Hotel Monaco Denver will host the free launch party for local Denver fashion designer and “Project Runway All Star” winner Mondo Guerra’s new collection from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 in the hotel lobby. Guerra’s new collection, MONDO, will feature textural novelty sweater knits and versatile separates. The new collection will also coincide with the launch of a new logo and website for the designer as well.

“Keeping the collection all black and white reminded me why my ideas are so colorful: because I dream in color. I challenge the notion that it’s black and white versus color. The two work dually to give balance to your style,” Guerra said. “This collection is centered on the concept that these clothes are merely a template and you are the creative. You are the decision maker for your look. Take a leap. It’s all about looking forward.”

Guerra will be at the event to celebrate his new collection and discuss the inspiration behind his latest designs.  In addition, a pop-up boutique will be set up in the lobby where guests can purchase items from the new collection on-site.

Guests can preview streaming photos of the collection on a big screen TV while enjoying appetizers, a special “Mondotini” cocktail and music from local DJs. Additionally, the first 100 guests in attendance will receive a special gift bag including:

* INDYINK Tote Bag;

* Hotel Monaco-branded SIGG water bottle for the first 25 guests;

* Coupon for 20 perent off at Hotel Monaco Denver;

* Coupon for Panzano Restaurant appetizer;

* Matthew Morris Salon, $25 men’s gift certificate and other items;

* Online coupon for CROCS Footwear;

* SEE Eyewear;

* Denver Fashion Truck items.

Attendees will also be eligible for special giveaways including:

* An outfit from the new MONDO collection;

* A two-night stay at Hotel Monaco Denver including $150 toward dinner at Panzano;

* A $250 gift certificate from Crocs Footwear for the new MONDO-designed Crocs Footwear;

* SEE Eyewear giveaways.

“Mondo’s bold and innovative fashion designs are a perfect fit with the Hotel Monaco Denver,” said Von de Luna, director of operations, Kimpton Hotels Mountain Region. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mondo back to celebrate the launch of his new collection and invite guests to enjoy all our hotel has to offer.”

For those who wish to stay at Hotel Monaco Denver the night of the MONDO event, Hotel Monaco Denver is offering a special “Monaco Loves Mondo” rate of $175 per night based on double occupancy. Reservations must be confirmed a minimum of three days prior to arrival and include a 72-hour cancellation policy. Book online at www.monaco-denver.com or call 800-990-1301 and mention rate code MONDO.

Though the weather outside isn’t frightful, the calendar tells us that winter’s not over and chilly days are in the forecast. With that in mind, celebrate January as national soup month with these warm-ups from area eateries.

At Argyll Whisky Beer (1035 E 17th Ave. - www.argylldenver.com) order the Spot of Tea – a bowl of ramen with vegetables and poached egg partnered with a bone china teapot holding the steaming chicken and pork tea broth.  The teapot’s contents are poured for you table side over the bowl.

While you’re Uptown, duck in to Humboldt Farm, Fish & Wine (1700 Humboldt St. – www.humboldtrestaurant.com) where our landlocked-state’s fish experts boast a Classic Clam Chowder redolent of smoky bacon undertones and a dash of Tabasco. Also, there’s a seasonal bowl of creamy Butternut Squash Soup with toasted pepitas and spice-whipped crème fraiche.

Soup seekers at ViewHouse (2015 Market St. - www.viewhouse.com) can sidle up to bowl of Tomato Bisque from Chef Jose Guerrero’s kitchen, a creamy vegetable based San Marzano tomato bisque finished with fresh basil crema and best paired with the rustic Grilled Cheese Panini for a grown-up childhood treat.

At Blackbelly Market (1606 Conestoga #3, Boulder – www.blackbelly.com) Executive Chef Hosea Rosenberg is serving his golden Isabelle Farms squash soup – a velvety combination of squashes from the local farm, cut with tart green apples and finished with hazelnut and crème fraiche.

Warm your belly with a bowl of Zengo’s (1610 Little Raven St. – www.richardsandoval.com) Miso soup made with chipotle, tofu, tomato, wakame and truffle oil.

Session Kitchen (1518 S. Pearl St. – www.sessionkitchen.com) located in historic Platt Park, takes care of the cold weather blues with a Brisket Wedding Soup and Shrimp Bisque. Chef Scott Parker smokes the brisket in-house for the wedding soup and includes kale, tomatoes, wild rice and fennel sausage meatballs, garnished with fresh chives and horseradish cream.  Or try the Shrimp Bisque with house made kimchi and horseradish cream.

Chef Richard Sandoval creates a menu reminiscent of his Mexican heritage at Tamayo (1400 Larimer St. – www.richardsandoval.com) including a posole crafted with hominy, squid, shrimp, scallop, chorizo, crispy flour tortillas, cilantro pesto, seafood broth and topped with a fresh radish salad.

The taste of New Orleans is the featured cuisine from Chef Justin Burdick at The Mainline (125 S. College Ave., Fort Collins - www.mainlinefoco.com) who serves his Chicken, Tasso n’ Andouille Sausage Gumbo paired with warm cornbread.

A selection of Blackbelly’s soups.

