5280 magazine is rolling out its popular Denver’s Top Singles edition in the February magazine available on newsstands beginning Jan. 28, and on the website www.5280.com/singles.

There are 17 singles on this year’s list, but I got a sneak peek of three eligibles featured in the mag. They are:

Jose Mercado, 38, actor, director, professor of the theater and film program at University of Colorado Denver.

Dave Sevic, 53, director of marketing and communications at Tennyson Center for Children.

And Heather Snow, 33, senior business analyst, PropertyInfo Corporation and a comedian.

5280 will host Denver’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes at a pretty-people party, beginning at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Exdo Events Center, 1399 35th St., Denver. Proceeds benefit Volunteers of American’s Brandon Center.

General admission is $35 in advance at www.voacolorado.org.

This year’s event will be 5280’s biggest yet with DJ Denco, red carpet pictures, a photo booth and dating games. Channel 2’s Chris Parente will emcee during the evening. Fire fighters from the Colorado Fire Fighter Calendar 2013 will also make appearances.

You can arrive in style and get home safe through Uber, an Uber-cool car service prodicing $10 off your first ride of the night of the event. Check your ticket to redeem the offer. General admission at the door is $45.

VIP tickets, which include catered appetizers, hosted bar and access to  the speciality VIP lounge are $125. Uber is offering 50 percent off two rides on the night of he event for VIPs. Check your ticket to redeem the offer.

Get $10 off your ticket

Go to one of these authorized ticket retail locations to purchase a $25 general admission ticket:

Apricot Lane 1411 Larimer St., Denver, 80202 www.apricotlanedenver.com

Belmar 408 S. Teller St., Lakewood CO 80226 http://belmarcolorado.com

Blue Ruby 1428 Larimer St., Denver, 80202 http://shopping.larimersquare.com/shops/blue-ruby

Eve 1413 Larimer St. Denver, 80202 www.eveinc.net/

Garment District 2595 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, 80222 www.garmentdistrictcolorado.com

Gusterman Silversmiths 1418 Larimer St., Denver, 80202 www.gustermans.com

Luxe 1720 Wazee St., Denver,  80202 www.luxesalon.com

Moda 1459 Larimer St. Denver, 80202 www.modaman.com

Nest 1408 Larimer St., Denver, 80202 www.nestdenver.com

Rio Grande Downtown 1525 Blake St. Denver, 80202 www.riograndemexican.com/denver

Rio Grande Park Meadows 9535 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, 80124 www.riograndemexican.com/denver

Roxy 1408 Larimer St., #101 Denver, 80202 www.shopping.larimersquare.com/shops/roxy/

Scarpaletto 1436 Larimer St., Denver, 80202 www.scarpaletto.com

Simply Moore 3000 E. Third Ave., Suite #4, Denver,  80206 www.simply-moore.com/

Sol 248 Detroit St., Denver, 80206 www.sollingerie.com

Studio West 1421 Larimer St., Denver, 80202 www.shopping.larimersquare.com/shops/studio-west-coming-soon/.

Restaurants rock

Twenty-two Colorado restaurants earned the coveted AAA/CAA Four Diamond award last week.

They are: Chefs Club by Food & Wine and Syzygy in Aspen; Grouse Mountain Grill, Mirabelle at Beaver Creek, Spago and Splendido at The Chateau in Beaver Creek; Frasca and The Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder; Charles Court and Summit in Colorado Springs; Colt & Gray, Edge Restaurant & Bar, Mizuna, Palace Arms, Panzano, Restaurant Kevin Taylor and Rioja in Denver; Alpenglow Stube and Keystone Ranch Restauarant in Keystone; The Cliff House Dining Room in Manitou Springs; Rev Restaurant at Hotel Madeline Telluride and Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail.

The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor is the only Five Diamond restaurant in the state.

Game on!

Broomball at the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park is back. This one-time game in a non-contact sport, similar to ice hockey played in sneakers and the object is to score more goals than the opposition.

Gather your co-workers or friends, challenge a rival company of department and if you can’t find a team to challenge, the organizers will help you out. Teams consist of six to 12 adults 18 and over with six on the ice at a time. Teams much be COED (with two women on the ice at all times).

Games are Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 p.m., and the cost to register is $200 per team. 100 percent of the fee is considered a tax-deductible contribution to Downtown Denver Events, which is a 501 (c 3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

To register, visit the Southwest Rink website at www.southwest.com and download a Broomball application.

Matches so far are:

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. vs. RK Mechanical.

Children’s Hospital vs. IV Leaguers at Children’s Hospital.

