I won’t mince words. My absolute favorite new restaurant this year is Old Major at 3316 Tejon St. I even chose to celebrate my recent milestone birthday for dinner there with On The Town Junior and Mr. On The Town.

I had been to Old Major, a proud nose-to-tail eatery where they butcher 2.5 pigs a week (not sure what happens with the other half of the last pig), a handful of times, but I took a risk (and it was my birthday, after all) and booked a table for three to include the hub and my foodie son who works for much-lauded restaurateur Danny Meyer at Maialino in the Gramercy Park Hotel at 2 Lexington Ave. in NYC.

My son surprised me with his arrival in Denver to celebrate my special day. Both of my “he-men” went nuts for the place and over the food. We ordered an arsenal of appetizers and an entrée each, which included the nose-to-tail dish, roasted duck breast and orcchiette pasta with roasted pork.

My only disappointment was the pretzel bread service which previously included an unlimited basket with mustard butter, but has for some reason morphed to an individual roll service with no offer of additional rolls. I hope they return to the original policy, but meanwhile, Old Major recently received a national nod via www.thrillistnation.com as being one of the 33 Best New Restaurants in America.

Here’s what Thrillist had to say about culling the top 33 list: “Over the past year, our editors have gloriously eaten their way across America, meticulously consuming all the best burgers, and pizzas, and BBQ they could. Then we turned our sights to figuring out which of the tens of thousands of new restaurants that have opened across the country in the past year deserve to be called the best. And now that the work is done – and the weight is gained – here they are (with a neat checklist), in all their gastronomical glory.”

And here’s what Thrillist said about Old Major: “Denver’s LoHi neighborhood is bursting at the seams with new, popular bars and restaurants, but Old Major’s ‘elevated farmhouse cuisine’ stands out among the pack with exceptional cocktails and decadent, inventive cuisine (think Colorado rib eye with bleu cheese, foie gras butter, and pork fat fries). If you’re smart and/or just understand weekly calendars, swing by on a Wednesday, where you can watch the chef/owner butcher two pigs in-house, you saucy, food-based voyeur! Then you’ll eat the fruits of his labor on the Nose to Tail Plate, which features cuts like braised belly, confit rib, schnitzel, ham, and ears, all accompanied by mustard spaetzle, sauerkraut, and a demi-glace.”

Check out the other 32 best new restaurants at http://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/the-best-restaurant-openings-of-2013-america-s-best-new-restaurants-thrillist-nation.

For Old Major reservations, go to www.oldmajordenver.com or call 720-420-0622.

(OldMajordenver.com photos)

Masterful Denver chef and restaurateur Justin Brunson‘s much-anticipated second location of Masterpiece Deli at the Wells Fargo Center, 1710 Sherman St., opened Monday to a rabid throng that you would swear had never seen a sandwich before.

Brunson and his business partner Stephen Allee opened the original deli in the Highland neighborhood, and searched for a sister location based on the popularity of the small first store.

The new Uptown space has triple the square footage of the original store, with an additional 25 outdoor seats in a heated covered patio.

Brunson has also earned much acclaim for his fabulous Old Major restaurant (also in the Highland) and as co-founder of the Denver Bacon Company.

The new Masterpiece location has a fully equipped gas kitchen with ovens and smokers to create brisket, corned beef, pastrami, roast beef and pork shoulder. A new addition is a case with products available to take and go such as pre-made sandwiches and salads, cured and smoked deli meats and pastries.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.masterpiecedeli.com or call 303-561-3354.

Above, the Italian sandwich at Masterpiece Deli. Below, the crew at the new Uptown location and the bacon breakfast sandwich. (Masterpiece Deli photos)

Downtown Denver benefactor Manny Salzman has reached his 95th birthday and some people in the ‘hood are throwing a party for him.

Manny’s Bridge, the bridge down Wynkoop Street named for him, is the home of an interactive public light art installation by artist Virginia Folkestad.