Eavesdropping on Facebook: “The kids are putting together a gingerbread tree. I just heard the girl say, ‘I know what I’m doing because I took a cooking class!'”

Although the Super Bowl won’t be super for Denver Broncos fans, you can make the most of the New England-Seattle gridiron battle with special events at local sports bars.

The Tavern Hospitality Group is throwing Ultimate Super Bowl Parties at two locations: The Soiled Dove Underground and Tavern Downtown from 3:30 p.m. until a half hour after the game ends on Super Bowl Sunday Feb. 1.

Football lovers can enjoy all-you-can-eat buffets including pizza, wings, chili, sliders and more at either The Soiled Dove Underground or Tavern Downtown.  Also included are unlimited Bud and Bud Light drafts and well drinks.  Free square pools will be available with winnings after every quarter and raffle prizes will be given throughout the game.  The cost for each party is $35 per person in advance and $40 at the door.

At The Soiled Dove Underground, the game will be projected on three six-foot movie screens. There are more than 60 HDTVs at Tavern Downtown.

To book tickets in advance for $35, visit www.ticketfly.com/event/766867 for The Soiled Dove Underground party or www.ticketfly.com/event/766881 for the Tavern Downtown party.

Both ViewHouse locations, downtown and in Centennial, are game-day headquarters with food, drinks and lots of prizes.

Kick off your pregame festivities at 10 a.m. at ViewHouse Centennial (7101 S. Clinton St., Centennial) at with unlimited tailgate buffets, drink specials, 46 flat screens and a 200-inch high definition television – the largest of its kind in any bar or restaurant in Denver.

Tickets are $28.95 for four hours of food and fun.

The ViewHouse downtown (2015 Market Street) is throwing a tailgate party, including a DJ, prizes and a special tailgate menu including brisket sliders, taco stand and wings.

Prizes awarded every quarter include an outdoor grill, portable fire pit, dartboard cabinet and culminate in a Grand Prize 58” LCD HD TV. More info: www.viewhouse.com.

Where were you in 1968? More important, what were you wearing? Watching on TV?

The year 1968 was a turning point for a generation coming of age and a nation at war, the aftermath which can still be felt today.  The 1968 Exhibit is coming to History Colorado in February. This must-see exhibit brings to life this pivotal American year through photographs, artifacts, vintage pop culture items and interactive experiences.

“Discussions about the impact and legacy of 1968 are being had at dinner tables, in classrooms and on the streets of America,” said Tom Brokaw, honorary chair of “The 1968 Exhibit,” former anchor and managing editor of the “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw,” and author of “Boom! Talking About the Sixties”.  “It is time to document this watershed year through the voices of the people who experienced it firsthand, and to hear from the next generation about what it means to them.”

Organized chronologically by the months of the year, the 5,000-square-foot exhibit will transport visitors back to 1968. The sights and sounds of this media-saturated age fill the exhibit and stories from the people who were there are shared throughout. Three interactive lounges focus on music, design, movies and television.

“It was quite a year for indelible television,” said William Convery, director of exhibits and the Colorado State Historian at History Colorado. “We all have our own great memories bundled in with classic TV shows and characters. Objects from ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Laugh-In’ and ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’ provide another personal connection to this evocative year and exhibition.”

The exhibit kicks off with a 1968 premiere party on Feb. 5 at the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway.  Tickets for the event cost $100; $90 for museum members.  Tickets can be purchased at www.historycoloradocenter.org/exhibits/the-1968-exhibit/premiere-party/.  Guests will have first access to the exhibit, as well as entertainment, groovy music, cuisine and cocktails in a setting reminiscent of 1968.  There’s nowhere else in the state where guests can explore this incredible year, reflect on their own fond memories, and see the events that changed Colorado and America forever.

A centerpiece of “1968” is a reassembled Huey helicopter, the mainstay workforce in the Vietnam War. It carried soldiers into battle, returned the wounded, hauled supplies and picked up body bags. Vietnam was said to be the first living room war because we could see it happening on TV sets in American living rooms.  The Huey is a symbol of that wrenching conflict and is literally staged in a living room.  One of its massive rotors looms overhead like a chandelier.

In addition to the three interactive lounges in the actual exhibit featuring music, design, movies and television, families can soak in the ambiance of 1968 while relaxing in the Hippie Haven Lounge areas that will be located at the entrance to the History Colorado Center and in some of the museum’s commons spaces.   Visitors can find out what happened in 1968 on their birthday and check how what they wear today compares with what would have been acceptable in 1968. These lounges will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 7, 16, 17; March 21, 27, 28; and April 3 and 4 and May 9.

On Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors are invited to jump back in time and learn how the “1968 Exhibit” was built.  Featured activities include the crafts of ’68, learning to macramé and a swingin’ ‘60s fashion show.  Blasting off into outer space will feature the Apollo 8 mission and astronauts.

Tickets for the exhibit are available online at www.HistoryColoradoCenter.org .  History Colorado will also have extended evening hours, open until 9 p.m. every third Tuesday (Feb. 17, March 17 and April 21).

