Rockmount Ranch Wear, the LoDo-based Western snap-front shirt maker and a favorite company of this column, has a lot to be thankful for in 2012, and it’s moving forward with a big “yeehaw” in 2013.

Country singer Dwight Yoakam wears Rockmount’s blue hombre stripe No. 690 , a remake from its historic archives dating back to the 1950s seen here: http://www.npr.org/event/music/167532013/kcrw-presents-dwight-yoakam.

Rockmount shirts have a large role on Fox Network’s “The Factor” winner Tate Stevens who wore a full range including various red plaids.

Dennis Quaid wears Rockmount shadow plaids on the new CBS network hit drama “Vegas”. Rockmount shirts are also featured in ABC’s new show “Nashville.”

The shirts worn by celebrities in movies, on TV shows and in concert are bought by the artists and production companies (no freebies, have you met Rockmount owner Steve Weil?). Rockmount does not pay for product placement whatsoever.

All ties and scarves you will see at The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo from Jan. 18 through Feb. 9 are by Rockmount.  Also, the Calgary Stampede has a new design in the works for Spring.

In more Rockmount news, Cheyenne Frontier Days is arranging to exhibit the company’s historic collection of vintage shirts, accessories, advertising and memorabilia going back to the 1940s. The exhibit, Rock Stars & Cowboys, chronicles 65 years of Western fashion history. It will be one of the first exhibits in the newly renovated Pioneer Museum on the rodeo grounds.

As company founder and Western wear pioneer Papa Jack would say, “I’ve always believed we were never selling just the cowboy – we sell the romance of the West. That’s so much more.”

War Horse homies

Two Colorado natives – Angela Reed and Mat Hostetler – have been cast in the coming Denver engagement of the 2011 Tony Award-winning Best Play War Horse, playing from Jan. 8 through 20 at the Buell Theatre.

Reed plays Rose Narracott and Hostetler plays Veterinary Officer Martin. Reed grew up in Douglas County and graduated from Ponderosa High School. She studied theater and psychology at the University of Colorado, and holds an MFA from The University of California, San Diego.

Hostetler makes his national touring debut in War Horse. He grew up in Glenwood Springs and received his MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver.

War Horse is the story of a young man’s beloved horse who has been enlisted to fight for the English in World War I. Tickets are available by calling 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

Fitness at The Four Seasons

OK, so most of us make New Year’s resolutions to get fab and fit, but The Four Seasons Denver at 1111 14th St. is enticing fitness flirts with a membership deal for the fitness center.

“Our spa and fitness center are truly a unique offering in the Denver area,” said Matt Turner, spa director. “The option of membership is popular among Denverites who want to experience more out of their fitness routine.”

Fitness club membership costs $250 a month for one member or $450 per month for a couple.

For more information on fitness memberships, call the Spa at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver at 303-389-3020.

Winner, winner special dinners

DazzleJazz Restaurant and club at 930 Lincoln St. celebrates its 15th anniversary from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 15 with a benefit for The Gift of Jazz, supporting the past, present and future of jazz in the Rocky Mountain region.

Food will be presented by chefs Duncan Smith and Benjamin Erickson, desserts by Karen Storck, live jazz performance by The Bob Montgomery/Pete Olstad Big Band and a Dazzle recording session with The Funky fresh Trio and guests.

To RSVP online (suggested minimum donation of $30), go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp and enter event code: DAZZLE115.

Come support awesome owner Donald Rossa who has tirelessly toiled to make Dazzle a great space for jazz, food and a famous happy hour.

Celebrity chef Jenna Johansen (from Bravo’s “Around the World in 80 Plates”) is the special guest chef along with owner Chef Ryan Leinonen and his team during a Denmark dinner on Jan. 15 at Trillium, 2134 Larimer St.

Cost is $65, which includes an amuse bouche and four courses with paired wines, a seasonal cocktail or craft beer. Please RSVP to 303-379-9759.

1515 Restaurant at 1515 Market St., hosts Portland-based Widmer Brothers Brewery for a special beer dinner at 6 p.m. Jan. 10.

Executive Chef Garren Teich will prepare four courses to be paired with the Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, the Reserve Series: Old Embalmer Barleywine, the Nelson Imperial IPA and other craft brews made in Oregon.

