5280 Magazine April 2020

THE DENVER MAGAZINE

THE

ULTIMATE INSIDER’S TO GUIDE DENVER  Sip, Stroll & Sightsee:

The Perfect Intineraries For You And Your Springtime Guests!

PAGE 90

TASTY VEGAN EATS AT SOUTH BROADWAY’S SOMEBODY PEOPLE PAGE 42

MEET THE WOMAN OVERSEEING DENVER’S UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH

BY KASEY CORDELL

THE COLORADO ROCKIES SEEM POISED FOR REINVENTION— WILL IT WORK? PAGE 108

APRIL 2020 5280.com

THE LARGEST MUSEUM IN SANTA FE, IS SANTA FE ITSELF. In Santa Fe, you don’t have to go looking for culture.

It’ll find you, in every step you take. It’s just one of the things that makes The City Different, but there’s still so much more waiting to be uncovered.

Uncover your different at SantaFe.org

DI NE O U T. G I V E Visit these businesses for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, or dinner on Thursday, April 30, and 25% of your bill will benefit Project Angel Heart.

ALL COLORADO LOCATIONS AURORA Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta Iliff & Buckley Bent Fork American Grill La Cueva Sam’s No. 3 Diner - Aurora � BOULDER AREA Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Longmont Avery Brewing Restaurant & Tap Room Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza Longmont Blackbelly The Empire Lounge & Restaurant � Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery Southern Sun Pub & Brewery CAPITOL HILL/CENTRAL Angelo’s Taverna - Denver Bang Up to the Elephant!

Benny’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar DiFranco’s � FIRE at the ART, a hotel � Fruition Restaurant Ivy on 7th Little India - 6th & Grant � Logan Street Prohibition Racines Restaurant Ritual Social House � Shells and Sauce

Table 6 Uno Mas Taqueria - 6th Ave Wild Corgi Pub CHERRY CREEK/GLENDALE Barolo Grill Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood Bull & Bush Brewery The Cherry Cricket - Cherry Creek Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria - Glendale Cucina Colore Trattoria & Bar Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar Cherry Creek Jax Fish House - Glendale Machete Tequila + Tacos Cherry Creek � Piatti Sam’s No. 3 Diner - Glendale � DOWNTOWN Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Downtown Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Union Station Appaloosa Grill & Wright Room � Avelina Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs Bistro Vendôme The Cherry Cricket - Ballpark Chow Morso Osteria Citizen Rail Corridor 44 D’Corazon � Daily Grill Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen Freshcraft Jax Fish House - LoDo Kachina Cantina � Machete Tequila + Tacos Union Station �

Mercantile dining & provision Morin The Nickel Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox Panzano The Pig & The Sprout Red Square Bistro + Vodka Bar Rhein Haus � Rioja Sam’s No. 3 Diner - Downtown � Stoic & Genuine � Tamayo Two-Fisted Mario’s Pizza Ultreia Gastroteka Vesta � Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern � EAST COLFAX Annie’s Cafe & Bar Bastien’s Restaurant Denver Biscuit Company - E Colfax � Fat Sully’s Pizza - E Colfax � Machete Tequila + Tacos - Colfax � Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs � Trattoria Stella - Colfax � EAST DENVER Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta 7th & Colorado Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Dartmouth Cake Crumbs Bakery � The Cherry Tomato Citron Bistro � Copper Kettle Brewing Company � Hank’s Texas Barbecue India’s Restaurant Inga’s Alpine Tavern �

La Fogata Mexican Restaurant - Evans Lowry Beer Garden Monaco Inn Restaurant North County Oblio’s Pizzeria � Officers Club Cocktail Bar & Dining Room Tables GREEN VALLEY RANCH Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta Gateway Park Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden NORTH METRO Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Brighton Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Windsor Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria - Thornton Great Scott’s Eatery - Broomfield Great Scott’s Eatery - Denver Hana Matsuri Sushi Tuk Tuk Thai Bistro - Westminster � NORTHWEST DENVER/HIGHLANDS American Elm Bacon Social House - Sunnyside Bamboo Sushi � Bar Dough Billy’s Inn Briar Common Brewery + Eatery BriDer Rotisserie and Kitchen Café Brazil Cart-Driver - LoHi � Cervecería Colorado � Denver Biscuit Company - Tennyson � Duo Restaurant El Camino Community Tavern

In 2020, Project Angel Heart will prepare and deliver delicious, medically tailored meals for more than 3,200 Coloradans living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, kidney disease, and other serious illnesses. The meals are designed to improve their health and quality of life.

“My health is much better. I have more strength now. I walked to the bus stop on the corner and rode the bus with my niece that just graduated from college. I was so glad I had the strength, thanks to your meals.”

B ACK .

APRIL 30,2020 El Five The Family Jones Spirit House Fat Sully’s Pizza - Tennyson � Firenze a Tavola :: Authentic Tuscan Dining & Wine Bar Gaetano’s Highland Tap & Burger Hops & Pie Linger LoHi SteakBar Lola Coastal Mexican Ohana Island Kitchen Old Major PARISI pizzeria.trattoria.vino Root Down Señor Bear Tap & Burger Sloan’s Lake Trattoria Stella - Highlands � The Truffle Table Uncle - Highlands � Vital Root The Way Back RINO/FIVE POINTS Birdcall - Five Points � Cart-Driver - RiNo � Death & Co � Dunbar Kitchen and Tap House Hop Alley � Jack Rabbit Slims � Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club � Osaka Ramen � Rita’s Law Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen Five Points Stowaway Kitchen

Donating $1 for every Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail sold on April 30

—Edgar, living with HIV/AIDS

DiningOutForLifeDenver.org

SOUTH BROADWAY Beatrice & Woodsley Blue Bonnet Restaurant Bruno’s Italian Bistro Colore Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Denver Biscuit Company S Broadway � Fat Sully’s Pizza - S Broadway � Imperial Chinese Restaurant � LEÑA Punch Bowl Social - S Broadway Sputnik Taste of Thailand � Turtle Boat SOUTH METRO/DTC Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Castle Rock Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta Colorado Springs Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - DTC Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Lone Tree Burger Theory inside Holiday Inn & Suites DTC-Centennial Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria - Castle Rock Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria - DTC La Fogata Mexican Restaurant - DTC Sahara Restaurant Tap & Burger Belleview Station Tuk Tuk Thai Grill - DTC � SOUTHEAST METRO Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Parker Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Smoky Hill LuBo’s NY Pizza � Trapper’s Chop House

One lucky diner will win a $2,500 gift card from King Soopers

SOUTHWEST METRO Adelitas Littleton (soon to be Palenque Cocina y Agaveria) Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta Highlands Ranch Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Littleton Bacon Social House - Littleton Café Terracotta Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria Highlands Ranch Piccino Wood Oven Pizza Rolling Smoke BBQ - Centennial � Romano’s Italian Restaurant Sazza Pizza + Salads � The South Restaurant STAPLETON Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Stapleton Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria - Northfield Denver Biscuit Company Stanley Marketplace � Punch Bowl Social - Stapleton Rolling Smoke BBQ Stanley Marketplace Stanley Beer Hall UPTOWN Ace Eat Serve � Atelier by Radex beast + bottle Coperta The District Mile High Hamburger Mary’s Steuben’s - Uptown � Vine Street Pub & Brewery

#DOFLDEN

WASH PARK/DU Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - DU Blackbird Public House Bonnie Brae Tavern Inc. Carmine’s on Penn � Kaos Pizzeria Little India - South Downing � Que Bueno Suerte! � Uno Mas Taqueria - S Pearl Wash Park Grille WEST METRO/MOUNTAINS 240 Union Restaurant A Creative Grill Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta 53rd & Wadsworth Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta Alameda & Simms Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Evergreen Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - Golden Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza Arvada Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza Evergreen Bob’s Atomic Burgers José O’Shea’s Moose Hill Cantina � School House Kitchen & Libations Steuben’s - Arvada � Tuk Tuk Thai Grill - Lakewood � MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE SupperBell �= =

Donating 25% of food and bar sales! = Drag queen ambassador during dinner

projectangelheart @proj_angelheart

FEATURES

A P R I L 2020

90

With construction of ballpark-adjacent McGregor Square underway as the 2020 season begins, Rockies fans are hoping for on-field improvements, too.

The Ultimate Host’s Guide To Denver From where to eat to what to see to how to recreate: your playbook for rolling out the red carpet, Colorado-style.

BY JESSICA LARUSSO

100

The Millennial Body: A User’s Manual People born between 1981 and 1996 are now the largest age demographic in Colorado. We mapped out their health risks, insurance options, and stress management techniques to keep Gen Y machines running smoothly.

BY ANGELA UFHEIL



108

Field Of Dreams Twenty-five years ago, Coors Field opened and ignited a rebirth of downtown. Today, the franchise appears poised for reinvention.

BY SHANE MONAGHAN

118

Laura Aldrete, executive director of Denver’s Community Planning and Development Department, brings a global perspective to the job. Will that be enough to ensure the kind of equity our rapidly growing city seeks?

BY KASEY CORDELL

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Courtesy of the Colorado Rockies

Bringing Beauty Into The Street



BEHIND THE STORIES 20

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CALENDAR 124



DINING GUIDE 130

COMPASS 23 TRAVEL

30

A new astronomy feature on Colorado’s tourism website stars small towns—and big skies.

24 NEWS

In the era of hobbled newspapers, Colorado Public Radio is becoming one of the state’s most robust sources for community news.

EAT & DRINK

26 BUSINESS

39 PEOPLE

Meet two millennials who disrupted the hair-color industry.

42

28 SPORTS

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs will have a lot of features, but stairs aren’t among them.

50

30 MOMENTS

How an April Fools’ Day joke led to the creation of one of the state’s most iconic beers.

Where we’re eating this month: Cart-Driver’s new, larger outpost, a Persian-inspired cafe, and a food window inside an East Colfax Avenue bar.

Plant-based Somebody People shines a light on the appeal of vegetables (with a side of pasta).

Four ways a Denver author biohacked his body to prep for the adventures in his latest tome.

BY SCOTT MOWBRAY

34 CULTURE

36 OUTDOORS

40 WHAT’S HOT

42 REVIEW

32 BOOKS

A Boulder theater gives voice to immigrants’ stories through the mouths of local leaders.

Not all heroes wear capes, as evidenced by Sunday Vinyl’s super sommelier, Clara Klein.

COLUMN

39

Trail Sisters, an online community for female runners, is expanding its family to include hikers and backpackers.

50 WILDLIFE

A Grand Lake webcam takes viewers into an osprey nest—and reminds us that nature’s dramas don’t always have happy endings.

BY MARTIN J. SMITH

BACKSTORY 168 CINEMATIC STRAINS

Celebrate 4/20 with six classic movie-and-marijuana pairings recommended by local budtenders.

ON THE COVER

Illustration by James Taylor

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5280 (ISSN 10826815) is published monthly by 5280 Publishing, Inc., 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202. Subscriptions are $16 for one year (12 issues). Back issues are available for $5.99 plus tax and shipping by visiting shop.5280.com. Periodical postage paid at Denver, CO, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS (see DMM 707.4.12.5). NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to 5280 Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 37270, Boone, IA 50037-4270. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. #40065056 Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3. 5280® is a federally registered trademark owned by 5280 Publishing, Inc. 5280 also owns trademark registrations for TOP OF THE TOWN, DENVER’S TOP DOCTORS, DENVER MAGAZINE, COLORADO PARENT, and COUTURE COLORADO. © 2020 5280 Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clockwise from top left: Sarah Boyum (2); Courtesy of Peter Ismert; Joni Schrantz; Courtesy of Kent Roorda. Cover source images: Blaine Harrington III/Alamy Stock Photo (Daniels & Fisher Tower); Littleny/Alamy Stock Photo (Brown Palace Hotel and Spa); Jim DeLillo/Stockimo/Alamy Stock Photo (Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre); Marc Piscotty (the Rossonian Hotel); Courtesy of Geo Tours (rafting); Courtesy of the Denver Art Museum (Denver Art Museum); Getty Images (all others)

DEPTS.

DIALOGUE 18

Cassandra Witt Cassandra slipped and hit her head on the bedroom floor, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Her recovery proved she was strong enough to lift herself back up.

Read Cassandra’s story at uchealth.org/stories.

B:4.75" T:4.75" S:4.75"

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Geoff Van Dyke DEPUTY EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

Lindsey B. King

David McKenna

ED I T O R I A L EDITORIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR

MANAGING EDITOR

Kasey Cordell

Jessica LaRusso

HOM E EVOLVED

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Robert Sanchez ARTICLES EDITOR

Natasha Gardner FOOD EDITOR

Denise Mickelsen SENIOR EDITOR

Spencer Campbell ASSISTANT EDITORS

Shane Monaghan, Angela Ufheil ASSISTANT FOOD EDITOR

When is a new home really a new home?

When the paint is still wet? Or when the ideas are fresh? Ideas that simplify your life and beautify your day. Welcome to the new homes — and new thinking — of Brookfield Residential.

Patricia Kaowthumrong RESEARCH EDITOR

Kim Habicht FASHION EDITOR

Georgia Alexia Benjou CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Julie Dugdale, Daliah Singer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

T:10"

B:10"

S:10"

Kelly Bastone, Scott Mowbray EDITORIAL INTERNS

Lily Capstick, Maya Chiodo, Caitlin Foster, Katie Ketchum, Yvonne Krumrey, Madi Skahill

Discover fresh ideas and new homes priced from the $3OOs to $800s.

D I G I TA L DIGITAL EDITOR

Erin Skarda DIGITAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jay Bouchard ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

Victoria Carodine DIGITAL CONTRIBUTORS

Katie Coakley, Christine DeOrio, Amanda M. Faison, Shauna Farnell, Derek Kessinger, Georgia Perry, Meredith Sell, Andy Stein, Lisa Wirthman

A R T & PH O T O G R A PHY PHOTO EDITOR

Charli Ornett ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS

Amanda Croy, Sean Parsons ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Boyum CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Hannah Barczyk, Michael Byers, Michael Hirshon, Chris Philpot, Joni Schrantz, James Taylor, Rachel Woolf

5 28 0 PU BL I S H I N G , I NC .

BrookfieldResidentialCO.com

CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DENVER | LAKEWOOD | BRIGHTON | FIRESTONE | LITTLETON | CASTLE ROCK Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

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Providing the laser-sharp focus of a boutique family law team with all the benefits and resources of a full-service law firm, we solve even the most complex family law matters.

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this

This is home.

This is Anthem.

A place that has thought of everything. With distinctive new homes in a beautifully established community, priced from the $500s. And now, choose from two esteemed builders in Anthem Reserve—our final, intimate enclave situated on Broomfield’s highest point.

Find your place at AnthemColorado.com

Newland is the largest private developer of mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. newlandco.com | nashcommunities.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY: NASH Anthem, LLC (“Owner”) is the owner and developer of the Anthem Community (“Community”). Certain homebuilders, unaffiliated with Owner or its related entities are building homes in the Community. Owner has retained Newland Real Estate Group, LLC (“Newland”) solely as the Community’s property manager. North America Sekisui House, LLC (“NASH”) has an interest in one of Owner’s members. Owner, Newland and NASH are not co-developing, co-building or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any of the Builders, and shall have no obligations to any buyer regarding a home purchased from a Builder. Owner’s obligations with respect to the community is limited to the development of certain infrastructure improvements and such obligations run solely to persons buying real property directly from Owner. Buyers of homes from any of the Builders waive any claims against Owner, Newland and/or NASH arising out of their purchase transaction. Actual development may vary from Owner’s vision. No guarantee is made that development will proceed as described. Not an offering to residents where prior qualification of out-of-state real estate offerings is required unless the Community has been so qualified or exemptions are available. ©2020 Anthem. All Rights Reserved. Anthem is a trademark of Owner and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.

DIALOGUE about how the city got here.

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Make Yourselves At Home I absolutely adore Denver, but it’s fair to say the Mile High City doesn’t have the same kind of sights as New York City (the Empire State Building), San Francisco (Lombard Street), or Boston (Beacon Hill). Put another way: The 16th Street Mall is not the Sunset Strip. But as residents of Denver know, the lack of boldface sightseeing stops doesn’t mean our city is any less charming or wonderful—and it doesn’t mean it’s any less fun to show family and friends around when, inevitably, they come to visit. It just means you might have to put a little more thought into your itinerary, and that was the motivation behind creating “The Ultimate Host’s Guide To Denver,” which starts on page 90. “In some ways, every issue we do is filled with ideas for how to best explore and showcase the city,” says managing editor Jessica LaRusso, who reported and wrote the feature. “We usually focus on what’s new, though, so this gave us the opportunity to revisit some of the classics. Also, because Denver isn’t one of those cities with a bunch of tourist hot spots, showing off our town is more about demonstrating what it’s like to actually live here. I think we did that.” I couldn’t agree more—and I think you will, too, as you use LaRusso’s piece as your go-to guide for prepping for springtime visitors.

GEOFF VAN DYKE

February 2020

The number of conflicts between humans and mountain lions are growing, according to this story about Colorado reducing hunting permits for cougars.

And many readers are taking the felines’ side.

“Moving humans out of the lions’ habitat would also prevent future conflicts,” Marla

McCulloch Soroka

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more cougar attacks in Cherry Creek,” Goose Sorensen wrote, “with worse consequences than ones in the wild!”

“What You Need to Know About Denver’s Urban Camping Ban” February 18, 2020

5280.com’s in-depth explanation of the city’s

controversial camping ordinance—the constitutionality of which is currently being decided by the courts—provoked fierce debate on Facebook. “We were

walking through downtown today and were just appalled by the amount of tents, tarps, needles, and trash on the sidewalks!” Brian

Bell wrote. “Denver used to be so clean and welcoming! WTF happened?” Connie Ryman responded: “transplants, Democrats, and legalization.”

Few were undisturbed about homelessness in Denver. Some just drew different conclusions

Schmidt wrote. “Seeing signs of homelessness on our streets is a huge sign that we have utterly failed in our human moral mandate to care for one another.”

“Rapids Descent” March 2020

Senior editor Spencer Campbell’s story about the Colorado Rapids’ inability to excite fans drew ire from, well, fans—in particular, the franchise’s official supporters group. “Only one mention of Centennial 38 in an article meant to highlight the culture of the Rapids and why no one goes to games,”

“Seeing signs of homelessness on our streets is a huge sign that we have utterly failed in our human moral mandate to care for one another.”

@JuannersFC tweeted. Still others focused on the team’s misdeeds. “What the Rapids did over the last 10 years,” Bruce Kopeka wrote, “was permanently lose thousands of dedicated fans who are likely never going back.”

CORRECTION In March’s “Rapids Descent,” we incorrectly reported the location of a game the Colorado Rapids played in 2011.

It was in Central America, not South America. We regret the error.

CO NTAC T US Send email to letters@5280.com or mail your feedback to Letters, 5280, 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202. Please include your name, address, and telephone number. Letters and posts may be edited for length and clarity. You can also follow us and join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest (all @5280Magazine).

From top: Sarah Boyum; Katherine Reeder Wildlife Photography/Getty Images

“Lion Taming”

wrote. Christopher Antonucci Goffredo had a different idea for limiting people’s invasion of the animals’ territory: “Try birth control, idiots.” Others thought people were overreacting to rare instances of lion-human clashes. “Probably

“I hope none of you ever find yourselves homeless, and if you do, I hope you are met with more mercy and compassion than you show your neighbors,” Kathleen

In 2005, Kimbrell developed serious breathing problems with no known cause. She was put on oxygen and unable to walk. Fearing that her days were numbered, she prepared to say goodbye to her family. Then she went to National Jewish Health, where physicians discovered the cause of her illness and started her on a lifesaving treatment plan.