Centennial Bank vs. Illegal Pete’s.

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce vs. Visit Denver.

CoBiz Financial vs. Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

Downtown Denver Partnership vs. the Mayor’s office.

Denver DA’s Office vs. Adams County DA’s office.

Grand Hyatt Denver vs. Hyatt Regency.

Parks and Recreation vs. City and County of Denver.

DaVita Pioneers vs. DaVita Village Health.

Sage Hospitality vs. Teach Denver – Sage.

Spell well?

What do Jeannie Ritter, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald and Jonny 5 of the Flobots have in common?

They are just three of the local “celebs” who will compete in the Stars on Stage Spelling Bee to benefit Summer Scholars on Feb. 6 at the Infinity Park Events Center.

The Stars on Stage Spelling Bee combines improv comedy theater and a spelling bee with a twist: Cheating is encouraged. Each spelling competitor is raising at least $5,000 for Summer Scholars, the funds each speller raises will serve as a “bank” that the competitor can use to “buy” cheats such as asking a teammate for assistance or looking the word up in the dictionary.

The event is presented in collaboration with the co-creators of the Tony-award winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Tickets are $35 for general admission or $50 for reserved table seating or $75 for anyone who wants to be a “Teacher’s Pet” at the event.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for a cocktail hour featuring flashback foods from the lunch ladies and a cash bar; show begins at 7.

For tickets, cal the Summer Scholars Spelling Bee hotline at 303-381-3741. More information: Coleen Truax, 303-381-3746.

The seen

Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant spotted having dinner at Elway’s Cherry Creek on Saturday night. Nuggets held Durant to “only” 37 points and beat OKC on Sunday night.

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.

As the National Western Stock Show giddy-ups into its second week with rodeo contests, art displays, new products, exhibitions and more, Denver newbie Tender Belly is bellying up to the food bar to showcase its pork products.

Common Link, a locally owned and operated food truck by Derrick Smith and Jesse Doerffel, husband and wife partners in crime, has added Tender Belly products to their menu during the Stock Show where they are sequestered at the Live Stock Center by Stock Yards directly by the rail road tracks, which you walk under to head to the main horse barn, event center and Expo Hall.

If you’re hankering for Tender Belly pork products outside of the National Western, you will find them at : http://www.curedboulder.com/,Lucky’s Market:http://www.luckysmarket.com, The Truffle Cheese Shop: http://www.denvertruffle.com orTony’s Markets: http://www.tonysmarket.com.

Tender Belly is a Cinderella story with brothers Erik and Shannon Duffy, who were born and raised in Iowa, where farmers created the gold standard of pork. While not farmers themselves, they come from a farming family, dedicated to the land and hard work.

Entrepreneurial fires burned in both, along with a broad set of professional skills and most importantly, a love for good, pure, clean food and making the simple things, extraordinary. In 2010 they joined forces and started Tender Belly. Their business was an immediate hit – the lure of tasty bacon and other outstanding pork products was too good for chefs to pass up. Now Erik and Shannon would like to offer a taste of Tender Belly to individuals like you.

Check out Tender Belly products at www.tenderbelly.com.

Frei discusses Olympics

Bruce Goldberg of the Denver Business Journal will interview and moderate a discussion with Terry Frei about his new book Olympic Affair, at 6 p.m. Thursday during the Denver Press Club’s Book Beat, 1330 Glenarm Place.
Admission is free and open to the public, and audience participation is desired and encouraged. Program will be taped for showing on Denver cable access.

The Denver Press Club has a bar and an inexpensive limited-menu with dinner and drinks available for order before, during and after the presentation.

More information at http://www.denverpressclub.org/events/upcoming-events/item/131-bb-terry-frei.

Selby goes solo

If you don’t know where Jefferson Park is, now is a good time to figure that out because Corner House, located in this Northwest area, finally opened its doors last week.

The anticipation has been building up since November when chef Matt Selby, then at Vesta Dipping Grill, announced that this casual neighborhood eatery would be his next venture, according to EaterDenver.com.

Since November, there were interviews with Selby, construction updates, space and menu previews, and even a spot on the Eater National 40 Most Anticipated Openings of 2013 for Corner House. Now it is open and will serve a small but carefully crafted menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Zink hosts Beaujolais Festival                 

Coming on the heels of being selected “Judges Choice” at the 2012 Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce (RMFACC) Beaujolais and Beyond Festival, Zink Kitchen + Bar, located in the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Tech will host the “Beaujolais Tour ‘13” from Jan. 21 through Jan. 27, featuring a three-course meal and paired wine for just $50 per person.

