“Biggest Loser” coach and fitness expert to the stars Brett Hoebel will make a special appearance and lead his “Nitro” workout, beginning at 5 p.m. Monday as part of the grand opening festivities at will Power Fit Studio in the Ballpark neighborhood.

Hoebel will be in the Fit Studio at 5 to meet and greet fans of NBC’s hit weight-loss boot camp show. At 6 p.m., Hoebel will lead his supercharged “Nitro” workout, which combines the fun and flow of capoeira, the power of kickboxing and the intensity of weight training.

At 7 p.m., Hoebel will share some inspirational coaching tips centered on his mantra, “Inner Strength,” during a motivational talk.

Other weekend events (all are free and open to the public) include free workouts and plan challenge competitions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and a free willPower and grace workout at 10 a.m. Sunday. (See a complete schedule at www.willpowerfit.com.)

The will Power Fit Studio method is based on barefoot workouts. The barefoot method began 12 years ago when studio co-owner Stacey Lei Krauss forgot to bring her athletic shoes to a high-impact fitness class she was teaching.

She realized her students didn’t understand how to move on their feet because they were accustomed to wearing shoes.

“People start off afraid, but we’ve been training people in the barefoot method for so many years, we can lead them safely,” Krauss said. “The feet are a vitally important piece of fitness.”

Krauss and her business partner Jennifer Schumacher opened the studio in the historic Spray Coffee Building at 2110 Market St. in January. They were convinced to rent the exposed-brick space when the landlord told them that Barefoot Ted, a respected barefoot runner and spokesman of the barefoot movement had slept in the space after running the Leadville 100 race.

“I looked right at Jen and said, ‘This is fate. We must have this space,'” Krauss said.

Something old, something new

Maple creme caramel with a bacon garnish at Old Major, a new restaurant in the Highland neighborhood. (Penny Parker photo)

Old Major, a restaurant that specializes in “farmhouse fare”, is a major addition to Denver’s cuisine scene.

During a delicious and informative press event Wednesday, chef/co-owner Justin Brunson (Masterpiece Deli), walked us through a multicourse tasting, which included wood-fired Pei mussels, black truffle and pistachio sausages, the smoked fish plate, a vegetarian three-course tasting (which changes every Monday), pan-seared pork chop, pan-roasted Colorado striped bass, duck fat French fries, wood-fired Brussels sprouts and braised mustard greens. (We shared, trust me!) Not to mention the crust-crunchy pretzel rolls with mustard butter that precede each meal.

What no dessert? Are you nuts? Pastry chef Nadine Donovan delighted us with a creme caramel adorned with a crisp slice of bacon and a maple syrup sauce and her interpretation of baked Alaska.

Whetting our whistles were house red and white wines produced for Old Major by Infinite Monkey Theorem owner Ben Parsons, and a variety of craft cocktails from bar manager Courtney Wilson (formerly of Williams & Graham).

But enough about the food. The decor is a wonder on its own. The space, at 3316 Tejon St., was a roller-skating rink back in the day, and Old Major’s decor pays homage to its roots. The hostess stand, for example, is on roller-skate wheels. The sconces at the entrance were fashioned from split buckets that held roller skates. The floor is from the original roller rink.

Many of the design elements in the modern farmhouse decor were designed by FinArt, a local designer and fabricator.

Dinner is served seven nights a week, and reservations are available at www.opentable.com or by calling 720-420-0622. (Twenty percent of the 90-seat dining room is saved for walk-ins.) The website www.oldmajordenver.com is a work in progress.

Laughin’ Lannie

Lannie Garrett's country Western alter ego, Patsy DeCline. (photo courtesy of Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret)

Y’all spit-polish your cowboy boots, tease your “Texas hair” a Mile High, saddle up your horse and giddy-up over to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret in the basement of the iconic 16th Street D&F Clocktower building at 8 p.m. Saturday to see the Patsy DeCline Show starring the loveable Lannie Garrett.

Garrett will morph herself into the wisecracking, joke-telling, country-Western singing DeCline every Saturday through March.

The show isn’t a Patsy Cline tribute, but a rowdy mixture of Loretta, Kitty, Dolly and more. DeCline is backed by a five-piece, pedal-steel driven band. Tickets are $35 and available by calling 303-293-0075 or at www.lannies.com.