The dinner at beer tasting is $40 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations: 303-571-0011 or events@1515restaurant.com.

“This will be a sumptuous dinner paired with great Widmer Brothers’ beers,” said 1515 Lounge manager Brandon Schlag. “It’s only January, but this will be one of the beer events to remembered in 2013.”

The seen

Award-winning actor and East High School grad Don Cheadle celebrating on New Year’s Eve at Rioja on Larimer Square. Cheadle’s second season of Showtime’s original series “House of Lies” premieres on Jan. 13.

Eavesdropping on a woman talking about her husband: “I cooked dinner three nights in a row. He had heartburn three nights in a row. Coincidence? I don’t think so.”

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.

Are you in a New Year’s Eve state of mind?

Unless you have to work, no doubt your thoughts are wandering to what you’re going to do tonight to ring in 2013. If the weather outside isn’t frightful, there are always the free fireworks display along the 16th Street Mall at 9 p.m. and at midnight.

I’ve told you about several special events: The family affair at The Celtic Tavern with a toast at 5 p.m., the re-interpretation of The Titanic dinner at 1515 Restaurant on 1515 Market, The Hazel Miller Band performing at Coohills during the 8 p.m. dinner seating, the bird’s-eye view of the fireworks during a party on the top floors of the Clocktower on 16th and Arapahoe, the annual olive drop atop the Tavern Downtown, the grand-daddiest party at the Grand Hyatt downtown, plus various prix fixe dinners throughout the Metro area. (Check out open tables at opentable.com.)

If you’re looking for an experience with a foreign twist, travel over to Trillium for a New Year’s Eve dinner that explores the rich culinary heritage of Scandinavia blended with modern American cuisine.

The restaurant, at 2134 Larimer St., is featuring a menu based on seasonal holiday and early winter cuisine with three courses and a complimentary champagne toast, amuse bouche and intermezzo.

Cost is $70 per person with optional alcohol pairings for $25 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. RSVP required by calling 303-379-9759 for seatings every hour from 5 to 10 p.m.

Another option is the three-course dinner at EDGE Restaurant & Bar inside The Four Seasons Hotel Denver with its Futuristic Ball in partnership with SVEDKA Vodka, featuring bottle service specials for table reservations.

A DJ will provide entertainment, and a high-tech balloon drop will decorate EDGE Bar as the clock strikes midnight.

On New Year’s Day, join EDGE for a boffo brunch to start the year off right.  Offered from 9:30 am to 3 p.m., the three-course brunch  includes healthy options such as granola parfait and Caesar salad, and decadent options including peanut butter and banana pancakes with whipped cream.  For reservations, contact EDGE at 303-389-3050.

Put some south in your mouth

Jezebel’s Southern Bistro & Bar, from the folks who previously owned 8 Rivers in LoDo, opened Friday in the old Squeaky Bean space at 33rd and Tejon.

Owners Wanda James and husband Robert Perry managed to wrestle an additional 900 square feet of space from next door neighbor Rosa Linda’s Mexican Cafe so Jezebel’s could have a proper kitchen with a hood.

The restaurant serves Southern fare for dinner only until lunch is added mid-January. Chef/co-owner Scott Durrah will be joined in the kitchen by Chef Leo Harvey, formerly with the shuttered Big Game restaurant.

More information at http://www.facebook.com/JezebelsLohi?ref=stream.

Goodwill hunting

Cars are expected to line up at all Goodwill donation locations for what is expected to be the busiest donation day of the year for Goodwill Industries Denver.

The organization’s Procrastinator’s Delight donation program – designed to give procrastinators one last chance to get year-end tax credits for donated items – typically yields about 1 million pounds of donated goods during the last week of the year.

But year-end giving yields more than a tax deduction. Revenues from both retail and financial donations support Goodwill’s career development mission programs for more than 21,000 at-risk youth, struggling adults and individuals with disabilities in Colorado each year.

Goodwill accepts clothing, household items, toys, computers and vehicles as well as Christmas gifts headed for the “regifting” shelf. For a Goodwill near you, go to www.goodwilldenver.org/locations or call 303-650-7700.

