Pat “Gabby Gourmet” Miller (below), her husband Mark and son Johnny at the Costco in Sheridan on Sunday.

Eavesdropping on a woman and a man: Woman, holding a block of cheese: “There’s no cheese in the refrigerator that’s not frozen.”

Man walks to refrigerator, pulls out Ziploc bag with provolone and cheddar cheese: “Here it is. What are you, a man?”

One of the biggest food events in March, Cochon 555, will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver at 1881 Curtis St. It’s a sold-out event, but you can enter to win two tickets courtesy of www.eaterdenver.com.

An all-star lineup of five chefs —  Paul Reilly of Beast & Bottle; Bill Greenwood of Beano’s Cabin; Justin Brunson of Old Major; Jennifer Jasinski of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall and Steve Redzikowski of Oak On Fourteenth in Boulder and Acorn — will compete to become Prince or Princess of Porc. The five chefs will compete by preparing a maximum of six dishes, each from one whole heritage breed pig, to win votes from the crowd.

You can win two VIP tickets to this pig-centric extravaganza.

LiveWell Colorado, a nonprofit organization committed to preventing and reducing obesity in Colorado, has joined forces with the Colorado Restaurant Association to kick off the “Take It Home” pilot program, aimed at helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle while eating at their favorite restaurants.

Beginning today, four participating restaurants will offer “Take It Home” to-go containers to encourage patrons to think about boxing up a portion of their meal and consuming a balanced portion size.

Four Denver-area restaurants, representing several different cuisine options and price points, are participating in the program, including all three Sam’s No. 3 locations, Elway’s Cherry Creek, Racines and Osteria Marco. Program materials available within the restaurants will encourage guests to consider packaging part of their meal in order to help them mindfully select a portion size that supports their healthy lifestyle.

“Coloradans enjoy eating out, especially since we have so many great restaurant options here in Denver,” said Tracy Faigin Boyle, vice president of marketing and communications for LiveWell Colorado. “The ‘Take It Home’ program encourages people to eat fewer calories at one sitting than they might otherwise by choosing to eat the portion size that is right for them, and enjoying leftovers for another balanced meal. Because we tend to ‘eat with our eyes,’ we can often eat a smaller portion and still feel satisfied.”

A recent report from the National Restaurant Association showed that many restaurateurs want to address the growing obesity epidemic, and smaller portions were cited as a growing trend among the industry.

“Our goal in supporting this campaign is to remind people who you can eat out and be healthy at the same time – people don’t have to choose between the two. This program serves as a reminder not to overeat while you are busy socializing,” said Sonia Riggs, chief operating officer of the Colorado Restaurant Association. “Denver has an exciting, vibrant restaurant scene, and we want to help people enjoy it in a mindful, healthy way.

“The  Colorado Restaurant Association is happy to be a partner in this pilot program.  We want to remind people that eating out can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle – the two are not exclusive of each other.  Considering your personal portion size is one way to keep the calories down while enjoying your favorite foods.”

Are single women more aggressive than men? We have hits on our available males, but few nibbles on our females!

What up, guys? You can’t possibly be that shy and we have great gals to offer. Consider all of these “catches.”

There are more singles ready to mingle as part of our special  “looking for love” feature. Anyone who subscribes to this column is eligible to participate.

Check out their pictures and brief bios in this space. Are you looking?  Is your mom or dad looking? Your best friend looking?  Check out these eligible gals and guys!

We are going to run this feature every Friday.

This week’s male contestant is Lee Romero, a CSFD captain firefighter (and who doesn’t want to date a hero?).

His idea of a perfect date is a hike and a picnic with red wine afterwards or in the summer, dinner on the patio.

In his spare time, Romero likes to cycle, hike, travel and enjoy his grandkids.

“I love to cook, enjoy the arts, and anything outdoors,” he said.

Romero is 58 years young.

Lee Romero

This week’s female single looking to mingle is Cathie Beck, also 58.

She has an eclectic career as an author, journalist and president of Capital City Public Relations.

Her idea of a perfect date is, “Discovering an incredible Pinot Noir with someone — and we both dig it and then we have a laugh session (about nothing whatsoever) and it all ends with the lingering feeling that neither of us wants it to end,” she said.

In her spare time, Beck says she likes, “To plan a 2014 New Orleans Jazz Fest getaway and on the heels of that, the 2014 Oregon International Pinot Noir Festival — and catching too many movies and keeping this 140-year-old Denver square house happy and wondering who’s going to be on the 2016 presidential ticket.”

Cathie Beck

Here’s another female participant: Cristen Bertelson, a sales expert in her mid 30s.

Her idea of a perfect date is dinner or coffee, a walk or bike ride around the city.

In her spare time, Bertelson volunteers, takes yoga classes, visits new restaurants and travels.

Cristen Bertelson

Another male contestant is Mikael Padilla, 39, a hair stylist to locals and L.A. celebs.

Here’s his MO: Padilla’s idea of a perfect date is, “Going and buying cheesy pajamas (the kind with feet on them)  and watching cheesy comedies like “Joe Dirt”… and of course a nice bottle of wine.”