The cornerstone of Zink’s Executive Chef Paul Nagan’s special menu during the brief tour will be his crispy brussels sprouts with gala apples and toasted hazelnuts that won over the judges and the crowd at the 2012 RMFACC Beaujolais Festival. Diners taking advantage of the Beaujolais Tour ’13 will have their choice of starter, entree and dessert, and one of three hand selected wines Chef Nagan chose to accompany his dishes.

“It was an honor for me and my staff to have won a ‘Judges Choice’ award at the Beaujolais Festival, especially when there were so many great restaurants and chefs taking part,” said Chef Nagan. “We are excited the RMFACC has chosen us to host the tour and it was an honor to put our creativity to work to build a menu and pair it with great wines. This is a great value and we are sure our guests will enjoy a great meal.”

The 2012 Beaujolais and Beyond Festival featured 20 outstanding Denver Metro area restaurants.

For the Beaujolais Tour ’13, Zink’s menu will include:

• Starters, choice between: Brown Sugar Brined Pork Belly or Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Gala Apples, Toasted Hazelnuts (Won “Judge’s Choice Award” at 2012 Beaujolais Festival).
• Plates, choice between: Sherry Cider Reduction, Crème Fraiche Grilled Teres Major Steak with Polenta Croquette, Tomato Chutney, Roasted Shallots, Arugula or Chili Oil Poached White Fish with Avocado, Sesame Greens, Dashi, Radish Slaw, Crispy Ginger.
• Desserts, choice between: German Chocolate Flavors or Frozen Panna Cotta, Sorbet, Meringue, or Caramel Vodka Gastrique

Zink Kitchen + Bar is taking reservations now for the Beaujolais Tour ’13 at www.ZinkDTC.com or by calling 303-253-3517. Zink Kitchen + Bar is located at 7801 East Orchard Road in the lower level of the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Tech, one block west of I-25 and Orchard Road and has won three consecutive “Talk of the Town” awards for outstanding service.

Dine & Donate at Coohills and Support Colorado Ballet

On Jan.31, Coohills, at 1400 Wewatta Street, will donate 15% of your meal (excluding beverages) to support Colorado Ballet! Invite your family, friends and neighbors to this event with special guests: Gil Boggs, Artistic Director of Colorado Ballet and Stephen Mills, Artistic Director of Ballet Austin.

For dinner reservations, call 303-623-5700 or book online at coohills.com/reservation.

Mention Colorado Ballet when making your reservation.

Eavesdropping on a woman: “John Hamm is like looking at an eclipse. He’s so good looking you’re afraid you’ll burn your eyes out.”

Hoping for a 7 p.m. reservation at Barolo Grill, Elway’s Cherry Creek or Ocean Prime during Denver Restaurant Week(s)? Prime time seats at those foodie favorites are filled.

The menus for the 9th Annual Denver Restaurant Week(s) — Feb. 23 to March 8 — went live at www.denverrestaurantweek.com at 9 a.m. Wednesday, and many of the most popular spots were “fully committed” (restaurant speak for “you’re out of luck, pal”) before the end of the work day with the exception of early (5 p.m.) or late (after 9) reservation slots.

But with more than 300 restaurants already participating in the event that charges $52.80 per couple ($26.40 for one) for a three-course meal, there are plenty of eateries to go around. But, if you snooze, you lose.  One way to check reservation availabilities is to go to www.opentable.com.

“The great fun of restaurant week is gathering together friends, exploring the hundreds of menus on the website, and then experimenting and trying new restaurants or revisiting old favorites,” said Richard Scharf, president & CEO of Visit Denver, the owner and organizer of the event.

More than 300 restaurants have already signed up to participate in 2013 with more coming on board every day. “We will continue to post menus on the site as we get them from the restaurants, so it pays to check the site frequently,” Scharf said.

While the event continues to grow — with 339 restaurants participating last year, Denver broke all records for restaurant weeks across the country — some beloved fine dining spots opted out this year.

Perhaps most notably, was the decision by Bonanno Concepts, the restaurant company owned by chef Frank Bonanno, to “86” its two white tablecloth spots, Mizuna and Luca d’Italia, from the Denver Restaurant Week(s) menu.

Other lower priced Bonanno Concepts restaurants — Osteria Marco, Russell’s Smokehouse, Lou’s Food Bar and Bones (which are all wonderful) — are still part of the program.

“Frank gives his chefs freedom when it comes to menu creation and events, and the chef teams at Mizuna and Luca d’Italia have decided to decline participation in this year’s Denver Restaurant Week because they simply prefer to run business as usual,” said Lauren Hendrick, PR and marketing coordinator for Bonanno Concepts. “It’s really as simple as that.”

