When the longtime owner of the Lancer Lounge opted to shutter the neighborhood place at 233 E. Seventh Ave. after succumbing to personal financial pressures, it was no surprise that Denver restaurant mogul Frank Bonanno would take over the seedy space.

Nestled between Bonanno’s fine dining spot Mizuna and noodle house Bones, and just around the corner from Luca d’Italia, it only made sense to brand the block as Bonanno’s.

So six weeks ago, Lancer started morphing into Vesper Lounge with a limited menu, crafted cocktails, beers in cans and on tap, nightly happy hours from 4 to 6 p.m. and 11 to 1 p.m. plus all day Monday, along with savory snacks.

I checked out the place Thursday along with Bonanno PR gal Lauren Hendrick and Westword editor Patty Calhoun to see Bonanno’s interpretation of the famous dive bar.

Have no fear, Vesper isn’t a Yuppie bar, but rather a cleaned-up version of its old self with upholstered booths from the recently shuttered Ambria restaurant that were sold in auction. New kitschy touches include religious candles from Mexico scattered around the walls.

Vesper’s menu items include “Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!” (fries, no chips, with or without cheese), a potpourri of sandwiches such as a classic club, marinated fish or shaved Colorado lamb pita, Greek lamb patty, gyro, meats on stick and dips served with warm pita.

More information: http://www.facebook.com/VesperLounge.

Next up for Bonanno Concepts: a first venture into the ‘burbs with Bonanno Brothers Pizzeria, which will open early next year at The Vistas at Park Meadow in Lone Tree.

3d Printing Store premieres

I’m easily amazed by new technology – something I struggle at best to keep up with. So “amazing” is the most appropriate word to describe 3d Printing, Colorado’s first 3D printing store that just opened at 4603 Monaco St.

There is currently one location, but look for pop-up versions of the 3d Printing Store springing up after the first of the year.

On Tuesday, I had a sneak peek of the high-tech store that prints everything from machinery parts to bracelets. Here is a picture of a bracelet that company co-founder Debra Wilcox and I had printed during the open house event.

Wilcox, along with young entrepreneur David Perleberg, are some of the partners behind the new venture.

In addition to trinkets, the 3D printing process holds promise for medicine, health, inventors, artists and industrial prototyping. Wilcox and Perleberg are already working with inventors anxious to prototype their products.

And just for fun, folks can design and print their own customized iPhone of Android phone covers and other consumer items.

The store will host parties for groups of kids or adults where they can learn about 3d printing and take home something they make.

The 3d Printing Store is also negotiating a deal with a new system that takes a portrait and allows you to have a very detailed portrait printed in plastic.

For more information, visit www.the3dprintingstore.com or e-mail info@the3dprintingstore.com.

A good life lived

The public is invited to a Celebration of Life in memory of community leader and philanthropist Linda Goto at 2 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Goto, 70, died of pneumonia recently at Sky Ridge Medical Center. She had also quietly battled leukemia for several years.

Most recently, Goto worked as an event planner for The Denver Hospice where she coordinated the biannual Mask Project, the organization’s largest fundraiser.

She was most well-known as a tireless volunteer and fundraiser for various nonprofits including the SaddleUp! Foundation in Parker, Cancer League of Colorado, Arapahoe House, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Goto was as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside, and her grace and generosity will be sorely missed.

Goodwill hunting

Join Goodwill and Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18 to help kick off Goodwill’s end-of-the-year donation campaign at the Goodwill store at 21 S. Broadway, Denver.

Fans that bring a donation for Goodwill will get a chance to meet Woodyard. And donors will receive a receipt for a tax deduction before 2012 comes to a close.

Woodyard will kick off the donation drive by donating an autographed football to Goodwill, which will be auctioned off at www.shopgoodwill.com. Proceeds from the auctioned ball will benefit Goodwill’s career development programs in metro Denver and northern Colorado, which help more than 21,000-at-risk youth, struggling adults and individuals with disabilities.