Moreno joins CBS4 morning news

Britt Moreno, from KSAZ-TV in Phoenix, Ariz., will be the new co-anchor of the “CBS4 Morning News” at 5 a.m., 6 a.m. and noon, beginning in early April. She will share the set with co-anchor Alan Gionet.

Moreno, who worked at the Phoenix TV station as a weekend morning anchor since 2010, is replacing Brooke Wagner, whose contract wasn’t renewed.

Before KSAZ-TV, Moreno worked at KRGV-TV in south Texas as a general assignment reporter. Moreno, who is bilingual, is originally from Austin, Texas. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio where she received degrees in communications and Spanish.

In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, reading, cooking and trying local restaurants.

Piece of Cake

TAG restaurant, 1441 Larimer St., is holding a Cakebread Wine Dinner with guest Dennis Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars, beginning at 7 p.m. March 14.

Cakebread Cellars’ wine is a result of more than 30 years in the pursuit of perfection and countless hours of family dedication. The wine dinner – with six courses prepared by TAG chef/owner Troy Guard paired with six Cakebread wines – is more about having a good time and listening to stories and less about a lecture on the technicalities of wine.

Cost is $125 per person. You can see the menu at www.tag-restaurant.com. For reservations, call 303-996-9985 or e-mail events@tag-restaurant.com.

Stomp romp

Participants "pink out" at the Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series at the Frisco Nordic Center. (photo courtesy of Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series)

There’s still time to register for the Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series on Saturday at the Frisco Nordic Center.

The event is open to snowshoers of all levels and ages. The decade-old series has raised more than $877,000 for the Denver metropolitan affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of breast cancer education and research.

Those who want to get involved but can’t make it to the event can register for “Snowed in for the Cause,” a way to raise funds and feel like a part of the Romp.

For more information and to register for the Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series, go to www.tubbsromptostomp.com.

Eavesdropping on one skier to another on the gondola from Lionshead in Vail: “Have you checked in on Facebook yet?”

“No, I don’t have Facebook on my phone. I took it off for Lent.”

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Denver-based SoRewarding has borrowed a page from LiveStrong, breast cancer awareness,  and other cancer causes by using symbolic wristbands to support its message.

But SoRewarding’s red wristbands aren’t meant to keep. Instead, the wearer passes on the “kindness band” to someone “caught” committing a random act of kindness.

The company, a social network for philanthropy, has created the wristband movement with the intention of having people give their wristbands to others to promote people to pay it forward.

The wristbands can then be tracked using an ID code on www.sorewarding.com by every individual who has worn the band. This feature allows each person to see what acts of kindness the band has been involved in, and where it has traveled.

“In our testing phase, one ‘lucky’ wristband traveled from Denver to Kansas City to Mexico – all in the span of 10 days,” said John Morgan, SoRewarding’s director of operations.

This movement was designed to help people easily spread a symbol of kindness through small gestures of helpfulness. It could be as simple as paying for someone’s coffee in the line behind you before they reach the drive-through window, or by helping a stranger carry groceries to the car.

Doing something unexpectedly nice for someone and passing on your wristband is all it takes to keep the bracelet traveling and kindness spreading.

You can purchase a wristband at by going to https://www.sorewarding.com/band/order, and designate a local nonprofit, which will get a donation of 50 cents from each band sold. You need to create a profile, then the link will give you the option of ordering a wristband ($3 each or $2.50 each for a nonprofit).

“SoRewarding is all about connection,” said Kerstan Saylor, event coordinator. “We want people to feel like they are linked to a widespread community of people who care and share ideals of kindness and generosity.”

Book of Mormon coming back

The nutty and naughty Broadway hit musical “The Book of Mormon” returns to Denver Oct. 22 through Nov. 24 at the Buell Theatre, but season subscribers to Denver Center Attractions will get first crack at tickets, beginning at 10 a.m. April 8. A public sale date is to be determined.

When the show launched a nationwide tour with its first stop in Denver last year, tickets sold out faster than you can say “Joseph Smith.”

When the run started, ticket hopefuls were invited to enter a lottery at the Buell box office before each performance, which I suspect will be the same situation the second time around.