At National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, our research and innovative treatments help people with breathing problems get back to breathing easy.

We breathe science, so you can breathe life.

To make an appointment, call 800.621.0505 or visit njhealth.org/kimbrell.

Kimbrell Kimbrough Active Mom Diagnosis: Interstitial Lung Disease

2019-20

BEHIND THE STORIES INSIDE SCOOP

Shane Monaghan

Angela Ufheil

Photographer

Assistant Editor

Assistant Editor

Denver photographer Rachel Woolf says she wants to convey a feeling of connection through her work. So capturing Laura Aldrete, the new executive director of Denver’s Community Planning and Development Department and the subject of “Bringing Beauty Into The Street” (page 118), was an ideal assignment for her.

Born and raised in the Mile High City, Aldrete has now been tasked with guiding its growth. “Laura and I were able to walk around the Potter Highlands district as I took photos,” Woolf says.

“That was where I saw and understood her history and deep appreciation for this city.” Woolf ’s work has also appeared in the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal and on NBC and CNN.

Since the day Coors Field opened 25 years ago, giving the Colorado Rockies a home and injecting downtown Denver with some muchneeded energy, Shane Monaghan’s family has held season tickets. With a new stadium-adjacent development under construction and potential roster changes afoot, Monaghan decided to pen “Field Of Dreams” (page 108) to explore the future of MLB in Denver—which gave the diehard fan plenty to geek out about. “I was surprised to learn that Coors Field is now the third oldest ballpark in the National League,” Monaghan says. “In my mind, it’s still this shiny new thing that I remember as a kid.”

Angela Ufheil would argue that she takes pretty good care of herself. “I’m active, I eat healthy, and I keep all the appointments the experts tell you to,” she says. But while researching “The Millennial Body: A User’s Manual” (page 100), the Gen Y editor got a little nervous. Even though, on average, members of her generation exhibit healthy behaviors, chronic stress is giving them a beating. “Millennials are still fairly young, and so is a lot of the research,” Ufheil says.

“Still, writing this story has made me rethink how I deal with the pressures in my life. I’m lucky to have a supportive social circle, but now I’ll definitely make maintaining those friendships a priority.”

52 80 .com

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TRANSPORTATION TALK

To live in the Mile High City is to complain about getting around it. Yet the collection of transportation stories launching online later this month will take a different tack. “We want to examine how we got to where we are today and focus on the future,” says digital associate editor Jay Bouchard. So while RTD and bike infrastructure likely won’t escape criticism, you can also expect an optimistic look at the ideas that could (maybe) repair Denver’s streets and sidewalks—and sanity.

It was managing editor Jessica LaRusso’s job to curate “The Ultimate Host’s Guide To Denver” (page 90). Yet 5280 staffers were eager to share their favorite ways to show off the city, too. Editorial projects director Kasey Cordell says her guests can’t get enough of filling their own glasses at Broadway Market’s funky beer wall, while digital editor Erin Skarda advocates for a stand-up paddleboard session at Big Soda Lake. And if your visitors want a souvenir? Senior staff writer Robert Sanchez recommends Bill’s Sports Collectibles, a 5,000-square-foot store so packed with memorabilia and baseball cards that you and your guest could make a day out of browsing.

Clockwise from top left: Courtesy of Rachel Woolf; Sarah Boyum (2); Getty Images

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There are two kinds of people in this world. The ones who think Nebraska is nothing more than a 77,000-square-mile cornfield, and the ones who don’t. We find that second group to be a lot more interesting, and are comforted by the knowledge that there are people willing to look deeper to discover what makes this place so special. We’re not trying to convince everyone. Just you. So go to VisitNebraska.com and be the kind of person who gets a free Travel Guide.

NEWS

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CULTURE

Courtesy of Peter Ismert

Heads Up A new astronomy feature on Colorado’s tourism site stars small towns—and big skies.

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OUTDOORS

CoMPASS

A night sky above the Crestone Ziggurat, a prayer and meditation center

Colorado’s growth has brought a lot of good: booming industry, bustling cities, countless microbreweries. One downside? Light pollution now muddies our views of the cosmos. Consequently, prime star-spotting locales have become treasured commodities. To guide travelers to these increasingly rare celestial lookouts, seven small towns, including Creede, La Veta, and Crestone, partnered with the Colorado Tourism Office to create an addition to CTO’s website. Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night (colorado.com/coloradostargazing) premiered in February and provides tools such as moon-phase calendars and a list of events—like the inaugural Sangre Star Festival, a June camp-out in Westcliffe complete with night hikes and lectures from a deep-space photographer and other guests—that enhance tourists’ viewing. The site posts attractions for each town and links to daytime activities, ensuring you find new things to do under the sun, too. —LILY O’NEILL APRIL 2020

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NEWS

Making Waves

On a January afternoon, Colorado Public Radio (CPR) president Stewart Vanderwilt sweeps his hand apologetically toward the offices down a hallway. “We’re still getting settled,” he says of CPR’s new digs on East 17th Avenue. The 9,000-squarefoot space, in which approximately 50 reporters, editors, and producers work, practically hums with something that’s grown rare in many newsrooms today: optimism.

In a state where nearly 20 percent of the newspapers that existed in 2004 have closed and where cuts reduced the Denver Post’s staff by a third in 2018, CPR has grown—fast. Last March, the station purchased local online news site Denverite; a month later, it announced an editor and three reporters focused on climate were coming on board. A dedicated Washington, D.C.–based correspondent was hired in May, and in August, former Denver Post editor Chuck Murphy was appointed to lead an investigative team. To finish off 2019, the news team moved its headquarters from Centennial to Denver, putting reporters closer to the policymaking action at the Capitol.

How has CPR managed to expand when so many others are shrinking? There’s no single answer. Unlike other media, which rely mainly on retail advertising sales, CPR has multiple income streams, including individual donations. It also strategically partners with other outlets, such as its January agreement with Colorado College to create a new public-media center in Colorado Springs. The move allows KRCC (NPR’s southern Colorado station), the Rocky Mountain PBS Regional Innovation Center, college journalism students, and CPR to collaborate on future projects. And the station just hired a collaborations editor to share stories with other local outlets. “In many ways, CPR is a model when we talk about what robust From top: community journalism looks like,” says Lynn Schofield Clark, a professor of Host and reporter Ann Marie Awad; media, film, and journalism studies at the University of Denver. producer and CPR also has benefited from increased support for news media during the reporter Xandra McMahon #fakenews era. The desire to shore up local outlets bred the Colorado Media

Project (CMP), a coalition of civic leaders, journalists, philanthropists, academics, and others that explores policy, collaborations, and funding sources. Launched in 2018, the CMP has received almost $2 million from grant-makers like the Democracy Fund; a portion of that money supported CPR’s acquisition of Denverite, which, Vanderwilt says, added talent, a platform, and an audience.

CMP isn’t the only thing bolstering CPR: Add in contributions from individuals and entities, like the Buell and Gates Family foundations, and the station brought in almost $3 million in donations in 2018. The infusion of cash is enabling CPR to create groundbreaking content, like podcasts from its new Audio Innovations Studio (Back From Broken, a series about recovery, debuted in February). “Public radio was built on bringing depth to daily news,” says Rachel Estabrook, CPR’s news director. She believes giving the audience more of that news, context, and creative storytelling will continue a cycle of support: “People do pay for what they value,” she says. “And the more we give them, the more they will pay for it, and then we’ll be able to do more for them.”

—HILARY MASELL OSWALD

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From left: Hart Van Denburg/Courtesy of CPR News; Sarah Boyum

Colorado Public Radio is becoming one of the state’s best sources for community news—with a little help from its friends.

BUSINESS

Two millennials in Denver disrupted an industry by making it easier to care for wild hair.

Liora Dudar (left) and Maegan Scarlett

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Liora Dudar and Maegan Scarlett have long eschewed basic brown and blond hair for vibrant, hard-to-ignore shades.

(Dudar’s is currently a pastel blue, Scarlett’s a cheerful peach.) But maintaining their flamboyant locks took some of the fun out of rocking the rainbow—dyes were expensive and faded quickly, and their ingredients left strands desiccated.

Tired of fried manes and annoyed that Big Hair Dye wasn’t fixing the problem, the friends decided to invent a better product themselves. An entrepreneur who’d helped start several small businesses, Scarlett experimented in her Los Angeles kitchen for weeks until she landed on two gentle, oil-based conditioners: one for coloring, the other for maintenance.

Instead of using harsh chemicals to force open cuticles, as traditional dyes do, Scarlett’s blend deposits pigments in existing breakage from sun exposure and heat styling.

They named the company Overtone, pooled $10,000 of their savings, and launched in 2014.

Despite having few resources, Dudar and Scarlett, now 31 and 30, respectively, didn’t pursue venture capitalist money because they knew women-run businesses rarely scored funds. (Female founders netted just 2.2 percent of VC outlays in 2018, according to Pitchbook, a financial data and software company.)

What they did have was a close relationship with their customers: “We were part of the demographic we were selling to,” Scarlett says. So they knew exactly how to sell it.

Scarlett and Dudar, a professional photographer who took pictures of the product for the website, sent samples to their trusted beauty guides: social media influencers such as Luz Miranda of @youremynirvana.

“I’d been bleaching my hair for years,” Miranda says. “I needed something healthier. Overtone completely replaced everything I was using.”

When the internet gurus endorsed the product, sales exploded; it turned a profit in just four months.

The company moved to Denver four years ago to take advantage of the city’s growing labor pool and startup-friendly ethos.

Revenue continued to climb, increasing 352 percent from 2018 to 2020.

Scarlett credits Overtone’s rise to its pricing (the most expensive kit is $56) and the founders’ commitment to responding to consumer requests, such as adding traditional hair colors and, as of this month, four new conditioners. The pair still owns 100 percent of the business, though Scarlett receives at least one email a day from venture capital or private equity firms.

“Once you start to disrupt an industry, people take notice,” she says. With that hair, it’s hard not to.

—DALIAH SINGER

Courtesy of Jackie Sterna

A Wash In Color

SPORTS

All Access

SMART TECH

OPEN PLAY

LESS IS MORE

THE RIGHT HEIGHT

At check-in, visitors will be given badges encoded with information about any disabilities they have. As they tour the museum, sensors will recognize data on the cards and trigger effects tailored to that person. When a visually impaired guest steps into the torch gallery, for example, a scanner will prompt audio explanations of the various Olympic torches used throughout history.

An interactive exhibit allows attendees to play multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports. The Olympic events have been tweaked so everyone can participate (see: widening the 30-meter dash lanes to fit wheelchairs). The Paralympic sports include goalball, a game similar to soccer—except blindfolded players attempt to throw the ball into the net using their sense of hearing.

For those with limited vision, simplicity is best, according to blind Paralympic judo athlete Ricky Ties. In other words: no crazy fonts, ample contrast between colors, and few moving elements à la the Star Wars opening crawl. In audio descriptions of videos, Ties also suggested limiting excessive detail. “The way the pool water splashes as a swimmer freestyles is too much,” Ties says.

Former Olympic gymnast Michelle Dusserre Farrell’s daughter, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, often struggles to read signage, whether at a restaurant, amusement park, or museum. So Dusserre Farrell advised designers to situate its displays at a height of 27 inches, which enables people in wheelchairs to pull under them, as if they’re sitting at a desk.

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Courtesy of Gallagher & Associates (2); Icons by Sean Parsons

The $90 million United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum opening next month in Colorado Springs will include interactive digital displays and 13 galleries. One thing you won’t find: stairs.

Instead, there will be a series of ramps sloped at ADA-adherent angles. Here, we break down four other features—many designed with input from Team USA athletes—that will make the facility one of the most accessible museums in the world. —MAYA CHIODO

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MOMENTS Marty Jones, former publicist for Wynkoop Brewing: I was a guest on the Colorado Craft Beer Radio show, and one of the beers we sampled was an oyster stout from Odell Brewing Co. I’d had oyster stouts before, but I thought, This is kind of weird. It’s a Fort Collins brewery doing a beer with oysters in it. I got in the car and scribbled ideas on a notepad.

Gabriel Dohrn, former server at Wynkoop and the video’s director: Marty asked me, What do you think about doing a video for a Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout? Even the zaniest thing isn’t shocking coming from Marty Jones. It’s who he is. So I said, Uh…yeah!

Brad Landman, former brewer at Wynkoop and an actor in the commercial: Marty told me to come upstairs because he needed help. He gave me my lines, and I memorized them in 10 minutes.

Dohrn: We tried to be measured with the writing, so you could play it straight and the audience would think, Am I supposed to laugh at that?

Editors’ note: The two-minute ad, styled like a TV commercial, explained that the brew was made “with malt, hops, Rocky Mountain water, and bull testicles,” and featured testimonials From top: Courtesy of Gabriel Dohrn; Courtesy of Sarah Ingraham; Sarah Boyum

Having A Ball

How an April Fools’ Day joke led to the creation of one of Colorado’s most iconic beers.

In 2012, Marty Jones came up with a nutty idea. An employee at Wynkoop Brewing Company at the time, he and three other staffers decided to produce a commercial for a new beer that captured the essence of Colorado through a very Rocky Mountain–centric ingredient: bull testicles. The ad was meant as an April Fools’ prank, but some missed the joke. Only hours after the video was released, people began showing up at the LoDo brewpub to order the so-called Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout. The accompanying hype convinced the Denver institution to actually concoct the beverage. To celebrate its eighth anniversary, we chatted with those who were there to discover how a spoof became a Centennial State staple. —KIM HABICHT

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Jones: The day I sent it out to the press, a couple of heavies in our trade said, Dude, can you send me some samples? I said, Well I’d like to, but it doesn’t exist. We also had people coming into the restaurant on April 1 to order the beer.

Tim Myers, owner of Strange Craft Beer Co.: I kind of had mixed reactions knowing that the video came out on April Fools’ Day. I thought, It’s got to be a joke. They wouldn’t really do that. Everybody took it so seriously. People were coming into my brewery asking if I’d tasted it.

Andy Brown, former head brewer at Wynkoop: Marty kept pushing for us to actually make [the beer], and eventually I came around to the idea and started researching. I talked to Castle Rock Meats, our meat purveyor, and they said, Yeah, we have cases of [bull testicles]. There are 25 in a case, which is kind of weird because that’s 12 and a half bulls.

Jones: We debuted it at the Great American Beer Festival. Everyone was saying, I want that bull testicle beer! One woman came up and said, I’m allergic to seafood; can I drink this? And I said, Yes, you can!

John Frank, craft beer writer at the Colorado Sun: Now, we’re in an industry where every beer is crazy.

If you can imagine it as an ingredient, it gets thrown in. Back then, that wasn’t the case, which is why this stood out. I still don’t know of another beer that has such an eyecatching ingredient.

John Sims, current head brewer at Wynkoop: A few years ago, we started brewing some of the batches with buffalo testicles. It’s still our most requested sample.

I do about five interviews a year internationally about that beer. It’s bigger than Wynkoop.

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TRAINING DAYS

Four ways a Denver author biohacked his body to prep for the adventures in his latest book.

In his 2017 book What Doesn’t Kill Us, Scott Carney reprogrammed his body’s reaction to freezing conditions—a mission culminating in a 28-hour trek up Kilimanjaro’s peak in freezing temperatures while shirtless. That got Carney thinking: Could biohacking his body help him conquer other extreme situations? His fourth tome, The Wedge (out April 13), follows the Denver author as he applies those principles in other extreme locales, from the Amazon to Latvia. Before he headed out on all those adventures, however, Carney used these Mile High City spots as his laboratories. —SHANE MONAGHAN COOL RUNNINGS It’s no Kilimanjaro, but Carney often ran the one-mile loop around Berkeley’s Rocky Mountain Lake Park in freezing temperatures while bare-chested. The exposure to cold helped him focus on controlling his body’s shiver response, something Carney learned while training with Dutch fitness guru Wim Hof for What Doesn’t Kill Us. HE AT WAVE After participating in Pirts, a pagan ritual that requires five hours in a sauna, Carney began regularly spending up to an

hour in around 180-degree saunas at the Archipelago Clubs, an alternative health center in Jefferson Park. The practice helped him sharpen his body’s resilience to the extreme climates he experienced for The Wedge.

FLOAT ON Carney entered sensory deprivation tubs at Samana Float Center in RiNo to understand the feelings that cause anxiety, so he could practice returning his nervous system to a more relaxed state. The experience served as a primer for Carney’s visit to the Laureate

Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which studies how float tanks can be used to treat depression and anxiety.

PL AYING CATCH On Regis University’s campus, Carney and friends tossed kettlebells back and forth for 30 minutes, switching between one-handed, two-handed, and behindthe-back passes. The threat of getting smacked forced him to practice remaining fully immersed in a strenuous activity for long periods of time.

From left: Courtesy of Maya Oren; Courtesy of Jake Holschuh

from beer sippers (“the Wynkoop is stepping their game up; that takes a lot of balls”). Many national outlets, including the Washington Post and HuffPost, covered the prank.

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Inside Stories

When she stepped onto the stage at eTown Hall in October 2018, state Representative Leslie Herod had no idea whose tale she was about to tell. Herod had been given a script seconds before, and as she began to read, the details of Araceli Velasquez’s life were revealed to the audience and the performer at the same time. Herod explained how Velasquez had traveled from El Salvador to America seeking asylum but was handcuffed and put in a cell for days after being detained by customs agents. Today, living in Colorado illegally, Velasquez is in constant fear of being deported. “I walked away really understanding that there are so many different layers to people’s stories,” Herod says, “but also that the laws we put in place affect them.”

The performance was part of a then new show created by Motus Theater that asked local power brokers—bank presidents, doctors, public officials—to read monologues written by immigrants living in the country illegally. According to Kirsten Wilson, the Boulder-based community theater’s artistic director, the goal is to inspire empathy in the influential performers and spur them to action—which is exactly what happened with Herod. She and the three other Colorado legislators who performed that night endorsed the People’s Resolution, a document Velasquez helped draft that outlines ways Colorado lawmakers can encourage Congress to ease the path to citizenship.

A theater professional who’d recently moved from New York City, Wilson debuted her brand of dramatic activism in 2009 with Rocks Karma Arrows at the University Leslie Herod of Colorado Boulder’s Atlas Institute. The theatrical performance detailed the tense performs for Motus Theater. relationship between Native Americans and the city’s early settlers, garnering enthu-

A Boulder theater gives voice to immigrants through the mouths of local leaders.

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siastic reviews and helping Wilson earn a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. She used the money to start Motus in 2011.

During the company’s early years, Wilson recruited people living in America illegally to read essays about their struggles. But the election of President Donald Trump made Wilson believe that engaging an audience wasn’t enough. She wanted to reach people who could directly impact policy. So, in 2017 she began asking local leaders to perform, and since then everyone from law enforcement officials to defense attorneys have appeared.

Former Boulder Mayor Suzanne Jones says the company’s ability to humanize immigration was integral in Boulder’s 2017 decision to become a sanctuary city.