A new feature on the www.denverrestaurantweek.com website allows diners to share their “Must-Dine” lists with their friends on Facebook, giving them yet another way to make their plans.

Based on surveys, a record 404,400 meals were served during DRW 2012, up 12 percent over the 360,480 total meals served in 2011. Website traffic at the DRW site saw 7 million page views in 2012.

Scharf encouraged diners to make reservations early, but sent a word of warning to “no shows”.

“Please honor your reservations,” he said. “One of the most frustrating things about the event is when people make a reservation, and don’t show up, denying other diners that time slot. Don’t be a no-show! Please notify the restaurant if your plans change so they can fill that table.”

And, on another note, please remember to tip your server on the real bill’s total, not just on the discounted $52.80 price tag. Mangia!

No bull

It’s always an event worth stampeding to when the 2013 Grand Champion Steer visits The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. This year, it’s from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 25.

The Grand Champion Steer will trot down a red carpet in the iconic property and make an appearance in the lobby, spending the afternoon grazing among guests enjoying the hotel’s afternoon tea service. The tradition, which began in 1945, is open to the public and will include opportunities to have pictures taken with the Grand Champion Steer as well as with the 2013 Rodeo Queens.

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

Eatin’ of the green

Finding the best green chili in Denver is tough, but somebody’s got to do it — and one of those people may as well be me.

Join me along with other judges Jon Emanuel (executive chef, Project Angel Heart), Lori Midson (Westword), Lisa Hidalgo (Denver’s 7), Mark McIntosh (Mile High Sports Radio 1510-AM, 93.7-FM), Joan Brewster (American Culinary Foundation) and local celebrity Artie Guerrero at Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, Colfax and Monroe, for the “Best Tasting Green Chili Contest” from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26.

Pat “Gabby Gourmet” Miller will be covering the “heated debate” live on her Gabby Gourmet radio show on KHOW 630-AM. Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs will donate 10 percent of all hot dog sales on the day of the event to Project Angel Heart. Perhaps a little green chili on your dog? Samples will be passed around to audience members.

There will be plenty of green to share from more than 20 entries. (Yikes, what have I gotten myself into?)

For more information, contact Gina Dickerson at 720-435-9241 or via e-mail at info@chowdownforcharity.com, or visit the event’s website at www.chowdownforcharity.com.

Pick a winner

In its 52nd year, the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Annual Awards Dinner will be held May 29 at The Downtown Denver Sheraton Hotel, and you can help determine the winners.

Each year, an awards jury selects up to six Downtown Denver Award Winners from a diverse pool of nominations representing businesses, organizations, events and projects that have made significant contributions toward creating a vibrant and diverse downtown environment.

Nominations for award winners are now being accepted. Submit your nomination form by Jan. 31 to Nineka Johnson at 303-571-8206 or by e-mail njohnson@downtowndenver.com. Forms available at http://www.downtowndenver.com/AboutUs/MemberEvents/DowntownDenverAwards/tabid/401/Default.aspx.

Eavesdropping on a child to her dad: “What part of the fish is the 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.

Stand-up comic Amy Schumer included the Denver Comedy Works club in a lauded list of her top 10 top-flight comedy clubs in the country, which she shared with USA Today in its Friday edition.

Long-time Comedy Works owner Wende Curtis, who has locations on 15^th near Larimer and in the Landmark development in Greenwood Village, has created a national reputation for her clubs among stand-out stand-up comedians.

Schumer, whose Comedy Central series “Inside Amy Schumer” premieres April 30, told USA Today that “the layout, the staff and the type of crowd all help make for a memorable show.”

The story says that “Schumer recorded an album at this downtown Larimer Square club, and particularly likes the crowds.”

“They’re smart and they’re excited … and the staff knows how to produce a show,” she said.

Curtis said she was thankful that her club was included in such a list of luminaries. “I think I speak for all of us who know we have created something really special in Comedy Works,” she said.

“The comics, the staff, the management, the crowds and the spaces themselves…well, they speak for themselves.  And we know how comics feel about Comedy Works.  They tell us week after week.

“And now more of the nation knows.”

Check out coming shows at both locations at www.comedyworks.com.

See the rest of Schumer’s picks at http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/10greatplaces/2013/01/10/10-great-places-where-comedy-is-king/1824839/.