Eavesdropping on a woman to another woman after a meeting: “That meeting was so low energy that I needed meeting Viagra.”

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.

Epernay restaurant, which refers to the capital of France’s Champagne region, will open in Denver’s theater district this month next to Backstage Coffee on 14th and Arapahoe.

The new project is the brainchild of Opal restaurant owner J Chadrom who’s taking on the formidable space along with Asian-French fusion chef Duy Pham, who earned his culinary chops at Tante Louise, Flow in The Jet Hotel and other projects in the metro suburbs and Pueblo.

Pham said after his four-year hiatus from Denver, he’s ready to rejoin downtown’s burgeoning restaurant scene. “I’ll be dealing with a lot of local farmers,” Pham said about ingredients he will use for what he calls a Modern American menu.

The spacious space will include a raw bar with oysters, clams, mussels, king crab legs and lobster. The sushi dishes will offer sashimi and rolls while foregoing any fried foods.

In fact, a fryer won’t be found inside Epernay’s kitchen. “We are very health-based,” Pham said. “Dishes will be very clean without a ton of sauce all over the plate.”

Pham will liberally use the French sous-vide method of cooking food sealed in airtight plastic bags in a temperature-controlled water bath for longer than normal cooking times.

Pham predicts that entrees will cost roughly $20 to $27 for seven to 10 ounces of protein on a composed plate that will include a starch and vegetable. He’ll also offer a five, seven or nine-course chef’s tasting menu for dinner when the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday with valet parking as an option.

The restaurant’s crew is also intent on creating a serious bar menu with cocktails that pair with Pham’s food, plus a list that includes 15 cocktails along with 50 sakes and 50 vintage champagnes.

You can check out the restaurant’s progress at http://epernaylounge.com/.

Diamonds are Denver’s best friends

The Ritz-Carlton Denver, the only local hotel to have won the five-diamond designation from AAA three years in a row, celebrated with a select group of guests Monday in the hotel’s sweet suite.

The award recognizes The Ritz’s commitment to excellence as defined by the AAA standards and guidelines. New general manager Steve Janicek accepted the honor on behalf of the hotel’s staff.

Socks don’t rock

Join Denver business, city and sports leaders for the inaugural “No Socks to Work Day today, and campaign to gather sock donations for Denver’s homeless.

The campaign will run through Dec. 31. With support from local companies including Crocs, HomeSmart Realty, Marco’s Pizza Colorado and Communications Strategy Group, No Socks to Work Day has gained traction.

The intent is to ask workers to forego their socks for the day, donate a new pair of socks in their place, and sport bare ankles in the workplace to show support for the campaign. The goal is to raise 50,000 pairs of socks to be donated to local organizations supporting the homeless like the Denver Rescue Mission.

Those participating in today’s “No Socks to Work” pledge can register on Twittter @NoSocksToWork. Go to www.twitter.com/nosockstowork and Tweet: “I’m going sockless to work on 12/12 to support No-Socks-To-Work Day. I’ll donate a pair of new socks to the homeless.”

Participants can also connect with No Socks to Work Day on Facebook and post images of sockless employees: https://www.facebook.com/NoSocksToWorkDay.

More information at www.NoSocksToWork.org.

12-12-12

Tuaca Liqueur has launched its new Cinnaster line in Colorado today – only one of four states where the liqueur is available.

The launch party takes place during a Cinnfull & Sweet Release party this evening at Dive Inn (1380 S. Broadway) to introduce the brand to the Colorado market.

Cinnaster combines Italian brandies, vanilla and citrus with a kick of cinnamon flavor and represents the first time Tuaca has expanded its brand.

To support the launch of Cinnaster, Tuaca will air television commercials in Denver, Colorado Springs and Austin starting early next year. For more information about Tuaca, go to www.tuaca.com.

The Seen: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch on Saturday. Not skiing (obviously).

