Howdy, friends o’ mine!

Sometimes it’s a good thing to get out and try something new.

The Denver Mart (formerly the Denver Merchandise Mart) is rebranding itself and has started its remodel with a 20,000 square-foot Western Design Showroom.  It’s ga-ga-gorgeous!

There will be food, drink and former Mayor Wellington Webb spokesmodel Andrew Hudson’s country western band (who knew???).  And, while this is a free event, we are making a hefty donation to the fabulous Volunteers of America.  And Governor John Hickenlooper is the Honorary Chair for crying out loud.  (Read: important event!)

So, throw on some boots or snappy sandals on (weather permitting) and join us … it’s a big space to fill, and you need to be there gol’ dang it.  (It’s an open house, so come anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25. We recommend the earlier the better  to miss the traffic!)

Invite below, but click here to RSVP – name badges will be made for those who RSVP – but if you just want to show up, you will be welcomed with open arms and possibly a do-si-do.

Jet is jettisoning The Jet

The Jet Hotel group has not renewed their lease on The Jet Hotel at 1612 Wazee St. Not only will they not be operating the hotel, but they are leaving the nightclub business there as well.

“We are no longer the tenants … but the owner is now running the biz,” said Jet Group spokesman Jeff Suskin.

The business reverted to landlord John L. Hamilton, who has tried over the years to run the space as a hotel, then a condo complex, then back as a hotel. No word on the building’s future.

The public application for a transfer of ownership has been filed with the department of excise and licenses regarding a liquor license establishment in the neighborhood.

To review the application for a transfer of ownership, visit the department of excise and licenses at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Department No. 205 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

The space was at one time  Barney Gross Auto Parts Warehouse in the 1980s, according to a good source.

Former Denver chef needs help

Former Denver chef Drew Inman left Denver in 2008 to join chef and partner Rebecca Weitzman in New York City, but he left behind culinary footprints in some of Denver’s finest restaurants including Mizuna, Luca d’Italia, Barolo Grill, Potager and Fruition.

Though Inman hasn’t lived in Denver for five years, memories of his ease in the kitchens and his passion for the art of cooking remain with a number of Denver restaurateurs such as Frank Bonanno of Bonanno Concepts, Blair and Suzanne Taylor of Barolo Grill and Teri Rippeto of Potager.

Inman, only 41, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and he doesn’t have health insurance. On Tuesday, a number of area restaurants will raise money to help fund Inman’s growing medical expenses.

A benefit for Inman and the Lung Cancer Alliance will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 19 where the following restaurants will donate a portion of sales: Mizuna, Luca d’Italia, Bones, Osteria Marco, Russell’s Smokehouse, Green Russell and Lou’s Food Bar.

Hosts are Bonanno, the Taylors, Rippeto, Tyler Wiard, executive chef at Elway’s and guest chef at Mizuna and Blake Edmunds, chef de cuisine at Squeaky Bean and guest chef at Mizuna.

Limelight

The Limelight Awards, LoDo’s coveted annual awards and meeting event, takes place beginning at 5:30 p.m. March 14 with a silent auction and cocktail reception at the historic McNichols Civic Center Building at 14 W. Colfax (on the corner of West Colfax and Bannock).

The event recognizes LoDo’s notables for their achievements in 2012. Your ticket includes Wynkoop Brewing Company suds, an assortment of fine wines, Ceren vodka cocktails, fine fare, live music and an evening of glamorous networking.

Please RSVP by March 1. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lodo.org of by contacting info@lodo.org or by calling 303-628-5428.

Eat your heart out

5280, Denver’s “Mile High magazine” is looking for a restaurant critic who can “build upon the success for their established food coverage”

It’s a freelance position, and the selected candidate with report to food editor Amanda Faison. The ideal candidate must have:

* excellent reporting and editing skills;

* be able to produce informative, sharp and entertaining monthly restaurant news’

* possess strong, trustworthy opinions;

* have extensive knowledge of food, restaurants, and the local dining scene;

* blog for 5280.com weekly and maintain an active presence on Twitter (while remaining anonymous);

* have a schedule that allows time to dine out several times a week and to keep current on local and national trends;

If you think you’re the ideal candidate, e-mail a brief cover letter , resume, three pdf work clips, and a sample restaurant review to diningteam@5280.com. No phone calls, please.

Happy belated B-day

Pat “Gabby Gourmet” Miller won’t tell me what age she turned on Sunday, but Happy Birthday, my friend! And here’s wishing you many more to come.

The seen

No. 25 Broncos wide receiver and Ring-of-Famer Haven Moses and his darling wife, Joyce, at the 5280 “Singles in the City” party (and no, they aren’t) at the Exdo Event Center on Friday.

Eavesdropping a man to a woman 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.

The Travel Channel star chef Andrew Zimmern filmed his “Bizarre Foods” show in Denver last fall, searching the city for worthy examples. A dinner at Parallel 17 with Jon Emanuel’s Adventurous Eater Club, a Tour de Testicle featuring Rocky Mountain Oysters in a variety of settings including Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, 1317 14th St.

Season 3, episode 2 featuring the Mile High City premieres at 7 p.m. Monday, on The Travel Channel (Comcast channel 74 or HD 774).

Euclid Hall will be celebrating the premiere show on Monday night with all the TVs tuned to The Travel Channel.

