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Penny Parker On The Town: Bertha Lynn leaves Denver’s 7News but will never be forgotten

August 9, 2013

Bertha Lynn has been one of my favorite on-air personalities since I arrived in Denver in 1993. She is the sweetest, most generous human being.

Now that she’s leaving Denver’s 7, Denver is losing a truly wonderful asset on the air. But good for her! She’s been able to reinvent herself in a new occupation.

After reporting the news for more than 30 years for KMGH-Channel 7, Lynn is leaving the newsroom to become executive director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at Denver.

“To be tapped by Barbara Davis and the Board of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to carry on their work helping sick children is a dream come true – allowing me to meet new challenges while continuing to serve in Colorado.  I have much to look forward to and much to look back on when assessing my career.  It has been a privilege to collaborate with such skillful and caring journalism professionals,” says Lynn in a press release. “The people of Denver and Colorado have been very kind and generous to me as they watched me grow up.  Colorado remains my home and I look forward to engaging with the community for even greater support in our battle against life-threatening diabetes.”

“We have been honored to work with Bertha,” says 7News News Director, Jeff Harris. “She is a true icon in journalism and for Denver viewers.  Her career at 7News is an inspiration to so many.  But, more than anything else, Bertha has worked tirelessly to improve our community.  For this, we are grateful and not a bit surprised in her decision to lead this wonderful organization.” 

Lynn, one of Denver’s most recognized and honored broadcast journalists, has been reporting news to Coloradans since 1976 when she began with KBTV (now KUSA-Channel 9) as an anchor and reporter.  In 1984, she moved to 7News where she has anchored and reported for nearly every station newscast.  Last year, Bertha was inducted into the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame, and in 2010, she also was inducted into the Broadcast Professionals Hall of Fame.  In 2006, she was a Silver Circle Inductee in the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland Chapter.  Bertha served six years on the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District Board and on the board of the Colorado Women’s Foundation. She has also served as Director of the Boards for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (which named its Legacy Award for her), the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Denver, Mayor’s Commission on Art Culture and Film, Children’s Museum, National Jewish Hospital, Denver Symphony Association, Safehouse for Battered Women, KCFR Public Radio, and Nation Conference of Christians and Jews. Bertha has also served as a trustee for Regis University and is a member of the Denver Art Museum’s African American Outreach Task Force.

Lynn’s s list of honors include numerous Emmy Awards, The President’s Award, Journalist of the Year, and Grace Under Fire Award from the Colorado Association of Black Journalists.  Lynn will sign off the air Aug. 9 at 11 a.m, on 7News.

When I asked Lynn for a quote or two, she obliged

“I’m writing a new chapter,” Lynn said via email. “I’m so grateful to my past and present colleagues. I’ve loved bringing home the news to the people of Colorado since 1976 and now I’m ready to apply, in a different arena, the skills I’ve learned as a communicator and in the board rooms of the many non-profit organizations I’ve served over the years. I’ll be working with a wonderful group of people at a respected organization. I’m thrilled!”

Bertha Lynn is leaving 7News for a job in the nonprofit sector. (7News photo)

Bertha Lynn is leaving 7News for a job in the nonprofit sector. (7News photo)

 

Winner winner chicken dinner!

Rioja chef Jennifer Jasinski took home the big prize Wednesday night with a Dead Duck dish on the third episode of Bravo’s popular “Top Chef Masters.” Her seared duck breast and citrus duck sausage, fregola celery salad, smoky blood orange sauce, olive-orange puree won $10,000 for local non-profit Work Options for Women. Chef Jen is competing as a team with Euclid Hall’s Jorel Pierce.

Jennifer Jasinski's winning dish: seared duck breast and citurs duck sausage  with fregola and celery salad. (Bravo TV photo)

Jennifer Jasinski’s winning dish: seared duck breast and citrus duck sausage with fregola and celery salad. (Bravo TV photo)

The elimination challenge was entitled “Sex, Murder and Greed,” with each chef was asked to create a dish befitting one of the themes. The cast of long-running soap opera “Days of our Lives” were celebrity judges along with Curtis Stone, Gail Simmons, Leslie Suter and Ruth Reichl.

The competition began with 13 teams and is now down to nine.

Viewers can add to the WOW bounty by voting for Team Jasinski online each Wednesday night during the season at http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters. As of late Thursday night, Team Jasinski was in third place. You can vote up to 40 times when you submit a phone number (don’t worry they won’t spam or call).