The installation is being renovated and re-lit in conjunction with Salzman’s birthday and when complete will be on display nightly year-round.

Manny and Joanne Salzman pioneered LoDo when they moved there in 1980. They worked with the city of Denver to obtain a grant to preserve the historic railroad bridges over Cherry Creek in the mid-1990s converting them to save pedestrian paths.

In 2006, then Mayor John Hickenlooper dedicated the bridge to Manny, and a plaque describes that effort. The Salzmans were also instrumental in the designation of LoDo as a historic area and the formation of the St. Charles Neighborhood Group.

At 95, Manny still pedals his bike daily across the Platte and up the hill into the Highland neighborhood.

Manny Salzman on the bridge named for him in Lower Downtown. (Diane Huntress photo)

While Google searching stories about Nishantha “Nish” de Gruiter, the Sri Lankan-born head of Suitsupply U.S., I caught a theme emerging among his photos.

“Do you have something against socks?” I asked the admitted “metrosexual” about his missing ankle wear. De Gruiter burst out laughing, then offered to send me a “selfie” photo showing off his hiking boots and woolen socks he donned during a snowy Denver day on Thursday.

Sure enough, the evidence was clear. However, by the time of the opening party later that night, de Gruiter and the sales staff at the new store at the corner of Detroit Street and East Third Avenue were indeed sockless. And the store sells socks, so go figure.

But the shop, which opened on Friday, centers its inventory on European-styled menswear with in-store tailoring on the spot. After opening more than 40 stores worldwide with notable U.S. sites in big-city cities of New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., Suitsupply opted to add Denver to its arsenal with a 7,000-square-foot space.

“I was looking at on-line sales last year and saw a lot of (brands) being shipped out to Denver, especially to the Cherry Creek area,” de Gruiter said. “I went to Denver two weeks later and was sitting in the bar at Second Home (inside the JW Marriott), and saw a guy wearing our suit. I told him, ‘I like your suit, where’d you get it?’ He said, ‘At this company called Suitsupply.’ He was raving as if he were a spokesman for the company.”

De Gruiter said he was further encouraged by the number of nice dressing Denver dudes he’s seen around town. “Also with the mix of international retailers opening their doors here, we’re here in the right time in Denver,” he said.

The average price for a Suitsupply suit is $469 to $569, de Gruiter said. The vertically integrated company buys directly from high-end mills in Italy, which cuts out the middle man wholesaler and pushes down prices.

The company was founded in Amsterdam by Fokke de Jong. “The men of Denver are just as hungry for impeccable fits, the finest fabrics and smart details,” de Jong said. “Guys in Denver know that whether they’re skiing, snowboarding or mountain biking, it’s essential to have the right gear. The same is true at the office or for a night on the town – and that’s where we come in.”

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

Nishantha “Nish” de Gruiter, head of Suitsupply U.S., shoots a “selfie” inside the new Cherry Creek store to prove that sometimes he does wear socks. (Suitsupply Photo)

For more than 50 years, The Oxford Hotel Dolls’ Tea Party has been one of Denver’s holiday traditions. Experience this joyful winter celebration this year on Sunday (Dec. 1) at LoDo’s historic boutique hotel.

The Oxford Dolls’ Tea Party, in the hotel at 17th and Wazee, is a classic tea, with hot cocoa, tea sandwiches and assorted sweets. The highlight of the Dolls’ Tea Party is a ballet performance designed especially for children, who will have an opportunity to meet the ballerinas and take photos with them.

Two seatings are available at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Each child will take home a teddy bear apron and a cookie cutter.

Dolls’ Tea tickets are $28 for children and $48 for adults.  To make your reservation, e-mail reservations@theoxfordhotel.com or leave a voicemail at 303-628-5482 with your name, preferred seating, number of adults and children and phone number.  You will be contacted for payment to guarantee your reservation.