Race to this casting call

The amazing CBS hit show “The Amazing Race” is holding a casting call in Denver beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 at Sports Authority at Southlands, at 6155 S. Main St., near South Aurora Parkway and Orchard Road.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to endure grueling challenges in countries with blistering heat or bitter cold, grab a partner and head to the try-outs.

Teams may begin to line up at 8 a.m. The first 200 teams in line will have the opportunity to try out on camera.

For more information, email ochavez@cbs.com or visit www.cbsdenver.com/contests or www.cbs.com/casting.

All aboard!

The NightShine Gala, a celebration of the Denver Health Foundation, has snagged the hip hit-making band Train for the April 27 event at the National Western Events Center, 1515 E. 47^th Ave.

The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6, dinner at 7:30, live auction and program at 8:30 and Train’s performance at 9:30.

This year’s event chair is Oakwood Homes owner Pat Hamill; 2013 honorees are James and Pamela Crowe.

For more details and tickets, go to www.denverhealthfoundation.org or contact Candice Jones at 303-602-2978 or Candice.jones@dhha.org.

Manager Maggie

Maggie O’Malley is the new general manager at the superb steakhouse (and noted cougar den) Elway’s Cherry Creek.

O’Malley, who hails from Mequon, Wis., and graduated from the University of Milwaukee with a degree in communications, moved to Denver after college, applied for a server position and was hired before the popular spot opened.

She graduated to a management role after three years as a server, and jumped at the chance to move downtown to assist in the opening of Elway’s at The Ritz-Carlton Denver. She moved up The Ritz food chain as food and beverage manager then director of banquets in the Lake Tahoe, Calif., hotel.

With her return to Denver, she swears to be an avid Broncos fan next season, unless they play her beloved Green Bay Packers. Then it might take a coin toss to see who she roots for.

“I’m really excited to be back in Denver as a part of the Elway’s team,” O’Malley said. “I’ll apply my energy and passion to strengthen the Elway’s brand that already stands for great food and service.”

Bridal bash

The Denver Swoozie’s store at 589 Fillmore St. is hosting a Bridal Showcase from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

All brides will receive the Engagement Pass good for 15 percent off personalized wedding orders. The first 20 brides to RSVP by calling the store at 720-328-7195 will receive a Swoozie’s swag bag valued at $50, and all brides will be entered to win $250 toward their wedding invitations.

Eavesdropping on a Facebook post about Club 404: “This place is showing the Broncos-Ravens game two nights after the fact. It’s a bar for masochists.”

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.

Opening Day of the General Assembly — no, make that Opening Week — is one long social event punctuated by family gatherings, floral deliveries, speeches, inside jokes, bad puns and, this year at least, Democratic control, iPads and something known as “Peegate.”

As usual, newly elected officials, male and female, donned their best suits for their photo ops and their mass swearing-in. Reporters not accustomed to covering “The Leg” squeezed into press areas. And lobbyists raced to legislators’ offices to praise, or pan, the bills that flooded in.

I, of course, headed straight for the one annual event that tends to bring even vehemently opposing sides together: Opening Night’s Blue Ribbon Reception, co-hosted by the Colorado Restaurant Association and the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association.

Senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle gathered at The Grand Hyatt’s Pinnacle Room with a bird’s-eye view of downtown from the 38th floor.

State lawmakers tipped back adult beverages and scarfed down special snacks served by CRA-member restaurants. The per-person price of the party was low enough to comply with state ethics rules. (Full disclosure: I write a blog for the Restaurant Association’s Mile High Chapter.)

The only audible discussions were which restaurant served the best food. While there was no consensus, the 14 participating eateries put out an impressive example of their menus.

Ted’s Montana Grill served bison short-ribs, sausages and semi-sour pickles; The Charles Court at The Broadmoor upped the ante with a plate that included dynamite tuna tartare; CityGrille broke out some heat-filled green chili followed by miniature hamburger-shaped cookies; Cheyenne Mountain Resort plated a seared scallop; Mangia Bevi offered deep-fried ravioli with dipping sauces; Metro State culinary students cooked up crab cakes; Wild Eggs topped chips with egg salad and crostini with chicken salad; Outback Steakhouse served seared ahi tuna with wasabi soy dressing and blue cheese pecan chopped salad; Centerplate’s dessert display was worth raving about; The Fort served buffalo meatballs; Bonefish Grill had tuna sashimi; The Fresh Fish Company served tuna its way seared  along with ceviche and Baca at the Inverness Hotel & Conference Center offered seared sea scallops with forbidden rice and butternut squash risotto.

During a short break at the feast fest, CRA President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Meersman thanked the roughly 300 attendees along with the restaurants and beverage sponsors Republic National Distributing and Southern Wine & Spirits.