“The Book of Mormon” features script, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are Colorado natives and the award-winning creators of the animated series “South Park.”

Beginning April 8, Denver Center Attractions subscribers can purchase up to four tickets for every one subscription package. To purchase a subscription, go to www.denvercenter.org/bwaysubs.

Taco time

Other parts of town may be able to brag about having an uber popular Pinche Taqueria in their ‘hood, but we Capitol Hill dwellers are the only Denver denizens who can boast having Moontower Tacos, a new joint at 609 Grant St., which opened last week.

This taco temple serves up 20 types of tacos served breakfast through dinner. The “distinctly American” take on the taco is Austin, Texas-inspired by paying homage to the restaurant founder and CU grad Brent Thrash’s hometown.

Here are excerpts of the story from the website: “When Brent Thrash was accepted to CU Boulder it was a simple choice, he was leaving Austin, Texas, and headed to college nestled in a mountainous paradise.

“He loved Colorado and all that it offered,  but always recognized an absence of the unique tacos  and breakfast tacos from back home. After much deliberation he chose to study finance and real estate, and graduated during the peak of the financial crisis.”

After a stint in his uncle’s restaurant, he went into real estate where he made enough money to embark on a seven-month journey that would cover all seven continents.

“While wandering through the world, he fell in love with delicious street foods and flavors and right then he decided he wanted to offer his own delicious foods to all, in the form of his favorite food … tacos.”

“The name Moontower comes from this humble abode (pictured above) where Thrash and eight friends lived during their junior year at CU.”  The movie “Dazed and Confused” was the influence for the name of the house. When Thrash opened Moontower Tacos, he adopted the name to honor his college “happy days.”

Check out the menu and hours at www.moontowertacos.com Call ahead for takeout orders (I will!) at 303-832-1107.

Cocktails, conversation and a cure

Shake things up in your life at the fourth annual Cocktails for a Cure event on March 7 to benefit the University of Colorado Cancer Center Fund. (photo courtesy of University of Colorado Cancer Center Fund)

Gather a gaggle of gals and step out for an evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 9 p.m. March 7 at The McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax, during the University of Colorado Cancer Center Fund’s fourth annual Cocktails for a Cure.

The fundraising event celebrates women while supporting the continued research and treatment of women’s cancers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Cocktails for a Cure will feature handcrafted signature libations from Denver’s notable mixologists, nibbles and a silent and live auction.

Event honorary chairs are Sharon Magness Blake, Brook Griese, Arlene Hirschfeld and Kathy Odle Kortz. Event co-chairs are (New York-bound) Kelly Ford and Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod.

The women-only event is $150 per person. Tickets: www.cucancercenterfund.org, click on “events”.

Eavesdropping on a male skier to a female skier on the Grouse Mountain lift at Beaver Creek: “Does that friend of yours also ski?”

“No, the only ice she likes is on her finger or around her neck.”

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.

Two business turn-around experts have added Colorado spots that need saving in this season’s TV episodes.

Hotel “fixer” Anthony Melchiorri, who has more than 20 years in the hospitality business and has turned around high-profile places, including The Algonquin in New York City, will tackle the Western Riviera Motel in Grand Lake on “Hotel Impossible” at 8 p.m. MST March 25 on the Travel Channel.

Hotel "fixer" Anthony Melchiorri was impressed with Grand Lake when he came to Colorado to turn around the Western Riviera Motel. The episode featuring the Grand Lake motel will air on "Hotel Impossible" at 8 p.m. MST March 25 on Travel Channel. (photo courtesy of Travel Channel)

While the hotel needed some major overhauling, Melchiorri fell in love with Grand Lake, according to a Sky-Hi News article.

“I will go on record saying it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been,” Melchiorri told Sky-Hi. “I was blown away. Grand Lake is a piece of art. Every single time you turn around there is either frozen lake with a beautiful cloud over it, or there’s a part of the lake that’s not frozen with a sun over it, or there’s a mountain by itself or a formation of mountains. I’ve not seen the same landscape since I’ve been here.

“And then you take this beautiful town of Grand Lake that looks like the back lot of a Hollywood studio and you incorporate that with just beautiful, open-hearted people who know each other – it’s my favorite place, and it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. And I thought Alaska and Hawaii would be tops, and this surprised me.”