In his spare time, Padilla prefers traveling as often and as far as he can. He says he loves exploring other cultures, and loves eating out. He’s a dog lover, who adores being outdoors with his Weimaraner and hiking in the summer time. He also prefers having anything to do with the beach and the ocean.

Mikael Padilla

Another person of interest is Eric Elkins, 46. Here’s his info:

What is your idea of a perfect date?

“I’m glad you used the word “date,” because I like the intention and sense of romance it conveys. A perfect date is a set of shared experiences both planned and unexpected.

“I love to eat well, so delicious food is an essential ingredient. Pair that up with some art and culture, intelligent conversation, heartfelt confession, and a goodnight kiss (or many), and it’s perfect. That said, the dates where plans get blown apart, requiring quick thinking and creative solutions, giving way to bemused laughter and a funny story to share can be perfect, too.

In his spare time, Elkins says he prefers, “I’m a single dad, and I don’t have a ton of spare time, so I tend to make the most of it – hitting the gym or yoga or a snowy mountain with my snowboard; eating and drinking my way through my food-friendly neighborhood; writing books; enjoying cocktails; looking at last-minute fares and hopping a plane for a weekend somewhere. I’m all about living well and finding magic and adventure in every day. I live that way when I have my daughter, too, because it helps her see just how much potential life has to offer.
I grew up all over, but have been in Denver for 20-plus years.

Eric Elkins

Connie Jorkos, 49, is an ultrasound technologist working at the VA hospital. She’s originally from Ohio.

“A perfect date would be to try a new, unique restaurant in the area. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, biking and meeting new people,” Jorkos said.

Connie Jorkos

David Vandivort, a Kansas City native and restaurant management employee in his late 20s.

Vandivort doesn’t like the notion of a perfect date. “No one knows what a perfect date is
until it happens. I guess I am still looking for the perfect date,” he said.

In his spare time, Vandivort enjoys snowboarding, watching soccer and building and analyzing computers.

David Vandivort

We also have the handsome and fabulous man-about-town Quinn Washington.

Here’s what he has to say: “My perfect date night would be an urban adventure here in our downtown.  Be it a date to the Nuggets game, Museum of Contemporary Art, an amazing performance at the Denver Center of Performing Arts.  It would also include an amazing dinner at one of our many establishments.

“In my spare time I ski, weather permitting, volunteer and run.  I also enjoy politics, reading and music.

“I am the event coordinator for Imbibe Denver, liquor rep for Demetrio Tequilla, along with president of Quinn Washington Public Relations Agency.

“I am 32 but will be 33 March 15.”

Quinn Washington

Another female contender is Lisa Bailey. See what she has to say:

“For a  planned perfect date, an art gallery opening followed a drink at a place with a view. Then, to a corner table for dinner at a cozy French or Italian restaurant with a great bottle of wine and intriguing conversation. From there, off to listen to live music and dance the night away (either in my seat or on the dance floor).  Now, if we just throw caution to the wind, I’d jump into a convertible and enjoy whatever life adventure might come our way!”

In her spare time, Lisa says, “I can be found at the theater, a movie, sporting events, hiking, festivals or trying new hot spots in town. Or simply cooking and entertaining at home. I volunteer and attend a few networking events here and there. I love to travel near and far.

“I used to be in the hospitality industry for much of my career in marketing but have recently switched to the health and wellness field. I oversee marketing, public relations and communications.”

Lisa is originally from Houston, but she has lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Lisa Bailey

Another female contender is Jenny Johnson, 45, an IT analyst with Denver original Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Johnson’s ideal date would include dinner, drinks and conversation.

“No better way to get to know someone,” she says.

What does she do in her spare time?

“I love to support local restaurants, comedy, and music! If I am not eating or at a show, I love to spend time with my kids, friends, photography, read, and movies.”

Johnson was born and raised in Orange, Calif. She has lived in Denver for 19 years (minus 2 in the middle for a quick jaunt to Omaha).

Jenny Johnson

Lt. Col. David Robinson, 44, who is definitely looking for love. Check out his bio:

“My perfect date would start with a woman who is ‘comfortable in her own skin.’  That’s really the magic ingredient for me being myself and opening up.  Someone who is intelligent and a good listener.  A woman who has passion and is intrigued by life and its potentials.  Someone who is emotionally healthy and honest with themselves and others.

“Once these fundamental ingredients are in place, my date and I would take in a show and dinner.  A live venue of some sort whether it be the theater or live music or even a comedy show. Somewhere with character but also a place that would allow me to show her how gentlemen treat ladies.”

In Robinson’s free time he loves to ski, snowboard, run, participate in triathlons, hike, travel, go wine tasting and indulge in fine dining.

David Robinson

Kathy Meehan is a 60-something retired attorney and New York native who loves to partake in all that Denver has to offer.

But her idea of the perfect date would take her back to her native home. Meehan says she’d spend a day in New York City touring the museums with a stop at a deli for lunch, then up to The Rainbow Room for cocktails, tickets to the theater and dinner.