Jennifer Jasinski with fellow "Top Chef Masters" chefs Sang Yoon and Odette Fada. (Bravo TV photo)

Jennifer Jasinski with fellow ‘Top Chef Masters’ chefs Sang Yoon and Odette Fada. (Bravo TV photo)

 

Colorado rocks it!

Forbes Magazine on Thursday announced its 15th annual ranking of Best Places for Business and Careers, and Denver and Fort Collins made the top 10 cities.

Denver was ranked sixth and Fort Collins seventh.

And speaking of rankings…
Bon Appetit Magazine rated two Denver restaurants among its choice of the 50 best new restaurants in its current edition. Here’s what they said about Old Major:
“Reclaimed wood and farmer-focused. Sure, it’s a tried-and-true formula from Portland to Portland, but the crew at Old Major excel because they execute it perfectly, from the in-house butchery and rock-solid charcuterie program to the chill, we’re-all-friends-here vibe of the former roller rink.
“On the Menu: Twenty-one-day dry-aged bone-in rib eye with foie gras butter; nose-to-tail plate (pork chop, confit rib, crispy belly)
“We also love: That Old Major was the name of the pig in George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm.’ “

However, what the writer left out is that the standard pretzel bread with honey mustard rocks the house! The best ever.

“And about The Squeaky Bean: Denver’s much-loved Squeaky Bean shut down in 2011, only to be reincarnated last year in a new, bigger space. The look is both industrial (exposed pipes and beams) and old-school fancy (chandeliers). But things really get interesting on the wide-ranging four-course prix fixe, with offbeat dishes like congee and leg of Colorado lamb.

“On the Menu: Brandade espuma; offal fritto; Mr. Green Jeans (Spring 44 gin, celery, cucumber, black pepper, lemon, sugar).

“We also love: he Farrah Fawcett shrine, replete with candles and her visage, which made the move from the old space to the new one. (Photograph by Adam Larkey)

“Pig-centric and nose-to-tail. Reclaimed wood and farmer-focused. Sure, it’s a tried-and-true formula from Portland to Portland, but the crew at Old Major excel because they execute it perfectly, from the in-house butchery and rock-solid charcuterie program to the chill, we’re-all-friends-here vibe of the former roller rink.”

For the full story, to go http://www.bonappetit.com/restaurants-travel/2013/08/top-new-restaurant-nominees-2013.

A mixologist pours on of the famed drinks at The Squeaky Bean. (Photo by Adam Larkey)

A mixologist pours one of the famed drinks at The Squeaky Bean. (Photo by Adam Larkey)

Eavesdropping on a woman talking about the recent Bruno Mars concert at Red Rocks during the Rally for the Cure tournament at Aurora Hills Golf Course: : “The concert was like watching the newest and greatest Jackson 5.”

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.

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Penny Parker On The Town: Bravo reality real estate show tackles Aspen market

August 2, 2013

I will confess that I love all things Bravo. I’m addicted to all the reality series, as well as to honcho Andy Cohen, who hosts “Watch What Happens Live” five nights a week (I’ve even got Mr. On the Town hooked on Andy’s show as well as “The Real Housewives of New Jersey”).

Most of those shows are train wrecks that you can’t take your eyes off of. So here comes the sixth season of “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,” where cast members Josh Altman (ick!), Josh Flagg and Madison Hildebrand compete fiercely for listings since the market has rebounded.

Inventory is low, according to a recent story on www.skicurbed.com, and the threesome are trying to find “sprawling estates for high-profile clients.”

So, unfortunately for Aspen, Altman calls Glamour Gulch his “second home”. Here’s part of the interview with Altman (see all of the interview at http://bit.ly/18V7lbp):

So, why Aspen?

We’ve been vacationing here for over eight years now. Matt (Josh’s brother) went to the University of Colorado in Boulder and after our family started visiting him out there, we fell in love with Colorado and especially Aspen. Our parents loved it so much, they ended up buying a place in Aspen as a vacation home. A few years later they made it their permanent home.

What are some of your favorite Aspen hangouts?

Most the time you’ll find us at The Caribou Club … we love to unwind on the comfortable couches. You’ll also see us at Pacifica, Jimmy’s and Cache Cache.

What’s your experience in the Aspen market?

We’ve done quite a few deals in Aspen and get a lot of calls. People know we are familiar with the area and have the best overseas reach to buyers through “Million Dollar Listing” and through Christie’s Great Estates. We consider it our second home, so love to co-list and co-market with local agents and are able to get them very high-profile clients.

