1 0 Tag Archives: Penny Parker

Go out with a bang and ring in the new year at area eateries

December 29, 2014

Denver is no slouch when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve. From the two free fireworks displays downtown to dinner, dancing and drinking at numerous area establishments, you’ll have no reason to not party hearty Wednesday night.

And, for the morning after, so many restaurants offer their versions of hefty hangover cures during brunch. Take, for example, New Year’s Eve parties at Union Station, a disco party at The Walnut Room, Neil Diamond cover band Forever in Blue Jeans and French food at Coohills, Auld Lang Five five-course tasting menu at Panzano, free oysters and half-price proseco at Cart-Driver, bingo and caviar at Squeaky Bean, an Oscar-winning meal at 1515, lobster and filet at Fleming’s, Scandinavian specialties at Trillium, thirst quenchers at Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill, 50 Shades of Silver party at the Tavern Downtown and the Third Annual Irish Family New Year’s Celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. at Celtic Tavern.

As for finding the cure for what ails you on New Year’s Day, consider brunch best bets with Bloody Mary’s and bottomless bellinis at Panzano; Los Chingones, Sugarmill and TAG Burger Bar brunches; Centro Latin Kitchen in Boulder; LoLa in LoHi; Scotch eggs and corned beef hash Argyll Whisky Beer in Uptown; Humboldt Farm, Fish & Wine; the Walk of Shame brunch at Ignite Burgers & Bar and the bottomless brunch at Zengo and La Biblioteca.

But wait, there’s more. Even if you’re a Johnny or Jenny come lately to making NYE or New Year’s Day reservations, check out available tables and times at www.opentable.com.

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Eater Denver compiles massive New Year’s party guide

December 29, 2014

Eater Denver, the local version of the national website that covers all things restaurant-related, has done the impressive legwork of compiling New Year’s celebrations broken down by neighborhood.

Included in the “mammoth guide to New Year’s in Denver” are editions for Berkeley and West Highland; LoHi, Sunnyside and Jefferson Park; Uptown; Boulder and RiNo. Keep checking this link for additions: www.denver.eater.com/2014/12/22/7435409/the-mammoth-guide-to-new-years-in-denver.

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Local mad scientist chef to compete on restaurant show

December 29, 2014

Denver’s own molecular gastronomist Ian Kleinman, owner of The Inventing Room, will compete for the chance to open a pop-up restaurant financed by respected restaurateurs Tim Love and Joe Bastianich during the second season of “Restaurant Startup,” beginning on Jan. 13 on CNBC.

According to the website, “‘…Each week, two teams are invited to pitch their food ideas to our investors. Under high-pressure questioning, each team tries to convince Bastianich and Love that theirs is a concept worth backing. The chosen team is given the keys to a working restaurant on trendy Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. They get 36 hours and $7,500 to put their dream to the test and create a business plan; come up with a branding campaign; and, finally, launch their pop-up restaurant. Under the watchful eye of Bastianich and Love’s culinary consultant Antonia Lofaso, the aspiring food moguls open their doors, serve their food, and test their concept on the public. Based on the reaction from the diners, the quality of the branding, and the viability of the business plan, Bastianich and Love decide whether or not they will put their own money on the line to make someone’s dreams come true – and, hopefully, make big money for themselves.”

ian kleiman1

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See ‘The Interview’ in Denver, Littleton and Fort Collins

December 29, 2014

How to score big box office for what’s purported to be a mediocre film? Get North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong-un mad at you.

The Denver Film Society started showing the controversial Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy “The Interview” on Dec. 26 for a two-week run. The Sie FilmCenter is the only theater in central Denver to play the film. “The Interview” also will screen outside of Denver at the Alamo Drafthouse in Littleton and at the Lyric Theater in Fort Collins.

As owners and operators of an independent art house theater (the Sie FilmCenter), the DFS recognizes the importance of providing a space for this film to be released. Last week, the Film Society signed a petition through the Art House Convergence, showing solidarity with the independent film community and taking a stand for freedom of speech and artistic expression.