With the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program resting with the U.S. Supreme Court this summer, Motus is expanding beyond Boulder. This month, it’ll host a Denver show at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House (April 5) featuring multiple state legislators, including Representative Barbara McLachlan. In October, the troupe also launched a podcast, Shoebox Stories: UndocuAmerica, that broadcasts monologues read by celebrities such as Gloria Steinem. The company is even planning live shows in San Francisco, San Diego, and Myrtle Beach for late 2020. Will the new offerings affect policy? Wilson thinks they’re a starting point. “The best I can do is give you their stories,” she says, “and hope empathy is a conduit for change.” —CAITLIN FOSTER

Courtesy of Michael Ensminger

CULTURE

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OUTDOORS

REDUCE, REUSE, RUN

Who Run The World Trail Sisters is expanding its family to include hikers and backpackers.

Nothing frustrated Gina Lucrezi more than flipping through a running magazine: It seemed every story was about performance and every photo showed a man toeing the starting line. When the Buena Vista trail runner did spot a woman, she was either an Olympian or a tad too sculpted to be real. “Some women see that,” Lucrezi says, “and wonder if they belong.”

If the publications were trying to mirror the running community, they sure didn’t reflect the female athletes Lucrezi knew. Her pals peppered workouts with talk about mile-splits and energy gels, yes, but they also delved into personal topics, such as training after a cesarean section or jogging as an outlet for grief. Determined to give those discussions a platform, in 2016 Lucrezi launched Trail Sisters, a website of essays written by and for everyday women. Her friends penned the first five posts then encouraged their friends to submit. (Lucrezi doesn’t pay her scribes.) To date, the virtual snowball has gained more than 200 contributors who share stories about body image, trekking poles, and more. The tales clearly resonate—about 17,000 people visit Trail Sisters each month.

The site’s most impressive accomplishment has been its ability to foster fellowship in real life.

Today, around 90 Trail Sisters chapters across the country gather to log miles; a trail-race calendar lists competitions that treat women fairly (criteria include an equal number of podium spots for men and women); and Lucrezi hosts multiday running retreats in Boulder. Lucrezi will embark on a Merrell-sponsored speaking tour this month to seven U.S. cities, starting in Denver on April 7. Her goal? Expand the sisterhood to include hikers and From top: Trail Sisbackpackers, who can find essays for their sets in the site’s new hiking section. ters’ Run With Her Because, as Lucrezi says, “Trail Sisters is about celebrating any woman who puts retreat; the original Vander Jacket foot to dirt”—no matter how fast her feet are moving. —HEATHER BALOGH ROCHFORT

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Fast fashion lives up to its name: About 11 million tons of textiles go to U.S. landfills each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, much of it cheap, trendy garments from stores such as H&M. Sarah Vander Neut is diverting some of that cloth from the heap by using it to make coats so durable and cool you’ll never have to (or want to) throw them away.

A runner and fashion designer, Vander Neut founded Vander Jacket in 2011. Pregnant and tired of wearing her husband’s baggy sweatshirts, she used extra fabric to make a cute, roomy running coat. People—even those not expecting—noticed and asked for their own.

Nine years later, Vander Neut has made nearly 1,000 jackets, each with discarded materials like fabric donated to thrift stores. The results are funkier than mass-produced threads: Cheetah-print cuffs may accent a pink hoodie, for example, while others look quiltlike. The apparel boasts runner-friendly features, too, like sleeves with watch holes, ensuring you don’t have to choose between style, substance, and sustainability. From $53, vanderjacket.com —CF

From top: Ashley Hunter Arnold/Courtesy of Trail Sisters; Courtesy of Irwin Peralta; Illustration by Michael Hirshon

An Aurora designer is out to make you the coolestlooking, most eco-friendly runner on the trail.

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EAT DRINK &

Super Somm Wine drinkers, assemble: There’s a new pro in town.

Sunday Vinyl sommelier Clara Klein is something of a superhero. Her origin story? Years of training under wine stars at the Little Nell in Aspen, Mourad in San Francisco, and Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder. Her costume? An infectious smile and shiny gold Nike Air Force 1s.

And her power? Nimbly scaling the 13-foot-tall ladder that slides across the two-level wine wall at the chic, three-monthold European-style wine bar behind Union Station, retrieving bottles from its Old World meets New World list in mere moments. Klein attends to her guests with grace and flair, never failing to describe a wine using less than evocative language (“crunchy,” “gushy,” “wild”), while the bar’s killer acoustics and vinyl beats fuel her moves.

“The support of the Frasca family gives you the freedom to be your best self,” Klein says. “I feel like I’m an Avenger.”

So, whether you’re at Sunday Vinyl for a juicy pork burger at the bar or choose to indulge in a full dinner of bison tartare, roasted carrots, and rack of lamb, be sure to call on your friendly neighborhood somm to tell you what to drink with it. Klein won’t let you down.

—DENISE MICKELSEN

P H O T O G R A P H BY J O N I S C H R A N T Z

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WHAT’S HOT pick: Rosebud’s namesake, a floral, pink brew redolent of rose hips, trifoliate orange, verbena, lavender, and hibiscus.

NOT YOUR MAMA’S PUB GRUB Misfit Snackbar City Park

Hot wings and popcorn are always welcome edible companions for an adult beverage, but at four-month-old Misfit Snackbar, located inside Middleman, a cocktail-centric bar on East Colfax Avenue, you won’t find a single such boring bar snack. Former Rebel Restaurant chef Bohdan Porytko is the mastermind cooking inside the 120-square-foot walk-up kitchen, where he adds imaginative pizzazz to a small but mighty menu of familiar dishes: chipotle chicken meatloaf tortas; tacos made with marble rye shells and filled with short-rib pastrami, sauerkraut, and 1000 Island Swiss pimento cheese; and secret-menu (shh!) kimchi

Where We’re Eating PIZZA (& OYSTER) PALACE Cart-Driver LoHi

Compared to Cart-Driver’s tiny shipping-container location in RiNo, its four-month-old LoHi outpost is more like a cargo ship.

Set in two adjacent spaces that once housed Z Cuisine and À Côté, the warm wood- and tileadorned restaurant makes ingenious use of its second home, with plenty of seating in separate bar and dining areas and the action around the wood-fire pizza oven on full display. CartDriver fans can get comfortable and linger over platters of fresh oysters, impeccable pies, and South Italian–inspired small plates—not to mention on-tap

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Prosecco, still wines from small producers, and amaro-forward cocktails. New to the LoHi food roster are a rich pizza topped with mortadella, ricotta, and arugula and several snacky dishes, from roasted carrots with prosciutto, fennel, orange, and spicy honey to charred Brussels sprouts with high-end tinned sardines and tangy Calabrian chiles. Sometimes, more is more.

PERSIAN SIPS & SNACKS Rosebud Cafe Speer

Good luck choosing what to order from Rosebud Cafe’s concise breakfast-and-lunch menu—owner Homeira Chaichian loves it all, and so do we. The offerings at her

sunny, three-year-old, early-day destination are fresh and homey, from house-made breakfast burritos and turkey sandwiches to plates that pay homage to Chaichian’s Iranian heritage. Try the Persian breakfast plate, served with warm flatbread, creamy feta, walnuts, olives, cucumber, and eggs however you like them, or get a bagel (made by Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen) topped with house-made basil-walnut pesto, tomato, feta, walnuts, and cucumbers. Eschew coffee for one of Chaichian’s 20 or so custom tea blends; she travels to Iran From top: every year Wood-fire action to source the at Cart-Driver; fragrant comMisfit Snackbar’s tempura broccoli binations. Our

rice croquettes topped with finely grated Spam. His tempura broccoli—a whole head—is marinated in gochujang buttermilk before it’s fried and garnished with furikake and house-made sweet chile sauce.

Order it with Middleman’s Betelgeuse, a blend of apple-pear brandy and cinnamon- and wild-cherry-infused liqueurs, and you’ll never go back to beer and bar nuts.

Sarah Boyum (2)

On the menu this month: wood-fire pizza, the flavors of Persia, and the best bar snacks in Denver. –PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG, KATIE KETCHUM & DENISE MICKELSEN

REVIEW From left: Mushroom toast and a Greyhound cocktail; Somebody People owners Sam and Tricia Maher

Food For Thought Plant-based Somebody People shines a light on the appeal of vegetables— with a side of pasta. B Y S C O T T M O W B R AY

Somebody People offers Denver eaters proof that vegan cooking can be just as interesting as any other sort of restaurant food.

It’s subtle about its veganism, though. You can be well along into a meal there without realizing what exactly you’re not eating. The menu, while obviously meat- and seafood-free, makes no noise about its dairy or egg restrictions.

Servers offer no philosophy unless asked, and the website only promises a “vegetableforward dining experience.” But I don’t think co-owners Tricia and Sam Maher are being coy. They and their crew simply set food on your table with a smile: Eat, enjoy.

One of the seven-month-old restaurant’s polestars is Vedge, the Philadelphia fine-dining establishment that reset my perspective—and countless others’—on plant-only cooking several years ago. There, vegan fare is inventive and satisfying on its own terms, with vibrant flavors born of scorching and smoking and caramelizing wrought from modernist techniques that produce dairylike mouthfeel and meatlike umami. At Somebody People, the nut-based tzatziki, for example, contains no yo-

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SOMEBODY PEOPLE

1165 S. Broadway 720-502-5681 somebodypeople.com

The Draw: Ambitious yet relaxed vegan cooking and natural wines The Drawback: Dining room is not as refined as the food; wine list could use a few bargains Noise Level: Moderate Don’t Miss: The Sunday Supper, mushroom toast, pastas, juice concoctions, desserts

gurt, yet it is as good as any dairy iteration I’ve tasted. Its pesto has no Parmesan, but its version with arugula and basil managed the texture of a creamy emulsion and was intriguing in its relation to the classic cheesy sauce, like a knight’s move on a pestoflavor chessboard. And you’d swear that Somebody People’s dense, deeply cocoabitter mousse with crunchy sea salt is loaded with heavy cream. You’d be wrong (it’s all about nut fats), and you wouldn’t care, it’s so good.

The first thing you may notice about Somebody P H O T O G R A P H Y BY S A R A H B OY U M

APRIL 2020

REVIEW People, however, is the decor. If the cozy front room, which offers a happy perch for brunch, coffee, or cocktails, is a fairly convincing nod to the lobby bars in tiny South Beach art deco hotels, the main dining room, watched over by a sea creature mural that looks as if I might have painted it, suggests a Sweet potatoes recreation center in with caramelthe general vicinity ized onions and blood oranges of Boca Raton. The

restaurant’s equally awkward name is derived from a David Bowie lyric; there’s a huge, spacey painting of him on one of the bathroom walls.

However, I come not as an art critic but as an eater—mostly—and a fine introduction to Somebody People’s culinary approach is its Sunday Supper, surely also the best deal in town: five courses for $25 per person (there’s also a $35 fixed-price menu on other nights as well as à la carte options). The Sunday we went, the room was packed and happy. Every dish shone.

A kale salad with salt-roasted beets was notable mostly for the kale itself—supple and oiled as if for a body-building competition, chewy but not earthy or raw—and also the swipe of rich skordalia upon which the salad sat. Skordalia, typically a whip of almonds, potatoes or bread, garlic, and oil, is vegan to begin with, and this carb-free take on it was exemplary.

For value, flavor, and texture, the king trumpet is the greatest farmed mushroom.

At that supper, stem pieces of fungi the size of scallops were scored and browned and slow-cooked until they had a succulence between that of firm tofu and tender squid. Candy-sweet cipollini onions accompanied, and at the bottom of the bowl was a pool of green-leaf vegetable emulsion, a sort of ode to chlorophyll as if by Walt Whitman. Pickled mustard seeds added spiky high notes.

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Written by Kristen Stewart

THE WORLD’S HIGHEST DISTILLERY SPRING IS IN THE AIR—and spring snowmelt in Colorado’s high country won’t be far behind. This is significant in Breckenridge because this Rocky Mountain water from the Colorado’s Tenmile Range turns into awardwinning bourbon and spirits at the world’s highest distillery, the Breckenridge Distillery.

Located just 90 miles west of Denver, the Breckenridge Distillery is most widely known for its blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. Breckenridge Bourbon is one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons, with a trophy case that boasts a haul of hardware. The Distillery won 2019’s Colorado Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition.

The award-winning booze is reason enough to take a day trip (or longer) for a free tour and tasting at the working distillery, located in one of Colorado’s iconic mountain towns. Surprises await when you walk in the front door for a tasting and tour, then you see the restaurant, the distillery, the patio and the games — it’s a unique atmosphere that has turned the facility from a barrel room into a buzz-worthy, must do while in Colorado.

A Taste More

TOURS AND TASTINGS

Free tours of the production facility happen daily every half-hour from 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and tastings of the Distillery’s bourbon, vodka and gin are complimentary. You get to see the inner workings of the production facility and see and smell hundreds of aging barrels!

THE BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY RESTAURANT Burke’s modern American cuisine delivers dishes with unexpected flair. The menu revolves around local produce, comfort foods with a twist and shareable dishes meant to encourage interaction. Make sure to try Burke’s take on brussels sprouts: bacon, apples, hazelnuts and, of course, Breckenridge Bourbon maple syrup. Share an entrée with the Porterhouse, dry-aged 40 days in a pink Himalayan sea salt room, Burke’s patented process. And, be sure to save room for a bourbon float.

BBQ LUNCH – BRECKENRIDGE STYLE The Distillery’s daily Kansas City-style BBQ lunch features baby back ribs, pulled pork, the Diablo sandwich (with burnt ends and bulgogi sauce) and much more, served daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

COCKTAILS Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant has a perfectly curated drink selection you’d expect to complement the eclectic menu—dreamt up by the distillery’s liquid chef, Billie Keithley.

Craft cocktails like the Dragonstone are described as a “mysterious conjuring” on Keithley’s drink menu, made with Breckenridge Dark Arts Single Malt Whiskey, ginger, allspice, fresh lemon juice, caramelized orange and applewood smoked bubble.

The menu has plenty of cocktails inspired by the classics too, including the Obi-Wan Old Fashioned (an ode to the Star Wars-inspired art throughout the restaurant) highlighting their Breckenridge Port Cask Whiskey with raw simple syrup, Barrel-Aged whiskey bitters and a brandied cherry.

There is no reason to drink and drive, rather, drink and ride. The Breckenridge Distillery offers a free shuttle ride to guests within Breck’s town limits.

Photography by Liam Doran & Brent Taylor

B R E C K E N R I D G E D I S T I L L E R Y. C O M

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REVIEW What followed was a hymn to starch, composed of creamy golden ratte potatoes and bits of celery root, some roasted until soft and others fried to a crisp, all offset by smoky harissa. The farinaceousness was beautiful with a sprightly 2017 Alberto Nanclares Paraje Mina Albariño ($82), which proved an intense, steely, virtuoso version of the Spanish white.

The wine list, which focuses on biodynamic and otherwise natural-leaning wines, is a diverse, if pricey, delight.

When I was there, it featured a 100 percent Pinot Meunier Champagne from French producer Bérêche et Fils for $130; dear, yes, but fair for this cult sparkler.

There was also a Chenin Blanc from a biodynamic producer in Saumur, France, called Château Yvonne ($90) and a Corsican red made by Domaine Giacometti ($63) from Nielluccio grapes grown on a vineyard so rugged that wine god Kermit Lynch terms its producers “heroic.” I want to go back and drink them all.

For those on the wagon, Somebody People offers frothy and refreshing nonalcoholic smashes The pavlova is made from fresha deconstructed masterpiece. pressed juice blends.

There are also full-octane cocktails using the same, including a light-on-its-feet Greyhound with gin, Lillet Blanc, strawberry cordial, and grapefruit juice.

The last savory dish from that Sunday Supper was wonderfully understated: a small heap of hand-cut pappardelle with a silken, barely there mushroom sauce that our server confirmed was made by emulsifying starchy pasta water with olive oil, a technique adapted from dishes such as pasta alla griccia. The only other ingredients were specks of fresh oregano, paper-thin slices of garlic, and toasted pine nuts. It was as lovely and restrained a noodle dish as Denver has to offer.

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Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children— Voted the region’s favorite pediatric hospital three years in a row

When it comes to your child’s health, you want quick, compassionate treatment. And that’s what you get from Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. We have two amazing ERs just for kids and a dedicated children’s hospital at 20th and N. High Street.

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When parents and medical professionals work together to keep kids healthy, we are #AmazingTogether.

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MODERN MOUNTAIN DINING FROM AN INGREDIENT DRIVEN KITCHEN. At Bird and Jim we are defining Colorado cuisine with our ever evolving seasonal and ingredient driven menus. Our menus are influenced by our artisan approach to cooking, the ardent nature of our neighbors, and the farms from which we source. Chef Ethan’s cooking philosophy revolves around local, sustainable and healthy eating. To provide this experience the Chef and team proudly source from local farms and businesses.

REVIEW Another à la carte dinner at Somebody People reinforced my impression of a generally surefooted kitchen, made all the more remarkable because the Mahers were transitioning to a new chef, Artan Burnayev, when I was there, with Sam often working the stoves himself. A dish of charred broccolini with smoky eggplant purée was done just right, rather like a Punjabi baingan bharta, accompanied by a golden raisin gremolata that had added crunch from crushed, toasted almonds.

There was just one failure: a pasta with a simple but botched and almost flavorless tomato, garlic, and chile sauce.

For dessert, a reimagined pavlova hit all the notes of the classic Australia/New Zealand meringue-and-cream business but was pure modernist deconstruction: little blobs of tangy passion fruit mousse; big blobs of cashew cream whipped to a rich mousse consistency; tiny meringues made from “aquafaba” (garbanzo water, which behaves like egg white); slices of macerated strawberries; and a punchy dusting of freeze-dried cranberry powder.

But the main satisfaction of Somebody People’s menu does not lie in fancy kitchen chemistry; this is not a restaurant built on faux-food trickery. For every deconstructed pavlova, there’s a simple treat like creamy grilled Castelvetrano olives in a warm, citrusy pool of olive oil. Or a plate of Mushies on Toast, in which scorched king trumpets and creminis sit on chewy bread from RiNo’s Reunion Bread Co with lightly pickled fennel, hazelnuts, microgreens, and an almond-based ricotta that, if not milky (sorry, only milk is really milky), was a rich, smooth accent to an otherwise hearty dish.

Somebody People is an endearing, quirky restaurant with promising culinary chops. It doesn’t preach, and it doesn’t need to. I imagine that many thoughtful bacon eaters struggle as I do to find a coherent moral defense for killing animals, an important issue in a country that maintains crazy-low meat prices through manifestly cruel industrial feedlot and slaughter methods.

Nothing about dining Find our Dining Guide, at Somebody People an extensive demands such reflection, list of area but when you can eat this restaurants, on page 130 well without harming and online at any creatures, it does get 5280.com/ restaurants. you thinking. m

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BY M A R T I N J . S M I T H

Bird’s-Eye View

A Grand Lake webcam takes viewers into an osprey nest—and reminds us that nature’s dramas don’t always have happy endings.

I

n late summer 2015, retired Grand Lake businessman Kent Roorda decided to build an osprey nest.

He’d noticed that the U.S. Forest Service and the local electric company were discouraging mating pairs from nesting atop power poles by erecting tall platforms as alternative spots for the returning raptors to safely hatch and fledge their chicks. The talented craftsman snagged a set of nest-building plans from the Forest Service, thought he could do better, and got to work.