More on Melchiorri and “Hotel Impossible” at http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/hotel-impossible. For information on the Western Riviera, go to http://www.westernriv.com/.

Long-time food and beverage industry consultant John Taffer tries to save failing watering holes on Spike TV’s show “Bar Rescue”.

He and his crew traveled to Denver last year to turn-around Zanzibar Billiards, 2046 Larimer. They spent four days filming, staff training and remodeling the Ballpark-neighborhood joint.

The show’s third season premiered on Feb. 10, and Taffer’s travels this year will include Denver. Spike TV hasn’t announced which bar Taffer will bring his brutal honesty to yet. For more on the show, go to http://www.spike.com/shows/bar-rescue/.

Wolff stepping down as Goodwill chief

After nearly three years as president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Denver, Jesse Wolff has announced he is resigning.

During his tenure, Wolff has made a significant impact growing the venerable nonprofit’s mission, building the brand, investing in its employees and facilities and transforming the culture of the organization.

Since Wolff was hired in 2010, Goodwill’s revenues have nearly doubled and community donations have increased significantly. Also under Wolff’s leadership, Goodwill has created nearly 500 new jobs in Denver and northern Colorado, and the company is now among the 60 largest private employers in the state with nearly 1,400 employees.

Also over the last three years, Goodwill has opened 15 new retail stores, Outlet Worlds and donation centers – contributing millions in economic impact to the state.

“This was not an easy decision to make,” Wolff said.  “In my time at Goodwill, thanks to the hard work of so many talented, hard-working employees across the company we’ve accomplished so much —we’ve increased revenues by more than 40 percent, we’ve increased the reach of our mission programs tremendously and we added 500 new jobs, just to name a few. The transformation of Goodwill that I envisioned has become a reality and I feel like I’m leaving Goodwill in a really good place.

“The decision of who will replace me will ultimately be made by Goodwill’s Board of Directors led by Carrie Mesch. I feel we have one of the strongest boards a nonprofit could ask for, so I am confident they will find someone who will continue to lead Goodwill on its path of increased mission impact, retail growth and employee investment.”

Upon Wolff’s departure, of which a date has not yet been set, David Brunick, Goodwill’s vice president of human resources, will act as interim CEO.

Ford Big Apple bound

KYGO-FM country radio veteran Kelly Ford posted this on Twitter Friday after she landed at La Guardia Airport: “If I can make it here I can make it anywhere. I’ve got a bit of news. After over 20 great years in Denver, I’m excited to begin a new broadcasting adventure at NASH-FM and thrilled to be a part of bringing country back to NYC. Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement.”

Congrats, Kelly! Hope the Big Apple doesn’t bite.

Bring your business to the 16th Street Mall

Calling all entrepreneurs, small business owners, local retail shops, eateries, artists, and crafters.

The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District and the Downtown Denver Partnership are inviting small businesses and entrepreneurs to learn about the 16th Street “Marketplace on the Mall” outdoor retail and food vending program.

They are looking for unique and diverse vendors who have something new to bring to the ever-popular 16th Street Mall.  New this summer will be weekend markets and events that provide traveling artists, crafters, inventors, home businesses, small businesses and boutiques with opportunities for short-term sampling, product introduction and business promotions on the Mall.

Are you a foodie with a passionate team who can bring something new to the downtown table every Monday through Saturday? Do you have an idea, a craft or an invention that you want to show off a few Thursdays through Saturdays? Is there a fun activity or event that you’ve wanted to create but you weren’t sure where you might make it happen? Are you a creative artist stuck inside a business suit looking for a weekend sales venue?

Whether you have a full-time, first-to-market food idea or a tried-and-true retail product that just isn’t available on the Mall, you may be eligible for selection.

To learn how 16th Street Marketplace participants are selected, and to hear an overview of all outdoor retail, special events, summer activities and vending opportunities available on the Mall, there will be an open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. March 7 at the DDP offices, 511 16th St., Suite 200.

Register by emailing info@downtowndenver.com or by calling 303-534-6161 by Feb. 28.

Lunch bunch

EDGE restaurant in The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is adding a lunch special to the menu during Denver Restaurant Week

The lunch, at $26.40 for two people, includes two burgers with two toppings, two sides and two milk shakes, available through March 9 in the restaurant only.