Monday’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Windrose acquires Club at Cordillera

Windrose Holdings LLC, a California-based investment group, closed on the purchase of the Club at Cordillera Friday for $14.2 million through the Chapter 11 reorganization process.

WRH prevailed as the highest bidder at auction and acquired all the operational assets of the Club at Cordillera. As part of the resolution, Windrose Holdings has conveyed to the Cordillera Property Owners at no cost the Summit Athletic Club, the Trailhead (children’s center) and the Short Course, a Dave Pelz Signature Design. All outstanding litigation has been settled and approved through the process.

“We are in final talks with a professional management company to run the Club at Cordillera focusing on the membership and extraordinary service,” said Dan Fitchett, chief executive officer for the Club at Cordillera. “The goal is to restore our (golf) courses, facilities and the overall energy of Cordillera to its former magnificence…

“Our goal is to improve the club experience and restore property values in the community.”

Alpine Bank and Trump Golf Acquisitions, LLC, owned by real estate mogul Donald Trump, were bidders in the process.

The club consists of three 18-hole golf courses, designed respectively by Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin and Tom Fazio, and a short course designed by Pelz.

For more information on the Club at Cordillera proceedings, go to www.cordillera-vail.com.

Eavesdropping on a woman to another woman: “Your teeth are giving you a headache? You might have TMZ.”

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.

If Steve Cominsky’s hunch is right, there’s a “very good chance” that movie and music star Justin Timberlake could show up for the opening of Colorado’s first Southern Hospitality Restaurant & Bar at 1433 17th St.

Timberlake, who along with two partners created the New York-based barbecue and Southern food eatery, no longer has a financial stake in the restaurant but “still aligns himself with the brand,” said Cominsky, chief operating officer of Southern Hospitality Franchisee Holding Corp., which owns the exclusive franchise rights to expand the brand. “He’s a big supporter.”

One rising music star who will definitely be around for the late January opening is Colorado Springs native Ryan Tedder, lead singer of the band OneRepublic, who remains an investor.

“Ryan lives in town and has a studio in Denver,” Cominsky said. “He’ll be around the restaurant for the first couple of weeks.”

Cominsky and his team have the franchise rights to open 30 Southern Hospitality restaurants throughout the country. The Denver restaurant will open for dinner only to start with plans to add lunch by early February.

The menu includes Memphis-style barbecue, dry-rubbed spare ribs, sweet and saucy baby-back ribs, crispy fried pickles and creamy cheddar grits. The bar list includes a selection of micro-brews on tap, an extensive list of bottled beers and a variety of bourbon.

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

Game of Giving

With the Broncos clinching the AFC West title, and the team’s sound drubbing of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, there’s a chance Denver’s team will be New Orleans-bound in February.

Since we can’t all make it to NOLA for the festivities, you can celebrate in town during the second annual Game of Giving fundraiser at Casselman’s Bar & Venue, 2620 Walnut St., on Feb. 3.

The annual Super Bowl watching party benefits Metro Volunteers, Families First and Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado Parent & Child Foundation.

Tickets are $25 for admission, a food buffet (from Elway’s, Jason’s Deli, Y.Lo Catering and Garbanzo’s), free beer and one prize drawing ticket to win items including restaurant gift cards, signed sporting goods, event tickets and more.

Tickets: www.casselmans.com.

Panzano adds space

Panzano restaurant inside The Hotel Monaco at 909 17th St. has added 415 square feet of private dining space adjacent to the bar.

The room, dubbed Toscana, features an expansive view of Champa Street through a large glass window wall opposite a wine wall that holds 450 bottles from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list.

“We’re excited to expand our offerings and create this unique space for our guests,” said Panzano General Manager Josh Mayo. “The street view from this new room makes it a great addition to our private dining spaces.”

The new space will seat 20 guests for a seated dinner at counter-high tables and chairs. Up to 40 guests can use the space “reception style” for cocktails and appetizers. The new room is equipped with a 52-inch high-definition flat screen TV designed for professional presentations.

Executive Chef Elise Wiggins will be available for events in this new venue. When Toscana is not reserved for private events, Panzano’s happy hour will expand into the new room.