Eavesdropping on a woman talking to another woman about her recent mammogram: “When the lady asked me if I had any implants, I said, ‘Well, if I did, I was robbed!'”

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.

By day, Anthony Aragon is a mild-mannered city worker toiling inside the office of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

But when work is done, he unleashes his alter-ego and glues on lashes as the beautiful bawdy Lushus La’Rell, Aragon’s drag queen alter ego.

On Sunday, Lushus and his legal husband David Westman (who’s drag persona is Nuclia Waste), hosted a brunch to announce that Lushus was running for Empress 40 of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire.

On April 13, voters can go to Cheeseman Park to vote by showing a Colorado drivers’ license.

Coronation 40: A Mile High Affair, the Making of a Monarchy, will take place April 19 at the Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec. (More info at www.denvercourt.org).

“Most every city has an Imperial Court,” Aragon said about the national organization that raises money for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered ) community. “I want to use my community connections of the Imperial Court and the money they raise year in and year out. ”

Westman said about his spouse (they were married in Connecticut), “It’s amazing how much Anthony is connected to the city and nonprofits. We are all lucky people that Anthony is a part of Denver.”

Christmas cheer

Every year since I can remember, Edie and Mort Marks, staunch Republicans and tireless hosts with the most, open their Englewood home and throw a Christmas party for clients and friends.

“Congressman Mike Coffman has attended for 30 years, back to our old house in Heritage Place,” Edie told me. “We have lived in this house 28 years…and we fit into it very well all but one night per year when it is filled with 250 of our closest friends.”

The hearty party on Saturday included fab food catered by The Pines at Genesee, and the valet was provided by RPM. But the merriment was bittersweet for Edie who lost her great friend and active Denver philanthropist Linda Goto .

“When my bartenders arrived, they asked where I put the champagne bottle I always have on hand for my dear friend, Linda Goto,” Edie said. “I had to tell them that we had lost dear Linda to cancer just two weeks before.”

Edie is the 2013 Chair of the Cancer League Ball and Chair of the Corporate Committee, so in lieu of gifts, she asked for donations to Cancer League of Colorado.

Edie will also be raising money for Cancer League during a Shop for the Soul event with wine and cheese from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Swoozie’s, Sixth Avenue and Fillmore. Shoppers will get a great discount on gifts, and a portion of proceeds will go to the charity. No RSVP required.

Tweet up and drink up

Foodie and Twitter guru Sarah Gore is bringing her Pied Piper band of faithful followers to her monthly #twEATDrink to 1515 Restaurant , beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at 1515 Market St. The gang gathers monthly in a restaurant where they network and tweet about the place and the food.

The restaurant’s happy hour consists of a $5 Bar Menu, which includes: Pork Sliders, Kobe Beef Slider, Honey Mussels, Chicken Wings and Philly Cheesesteaks.

Drinks during happy hour are $5 for draft beer, house wines and a selection of cocktails.

Gore was named of Westword’s 2012 Denver #WebAwards winners for “Best Eater on Twitter”.

The newspaper said, “Foodnik-around-town Sarah Gore has that tweet thing down to a super-savvy science, keystroking 140 characters multiple times a day. With 20,406 tweets to her name, she’s a restaurant cheerleader, a chef’s dream customer, a consumer advocate of manners and etiquette, an in-the-know, and a go-to source for insider gossip. Even better, she almost always posts a food-porn photo (or two) to go with her words. And while tweeting isn’t her day job, she always manages to find the time to re-tweet the restaurant world’s most salient stories, and she’s not shy about dispensing kudos to her growing legion of followers.

The Colorado Convention Center is stepping up its cuisine scene to incorporate Colorado-produced eats into its concession stands.

Centerplate, the Convention Center’s official caterer, has brought in Colorado suppliers such as Polidori Sausage, Continental Sausage, produce from Blue Bear Farm (Centerplate’s 5,000-square-foot urban garden), along with grass-fed beef burgers from TAG chef/owner Troy Guard, to up its good-grub game to appeal to conventioneers who bring in millions of dollars annually to support our economy.