In the spirit of the holiday season, The Oxford is asking each family in attendance to bring a new teddy bear to donate to the patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

If your little one wants to get “dolled up” for the special event, The Oxford Club Spa & Salon has created a special Dolls’ Tea Mommy & Me Spa Package. Priced at just $128 for two people – including gratuity – the offer includes: shampoos and styling for two people and two classic Oxford manicures. Additional children may be added for $64 each.

To book an Oxford Club, Spa & Salon visit, call 303-628-5435 or visit www.oxfordclubspa.com.

City street lights, even stop lights dressed in bright red and green, and purple, and yellow, and orange and, and, and, will dazzle downtown Denver dwellers and visitors beginning with the Grand Illumination at 6 p.m. Nov. 29.

Thousands of sparkling lights and entertainment will ring in the festive occasion from Denver Union Station to the City & County Building across from Civic Center Park, as well as Skyline Park, the D&F Tower, 14th Street and along the 16th Street Mall.

The city’s celebration begins with opening day of the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, at 16th Street and Arapahoe, beginning at 10 .m. daily through Feb. 16. Skating is free with skate rentals at $2 (skate rental on opening day is free). More information: www.southwestrink.com.

Your Keys to the City, a public piano art program created by the Downtown Denver Partnership, returns along the 16th Street Mall with five winter-themed pianos painted by local artists. The pianos, which will remain along the mall until Dec. 30, are available for free public play from 8 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

At 6 p.m. Nov. 29, Denver’s historic D&F Towner will turn on its holiday lights, and more than 550,000 energy-efficient LED lights will illuminate the 16th Street Mall, California Street between 14th and 17th streets and Curtis Street between 14th and 16th streets.

Meanwhile at Union Station, LoDo District Inc. will present a holiday-themed choir, a Children’s Museum craft table, treats provided by LoDo restaurants and a visit from Dinger Claus (the Colorado Rockies mascot in costume).

The City and County Building, lit entirely in LED lights, will be illuminated nightly from 5:45 to 10:45 p.m. through Jan. 26.

Signs of the holidays: The holiday lighting returns on Nov. 29 to the Denver City and County Building through Jan. 26 and the Southwest Airlines ice rink at Skyline Park, below, will open Nov. 29 also and will remain open until Feb. 16. (Photos courtesy of DowntownDenver.com and southwestrink.com)

Restaurateur and chef Richard Sandoval doesn’t mess around.

If one of his many concepts isn’t working, its back to the kitchen table where he can conjure up a new approach to a floundering space.

Case in point: Exit Al Lado, a wine bar, enter La Biblioteca (Spanish for The Library), a testament to tequila. And even though Al Lado was still in its infancy since opening in August, Sandoval was willing to throw out the baby with most of the bath water.

In its metamorphosis, Al Lado surrendered to La Biblioteca, a Sandoval concept that’s found success in foodie-centric New York City. When Sandoval and his financial partners first decided to take over the small space next to Zengo, another Sandoval-owned eatery in the RiverFront Park neighborhood, the ownership group opted to try the wine bar concept that was missing in that part of town.

But Sandoval had a nagging feeling about the potential profitability of that venture. As Al Lado failed to gain ground, the tequila bar option came into play.

“Tequila is more exciting,” the charming chef told me during an invite-only preview of the place on Monday. “It’s a bigger hangover.”

The Biblioteca or library approach allows customers to buy bottles of tequila (from a 350-bottle collection) at the restaurant and store them in a personal locker available at no extra charge.

“Tequila is the fastest-growing spirit in the last 15 years,” Sandoval said.

And as to the food? The menu features all small plates that are primarily based in Latin cuisine with Asian and Peruvian twists. The ceviche offerings, for example, are called “suviche,” a Sandoval conceived combo of sushi and ceviche.

Sliders are served on Chinese buns stuffed with either achiote hoisin pork or bahn mi house-made beef and pork hot dogs. Sides are French fries with chipotle ketchup or potato chips with togarashi and cotija cheese.