The Mizel Arts and Culture Center will host the 19th Annual Denver Jewish Film Festival at the Elaine Wolf Theatre at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center from Feb. 4 to Feb. 15.

“This year’s festival features a variety of films that any movie lover will enjoy,” said Steve Wilson, executive artistic director for the MACC. “Many of the films have won prestigious awards and critics’ praise, and 11 out of 28 are directed by women. I am really proud of the selection our film festival chairs put together, and we are excited to have the opportunity to introduce the Denver community to these extraordinary and resonating films.”

The film festival chairs, Sharon Haber, Julie Schwarz and Erica Singer, worked with their film committee on securing a fascinating combination of films ranging from documentaries to true-to-life comedies. As they were choosing the films, a theme emerged: coexistence.

“Living together in peace despite our differences is the underlying theme of the 2015 Denver Jewish Film Festival,” Haber said. “Whether it be Israelis and Palestinians, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters or friends, our lineup this year exemplifies that idea of coexistence and finding peace within ourselves and others.”

The 2015 Denver Jewish Film Festival, sponsored by Wagner Wealth Management, will kick off on Feb. 4 with a party celebrating this year’s festival honoree Kathy Neustadt and a screening of the Jewish family comedy “It Happened in Saint- Tropez.” Neustadt is a former president of the JCC and member of the Neustadt family, founders of The Neustadt International Prize for Literature and the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature.

“The Denver Jewish Film Festival continues to introduce its audiences to a collection of educational and significant movies,” Neustadt said. “My family and I remain steadfast in supporting organizations and events that celebrate the arts and literature, and we hope the community joins us in attending the 19th year of this wonderful event.”

The two-week festival will feature 28 films, many of which have been nominated for and won Ophir Awards, the Israeli equivalent of the Academy Awards. This will be the first time some of the featured films will be screened in Denver. Prior to the screening of the films, a state-of-the-art sizzle reel that was created by co-chair Singer will show. Some of the screenings will include special guest speakers for audience questions and answers. Producer Nancy Spielberg will speak at the screening of her much-buzzed about film “Above and Beyond” on Feb. 5. Sister of famous director Steven Spielberg, Nancy is a documentarian who produced this film about the creation of the Israeli Air Force. Also speaking during the festival will be director and writer Lacey Schwartz, who will conduct an audience question and answer session at the screening of her award-winning film, “Little White Lie.” on Feb. 12, which deals with race and Jewish identity.

Topping off the lineup is a grand finale celebration on Feb. 14 that will include a dessert buffet and screening of the film “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker”. On Feb. 15, the festival concludes with a special series presentation, “Israel Through the Lens.” All of the films featured during this last day of the festival will exhibit the diversity of Israel.

For more information about or to purchase tickets for the 2015 Denver Jewish Film Festival, please call 303-316-6360 or visit www.maccjcc.org/film.

‘Zero Motivation’ is one of the films featured during the two-week 19th Denver Jewish Film Festival.

Cart-Driver, in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, announces the completion of its indoor/outdoor private dining space. The space, which overlooks the interior courtyard of 25^th and Larimer’s reclaimed shipping container complex, can host seated or reception-style events of up to 25 people. In the summer, the room’s all-weather canvas windows can be removed, transforming it to a transitional indoor/outdoor venue.

“Since opening, we’ve been busy – and fortunate – enough to be able to fill more seats than have always been available,” said partner Andrew Birkholz. “With the transition of restaurant’s rear outdoor space to an indoor/outdoor private dining area, we’re able to provide more seats to patrons year-round, as well as the flexibility and privacy of a private dining room.”

Additionally, Cart-Driver, which recently expanded hours and menus to offer lunch, as well as “Before & After” happy hour and late night menus, has also implemented a direct-ship oyster program with Washington-based Hama Hama oysters. The naturally grown and hand harvested oysters, available directly from the sea to Cart-Driver guests’ plates in one day, join the restaurant’s premium wood fired pizzas, seasonal market plates and signature campfire vanilla soft serve.

“As we do with most of our purveyors, our team personally traveled to Washington to sample Hama Hama oysters, meet with the owners of this family farm, and learn more about their processes,” said chef and partner Kelly Whitaker. “Not only did we find Hama Hama offered a superior product, but they also have the ability to ship the oysters directly to us, allowing us to serve them to our customers one day out of the water. I’m not aware of another restaurant in the area that offers access to oysters as fresh as these.”

For more information, go to www.cart-driver.com.

It’s never too early to book a date night with your Valentine. For something different, consider a romantic Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14 for those who forgot) evening with tenor Mark Masri at 8 p.m. at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree.

The Boston Globe says the Canadian tenor is “melting the hearts of female audience members like warm chocolate”. Masri will treat you and your Valentine to a songbook of love songs from all over the world and a champagne intermission.

Masri has a jaw-dropping vocal range and brings audiences to their feet. Tickets range from $36 to $60. Tickets may be purchased online at www.lonetreeartscenter.org or by calling 720-509-1000 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Eavesdropping on a man talking about corporate phrases  that would not work at home:
“Having a sit-down dinner with the whole family on Sunday night really improves our ecosystem.”