More information at www.panzano-denver.com.

Party like it’s 2013

Partying for a Purpose is the theme for the Russian Winter Wonderland event, benefitting Denver Gives, at the iconic D&F Clock Tower at 16th and Arapahoe.

Clock Tower Events is hosting the hearty party on the exclusive top five floors of the venue, which will be transformed into a Russian winter palace.

Attendees will sip champagne and count down to midnight with a bird’s-eye view of the fireworks along the 16th Street Mall. The all-inclusive party features dancing, nibbles, and an open bar until 3 a.m. Tickets: www.denvergives.org.

Oxford Hotel is “golden”

Denver’s historic Oxford Hotel, on 17th and Wazee, is featured on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2013 as one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay.”

The January issue of the magazine – on newsstands now – features more than 500 properties worldwide. The Oxford was the only Denver hotel to be honored.

In celebration of the Conde Nast pick, The Oxford has launched a gold package, starting at $500 per night. It includes:

* Deluxe or parlor room accommodations for two.

* A 50-minute couples massage at the Oxford Club.

* In-room amenity of Godiva Chocolates and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

* A copy of the Conde Nast Traveler magazine featuring the 2013 Gold List.

* Valet parking.

For more information and reservations, call 1-800-228-5838 or go to www.theoxfordhotel.com.

Eavesdropping on a son and his mom on Christmas day: “What are you looking for in the refrigerator?”

“I’m looking to see if we have any OJ, because if we had OJ I could make mimosas. You know how many mimosas I would have? The mimostest.”

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.

If Steve Cominsky’s hunch is right, there’s a “very good chance” that movie and music star Justin Timberlake could show up for the opening of Colorado’s first Southern Hospitality Restaurant & Bar at 1433 17th St.

Timberlake, who along with two partners created the New York-based barbecue and Southern food eatery, no longer has a financial stake in the restaurant, but “still aligns himself with the brand,” said Cominsky, chief operating officer of Southern Hospitality Franchisee Holding Corporation, which owns the exclusive franchise rights to expand the brand. “He’s a big suppporter of us.”

One rising music star who will definitely be around for the late January opening is Colorado Springs native Ryan Tedder, lead singer of the band OneRepublic, who remains an investor.

“Ryan lives in town and has a studio in Denver,” Cominsky said. “He’ll be around the restaurant for the first couple of weeks.”

Cominsky and his team have the franchise rights to open 30 Southern Hospitalitys throughout the country. The Denver restaurant will open for dinner only to start with plans to add lunch by early February.

The menu includes Memphis-style barbecue, dry-rubbed spare ribs, sweet and saucy baby-back ribs, crispy fried pickles and creamy cheddar grits. The bar list includes a selection of micro-brews on tap, an extensive list of bottled beers and a variety of bourbons.

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

Game of Giving

With the Broncos clinching the AFC West title, and the team’s sound drubbing of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, there’s a chance Denver’s team will be New Orleans-bound in February.

Since we can’t all make it to NOLA for the festivities, you can celebrate in town during the second annual Game of Giving fundraiser at Casselman’s Bar & Venue, 2620 Walnut St., on Feb. 3.

The annual Super Bowl watching party benefits Metro Volunteers, Families First and Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado Parent & Child Foundation.

Tickets are $25 for admission, a food buffet (from Elway’s, Jason’s Deli, Y.Lo Catering and Garbanzo’s), free beer and one prize drawing ticket to win items including restaurant gift cards, signed sporting goods, event tickets and more.

Tickets: www.casselmans.com.

Panzano adds space

Panzano restaurant inside The Hotel Monaco at 909 17th St. has added 415 square feet of private dining space adjacent to the bar.

The room, dubbed Toscana, features an expansive view of Champa Street through a large glass window wall opposite a wine wall that holds 450 bottles from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list.

“We’re excited to expand our offerings and create this unique space for our guests,” said Panzano General Manager Josh Mayo. “The street view from this new room makes it a great addition to our private dining spaces.”

The new space will seat 20 guests for a seated dinner at counter-high tables and chairs. Up to 40 guests can use the space “reception style” for cocktails and appetizers. The new room is equipped with a 52-inch high definition flat screen TV designed for professional presentations.