The restaurant also will be featuring Chef Jorel Pierce’s ballsy menu item that Chef Jennifer Jasinski cooked with Zimmern on the show – Rocky Mountain Oysters – grilled and fried, jerked banana chutney, Fresno chilies, scallions, toasted sesames, available for a limited time from Monday through Friday, Feb. 18 through Feb. 22. Fans are urged to stop by and join in the celebration. More information at: http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/bizarre-foods/episodes/denver.

Shotgun Willie’s shaking on over

Glendale’s iconic strip club Shotgun Willie’s is moving into the parking lot adjoining the existing building at 490 S. Colorado Blvd., according to a story in The Denver Business Journal.

“Club officials plan to break ground Friday on the new, $3 million to $4 million building, which will be slightly larger than the existing club and include upgrades to lighting, sound and food with the addition of a pizza oven,” according to the story.

“We’re going to get a picture with our shovels and champagne and we’re going to start mobilizing on the site work,” owner Debbie Matthews told the DBJ. “We’ve had a dream for a new building for 10 years. The current plan took about 18 months to put together.”

The current Shotgun Willie’s site on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and East Virginia Avenue will stay open during the nine-month construction. That building has been open since 1982. Check out the story at http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2013/02/14/shotgun-willies-will-be-torn-down.html?ana=twt.

Art for the young at heart

CultureHaus, a social and educational support group of the Denver Art Museum connecting the young at heart with art will host its annual fundraiser, Banner: Art of the Street, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Feb. 22 with a VIP reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Center for Visual Art – Metropolitan State University of Denver, 965 Santa Fe Drive.

Each year, CultureHaus holds a “Banner” event, the organization’s signature party and fundraiser. The name of the Banner event is chosen by combining the phrase “Art of” with a noun. Past events have included Art of Fashion, Art of Pop, Art of Sculpture and Art of Mixology.

This year’s theme, Art of the Street, will celebrate and showcase the creative and cultural aspects of Denver’s urban landscape. The event will feature live graffiti demonstrations, local tattoo artists, inspired visual arts, delish street food, a silent auction and more.

CultureHaus member tickets are $50 for general admission and $75 for VIP. non-member tickets are $60 for general admission and $85 for VIP. For tickets, go to http://culturehaus.denverartmuseum.org/.

Train, the Grammy Award-winning band from San Francisco, will give a performance to benefit the Denver Health Foundation on April 27 at the National Western Events Center.

The pop rock band achieved success from its debut album in 1998, with the hit “Meet Virginia”. During the last 15 years, the band has won two Grammy Awards and continues to sell out stadiums and arenas around the world.

Guests will enjoy many of the band’s hits such as “Calling All Angels,” “Hey Soul Sister” and “Marry Me.” Tickets and table sales to the full NightShine Gala include a cocktail hour, four-course dinner, auction and performance start at $500 and can be purchased by contacting Candice Jones at 303-602-2978 or by contacting candice.jones@dhha.org.

A limited number of concert-only tickets will be available for $50. Concert-only tickets may be purchased starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 18 at www.denverhealthfoundation.org.

Brittany Hill reborn

Brittany Hill, Thornton’s first upscale restaurant, closed in 2007, but has reopened as a Crystal Rose event and wedding venue, according to a story in Westword’s Cafe Society.

Brunch will be served from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays – starting this Sunday – (call for reservations at 303-451-5151).  On Feb. 21, the restaurant will host a grand-reopening party from 4 p.m. till close. More information at http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2013/02/_brittany_hill_is_back.php.

Edith Head revisited

Susan Claassen, a University of Denver graduate, returns to Denver as an actor and co-playwright for “A Conversation with Edith Head“, a live one-women performance and homage to the only eight-Oscar-winning female costume designer.

Neiman Marcus, French for Sugar bakery and FashionDenver are supporting the event, which makes its Denver debut at 7 p.m. March 3 at the L2Arts and Cultural Center on the corner of Colfax and Columbine.

Claassen’s performance in this 90-minute show has been called “utterly captivating.” Tickets start at $35 and are on sale at www.denverfilm.org. VIP tickets are $100 and include gold circle seating, a post-show champagne reception and a photo with “Edith.”

Head remains one of the most powerful and influential women in Hollywood history. In her six decades of of costume design, she dressed most of the great stars from Mae West to Elizabeth Taylor and the legendary “Hitchcock blondes,” Grace Kelly, Tippi Hedren and Eva Marie Saint.

Claassen stars as this iconic film diva in a show that brings to life great movie lore and behind-the-scenes stories of humor, ambition and glamor from the golden days of Hollywood.

Eavesdropping on a woman at The Colorado Restaurant Association Mile High Chapter’s fund-raiser “Drink Red Wear Red”: “I love shoes. I love having them, I just don’t like wearing them so much.”

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.

One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.

One billion women violated is an atrocity.

One billion women dancing is a revolution.

On Valentines Day this Thursday, the mission is to activate women and men to dance across every country. The celebration of One Billion Rising will be a world happening as a symbolic gesture in the quest to end violence against women.

There is a song and a dance called “Break the Chain”, by award-winning choreographer Debbie Allen,  that will inspire a million women to rise and dance.   The music video features Allen with the more than 80 teen V-Girls and singers bringing their radical rising energy to locations across the nation. Learn the dance at  http://onebillionrising.org/pages/video-downloads.