The specialty drinks we sipped – Sweet Heat (my fave), Manzana Mexicana and Cucumber Pepino – tasted like well-crafted adult beverages that lacked the overly sweet taste of margarita mix.

News flash: Sandoval has officially relocated his company’s headquarters to Denver at Blake and 33rd streets. “We bought the building,” he said. “We’re here to stay.”

It’s all about the food and tequila at La Biblioteca, formerly Al Lado, on Little Raven in the RiverFront Park neighborhood just west of downtown Denver. (Photos courtesy of La Biblioteca).

The Art of the hotel business

Developers and city dignitaries broke ground (instead of bread) Monday on the Art hotel, a $50 million project at West 12th Avenue and Broadway, which will include 50,000 square feet of office space on the first three floors.

Designed by LoDo-based Davis Partnership Architects, the Art is a nine-story 165-room contemporary boutique hotel that will be part of Denver’s Cultural Center development area. The project is expected to be completed late next year.

Development partners include an investor group led by Lanny Martin, founder of Platte River Equity, and George Thorn, who partnered with Corporex Colorado LLC to develop the Museum Residences.

“We want to make the ART a place that is iconic to Denver,” said Mark J. Witkiewicz, chief operating officer of Corporex Colorado, in a statement. “When people leave the city, they will remember the hotel. The Art will have the finest of what travelers and diners desire – a creative, beautiful, high-end look and feel; wonderful gathering spaces, excellent food, fine service and, of course, art. Our guests will experience art in the true Colorado environment; open, airy and bright.”

The hotel, which will be operated by Commonwealth Hotels, will be positioned above a three-story office building with views of both East and West directions. Guests will enter through a porte-cochere that opens to several spaces showcasing a collection of modern art curated by the former Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art of the Denver Art Museum, Dianne Vanderlip.

Rather than waiting at a reception desk, visitors will check in on the fourth floor with iPads. The restaurant, bar and gathering spaces will flow to a spacious terrace with a large fire pit on the fourth level overlooking the city.

“Development like what’s occurred here at the Cultural Center is driving our economy forward, positioning Denver as the ideal place to start a business, build a career and raise a family,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “The Art is the keystone of a project that has been years in the making. Everyone involved in the development of this neighborhood should be proud of the vibrant community they’ve worked hard to create.”

An artist’s rendering of the Art hotel coming to 12th and Broadway just south of the Denver Art Museum. (Courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects).

Von Miller tackles celebrity waiter dinner

Broncos All-Pro linebacker Von Miller is taking his talents from the field and onto the dining room floor during Von Miller’s Celebrity Waiter Night, beginning at 7 p.m. Monday at Ocean Prime, 1465 Larimer St. (www.ocean-prime.com).

Miller will be joined by teammates Champ Bailey, Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Wesley Woodyard and more who will trade in their orange and blue jerseys for aprons and assume the role of celebrity server for the evening.

Cocktails at 7 p.m.; dinner and live auction at 8. VIP tickets are $350, which includes a Signature Series football. General admission tickets are $250. Reservations: www.vonmiller.org.

Proceeds benefit Von’s Vision and its mission to provide low-income children with the eye care and corrective eyewear needed to be their best in the classroom and in life. The goal of Von’s Vision is to provide more than 50,000 children with eye exams and corrective eyewear by the end of 2016.

Von Miller’s trademark glasses drew him to his charity, Von’s Vision. The Broncos linebacker will host Von Miller’s Celebrity Waiter Night on Monday at Ocean Prime restaurant in LoDo. (Denver Broncos photo)

Nacho, nacho men (and women)

Did you know that today is National Nacho Day? Me neither, and nachos fall into one of my essential food groups!

While I have spent 20 years off and on my quest for the best nachos in Denver, I’ve yet to find that holy grail. But there are some worthy contenders.