Executive Chef Elise Wiggins will be available for events in this new venue. When Toscana is not reserved for private events, Panzano’s happy hour will expand into the new room.

More information at www.panzano-denver.com.

Grand Old Party

Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown, 1750 Welton St., and MIX 100 FM present Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31.

Enjoy open bar with premium pour, admission to four areas of entertainment, buffet dinner, party hats and favors and balloon drops. Featuring entertainment by The Nacho Men, Denver’s best dueling piano bar, a premier dance party and casino night.

While overnight packages at Grand Hyatt Denver are sold out, party only tickets are availabe for $139 per person. (Price does not include tax. Guests must be 21 years of age to attend the party.)

Tickets: https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/calendar/event-detail.cfm?id=24584.

Bonanno breaks out New Year’s Eve menus

All of the Bonanno Concepts restaurants, owned by Chef Frank Bonanno, will be open New Year’s Eve with some serving special menus to celebrate the birth of 2013.

Mizuna and Luca d’Italia at Seventh and Grant will serve chef’s tasting menus with optional wine pairings. At Luca, Executive Chef Hunter Pritchett has created a seven-course menu. At Mizuna, Chef Stephen McCary will orchestrate a stunning six-course prix fixe menu.

Osteria Marco on Larimer Square will serve a three-course prix fixe menu from Executive Chef Burton Koelliker. Across Larimer, cocktail enthusiasts looking for a snazzy spot with live music are invited to Green Russell, which will host the Scott Grove Quartet for the evening.

Reservations are highly recommended at each restaurant: www.mizunadenver.com, www.lucadenver.com; www.osteriamarco.com and www.greenrusselldenver.com.

“Kenton Claus”

My Blacktie boss Kenton Kuhn is generously giving me the day off on Christmas, so I won’t be writing a Wednesday column.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday! My column will return on Friday.

Eavesdropping on Santa: “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Is it the end of the world as we know it?

Just in case the Mayans are wrong and the world didn’t cease to exist today, I’m filing this column assuming it’s business as usual around these parts.

For restaurateur and commercial real estate owner Jesse Morreale it’s anything but business as usual ever since he got crossways with the city over issues at his RockBar nightclub, at 3015 E. Colfax, which he closed in October after Denver’s Department of Excise and License yanked the liquor license after apparent several violations.

Rather than continue to fight the law, Morreale gave up and shut the doors. The new news is that Morreale’s company Morreale Hotels LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week owing $6.8 million to 13 unsecured creditors, according to a listing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Denver.

But the Morreale-City of Denver dust-up doesn’t end there. Additionally, the historic building he owns on First and Broadway which houses restaurants El Diablo, Sketch and his company offices, is wrangled in a foreclosure filing with the property headed for the auction block on Jan. 3, according to the Denver Public Trustee’s office.

Morreale, however, says that the Internet status of the property is outdated and there are no pending foreclosures nor auction.

“The truth is that there is not active foreclosure proceedings on either of these properties right now,” Morreale told me on Thursday. “Our bank was put into receivership one-and-a-half years ago, and it’s been a nightmare to track this stuff down. I went down to the public trustee’s office this morning to ask them to take down the posting, but they were in the middle of (a bunch) of foreclosure hearings. It’s all really complicated. The whole thing’s on hold.”

Morreale’s gripe , besides his obvious issues with Denver, is that in today’s media frenzy to be first to break stories on the Internet, disclaimers on public information websites can be overlooked.

On the website www.denvergov.org, before you click onto a particular public record, a “disclaimer” page appears saying that “The City and County of Denver does not warrant or represent the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained in the eForeclosure website. The data presented is for informational use only…”

The 1906 building on First and Broadway has been under city scrutiny regarding the alleged “safety” issues, which resulted in a two week-closure in July. Morreale was allowed a temporary permit to reopen and operate his businesses while he continued to do battle with the city. The deadline to bring the building up to the city’s safety standards came and went on Halloween with no resolution.

According to the foreclosure documents on the Broadway building, Morreale Hotels LLC owes $2.02 million from a 2008 loan of $3.78 million.

Stay tuned. This story is not going anywhere soon.