He cut a round, four-foot-wide plywood platform and coated it with tough epoxy to better endure Grand Lake’s punishing weather. He installed 20 short upright PVC posts around the perimeter of the platform, weaved willow branches through those posts to anchor the nest, and stitched the whole thing together with tough aluminum wire. He spent $500 to rent a lift so he could reach the top of a 60-foot lodgepole pine at the corner of his house and hauled the colossus into the sky to await the birds’ return from their winter home along the Gulf Coast.

Roorda, the former owner of a Denverbased alarm company, also installed a computer-controlled and weatherproof high-definition camera on a metal-pipe arm several feet above the nest and ran an Ethernet cable through that pipe to the camera. “I wanted it to be ready for them when they came back in spring 2016,” says Roorda, who’s 68 and lives with his two dogs. “A biologist told me it might take two or three years for a pair to nest there. But I got a pair that year.”

The male arrived first. He had a solid white chest and a peace-sign-shaped feather pattern on the back of his head, distinctive as a fingerprint. The bird set up a sort of Hef-style bachelor aerie designed to attract overflying females.

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Stills from Kent Roorda’s webcam feed in 2017

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W I L DL I F E “He worked really hard to spruce it up,” Roorda says. “When the right girl shows up and likes the nest, the mating starts immediately and continues for almost a week.”

He knows this, of course, because he watched it all from his eye in the sky—that 1080p infrared camera. It was weirdly intimate, like being in the nest with the birds.

He had no idea then that three years later, his nest and those two ospreys would be front-page news.

It was weirdly intimate, like being in the nest with the birds. He had no idea then that three years later, his nest and those two ospreys would be front-page news. to maintain our infatuation with wildlife.

Look over your fellow commuter’s shoulder, and you just might see him streaming BBC’s Planet Earth or scrolling National Geographic’s Instagram feed.

Roorda understood that impulse to connect with the wild when he installed what’s become known as the Grand Lake osprey cam. Eager to share the experience, he contracted with a server company in the Czech Republic, which, for $40 a year, makes the camera feed available to internet users at osprey-camera.click2stream.com.

That first mating season, in 2016, Roorda and a few friends from around the world watched his pair hatch a single egg. The female, with her speckled chest feathers and brownish mohawk, dutifully sat atop the egg for the 36- to 42-day gestation period as her equally dutiful mate sustained her with fresh fish he plucked from nearby

HUMANS HAVE SPENT thousands of years domesticating dogs, cats, and birds even as wild animals practically disappeared from our daily lives. But seeing wildlife in its natural habitat remains an extraordinary privilege. The chance to watch elk, moose, deer, and other megafauna helped bring 4.6 million visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2019. Zoos spend millions to replicate natural environments for visitors.

We thrill to nature films that put us alongside lazing lions and feeding sharks, even if what we see occasionally makes us uncomfortable witnesses to nature’s harsh realities.

As the distance between our worlds has grown wider, technology has enabled us

Shadow Mountain Lake. The male also relieved her of incubation duties when she wanted to get out to stretch her wings.

On July 9 that year, when their chick finally emerged like a bald, prehistoric baby chicken, the adult birds doted like helicopter parents for a couple of months, at which point it was old enough to fly.

The same birds returned the following spring and this time produced three eggs, a more typical number for a bonded pair.

Roorda and friends tuned in to see them raise all three chicks, which doubled in size each week until they eventually fledged and flew away. The pair repeated that success in 2018, hatching, raising, and fledging another three chicks.

Over those first three years, the birds added some curiosities to their nest’s decor—a chunk of tire tread, a hair brush, a dog’s leash. Roorda also began to learn

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the birds’ language. When the female wants food, she emits a distinctive squawk to the male, who usually roosts in a nearby tree.

Off he goes to catch her a meal like an expectant dad dispatched to satisfy his pregnant partner’s cravings. When a moose or a neighbor wanders by below, the female sounds a different call, a sort of “Let’s keep an eye on this situation” alert. Even Roorda’s two dogs have learned to recognize that one and often go to the window when they hear it to see what’s passing by. If the female sees crows or raccoons eyeing the nest, she sends an urgent alert that invariably brings surrounding ospreys to help her defend her home and the couple’s eggs.

ALL THE WHILE, the pair’s fan base grew.

Just before they returned again in April 2019, Roorda told me about his osprey camera as we worked together on a volunteer project. I joined about 100 dedicated viewers who tuned in as the two birds mated and waited. Encouraged by growing interest and the pair’s past reproductive successes, Roorda then contacted Sky-Hi News in nearby Granby, which suggested its readers tune in. The audience grew as TV news stations and other fans shared the link to the feed. Roorda says the Czech server at one point logged 840 viewers watching his nesting pair from computers with IP addresses in far-flung places such as Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Japan, and China.

We all watched this past spring as the female laid another three eggs and settled in for a real-time, slow-motion drama.

The countdown began as she kept their eggs warm, at times letting fresh snow pile up on top of her. It seemed heroic.

Thirty-two days later, anticipation peaked.

“The female osprey has been sitting on her three eggs now for about a month,” Roorda wrote in an update. “We should start seeing the eggs hatch in the next few days…Stay tuned.”

Days passed. A week. The female remained on the eggs, but no hatchlings appeared. We were still within the 42-day gestation range and took consolation in that. But as the pair continued its vigil, hope faded. Finally, on Day 50, Roorda posted an update: “I am very sad to report that none of the three eggs have hatched…

Lately, Mom has been sitting on the eggs faithfully and reliably. But it seems futile at this point.”

What followed was a collective community grief that reminded me of the day in 1986 when the space shuttle Chal-

W I L DL I F E lenger exploded on live TV. Speculation began. Roorda noted that the female had left the eggs unattended for an unusually long time on an unusually cold day.

Had she and the male somehow got their signals crossed?

The epitaph came from Sky-Hi News, which shared the outcome in an early July front-page story headlined “Grand Lake osprey eggs featured on webcam fail to hatch.” There’d be no happy ending. The eggs remained intact, three mute stillborns in a sad, 60-foot-high tableau. The adults rolled two of them out of the nest but left one behind. Eventually the female abandoned the nest and headed south. The male stayed around a bit longer, tidying up for the next spring, and then flew off as well.

Roorda spent another $500 to rent the lift again and, while inspecting the nest this past fall, removed the remaining egg.

Atop the lodgepole, the empty nest sometimes swayed in the wind and eventually filled with snow. Roorda commanded his computer to aim the camera away from the scene, instead offering his audience some spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the lake. The camera never blinked.

UNPREDICTABILITY IS ONE of the things that makes nature fascinating, but we have lost our tolerance for its rougher edges.

We’re not always prepared for what we crave. Nature is not a Disney movie.

About the time Roorda’s osprey pair returned in spring 2019, my wife and I did a little wildlife experiment of our own. We mounted birdhouses atop fence posts in our backyard and were excited when bluebirds and swallows moved in.

We enjoyed morning coffee on the back porch serenaded by the relentless cheeping of hungry chicks and occasionally saw the little ones’ faces peeking out of the holes.

We bonded.

Then one morning in mid-July, my wife stepped onto the porch and heard only silence. During the night a weasel or some other predator had climbed each post and reached through the holes to grab every last chick. It left behind a trail of blood and bird parts as it worked its way down the buffet line we’d created. We consoled ourselves with the Disney-sanctioned circle-of-life perspective; at least our local weasel was well fed. But the loss felt like a kick in the gut, and we began researching

anti-weasel technology to avoid a similar tragedy this year.

Deep down, we know that’s an illusion. We can’t control the natural world any more than we can control the spiritual one. The bargain we make with nature is fraught. Thrill us, we demand. Show us the wonders of life! But we have to accept that things sometimes don’t work out as we imagined, leavening our high hopes and wonder with grief and shadows and doubt.

And so this month, I anxiously await the return of Kent Roorda’s now-familiar pair. I want them to reclaim their nest and try again. I’ll tune in once more, hoping their chicks will survive. At our house, we’ll modify the fence posts and mount the birdhouses again, eager for a better outcome. But this year, I’ll carry forward the lesson Roorda’s ospreys have taught us: The natural world can be both resilient and unbearably fragile. m Martin J. Smith is the author of 10 books, including Post-Op: Untold Stories of Life, Love, and Transformation from the World’s Unlikely ‘Sex Change Capital,’ which will be published in 2021.

Email him at letters@5280.com.

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JIM CHALAT | LINDA CHALAT | EVAN BANKER | RUSSELL HATTEN of Trial Advocates, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Top Colorado 100 Trial Lawyers.

Our firm is ranked by U.S. News and Best Lawyers as a Tier One Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury firm. More importantly, our lawyers have earned the endorsements of their clients.

For clients facing a serious personal injury case or families JIM CHALAT | LINDA CHALAT | EVAN BANKER | RUSSELLWe HATTEN are trial attorneys who represent people seriously whose loved one suffered a wrongful death, the choice injured or families whose loved ones suffered wrongful of a law firm will have permanent consequences. Our death in pedestrian, auto, truck, premises, skiing accidents, lawyers understand that it is our obligation to zealously and in product liability and malpractice cases. A free protect and pursue a client’s legitimate interests within consultation or second opinion with a lawyer—not a call the bounds of the law. We also understand that in many center—is available simply by calling our offices. We are situations it is important to respond immediately to your available 24/7/365 by phone or e-mail. Call 303.861.1042 call or web inquiry. or e-mail attorney@chalatlaw.com.

Jim Chalat has been selected by 5280 Magazine as a Top Personal Injury Lawyer for the past six years. He has also CREDENTIALS | EXPERIENCE | RESULTS been named the Barrister’s Best (2017) and People’s Choice (2018) Best Personal Injury Law Lawyer by Law Week Colorado. Our lawyers have earned the most prestigious CHALATLAW.COM | (303) 861-1042 credentials that plaintiffs’ trial attorneys can receive from their peers, including membership to the American Board 1600 Broadway, Ste. 1920, Denver CO, 80202

CHALAT HATTEN & BANKER, PC

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PHOTO BY DYLAN BURR

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The Face of

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY SPECIALIZING IN WISDOM TEETH AND TITANIUM DENTAL IMPLANTS Dr. Daniel Esposito is honored to have been chosen by his peers as a perennial 5280 Top Dentist since 2016. He is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, past president of the Colorado Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and has practiced since 1998. He founded the Implant and Oral Surgery Center in Littleton, CO, in 2000.

He has been fortunate to have served the greater Denver community since that time.

At the Implant and Oral Surgery Center, Dr. Esposito and his team provide a safe and sterile surgical environment. Using only state-of-the-art sterilization techniques, maxillofacial imaging (3-D CT scan), laser soft tissue treatment, digital patient education, electronic health records, modern anesthesia monitoring equipment, and advanced anesthesia training, the Implant and Oral Surgery Center ensures patient safety.

Combined with this attention to surgical detail is a warm and welcoming reception area, knowledgeable and friendly administrative staff, and a highly skilled surgical team. This

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unique blend of dedicated professionalism and compassion allows Dr. Esposito and his team the opportunity to exceed the expectations of every patient, every day.

Dr. Esposito received his education at Cornell University, The University of Connecticut School of Dentistry, and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. In addition to receiving his doctorate in dentistry and his doctorate in medicine, he received his board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Diplomate Status from The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He was also honored to receive his Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Esposito considers this recognition of excellence by his peers, and 5280 magazine, a great honor.

IMPLANT AND ORAL SURGERY CENTER IMPLANTANDORALSURGERY.COM | (303) 933-8282 6179 S. Balsam Way, STE 100, Littleton, CO 80123

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The Face of

DOGGIE DAYCARE Angelique Salazar is known for her infectious smile and her entrepreneurial spirit, and she applies both to the Denver community. As a Colorado native and former restauranteur, she’s passionate about creating opportunities that blend neighborhood, community and business. She’s also passionate about dogs, and that’s why she started U Lucky Dog (ULD) daycare in 2010 in central Denver’s Fox Street neighborhood.

This Colorado native has nurtured ULD into an awardwinning indoor/outdoor facility for dog daycare and overnight boarding. She and her more than 40 employees have created a safe yet controlled environment for dogs; this led ULD to win a 5280 Top of the

Town Award for Best Doggie Daycare.

As a premier doggie daycare, ULD features a large pool so pets can swim and play in the water. Dogs love it and owners are seeing the health benefits.

Angelique also understands the concerns of owners with small dogs and provides a separate area for the “littles,” including a supervised interactive ball pit.

Her love of animals led to her appointment in 2019 as an ambassador and advocate to the Denver Zoo Leadership Council.

Angelique strongly believes that taking care of animals as well as her community is vital to enhancing the collective wellbeing of families. And when you see her in the neighborhood, you can’t help but smile.

U LUCKY DOG

ULUCKYDOGDENVER.COM | (720) 328-8179 4040 Fox Street, Denver, Colorado 80216

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MARC J. PHILIPPON, MD M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R

R A N D Y W. V I O L A , M D

DONALD S. CORENMAN, DC, MD

T O M R . H A C K E T T, M D

P E T E R J . M I L L E T T, M D , M S C

THOMAS O. CLANTON, MD

M AT T H E W T. P R O V E N C H E R , M D

R AY M O N D H . K I M , M D

D AV I D A . K U P P E R S M I T H , M D

C . T H O M A S H AY T M A N E K , J R . , M D

A R M A N D O F. V I D A L , M D

LESLIE B. VIDAL, MD

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The Faces of

SPORTS MEDICINE T H O S A . E VA N S , M D

J O E L M . M AT TA , M D

Treating Team USA and the athlete in all of us, The Steadman Clinic is a world-renowned orthopaedic clinic with facilities located in Vail, Edwards and Frisco, Colorado. As a designated National Medical Center for the United States Olympic Committee, The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute provide superior orthopaedic treatment plans for Team USA athletes with a 100% success rate of returning them to their sport. Our practice has led to significant advancements in the science and practice of orthopaedics and sports medicine. With collaboration between The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute, our physicians practice evidence-based medicine, which continually improves techniques, procedures and outcomes.

The goal of The Steadman Clinic is to deliver the highest standard of orthopaedic care and personal attention to each and every patient seeking our help. Whether you are an injured professional athlete or just want to be able to walk again without pain, our physicians do their best to help you achieve your goal. Our success in helping our patients reach their goals is what attracts people from all walks of life, from all over the world, to The Steadman Clinic.

THE STEADMAN CLINIC

TSCANDSPRI.COM | (970) 476-1100 Located in Vail, Frisco, and Edwards, Colorado J O N AT H A N A . G O D I N , M B A , M D

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The Face of

SAFETY EDUCATION At Blue Sky Bridge we believe that education is the most powerful tool able to prevent and disrupt the cycle of child sexual abuse.

One in ten children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Sadly, for each child that comes forward, nine more suffer in silence, but we believe that there are solutions to this epidemic. Our school program offers 15 or 30-minute developmentally, age-appropriate presentations that occur over four consecutive weeks.

We emphasize touching rules and body safety rules, the difference between secrets and surprises, identifying trusted adults, and the “No, Go, Tell” plan.

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Blue Sky Bridge also provides trainings for teachers and caregivers on child sexual abuse prevention strategies, responding to disclosures, and how to report abuse if it has occurred.

We are committed to ending child sexual abuse in Boulder County, and together, we can keep our children safe. They deserve to live in a community free of abuse.

BLUE SKY BRIDGE BLUESKYBRIDGE.ORG (303) 444-1388 Boulder, Colorado 80304

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The Face of

HOME FINANCING Buying and selling a house at the same time.

Buying a new home while selling your current one presents a unique set of challenges that require a strategy— especially with financing.

If you sell first: You’ll likely have an easier time getting a mortgage for your new home. But you could find yourself without a place to live.

• Tip: A rent-back agreement, which works by either lowering your selling price or paying rent to the buyer, lets you remain in your current home for up to 90 days while you house hunt.

If you buy first: You’ll have plenty of time to move—but you could find yourself with two mortgages.

• Tip: A short-term bridge loan uses your current home’s equity to pay for your new home and is repaid when you sell your current property.

At Commerce Bank, we make the financing process as seamless as possible. Let us work with you to get the job done with minimal stress.

COMMERCE BANK

COMMERCEBANK.COM/MORTGAGE

CHRIS FLANDERS (303) 214-5423 3550 West 38th Avenue, Suite 70 Denver, Colorado 80211

MEGAN WIEGAND (303) 214-5433 8450 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 150 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

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The Face of

SAVING LIVES Patients are at the center of Vitalant’s life-transforming mission, and individuals and organizations partner with Vitalant every day to make that possible.

Quade Marks (center) was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016. He is now cancer-free thanks, in part, to more than three dozen blood and platelet donors who supported his treatments. Mark Meyer (left), like most donors, gives in order to be part of something bigger than himself. For him it’s personal, paying it forward after other donors helped his late wife, Kathryn, fight an overactive immune condition. While a donation center is convenient for Mark, Vitalant offers many other donation opportunities: over 1,000 schools, places of worship and private companies open their doors and hearts to host blood drives. Charles

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Schwab Operations Team Lead Gina Roth (right) volunteers to coordinate Vitalant blood drives five times a year, helping ensure a safe and ready supply for patients yearround and allowing staff to embrace Charles Schwab’s commitment to the community.

You, too, fit into this picture. Learn more at vitalant.org.

VITALANT

VITALANT.ORG | (303) 363-2300 Boulder | Colorado Springs | Denver West Highlands Ranch | Lowry | Parker Southwest Littleton | Westminster

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The Face of

HAIR SCIENCE James A. Harris, MD, FISHRS, FACS, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, researcher and innovator in the field of hair restoration. He is the Founder and Medical Director of the Hair Sciences Center of Colorado.

The clinic specializes in state-of-the-art medical and surgical treatments of hair loss for men and women including: hairlines, receding temples, crowns, overall thinning, balding, sideburns, beards, mustaches and eyebrows. Dr. Harris’ focus on patient advocacy and quality of care is the foundation of his work.

He was the lead consulting physician on the development of the ARTAS™ robot and the only physician offering No-Shave FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) in Colorado. This technique is so advanced that less than 5% of physicians

world-wide who perform FUE offer this option.

Dr. Harris is a published author, teacher and lecturer.

He pioneered and patented advanced methods of hair restoration, and has received the highest award for significant clinical contributions to the field of hair restoration, given annually to one innovator from around the globe. He is passionate about helping people and believes that everyone deserves to have a good hair day.

HAIR SCIENCES CENTER OF COLORADO HAIRSCIENCESCENTER.COM | (303) 694-9381 5445 DTC Parkway, Suite 1015, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

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The Face of

FAMILY LAW Rich Harris is the president and founding attorney of The Harris Law firm. With a focus on caring for clients, employees and community, The Harris Law Firm is dedicated to outstanding legal representation.

We are Guided by Values. We work with our clients backed by the power of conviction and integrity. We are committed to outstanding legal services.

We Focus Solely on Family Law. By devoting our entire practice to family law, we are able to provide superior legal representation in this ever-changing and complex area of law.

We Work as a Team. Our clients receive a thorough, detailed approach to their case that is enhanced through cooperative strategizing with our teams. With strong respect for client privacy, our firm offers the power and value of a team of legal minds willing and able to offer insight and expertise.

