Eater Denver, the local version of the national foodie website, posted on Friday “the 10 biggest dining and food stories of 2013,” which included restaurant openings, closings and behind-the-scenes drama.

Among the newsy notes:

* LoHi’s Old Major for its culinary kudos as well as several staff shifts.

* It’s good to be chef Jennifer Jasinski, co-owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Euclid Hall and the upcoming S&G Fish in Union Station. Not only was she a worthy competitor in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” but she also brought home a coveted James Beard award.

* El Diablo says adios. Embattled owner Jesse Morreale ultimately cried “uncle” to the city of Denver after battling upgrade requirements to his historic One Broadway building. It’s Denver’s dining loss.

* Celebrated chef Matt Selby leaves the Vesta Dipping Grill group and helps open Corner House then departs after a few months.

* The Source, the Brighton Boulevard industrial building, is redeveloped by the Zeppelin team (also developers of the nearby Taxi space) and opens as a super cool place in RiNo, an up-and-coming neighborhood. The building houses Acorn, the sister restaurant to Oak at Fourteenth in Boulder; Comida, the second outpost for the original Longmont eatery; Mondo Market, a killer cheese and gourmet grocer; CapRock Farm Bar; Crooked Stave brewery; a wine shop; butcher; flower shop and bakery.

* Voodoo Doughnut’s opening at 1520 E. Colfax.

* Chef Max MacKissock‘s departure from the relocated and revamped Squeaky Bean at 1500 Wynkoop. (MacKissock is married to Jasinski, by the way.)

* Pizzeria Locale, from the owners of Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, sold to Chipotle, which has big plans to expand the brand to other states.

For the rest of the stories and top 10 picks, go to http://denver.eater.com/archives/2014/01/10/10-biggest-dining-and-food-stories-of-2013.php.

I have the deepest respect for Denver restaurant owner and super chef Jennifer Jasinski (Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Euclid Hall) for her stellar performance in Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” which ended sadly not in her favor Wednesday night.

In losing, as part of the final three, she was nothing but gracious, of course. Here’s what James Oseland, editor-in-chief of “Saveur Magazine” had to say about the end results:

“I thought I had a handle on Jennifer’s excellence as a cook, and then during the finale meal, she served us her paella gnocchi. My God, it was the single best dish I ate all season — so perfectly balanced, so beautifully executed, so lovely to look at. Unfortunately, for her chances at winning the season, her other three courses — while very, very good — didn’t come anywhere near the glory of that dish. Still, if we’re handing out prizes for individual plates of food, this one is the season five gold-medal winner.”

Almost more important than Jen actually winning the Top chef title, was that not only did she make a major comeback after being disqualified, but then having a rebirth like a Phoenix by returning to the main show after winning with Euclid Hall chef, Jorel Pierce, who played the role of Jen’s sous chef, a second-chance chance.

Not to be overlooked was her remarkable snaring the most money for her charity: $35,000 for Work Options for Women, a Denver nonprofit that teaches food service skills to women in poverty.

“I have no regrets at all about this experience,” Jasinski said after being defeated by chef Douglas Keane. “Top Chef Masters” win or lose aside, Wednesday was still a good day for the Denver chef. Two of her restaurants, Rioja and Euclid Hall were named among the Top 25 Best Restaurants in the October edition of “5280 Magazine.”

On its fourth year, the “5280” list included Rioja in its first two years, however none of Jasinski’s eateries made the cut last year. Jen, it was a privilege and pleasure to ride along with your journey on the show, and you’re still a Top Chef in Denver!

‘Top Chef Masters’ winner Douglas Keane, left, with finalists Bryan Voltaggio and Denver chef Jennifer Jasinski. Below, Jasinski’s ‘borrowed’ dish, an ode to her former mentor, Wolfgang Puck. The dish was Chinese duck with shiitake broth, eggplant daikon, grilled bok choy and duck wonton. (Bravo TV photos)

And speaking of “5280”…

Love it or hate it, the aforementioned best 25 restaurants edition is out. And for the second year in a row (big drum roll) Frasca Food and Wine, the much lauded Boulder eatery co-owned by chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and master sommelier/co-owner Bobby Stuckey scored the No. 1 position on the list.