Produced by Eve Ensler, (author of “The Vagina Monologues”) and V-Day, the video was directed and shot by South African filmmaker Tony Stroebel, who also co-directed and shot the “One Billion Rising” short film.  WillPower Fit Studio, 2110 Market St. in the Ballpark neighborhood, is offering a free willPower & grace class from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The OBR dance choreographed by Allen and will be taught in the second half of class. For more information on the movement, go to www.vday.org/node/2849.

Fame names

Rock ‘n’ roll concert promoter Barry Fey, former Denver Art Museum director Dr. Lewis I. Sharp and Denver tour operator Sid Wilson of A Private Guide will be inducted into the Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame during the 14th annual tourism dinner and silent auction March 6 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom.

The Tourism Hall of Fame serves as the highest award for Denver’s travel industry, which posted its best year in 2011 with 13.3 million overnight visitors, generating more than $3.3 billion in spending. The industry supports nearly 50,000 jobs in the Metro area.

The gala will also honor five “Tourism Stars” presented to organizations and attractions that had a significant impact on Denver’s tourism industry during the preceding year.

“This was truly a significant year for Denver tourism with an unprecedented five tourism stars helping to showcase our city as a center for art, sports, sustainability, history and innovation,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver.

The Tourism Star award winners are: The Denver Art Museum for blockbuster original shows Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective and Becoming Van Gogh; Denver Zoo for the ground-breaking Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit; the History Colorado Center for bringing Colorado history to life with the new building and exhibits; the NCAA Women’s Final Four, which created $20 million in economic development and national television exposure for Denver and United Airlines and Denver International Airport for securing a new nonstop flight between Denver and Japan, which will begin in March.

The gala is a fundraiser for the Visit Denver Foundation, which has given out more than $460,000 in scholarships to 189 Colorado students pursuing higher education in the fields of tourism and hospitality.

For ticket information, contact Keely Asbury at 303-571-9405 or e-mail kasbury@visitdenver.com.

Gut-gaining ground

Denver Restaurant Week (Feb. 23-March 8 … just a few weeks away) has set a new record number of participating restaurants with 351 – up four percent from 339 last year.

The 14-day food fest and feast will have all 351 participating eateries offering a multicourse dinner for the “Mile High” price of $52.80 for two or $26.40 for one with tax and tip not included. Don’t forget to tip on the “real” price, not the discounted one.

“We believe that with 351 restaurants, Denver Restaurant Week is the largest restaurant week in the nation,” Visit Denver chief Scharf said.

Last year a record 404,400 meals were served and interest is growing for this year’s event. As of Feb. 8, prospective diners had looked at more than 3.3 million pages of menus, an average of eight menus per visit to the site.

Scharf noted that in 2013, there are:

* 82 new restaurants participating in DRW for the first time;

* 195 restaurants offering vegetarian options;

* 26 restaurants offering gluten-free options;

* 82 restaurants offering beer, wine or drinks as part of their DRW menu;

* 94 restaurants in just downtown Denver.

Be forewarned that reservations for the most popular DRW participants are all but gone (you might get lucky with a 5 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. seating), but you can comb through www.opentable.com and click on the Denver Restaurant Week page to enter a time and date, and click on “find a table.” The page will show you which of the 212 restaurants on Open Table have availability.

On the www.denverrestaurantweek.com site, click on a restaurant menu, and then hit the “add to must-dine list”, which will show up on your Facebook page to let friends know that you are interested in dining at this restaurant and seeing if anyone wants to join you.

Share a smooch

Qdoba Mexican Grill is inviting customers to kiss coupons goodbye on Valentines Day Thursday with the return of its BOGO for  Kiss Valentines Day promotion.

Purchase an entree at any participating Metro-Area Qdoba on Valentines Day (https://www.facebook.com/qdobadenver?ref=ts&fref=ts), then share a smooch with a significant other, friend, family member or willing stranger at the cash register and receive a second entrée of equal or lesser value for free.

To find a Qdoba nearest you, go to www.qdoba.com.

Above: Share a smooch at your nearest Qdoba on Valentines Day and get a second entree of equal or lesser value for free.

Project Angel Heart scores

Nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator has awarded Project Angel Heart its highest four-star rating, given to nonprofits that practice exceptional fiscal responsibility and governance in fulfilling their mission.

Charity Navigator, the country’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, bases its ratings on nonprofits’ financial health, as well as their commitment to accountability and transparency.

Their ratings show community members how efficiently a charity will use their support, how well it has sustained its programs and services over time, and their level of commitment to good governance, best practices and openness with information.

To see Project Angel Heart’s Charity Navigator profile, go to http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=9235.

Eavesdropping on a diner to a server at a cafe at the top of Peak 8 in Breckenridge: “Is this soup gluten free? Our friend is gluten intolerant.”

“Yes, it is gluten free. Would you like it in a bread bowl?”

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.

It takes a gutsy guy to endorse an anti-acne product like Proactiv, the infomercial sensation that’s been endorsed by celebrities including singers Jessica Simpson and Katy Perry, and “Big Bang Theory” actress Kaley Cuoco.

But consider adding your famous name to the list of Proactiv celebrity testimonials if you’re a big strong macho football player? Didn’t phase Eric Decker, the Denver Broncos wide receiver who recently tagged on his name to the roster of noted endorsees.