We Focus on Children. Our approach prioritizes the well-

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being of families, always committed to minimizing pain and emotional trauma in children.

We Assist Families. Our legal teams firmly believe that family law cases must address more than just legal needs.

Family law requires a respect for the emotional needs of our clients and their families. We offer easy access to family counselors and other support professionals as an added benefit.

We Develop a Culture of Diversity. We are dedicated to serving all families in Colorado by strategizing and providing unique solutions based on individual client needs. We take pride in providing the best services for our diverse community as they navigate through some of the most difficult challenges they may face.

THE HARRIS LAW FIRM P.C HARRISFAMILYLAW.COM | (303) 622-5502 1125 17th St., Ste. 450, Denver, CO 80202

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The Face of HOPE

“I don’t know what I’d do without Samaritan House. It’s a very calm environment. They really do help you get back on your feet.”

family. We walk with more than 105,000 men, women, and families every year to help them achieve selfsufficiency and regain their dignity.

Jessica, 25, delivered her baby girl after coming to Samaritan House for safety and shelter. Without family support since the age of 16, she needed a safe place to build a new life.

“Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, but I just want to be here for my girl and to provide for her,” Jessica said.

“And I needed to see the best in myself.”

Through Catholic Charities’ network of services, Jessica accessed baby supplies for her newborn, reestablished employment, made plans for quality childcare at one of its early childhood education centers, and helped apply for affordable housing.

At Catholic Charities, we become their extended

Many like Jessica still need help—make a donation online at ccdenver.org/facesofhope.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DENVER CCDENVER.ORG | (720) 799-9311 6240 Smith Road, Denver, Colorado 80216

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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Elizabeth Crespi, and the devoted team at Sunrise Pediatric Dentistry, provide high-quality dental services to infants, children, and young adults. In order to prevent dental problems, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist no later than age one. “We want kids to be excited about going to the dentist,” says Dr. Crespi. “That begins by seeing them early and creating positive associations with dentistry. I take pride in using my specialized training in pediatric dentistry to tailor each child’s individual experience. I strive for the best quality care while simultaneously making the dental office a fun, inviting place where kids feel safe.”

The Sunrise experience begins with the kid-friendly reception area. There is something for all ages: the latest movies, video game consoles, and a multimedia iPad bar.

The expert staff walks each child through his or her first dental visit, making it not only fun but also educational.

The office is state-of-the-art with only the latest and safest dental materials and technologies. Parents can relax knowing Sunrise aims to accommodate any family’s busy schedule and offers convenient after school appointments

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and select Saturdays. Sunrise Pediatric Dentistry believes strongly in giving back to the community and is involved in a variety of philanthropic organizations. Dr. Crespi is a Board Member for Kids In Need of Dentistry, a nonprofit in Colorado that helps thousands of children receive dental care whose families are unable to afford treatment.

An important part of Dr. Crespi’s training is her extensive hospital experience in anesthesia and emergency care.

When treating patients, she practices specific behavior management and calming techniques. This ensures kids of all ages will have a positive dental visit at Sunrise.

“As the founder of the practice, I believe in delivering the highest standard of pediatric dental care, combined with an exceptional patient experience,” says Crespi. “I look forward to building relationships with our families for many years to come. This is my commitment to our patients, parents, and community.”

SUNRISE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SUNRISEPEDSDENTISTRY.COM | (720) 660-2467 3650 E. 1st Avenue, Suite 301, Denver, CO 80206

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The Face of

BEAUTIFUL SMILES Dr. Anil J. Idiculla (Dr. I) and Dr. Isaac D. Chung (Dr. Isaac) are the dynamic duo behind creating beautiful smiles at i-Orthodontics. Together, they build confidence and change lives, as they believe everyone should Live Life Smiling™.

“Life is the lens we see it through. If we see life through a lens of gratitude and positivity, and we learn to filter out any negative thoughts around us, then all that is left to do is to Live Life Smiling™.” Dr. I.

Proud to be one of Denver’s Top Invisalign Diamond Plus Providers, i-Orthodontics has established themselves as industry leaders through their dedication to providing an unforgettable experience and achieving quality results with their patients. “You are a part of our family from day one.

We go above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of,” says Dr. Isaac.

I-ORTHODONTICS I-ORTHO.COM (303) 662-9000 LONE TREE | DOWNTOWN DENVER | CHERRY CREEK AURORA | VAIL VALLEY

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The Face of

LOCAL DESIGN BUILD JOSH FIESTER | KENT SIMPSON Factor Design Build was founded by Josh Fiester and Kent Simpson as a full-service design-build firm. In an industry often associated with obscurity, Josh and Kent saw an opportunity to provide an alternative model for homeowners. Factor Design Build prides themselves on transparency and simplicity, meaning the process becomes streamlined and enjoyable for you.

Factor has an unusual ability to understand and balance the art and science necessary to design and execute beautiful work. They provide concierge-level service for their clients, from initial design to the highest quality construction, functioning as the single point of responsibility in a

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residential remodel project. By managing every step of the project through a collaborative partnership with clients, the architectural/design team, and the construction team, they can deliver the project within budget and on schedule.

Because they manage the job from start to finish, your experience will be both efficient and enjoyable.

FACTOR DESIGN BUILD

FACTORDESIGNBUILD.COM | (303) 872-3482 4105 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80216

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CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY With an 18-year background as a bench jeweler and custom jewelry designer, Carol Ferguson truly is the face of contemporary jewelry in Denver. She established Signet Jewelry Boutique in Cherry Creek two years ago with the goal of creating a unique atmosphere in which to shop for collectible, contemporary works. “Customers are looking for a fun, relaxed environment where they can select personal, hand-fabricated, imaginative jewelry with no intimidation and no pressure. They can also learn about the designers and their unique aesthetics,” says Carol.

This year, as part of Signet’s second anniversary, they will be adding new collections, new designer events, ear piercing parties and trunk shows, along with their signature weeknight happy hours. “We have some big changes

coming this year, not only will we be bringing in more exceptional collections, but we are updating our name and brand to further our place in the industry. The new name will be Element 79 (the atomic number for gold).

Its clear to see why Signet Jewelry Boutique—soon to be Element 79 Contemporary Jewelry—received the Top Designer Jewelry Retailer in the US award in 2018 and was named the Editor’s Choice for jewelry and the Face of Contemporary Jewelry by 5280 magazine two years running.

SIGNET JEWELRY BOUTIQUE SIGNETJEWELRY.COM | (303) 484-5195 300 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206

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LUXURY REAL ESTATE JACCI GEIGER | MARY JONES | WENDY GLAZER | SANA WOOD As the #1 Team at Kentwood Real Estate and striving for excellence, Denver’s Top Team had a record-breaking year representing buyers and sellers in the Denver real estate market. Comprised of four award-winning realtors, the team demonstrates continued enthusiasm and care when working with clients.

Their extraordinary service and passion to be the best is proven by their clients’ testimonials and continued friendships long after the transactions are over. They help each client achieve their real estate goals by bringing unparalleled negotiation skills, integrity, deep understanding of the community, and a wealth of knowledge to the table.

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Additionally, they have all earned high respect from fellow agents and have outstanding reputations.

When working with Denver’s Top Team, you have four experienced, licensed professionals who are passionate about real estate and eager to help you through your home buying and selling process. With this team on your side, you will turn your dreams into reality and EXPERIENCE TOP RESULTS!

DENVER’S TOP TEAM DENVERSTOPTEAM.COM | (303) 881-3514 215 Saint Paul Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado 80206

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The Faces of

THE MODERN FOOD HALL JP SPRINGER | LYDIA GIUSEFFI | DANIEL WYMAN | KIMBERLY NORRIS | CHRISTOPHER STOTTS | BRYAN SPERBER Inspired by European markets and food truck round-ups, Avanti food and beverage is a modern day food hall located in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood and coming to Boulder Pearl Street Mall in June 2020. The collective eatery is a culinary incubator for chefs to create unique dishes at affordable prices, paired with thoughtfully curated craft beer, specialty cocktails, and quality wine. Avanti supports new, talented chefs and restauranteurs to create and execute their culinary vision for a fraction of the cost of your conventional brick and mortar restaurant.

of this, Avanti has seen more than an 80% success rate in restaurants that get their start here and go on to open brick and mortar locations. The Avanti team is excited to see that number continue to grow as Avanti expands into the Boulder market.

“We consider ourselves cheerleaders for the underdog.

We strive to bring up small business owners and, because

AVANTIFANDB.COM | (720) 269-4778 3200 Pecos Street, Denver, Colorado 80211

It’s no easy operation and takes a strong team to make Avanti work. “It’s a collective effort” and it never stops.

AVANTI FOOD & BEVERAGE

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The Face of TYPE 1 DIABETES INSPIRATION On August 22, 2016, my now 16-year-old daughter, Abbey, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. We had no family history of the disease and no idea what to do next. The doctors at Children’s Hospital told us a world-leading diabetes research and care facility, the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC), was right here in Denver and they sent us there the very next day. The care and support of the doctors and staff at the BDC have been life changing for Abbey and our whole family.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center and focuses on patient support, diabetes research, and public awareness. The BDC is an incredible force in the diabetes world. It’s a world-class center with top doctors, cutting-edge research, and passionate patient care teams. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is able to supplement programs and funds to improve every patient’s life.

As a Senior Vice President at Empower Retirement, I am

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proud of my company for many reasons, not least of which is our encouraged involvement in the community. When Abbey was diagnosed, I was able to raise my hand and ask how I can help. I now serve on the Board of Directors at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and help find ways to fund raise and create greater community outreach in support of those living with type 1 diabetes. Empower has been an incredible financial supporter, but also shows support through our associates volunteering their time. I know that, together, we will do great things!

CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION CHILDRENSDIABETESFOUNDATION.ORG (303) 863-1200 4380 S. Syracuse Street, Suite 430, Denver, CO 80237

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The Face of

ENDING CHILDHOOD HUNGER In 2012, we discovered something unimaginable—a significant number of Denver area school kids were experiencing weekend hunger. This needed to change.

Founding Food for Thought Denver in March 2012, we began by targeting two DPS schools where more than 9 out of 10 students were on the Free and Reduced Meal Benefit Program during the school week. Each Friday afternoon, we delivered “powersacks” (one per student) to these schools. Each sack contained enough non-perishable food to feed a family of four for the weekend. As we began to see how our actions were changing lives, the movement caught hold, word spread, volunteers came, and so have

the donations. Community compassion is alive and well in the Mile High City! Today, FFT Denver is delivering to 52 different Denver, Aurora and Adams County schools — building powersacks in four different metro locations. We remain truly inspired by our 100% unpaid volunteers and corporate partners who’ve pushed this movement forward.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT DENVER FOODFORTHOUGHTDENVER.ORG | (720) 201-9192 P.O. Box 11813, Denver, CO 80211

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The Face of

COSMETIC DENTISTRY Dr. Susan Kutis, owner of Blue Sage Dental, has worked in the dental field for over 20 years and has been practicing cosmetic and family dentistry for 14 years. Her number one goal is to build lasting relationships with patients.

She is passionate about providing the most conservative and functional dental care for her patients using the most current techniques for optimal results. She has accomplished this goal to provide the best quality dentistry through making personal connections with each patient, demonstrating empathy and compassion, and exceeding expectations in customer service.

Additionally, Dr. Kutis is an educator for the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum, which is a live patient course that is dedicated to teaching full mouth reconstruction and veneers.

Dr. Kutis has been awarded Top Dentist recognitions in both Chicago, where she practiced briefly, and Denver by 5280 magazine, Colorado Parent magazine, and the International Association of Dentistry. She is also proud to be a Dawson Scholar and Spear Faculty Club Member.

There is a reason Dr. Kutis has so many loyal, long-term patients: they want the best dental care possible, and Blue Sage Dental delivers. Visit bluesagedental.com for before and after photos of her cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Kutis’ investment in continuing education at leading international organizations for dental education has set her apart, recognizing Blue Sage Dental as one of the best cosmetic and family dentistry practices in Colorado.

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The aspect of her job that Dr. Kutis is most proud of is the profound effect her cosmetic work has on her patients’ lives. Dr. Kutis says, “It brings so much joy when a new patient that is too embarrassed or ashamed to smile comes into my office. I’m able to change their lives for the better—giving them a functional smile that exudes confidence.”

BLUE SAGE DENTAL

BLUESAGEDENTAL.COM | (720) 924-4849 10354 W. Chatfield Ave., Ste 100, Littleton, CO 80127

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The Face of

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION Stephen Burg is a shareholder and a trial attorney with Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine. As the practice group leader of the firm’s personal injury team, Stephen is focused on representing victims of automobile and motorcycle crashes, trucking accidents, product liability injuries, gas explosions, wrongful death, and harmful drugs and medical products.

Mr. Burg has been recognized for his legal excellence both nationally and locally. He was named as a “Recommended Attorney” by the U.S. Legal 500, and has been consistently recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” since 2012. He has also been selected as a Rising Star by Colorado Super Lawyers every year for the past 8 years.

A dedicated advocate for those who have been harmed by the carelessness of others, Stephen Burg has a longstanding reputation for his formidable skills as a litigator and a negotiator. He has a passion for holding negligent parties accountable for their actions and for maximizing financial recoveries for his clients.

BURG SIMPSON ELDREDGE HERSH & JARDINE BURGSIMPSON.COM | (303) 792-5595 40 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112

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The Face of

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Deidre Johnson is the CEO and Executive Director of The Center for African American Health (CAA Health).

A community-based, family resource center dedicated to improving the health and well-being of African Americans, CAA Health works toward health equity for the underserved African American community by offering culturally responsive health education and outreach that empowers community members to overcome the root causes of health problems, maximize their own individual health and access health and support services.

Since 2005, we have provided prevention and disease management programs focusing on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, wellness programs for seniors, health insurance literacy, and a variety of health education topics as well as referrals to medical homes and additional community resources. By leveraging our extensive network

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of partnerships and relationships, CAA Health has provided evidence-based, grassroots health education, health promotion, disease prevention and disease management programs to thousands of individuals throughout metro Denver. While CAA Health’s strategies have evolved over the years, our purpose has remained constant due to a persistent need within our community. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the African American community.

THE CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH CAAHEALTH.ORG | (303) 355-3423 3350 Hudson Street, Denver, CO 80207

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The Face of

FAMILY LEVEL HEALING Family level healing is the foundation of Equinox Counseling & Wellness Center—it’s the reason Mary Marcantonio, Tim Burke, and Eileen Scheibe founded Colorado’s premier mental health treatment program.

Our unparalleled commitment to delivering clinically sophisticated programs has created a new step in the continuum of mental health care. We have taken the best components of residential treatment, wilderness therapy, and holistic milieu services—providing youth and families a safe, healing, compassionate treatment experience.

Our multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, evaluators, and parent coaches help youth, young adults and families who are experiencing complex psychiatric, emotional, and behavioral health issues. These issues are often related

to anxiety, depression, suicidality, and mood disorders in combination with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ ADHD, and Executive Function Disorder. Additionally, as Colorado’s premier transition and aftercare program, we’re passionate about delivering results to families seeking therapeutic intervention. For over 10 years, Equinox has been serving clients both regionally and nationally.

EQUINOX COUNSELING & WELLNESS CENTER EQUINOXCOUNSELING.COM | (303) 861-1916 600 S. Cherry Street, Suite 217, Glendale, Colorado 80246

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DENVER + BOULDER

2020

The Face of

MARKETING Remember 2008? The subprime mortgage crisis tanked the stock market, Obama was elected, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt cleaned up at the Beijing Olympics, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull … well, we’ve agreed as a culture not to talk about that movie anymore.

It seems like a lifetime ago to some of us, but amidst all the wild and crazy events of the world, a small agency was born. At first, you could hardly call it an agency — it was just Aimee Meester, Chief Marketing Aficionado and Colorado native.

Since then, the team has only grown in both size and expertise. In the last dozen years, MTM has stayed on the bleeding edge of the marketing world, going toe-to-toe with far bigger agencies by staying nimble and staying creative.

They were one of the first full-service agencies to embrace growth-driven design — the ability to launch a website as a minimum viable product in weeks, not months, and constantly add and update as the clients’ needs change and the data tells a story. They’ve embraced

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account-based marketing, a laser-focused approach to landing big clients that tailors marketing materials directly to a specific account — or even a single person.

And they’ve emphasized sales and marketing alignment, the strategies and processes that make sure sales and marketing teams are on the same page for more seamless lead generation and conversion.

Individual tactics will continue to change, social media platforms will boom and bust, and terminology and tone will shift. But creativity, strategy, and passion will remain evergreen — and they inform everything Madison Taylor Marketing does. They produce marketing strategies and tactics that WORK. They bring tangible dollars to a company’s bottom line and results they can actually see.

And they have a lot of fun doing it.

MADISON TAYLOR MARKETING

MADISONTAYLORMARKETING.COM | (303) 500-3265 5613 DTC Pkwy., Ste. 120, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

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2020

The Face of

PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Bershof is a highly specialized plastic surgeon and a sixteen-time 5280 Top Doctor. With his double board certification, he is uniquely skilled in facial cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and facelifts, as well as cosmetic breast surgery, skin cancer, melanoma, and abnormal mole surgery. It is Dr. Bershof’s philosophy to listen to his patients, help define their individual goals, answer all their questions, and provide both excellent surgical care and the very important post-surgical management.

JOHN BERSHOF, MD

BERSHOFPLASTIC.COM | (303) 399-7662 4500 E. Ninth Ave., Ste 100, Denver, CO 80220

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DENVER + BOULDER

2020

The Face of

ORTHODONTICS When Dr. Derek Straffon moved his orthodontics office to Greenwood Village earlier this year, he wanted to do things differently. There was the new space and the new name—303 Smiles—but also a fresh approach to working with patients. The first person you’ll encounter when you enter the contemporary space is the concierge who greets you, takes first-timers on a tour, and walks you back to your appointment. There’s also a candy bar, a tech bar to plug into, and a smile-inducing positive word wall lined with terms like “fearless” and “proud.” And then there’s the staff: Each one has been specially trained to provide the highest level of care to patients. Yes, 303 Smiles

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offers state-of-the-art treatments—Invisalign, braces, pediatric dentistry, surgery, Botox, and more—but it’s also a place where you and your children will feel welcomed and valued. It’s all part of Dr. Straffon’s mission to build a community-focused, concierge-style office where every patient is treated well—and leaves smiling.

303 SMILES

303SMILES.COM | (303) 758-3414 8745 E. Orchard Road, Ste. 513, Greenwood Village 80111

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The Face of FINE JEWELRY AND WATCHES Trice Jewelers is a family business locally owned and operated in the Denver area for over 60 years! They specialize in engagement rings and offer an extraordinary selection of bridal jewelry, fine fashion jewelry, sapphires, rubies, pearls and diamond earrings. Trice has developed a high tech, custom design center that creates a very unique experience with the ability to bring your personal vision to life. Their talented design team helps you figure out all the details, weigh all the options, and guides you through each step of creating a completely unique piece of custom jewelry. Trice has the ability to show your personal creation with high resolution 3D renderings,

and they will adjust every detail until it’s perfect. With the largest full service jewelry store in Colorado, Trice will have exactly what you are looking for. Their passion is delivering a remarkable piece of jewelry that will be a part of every moment in your life.