Other eateries worth noting were Cholon Modern Asian Bistro at Nov. 2 (love!); perennial Japanese favorite Sushi Den at No. 3, Mizuna (chef/owner Frank Bonanno has the golden touch) at No. 4 and relative newbie Bittersweet at No. 5.

Also worth  your dining dollars and were included in the top 25, were Fruition restaurant (to die for) at No. 7, Luca D’Italia (another Bonnano concept at No. 8) and my latest fave rave Old Major where chef/owner Justin Bronson gets jiggy with his knives to create “nose to tail” cuisine.

Another Boulder best 

The University of Colorado-Boulder is back in the top 10. No, not its football program, but on Playboy magazine’s top 10 party schools.

CU ranked third in Playboy’s 2013 list released in the October issue. West Virginia University topped the list, followed by the University of Wisconsin.

CU topped the list in 2011 and has been a regular in Playboy’s poll, which began as the top 40 party colleges in 1987. CU did not make the list a year ago.

This year’s list was determined by “Playboy’s” editors who used data from resources including the National Center for Education Statistics, the NCAA, and the US Economic Census, as well as feedback from Playboy’s more than 12 million social media fans.

The 2012 top party school, University of Virginia, failed to make the 2013 list.

Here’s the complete list:

1. West Virginia University
2. University of Wisconsin
3. University of Colorado
4. University of Southern California
5. Florida State University
6. University of Texas
7. Louisiana State University
8. University of Georgia
9. Arizona State University
10. University of Maryland

The October 2013 Playboy magazine cover.

Anchor woman

Kim Posey, who has been filling in as a morning co-anchor on KWGN-Channel 2’s “Daybreak,” has been named to the position permanently.

Posey has been a reporter and weekend news anchor at KDVR-Channel 31 since 2000, when the Fox station launched its news programming.

Posey replaces Natalie Tysdal, who left in May. Posey will join longtime “Daybreak” anchor Tom Green on the Channel 2 morning show that airs from 5-9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Posey will continue some news reporting duties for KDVR and KWGN, which shares news staff.

Kim Posey was named the permanent “Daybreak” morning co-anchor on KWGN-Channel 2.

Love story

Bride to be Lori Paladino Jones posted this thank-you note on the Hyatt Regency Denver at Convention Center’s Facebook timeline:

“Our wedding was saved on Saturday September 14 by Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center and several strangers,  who willingly dropped everything to help us out. It all started last Thursday when our caterer, on one of the only communications we could get from Estes Park said, ‘I don’t think we can do your event Friday, as I don’t think we can get product to Estes to cook. We’ll do what we can, but it really doesn’t look good. With over 150 wedding guests who had flown in from all over the country we started to panic. Friday morning came, and with it, the teary reality that Estes Park was not to be. Kelly and I simply weren’t going to let a little hundred year type rain stand in our way. Friday morning, 9:30 a.m. phone call from my aunt who was staying at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Convention Center telling us to get over there ASAP.

“By noon that Friday with the help of a lot of very special people, who were strangers to us, we had a plan B. Very Special Thanks goes out to the people at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Denver! Thank you so much Kris Randall, Lauren Kirkpatrick, Laura Johnson, Eric Leclair and the countless other staff member who worked tirelessly to make our wedding happen.”

Mediabistro.com first reported the announcement.

Eavesdropping on a woman watching “Top Chef Masters”: “Chef Jen got 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. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com. Want to advertise your business here? Contact Trisha at trilind@hotmail.com.

“Beverly Hills Cop” movie franchise actor and Fort Collins resident John Ashton is about as happy as it gets for someone who has chosen and endured a rather tortured profession.

As super model and “Project Runway” host  Heidi Klum says, “One day you’re in and the next day you’re out.”