“We started this project in February by talking to talents in the country using local products and bringing authentic Colorado (cuisine) to the Convention Center,” said Laurence Rua, Centerplate’s regional vice president, during a press lunch Thursday.

All 14 of the Convention Center concessions are now sending a clear Colorado cuisine message to its visitors.

“We’re designing food not just to eat, we’re designing food to community the message to say welcome to Colorado, which is our theme of the redesign of the food program,” said John Sergi, Centerplate’s chief design officer.

QR codes on concession stand signage connect with the www.visitdenver.com website to take viewers to see other eateries around town where out-of-towners can dine.

Other chef consultants who were brought into the program’s redesign were Roberto Santibanez, a New York restaurateur and author of Truly Mexican, who created tortas and tacos using local ingredients, and Italian expert Bill Pustari from New Haven, Conn., who created pizzas using seasonal vegetables and locally sourced meats.

The public is invited to try-out the new food program whenever the Convention Center is open.

Spoiler alert

If you haven’t watched your recorded version of Wednesday’s “Top Chef” series on Bravo, don’t read this.

Denver’s Tyler Wiard, exec chef of Elway’s steakhouse, was told to “pack his knives and go” after he was paired up with CJ, one of the show’s past chef-testants after the reluctant duo bummed out the judges with a badly executed pork burger.

But don’t count Wiard down and out quite yet. Bravo continues the contest with “Last Chance Kitchen,” a web-only battle by the outsted chefs to win a place back on the big show.

On this week’s webcast, Wiard and CJ were again paired (to their amusement and chagrin) and challenged to make a dessert in competition against reigning “Last Chance Kitchen” champ Kuniko Yagi.

Chef/judge Tom Colicchio declared the pair the winners of the dessert challenge for their cherry fritters and hay (yes, you read that right) ice cream. So they will move on to face the next ousted “Top Chef” contender.

To see the webisode, go to http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef

It’s the end of the world as we know it?

Party like there’s no tomorrow with a package at Denver’s The Curtis – a Doubletree Hilton hotel on Dec. 21, the day the world will end, according to the Mayan calendar.

The Party Like There’s No To-Maya package, priced at $12,021 (does money really matter if Earth takes a powder?), gets you and dozens of your closest friends rental of the entire 15th floor, including the British Invasion Suite and the Rolling Stone Suite plus 22 guest rooms; limousine transportation to the downtown hotel; a full floor party with two bars stocked with top-shelf alcohol, a spread of glutinous foods and decked out with party decor and rockin’ music; apocalypse-worthy guest room amenities including freeze-dried foods, gas masks, anti-radiation tablets and water purifications tablets and a tattoo artist ready to give you the butterfly or tribal tattoo that you’ve always wanted.

And if the sun does come out on Dec. 22, the hotel’s Corner Office restaurant will throw in brunch for 48 people and limo transportation home.

To book the doomsday package, go to www.thecurtis.com or call 1-800-525-6651.

All that glitters…

The third annual Trice Jewelers Holiday Party is scheduled between 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 13 in the store at 6885 S. University Blvd. (South University and East Easter Avenue) in Centennial.

You can shop, sip and snack knowing a percentage of the evening’s proceeds will go to the Cancer Center at the University of Colorado Hospital. RSVP to Wendy Duncan at duncanhome@q.com or by calling 303-981-8850.

Shop for the Soul

Swoozie’s, the darling card and gift shop on Sixth Avenue and Fillmore, is holding Shop for the Soul events where three local social and businesswomen are hosting events that give shoppers discounts while also donating a portion of the proceeds to the hostesses’ pet charity.