Decker, who has babe-a-licious-super-model good looks (yes, I’ve met him and can vouch for that), filmed a commercial as a pro touting the pros of Proactiv.

The infomercial starts with No. 80 pooh-poohing his perceived effectiveness of Proactiv.

“I was that guy saying that’s too girly, but I’m not afraid to say it, it’s given me great results,” Decker says in the spot. He talks about breaking out in high school, and that sweating in a helmet with a chin strap didn’t help his skin issues. Then in college when he was attracting television media attention, the pimple problem became an embarrassment.

“The first time I tried it my blemishes started diminishing,” he says. “After a week, I noticed everything was gone. I got my confidence back, my self-esteem. I can climb the top of a mountain, swim every sea. That’s how I felt.”

The infomercial shows Decker on the field, Decker lifting weights in the gym, and, the best part, Decker half-nakey talking to the camera. See for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUTmAG5g_g0&noredirect=1.

Waugh and huzzah!

There were more huzzahs! and waughs! than I could count during the speeches at the 50th anniversary celebration of The Fort restaurant on Friday.

Proprietor Holly Arnold Kinney, dressed in heavily beaded Old West garb, led the charge with several rounds of the acclamations that would have inspired Fort founder and Holly’s dad Sam’l P. Arnold, who died in 2006, to lift a glass or two.

Tons of Fort fans, many also dressed in period costumes, made the trek out to Morrison for the anniversary celebration that included a buffet dinner, cannon firings, a concert by singer-songwriter Ian Tyson and a few more huzzahs and waughs from Gov. John Hickenlooper, who credited Sam’l with supporting Hick’s quest to open the Wynkoop Brewing Co.

Holly retraced The Fort’s storied history beginning in 1962 when her father built the restaurant modeled based on an old drawing of Bent’s Fort, built in 1833 in Colorado.

The evening ended with another cannon firing, a champagne toast, and CD signings by Tyson. I’m guessing (I had left by then) that there was also another hearty round of huzzahs to close the celebration.

Quad squad

Denver resident Liza Kampstra recently competed in TLC’s new home series “Four Houses,” a show that pits four homeowners against each other in a contest of unique decor and personal style.

Contestants judge their competitors. homes and award points based on originality, style and livability. The winner receives a $10,000 grand prize and a chance to be featured in a national design magazine.

Kampstra competed in an episode filmed in November that will air in the spring. All four homes included in the episode are located in the Denver-metro area.

The northwest Denver home Kampstra shares with Craig Evans was built in 2011 and includes four bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Eight bathrooms? What do two people do with eight bathrooms?

The modern glass, brick and stucco structure was designed by Denver architect David Berton, and sits on a corner lot visible from I-25. The home features an expansive rooftop patio, a four-car garage with a man-cave located directly above, a theater room with a full bar and solar panels on the roof.

For more information on the Four Houses show, go to http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/four-houses.

All-Star Breakfast

Former Washington Redskins quarterback, Super Bowl champ and NFL MVP Joe Theismann is the featured speaker at the All-Star Breakfast, a benefit for Warren Village, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. March 7 at the Seawell Ballroom.

Master of ceremonies CBS4 sports anchor Vic Lombardi will recount Theismann’s celebrated career that was cut short when his leg was shattered in a game against the New York Giants in what has been dubbed the worst – and most widely televised – injury in professional football. Theismann has spent the last two decades working for ESPN on its NFL broadcast and the NFL Network.

Warren Village helps low-income single-parent families achieve economic self-sufficiency through subsidized housing, on-site child care, intensive case management, educational guidance and career development.

Above: Joe Theismann, who will speak at the All-Star Breakfast, a benefit for Warren Village on March 7 at the Seawell Ballroom.

Delightful, delicious

The Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association presents the fourth annual Delightful Dishes & Dreamy Getaways, one of the most highly anticipated food-and fun-filled events in Denver, from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 22 at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. Tickets are $49, and can be purchased at www.coloradolodging.com or by calling 303-297-8335.

Attendees will experience a hosted bar, 15 gourmet food stations featuring some of Colorado’s top chefs, a live auction and live entertainment. More than 120 live and silent auction items include airline tickets, lift tickets, inclusive travel packages with airfare, magnums of wine, overnight stays and packages at hotels and resorts across the state, spa packages, sporting event tickets, sports memorabilia and more.

The event benefits The Readiness Fund, which supports pro-business, pro-tourism legislation in Colorado and ensures that the industry continues its success in employing Coloradans.

Tickets are $90 per person, $850 for a table of 10, or sponsorships begin at $1,500. Tickets are available at www.warrenvillage.org.

Eavesdropping on a female roommate to a male roommate: “You’re right, I do talk a lot.”

“Yes, you’re my female equivalent.”
“But you annoy me … so that means I’m annoying?”

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.

When Tom’s Urban 24, the 24-hour diner-ish eatery at 15th and Larimer, expands into other cities, chief concept officer Tom Ryan said the plan is to keep roughly 70 percent of the Denver menu, but reserve the other 30 percent to include local fare.

Immediate growth plans include two more Tom’s restaurants with one likely to be in California, said Stacie Lange, executive vice president of public relations for Consumer Capital Partners, parent company of Tom’s Urban 24 and the Smashburger chain.

Ryan and Lange invited Pat “Gabby Gourmet” Miller and I to a lunch tasting Thursday to sample dishes from the “Winter Menu” that debuted Monday.