Ashton has ridden the Hollywood roller coaster especially after finding fame in the Eddie Murphy vehicles “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Beverly Hills Cop II” playing the curmudgeonly Det. Sgt. John Taggart.

But the University of Southern California theater grad who aspired to be a stage actor didn’t love the Hollywood life. His IMBd resume shows his stripes as a tireless actor taking jobs on movies including “Midnight Run” with Robert DeNiro and on episodic TV series such as “Judging Amy,” “Fantasy Island” and “JAG.”

John Ashton is thrilled to be starring in the new film, ‘Uncle John.’ Ashton, best known for his role in the ‘Beverly Hills Cop” films, has been living in Fort Collins for several years. (Photo courtesy of John Ashton)

Ashton, who retreated to a relatively quiet life in Fort Collins years ago because Hollywood felt like an ill-fitting suit, is back in the movie game with “Uncle John,” an Indie film where he stars as the namesake character in this murder mystery set in Wisconsin and Chicago.

The movie will likely travel to the Sundance Film Festival or, if luck is on their side, first to producer/director David Lynch, who worked with “Uncle John” writer and producer Erik Crary on the film “Inland Empire” in 1996.

But Ashton, who earlier this week parted company with his agents, is most fired up about this movie, which, he says, has brought him back to his original journey to become an actor who does meaningful work.

“It’s the best script I’ve read in years,” Ashton told me during a phone interview. “It’s something I’ve been begging my agents for me to do. I read the script and said, ‘Man, I’m on board.’ I don’t think I’m going to work for anybody over 40 any more.”

Like I said, Ashton plays the title character who is a level-headed guy who helps out his neighbors with fix-it jobs in rural Wisconsin.

“He’s Uncle John,” Ashton said. “Everybody loves him. He fixes people’s water pipes and cabinet doors. The honesty of the character I loved.”

As for his future part with the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, Ashton is unclear. His Det. Taggart role was cut out of the proposed TV series pilot, which was nixed by CBS, but there’s still a chance for another “Beverly Hills Cop” movie.

“Whether they take my advice that Judge (Reinhold) and I should be in the movie, that’s up to the Hollywood gods,” Ashton said. “But doing ‘Uncle John’ refreshed my career. Working with energetic artistically minded kids was so refreshing for me. This is what I was trained to do.”

Have a ball

“The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd and Denver’s own nice rich guy David Mandarich, along with his wife, Bonnie, will be honored for their philanthropic work with the High Hopes Awards during The Children’s Diabetes Foundation Carousel Ball 2013 on Sept. 21 at the Denver Marriott City Center.

The Carousel Ball, founded in 1977 in Denver by Barbara Davis and her late husband Marvin Davis, raises money for programs for clinical care and research for more than 6,000 children and adults at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

The black-tie event, this year chaired by Charlie and Judy McNeil of NexGen Resources Corp., features entertainers Melissa Manchester and Chris Mann.

Manchester is a Grammy-Award-winning singer and songwriter and Mann is a singer-songwriter and finalist from NBC’s weekly competition series “The Voice.”

David Mandarich is president of MDC Holdings. He and his wife, Bonnie, are supporters of many local charities. For tickets, contact Kate Passaris at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at 303-863-1200 or by e-mailing kate@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.

Sherri Shepherd, co-host of ABC’s “The View,” will be honored Sept. 21 at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Carousel Ball at the Denver Marriott City Center.

Melissa Manchester will entertain at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Carousel Ball.

Spoiler alert!

If the most recent episode of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” is still camping out on your DVR, skip this item.

But for those of you in the know who watched Wednesday’s competition, you saw Denver restaurant owner/chef Jennifer Jasinski and sous chef Jorel Pierce win both the quickfire contest and elimination challenge to bring home $15,000 for Jasinski’s chosen charity, Work Options for Women.

That makes a solid $30,000 for WOW, the Denver charity that trains impoverished women the skills to gain employment in the foodservice industry.