“We join with our colleagues in the art house community nationwide in concern over the censorship of any film,” says DFS Festival Director Britta Erickson. “It’s a dangerous precedent for the future of films. The Denver Film Society is proud to provide our Denver-area audiences with the opportunity to experience, discuss and make their own decisions regarding ‘The Interview.’ ”

Tickets are on sale at www.denverfilm.org. The Sie FilmCenter is located at 2510 E. Colfax, across from East High School. Free parking is available in the lot accessible off Colfax and Columbine.

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The Seen

December 29, 2014

Seen on the Raiders sideline during Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High: “Glee” actress Naya Rivera, whose brother, Mychal Rivera, is a tight end for the Raiders.

(Fox Network photo)

(Fox Network photo)

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DIA best of the best, website says

December 24, 2014

Although the airport may not be anyone’s favorite place to be this week, Premier Traveler readers have dubbed Denver International Airport the Best Airport in North America.

“This honor could be attributed to a number of factors, from the plethora of stimulating art exhibitions to the eco-friendly solar energy panels, and from the friendly volunteer ambassadors to the cleanliness in every corner of the hub and the friendliness throughout,” according to www.premiertravelerusa.com. “Regardless, with more than 52 million people traveling through DIA each year, the airport is definitely doing something right.”

Read the rest of the story at www.premiertravelerusa.com/Best_in_Travel_-_Hyatt,_SWISS,_National,_DIA/76/2375.aspx.

 

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RiNo noted for neighborhood eats

December 24, 2014

Thrillist.com, the Internet commentator on all things food related, has chosen RiNo, Denver’s Riverfront North neighborhood, as one of The 18 Best Food Neighborhoods in America.

Here’s how RiNo made the cut, “If your ‘hood is on this list, congratulations, you’re probably gaining weight, as we made sure every neighborhood is fantastic to eat and drink in. And once we’d narrowed it down to our top 18, we examined two major factors to determine placement: 1) culinary history, and 2) what’s happening now…”

While RiNo as a destination dining ‘hood is fairly new and continually growing, its foodie scene lacks historical reference to call upon, unlike other neighborhoods in New Orleans, Boston, Charleston, Chicago and San Francisco, which are also on the list.

Here’s what Thrillist said about RiNo, “Once upon a time, this was a neighborhood Denverites would go to if they wanted to have a nice night out… and then get mugged afterwards. Now? It’s practically swarming with hot restaurants and breweries. Part of that is due to The Source, an enormous 20,000-square-foot artisan food market that houses one of Denver’s best restaurants (Acorn), coffee roasters (Boxcar), breweries (Crooked Stave) and plenty more.

“Four other exemplary craft breweries have taprooms in the neighborhood as well, including the Utah-transplant Epic Brewing, which knows (its) way around a sour. For food, Work & Class serves up shared plates of delicious Latin/American food, Cart-Driver is the tiny, high-quality pizza joint every neighborhood deserves, and Los Chingones is the Mexican food outpost of one of Denver’s finest restaurateurs. And for something you likely won’t find in any other city, Infinite Monkey Theorem cans their own wine and has an expansive space to drink it in.”

See the other 17 picks at www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/18-best-food-neighborhoods-in-america-flushing-west-loop-the-mission.

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Colorado Restaurant Association crew get their groove on

December 24, 2014

Santa’s helpers at the Colorado Restaurant Association have been taking a cue from Usher by learning some mad dance moves that will put some ho, ho, ho in the holiday season.

Membership crew Barb Simmons, Devany McNeill, Brian Waisman and Emily Rickert captured their new-found skills in this Christmas greeting card: www.elfyourself.com/?mId=63470799.2.

No wonder they all stay svelte despite having to dine out for a living.

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Chicken parm you taste so … free

December 24, 2014

Want to sing for your supper?

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. is giving away chicken parmesan sandwiches before Sunday’s Broncos-Raiders game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High to those who are willing to sing the insurance company theme song.

When game goers visit the Nationwide food truck, outside of Gate 2 at Sports Authority Field, sing the “Nationwide is on your side” jingle or come up with your own version similar to the one that Broncos QB Peyton Manning sings on the company’s TV ads .

The first 40,000 fans into the stadium also will receive a chicken-parm themed T-shirt.

(Nationwide Insurance photo)

(Nationwide Insurance photo)

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