We nibbled on 14 new delightful dishes that, frankly, have much improved the cuisine quality over my first experience at the restaurant right before it opened roughly 90 days ago.

“The old 90-day rule is really true,” Ryan said about what he asserts is the typical amount of time it takes a restaurant to work out the kinks. “It’s like rewiring your house with the electricity on.”

New menu items include pot pies with filet mignon or truffled lobster and shrimp; Stranahan’s whiskey barbecued ribs; Angus open-faced meatloaf platter; Urban super pho with egg, shrimp, chicken and duck confit; fried brussels sprouts with Asian vinaigrette; Tuscan kale and romaine chicken Caesar and fried “Chickenlooper” with sweet corn pancakes served with syrup and butter.

Some of the new dishes are on the dinner menu only, available from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Others appear on the breakfast, lunch and late-night menu from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. Egg dishes have been added to the dinner menu because of customer demand.

In addition to expanding the Tom’s brand, Consumer Capital Partners plans to reopen Tossa, the pizza and pasta place in Boulder that the company closed in December, somewhere in the Denver region, but Ryan wouldn’t specify. He said the concept needed to be refined.

Above: Tuscan kale and romaine chicken Caesar salad with peppercorn Caesar dressing on Tom’s new menu.

Give Live

The Grammy-nominated band DeVotchKa will headline Give Live, a benefit concert for the Bonfils Blood Center, beginning at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Paramount Theatre.

DeVotchKa, widely known for composing the score to the film “Little Miss Sunshine,” released its seventh album “Live With the Colorado Symphony” in November.

“Throughout the Colorado community, Bonfils is most known for collecting blood donations from our generous blood donors,” said Jessica Maitland, vice president of marketing and community operations. “This new benefit concert will give us the platform to share another important way our community can help us save and enhance lives – through financial contributions.”

Reserved and VIP tickets available at www.bonfils.org/benefitconcert.cfm.

Dinner, a show and Short

Comedian and actor Martin Short is the featured entertainer during the third annual Early Bird fundraiser, a benefit for the InnovAge Foundation, a nonprofit that channels community support and funding to enhance the independence and quality of life for seniors.

The early evening event, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom in the Denver Center of the Performing Arts, includes cocktails, dinner, auctions, music and Short’s comedy.

This is a chance to dress up, dine well, laugh loud and still make it to bed at a reasonable hour.

Tickets are $500 for dinner, Short’s performance, a post-event reception and meet-and-greet with the comedian. Tickets for dinner and the show only are $250. And there’s a $100 ticket for the show only with general seating in the back of the ballroom.

RSVP by Feb. 15 at www.myinnovage.org.

Prime time Palm premiere

The Palm in the downtown Westin Hotel is celebrating tonight’s premiere of the new reality series “The Job” (7 p.m. CBS4) where five candidates will vie for the job as an assistant manager at the New York West Side Palm.

From 5 p.m. to close tonight, The Palm will run its PrimeTime promotion in the bar, which means 50 percent off all beer, wines by the glass, premium spirits and PrimeTime bites.

During the episode, complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be passed throughout the bar area and in the back dining room where there will be a large screen for viewing. They will also have giveaways throughout the show.

Hot time with hotties

The Hotel Monaco Denver, at 1717 Champa St., is hosting a four-alarm special wine time from 5 to 6:30 tonight where several firefighters from the Colorado Firefighters Calendar will be signing calendars and posing for photos, with donations benefitting the Children’s Hospital Colorado Burn Cednter and other burn centers across the state.

At least three of the calendar models, including Mr. February, will be there for the photo op and calendar signing. The event is open to hotel guests as well as the public.

“The Colorado Firefighter Calendar is always a huge hit in Denver, and Hotel Monaco is excited to partner with the organization for the first time,” said Von de Luna, Hotel Monaco general manager. “This calendar signing gives us the opportunity to help give back to the community and the Children’s Hospital Burn Center.”

Gather the girls for the weekend and take advantage of the hotel’s “Put Out My Fire” packages starting at $185 for this weekend only. Reservations: www.monaco-denver.com or call 1-800-990-1303. Use the rate code FIRE.

Fat Tuesday fun

Opus Restaurant and Aria Wine Bar at 250 Josephine is holding Fat Tuesday: A Drink to Celebrate Project Angel Heart, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Tickets are $15 and include two drink tickets (well cocktails, select draught beers and/or house wine), appetizers and a donation to the charity, and are available at www.sorewarding.com.

No Noodles

The Cherry Creek Noodles & Company – the first in store in the chain – has closed. Founder Aaron Kennedy opened the first location at 2360 E. Third Ave. in 1995.

The fast-casual concept where noodles dishes of several cuisines are served under one roof has grown to a chain with hundreds of locations across the country. The “& Company” part of the name refers to additional menu choices including soups, sandwiches and salads.

Eavesdropping on a customer at Mail It! Pack It! Ship It! in Cherry Creek North: “I told my grandson I was sending him a package. He said, ‘Can that come today?’ He knows there’s some candy in there.”

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 have never shed so many tears as I did during the 2013 Super Bowl on Sunday.

Not because the 49ers lost (and I am a Bay Area-born gal), but because of the tear-jerker commercials that aired during the game.

In all of my many years on this Earth, I don’t remember a Super Bowl that pulled at my heart-strings like the commercials did on Sunday.