Jasinski, who was told to “pack her knives” a couple of weeks ago, sliced her way through the “last chance” competition to win a redemption spot on the reality TV series.

Her winning dish in the quickfire challenge was scallop with ketchup sauce, fermented black beans, avocados and blood orange.

For the elimination challenge, Jasinski’s winning dish was guajillo chile posole with shaved cabbage, lime, cilantro and queso fresco and shrimp, bass and scallop ceviche with papaya, mango, pineapple and plaintain crisp.

There are four chefs remaining in the competition with two episodes left to air (at 8 p.m. Wednesdays our time on Bravo). You go, Jen! Do this for Denver.

Jennifer Jasinski’s winning dish — Scallops with catsup sauce and fermented black beans, avocados and blood orange — in the Quickfire challenge of Wednesday’s episode of ‘Top Chef Masters.’ (Bravo TV photo)

Jasinski’s two winning dishes in the elimination challenge of Bravo network’s ‘Top Chef Masters.’ Top: Shrimp, bass and scallop ceviche with papaya, mango, pineapple and plaintain crisp. Above: Guajillo chile posole with shaved cabbage, lime cilantro and queso fresco. (Bravo TV photos)

Wine time

Metropolitan State University of Denver is hosting “An evening With the Masters” on Sunday, featuring a screening of the film “SOMM,” an insider’s look at the prestigious Master Sommelier examination.

With a 90 percent failure rate, there are fewer than 20 people who have been crowned as a Master Sommelier the past 40 years. During this event, at the SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown (1190 Auraria Parkway) you are invited to mingle with several of the world’s foremost wine experts contributing to Metro State’s evening of sensory celebration and entertainment.

The evening begins Sunday, Sept. 15 with a wine reception and silent auction from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a screening of the movie at 7:15 p.m.

Other events are a four-course dinner with wine pairings prepared by executive chef Kevin Taylor and his son, Ryan Taylor; MSU Denver Hospitality, Tourism and Events student and Jay Fletcher with Southern Wine & Spirits of Colorado.

Also available are tickets to a guided wine tasting with either Bobby Stuckey, master sommelier and co-owner of Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder or with master sommelier Brandon Tebbe with Synergy Fine Wines.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MSU Denver’s Hospitality, Tourism and Events Department and the Hospitality Learning Center. For tickets and more information, go to www.msudenver.edu/sommfilm/.

A winnah!

Tony’s Market executive chef Michael “Mick” Rosacci is the winner for two VIP tickets to Denver Beerathon on Saturday (tickets still available at www.denverbeerathon.com).

Here’s what he won: The VIP ticket directs beer lovers to check in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is at Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant (1735 19th St.), and includes a VIP-only party with a buffet, prizes and giveaways and a $20 Uber car service pass plus a $25 day of event pass (new Uber users only),  Altitude Peak Fitness two-week unlimited pass, $99 room rate at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel among other goodies.

The link for $99 rooms at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (regularly rooms are about $350) is:  https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/denverbeerathon. More information on the Beerathon at www.denverbeerathon.com.

But just because your name wasn’t drawn (from a list of new and veteran subscribers) doesn’t mean the party is over. Our new giveaway incentive to sign up at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker is two VIP tickets to “Clean Guys of Comedy,” a stand-up show featuring performances by Jamie Kennedy, Dave Coulier, Heather McDonald, Andy Hendrickson and Ralph Harris for one night only at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Buell Theatre.

The “Clean Guys of Comedy” show marks the launch of a new comedy brand targeted toward audiences who enjoy adult but clean stand-up laughs. And, just in case you don’t win the random drawing, you can purchase tickets at www.fathomevents.com.

In the meantime, get all your friends to subscribe to my column for a chance to win. The winner will be drawn at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16 and announced in my column on Sept. 18.

Eavesdropping on a woman on Facebook: “Heaven help me, but I learned just how old I am today by watching a video on twerking and then actually trying to twerk. Luckily there is no one here to witness this frightening maneuver.”