Back in Denver in her spare time, Meehan enjoys movies, reading, volunteering, taking advantage of the cultural activities in Denver, dining out, traveling and cooking.

Kathy Meehan

Four Seasons Hotel PR pro Jim Guttau is looking for Mr. Right. This 36-year-old’s idea of a perfect date night is dining at an off-the-beaten-path restaurant, the smaller the better. He says that a quiet intimate eatery creates the perfect setting to get to know someone better.

In his spare time, Guttau takes advantage of the great outdoors whether it’s hiking or skiing (he recently moved to Denver from Aspen). His favorite past-times are eating and traveling, so you’ll often find him at an airport or at the newest restaurant in town.

Jim Guttau

Meet Iowa transplant Georgina Schwery.  This 30-something gal is looking for men to join her on that perfect date.  She likes to spend time with her family and friends, snowboard, play volleyball, softball, watch sports, workout, read and watch movies.  Her work days are spent as a customer success manager with Webfilings and an independant consultant with Partylite Gifts.

Georgina Schwery

Check out male candidate Michael Ochs (my neighbor).  Originally from Illinois, this 30-year-old is looking for women that like outdoor activities.  His ideal date would be hiking and then coming home and cooking a meal together while listening to music and drinking a glass of red wine.  He is always planning that next great adventure.  Ochs is a sales executive by day.

Michael Ochs

If you’re interested in a set-up, contact my ad sales representative Trisha Lindeman, aka “The Matchmaker,” at trilind@hotmail.com.

Eavesdropping on two women: “So what is turning 60 all about?”

“How to get an exit strategy.”

The current issue of 5280 magazine is out and instead of its traditional eight picks, this year they upped the ante to 10. Probably because there are so many worthy newbies in town, many I haven’t even had a chance to visit!

So here’s the list of 5280’s fave new raves, which the magazine calls “The 10 Hippest, Most Delicious Restaurants in Denver Right Now”:

1. Acorn at The Source at 3350 Brighton Blvd. (www.denveracorn.com).

2. Lower 48 Kitchen at 2020 Lawrence (www.lower48kitchen.com).

3. The Curtis Club at 2100 Curtis St. (www.thecurtisclub.com).

4. Los Chigones at 2461 Larimer St. (303-295-0686).

5. Café Max at 2412 E, Colfax. (www.cafemax.net).

6. The Plimoth at 2335 28th Ave. (www.theplimoth.com).

7. Session Kitchen at 1518 Pearl St. (www.sessionkitchen.com).

8. Old Major, 3316 Tejon St. (www.oldmajordenver.com).

9. Olive + Finch at 1552 E. 17th Ave. (www.oliveandfincheatery.com).

10. Beast & Bottle, 719 E. 17th Ave. (www.beastandbottle.com).

Check them out and let me know what you think.

There’s no question that cancer treatment takes a toll on the mind and body of its patients (and as a breast cancer survivor, I can relate).

From diagnosis through treatment, the resistance and fortitude of cancer patients is tested. For patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, an upcoming trip was designed specifically to escape these pressures and allow them to focus on just being a kid.

Colorado Rockies All-Star shortstop and friend of Children’s Colorado, Troy Tulowitzki, will underwrite an all-expense paid trip to the Colorado Rockies spring training camp for more than 20 patients and their medical caregivers. While in Scottsdale, Ariz., the children will enjoy an exhibition game, meet-and-greet sessions with players and coaches and even some one-on-one downtime with the players.

”Last year, I presented Troy with the proposal to fund this trip and he immediately agreed,” said Jim Kellogg, vice president of community and retail operations for the Colorado Rockies. “That’s just the kind of guy he is, he genuinely wants to help and give back wherever he can.”

More than just a vacation, this trip will be the first time that many of the travelers have been away from home without their parents, fostering a sense of independence that is scarce when one battles a life-threatening disease.

The teens can wear what they want, listen to their favorite music and soak in the Arizona sun. While their medical caregivers will be present when needed, the teens also will be in the company of their peers, establishing life-long friendships and support systems.

“It was the most fun I have had in a long time,” said Thomas, a cancer patient that attended the inaugural trip in 2013. “It was so cool to meet Mr. Tulo and Mr. Kellogg and all the rest of the Rockies!”

Enjoy an evening of Spanish wines from Curious Corks Imports paired with a tapas style menu prepared by The Inn at Cherry Creek at 233 Clayton St. in Cherry Creek North, beginning at 6:30 p.m. March 19.

Attire is business casual.

The tasting and dinner will be guided by (the marvelous) Danny Keefe, president and founder of Curious Corks Imports. Keefe has loved wine for almost as long as he cane remember, but he never thought that his passion would turn into a career.

Keefe aims to share the wonder of wine with everyone and his philosophy is that there is a wine for every occasion and every palate.

Chef Mike Hendricks from The Inn at Cherry Creek will create a menu of small plates to pair with the wines.

Cost is $55 for members of AWS Denver and $65 for non-members and guests. Tickets are available online only through www.blacktie-colorado.com.