Racines, at 650 Sherman St. (www.racinesrestaurant.com), packs a punch with a pile of cheesy, meaty (if you order the chicken or beef add-ons) taco chips topped with guacamole, pickled jalapenos, sour cream and layered with refried or black beans. Ask for the pico de gallo on the side and extra jalapenos, if you dare.

My other favorite nachos noshery is Blake Street Tavern, 2301 Blake St. (www.blakestreettavern.com). The Blake Street Nachos are a tower of taco chips covered in a mountain of five melted cheeses, olives, red onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. Add-ons are black beans, grilled chicken or flat-iron steak.

While the full order of Blake Street Nachos would feed (easily) a table of four, there’s the half-order option.

Zengo restaurant spokeswoman Maria Miller, who first alerted me to our country’s official homage to nachos, recommends her client’s nachos. “They are made with bean puree, cotija cheese and pico de gallo,” Miller tells me.

While I have enjoyed many a meal at Zengo, a Latin/Asian fusion eatery, I have yet to nibble the nachos. Zengo is at 1610 Little Raven St. (www.richardsandoval.com/zengodenver).

Where are your favorite nachos hiding? Shoot me an e-mail and I will make it my personal quest to taste test all your recommendations. For more of this country’s official “food holidays,” go to www.statesymbolsusa.org/National_Symbols/American_Hollidays.html.

Light up a new neon at the Candlelight on Friday

Speaking of bar food, raise a shot glass to the Candlelight Tavern on South Pearl Street on Friday as one of Denver’s top dive bars celebrates the debut of its new neon sign. The Candlelight has been serving up greasy pub fare, including a celebrated burger, for more than 50 years.

The Candlelight, at 383 S. Pearl St., is celebrating Friday with $2 specialty shots. More information at www.candlelighttavern.com or call 303-778-9530.

The new neon sign will debut Friday at The Candlelight Tavern on South Pearl Street. (Candlelight Tavern photo)

Eavesdropping on a woman: “Going to Target alone is a lot like going to the grocery store hungry.”

Did you hear that I have a 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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

“I can’t believe I have a friend that old,” one party person jested during Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown‘s 70th birthday celebration at his Observatory Park home on Friday.

Brown, who’s not known for standing for hours because of nagging bouts of plantar fasciitis, never strayed from his station at the front door where he warmly greeted party-goers.

This birthday bash was a who’s who of Denver’s political players and business movers and shakers. Spotted in the crowd of 200 plus were: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; former City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth; policy maker Maria Garcia Berry; City Council candidate Roger Sherman; Westword’s Patty Calhoun; Neiman Marcus nymph Nancy Sagar; milk maid Ellen Robinson; Silver Spur marketing man Bradley Joseph; CBS4’s nose for news Brian Maass; Colorado Expression magazine owner Terry Vitale; Laramie Company’s Mary Beth Jenkins and husband, Bill; Bouquets boys BJ Dyer and Guenther Vogt; D&F Tower owner Holly Kylberg and CH2M Hill boyfriend Scott Yenzer; Mariel boutique owner Denise Snyder and husband, Brent; Diamond dude Steve Rosdal; developer Jim Sullivan; former Cherry Creek mall marketer Lisa Herzlich and a surprise appearance by the Browns’ oldest son, Cody.

Epicurean Catering did a bang-up job serving a “cowboy up” menu of chicken or sirloin sliders, sautéed veggies, mac and cheese along with frosted sugar cookies and cupcakes from Gateaux Bakery.

Charlie’s most prized gift had to be the slot machine cookie jar from Calhoun, which he proudly showed off to anyone who would listen. Happy birthday, pal o’ mine! I hope I’m a pistol when I turn the big 7-0.

Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown celebrated his 70th birthday in high cowboy style on Nov. 1 at his Observatory Park home (which is not where this photo was taken). (Denvergov.org photo)

Rio redo

“I can’t believe I drank a margarita I actually liked,” said one media member who attended a new menu and margarita tasting at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in LoDo Tuesday.