“Restaurants and hotels are the cornerstone of Colorado’s economy,” Meersman said. “Restaurants and hotels together will generate over $12.5 billion in sales this year. This generates over $850 million in state and local state sales taxes. Restaurants and hotels employ roughly 286,000 employees in 11,500 restaurants.”

Those numbers were not lost on Gov. John Hickenlooper, a former restaurateur and founder of The Wynkoop Brewing Co., who spoke to the crowd he called “his peeps”.

“There is no challenge that restaurants can’t overcome,” Hickenlooper said. “My 10-year-old son, Teddy, and I got into an argument three weeks ago about how much homework he has. He said to me, ‘All you do is learn facts and make decisions and get a check. I learn something new every day and if I don’t get the facts right, my next day is miserable.'”

The governor went on to tell the lawmakers, “Our goal is to make good decisions. If we get together we will have a great session.

“Right here in this room, we have the two greatest industries in the world — restaurants and legislators.”

House Speaker Mark Ferrandino gave the Blue Ribbon Reception a big thumbs up. “I told the House members this is by far the best event of the year,” he said. “This provides on opening day (of the Legislature) a day to celebrate each other. We have the next 119 days to meet and talk but we might not always agree. Tonight, let’s celebrate the opening of the Legislature.”

But Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association honcho Christine O’Donnell had the last word. “Let’s eat, drink and be merry!”

New this year

Many things have changed under the Gold Dome, what with 27 representatives and four senators who’ve never served before.

That’s what term limits get us.

But legislators also are getting the chance to be more tech-savvy, with iPads all around.

The paper-saving move was approved last year to cut down on printing and filing costs and to increase legislative efficiency. The tablet set taxpayers back about $60,000, according to the Associated Press.

Rep. Dan Pabon, D-Denver, asked if software can automatically vote no for certain sponsors. The answer: Yes, but it’s “inadvisable.”

On the flip side, also new were key card readers on certain upstairs bathrooms at the Capitol that had long been accessible, through push-button codes, to lobbyists.

Capitol regulars decried the change. “Let my people go,” one reporter Tweeted. The Department of Personnel and Administration acknowledged to some miscommunication with the legislature. By days’ end Friday, the crisis was over, with wider access restored.

Capitol bests

Best use of a filing cabinet, endangered with the new iPads: To “put my coffee on,” said Sen. Greg Brophy.

Best debate over a speech: Sen. John Morse’s long paramedic story, about how he rushed to help following a car wreck where the victim ultimately died, had fans and foes. “Ran over to catch Sen. Morse’s speech. So far, I’m sorry I did,” the Grand Junction Sentinel’s Charles Ashby said on Twitter.

Best rip on the Senate: “We love having you in our chamber, but please leave,” said Speaker Mark Ferrandino.

Best photo op: Morse posed for a photo with the family of new Sen. Owen Hill. The two bitterly senators vied for a seat two years ago.

Second best photo op: Five speakers in one photograph — the current speaker and former speakers Frank McNulty, Andrew Romanoff, Terrance Carroll and Ruben Valdez.

Best gaffe: The governor said “Oh, Jesus” after messing up a quote in his State of the State speech.

Second-best gaffe: Chief Justice Michael Bender asked representatives to “oppose — uphold — the Constitution”.

Third-best gaffe: Morse introduced Bender as “Chief Justice.” Bender panned, “Thank you, President (Bill) Cadman.”

Best symbolism: The House opened with Denver’s Gay Men’s Chorus singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Ferrandino is the first openly gay House speaker.

Best quip by a reporter: “’The skiing and the pot was great but the best part of my Colorado trip was the LAMB CHOPS,’ said no one, ever,” wrote the AP’s Kristen Wyatt, dissing Hickenlooper’s choice of what to bet on the Broncos game.

Tamayo take two

Tamayo, Chef Richard Sandoval’s upscale Mexican eatery on Larimer and 14th Street, closed Saturday after service, and will re-open on Jan. 31 with a new menu, cocktail list and a total renovation.

“We are keeping the best dishes, and adding a whole stack of items from Maya New York, our sister restaurant,” said Robert Bonner, Colorado’s director of operations for Richard Sandoval Restaurants.

The remodel will include new exterior paint and awnings, redesigned bathrooms and a “party room” connected to the rooftop patio, which will be completely redone with new finishings and a roof more conducive to all weather conditions.

Caption: The lighting’s going to change at Tamayo.

Giveaway

Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty will be giving away five pairs of tickets to the sold out Becoming Van Gogh exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.