I am kicking off the shopping series from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the store to support Sense of Security (www.senseofsecurity.org). Regal realtor Edie Marks takes on hostess duties from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 to benefit Cancer League of Colorado (www.cancerleague.org), and philanthropist/socialite Jamie Angelich will host her event from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 for Excelsior Youth Center (www.excelsioryc.org).

Come shop till you drop with pre-holiday discounts and to satisfy your soul by giving back to local non-profits.

Meet the parents

Former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is making hay in the New York gossip columns with a much higher completion rate than he ever had during his short stint here.

The New York Jets back-up QB apparently has introduced actress girlfriend Camilla Belle to his parents, and “mom and dad approve,” according to an item Thursday in the New York Post’s Page Six column, which credits In Touch magazine for the initial report.

“His mom, Pam, likes that Camilla comes from a strict Catholic family, and loves that she does so much work with a children’s charity,” Page Six said, quoting an In Touch source. “Pam thinks Camilla could be the girl Tim has been waiting for!”

Here’s the link to the story: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/tim_tebow_introduces_camilla_belle_wl8S5J9u5EYGn2G1mCkzmI.

Eavesdropping on a man: “Ok, I don’t think I am in danger of the fiscal cliff since I have not even gotten close yet to the fiscal summit.”

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.

VIEWHOUSE, a new Denver eatery with a killer rooftop patio, is under construction in Denver’s ballpark neighborhood at 20th and Market Street and scheduled to open next spring.

The Denver-based corporation’s principals are Brad Manske as managing partner who has more than 20 years’ experience in the casual eatery industry along with well-established nightclub kind and restaurateur Francois Safieddine as landlord and money man.

The multilevel eatery, bar and rooftop concept includes a 6,500-square-foot restaurant, a 7,000-square-foot rooftop patio and a 7,000-square-foot courtyard.

The rooftop patio-bar will be one of the largest in the Ballpark Neighborhood offering unprecedented and unobstructed 360-degree views of the mountains and the city.

Indoor and outdoor TV screens and a variety of bar activities will cater to Denver’s biggest sports fans and casual diners

“We are excited to be the newest addition in the Ballpark District with an inclusive, chef-driven concept,” Safieddine said about chef Jose Guerrero, whose resume includes stings at Roy’s Cherry Creek and Pizza Republica. “Our outdoor patios will have some of the largest TV screens to view games and partake in the beautiful Colorado skies.”

The VIEWHOUSE menu will include bar fare classics such as burgers, the Caesar salad, Patty Melt, Philly Cheese Steak along with new interpretations of the Walnut Apple Salad, Red Bird Farms roasted chicken, Lamb Sliders and Hot Iron Seared Salmon.

The indoor-outdoor areas include spaces for Bocce Ball, volleyball, Ping Pong and other outdoor games. For information updates, sign up at www.viewhouseco.com.

Swallow Hill Rootsfest

Rootsfest, which began in 2007, is Swallow Hill Music’s annual concert fundraiser from 1:30 to 3:30 Saturday at Swallow Hill, 71 E. Yale.

The goal is to raise $45,000 for the nonprofit organization’s year-round education programs. The event has showcased both seasoned and up-and-coming artists in the celebration of roots music. This year’s concert features singer-songwriters Patty Griffin and Todd Snider, with an opening appearance by Lake Street Dive.

More information at www.swallowhillmusic.org.

PR and advertising pros going toe to toe for charity

Wendy Aiello and Jay Clark are challenging all PR and advertising industry pros to leave the office and buy a toy to donate to the Care 4 Colorado toy drive.

Here’s the deal: Just purchase a new toy that is $20 or less and drop the toys off at your local King Soopers in the Boys & Girls Clubs bins or at the CBS4 lobby at 1044 Lincoln St.

In-store collection day is Dec. 13. CBS4 and Boys & Girls Clubs representatives will be on site at the King Soopers at Colorado and Yale from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. to collect toys. For more information, call 303-355-3838, and someone from Aiello Public Relations and Marketing will swing by and pick up your donation.