What are your overall impressions of the real estate market in Aspen?

I feel the market keeps getting better and better and will continue to strengthen. Coming into the fourth quarter, we should see some good movement. I think it’s a great time to buy and invest here. Anyone who thinks other resort towns are hotter, obviously have never been to Aspen – in my opinion it’s the most beautiful place in the country.

Season six of “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” premieres on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. MDT on Bravo.

Josh Altman of the Bravo Network's "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" (Bravo Network photo)

Josh Altman of the Bravo Network’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.” (Bravo Network photo)

 

Welcome to Actasana
Actasana is the latest addition to the entertainment scene in Denver. But what is Actasana?

According to www.Actasana.com, Actasana’s mission is “to unleash our imaginations and set the artist within us free through acting, yoga, comedy and theatre.”

Actasana is located at 1491 S. Holly St. in Denver will integrate its acting program with yoga into each class. The space includes a 27-seat black-box theater and is “set to have play productions on the Namastage, stand-up comedy nights, workshops, featured artists series” and a new filmmakers’ night.

Artistic Director Lea Marlene, a native Coloradan, earned a degree in journalism; broadcast news and television with a minor in theatre from Colorado State University. Marlene moved to Hollywood after college where she studied the Meisner technique with two of the nation’s best Meisner-certified teachers, Bill Alderson of Aldersonstudio.com and John Ruskin of Ruskinschool.com.

David Lauer is Actasana’s co-founder and has 20-plus years experience in the film industry. His visual effects credits include “Armageddon,” “The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “Night at the Museum” and “The Incredible Hulk.” His most recent roles was as co-visual effects supervisor on the Academy Award-winning “Life of Pi.”

For more information, visit the website or call 720-638-2612

Pop-up place

For a limited time, Denver’s Curtis Hotel is offering a package with a one-night stay in a pop-up inflatable room that rises 22 feet in the air, thanks to a scissor lift on top of the van on which it sits.

The cost? Hang onto your checkbooks … it’s $50,000. There is a weight limit (yikes!), and no smoking allowed.

Architect Alex Schweder created the 5-foot-by-7-foot see-through room atop a van for the Biennial of the Americas festival, according to an Associated Press story.

The room has a chemical toilet, shower, sink, inflatable bed and couch and curtains. It is being driven to parking lots around town through Aug. 23.

The seen

On a sign (see below) posted by a homeowner on the Biltmore Golf Course in Arizona: “If you come through this door uninvited you will be killed.” The sign also carries a Spanish translation. Talk about need of anger management.

photo

(Barb Simmons photo)

 

 

Eavesdropping on two women at The Palm discussing the merits of dating younger men: “Younger guys are smarter because they just got out of school and remember everything we forgot.”

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.

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Penny Parker On The Town: ‘Colbert Report’ takes Denver’s The Lumineers on a comedic ride

July 31, 2013

Denver-based band The Lumineers appeared on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” on Monday.

Host Stephen Colbert joked in his introduction that the Lumineers, “are best known for their song, ‘Ho Hey,’ not to be confused with Eliot Spitzer’s song, ‘Hey, ho.’”

After inaccurately introducing band member Jeremiah Fraites, Colbert noted, “My mistake, Jeremiah Fraites. How could you forget a name like that? You sound like a character from a Steinbeck novel.”

Fraites and Wesley Schultz are from New Jersey and followed Coloradan Neyla Pakarak to Denver, mainly because the rent was cheaper than in Brooklyn, where they had been living.

Here’s a link to the interview (and you can watch their musical performance as well): http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/428165/july-29-2013/the-lumineers.

Building Bridges

Rutt Bridges, a ridiculous rich Denver man who once threw his hat in the ring for the governor’s office, witnessed his son’s nuptials recently when Jeffrey Kane Bridges married AnnMarie Lynn Micikas at The Kitchen restaurant in Denver.

According to the New York Times report, the couple were married by The Rev. Dr. Cameron E. Partridge, an Episcopal priest.

Also according to The Times, “The couple met at Harvard, from which they each received master of divinity degrees.

“The bride, 26, is taking her husband’s name. Next month she will begin pursuing a Ph.D. in the study of religion at Harvard. She graduated with honors from the University of Chicago. She is the daughter of Lynda B. and Michael P. Micikas of Highlands Ranch.”