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.

Trader Joe’s announcement Monday that it will open a fourth Colorado location on the Southwest corner of Seventh and Logan was the best thing to happen to Capitol Hill since the governor’s mansion moved into the ‘hood.

And since I live five blocks from the new TJ’s site, I was especially delighted to hear the news, although I’ll have to figure out how to transport a boatload of signature Trader Joe’s products.

Trader Joe’s spokeswomen Alison Mochizuki confirmed Monday’s Internet buzz. “Although we don’t disclose what goes into the decision-making processes of selecting a location, Denver is filled with foodies and we are looking forward to being part of this wonderful community,” Mochizuki said when I asked what drove TJ’s to secure a Cap Hill site. “Beyond this, we don’t have any additional comments.”

The space, directly across the street from the popular Govnr’s Park Tavern at 672 Logan St., is currently occupied by an empty Century Link warehouse. The Trader Joe’s store, which is slated to open next year, will be approximately 11,600 square feet.

It will not carry its famous Two Buck Chuck wine — nor any other liquor — because the one store with a liquor component will be the Eighth Avenue and Colorado Boulevard location in accordance with Colorado liquor laws that restrict retailers to one liquor license.

Other previously announced stores will be in Greenwood Village and Boulder, and also will open next year. The Monrovia, Calif.-based Trader Joe’s began in 1958 in the Los Angeles area, and since has grown to more than 390 stores in 35 states. More at www.traderjoes.com.

Well done

Denver James-Beard-Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski earned a chance for redemption when she returned to the “Top Chef Masters” competition last Wednesday on Bravo.

Viewers thought Jasinski, who owns Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, was thrown out of the contest like some weeks-old leftovers, but she roared back in the online sous chef competition to win her reentry.

Last Wednesday’s elimination challenge was to create a fish dish, and Jasinski (paired with Douglas Keane, who had immunity) was victorious while winning $5,000 for her charity of choice, Work Options for Women, a Denver-based organization that teaches impoverished women skills to put them to work in the food service industry. That makes a respectable total of $15,000 that the Denver chef has won so far for WOW.

Chef Jennifer Jasinski’s winning John Dory dish (with fellow chef Douglas Keane) that netted $5,000 for Work Options for Women. (Bravo TV photo)

Only three episodes remain on “Top Chef Masters” (8 p.m. Wednesdays our time). Vote for Team Jasinski at www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters.

Tix on sale today 

The Denver Film Society is honoring Denver’s legendary former concert promoter Barry Fey with a screening of “Under a Blood Red Sky,” with special performances by The Samples and Madam Sin, beginning at 6:45 p.m. Sept. 26 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, where the U2 concert was originally filmed.

Tickets are $20 (all fees included) and on sale beginning today at www.ticketswest.com, King Soopers stores or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT.

Tech Center tastes

The 13th annual Taste of the Tech Center, brought to you by The DTC|Greenwood Village chamber of Commerce, will tantalize taste buds on Sept. 18 at the XJet Hangar at Centennial Airport.

The event (from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. general admission or from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for VIPs) features tastes from more than 40 South Denver restaurants paired with wine samples.

For tickets call the DTC|Greenwood Village Chamber at 303-290-9922, e-mail admin@gvchamber.com or go to http://business.dtcchamber.com/events/details/13th-annual-taste-of-greenwood-village-7871.

Stand by for take off

Mariel, a women’s boutique at 3000 E. Third Ave., will feature evening wear for the fashion show finale at Flight to Luxury. (Photo courtesy of Mariel)

Fashion, jets, sports cars and luxury Cuvee Ventures villas will come together under one roof on Sept. 20 for the fourth annual Flight to Luxury event benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.

The evening’s goal is to raise $750,000. The Signature Flight Support private jet hangar at Centennial Airport will house the red-carpet event showcasing elite elements of high-end travel: Cuvee’s custom-couture villas in locations around the world, first-class private jets by Jet Linx and luxury sports cars by Ferrari of Denver and Sill-TerHar Motors.