After 27 years peddling potent house margaritas (with a three-drink maximum) that, frankly, taste like lighter fluid, The Rio has grown up.

The six-store chain, with outlets in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Park Meadows, Steamboat Springs and one in the works for Frisco, have undergone extensive remodeling of each space along with drink and bar food menus. And from what we sampled last week, the improvements are worth a nod.

Not like The Rios need more business on Friday and Saturday nights when lines typically extend out the doors. Like many other eateries, it’s the rest of the week that could use a (tequila) shot in the arm to boost business.

“We’re known for a thing called the margarita,” joked Jason Barrett, The Rio’s CEO. “After 27 years, we wanted to look at new things to expand our brand and to stay relevant in the market place. We have served a lot of margaritas over our time, but now we are looking at what is our responsibility with our brand to move it forward.”

Based on last week’s taste and sip tests, I would definitely return to the restaurant I once avoided because of those gasoline house margs and mediocre (at best) food.

New food features include small bites or shared plates for diners who want a small nosh and a drink. Everything we tried: tropical guacamole with mango salsa, grilled pork flautas, steam and seafood empanadas and shrimp ceviche were flavorful and satisfying.

But the new cocktail menu is even better. We sampled sips of Ranch Water (El Tesoro silver, soda water and fresh lime); Paloma with Herradura Silver, soda and fresh grapefruit juice; a Skinny Marg with Patron Silver, fresh orange juice Cointreau and citrus and the Coin Margarita (our fave) with Cuervo Platino, Cointreau and fresh lime.

Check out the menus and store locations at: http://www.riograndemexican.com/.

Rio Grande margaritas got an upgrade as did the popular, six-store Mexican restaurant chain’s menu. (Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant photo)

Super powers

Susan Stiff and some super employees of the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel invited media members and past banquet services clients to the Westin SuperFoodsRX lunch Friday to sample meat, grains and produce that pack a punch.

The idea was to show potential party purchasers an alternative menu to beat the hum-drum holiday party fare.

Guests were treated to appetizers including a viscous pumpkin soup, shrimp with pico de gallo, turkey skewers and healthful fruit drinks. In the Augusta dining/meeting room, we were treated to a first course of mache lettuce and haricot bert salad with poached figs, orange, walnuts and Roquefort with apple cider Green yogurt dressing; a second course of braised beef short ribs in Pinot Noir sauce and salmon roulade with ginger beurre blanc topped with a herb and sprouts salad and seasonal vegetable and sweet potato gratin and a dessert presentation of crème brulee, assorted fruit tartlets, oatmeal and cranberry cookies, dark chocolate chips and blueberries.

We all felt satiated with super foods and less guilt over what we would eat for dinner that night. For more information on the Westin’s SuperFoods menu, call 303-572-9100.

Trolling for talent

Think you’ve got what it takes to entertain America? Then prove it.

Denver is one of only five cities hosting auditions for “America’s Got Talent 2014,” the talent show with judges Heidi Klum, Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, MelB and host Nick Cannon.  Auditions are Dec. 7 at the Colorado Convention Center. Potential contestants wanting to audition should go to: http://www.americasgottalentauditions.com/.

“America’s Got Talent” airs Wednesdays on 9News.

Shots (above and below) from last year’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ auditions in Anaheim, Calif. The NBC talent show is auditioning prospective acts in Denver on Dec. 7 at the Colorado Convention Center. (Photos courtesy of America’s Got Talent/NBC)

And the screen goes on…

The 36th Starz Denver Film Festival kicks off Wednesday and runs through Nov. 17. One festival entry “Hanna Ranch” is a feature documentary about visionary cattleman Kirk Hanna and his personal struggle to protect a once prominent way of life in Colorado.

Born into a life on the family ranch, Hanna became a leader in the environmental ranching movement that set out to protect the West from the encroachment of developers and misuse. Chronologically told through family members, environmental leaders and ranch industry insiders, the story also touches on the sensitive issue of mental health.