Guests can choose from an Angus, chicken or buffalo burger and choice of two toppings (bacon, marinated onion, avocado, cheddar or Swiss), plus choice of side dish (house cut fries, garden salad, terra chips or fruit kebabs) and choice of half pint milkshake (cookie monster, chocolate, vanilla or strawberry). Upon request, iced tea or soft drinks can be ordered in place of the shake.

Eavesdropping on a guy in a Vail bar to gal in a group of gals: “Hey, I’d like to get to know your girlfriend.”
“So would half of Vail Valley.”
“So how can I get her attention?”
“Grow seven inches and lose 16 years.”

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.

Former Mayor Wellington Webb mouthpiece and PR Jobs List poobah Andrew Hudson is famous locally for playing bass with his jazz band at metro-area charity events and other gigs.

He’s also been known to hoist his tuba and march along with a cadre of like-minded musicians during an annual event on Larimer Square.

But Hudson in a country-western band? Bust my bolo tie!

The Internet job-seeking expert is a member of The Legendary Whiskey Sour Band, which performs country music at weddings, corporate parties, conventions, county fairs, cookouts, festivals, private parties, (Bar Mitzvahs ?) and other events.

The band is booked to play Monday during the grand opening party of the new Western Home & Design Center at the Denver Mart (formerly the Denver Merchandise Mart) .

Hudson told me the story behind the origins of The Whiskey Sour Band, which I suspect is heavily steeped in fiction.

“Willard ‘Whiskey Sour’ Hudson was an American frontiersman, an accomplished trapper and mountain explorer,” Hudson said as he started spinning the tale. “The great, great uncle of band leader Andrew Hudson, Whiskey was born in 1801 and at the age of 18, he left his home in rural Missouri to explore the west.  Extremely far-sighted, his constant squinting gave him the look of an angry, intense, ready-to-boil-over hot-head.

“He acquired the name Whiskey Sour in a saloon poker game and it stuck with him most of his life.  His ‘sour’ look was helpful in his business dealings and in his poker gambling.  People who knew him said it was a rare thing to witness a smile on Whiskey’s lips and you could never really read what he was thinking with his angry squint and down-turned mouth.  He was all business and was never much in the mood for jokes or friendly relations with others.

“Legend has it that the only time Whiskey cracked a smile was when he was in the presence of a cowboy band he heard one time in Denver.  It was the only thing that brought Whiskey real pleasure and when he did smile, it lit up the room like a full moon on the prairie.

“The Legendary Whiskey Sour Band aims to create the same kind of musical enjoyment that can force even the meanest curmudgeon to smile.”

And this footnote: “BTW – Whiskey Sour really was my great, great uncle,” Hudson said. “It’s a legend.  You choose what you want to believe.  There’s a little truth in there.” I’m thinking Hudson came up with this story after one too many whiskey sours.

But if you want to book the band, contact:  Andrew Hudson – 720-289-5877 or info@thelegendarywhiskeysourband.com.

Colorado Restaurant Association industry awards announced

Noted restaurant industry pros will be lauded during the CRA’s 80th Anniversary & Industry Spotlight Awards: The Night Hospitality Superstars Will Shine!, beginning at 6 p.m. April 4 at The Ritz-Carlton Denver.

This year’s inductees into the Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame are: Tom Garrett (La Montana), Don Goldman (Blue Onion) and Toshi and Yasu Kizaki (Sushi Den).

Others receiving honors include Signature Dish winners: Justin Brunson (Masterpiece Deli and Old Major) – Exceptional Newcomer Award; Troy Guard (TAG, TAG Rawbar and TAG Burger Bar) – Outstanding Professional Award; John Greco (Upstairs at Jonny G’s Bar, Nightclub & Pizzeria in Frisco) and Dan Kirby (Chez Lena at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction – Regional Outstanding Professional Award; Jim Smith (Republic National Distributing Company) – Philanthropist Award; Sharon Magness Blake – Noel and Tammy Cunningham Humanitarian Award and Mike Sagrillo (Bonefish Grill) – The CRA Education Foundation’s Knoebel Reaching for the Stars Award.