(Ticket only valid at 7 p.m. Friday. Full audio tour included.) The contest ends at midnight Tuesday. Winners will be announced on the Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty Facebook page and on www.coloradorealestatediary.com. For details on how to enter visit www.fullersothebysrealty.com.

Eavesdropping on a man hearing a siren while watching the Broncos-Ravens game from his home: “There goes the fire department trying to revive the Broncos offense.”

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 Loews Denver Hotel in Glendale is being sold to Hyatt, and will be transformed into a Hyatt Place as of Feb. 21, according to a super secret source.

According to my spy, she discussed the ownership change with a manager who confirmed the impending brand transition. No one from the City of Glendale nor from returned phone calls as of deadline.

If the flag does change, that will mean severely altering Loews, which considers itself a luxury brand, to a mid-line Hyatt product, which typically is an 11-story hotel with between 125 to 200 rooms located in an urban, suburban or airport location, according to the www.hyatt.com website description. Hyatt Place hotels are often compared to Marriott’s Courtyard brand.

The sale of the Loews property was completed on Dec. 20, and the hotel is only accepting reservations through Feb. 28. Hyatt Place brands feature suite-type amenities with big-screen TVs, free wifi access and a complimentary hot breakfast daily. Hyatt Places also include meeting rooms for small corporate events. Room prices are roughly $129 a night.

I will let you know more deets as they become available.

La La land

Former Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and wife, La La, have been living separately, according to an item Thursday in the New York Post.

“It is true they haven’t seen much of each other in the past few months,”a friend of the couple told the gossip column Page Six. “She’s been away a lot filming her show, ‘La La’s Full Court Life,’ in London, New York and LA. “They are not separated and are still together. She and Melo have a house in LA – so she’s always there when she’s doing auditions.”

However, another source contradicts that point of view. “They have been living separately for several months now,” that source says. “She’s been living in LA while Carmelo has been in New York.

According to The Post, “Sources add that La La’s also been partying with girlfriends from Mexico to Miami, which has displeased Melo and made him angry.”

Add to this latest rumor of a possible split the famous dust-up between Carmelo and the Celtics’ Kevin Garnett over a speculated infidelity. “Melo was suspended for one game for the post-game clash with Garnett over the incident,” The Post says.

See the full story at

http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/la_la_sticking_with_carmelo_m1tVisCdJoa0VsXTQXRI9M.

War torn

Joey is a featured life-sized puppet presented by the Handspring Puppet Company that brings breathing, galloping, and charging horses to thrilling life on stage in this production of “War Horse”, the Broadway hit playing the Buell Theatre Jan. 8 through 20.

Here are Joey’s stats:

• Joey weighs 120 pounds and is handmade by 14 people. Its frame is mostly cane, soaked, bent and stained.
• An aluminum frame along the spine, lined partly with leather for comfort, allows the horse to be ridden.
• Stretched, hosiery-like Georgette fabric makes up the “skin” beneath the frame.
• A puppeteer at the head controls the ears and head; one in the heart controls breathing and front legs; a third in the hind controls the tail and back legs.
• A harness connects the puppet’s and puppeteer’s spines so his or her movements become the breathing of the horse.
• The tail and ears are moveable instead of the lips or eyelids, because that’s how horses usually express themselves.
• Two levers connected with bicycle brake cables control the leather ears.
• The puppet, just under 10 feet long and about eight feet tall, has about 20 major joints. Vertical levers curl the knees and lift the hooves.
• The neck is made of carbon fiber glass for flexibility.
• The eyes are black color behind clear resin so light refracts through them.
• The right hind lever moves the tail up and down; the left hind lever, left to right; moved together, it spirals.
• The hair in the mane and tail is made of Tyvek, a plastic-like paper.

Tickets are available only by calling either 303-893-4100 or at www.dcpa.org. Beware of scalpers selling tickets on the Internet because they are more often than not fraudulent.

Ace is the place

Ace, the popular Asian eatery and Ping-Pong place from the makers of Vesta Dipping Grill and Steuben’s, just unveilved its new lunch, dinner and dessert menus.

Tops on Chef Brandon Biederman’s list of new additions include the Spicy Pork Ramen, the Bahn Mi menu featuring four different varieties like chicken thigh and pork belly, the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Shishito Peppers and the Kung Pao Half Chicken, available at dinner only.

In conjunction with Sous Chef Donny Carrasco at Steuben’s, Chef Biederman has revamped the Ace dessert menu to include several new selections including a Vietnamese Coffee Creme Brulee.