New Year’s Eve olive-drop option

I told you earlier this week about several ways you can welcome in 2013 on Dec. 31. While in no way did I make the claim that the list was all-inclusive, I did overlook the Tavern Downtown’s annual NYE Tavern Olive Drop and rooftop view of the city’s annual fireworks display.

NYE revelers will have a front row seat to fireworks on Denver’s largest rooftop patio at 1949 Market St. At the 60-second countdown to midnight, Tavern’s Olive Drop will begin its descent. The two-foot illuminated olive will drop 20 feet into a 15-foot tall and seven-foot wide illuminated martini glass on top of the Tavern’s rooftop.

Tickets are $45 for arrival between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and $50 for those arriving after 9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $40 at www.tavernhg.com. Complimentary champagne toast and party favors will help partygoers celebrate the evening.

For more New Year’s Eve restaurant reservation options, go to http://www.opentable.com/opentables.aspx?t=reg&n=764,2201,1125,7613,2651,529,7913,7634,730,1269,769,2924,1487,5399,893,894,492,2954,896,3737,8066,889,1123,4604,1565,8159,2528,1126,7907,1366,1477,7040,2192,2645,2069,2888,493,2855,890,891,892,5957,1302,4439,2195,814,7577,895,1572,2198,2189,113,1468,4307,2819,6524&m=5&p=2&d=12/31/2012%207:00:00%20PM&scpref=110&fsr=1&spMailingID=4611772&spUserID=MjgxMDAyMjc5NzAS1&spJobID=135729652&spReportId=MAS2.

Drink on

Again, assuming the world didn’t end today, Coohills restaurant at 1400 Wewatta, is willing to flirt with potential disaster with The End of Thyme cocktail, which consists of Hangar One Buddha’s Hand Citron Vodka, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, muddled strawberries, fresh thyme and a splash of Cointreau.

If we live to see Saturday, Coohills will serve the creative cocktail through the end of the year.

Eavesdropping on a UPS truck driver (and Broncos fan) and a skeptical friend: “Broncos are going to the Super Bowl, baby!”

“Is Pat Bowlen buying them all tickets?”

Rock on

Colorado-born rocker Ryan Tedder, lead singer of the hot band OneRepublic, will open a Southern Hospitality restaurant in downtown Denver this summer.

CRL Associates associates Roger Sherman and Cathie Greig on Friday night continued their tradition, in its sixth year, of treating the staff at The Palm to a high-end toast for the holidays.

The annual ritual – which has included shots of expensive cognac or glasses of high-end wine – arose from a winter blizzard six years ago that cancelled Sherman and Greig’s holiday trip to Chicago, and it has since become a beloved holiday tradition.

“Cathie and I appreciate the warm welcome and exceptional service we always receive at The Palm,” Sherman said. “This is our small way to say ‘thank you’ to the entire staff  from dishwashers to managers.”

The Palm’s sommelier Brian Brandt chose 3.0 liter Jeroboams (aka double magnums), which equal four standard bottles of wine, of Quintessa 2009 and Duckhorn 2008.

The Quintessa bottle was signed by the winemakers from the boutique winery in the Napa Valley.

Sherman and Greig have worked together at CRL for 13 years. “We’re the glue that holds CRL together,” they joked.

Bye-bye Burnsley

The historic Burnsley Hotel, an iconic Capitol Hill building, closed last week after it was acquired by Denver developer RedPeak Properties.

The 17-story all-suite hotel was originally built as an apartment community in 1963. Shortly thereafter, the building was converted into a hotel and jazz club, whose owners included singer Ella Fitzgerald and actor Kirk Douglas.

In 1969, philanthropists Joy and Franklin Burns purchased the property and completely renovated the hotel.

“Mrs. Burns has decided to reduce the scope of her real estate portfolio and to enjoy more personal time,” said a press release about the closure.

RedPeak intends to reposition the property to a luxury apartment community and invest more than $5 million to achieve that goal.

“We are very excited to add this wonderful Denver story and trophy asset to our portfolio. This will further expand our central Denver apartment presence,” said Mike Zoellner, CEO of RedPeak Properties.

