golf tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. An after party follows at the nearby Frontier Club. The $120 entry fee includes the golf, goodie bag and range balls, team prizes and refreshments. Guests may attend the after party only for $25 per person.

More details and registration info at www.senseofsecurity.org/events/events_index.php.

Sweet soiree

Enstrom Candies (really, is there anything better than the World Famous Almond Toffee?) is celebrating the grand opening of the new Arvada location, 6770 W. 52nd Ave., Suite C (just north of I-70 and East of Wadsworth Boulevard) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The party includes free samples of Enstrom World Famous Almond Toffee, Enstrom Premium Ice Cream, Seattle Roasted Gourmet Coffees, Wi-Fi and indoor and outdoor seating.

“We are very excited about the new store,” said Linda Enstrom, Denver area manager. “We can now offer our customers a pleasant environment that is convenient for those quick morning meetings or the quiet pick-me-up coffee break.”

The new store is situated just a few doors down from the previous space. More information at www.enstrom.com.

Soiree at Sunset

The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce is hosting Soiree at Sunset, a food, wine, music and networking event, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1028 York St.

The second annual Soiree at Sunset features an opportunity for chamber members and guests to enjoy the early summer beauty of the Botanic Gardens.

Sponsored by VectraBank Colorado and featuring an up-close cooking demonstration by James Beard Award winner chef Jennifer Jasinski of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, the networking event will help the CWCC further its vision of providing opportunities and visibility for women in business through relationship development, education, mentorship, partnership and alliances.

Participating caterers – including Bistro Boys Catering, Elk Creek Catering & Promotions, Larimer Catering, Wystone’s World Teas and Panera Bread – will showcase their culinary creations.

Tickets are $55 for CWCC members; $65 for non members. Registration at http://coloradowomenschamber.chambermaster.com/Events/details/soiree-at-sunset-3722.

Beer here

The Epic Beer Festival is holding its first event in the Denver area on Friday and Saturday at The Colorado Convention Center, Hall F.

Beers from more than 160 breweries across the country will provide samples of more than 350 craft beers. The Epic Beer Festival also has a designated driver program that offers refunds for non-drinking attendees that serve as designated drivers.

There are three sessions from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday or 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $40 and include Epic Beer Festival tasting cup and 2-ounce samples of festival beers.

For tickets and more information, go to www.epicbeerfestival.com.

Eavesdropping on a woman at Valley Country Club during the Colorado Restaurant Association’s 13th annual golf tournament when a member of her foursome gave her a goodie bag filled with beauty products: “What is this? Olavie Chardonnay wine therapy antioxidant hand cream. I think I’d rather drink it than rub it on my hands.”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.

Jobs List pooh-bah Andrew Hudson posted this “great but embarrassing ugly American” moment on Facebook during his family’s recent trip to Germany.

“Had a great Italian meal in Munich, made much so more by the fact that we were there early enough to have the place to ourselves so the kids could go nuts without bothering everyone,” Hudson said. “Restaurant owners were awesome and welcoming and the food was awesome.

“The waitress spoke Italian and my wife (Christine Marquez-Hudson)  said, in almost perfect Italian (she’s fluent in Spanish), “The pasta was amazing!” followed by an unintentional rude gesture. So it kinda went like this, ‘The pasta was amazing! Now go screw yourself.’ You should have seen the look on the waitress’ face.”

Which begs the question: “Why were the Hudsons eating Italian food in Germany?”

Close encounter of the daughter kind

Mile High Sports Radio man Mark McIntosh has challenged his daughter “princess,” Rachel McIntosh, to book 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh on his radio show “Afternoon Drive With Mac and Goodman” from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays on 1510-AM or 93.7 FM.

Mac says that his daughter was recently in Peru serving those less fortunate when she bumped into Coach Harbaugh who was also with the group of do-gooders.

“This much I know, she has a heart to care for others,” Mac said on his Facebook page. “For that, I’m very grateful. Way to go, Rach. Now get Harbaugh booked for the show!”

Creative cocktail

Squeaky Bean owner Johnny Ballen is paying homage to James Gandolfini Jr., who died of a heart attack Thursday while vacationing in Italy with his 13-year-old son. He was 51.