“Many of these new items has been successfully run as specials,” Biederman said. “We have listened to what our guests were looking for, and made some changes. Shared plates are still definitely an option, but finding individual entrees is way easier now.”

Ace is open beginning at 11 a.m. with the new lunch menu, and will be running the new dinner menu starting at 3 p.m. More information: www.acedenver.com.

Eavesdropping on a woman rummaging through her purse at The Celtic Tavern: “I need glasses to find my glasses.”

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.

Before I Die…, a worldwide interactive art installation by Candy Chang, has been installed on the grounds of the McNichols Civic Center Building at the corner of Colfax Avenue and Bannock Street.

With blackboard space next to the words “Before I die I want to…” the mural invites visitors to pick up a piece of chalk, reflect on their lives, and share their personal aspirations in a public space.

The mural was installed in Denver’s Sonny Lawson Park by the Community Coordinating District No. 1 last summer and moved to the McNichols Building grounds in early December.

The original Before I Die…mural was built in New Orleans, where artist Chang transformed the side of an abandoned house in her neighborhood into a giant chalkboard and stenciled it with the sentence.

By the next day, the wall was entirely filled and kept growing. The wall turned a neglected space into a constructive one where neighbors had an outlet to get to know each other and remember their loved ones.

It was brought to Denver through a partnership of Arts and Venues Denver, the Community Coordinating District, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and Denver Design Build LLC.

Before I Die…murals have been installed in more than 20 countries and reproduced in more than 10 languages. For photos and more information, go to http://beforeidie.cc/site/denver.

RiNo’s getting new retail-restaurant project

The Denver City Council recently approved the Ironworks Foundry Urban Redevelopment Plan, which includes a European-style open market concept called The Source, a project that will bring retail, restaurant and kiosk type artisanal tenants to Denver’s River North (RiNo) neighborhood, according to a story posted at www.insiderealestatenews.com.

“Passage of the plan…creates the Ironworks Foundry Urban Redevelopment Area, allowing for the use of tax increment financing to support redevelopment efforts of the 25,600-square-foot site located along Brighton Boulevard,” according to the on-line story. “DURA will invest approximately $1.12 million in sales and property TIF to make vital public improvements to the site, including the installation of sidewalks, curbs and gutter infrastructure, new utilities, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fire- and life-safety systems.”

Zeppelin Development, the project’s developer, is best known for its TAXI development in the RiNo neighborhood on the former site of the Yellow Cab central office. The site housed Bud’s Warehouse until 2010 but has been vacant ever since. Zepplin estimates the new project will be open early next year.

Proud papa

Denver sports radio and TV personality Mark McIntosh has a reason to brag about his son: “My son Kyle is a comedy writer in Los Angeles. He’s working on a new show that will air its first season starting Jan. 16,” Mark announced on his Facebook page.

The sketch comedy series, called “Kroll Show” on Comedy Central, satirizes “our television-obsessed culture and the rabid fan base it breeds,” according to the description on www.comedycentral.com. “More than just a collection of sketches, Kroll Show is about giving Nick (Kroll’s) fans a chance to see his of-the-moment take on pop culture, sports news (and more).”

Check out some video clips at: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/kroll-show.

Dinner, drinks and dancing

TAG Restaurant at 1441 Larimer St. is tip-toeing back in time with a Prohibition Dinner, beginning with cocktails, appetizers and live jazz at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

The restaurant’s lower space will be turned into a speakeasy serving a boozy four-course dinner created by chef/owner Troy Guard, paired with classic cocktails with a TAG twist featuring spirits from Golden Moon Distillery and jazzy tunes by Birdhaus. Fancy 1920s attire and dancing shoes highly encouraged.

For reservations, either call 303-996-9985 or e-mail events@tag-restaurant.com.

Brunch bunch

Kachina Southwestern Grill inside The Westin Westminster hotel has added a Cowboys + Indians Brunch to its fare with a Southwestern flare.

Menu items include The Cowboy Burrito made with green chile, eggs, potatoes, carmelized onions, house-made chorizo and jack and cheddar cheese; Pinon Crusted French Toast topped with cajeta caramel, whipped cream and chopped pecans; Duck Hash + Eggs with duck confit, Yukon gold potatoes, caramelized onion hash and two eggs any style; Country Fried Steak + Eggs and Kachina Benedicto.

Drinks include bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas, as well as a Tequila Sunrise and Michelada. Brunch hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Reservations: 303-410-5813 or at www.kachinagrill.com.

Eavesdropping on a woman: “I like sex, but I like the Broncos more.”

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.