RedPeak plans to begin renovation in early 2013. Preliminary plans include common area upgrades, life-safety improvements, mechanical system upgrades and complete unit overhauls.

Watch list

Restaurant trend watcher Fast Casual.com recently posted its “2012: The five fast-casual executives to watch.”

“They are all industry veterans, but some are new to the fast-casual segment, the concepts they represent, or both,” the report said.

Snagging the No. 1 position of the top five executives to watch in 2012 is Monty Moran, Denver-based Chipotle co-CEO.

“Although Chipotle founder Steve Ells has long-held the company limelight, it was the chain’s illegal workforce issue this past year that put co-CEO Monty Moran there as well,” the report said. “Chipotle was the target of a major federal crackdown on illegal employees, causing the company to lose more than half of its 900 workers in Minnesota and hundreds more in the Washington, D.C., and Virginia markets. Martin has become an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and has met this year with senators across party lines.

“He has expressed to lawmakers that he needs access to a strong legal workforce as the company is expected to hire more than 100,000 employees over the next three years…So far, the investigation into Chipotle’s hiring practices has cost the company more than $1 million in legal fees. In 2012, we expect Moran will continue to help shape a solution to the immigration debate.”

To see the whole list, go to www.fastcasual.com.

Sweet treat

Vail’s Sweet Basil restaurant, arguably the ski town’s most popular eatery, unveils its first cookbook to celebrate the restaurant’s 35th anniversary.

The Sweet Basil Cookbook includes more than 50 recipes that have been modified for cooking at home, but includes all the flavors and substance of the dishes served in the restaurant.

“We had thousands of menu items to consider when choosing the recipes for the cookbook,” said Executive Chef Paul Anders. “Our goal was to select dishes that resonate with guests. The challenge was scaling them back to a size that works for cooking at home.”

The Sweet Basil Cookbook is available by calling 1-970-476-0125 or at www.sweetbasil-vail.com. Sweet Basil has been voted “Colorado’s Most Popular Restaurant” by the editors of Zagat.

The Seen

At Mail It! Pack It! Ship It! in Cherry Creek North: former Chairman of the National Western Stock Show Pat Grant, events and design guru David Alexander, realtor Carrie Warnecke, TV sports radio personality and motivational speaker Mark McIntosh and nail salon extraordinaire Diane Doughty Winslow.

Eavesdropping on advice from one woman to another regarding an upcoming trip to Africa: “Smoke, smoke, smoke. It’ll cover up the B.O.”

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

You can’t swing a streamer in town without hitting an event or venue where you can ring in the new year.

Here are some highlights of the evening festivities guaranteed to score a midnight smooch:

* Light the night during Denver’s explosive firework displays at 9 p.m. and again at midnight above the 16th Street Mall, the Mile High City’s mile-long pedestrian promenade.

Between the fireworks shows there will be DJs, live music, magicians, balloon artists and outdoor ice skating while horse-drawn carriages clatter up and down the street.

For information on New Year’s Eve packages and deals at some of Denver’s finest hotels, ranging from the luxurious to the budget friendly, go to www.milehighholidays.com.

* The Children’s Museum of Denver will ring in New Year’s Eve like New York’s Times Square with ball drops every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children of all ages can count down the ball drops, watch confetti plash the plaza, and make fireworks with their feet when they jump on massive sheets of bubble wrap. Free with admission.

* The Denver Zoo is hosting “Bunk With the Beasts,” where parents can leave their kids to explore Zoo Lights and celebrate sleepover-style in a safe environment. The evening includes pizza, snack and breakfast for $65 per member or $75 for non-members.

* The Colorado Symphony Orchestra will keep New Year’s Eve classy with a Vienna-themed selection of waltzes, polkas and classics beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall. Tickets are from $25 to $88.

* The Grand Hyatt Denver knows how to party on Dec. 31 with a premium open bar, buffet supper, champagne toast at midnight, party hats and favors and balloon drops in three ballrooms. Entertainment from The Nacho Men and Denver’s Best Dueling Pianos. Tickets are $139 per person for the party only, or $399 for two party tickets and overnight hotel accommodations. Tickets available at Blacktie (of course). https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/online_sales/rsvp_ticket_purchase.cfm?rsvpid=6837

* The Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport Convention Center, Colorado’s largest hotel event space, is throwing a NYE Block Party with the takeover of seven hotels within walking distance. Tickets are $49 to $79.