So I asked my pal Steve Sander, who’s been in the ad game forever, to help me analyze this year’s crop of TV commercials. Sander has a perspective that, of course I don’t, after his many years in the ad and PR game as a member of long-gone agencies and now as the president of Sander Marketing.

“I sort of felt there were many more emotional tug at your heart-strings spots than in many years,” he said about the ads that had me and my husband crying our eyes out. “When you look at the body of work, the most memorable were tear-jerking. The farmer spot (for Ram trucks) was my favorite spot. It was narrated by Paul Harvey and had amazing production values about farmers and the lives that they lead.”

“The Clydesdale spot was a little bit hokey, but that spot was the USA Today Ad Meter No. 1 spot by a mile. It wasn’t No. 1 in my book.”

Sander said that the humorous ads, a Super Bowl tradition, resonated with him with the “Where do babies come from” spot being his favorite. He said the ads were heavily loaded with car companies, which diluted the messages in the end.

“There were so many car commercials, it was crazy,” he said. “But 50 percent of the commercials tried to be funny, but if I didn’t remember the product, than it didn’t do a great job.”

The ad that was getting a lot of TV time during the daytime talk shows on Tuesday was the GoDaddy spot with the super model making out with the geek. “I thought that was sort of gross and not very tasteful,” Sander said. “I’m having a hard time buying into that humor. GoDaddy is traditionally very irreverent and sexual. Nobody thought it was a good commercial.”

Pink rink

The Denver Cuthroats CHL hockey team will host a special “Pink in the Rink” hockey game featuring several former NHL stars and Stanley Cup winners playing against a team of “Heroes” made up of local law enforcement officers and firefighters, with $5 from every ticket sold going to Step Up For Cancer, a Colorado charity.

Tickets are also good for the Denver Cutthroats vs. Fort Worth Brahmad game later that night. Following the Pink in the Rink charity game, fans will have the chance to participate in an auction for the players’ game worn autographed sweaters.

The event takes place at 4 p.m. Saturday with the game at 7:05 p.m. at the Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St. Tickets are available at www.denvercutthroats.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or on game day at the Denver Coliseum box office starting at 10 a.m.

Among those scheduled to participate are Joe Sakic, Adam Foote, Stephane Yelle, Scott Parker, Derek Armstrong, Rick Berry, Eric Lacroix, Ken Klee, Bob House, Phil Crowe and Jeff Sirkka.

The Source

Zeppelin Development, the folks behind the Taxi mixed-use development in River North, has announced that financing has been secured for The Source, its latest venture in the popular downtown Denver neighborhood.

Groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. Friday at 3350 Brighton Blvd. in the 26,000-square-foot 1880s brick building that will be the home of The Source.

The Source is a “culinary artisan marketplace,” which is already 90 percent leased to two restaurants, a brewery, a speciality food and cheese purveyor, a bakery, a distillery showroom and bar, a coffee roaster and coffee bar and other culinary artisans.

The tenants include Comida Cantina, Acorn, Crooked Stave Brewery, Boxcar Roasters and Coffee Shop, CapRock Spirts Distillery and Bar, Proper Pour, Mondo Food and Babette Bread.

More information at www.taxibyzeppelin.com.

PJ party

On Thursday, Denver’s most charitable crowd will attend the eighth annual PJ Day Party at the Residence Inn Denver City Center, but it’s a dress-down event with PJs required.

The event, benefiting Denver’s Road Home, plays host to more than 400 Denver business leaders dressed in their best PJs, including Mayor Michael Hancock and other Denver community leaders.

All proceeds benefit Denver’s Road Home, the city’s initiative to end homelessness. The dollars connect the city’s most vulnerable population to shelter, housing, treatment and ongoing supportive services.

“We wanted something fun for the community that would make a big impact,” said Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality, which manages the Residence Inn. “To date, PJ Day has raised over $2 million to help end homelessness in our city.”

To become a sponsor, purchase tickets, reserve a suite or donate to the eighth annual PJ Day from 5:30 to 10 p.m., go to www.pjday.org.

Fat Tuesday

Chef and Brew presents “Creole Food & Killer Beer,” a one-of-a-kind beer dinner featuring the small batch beers of Strange Brewing Company and the cuisine of Chef Michael Long, beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 12, at Strange Brewing Co., 1330 Zuni St.

The Mardi Gras dinner features six dishes paired with the food friendly beers of Strange. Guests will be seated in Strange’s newly expanded tap-room.

“We wanted to bring people to the source,” said Chef Long. “Most beer dinners take place in the familiar confines of a restaurant but we want to bring people to the actual brewery. Tap rooms are often the epicenter for craft brewers featuring small test batches of beer and the chance to rub shoulders with the brewers.”

Tickets are $49 and can be purchased at www.chefbrewevents.com.

Chef-testant

Austin Henry, the 29-year-old chef poissoner (fish chef) at Coohills (14th and Wewatta), will compete for an executive chef position on “Chef Wanted With Anne Burrell” at 8 p.m. Feb. 17 on the Food Network.

The weekly series pits four chefs against each other in a quest to become a restaurant’s top chef. How does Henry fare with his fare? He’s not spilling the beans.

Eavesdropping on two women at The Celtic Tavern: “I always wanted to be a professional gambler.”