Voices On High

“Share the Magic” is a Christmas song consisting of more than 40 local singing talents and a handful of musicians located in and from Colorado. The song is written and produced by Ric Podmore. View a full list of artist credits at www.voicesonhigh.org.

Just in time for the 2012 Christmas season. This is a fantastic song!

“All involved are great artists and performers,” songstress Pam Savage told me. “Everything was done gratis. All effort and concentration was put on the production, so the administrative and charitable component was put on the back burner.

“We have partnered with Giving First where each artist will choose a charity then ask the friends, fans, etc. to donate to online through www.givingfirst.org.

Shop for the Soul

Come shopping with me at Swoozie’s at Sixth and Fillmore, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and receive a 20 percent discount on purchases plus an added 10 percent of proceeds that will benefit Sense of Security, my pet breast-cancer charity (www.senseofsecurity.org).

Not only will you be able to buy great gifts at a discount prior to Christmas, but you will feed your soul by helping out a Colorado-based charity.

Also to put on your calendar other Shop for the Soul events: Regal Realtor Edie Marks will host a shopping event at Swoozie’s from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 to benefit Cancer League of Colorado, and the fabulous and generous Jamie Angelich will also host a Swoozie’s shopping evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18.

Come and buy gifts with a discount while donating to deserving non-profits. Refreshments will be served.

Happy birthday to me

My unbelievably thoughtful husband, Mr. On the Town (aka Greg Henry), not only took me to a fab lobster dinner at The Palm on Sunday, but he shocked me with the most creative gift he’s ever given to me.

I am obsessed with Kathie Lee and Hoda, as I constantly remind him. I was on the Today show set years ago when Katie Couric co-hosted with Matt Lauer because Pat Peeples, who represented Vail Resorts at the time, had an “in” because she had booked skiing trips with Lauer.

Sadly, he wasn’t on the show that day, but we got to meet Couric and Ann Curry in the Green Room.

Here’s what my husband posted on Facebook and Twitter via YouTube: “My wife Penny’s reax to getting a visit to see Hoda & Kathy Lee at the Today Show as her b-day present! I think she liked it! http://bit.ly/TDPKsa.”

Eavesdropping on two women at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club: “Would you drive 100 mph to come to see her?”

“No, but I’d drive too many miles-per-hour to get away!”

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.

There are a couple of new young guns in Denver’s public affairs strategy, business development and government relations OK Corral.

RD Sewald, a long-time figure at Denver City Hall and the State Capitol, and Josh Hanfling, a well-known participant in the Colorado political, business and nonprofit arenas, have joined forces to create Sewald Hanfling, LLC, a Colorado-based public affairs strategy firm serving corporate, non-profit and political entities.

Hanfling, who dabbled in several businesses since arriving in Denver from Washington, D.C., in 1992, moved to London last year to run a foundation for his best buddy and former boarding school chum.

He returned to Denver, a place he claims that everyone who leaves eventually comes back to, on Nov. 16, the same day that Sewald left his post as senior strategic advisor and director of government affairs for Gov. John Hickenlooper. The twosome hung their shingle on their 511 Broadway office and opened for business on Nov. 19.

“I spent the last 20 years trying to make Denver and Colorado a great place to live,” Hanfling said. “Now, I’m going to get paid for it.”

The duo estimated that they met in 1996 when Hanfling, then a fledgling business owner, contacted Sewald, then Denver’s director of zoning, over an issue Hanfling was having with the city. They became fast friends ever since.

“RD and I have been working on stuff for years for candidates and fundraising,” Hanfling said. “At the end of the day, it was just fun. It’s like (ice cream kings) Ben and Jerry’s motto: If it’s not fun, why do it?”

Sewald, who’s spent his professional life in public service, said he thinks that both partners have a synergistic relationship that should serve them well as entrepreneurs.