* The newly renovated McNichols Building in Civic Center Park will turn into a speakeasy to ring in the New Year. Ticket proceeds will go to the S.O.U.L. Foundation’s projects in Uganda. Admission is $75.

* Dance in the New Year at a massive celebration at the Colorado Convention Center, the biggest and most extravagant venue in Denver. Tickets are $50 to $150.

* The annual White Rose Gala at the Hilton DoubleTree DTC is a night of living theater where you are part of a musical and theatrical performance. Tickets are $59 to $499.

* All of the Bonanno Concepts restaurants, owned by Chef Frank Bonanno, will be open New Year’s Eve with some serving special menus to celebrate the birth of 2013.

Mizuna and Luca d’Italia at Seventh and Grant will serve chef’s tasting menus with optional wine pairings. At Luca, Executive Chef Hunter Pritchett has created a seven-course menu. At Mizuna, Chef Stephen McCary will orchestrate a stunning six-course prix fixe menu.

Osteria Marco on Larimer Square will serve a three-course prix fixe menu from Executive Chef Burton Koelliker. Across Larimer, cocktail enthusiasts looking for a snazzy spot with live music are invited to Green Russell, which will host the Scott Grove Quartet for the evening.

Reservations are highly recommended at each restaurant: www.mizunadenver.com, www.lucadenver.com, www.osteriamarco.com and www.greenrusselldenver.com.

* 1515 Restaurant on 1515 Market St. is ringing in the new year with a tantalizing tasting menu created by Chef Garren Teich, inspired by famed Chef Auguste Escoffier, who created the first-class menus for the Titanic.

The early seating reservations taken from 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 31 features a decadent three-course menu for $40 per person (not including tax and gratuity), and late seating reservations beginning at 6 p.m. features four courses for $60 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

Guests at both seatings will receive a complimentary glass of champagne and musical entertainment. Reservations are required by calling 303-571-0011 or by going to http://www.1515restaurant.com/index.php/new-year-s-eve.

* Bring in the New Year with local vocal Hazel Miller and her band at Coohills, 1400 Wewatta.

Coohills is featuring three options for the event: Enjoy a casual evening in the bar with a limited a la Carte menu for $40 per person or $75 per couple cover charge.

There’s also a special prix fixe menu in the main dining room with early seating reservations between 5 and  6:30 pm for a five-course meal at $75 per person (not including tax and gratuity).

Or late seating reservations starting at 8 pm, featuring seven courses with music and dancing to the soulful sounds of the Hazel Miller Band for $135 per person (not including tax & gratuity).

The band will perform from 8:30 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. Reservations: 303-623-5700 or at www.coohills.com.

Sandy survivor support

Join Denver’s New Jersey transplants from 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday at Vesper Lounge on Seventh and Grant for “Operation Sandy Rescue,” a fundraiser to benefit the Westfield Rotary Club in New Jersey for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

The cost is $20 at the door with 100 percent of all entrance fees, food and liquor sales going to the charity.

The event is brought to you by Jersey girls and boys Wendy Aiello, (Vesper owner) Frank Bonanno, Phil Cortese, Sean Duffy, Ken Fellman, Carmine Iadorola, Michael Kearns, Sean Kenyon and Gene Sobczak.

Jackson’s joins Celebrity Lanes

Celebrity Lanes, the 40-lane bowling alley, kid zone, arcade, tap house, sports grill and outdoor bocce ball facility that opened at Centennial Center (on the northwest corner of East Arapahoe and South Parker roads) last year, has changed the restaurant operator to Jackson’s All American Sports Grill.

Kelmore Development is the owner and developer of the project. I’m told that the bowling alley is busy, and that now, thanks to Jackson’s, so is the restaurant space. The project is a $13 million 50,000-square-foot family entertainment center.

Eavesdropping on a wife and her husband: “How do you like this outfit?”
“It’s fine.”

“Just fine?”
“Well, it’s not cut down to your navel or up to your hip, so it’s ‘just’ fine.
Wife leaves the room.

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.