“I always wanted to be a princess, and neither one is going to happen.”

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.

Uber, the uber cool private car service that make its Denver debut in September, could skid to a halt if the Public Utilities Commission’s proposed rules changes are adopted.

In an effort to block the proposed rule changes, Uber has launched a grassroots petition campaign to persuade lawmakers to withdraw the proposed PUC changes. More than 2,300 people have signed the on-line petition so far at: http://www.change.org/petitions/colorado-puc-don-t-shut-down-uber-withdraw-proposed-rules-changes#share.

If the PUC passes the changes, Uber’s pricing model will be illegal because sedan car companies will no longer be able to charge by distance.

Uber’s partner drivers will effectively be banned from downtown Denver by making it illegal for an Uber car to be within 200 feet of a restaurant, bar, or hotel.

And Uber’s partner drivers will be forced out of business because partnering with local sedan companies will be prohibited.

“These rules are not designed to promote safety, nor improve quality of service. They are intended to stop innovation, protect incumbents, hurt independent drivers and shut down Uber in Denver,” according to Uber’s Facebook posts.

At issue, is what Uber contends is an attempt by that taxi companies to oust the e-car-hailing service that uses primarily Lincoln Continental cars that you hail by a smartphone app. You can follow the car’s progress to your pick-up on your smartphone with a play-by-play account of the car’s whereabouts.

Uber users pre-pay online, and the tip is included in the fee. The driver also offers riders a bottle of water – a nice touch.

I’ve used the Uber service a handful of times, and if you don’t mind shelling out a few more bucks than what a cab company would charge, I recommend trying it and supporting the company’s effort to stay in business in Denver. More information at www.uber.com.

Generous DeGeneres

Talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres was so flattered by Denver’s Curtis Hotel – a Doubletree by Hilton’s “Couples We Love Celebrity-themed Valentine’s Day Getaway” promotion that she called the hotel during her show on Thursday to reserve The Ellen & Portia package.

The DeGeneres-themed package includes a CD of “Now, That’s What I Call Dance” for your own private dance party, a bath of Blondies, a bottle of California red wine and two blonde wigs  – all to honor the talk show host and her wife Portia de Rossi.

Connie, the unsuspecting Curtis Hotel desk clerk, answered the call while DeGeneres disguised her voice to try to reserve the room for Feb. 14-16.

After a few funny moments, DeGeneres finally came clean and identified herself. But she sweetened the deal by promising to send several goodies from the Ellen DeGeneres show shop, plus said she’d fly Connie to be an audience member of her show.

You can see the segment at http://bit.ly/XNRM9i .

Other “Couples We Love” packages are available at www.thecurtis.com.

He’s the boss
Former Denver Post theater critic, and my former colleague, John Moore will be taking a new act as director of “Always Patsy Cline,” the delightful musical tribute to the famed country-western star, for Ronni Gallup and Starkey Productions at the PACE Center in Parker in April.

Auditions for the role of Patsy are from 2 to 4 p.m. today. Email ronni@starkeyproductions.com for an appointment time. Please prepare a two-minute Patsy Cline song. A current headshot, resume and sheet music are required. All positions are paid. Callbacks will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today. Feb. 4.

“I’m sure the critics will be kind…won’t they?” Moore posted on Facebook. You know what they say about payback, pal. Break a leg!

More information at http://www.parkeronline.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=996.

Parking problems

The LoDo District is finally addressing the 800-pound gorilla that lurks in the neighborhood: parking.

The district wants to know how you get to LoDo and where you prefer to park. There’s an on-line survey you can fill out so that the LoDo District folks can “meet your needs by advocating for the best parking in town.”

Go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LoDoParkingSurvey2013?utm_campaign=LoDo%20Parking%20Survey%202013&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=http%3A//www.surveymonkey.com/s/LoDoParkingSurvey2013.

Earhart takes a vegan test flight

On Saturday, 9News traffic and weather woman Amelia Earhart started a vegan challenge for a week as part of a 9News Mornings lifestyle challenge, according to the 9News Facebook page.

This achievement could be tougher than getting earning her meteorologist degree because according to the FB post, she’s “the biggest bacon lover we know.”

Viewers are invited to take the challenge with Earhart, and “if you are vegan, we invite you to support everyone taking the challenge with ideas and recipes.” More information at http://on9news.tv/11zioOh.

Rocky road

The Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is holding a luncheon program aptly called “After the Love Is Gone – Following The ‘Rocky’ Road,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), at The Four Seasons Hotel, 111 14th St.

Former Rocky Mountain News writers Sam Adams (sports columnist), David Milstead (business writer), Chris Walsh (business writer) and moi (gossip columnist) will share stories of where we’ve been since the paper printed its final edition on Feb. 27, 2009, (also known as one of the worst days of my life).

Under the able guidance of moderator Andrew Hudson, former press secretary for Mayor Wellington Webb, who now runs a successful online jobs list, we will discuss the best and worst news stories of 2012 and the evolving world of news media as well as reliving the professional and personal impact of the Rocky closing after nearly 150 years of publishing.

If you register by Feb. 8, prices are reduced to $35 for PRSA Colorado members, $49 for non-members and $30 for students. Lunch prices after Feb. 8 will be $45 for PRSA members, $59 for non-members and $40 for students.

Valet parking is available at The Four Seasons. Registration: http://www.prsacolorado.org/cde.cfm?event=405218.