Also featured will be a couture fashion show from local Denver boutiques, cuisine and drinks from some of the Mile High City’s top eateries and a silent and live auction. CBS4 sports anchor Vic Lombardi will emcee the event.

For more information and tickets, go to www.flighttoluxury.com.

Swept

Le Grand Bistro and Oyster Bar, 1512 Curtis St., provided the winning chef and bartender, selected by a panel of judges, at the Art of the Cocktail Friday at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver.

Chef Brad Yard took the food category with his roasted tomato gazpacho with cucumber coulis, garlic breadcrumbs and Granata Farms purple basil.

The winning cocktail, created by Audrey Smith, was the Bangkok Rose made with Absolut cilantro lime vodka, house-made smoked hibiscus simple syrup, house-made grapefruit bitters, fresh lemon and lime juice, fresh basil and served up and garnished with hibiscus flower and basil.

Each first-place chef and bartender were awarded $500 cash, plus an overnight at The Ritz and breakfast at Elway’s Downtown.

People’s choice winners were Smith for her Bangkok Rose cocktail and Elway’s for its tacos.

Here are a few selected photos from Saturday’s ninth annual Denver Food and Wine, presented by US Foods:

These young ladies helped serve cocktails to the Denver Food and Wine crowd Saturday. Below, celebrity chef Brian Polcyn wows the crowd with his charcuterie knowledge at the Viking Culinary Chef Showcase. Bottom, Panzano chef Elise Wiggins also was a participant on the Viking Stage.(Photos by Stevie Crecilius)

Subscribe to my column and earn beer here

This evening at 6 p.m., the winning name will be drawn for two VIP tickets to Denver Beerathon. Anyone who’s a veteran or newbie subscriber to this column will be eligible to win. Sign up to subscribe (come on, it’s free!) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker and you will be eligible for this and future drawings.

The first Denver Beerathon, on Saturday, features a self-guided tour of 26 downtown-area bars, pubs, taverns and restaurants offering special deals for ticket holders.

The VIP ticket directs beer lovers to check in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is at Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant (1735 19th St.), and includes a VIP-only party with a buffet, prizes and giveaways and a $20 Uber car service pass plus a $25 day of event pass (new Uber users only),  Altitude Peak Fitness two-week unlimited pass, $99 room rate at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel among other goodies.

The link for $99 rooms at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (regularly rooms are about $350) is:  https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/denverbeerathon. More information on the Beerathon at www.denverbeerathon.com

Eavesdropping on two women at a bar: “I think I’ll get a Michelada.”

“Did you just say, ‘I’ll meet you later?'”

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.

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)

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 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)

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.

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)

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.

Hey, there’s an elephant on my street; how he got there I’ll never know.

If you’re in the vicinity of Curtis and 18th streets on Saturday, don’t be surprised to see an elephant lumbering toward The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver.

The elephant entry signifies the third and final air jordan spizike wedding ceremony between an East Indian doctor and his American wife. Three ceremonies are planned with the last being an Indian tradition of having the bride arrive at the reception location aboard an elephant being trucked in from California for the occasion.

I’ve been told that there will be street closures and off-duty police officers along the route. “I understand they’ve taken out tons of (city) permits,” said a source. Representatives from the mayor’s office could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Get your grill on

It’ll be a hot time in the old town when a slew of chefs fire up their grills and serve up sliders during the fourth annual Hot Rocks Griller Challenge, a fundraiser for the Denver Health Foundation’s men’s health programs, from 6 to 9 p.m. June 13 at Elway’s Cherry Creek.

Roughly 16 of the top local chefs will get their grill on to compete for top honors in the slider competition where the winner is determined by popular vote. Attendees can purchase chips (votes) from $5 to $100, and flip chips into the receptacles on their favorite chefs’ tables. Each chef will concoct a creative slider plus a side dish that will be paired with a wine.