The association’s most prestigious award, The Richard P. Ayers Award for Distinguished Service, will be presented to a surprise recipient that evening by 2012 recipient Mary Mino. Radio restaurant show host Mike Boyle (and serial shorts wearer) will emcee the event.

Tickets: www.craspotlightawards.com or call Sara Nakon at 303-830-2972, ext. 112.

Ski scene seen

"Today Show" host Matt Lauer reportedly was seen skiing at Vail this week with his family. (file photo)

If you’re a “Today Show” viewer, you know that lead host Matt Lauer has been absent from the show this week. According to my spy, Lauer and his family have been spotted on a ski vacation in Vail.

Meanwhile, over at Avon, another spy reports that Academy Award-winning actress Frances McDormand and her filmmaker-husband Joel Coen have been staying at The Westin Riverfront this week.

I’m told that, “They are skiing and relaxing.”

Salud!

In celebration of National Margarita Day today (que bueno!), Racines will feature three new cocktails created specially for the day along with their regular lineup of award winning margaritas.  http://nationalmargaritaday.com

Special margaritas created just for National Margarita Day:

Blood Orange Margarita

José Cuervo Tradicional tequila , fresh limes, Agavero tequila liqueur, blood orange juice.

Pomegranate Margarita

Sauza Blue Agave Silver tequila, Cointreau, limes, pomegranate juice.

Cadillac Margarita

1800 Reposado tequila, limes, agave nectar, orange juice, Grand Marnier.

Racines, 650 Sherman St., Denver. 303-595-0418; www.racinesrestaurant.com.

Top chef

Congrats to Coohills executive sous chef Austin Henry who beat out four other chef-testants to win the executive position at Oceano in Puerto Rico during a competition on the Food Network series “Chef Wanted With Anne Burrell.”

If you missed the episode, you can find it on Comcast On Demand or at http://www.facebook.com/coohills?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Although Coohills chef/co-owner Tom Coohill said losing Henry from his kitchen crew was a tough dish to swallow, Coohill wishes his former employee well.

“Austin was a great member of our culinary team,” Coohill said. “He has a passion for food and was very open to learning new things, which will help him in his future adventures.”

For more information on the 1400 Wewatta restaurant owned by husband and wife team Tom and Diane Coohill, go to www.coohills.com.

Coohills restaurant co-owner Diane Coohill and executive sous chef Austin Henry, who won the executive chef position at Oceano in Puerto Rico during a competition on the Food Network series “Chef Wanted With Anne Burrell.”

Eavesdropping on a woman talking on the phone to her boyfriend: “I’m getting ready to get my boss a salad from Smashburger for his lunch.”

“A salad at Smashburger? That’s like going to a porn store and getting a Disney flick!”

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.

This year’s James Beard Awards semifinalists – which many consider the Oscars of the restaurant industry – were announced Tuesday with several nods to Denver-area nosheries.

Here are the contendahs:

Best Chef Southwest: Alex Seidel, Fruition; Max MacKissock, The Squeaky Bean; and MacKissock’s wife, Jennifer Jasinski, Rioja (which should make for some interesting pillow talk).

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jorel Pierce, Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen (who works for owner Jasinski).

Outstanding Wine Program: Frasca, Boulder.

Outstanding Restaurateur: Frank Bonanno, owner of Mizuna, Luca d’Italia, Osteria Marco, Russell’s Smokehouse and more.

Outstanding Bar Program: Williams & Graham.

Finalists will be announced on March 18; Awards ceremony (a fancy-schmancy affair in New York City) is May 6.

From left: Business partners Beth Gruitch and Jennifer Jasinski, Squeaky Bean chef (and Jasinski’s husband) Max MacKissock and restaurant consultant John Imbergamo at last year’s James Beard Awards in New York City. Rioja chef Jasinski and MacKissock have been nominated for Best Chef Southwest as part of the James Beard Awards.

Alert the fire department!

Fire extinguishers had better be handy when Denver Mayor Michael Hancock flambes Bananas Foster during a press conference and photo op at 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the Hospitality Learning Center at Metro State University of Denver to kick off the ninth annual Denver Restaurant Week(s), Feb. 23 through March 8.

The mayor will be flanked by up to 354 of Denver’s top toques dressed in their “white and blacks” during the event. Denver Restaurant week (the largest in the nation) features more than 350 metro restaurants offering multicourse dinners for the “Mile High” price of $52.80 for two (or $26.40 for one).