“When you decide you want to partner with someone, you look at strengths and weaknesses,” Sewald said. “Josh’s experience with charities and my experience with government complement our strengths. When you combine the business community with government relations, it’s a pretty powerful list in terms of knowing folks.”

For more information on Sewald Hanfling, its services and founders, go to www.sewaldhanfling.com.

Beggin’ for bacon

Got time for swine? Denver’s first Bacon and Beer Festival trots into town from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at Mile High Station, 2027 W. Lower Colfax Ave.

The event, sponsored by @eatboston, Forkly and Denver Off the Wagon, features a host of Denver-area eateries, which will be serving samples of their bacon-based dishes paired with beers from local suds sites.

Proceeds from the pork party will benefit Metro CareRing and Project Angel Heart. The event is also supported by Whole Foods Markets and American Homestead Bacon.

For tickets and more info on participating restaurants and breweries go to http://wheretoeat.in/calendar/63/29-2012-Denver-Bacon-and-Beer-Festival/.

Larkburger’s new location

Downtown Denver is finally getting a burger bonus with the opening Saturday of the 10th Larkburger on California Street just off the 16th Street Mall.

The Colorado-based fast-casual burger chain will open at 10:30 Saturday, with regular hours from 10:30 to 9 p.m. daily.

The award-winning restaurant group (Larkburger won this year’s Denver Burger Battle) is committed to being eco-friendly. For the new downtown location that means chairs are made from recycled plastic bottles; canola oil is recycled for automotive fuel; cups, utensils and containers are 100 percent biodegradable and reclaimed timber is used in the interior design.

Larkburger will open its next restaurant in Broomfield in mid-December. For more information, go to www.larkburger.com.

Holiday happening

Mariel, the tres chic boutique  at 3000 E. Third Ave. in Cherry Creek North, is holding a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

The event includes two trunk shows from Vilaiwan Fine Jewelry and Alberto Makali Furs. In addition, award-winning author Lee Clayton Roper, author of A Well-Seasoned Kitchen, will sign books from 3 to 6 p.m.

Guests will enjoy appetizers from Roper’s cookbook and pastries from Gateaux with sipping wine, shopping and socializing.

More information: 303-623-1151 or at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mariel/191410474271658?fref=ts. Visit the Facebook page and “like” Mariel. Owner Denise Snyder would love some love!

Good give

There are so many worthy causes to give to on Dec. 4, the official Colorado Gives Day when Coloradans are encouraged to donate to a charitable organization listed on www.givingfirst.org during that 24-hour period.

During that date, Colorado Neurological Institute’s partner restaurants TAG on Larimer Square and Undici Ristorante, 1200 E. Hampden in Englewood, will donate 10 percent of food sales to CNI’s efforts in research, patient services and education.

For more information about CNI, go to www.thecni.org.

Spoiler alert

Skip this if you don’t want to know developments and drama from Wednesday’s episode of “Top Chef Seattle” on Bravo.

After blowing it with a bottom round crudo in the Quck Fire Challenge, our man Tyler Wiard, exec chef at Elway’s, made it to the final four in the elimination challenge with his retro crab cocktail.

He missed winning the $10,000 prize by a claw! Instead, the noshing nod went to Kristen for sauteed mushrooms and deep-fried onions (really?).

Schiavone says so long

Jenny Schiavone, a sister gingy, sent out her swan song to her media friends on Wednesday saying that it was her last day as “PR chick” for DIA.

She’s accepted a strategic communications position at ICF International, a consulting firm, where she’ll be contracted to FEMA Region VIII working on a national preparedness project (wow, she’s pretty and smart?).

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with “Jen” all these years starting when she was a kid working PR for Denver Center Attractions.

Stacey Stegman, long-time spokesmodel for CDOT (she’s got beauty and brains too!), will be the new global communications director for DIA starting Dec. 10.

To Jen: “You go girl!”

Eavesdropping on a man to a woman at Citygrille: “I’m a neophyte when it comes to politics. I’m way too self-absorbed.”

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.