The seen

Anchor Jeremy Hubbard of Fox 31 and Channel 2 News at Qdoba at Sixth and Grant. According to my spy, “He even shared some leftover chips with his newsroom brethren before leaving.”

Seen at the Sheridan Costco (not together): Dazzle owner Donald  Rossa and Tom “Lou from Littleton” Manoogian with his wife and son.

Sign of the times

Seen Saturday on the sign outside of the Handlebar Tavern on Downing and Alameda: “At least the commercials will be worth watching.”

Eavesdropping on a dad to his son: “Do I look old and tired?”

“You don’t look tired.”

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.

For the second year in a row, the Four Seasons Hotel Denver has earned recognition as the No. 1 ranked hotel in Denver in the 2013 listing of Best Hotels in Denver by U.S. News & World Report.

The Four Seasons Hotel Denver also was named No. 6 on the U.S. News’ list of Best Hotels in Colorado for the second year in a row.

The 2013 Best Hotels ranking recognizes hotels with a record of high customer  satisfaction and an exceptional reputation among published travel experts.

“We’re thrilled to receive the top ranking in the City of Denver for Best Hotel two years in a row,” said Thierry Kennel, regional vice president of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Denver. “All credit is given to our incredible team. Without their dedicated service and passion, we would not be No. 1.”

Here’s U.S. News’ top 5 winners:

Best Hotels in Denver

• ^#1Four Seasons Hotel Denver
• ^#2The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
• ^#3JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
• ^#4The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection
• ^#5The Oxford Hotel

See full list: Best Hotels in Denver» at http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Denver_CO/Tips/.

But there’s more. The Best Hotels in Colorado are also ranked on the U.S. News’ list with Aspen’s The Little Nell snagging the No. 1 spot. See the entire list at http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Colorado-r56/.

Mayor Hancock busts a move

On Tuesday, Mayor Michael B. Hancock fulfilled the final element of a friendly wager made with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake before the Divisional Playoff game between the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 13 (and we all know how that ended up…sniffle).

Under the terms of the wager, Mayor Hancock sent a box of dry aged “cowboy cut” ribeye steaks from Lombardi Brothers Meats to Rawlings-Blake. The mayor had additionally agreed to perform the famous Ray Lewis pre-game dance but was sidelined by an injury. Until now.

To view the video of that performance, click here.

Eatin’ of the green results

Steven Ballas, Jr., owner of Steve’s Snappin Dogs and host of Saturday’s green chili contest, declared the event a “great success.”

“Between my 10 percent of the daily sales and the cash donations that I hawked with the $1 Steve’s Snappin Ale, $1 tortillas to eat with the green chili and the personal donations, I am proud to tell you all that the first Chow Down for Charity of 2013 raised $610 for Project Angel Heart.,” Ballas said. “What a great Day for us All! Again a sincere thank you to all the judges.”

The fire-breathing event was judged live on the air during the weekly Gabby Gourmet radio show from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday on KHOW 630-AM.

Judges were Jon Emanuel, executive chef of Project Angel Heart; Westword foodie Lori Midson; Denver’s 7 meterologist Lisa Hildago; Mile High Sports Radio personality Mark McIntosh; Joan Brewster of the American Culinary Foundation; Artie Guerrero, president and national director of paralyzed veterans of America, Mountain States Chapter and moi.

Judges choices (out of nearly 20 entries) were Marcyzk Fine Foods (No. 1), Santiago’s (No. 2) and ElLucerito (No. 3). People’s choice winner was Gridiron Grille in Greenwood Village.

Additional info and pictures please go to www.chowdownforcharity.com or the website www.stevessnappindogs.com.

Check out the chow  at  Steve’s Snappin Dogs at 3525 E. Colfax Ave. Menu at www.stevessnappindogs.com.  

Go big red

Just in time for Valentine’s day, put on your dancing shoes and something red – the wine will be flowing and the industry appreciation  party of the year is “on” at Drink Red Wear Red, a fun-filled Colorado Restaurant Association Mile High Chapter event to show appreciation to all the  hard-working individuals who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

If you are an industry professional, supporter, or just a food and wine enthusiast (aren’t we all?), join CRA for signature wines and red martinis from  Republic National Distributing Company, heavy hors d’ oeuvres from US Foods, Seattle Fish Company, Epicurean Catering, Mangia Bevi Café, Bonefish Grill, and The Palm Restaurant.

The legendary Hazel Miller Band will provide live entertainment and attendees will be afforded the opportunity to bid on silent auction items throughout the evening.

The event takes place starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Palazzo Verdi, 6363 S. Fiddler’s Green Circle, Site 100, Greenwood Village.

Cost is  $75 per person (if you sell 10 tickets or more each ticket is $65 per person). Visit www.drinkredwearred.com for more information and to register. Proceeds from the Drink Red Wear Red event benefit the CRA Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund, the Colorado Restaurant Association, Education Foundation ProStart Program and Metro Crisis Services.

Presenting sponsor is Restaurant Solutions Inc.

The seen

David Sedaris , an American humorist, comedian, author, radio contributor and Grammy nominee, dining at Root Down Monday. Sedaris has been described as “the rock star of writers” by Wikipedia.

Eavesdropping on a woman of a certain age: “I’ve surpassed the muffin top. I’m now a biscuit on a stick.”

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.