This new film is directed by award-winning producer and director Mitch Dickman of Listen Productions, a Denver-based media production company specializing in film, video and theater. “Hanna Ranch” is produced by Karl Kister and best-selling author Eric Schlosser. Hanna Ranch is located in Fountain, just minutes from the Colorado Springs area.

Movie screenings will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House (1101 13th St.) and Nov. 13 at 2:15 p.m. at the Sie FilmCenter (2510 E. Colfax Ave.). Tickets: http://www.denverfilm.org/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=25862&FID=77.

Special event: “The Land That Feeds Us,” a panel discussion moderated by Daniel Asher, culinary director of Linger and Root Down restaurants, with panelists Schlosser (“Fast Food Nation,” “Food Inc.,” “Command and Control”), Chris Pague (The Nature Conservancy), Matthew Jones (Slow Food USA), Dale Lasater (Lasater Grasslands Beef) along with brunch by Linger and Root Down, beginning at noon Sunday at RedLine (2350 Arapahoe St.).

Tickets: http://www.denverfilm.org/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=26147&FID=77.

‘Hanna Ranch’ will be screened Saturday and Nov. 13 show at the Starz Denver Film Festival on Nov. at the Sie Film Center. (Listen Productions)

Eavesdropping on a woman talking about her husband during the Super Food luncheon at the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel: “He’s going to have to work until he’s 70 to pay off my MasterCard, if for no other reason.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

Because of a technical glitch, Monday’s column went out to subscribers with only a few lines from the first item.

What was supposed to happen was the launch of a new format that would give subscribers the top item, then direct them to click on the link to the Blacktie-Colorado website in order to drive more traffic there. Let’s hope it works today…

So, here’s what you missed on Monday:

Let’s rewind the clock to a few days before the Broncos victory over the Jaguars, who though winless, were certainly no pushovers in Sunday’s game.

Former Broncos tight end turned CBS Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe, in Denver Sunday to cover the Broncos-Jaguars game, was spotted at his former quarterback, John Elway‘s Cherry Creek steak house Saturday night.

But while he warmly greeted Elway and his wife, Paige, in the restaurant, was he also picking Elway’s pocket? During the “NFL Today” broadcast, Sharpe told fellow football prognosticators James Brown and Dan Marino that he had dined at Elway’s establishment Saturday night.

“I put dinner on John Elway’s tab,” Sharpe said, most likely joking. I can only confirm that Sharpe, joined by fellow former teammate Rod Smith, were there, but who paid is not known.

Meanwhile, back at “The Late Show With David Letterman” last week, lead guest Michael Strahan, star of “Live! With Kelly and Michael” and former New York Giants defensive end, and Letterman discussed Broncos QB Peyton Manning. Although Letterman will always favor his hometown Indianapolis Colts, he can’t “quit” Manning after all his years as the Colts QB.

Here’s the transcript from CBS.com:

Dave asks (Strahan) about Manning: “What’s all that barking he does at the line of scrimmage?  Peyton points and shouts and prances up and down the line yelling instructions to his linemen and backs. What’s he doing?”

Strahan: “It’s a lot of B.S.  Peyton Manning may be smart enough to understand all that yakking he’s doing, but the guys he’s yelling to? The linemen? The other guys on the team? They aren’t that smart. He’s doing it for show. The defense bark, ‘Just snap the ball!!'”

Que bueno!

I took a neighbor to see “Just Like Us,” the play adapted from the book by Helen Thorpe, the estranged wife of Gov. John Hickenlooper, at the Stage Theatre last week.

We were the two mature women sitting in the first few rows with tears streaming down our faces. The story follows the plight of four young Latina women — two who are U.S. citizens and two who are illegal immigrants — as they struggle with their high school, college and post-college years.

At the urging of Kent Thompson, Denver Center Theatre Company’s producing artistic director, Thorpe agreed to let playwright Karen Zacarias transform her words onto the stage.