“Grateful to be a small part of big moments in life.”

Owner and President, Justin Klomp.

TRICE JEWELERS

TRICEJEWELERS.COM | (303) 759-9661 6885 S. University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122

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The Face of

DERMATOLOGY DR. JESSICA OLANDER | DR. STEPHANIE FRANKEL | DR. NICOLE NEUSCHLER Core Dermatology is a physician-owned and operated private practice, conveniently located in central Denver.

5280 magazine Top Doctor Dr. Stephanie Frankel, Dr. Jessica Olander, and Dr. Nicole Neuschler are boardcertified dermatologists with over 30 years of combined experience. They offer medical and surgical treatments, including Mohs surgery, for both common and complex skin disorders.

From acne to skin cancer to psoriasis, they are passionate about providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based care along with an array of cosmetic services. Their expertise, combined with a personalized approach to each patient, has earned them a reputation for excellence in the field.

By providing a comfortable and professional experience from start to finish, Core Dermatology is trusted by patients and referring providers alike.

MYCOREDERM.COM | (303) 355-3000

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CORE DERMATOLOGY 425 South Cherry Street, Suite 907 Denver, Colorado 80246

HOSTED AT

KICK OFF THE SUMMER AND C O M E PA R T Y W I T H U S !

Sip our newly released rosĂŠ with Ninety Plus Cellars Interact with vignettes that showcase summer design trends Indulge in a curated menu from FIRE Restaurant

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THE

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO Clockwise from left: North Table Mountain, the Clyfford Still Museum, the Cruise Roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house martini, the Daniels & Fisher Tower, and a seasonal salad at Tavernetta

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HOST’S The Mile High City sees about 15 million overnight leisure tourists annually. Odds are at least a few of them are your family, friends, and out-of-state colleagues—all of whom want recommendations for where to eat, what to see, and how to recreate. Consider this your playbook for rolling out the red carpet, Colorado-style.

BY JESSICA LARUSSO ILLUSTRATIONS BY HANNA BARCZYK

DENVER

INBOUND

YOUR PARENTS

Frequent Flyers FOR A...

ON THEIR FIRST VISIT...

ON THEIR 10TH VISIT...

Foothills Excursion

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.

Make sure you finish the 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail loop and get to the top of the amphitheater’s 70 rows by 2 p.m. (when it generally closes on event days) to secure your selfie.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research. Perched in Boulder’s southern foothills, it has a free visitors center with interactive exhibits (touch a cloud!). The nearby 0.4-mile Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail is punctuated by signage about weather phenomena like 2013’s floods.

City Adventure

The 16th Street Mall. Bookend your exploration of the 1.25-mile-long corridor with a free hourlong tour of the Capitol—which includes a (weatherdependent) photo op from the dome’s outdoor observation deck—and a stroll through LoDo’s crown jewel, Union Station.

Historic Denver’s docent-led Capitol Hill Walking Tour ($15). Offered May through October, the nonprofit’s 90-minute, 1.2-mile outing starts and ends at the Molly Brown House Museum and reveals the history of the neighborhood’s mansions and their sometimes eccentric residents.

The Denver Art Museum. Never mind headline-grabbing exhibitions, like this October’s Mexican modernism show featuring Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; the facility itself is a work of art.

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. In its two-year-old, 38,500-square-foot Golden Triangle home, this shrine to Colorado painter Vance Kirkland (1904 to 1981) and functional design—a 1930s radio, funky mid-mod chairs, a Bauhaus teapot—is filled with regional artwork.

Breckenridge. Situated at 9,600 feet, Breck provides a taste of a classic mining town turned world-renowned ski destination, complete with Victorian architecture, a free gondola ride, and Isak Heartstone’s 15-foot-tall wooden troll art installation.

Evergreen. Built into a cliffside, the historic downtown has a charming Old West feel with a worn, shop-lined boardwalk. After recreating on 55acre Evergreen lake (rent ice skates in the winter and SUP boards in the summer), pop into Little Bear Saloon for a bison burger and a Coors Banquet.

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen. You rarely need a reservation at this large, casual eatery from James Beard Award– winning chef Jennifer Jasinski. Walk off your house-cranked sausage under nearby Larimer Square’s twinkling lights.

Gold Hill Inn. It’s a half-hour up Sunshine Canyon Drive from Boulder and only open May through December, but the $42 six-course meal at this 58-year-old lodge-esque restaurant—paired with live music in the attached bar many nights—is quintessential Colorado.

Dose Of Culture

Mountain Daytrip

Dinner Out

HIGH TIMES

Whether your parents are looking to relive the Grateful Dead concerts of their youth or simply canna-curious, here’s a numerical case for taking them to Green Solution’s East Colfax Avenue superstore.

~3,000

Square footage of the sales floor, whose sleek, approachable Apple Store–reminiscent design is brightened by skylights

15–20

Strains in the flower bar, each with a tablet that displays plant photos, notes about flavor and scent profiles, and the potency of cannabinoids

>200

Unique marijuana products—drinks, edibles, topicals, concentrates, cartridges, prerolled joints—available

1

Budtender assigned to walk each visitor or group through the store, answering questions and giving recommendations along the way

Previous spread, clockwise from left: Sarah Boyum; James Florio Photography/Courtesy of Clyfford Still Museum; Courtesy of From The Hip Photo for the Oxford Hotel; Blaine Harrington III/Alamy Stock Photo; Casey Giltner/Courtesy of Tavernetta. This page, clockwise from top right: Sarah Boyum; Courtesy of Gold Hill Inn; Andrew Maguire/Courtesy of the Breckenridge Tourism Office; Wes Magyar/Courtesy of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art; Littleny/Alamy Stock Photo; Courtesy the National Center for Atmospheric Research, ©UCAR

No one comes to town as often as Mom and Dad, so we compiled classic must-dos for their first trip and creative alternatives for the 10th time they show up.

BE OUR GUEST

Need to impress your mother—or mother-inlaw? Steal these thoughtful spare-bedroom ideas from Denverite Lauren Richardson, who curates design-forward, shoppable Airbnbs (guests can buy anything they like, from coffee mugs to artwork to the sheets) under her two-year-old brand, the Sursy.

Encourage hydration at elevation by filling a carafe with fresh water.

Hang blackout curtains to keep Colorado’s bright morning sun from waking visitors prematurely.

Get a bench or a folding luggage rack to make it easier for your guests to live out of their suitcases.

Clear out drawer space so Mom doesn’t have to squeeze her clothes in around your grungy ski socks.

ELEVATED AMENITIES

Clockwise from top: Emily Teater; Courtesy of Leanna Organics; Courtesy of Four Points Bar; Courtesy of Pact

Local goodies that will make your place feel like a five-star hotel.

1 Denver’s Sheets & Giggles makes breathable, moisturewicking, supersoft linens from renewably grown eucalyptus.

2 Replace your ratty, threadbare spare towels with organic cotton waffle versions from Boulder’s Pact.

Include a dark washcloth for makeup removal.

3 No minifridge? No problem. Fourpoints Bar’s plant-based energy snacks with Colorado-grown hemp can satisfy midnight (or midday) cravings.

4 Stock arid-climate-combating toiletries like Leanna Organics’ CBD-infused lip balm and Glow & Gather’s whipped body butter.

Pro tip: Cut a lovely, moisturizing bar from Golden’s Mountain Time Soap into small chunks so you don’t have to toss the whole thing after one person uses it.

5 Splurge on a pair of Broomfield’s Save Our Soles merino wool socks to gift to your guest for lounging around the house— especially if you live in one of Denver’s older, draftier Victorians or bungalows.

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YOUR COLLEGE ROOMMATES

Sip & Learn

Get a lesson with your libations via guided tours of some of Denver’s best drinkeries.

BEER

COFFEE

SPIRITS

WINE

WHERE: Great Divide Brewing

WHERE: Novo Coffee, RiNo

WHERE: Stranahan’s Colorado

WHERE: The Infinite Monkey

WHY: Yes, we know Stranahan’s

WHY: The Infinite Monkey Theorem, born in Denver in 2008, was early to two trends: the urban winery and canned vino. Thus, it shouldn’t be a surprise that public 60-minute tours (reserve your spot in advance online) of its industrial yet posh production facility and tasting room are high on fun and low on pretension. $25 per person (includes five tasters)

Co., Ballpark

WHY: Established in 1994, Great

Divide is a pioneer of both the Mile High City beer scene (hello, Denver Pale Ale) and downtown’s rebirth, which is why we prefer showing off the original location near Coors Field to the shiny new facility in RiNo. Frequent firstcome, first-served tours are just 20 to 30 minutes and guided by the kind of colorful, energetic characters you’d expect to work at a brewery in Denver. Free TIPPLERS’ TIDBIT: Great Divide’s

community ties go deeper than just name-dropping the city: Every year the brewery selects a new design from a local artist for its Denver Pale Ale cans.

WHY: On Fridays at noon,

Novo takes up to six javaheads (claim your slot via its website) on a tour of its 6,000-squarefoot roasting facility. You’ll sample four varieties of coffee during a guided cupping. $20 per person (includes a bag of freshly roasted coffee) TIPPLERS’ TIDBIT: Novo’s website

provides detailed sourcing information—down to the types of trees shading the plants in Colombia that supply the beans for its San Sebastian coffee.

Whiskey, Baker

sold to New Jersey’s Proximo Spirits in 2010, but the hourlong American Single Malt Whiskey Tour by Colorado’s first whiskey maker is still one of our favorite ways to educate out-of-towners about the Centennial State’s brown booze legacy. (Plus, the tour is free for Colorado residents and their guests on Sundays.) Book up to three weeks in advance online. $15 per person (includes three tasters, a nosing glass, and $10 off one 750-milliliter bottle) TIPPLERS’ TIDBIT: Just two miles south, you can try Laws Whiskey House’s coveted small-batch sippers made with Colorado grain.

Theorem, RiNo

TIPPLERS’ TIDBIT: Most of the grapes used in the Infinite Monkey Theorem’s bottled varieties (try the Chardonnay) come from the Western Slope.

From top: Courtesy of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey; Getty Images (4); Nattawut Lakjit/EyeEm/Getty Images

INBOUND

THE ULTIMATE HOST’S GUIDE TO DENVER

GRADUATED GAME PLANS

Because your Saturday probably depends on what Friday night looked like, we’ve devised six group-friendly activities for showing off your city—or, in some cases, simply getting your pals off the couch.

We stuffed ourselves with bison at the Buckhorn Exchange and went to bed early.

Clockwise from top right: Courtesy of Denise Mickelsen; Sarah Boyum; Courtesy of eTuk Ride; Courtesy of Lucy Beaugard; Courtesy of Brittni Bell Photo; James Florio Photography/Courtesy of Clyfford Still Museum; John Coletti/Getty Images

Rent two-wheeled steeds from Confluence Kayaks (in Jefferson Park near REI), starting at $25 per day, and cruise the Cherry Creek Bike Path. It’s 7.2 miles (about 45 minutes) from Confluence Park to Virginia Village’s year-old Unravel Coffee.

Ripe for weekend wanderings, the Clyfford Still Museum holds 95 percent of the works created by the often ornery Jackson Pollock contemporary. Still bequeathed his collection to whichever American city promised it “permanent quarters” for exhibition and study.

Head pounding? Hide from Colorado’s famous rays inside LoDo’s seven-month-old Urban Putt. Open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the concept updates minigolf for grown-ups with 18 black-light-enhanced holes and an attached bar and restaurant.

After a two-hour walking exploration of RiNo’s street art scene with Denver Graffiti Tour, discuss the finer points of one of Chris Haven and Casey Kawaguchi’s collaborations (pictured) over a flight of High Point Creamery ice cream at Denver Central Market.

You and five friends can rest your moonwalk-weary feet on one of eTuk Ride’s Denver-made electric tuk-tuks (smoother than the traditional transports, thankfully) during a 2.5-hour tour of history-filled areas like Civic Center Park and newer hot spots such as LoHi.

When all else fails: Brunch. Try LoHi’s Linger for $16 bottomless mimosas and the Hangover Ramen; Sunnyside’s Bacon Social House, where bacon stars in pancakes and the Bloody Mary; or the Post Brewing Co. on South Broadway ($6.25 beermosas, fried chicken, and biscuits).

We danced until 2 a.m. at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox’s monthly ‘80s night.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Why renting a house in the city where you live ensures you get to relax, too.

I got to the Airbnb first, an easy feat considering that I live a little more than a mile away.

As my six girlfriends cruised at about 35,000 feet, en route to DIA from as far as the Bay Area and Boston, it was the least I could do to stock our City Park West pad with booze, snacks, and water bottles. (I’m the kind of host who lovingly force-hydrates her guests before plying them with pours of Buena Vista–made Deerhammer whiskey.) Sure, I could’ve invited them to stay with me, but taking care of a half-dozen people at my house—where my husband, son, and dog tend to be—screams un-vacation. Plus, short-term house and apartment rental options via services like Airbnb mean you don’t have to sacrifice the neighborhood experience or miss out on the intimate conversations and laughs that come with a living room couch and latenight nachos.

Texts began coming in as my friends touched down. Once assembled, we stretched out on our rooftop patio, glasses of Pinot Noir in hand. They marveled that the stylishly furnished apartment, with its four queen beds and two baths, had cost so little (about $70 per person total for three nights).

And me? I reveled in the ease of hosting in a home—without so much as lifting a broom handle.

—Denise Mickelsen APRIL 2020

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NOT JUST CHILD’S PLAY

So, you have kids in tow; that doesn’t mean you’re relegated to places with a thousand other screaming children. Instead, try these fun-for-the-whole-family activities for every age and budget.

WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON CLEAR CREEK

As long as everyone in your group is at least seven years old, 50-plus pounds, and a decent swimmer, you can book Morrison-based Geo Tours’ part-day Mountain Lion trip on Clear Creek, near Idaho Springs (caveat: restrictions are subject to change based on river conditions). The stretch’s Class III rapids, usually runnable from late May through early August, are mellow enough for first-time paddlers but will definitely give your videogame-addicted nephew a real-life thrill. $55 for ages 13 and up; $49 for ages seven to 12

DINOSAUR RIDGE

Home to the world’s first stegosaurus discovery and more than 300 dino tracks, Dinosaur Ridge’s paved walking and biking trail takes you back in time over about three miles, round trip, from the main visitor center. Even the coolest kids—and kids at heart—will geek out over touching dinosaur bones wedged into sandstone layers and posing with their hands inside giant iguanodon footprints. Free

GRIZZLY ROSE FAMILY NIGHT

From 6 to 11 every Sunday evening, Denver’s only true honky-tonk is open to all ages. If the live country music, jumbo wings from the on-site Smokehouse Grill, and line-dancing lessons (starting at 7) aren’t enough to impress your tweens, casually mention the fact that Taylor Swift has performed here and send them off to spot her signed photo. (Hint: It’s near the bathrooms by the main bar.) $5 cover; kids 10 and under free

About 45 minutes northeast of Denver, some 520 lions, tigers, bears, and other large beasts who’ve been rescued from illegal or abusive situations roam 789 acres of grassy plains.

More than 1.5 miles of elevated walkways mean visitors can watch the animals run, swim, and play in natural, open habitats. $30 for ages 13 and up; $15 for kids three to 12; kids under three free

UPSTAIRS CIRCUS

12 GOING ON 20

35%

This LoDo spot is basically a hipper (and more appealing to creative teens) take on the paint-and-sip trend.

Reserve your slot ahead of time and, once there, select a craft like leather wallets, beaded wrap bracelets, or nail and string art.

Between the difficulty—you’ll be DIYing, with guidance from staff, for one to three hours—and ambience (there’s a full bar), Upstairs Circus is best suited to kids in double digits. $39 to $44

The amount up to which you could save off regular admission prices by purchasing a Denver City Pass online. It allows you to visit your choice of three, four, or five of the following attractions over a seven-day period: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, History Colorado Center, and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

Clockwise from top left: Tom Uhlman/Alamy Stock Photo; Courtesy of Geo Tours; Courtesy of the Wild Animal Sanctuary; Courtesy of Upstairs Circus; Benjamin Rasmussen

$

$$$

THE WILD ANIMAL SANCTUARY

THEIR THREE KIDS

THE ULTIMATE HOST’S GUIDE TO DENVER

Food Prep

It’s essential to stay flexible when dining out with kids—and that’s why we’ve come up with plans A, B, and C for every meal.

Plan B: Suggest the Cereal Box in Arvada—top some 150 cereals with flavored milk and sprinkles— since it’s generally not crowded.

The toddler passed out.

BREAKFAST

From top: Courtesy of Kari Cummings; Courtesy of From the Hip Photo

Plan A: Haul everyone to Stanley Marketplace in Aurora for giant biscuit cinnamon rolls at Denver Biscuit Co. and the city’s best bagels from Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen.

It took too long to get the whole crew dressed to make the drive.

Plan B: Consider Lucile’s Creole Cafe’s Speer spot, where you can enjoy chicory coffee on the toy-stocked second story until your table’s ready.

The kids are now starving (read: no time for made-to-order eats).

Plan C: Drive as fast as safely possible to Cherry Creek. Olive &

Finch’s pastry case overflows with ready-to-eat baked goods to satiate the young’uns while the adults wait for elevated tartines.

LUNCH Plan A: Take advantage of smaller midday crowds at LoHi’s Avanti Food & Beverage, Denver’s original food hall. Options range from lamb birria tacos at Street Feud to gluten-free Venezuelan sandwiches at Quiero Arepas to spaghetti Bolognese at Bistro Georgette.

The brood is more interested in frolicking than eating.

Plan B: Go to Acova in Highland, which has a playground out back and a hilarious kids menu with

items like Nothing (grilled cheese) and I Don’t Know (chicken fingers).

Plan C: Tiptoe to the stove to warm up the custard-filled churros you got at Highland’s Panaderia Rosales.

Frolicking has devolved into outright shrieking.

DINNER

Plan C: Pick up rotisserie-grilled chicken from Chook’s new Hale outpost and take it to a picnic table at nearby City Park so the kids can run around—and scream—without ruining strangers’ appetites.

AFTERNOON TREAT

Plan A: Make a reservation at Ace Eat Serve in Uptown. Pingpong tables plus creative kids meals (exhibit A: a PB&J bao bun, pictured)—what could go wrong?

Turns out, one of the children is in an “I only eat tacos” phase.

Plan A: Spend an hour at the whimsical Little Man Ice Cream Factory in West Colfax.

Plan B: Pivot to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant’s large, groupfriendly LoDo location. You’re going to need one of its famous margaritas.

Everyone’s tired and getting cranky; you need to make this quick.

Turns out, one of the other kids is in an “I only eat pizza” phase.

Plan C: Pilot the van to Berkeley’s Mas Kaos Pizzeria and Taqueria for street tacos, Neapolitan pies, and, thank God, local beer on tap.

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Expense Account Itineraries When the boss is paying, opt for the following stay, sip, and sup combos—no car necessary.

Stay: Real brass keys let guests into the 50 hipster-chic rooms—cheeky contemporary artwork, Bluetooth speakers that look like gramophones—at the Ramble in RiNo.  1 elevator ride  Sip: Celebrated New York City export Death & Co runs the lobby bar, where mixologists craft innovative drinks sorted into categories like Boozy & Honest. When it’s warm, sip rosé on the patio, aptly named the Garden (pictured).  0.3 miles  Sup: Reservations are required well in advance at 18-seat Beckon, Denver’s first chef’s-counter-only restaurant. Dishes vary with the seasons, but expect eight Scandinavian- and Californian-influenced courses and house-made bread.