For a list of restaurants and menus, go to www.denverrestaurantweek.com.

And speaking of DRW …

Vesta Dipping Grill, 1822 Blake St., is letting late-night diners create their own $52.80 menu off the eatery’s regular dinner menu if you make a reservation after 9:30 p.m. and mention the promo code “Vestal Virgins.”

Diners can choose any appetizer, entree and dessert for $26.40 per person. Signature items include Panzu Shrimp, Madras Grilled Venison and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Reservations available on Feb. 24-27 and March 3-6. Maximum table size is six guests, and the offer will be extended to five tables each night.

Reservations: www.vestagrill.com or at 303-296-1970. Don’t dinner dawdle, these slots will go pronto!

Sips and sweets

As a veteran Girl Scout from a gahzillion years ago, I try to support the annual cookie sales – even though I don’t need the calories.

So, I’d rather lend a promotion push by letting Blacktie subscribers know about a clever tasting pairing of wine with cookies to benefit the Girl Scouts of Colorado.

Co-hosts and PR princesses Wendy Aiello and Leanna Clark are throwing a pairing party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Clark’s home, 4020 E. Sixth Ave. on the south side of Sixth just two houses east of Colorado Boulevard.

Imagine a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a frosted lemon cookie or the Samoa chocolate and coconut chewy and crunchy cookie with a robust Cabernet paired by Pete Marczyk, owner of Marcyzk Fine Foods & Wine.

To RSVP, e-mail wendy@aiellopr.com.

Wedded bliss

The Embassy Suites Denver – Downtown, 1420 Stout St., have named betrothed couple Robin and Jeremiah the winners of the $30,000 “Win a Wedding” contest.

More than 10,000 people voted in the online contest, which was held on the hotel’s Facebook page.

The lucky couple will tie the knot in front of 100 family members and friends on May 18 in the Crestone Ballroom inside the hotel.

The adventurous couple – they jumped out of an airplane on their first date – have been together for nearly four years and got engaged last Thanksgiving. In their video submission, they told how they wanted to win the wedding because Robin’s indecisive nature has prevented her from starting the wedding planning process.

“The response from the public was just tremendous,” said Embassy Suites general manager Ed Blair. “Now we are excited to see how people vote on all of the details and to work with our great vendor partners to give this couple a truly magnificent wedding.”

Voting starts today on the hotel’s Facebook page to select all the wedding details from the dress to the entertainment. Each week there will be three options to vote on.

In support of the two other finalist couples – Jen and Chad and Sara Rose and Chuncey – and to thank everyone who voted for them, the hotel will throw the couples a catered reception valued up to $16,500 in food and beverage.

“We truly enjoyed getting to know all three of the couples; they each have such a unique story to share and we appreciate all of their hard work,” Blair said. “We made the offer with the hope that we can still be an integral part of their big day.”

The Embassy Suites Denver – Downtown is a Silver LEED certified all-suite hotel. The lobby features a 13-story sky curtain and Aspen tree accents along the walls. The hotel offers complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast for guests each morning as well as a hosted manager’s reception every evening.

For more information on the hotel, visit http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/colorado/embassy-suites-denver-downtown-convention-center-DENESES/index.html or call 303-592-1000. Complete rules for the Win a Wedding promotion can be found at www.denverwinawedding.com.

Art from the heart

The Madden Museum of Art, 6363 S. Fiddlers Green Circle in Greenwood Village, is opening Inspired by Art: The Building of a Legacy, which showcases the artwork collected by John and Marjorie Madden during their 50 years of world travel, exploration, philanthropy and office building development, with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. March 16.

The permanent installation is the sum of 50 years of collecting and is curated by Museum of Outdoor Arts’ executive director and co-founder Cynthia Madden Leitner. The opening celebration will feature traditional Irish fare, cocktails, refreshments and Celtic-themed entertainment.

John Madden formed the John Madden Company, a real estate development business, in the mid 1960s, which continues to operate today. The Maddens call Denver home. For more information, go to www.maddenmuseum.com.

Eavesdropping on a woman at Trillium: “I can’t turn off my charm just because I’m married.”

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.