The result is a riveting performance, which no matter where you stand on immigration, will at least make you think. The cast is simply marvelous and the sets move around almost as fast as the teacup ride at Disneyland.

If you can go, go. “Just Like Us” plays at the Stage until Nov. 3. Tickets: 303-893-4100 or at www.denvercenter.org.

Helen Thorpe wrote ‘Just Like Us,” which was transformed into a stage play for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. (Blacktie-Colorado photo)

Diamonds are this girl’s best friend

Call it the fickle finger of fate. Call it divine intervention. Or call it just plain luck.

But on Saturday during the annual Champagne and Diamonds gala to benefit Sense of Security, the evening’s last act was a random drawing from a glass bowl full of names who had purchased a chance to win a $12,000 diamond necklace donated by Hadley’s House of Diamonds.

Drum roll, please. The winner was Vicki Tosher, and the crowd gathered at the downtown Grand Hyatt went wild. Tosher founded the breast cancer patient financial support charity 13 years ago after a dear friend had been diagnosed. Tosher is a two-time survivor.

When her name was called, Tosher wobbled toward the dance floor and her prize in sheer shock. Then she fell to her knees.

“I’ve won two other things in my life,” she said after being helped to her feet. “One was a calculator.”

Congratulations, Vicki. There is no one more deserving. Sparkle on, girl!

Playing dress-up

It may be a bit premature for Halloween, but nevertheless, some of Denver’s fiercest supporters of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts will be modeling costumes from the Denver Center Theatre Company’s closet during Theatre Threads from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Seawell Ballroom. Proceeds will benefit DCTC and its education programs.

From the looks of the get-ups modeled in the past, this event will upstage a Vegas floor show. This years models are Jeremy Anderson, Jamie Angelich, Fiona Baldwin, Murri Bishop, Keri Christiansen, Sharon Cooper, BJ Dyer, Terri Fisher, Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, Alice Foster, Roger Hutson, Carmel Koeltzow, Gayle Novak, Stacy Ohlsson, Loretta Robinson, Jackie Rotole, Robyn Taylor and (dame) Judi Wolf.

But a would-be thespian also hinted that DCPA chairman and CEO Daniel Ritchie is expected to get into a get-up.

The event features the aforementioned fashion show and luncheon hosted by the Denver Center Alliance.

“I will always remember as a child going to the theatre and being swept away into this magical world filled with lively characters dressed in beautiful costumes,” said event chair Denise Bellucci. “It’s because of fundraising events like Theatre Threads that, not only can the Denver Center for the Performing Arts give a child this wonderful experience and love of the theatre, but they also help support the creation of it.”

Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations: 303-446-4815 or visit www.denvercenter.org/threads.

Judi Wolf will be one of many of Denver’s charitable citizens modeling Denver Center Theatre Company’s costumes at the Oct. 23 event, Theatre Threads, at the Seawell Ballroom. (Denver Center photo)

Wise wine guy

If you haven’t heard Marczyk Fine Foods and Fine Wines owner Pete Marczyk wax poetic about the perfection of wine and food pairings, you’ve missed seeing a showman at his grapey best.

Now’s your chance. Marczyk, along with colleague Maxine DiJulio, will present a selection of some of their favorite Italian holiday wines representing styles you may know but varietals you likely don’t during an event sponsored by The Denver Chapter of the American Wine Society, beginning at 6:30 p.m. today (Oct. 16) at Panzano, inside the Hotel Monaco at 909 17th St.

Each course, prepared by exceptional executive chef Elise Wiggins and her team, will be paired with two wines of similar styles but at different price points. Attendees will compare and contrast these wines and then pick a favorite. After the votes are counted (barring any hanging chads), the price of each will be revealed.

The event is $65 for AWS members and $75 for non-members and guests. Registration is online only by visiting https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/calendar/event-detail.cfm?id=26189.

Eavesdropping on a woman at a recent charity event: “I am growing out my bangs, it’s cheaper than Botox.”

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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.