Jeffrey, 32, is the executive director of Vote Your Values, “a political action committee in Washington that raises money to help elect candidates or to support political causes. His mother is Barbara A. Bridges of Cheyenne, Wyo.

To read the whole story about how they bonded over cowboy boots, go to www.nytimes.com/2013/07/28/fashion/weddings/first-open-mouth-then-remove-boot.html?_r=0

Mod squad

Modmarket, a Colorado company serving healthy and simple farm-fresh foods, will open its doors on its fifth Colorado location today in Cherry Hills Village at the Kent Place Center (3475 S. University Blvd.).

The restaurant company is a rapidly growing fast casual concept that is redefining the $10 dining experience with many low-priced items on the menu.

Since opening its doors in Boulder in 2009, the company has attracted a loyal following from people seeking farm-fresh, fine-dining quality food at reasonable prices.

The selection of salads, pizzas, plates and sandwiches changes with the seasons to take advantage of regional and local ingredients.

Founders Anthony Pigliacampo and Rob McColgan are married to Modmarket. The routine is similar to Smashburger where you order at a counter then have your food delivered to your table.

I made a trek to the new space on Monday with publicist Ellen Robinson. I had a basil chicken sandwich and Robinson had a farmer salad. The receipt includes a breakdown of calorie totals and the percentage of calories in fats, carbohydrates and protein.

Was it tasty? You bet! Really good fast, casual fare. When the place is packed, as it was for freebie friends and family meals on Monday, it is really loud because of the sound bouncing off all of the hard surfaces. But overall, I enjoyed the experience because of the pleasant staff and superior food.

Modmarket serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.

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

modmarket1

(Photos courtesy of ModMarket)

Top, Roasted Red Bird chicken, herb-seasoned humanely raised, hormone and antibiotic free. Above, the storefront at the Kent Place Center at 3475 S. University Blvd. Below, a build-your-own salad with spinach, tomatoes and edamame. (Photos courtesy of ModMarket)

modmarket3

 

Truffle time

The Truffle Cheese Shop, that amazing spot on Sixth Avenue where you can’t get out of there for under $50, has opened a restaurant Truffle Table at 2556 15th St. in Lower Highland. The space, formerly occupied by Cellar Wine Bar, is in the historic Inverness Building at 15th and Boulder streets.

The cheese focused restaurant specializes in products from smaller artisan producers with a bias toward European and raw milk cheeses. Colorado and domestic cheese makers are also represented.

Owners Robert and Karin Lawler said, “For us it is a natural progression. Our background is in the restaurant business and this just feels right”.

Robert worked as a chef and kitchen manager in Denver, Boulder and San Francisco and Karin was a restaurant manager at Potager before the couple bought The Truffle Cheese Shop in 2007.

For more information on the restaurant, call 303-455-9463 or go to www.truffletable.com.

Veg out

Food & Wine Magazine has declared its “Top 20 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants” in its August issue.

The introduction text reads, “From supper clubs to food trucks, F&W picks the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants around the country.”

It’s always good when Denver garners attention from national culinary folks. This time it’s for Watercourse Foods at 837 E. 17th Ave.

“Vegetables are the new pork, the new cupcake and the new craft beer all  in one. They are the biggest mega-trend ever,” writes F&W editor-in-chief Dana Cowin in the August issue. “Here, a guide to the country’s best vegetarian and vegan restaurants.”

F&W writes about Watercourse, “The healthy comfort-food restaurant donates 10 to 15 percent of its Monday-night sales to different charities. More information, visit www.watercoursefoods.com or call 303-832-7313.

Read the rest of the story at www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/best-vegan-and-vegetarian-restaurants?xid=TTIPS073013TopVegetarianVegan#!slide=9.

Little Man on the mall

The crazy popular Little Man Ice Cream at 3216 Tejon St. in the Highland neighborhood, has opened a pop-up store at 2620 16th Street Mall (between Stout and Champa).

Here are a few of the fab flavors that “Little Man on Wheels” is currently scoopin’ on Denver’s pedestrian mall (for more check them out on Twitter @LittleManDenver):

Grapefruit margarita sorbet; salted Oreo; chocolate; vanilla; mint chip (ice creams) and espresso fudge gelato

Eavesdropping at a store on Larimer Square: The owner is in his 60s and was talking about growing up in north Denver.  He said that back then, Larimer Street was skid row.  He said his teacher used to say to him, “If you don’t pay attention in class, you’ll end up on Larimer Street!”  The owner smiled and then said, “It’s not such a bad thing these days! ”

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.

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