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Stay: The mountain-luxe Crawford Hotel occupies the upper floors of century-old Union Station, the buzzy epicenter of LoDo.  1 block  Sip: Enjoy classic cocktails bathed in the red light of the Cruise Room, an art deco icon and Denver’s longestrunning bar.  0.2 miles  Sup: Try for a table in Tavernetta’s no-reservations lounge, which serves “cicchetti” (Italian tapas) and sublime pasta, meats, and fish.

Stay: As if the 40-some original works within the Art aren’t enough, the Golden Triangle hotel has loaner bicycles perfect for exploring the nearby Art District on Santa Fe.  0.6 miles  Sip: Inside the iconic Brown Palace Hotel and Spa’s Churchill Bar, you can pair two fingers of Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey with a cigar (BYO or choose from Churchill’s menu of more than 60, including the coveted Arturo Fuente Short Story).  0.8 miles  Sup: For nearly two decades, Cuba Cuba has brought Latin eats— plantain chips, empanadas, ropa vieja de casa—and spirits (all the rum!) to the two colorful homes and expansive patio it occupies.

Stay: From its cabana-dotted rooftop pool to its Gear Garage, which lends outdoor toys like scooters, Cherry Creek’s Halcyon is extra in all the right ways.  0.4 miles  Sip: Going to fancy Manhattan export Le Bilboquet (it opened in September 2019) is mostly about seeing and being seen, but the 20-plus by-theglass French wine options are a draw, too.  0.6 miles  Sup: Get the classic white-tablecloth Denver steakhouse experience by ordering the wedge salad and a cut of grilled, aged USDA prime beef at 15-year-old Elway’s.

Clockwise from top: Courtesy of the Ramble Hotel; Rebecca Todd/Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Denver; Courtesy of From the Hip Photo for the Oxford Hotel

YOUR OUT-OF-STATE CO-WORKERS

INBOUND

THE ULTIMATE HOST’S GUIDE TO DENVER

TRANSPLANTS-TO-BE

If your co-worker is considering a move to our rarefied air—and you actually like her—send her to tour a neighborhood that reminds her of home.

PORTLAND, OREGON

BAKER/SPEER

WEEKEND WARRIORING 101

Visitors can sample our renowned work-play balance with these not-toofar-flung excursions.

CYCLE* The popular 4.5-mile ascent up Lookout Mountain (average grade: around six percent) rewards road cyclists with views of Golden and, often, paragliders. Bonus: Buffalo Bill Cody’s grave sits at the top, and there’s a general store where riders can refill water bottles.

Clockwise from top left: Marcel Slootheer; Seth K. Hughes/Getty Images; Ed Endicott/Alamy Stock Photo; Blaine Harrington III/Getty Images; Marc Piscotty; Jacob Ammentorp Lund/Getty Images; Can Balcioglu/Getty Images; Daniel Viñé Garcia/Getty Images; Ken Ilio/Getty Images

HIKE Chautauqua Park’s trails rise from grassy expanses through evergreen forests and into the Flatirons above Boulder. Suggest using the free Park to Park shuttle on weekends from late May to early September.

JOG The paddleboats, the bungalows, the doggos—so many doggos! Washington Park’s 2.5mile dirt-path loop never fails to charm.

MOUNTAIN BIKE* Singletrack fans travel an hour southwest of Denver to the Buffalo Creek trail system (pictured) for 76 miles of moderate climbs paired with flowy descents through giant boulders and towering pines.

TRAIL RUN North Table Mountain, a mesa—watch for rattlesnakes—30 minutes northwest of Denver, offers myriad distances and panoramas of downtown’s skyline.

Recommend the East Access trailhead, behind New Terrain Brewing Company (and its Golden Haze New England IPA for après). *Don’t want to loan out your two-wheeled baby? We don’t blame you. Send your co-worker to Evo on Broadway, which has an impressive fleet of rental road and mountain bikes. From $90 for a fullday rental with a helmet and bike lock

Denizens of Stumptown will love the coffeeshops, tattoo parlors, and stores overflowing with beard oil, air plants, and vintage clothing that line South Broadway. If a show at the endearingly grimy HiDive or fiercely indie Mutiny Information Cafe doesn’t seal the deal, the ’hood’s collection of Victorian homes—reminiscent of P-town’s beloved Alphabet Historic District—will.

CHICAGO

SLOAN’S LAKE/ EDGEWATER

Admittedly, Sloan’s Lake isn’t as impressive as the body of water Chicagoans are used to—but at least they can still get their fixes of that #lakelife at this westside gem. A friendly Midwestern vibe permeates West 25th Avenue’s laid-back shops, and transplants will barely miss deep-dish after tasting the pizzas and calzones the DiPietro family has been serving at the beloved Edgewater Inn since 1953.

NEW YORK CITY

FIVE POINTS

Once known as the Harlem of the West on account of its jazz legacy, this neighborhood has a connection to the Big Apple that’s audible each May during the Five Points Jazz Festival. There’s more red brick than brownstone here, but on par with the original are rich culinary offerings, including soul food at Welton Street Cafe Home of Mona’s and loose-leaf options at TeaLee’s TeaHouse and Bookstore.

SAN FRANCISCO

CAPITOL HILL

The fight for parking in Capitol Hill should feel familiar to residents of the City by the Bay. But so will things like chicken-fried cauliflower and waffles at vegetarian emporium City, O’ City and cocktails at vinyl-soundtracked Hudson Hill. Plus, wonderfully weird Cheesman Park (just to the east) hosts the same kind of human menagerie as San Francisco’s Mission Dolores Park. m

The Millennial

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Body: A User’s Manual M Millennials. Generation Y. Echo boomers. Whatever you call them, people born between 1981 and 1996 are now the largest age demographic in Colorado, making up 24 percent of our state. With numbers like those, it’s likely you either are a millennial or you care about one, so you have a vested interest in keeping them healthy—something that is becoming more difficult now that they’re 24 to 39 years old.

That’s where this essential guide for maintaining the model Y comes in. After consulting with physicians and other experts, we’ve mapped out everything you need to know, from health risks to insurance plans, to keep your millennial machine running smoothly for years to come.

BY ANGELA UFHEIL ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS PHILPOT

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GETTING TO KNOW THE MODEL Y Taking care of yourself, or your millennial, is a lot easier if you understand the parts—and where trouble arises. While the idiosyncrasies of one body can be as quirky as those of a classic car, research* gives us insight into the health habits and risks most common among Gen Y.

1 According to the Colorado Health Institute, reports of eight or more poor mental health days each month among millennials rose from 12 to 24 percent between 2015 and 2019. Nationally, millennials are dying by suicide and overdose more than Gen Xers did at the same age, according to the Trust for America’s Health and the Well Being Trust. The problem continues in Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012: A United Health Foundation report shows Colorado’s teen suicide rates jumped by 58 percent, the highest increase in the nation, from 2016 to 2019.

Cigarette smoking nationwide has dropped by 67 percent since the days when boomers lit up on Pan Am flights, according to the American Lung Association. Marijuana use has risen among all ages in Colorado since legalization, but especially for those 25 to 34, potentially setting them up for lung, heart, and memory issues later in life— though more research is needed to confirm this.

In general, millennials are having less sex than Gen X, baby boomers, and the silent generation did at the same age (perhaps because they’re delaying marriage; a smaller percentage are married at the same age as previous generations).

Unplanned pregnancies are also declining across all generations— including millennials.

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3 Despite Coloradans’ healthy lifestyles, 22 percent of those between 25 and 34 reported body mass indices in the obese range in 2018.

In 1995, just 9.5 percent of adults in the same age range (Gen Xers) were obese. Carrying too much weight can lead to a number of problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

In fact, diabetes rates are higher among millennials than previous generations in Colorado.

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Nationally, adult binge drinking rates have increased slightly (16.2 percent in 2018 versus 14.1 percent in 1995).

But numbers have spiked among young Centennial Staters: 32.2 percent of residents ages 25 to 34 report binge drinking in the past 30 days (compared to 21.6 percent of Gen Xers at the same age), increasing their risk for high blood pressure, stroke, depression, heart and liver disease, and certain cancers.

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Whether hiking, skiing, or spinning, Coloradans ages 25 to 34 exercise a lot— nearly 88 percent said they’d participated in physical activity in the past month (third in America behind Maine and Vermont’s echo boomers). That number hasn’t changed much since the survey question first appeared in 1996, suggesting Gen X exercised at roughly the same rate even without Instagram’s #fitnessmotivation.

*Unless otherwise noted, all statistics are drawn from data gathered in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationwide survey conducted yearly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

THE MILLENNIAL BODY

Under The Hood TUNE UP

From left: Bombus Creative/Getty Images; Getty Images; Thomas Vogel/Getty Images

Gen Y spends, on average, six hours on social media each week, according to a 2016 Nielsen report (one hour less than Gen X). Research has repeatedly shown that anxiety and depression increase with time spent staring at the curated lives of friends and frenemies, so it might be time to take a break.

Counterintuitively, some apps make it easier to stop, well, apping: The free Social Fever app alerts you if you spend more than an allotted amount of time on your phone. Forest (free for Android; $1.99 for iPhone) incentivizes unplugging by planting a digital “seed.”

If you open an app before the time you set for yourself, your plant stops growing or dies outright.

While millennials generally display healthier behaviors than previous generations, their bodies are showing early signs of aging. A new theory offers a possible explanation.

L

ong before joints stiffen and wrinkles deepen, our bodies record the passage of time in subtler ways. “Biomarkers,” bits of physiological evidence in our bodies, emerge when we encounter stress. For example, if you see a mountain lion, fight-or-flight hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood your system. What helps you in that scenario, though, isn’t healthy over time. Prolonged elevations of those hormones have been correlated with suppressed immune system function, hyperglycemia, even heart damage—and chronic stressors such as job insecurity and financial woes can create the same hormonal response. Just as the buildup of miles wears down your car, that continuous pummeling weathers the body. “Millennials are uniquely exposed to precarious conditions,” says Adam Lippert, a professor of sociology at the University of Colorado Denver. “Their stress response systems are constantly in overdrive in ways previous generations’ may not have been.” Here’s why.

Job stress is burning them out. Seventy-six percent of millennials report that work is a major stressor, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). While every generation deals with the post-5 p.m. email creep, millennials have likely never known a workplace without it.

“That can create an effect of blurring between the office and our home, where we’re never really unplugged from our work,” Lippert says. There’s also the issue of job stability, something 53 percent of Gen Y told the APA is a big worry. Concern over not just keeping a job, but getting enough hours, is particularly pronounced in Colorado, where 46 percent of millennials work in wholesale and retail, leisure and hospitality, or education and health care.

They’re worried about climate change. In 2019, the city of Denver registered 33 ozone warning days. The year before, the Centennial State experienced five of the 20 biggest wildfires in its history, due in part to drought. The average temperature in Colorado has risen by 2.9 degrees since 1970. These factors illustrate just how real the climate crisis is in Colorado. And according to a 2018 nationwide Gallup survey, millennials are likely to be anxious about it—70 percent of Americans ages 18 to 34 report they worry about global warming, a fear the APA says can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other risky behaviors, such as smoking.

They’re cash-strapped.

Although millennials average less student loan debt than Gen Xers and boomers (millennials owe, on average, $34,504 per borrower; boomers owe $34,703; and Gen Xers lead the pack at $39,584) as well as less credit card debt, finances are still a significant stressor, according to Eli Boone, policy analyst at the Colorado Health Institute.

That’s likely because wages, both here and nationally, have stagnated, particularly for low- and middle-wage earners. Meanwhile, home prices in Colorado have risen by more than 200 percent since 1980, and Denver rent hovers around $1,400 for a one-bedroom.

Little wonder only 20 percent of millennial renters think they’ll be able to make a 10 percent down payment in the next five years.

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C A R E A N D R E PA I R You can’t always avoid stress, but one technique for coping with it—and, thus, keeping your millennial out of the shop— is by building community. Studies have long shown that those without close, supportive friendships struggle with stress more than their connected peers; those with higher levels of loneliness were more likely to develop hypertension, for example. And given that many of Colorado’s millennials are transplants—real estate listings company Commercial Cafe named Denver the number one city for echo boomers to relocate to—it’s understandable that the Mile High City’s millennials might be a little blue. In fact, 76 percent of Denver Gen Yers reported feeling lonely in a 2020 Cigna survey.

Fortunately, the city also boasts plenty of ways to meet new companions.

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FOR GAME PLAYERS

FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS

One way to make friends? Lock yourself in a room with them.

That’s the premise of the Denver Escape Room league hosted

by Meet. Play. Chill. You and a team of four (the league places you with a team if you register as an individual) will gain access to four escape rooms in the metro area, where you’ll build camaraderie as you work together to solve the clues. From $80, meetplaychill.com

Meet like-minded friends—and soothe your climate anxiety—at the monthly Platte River Cleanup at Confluence Park. Denver Parks and Recreation provides buckets, gloves, and trash pickers for volunteers, who trade them in post-cleanup for brunch catered by Snooze.

Free, loveyourriverplatterivercleanu.splashthat.com

FOR THOSE WHO JUST NEED TO TALK—OR LAUGH

FOR PEOPLE PUSHING STROLLERS

Group therapy can provide social support and help relieve stress. Dr. Alison Sheesley’s Upstaging Anxiety group workshops, on Sundays at Voodoo Comedy, combine cognitive behavioral therapy and improvisation to help members identify and manage their triggers. From $55 per session (or your mental health copay), comedyistherapy.com

Millennial parents living far from home may lack the village new families often need to thrive. The Peanut app can help: Essentially Meetup for moms, Peanut introduces you to potential friends (ones who understand why you’re tired by 8 p.m.) for child-inclusive playdates—like a walk around Washington Park—that don’t require you to find a sitter. Free, peanut-app.io

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THE MILLENNIAL BODY

TUNE UP

Some foods can help protect your body from the impacts of time, according to Daniel Linseman, a researcher at the University of Denver’s Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging. Called “nutraceuticals,” these foods (in moderation) offer a low-risk way to stave off inflammation, a byproduct of aging. So consider making these regular additions to your shopping list: rosemary, parsley, turmeric, eggplant, green tea, bilberries, dark chocolate, and coffee.

TR O UBL ES H O OTIN G

So You’re Having A Baby The boomers had Dr. Spock; Gen X had What To Expect When You’re Expecting. Millennials, currently in prime child-rearing years, have a mess of parenting blogs and judgy chat rooms.

To help you sort through the noise, we consulted with the experts to bust baby-centric myths.

MYTH

You’re eating for two; bring on the buffet.

MYTH Clockwise from top right: Lumina Images/Stocksy; Virtu Studio/Getty Images; Boris SV/Getty Images; Image Source/Getty Images

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The internet has all the answers.

MYTH

3

You need to start saving for your kids’ college tuition before you even have them.

REALITY

Studies led by Dr. Dana Dabelea, a professor of epidemiology and pediatrics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, show a mother who is overweight before pregnancy (or who gains too much weight during) can increase the baby’s susceptibility for obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life, though more research is needed to understand why. Excessive weight gain is also associated with gestational diabetes for mom, which sometimes crops up during the second trimester and can cause early labor and increase the likelihood of high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy, plus an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Consult an obstetrician about proper caloric intake.

REALITY

The web panics parents with info overload, says Dr. Tracy Vozar, who directs the Caring For You And Baby Clinic at the University of Denver. “It gives them a sense of, ‘You’re not doing it right,’ ” she says. She tells patients to be mindful of how online communities make them feel. If you’re not finding the emotional support you need, try Parentline Colorado, a new-in-winter-2019 video and phone call system that allows parents to speak with a clinical psychologist (in either English or Spanish)—especially beneficial to those in rural areas. It’s free for the first year and available on an incomebased sliding scale afterward. 303-871-7935; gspp.parentline@du.edu REALITY

Actually, you might need to start saving for daycare before you have kids: Colorado has some of the country’s highest infant care costs, at an average of $14,960 per year, as well as some of the lowest availability. “For every three infants who want care, there’s only one slot,” says Erin Mewhinney, director of early care and learning at the Office of Early Childhood. “Once you know you’re pregnant, get on a waiting list.” Start by visiting coloradoshines.com, where the state-run Colorado Shines program issues ratings for childcare centers and resources to make sure you find the best one for your family. Or call 211, and a licensed specialist will help you search.

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EXTENDED WARRANT Y In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded health insurance options for young adults. They’ve taken advantage: Around 30 percent of Coloradans ages 25 to 34 were uninsured 10 years ago, a number that’s fallen to just under 19 percent. Still, millennials nationwide are more likely to report being uninsured than any other generation, according to the Transamerica Center For Health Studies. “Health insurance is typically something young people aren’t used to managing on their own,” says Adam Fox, director of strategic engagement at the nonprofit Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. “There’s a learning curve.” If that sounds familiar, use our chart to begin figuring out what insurance plan makes the most sense for you.

Who Can Use It?

Description

Pros

Cons

People age 25 and younger

The ACA mandated that U.S. residents can remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until their 26th birthdays. (A Texas lawsuit threatens to overturn the bulk of the ACA, including this provision; Colorado is one of the states defending the law in this case.)

Stays in place even if you get married, have a child, start or leave school, or don’t live with your parents.

If you move out of state, you may not be able to access innetwork care, and on certain plans, visiting a doctor out of network can be expensive.

People lawfully present in the United States who are also Colorado residents

Created in accordance with the ACA, Colorado’s individual health insurance marketplace has multiple coverage levels. Premiums vary by age and location, but for, say, a 31-year-old woman living in Denver, the cost for a Gold plan (the most thorough coverage) starts around $340 per month. Silver is $312, and Bronze is $245.

The website allows you to compare plans, and if you buy through the marketplace, you could qualify for a tax credit or other health care cost reductions.

Some of these plans have high deductibles (ranging from $3,500 to $8,150 for a 31-year-old woman living in Denver).

Health First Colorado

Coloradans with incomes below a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level, starting with single adults making less than $1,385 per month, and people with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities

This is Colorado’s Medicaid program, which provides inexpensive (or sometimes free) health care to those who qualify.

Low or no copays. For example, the copay for an overnight hospital stay ranges from free to $10 per night.

Doctors are not required to accept Medicaid, though many do; many Medicaid patients complain about longer wait times.

Colorado Young Adult Plan

Young adults ages 18 to 30

These plans, which can be purchased through Connect for Health Colorado, provide only the minimum coverage required by law.

Premiums are low, starting around $150 per month.

Deductibles start at $8,150.

Most colleges offer health plans that cover basic care.

Premiums range in price (at the University of Colorado Boulder, it’s $1,874 per semester); deductibles are usually lower than Connect for Health Colorado’s.

If you see a doctor offsite, you may have to pay extra (contact your college’s health services center to determine whether your doc is in or out of network).

You save money because your company pays for part (or sometimes all) of the monthly premium.

Plans can change year by year, and if your employer switches to a carrier your doctor doesn’t accept, you may need to find a new physician—or pay outof-network costs.