The heated competition represents some of Denver’s best culinary talent including: Steve Ballas (Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs), Robert Bogart (Elway’s Downtown), Michael Bortz (City Bakery), Jamey Fader (Lola, Big Red F Restaurant Group), Troy Guard (TAG, TAG Raw Bar, Madison Grill), Jennifer Jasinski (Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Euclid Hall), Simon Purvis (EDGE Restaurant), Paul Reilly (formerly of Encore), Matt Selby and Brandon Biederman (Vesta Dipping Grill, Steuben’s), Goose Sorensen (Solera), Darrel Truett (Barolo Grill), Tyler Wiard and Aniedra Nichols (Elway’s Cherry Creek), Elise Wiggins (Panzano) and Sean Yontz (El Diablo).

Denver’s own Chris Daniels and the Kings will provide musical entertainment. Guests can also “pay to play” the Hyde Park Jewelers High Striker test of skills game. Event chairs Michael Pollak (Hyde Park) and John Elway (Broncos, Hall of Fame) will fan the fun.

Tickets are $100 apiece or $250 for early admission and entrance to the VIP Lounge. Purchase them at denverhealthfoundation.org.

In memoriam

Hank Dire, owner of the iconic Bonnie Brae Tavern, died Monday at age 84. Hank had worked at the family restaurant since he was 5 years old.

Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3959 E. Iliff Ave., will be the location for a memorial service at 10 a.m. Monday.

Another long-time Colorado restaurateur Timothy Lee Galloway died last November, but the current issue of  issue of Golf Digest tells the touching story of how his son, Winn, took his dad for a round of golf at Pebble Beach where Tim scored a hole in one.

Tim worked at Boulder restaurants including Flagstaff House, adidas neo Red Lion Inn, Potter’s, the restaurants at the Boulderado Hotel and Cork n’ Cleaver.

Check out the Golf Digest story (have your hanky nearby) here.

Dad’s day

Four local men may be captains of industry and pillars in the community, but they are most proud of being a dad.

Walt DeHaven, vice president and general manager of CBS4; Steve Erkenbrack, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Health Plans; Greg Feasel, executive vice president and COO of the Colorado Rockies and Jeff Jones, co-president and CFO of Vail Resorts, were lauded Wednesday night during the Father of the Year Awards, a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association.

The ballroom at the Grand Hyatt was packed with supporters who were treated to touching video tributes from children of the honored fathers.

Evening emcee CBS4 anchor Jim Benemann warmed up the crowd with some of his own “dad-isms”.

“I remember my dad fondly for the things he taught me such as, ‘Oh, I’ll give you something to cry about.’ Or, ‘Because I said so, that’s why.'”

Speaking of dear old dad

Are you tardy to the dad’s day party? There’s still time to make Father’s Day brunch or dinner reservations. Go to opentable.com to see a list of special Father’s Day feasts.

Eavesdropping on a man watching The View: “They should just call this,’ We All Talk at the Same Time.'”

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.

Denver has the distinction of being a foodie city chock full of female chefs running several high-profile kitchens in town.

To celebrate that phenom, eight years ago Work Options for Women, a charitable organization that trains women on welfare to work in the food service industry, created WomenCook! an all-female-chef event.

The eighth annual WomenCook! is a walk-around dinner from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 7 at Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St. Tickets are $125 apiece at workoptions.org.

What will the women cook, roshe run flywire femmes you ask? Here’s the tasty line-up:

* Kathleen Kenny Davia of Gateaux – carrot cake petit four, chocolate lovers cake pops and assorted spring tea cookies.

* Elise Wiggins’ sous chef will stand in for Panzano executive chef who’s leading a cooking tour of Italy – rabbit gnocchi, marinated slow roasted tomato fine herbes, gorgonzola leeks, mushrooms and shallots.

* Dana Rodriguez, Bistro Vendome –  rhubarb puff pastry tart with foie gras mousse and micro salad.

* Aniedra Nichols, Elway’s Cherry Creek – beef brisket-kimchi lettuce wrap, sambal mayonnaise.