The man best known for his Tony Soprano role on HBO’s series “The Sopranos,” will join other enshrined celebs including Farah Fawcett, Larry Hagman, Annette Funicello, Jean Stapleton, Roger Ebert, Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters, according to a story on Westword’s website (http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2013/06/squeaky_bean_celebrates_dead_shrines_cocktails.php).

The tribute includes the “Gandolfini” cocktail, created by bar man bar none Sean Kenyon. The $100 concoction is made with Buffalo Trace whiskey, Amaro Averna and Strega with a lemon garnish served over a hand-carved ice cube. It will stay on the menu until the next notable dies.

“It’s a fantastic cocktail, and it’ll be on the cocktail list until we lose the next notable,” Ballen told Westword, adding to “be sure to ask your server which shrine cocktail we’re serving, because you never know who’s going to pop off next.”

The Squeaky Bean is located at 1500 Wynkoop St. in the historic Saddlery Building. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; www.thesqueakybean.net.

The CADA “shack” gets more slick

Colorado’s car business must be booming.

Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, reports on Facebook, “Improvements are under way at the Colorado Car Shack (headquarters for the CADA at 290 E. Speer Blvd.).”

Jackson adds that the improvements to the building include a “complete remodel and upgrade for an industrial kitchen, new patios and entrance decks for both north and south portico, new roofing for garage and carport, new outdoor grills and fireplaces, new lawn furniture, new floors, new electric car charging stations and new landscaping. Watch your step!”

The CADA advocates the views and concerns of Colorado auto dealers to the Colorado General Assembly, Congress, state and federal agencies, the courts, and the public. CADA provides its spacious and beautiful headquarters to its member dealers and association functions. It also allows community organizations, political committees or political candidates from all parties to use the facility.

Local Jewish chefs cooking live

This is not your bubbe’s demo kitchen.

Join E-3 Events and special guest chefs as they cook and serve up their versions of traditional Jewish dishes. With cameras tracking all of the action, you won’t miss a chop, splash, dip or flip during Chai Life X: NOSH, at 7 p.m. today at SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown, 1190 Auraria Parkway.

For your dining pleasure, Linger and Root Down chef Daniel Asher will cook Montreal reimagined sweet potato, beetroot latkes with bison pastrami and smokes apple honey mustard, Five Points Fermentation Co. kraut with garden lovage and AeroFarms micro greens.

Udi’s Robin Baron is making smoked eggplant with fresh tomatoes, pomegranate and fava beans and pomegranate sauce inspired by the khoresht fesenjoon with pomegranates and walnuts.

SpringHill’s own Daniel Hyman will whip up short rib rillettes over red onion jam on hearty rye crostini garnished with braising liquid and a spicy tomato boba pearl.

Tickets are $36 in advance at www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=4401b425564fc569acccd4461f32150f or $40 at the door. Tickets include all food, valet parking and your first drink.

Note: Food will be kosher style, but not kosher. All ages welcome.

Team work

Team Stay Fit at Hyatt is the largest corporate team to ride in the 30th Colorado Bike MS Ride on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society.

With 3,000 riders in the Bike MS trek and a total of 201 teams, 75 of which are corporate teams, being the largest is no small feat.

Team Stay Fit at Hyatt, now in its 14th consecutive year to bike, is inspired by the slogan: “Help Solve the MS Mystery – One Mile at a Time.” The team — consisted of 200 riders, 60 volunteers and all Hyatt associates, family members and friends from Across the United States — will do that on the two-day 150-mile ride along the Colorado Rocky Mountain Front Range.

This is the result of a collaborative effort on the part of all four full-service Hyatt Hotels in Colorado: Grand Hyatt Denver, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. This year’s goal is to raise $200,000.

The aggressive team’s leader is Grand Hyatt Denver General Manager Greg Leonard who said, “This group of 200 committed individuals will ride a combined total of 30,000 miles for the fight against MS. This year, Team Stay Fit at Hyatt plans to achieve their collective 14-year goal if raising a total of $1 million in the fight against this debilitating disease.”

The team is supported by Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, which hosts a “carb-loading” dinner the night before the ride. Anyone wishing to sponsor Team Stay Fit at Hyatt may do so by going to http://bit.ly/116Xsgk.

The seen

Former Denver Post columnist Mike Littwin at the Cherry Creek Station post office last week.

Eavesdropping on a man and a woman who stopped along a hike just outside of Denver to look at a big pool of water in the creek: “Feel like skinny dipping?”

“No, it would be more like pudge-y dipping!”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.