* Sheila Lucero, Jax Fish House – ahi tuna, cucumber tabbouleh, tamarind vinaigrette.

* Lisa Baily, D Bar Desserts – tropical verrine with passion fruit panna cotta, coconut cream and mango chutney.

* Rachel Kesley, Watercourse – seared baked bean polenta with a vegan smoked “gouda” cherry reduction and corn shoots.

* Sandra Adams, Hyatt – Tart cherry and honeyed goat cheese tart apricot and pistachio frangipane tart and chocolate whiskey caramel tart.

* Yasmin Lozada Hissom and Dorina Miller, Spuntino – sweet pea pesto and homemade ricotta bruschetta.

* Rhonda Banks, Gaetanos – bruschetta with fava beans and radish, and a sweet pea bisque.

* Mary Nguyen, Parallel 17 and Street Kitchen – five spice braised lamb, Asian ratatouille, polenta. Sea bass tartare, sweet potato chips.

* Summer Polson and Ashly Quibodeaux, Project Angel Heart – duck confit tacos with mango salsa and queso fresco.

Also participating: Cafe Options and WOW Cafe.

Longtime Work Options board member and Denver restaurant consultant John Imbergamo, who will miss this year’s event due to Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall chef/owner Jennifer Jasinski’s potential James Beard Award in New York, said the origins of WomenCook! started with former Strings owner Noel Cunningham’s vision.

“He was insistent that Work Options for Women and the Women’s Bean Project collaborate on an event,” Imbergamo said. “We put together the first one in 2005 at the Colorado Convention Center and attracted around 200 people in a room that could hold 500. Lots of echos.

“The next year WOW went the solo route and moved to Temple Emanuel when they graciously offered their event space for free.

“It seemed like a natural fit to create an event that featured Denver’s top women chefs volunteering their time and donating food for a program that teaches food-service skills to welfare-to-work women. There were a few events that zeroed in on women chefs but none designed to draw 500 people like WomenCook! does.”

Fuel your engine

After a tedious construction challenge, Gary Lee’s Motor Club & Grub, 176 S. Broadway, opened on Saturday night.

Housed in a former mechanics’ garage, Gary Lee Bomar and his business partner, Marty Killorin (one third of the Three Kings Tavern owners), are dishing up “custom comfort food” featuring smoked meats and cheeses.

“We’ve turned this place into one of the most beautiful bars in Denver,” Bomar told me.

Bomar has a longtime Denver restaurant-and-bar resume including the nearby Skylark in the neighborhood where he lives. “I would walk by this place,” he said. “Where the cars are always parked, I thought would make a good patio for Broadway. We will have the largest patio on Broadway.”

In addition to smoked fare, Gary Lee’s will offer a Cubano sandwich, vegetarian items including a portabello sandwich, and a salad with arugula, goat cheese and hazelnuts. “Our menu is a little more stylish but still pretty down home,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming about this for 10 years.”

For the next couple of weeks, hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., but when the place is at full speed, hours will increase to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., roshe run hyp and regular menu till close. Also on the to-do list: live jazz on the weekends.

Keynote speaker

Tonier “Neen” Cain, a nationally known speaker and educator on the devastation of trauma, will deliver the keynote speech at Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s 11th Annual Mental Health Benefit Luncheon starting at 11 a.m. May 11 at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center in Englewood.

Cain, who was incarcerated 66 times, finally received treatment for a lifetime of trauma in 2004. She lived on the streets for two decades where she endured violence, hunger and despair.

At the event, emceed by 850KOA radio personality April Zesbaugh, the Distinguished Service and Community Hero awards will be presented to Sen. Linda Newell for her sponsorship of mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention bills at the Capitol, and John Vellos for his contributions to behavioral health issues.

Tickets: admhn.org or by calling 303-779-9676.

Eavesdropping on a little girl to an adult: “Why do I talk so much?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because I have so many words to say!”

My Facebook page has moved. Be sure to like it! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.