Your Parents’ Plan

Connect For Health Colorado

Student Health Insurance Plan

Undergraduate and graduate students

EmployerProvided Insurance

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Employers and employees typically share the cost for these group insurance policies.

Sources: Erin Hemlin, Health Policy and Advocacy Director for Young Invincibles; Adam Fox, director of strategic engagement, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative; Centers for Disease Control; Connect for Health Colorado; Health First Colorado; Kaiser Permanente; Colorado State University’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Highlights 2019–2020; University of Colorado Boulder Health and Wellness Services

Getty Images (6)

Coverage

THE MILLENNIAL BODY

Rules Of The Road The behaviors of the 1.33 million millennials living in Colorado provide high-tech impacts on the entire state’s health care system.

TUNE UP

Sarah Boyum (2)

Meditation has been shown to reduce inflammation response caused by stress, but you don’t have to be a guru to see the benefit. Start with this breathing exercise recommended by Cierra McNamara, who started Platt Park’s Mayu Meditation Co-Op.

J

ust as the friction of tires wears down roads, millennials’ behaviors have carved new grooves in Colorado’s health care landscape. One that stands out: “Millennials are incredibly enthusiastic about technology,” says Sheana Bull, a professor at the Colorado School of Public Health. “When it comes to adopting new health care tools, they’re the linchpin.”

Nationwide surveys reflect that enthusiasm. Gen Y’s love of health and fitness tracking—28 percent of people ages 18 to 34 use such apps, says Gallup—has launched a wearables industry projected by Allied Market Research to be worth $62.1 billion by 2023. In Colorado alone, companies have made devices to tell you when you may be ovulating (Boulder’s Kindara) and whether you’re lifting the proper amount of weight (Bazifit, also from Boulder). Plus, they’re ditching general practitioners (41 percent haven’t been to the doctor in the past 12 months) for Google, with 43 percent of millennials relying on the internet for health info, compared to 33 percent of boomers.

When they do see a doctor, 23 percent of millennials say they look up online reviews for providers or hospitals. Dr. Erin Beckerman, a physician in Summit County (which boasts the state’s highest concentration of millennials), says many research their symptoms, too.

Press the right nostril closed and inhale slowly.

1

Close the left nostril and exhale through the right.

2

Inhale through the right nostril (keeping the left one closed).

3

Close the right nostril and exhale through the left.

4

Repeat for three to five cycles.

5

If millennials had their way, they’d be meeting with Beckerman virtually. They’re three times as likely to have tried “telehealth”—the delivery of health care and information services via remote technologies, which can include video appointments, clinician chat lines, and medication reminders—compared to other generations. As such, they’re helping drive a telehealth boom: Most major insurance providers in the state, such as Anthem, now offer video chats with doctors as a standard choice, and a 2017 law requires Health First Colorado to reimburse telemedicine appointments as if they were in-person visits.

Millennials aren’t the only reason for that expansion, but their interest in telehealth has played a role, says Dr. Claudia Steiner, executive director of the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research. In 2016, when Kaiser launched Chat with a Doctor in Colorado, which lets patients message clinicians rather than spend a lunch break in the waiting room, Gen Y used it most readily. Kaiser plans to expand the program to other states due in part to that usage.

Bull has seen millennials’ impact in her work, too. She creates programs that deliver wellness reminders—e.g., heart disease patients may get a text when it’s time to refill their medication. Gen Y often hops on board first. “Anyone can benefit from these tools,” she says, “but millennials are the ones who see the value. They figure out how to use them then teach their parents and grandparents.” It’s a case of digital natives leading their elders down a new road—and toward healthier destinations. m APRIL 2020

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FIELD DREAMS ES

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DO ROCKI

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Twenty-five years ago, Coors Field opened and ignited a rebirth of downtown. Today, with construction of ballpark-adjacent McGregor Square underway and arguably the greatest Rockie ever potentially on the trading block, the franchise appears poised for reinvention. What will the Rockies 2.0 look like? BY SHANE MONAGHAN 108

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A sunset view of the home plate entrance at Coors Field

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GOING THE DISTANCE

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n baseball, they say legends are born in October. The legend of Coors Field, however, began on April 26, 1995, when it became the first baseball-only stadium built for a National League team since Dodger Stadium in 1962. The story of its success, though, was anything from assured on that season’s opening day.

In the early 1990s, the northwest side of downtown Denver was a wasteland of dilapidated, turn-of-the-century brick buildings. Save for El Chapultepec, which debuted in 1933, there was little reason to find oneself west of Larimer Street or north of 17th Street. That is, until Coors Field opened and created demand for nearby bars and restaurants.

TAKE ME OUT TO Condos, apartments, and office THE BALLGAME spaces soon followed, ultimately spawning neighborhoods with The Rockies’ home opener, now-familiar names like Ballwhich has become a de facto mile-high holiday, will take park and LoDo and RiNo. In place on April 3 versus short: The northern reaches of the San Diego downtown Denver owe much Padres. of their cool-kid status to the Rockies’ ballpark.

Dick Monfort, chairman and CEO of the Rockies, acknowledges the stadium’s role in the genesis of modern Denver. “I haven’t been to another baseball stadium that’s located as well as Coors Field,” he says. “We are seriously right in the heart of everything.” Fortunately for Monfort, the close-to-homebase breweries and eateries—not to mention the addition of the Rooftop to the stadium itself—have helped turn out fans. Over the

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past decade, the team has consistently finished in the top half of MLB in attendance, even drawing more fans than all but five teams during a disappointing 2019 campaign; the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers are the only other midmarket teams that have had similar success filling their ballparks. “Going to Coors Field has always been about more than just watching a game,” says Tracy Ringolsby, a former Rockies beat reporter for the now-defunct Rocky Mountain News. “You can do all these things around the game and you only have to park your car once.”

Unfortunately, impressive attendance (and related revenues from ticket and concession sales) hasn’t led to much winning. The team has only made the playoffs five times in 27 years. The Cardinals, by contrast, have made 14 postseason trips in the same time period.

Since 1993, the Rockies have discarded six managers, struggled to develop pitching, and traded away multiple in-theirprimes superstars. This offseason felt like more of the same:

All-everything third baseman Nolan Arenado was the subject of trade rumors and said he felt disrespected by general manager Jeff Bridich.

Although uncertainty continues to swirl around the Rockies on the field (the 2020 roster looks almost identical to last year’s, which won just 71 games), the organization seems confident in the lessons it’s learned from Coors Field’s past: Namely, that a day spent carousing around LoDo can make up for mediocre baseball.

As such, Monfort and company plan to expand the brand’s footprint—and revenue— with McGregor Square. The 659,000-square-foot mixeduse development located just southwest of Coors is scheduled to open in January 2021 and will include everything from a hotel to, yes, another food hall.

It might seem like a gamble to bank on pageantry over playoff runs, but the decision to continue the add-more-experiences ethos may be the right move in a city where sunshine and beer have always seemed to be more coveted than pennants.

Previous spread and this page: Courtesy of the Colorado Rockies

Coors Field during its construction in 1993

FIELD OF DREAMS

One-Stop Shop Professional sports teams across the country have decided the next great business ploy is to create entertainment districts that are an extension of the team’s brand and in-stadium experience. The Rockies’ plan to get in on that game, a 659,000-square-foot mixed-use development dubbed McGregor Square, is currently under construction. Before it opens in January 2021, we take you on a tour of its offerings.

An overhead rendering of McGregor Square Ahead of last season, the “Evolution of the Ball” sculpture by local artist Lonnie Hanzon was moved from the Wynkoop Street entrance of Coors Field to make room for McGregor Square construction.

The archway will be placed back in its original spot adjacent to the development.

The first floor of the hotel will house the Rockies Experience, which will feature interactive displays celebrating the team’s history.

Courtesy of Stantec (2)

A 176-room hotel along 20th Street will be operated

by Sage Hospitality, the same group that runs the Maven Hotel in the Dairy Block.

A food hall curated by McGregor Square management will have room for seven yet-to-be-named vendors at the corner of Wazee and 19th streets.

Office space— approximately 205,000 square feet of it—will comprise the bulk of the building running along 19th Street.

Notably, WeWork was in talks to lease the entire space, but a deal remains uninked given the co-working startup’s recent financial troubles.

The 13-story building between 19th and 20th streets on Wazee Street will feature 103 private residences. The base price for these condos is $599,000.

Daniel Aizenman—a senior principal at Stantec, the firm that designed McGregor—hopes the main courtyard’s circular shape creates a roomlike quality that makes people feel comfortable staying to lounge or to watch Rockies games on the area’s bigscreen TV.

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Field, but you play custodian. Have you been a successful caretaker?

DICK MONFORT: Yeah, the sta-

dium district, which represents the taxpayers, paid for the stadium. There hasn’t been any more taxpayer money spent on it since then. It has all been money generated by the team. Keep in mind, it cost around $185 million to build Coors Field. To build something comparable today would probably be around $1 billion. Prudently, we make sure we spend money [on upkeep] every year. Some of it is normal wear and tear. When people walk into this stadium, though, and you tell them it is the third-oldest park in the National League, they’re blown away.

How does the McGregor Square project affect Coors Field?

VIEW FROM THE C-SUITE Dick Monfort dishes on the challenges of running the Rockies in 2020.

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n 1992, Dick Monfort wasn’t sure an ownership stake in the Colorado Rockies was a great business proposition. At the time, the boys in purple hadn’t yet played a game, and a group of Colorado businessmen—including Dick’s younger brother, Charlie—was trying to pry the fledgling franchise away from its founding owners, who’d been accused of fraud. The new crew proved successful and would go on to reap the benefits: 70,000-plus fans frequently showed up to the team’s early games at Mile High Stadium. “I saw what happened within the first couple of years with all the crowds,” Dick says 112

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today, “and I started thinking this was going to be a home run.” In 1997, he didn’t pass up a chance to buy in, and in 2005, he and Charlie became the team’s primary owners. Before his 23rd year with the team, the Rockies’ chairman and CEO spoke with 5280 about how he’s grown in his role, the Rockies’ stewardship of Coors Field, and the impetus for the highly anticipated McGregor Square development.

5280 : The Denver Metropolitan Major League Baseball Stadium District owns Coors

Why hasn’t strong attendance resulted in more playoff appearances over the past 27 years?

We are a midmarket team.

We get a midmarket television deal. We get midmarket prices for our tickets. We draw well, but some of those tickets

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Q&A

In 2017, we renewed our lease with the stadium district. We had a consultant come in who said it would cost us $200 million to maintain the park over the next 30 years. I said to them, OK, we are willing to pay more than what we are paying now, but this is a benefit to Denver, so the city might need to pay its fair share. No one loved the idea of a public vote on taxes for the ballpark. We decided we would lease the lot where McGregor Square will go from the stadium district and the money from the lease will go back into the stadium. If successful, we expect that it will generate $120 million over the next 30 years.

FIELD OF DREAMS WAVE OF THE FUTURE Three Rockies minor leaguers who are likely on Dick Monfort’s 2025 lineup card.

Brendan Rodgers Rodgers is the only Rockies youngster ranked among the top 100 prospects in baseball. The infielder appeared in 25 games for the big-league club this past season.

Ryan Rolison A 2018 first-round draft pick, Rolison hasn’t made it past Single A yet. But the Rockies’ most promising young pitcher should join the Denver team in the next few years.

Michael Toglia This baseball-obliterating first baseman has the type of bat the Rockies could use in their lineup right now. Too bad they drafted him out of UCLA last summer, which means he probably needs a few more years of development.

Courtesy of the Colorado Rockies

are cheap Rockpile-type seats.

I think we probably do better than any other midmarket team as far as revenue goes, but one of the problems in baseball is that you have the higher-market teams that are going to be able to spend more money. We can’t get into the real high free agent market, so keeping our star players for as long as we can will

AGING GRACEFULLY Joe Spear, the architect of Coors Field, on why the stadium is timeless.

always be the way for us to be successful. We were one of the first teams that said, “We are going to be a draft-and-develop team.” And on an annual basis, I think we have more of our own kids playing on our team than probably any other team.

Last year you had the 11th highest payroll in baseball and gave third baseman Nolan Arenado one of the biggest contracts in league history. Was there more money to play with?

We have pushed our revenues a little more, and that should help us compete with the majority of teams. But ultimately, our total revenue is comparable to what the Los Angeles Dodgers make on just their television deal. They also sell out every game. There are always going to be those five or six teams—the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, the Dodgers—that are very difficult for us to compete against. But Denver is growing.

We see a lot of fans of other teams who live here coming to the ballpark. We get fans wanting to take a vacation from hot, humid places like Chicago. That all helps.

Arenado, Trevor Story, David Dahl, Tony Wolters, Kyle Freeland, and German Márquez still on the team.

How often are you right about those lineups?

Not very often. I was right on Todd Helton for a long period of time. I usually am pretty good at knowing which young guys are coming along. Three or four years ago, I had Ryan McMahon and David Dahl on the team. You always have some good surprises. Look at Kyle Freeland. He was an early pick, but I don’t think we ever thought he would be such a quality pitcher. Things change, you know.

What’s the toughest lesson you’ve had to learn while running the team?

Leyland once told me, “Don’t fall in love with your players.” I’m sort of a homer. It’s extremely hard to part with somebody who has come up through our ranks. I remember when Pedro Astacio was pitching here. He was one of the fiercest competitors. He was never scared. There was a chance to trade him one July and pick up some really good talent. We didn’t make the trade and we maybe should have. I was part of the vote, but I had enough pull to where I nixed it because I just loved that guy. I had to learn that it’s fine to love your players, but you have to make sure that when the right business deal comes along, you’re willing to part with them.

Former Rockies manager Jim Nearly three million people visited Coors Field in 2019.

I read that you like to keep a lineup card for what the team will look like five years out. Who will be on the 2025 Rockies?

It’s actually three years out, but sometimes I do go five. A lot of the 25-man roster would be players you already know.

I would hope to have guys like Ryan McMahon, Nolan

OLD-SCHOOL VIBES

“The steel and brick aesthetic blends in with the city. If you didn’t know when it was constructed, you might look at it and think it was built in the 1920s or ’30s.”

TAKE A SEAT

“From the Rockpile to the Rooftop to premium seats, there are a lot of different ways to watch a game at Coors Field.”

WIDE OPEN SPACES

“You can see the mountains and skyline. The ability to see the game from the main concourse on the first level also makes it feel more permeable.”

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Why a longtime fan finally came around to the Rooftop.

D

uring the 2018 season, my family—Rockies season ticket holders since the team’s inception—chose section L311 in right field as our perch to watch games. The seats were cheap but had a great view of the whole field, which made them attractive to us. However, the location of our row meant we were also next-door neighbors with the two-story party deck known as the Rooftop. This was not, in my opinion, a selling point.

The Rooftop is a can’t-look-away tragedy if you’re a true baseball fan like me. Between—and sometimes even during—innings, the swirl of action there would hold my gaze hostage. Twentysomethings slugging Coors Lights. Tinder dates canoodling in cabanas. A bachelorette party ordering an ill-advised fourth round of cocktails. Nearly every person I laid eyes on appeared to be having a blast. Of course,

PAST TIMES Nine noteworthy moments from Coors Field’s first quarter century.

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OCTOBER 16, 1992:

Construction crews break ground on Coors Field.

APRIL 26, 1995: The Rockies beat the New York Mets in the team’s first game at the stadium.

JULY 7, 1998: Coors Field hosts the MLB All-Star Game.

field—or swipe their credit cards at a bar down the street.

It’s unclear how much cash the Rooftop’s revelry nets; the Rockies won’t release concession or tickets sales numbers for its rollicking party deck. There are some anecdotal indications, though, that it was a savvy business move. Other MLB teams regularly call Monfort for advice on imitating such a space in their parks, and since 2014, multiple franchises, including the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, have opened similar areas at their stadiums. The Rooftop also took the place of 3,500 seats that were only sold for premium games, like opening day—that is to say, they were rarely used. Now, however, the organization offers

WINTER 2002: Coors Field engineers install a humidor. The room keeps game balls at 50 percent humidity, which helps them retain moisture and stops them from soaring farther.

Credits Tk

PARTY ON

almost none of them are watching the game.

In 2014, the Rockies opened the 38,000-square-foot Rooftop because, according to the team’s chairman and CEO, Dick Monfort, younger ticket holders were congregating along the left field concourse instead of sitting in their seats. Similarly, Rockies brass noticed that the rooftop bars surrounding the stadium were full of “fans” that came downtown “for the game” with no intention of actually entering Coors Field. Installing the Rooftop allowed the franchise to have a standing-room-only bar of its own where it could extract money from those suffering from baseball apathy without having them block access to concessions in left

This spread: Courtesy of the Colorado Rockies (5); UPI/Alamy Stock Photo (humidor)

ESSAY

FIELD OF DREAMS

2,000 Rooftop-only tickets ($16, including a $6 concession credit) to every contest. And rare is the day when you don’t find it packed with millennials.

Whether Monfort is printing money off of what I once thought of as his “terrible terrace” is probably irrelevant. After a year of trying to shield my eyes from the debauchery, I’ve come around to the idea that the Rooftop delivers something to Coors Field that can never truly be a bad thing: a huge dose of fun. I’ll admit that it also helps me persuade potential companions—both my less-fanatical friends and my cheapskate buddies—that going to a baseball game doesn’t have to be keepingscore-with-a-pencil boring or break-the-bank-for-a-decentview pricey. And if the Rockies are going to continue to while away the summers near the bottom of the NL West, it’s nice to know there’s always a good time to be had on the Rooftop. — S M

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Beer taps in the main Silver Bullet bar on the second level of the Rooftop. Most of those deliver Coors products, but there are also typically 10 craft selections available.

$3

Credits Tk

Cost of a 12-ounce pour of Coors Banquet or Coors Light during the two hours leading up to the first pitch. That price increases to $6 during the game.

JULY 2, 2003: Thirty-two people are injured when a three-story escalator malfunctions at the stadium. One woman has her lower leg amputated due to the incident.

OCTOBER 27, 2007: The Boston Red Sox defeat the Rockies 10-5 during the first World Series game at 20th and Blake streets.

Flight Path

On June 16, 2019, the Rockies clubhouse was hushed, as if someone had pushed mute on the typical post-game commotion. The team had just lost that day’s game to Balls were sailing out the San Diego Padres, 14-13. Losses aren’t unusual in a of Coors Field in 2019.

162-game season. What was unusual was this: Over the The reason why previous few days, the two teams had combined to score might surprise 92 runs, the most ever for a four-game series in history. you.

The players were processing the loss, yes, but it was the hit parade that had engendered the bewilderment. “I don’t really know what to point to,” said outfielder Charlie Blackmon during a post-game presser. “The hitting was good. I’ve seen pitching be better. It was hot. It was dry.” Everything he mentioned probably played a role, but the Rockies would come to understand there was another factor at play: the baseball.

When Coors Field opened in 1995, everyone knew it would be the most hitter-friendly ballpark in MLB history. On average, a baseball travels five to nine percent farther at 5,280 feet than at sea level. The thin air also gives off-speed pitches like curveballs less break, making it more difficult to keep batters off balance. To limit the effects of elevation, the Rockies built a humidor in 2002 so they could store game baseballs at 50 percent humidity, preventing them from drying out and thus carrying farther. It worked. Before that year, Coors surrendered an average of 3.2 home runs a game. That dropped to 2.39 from 2002 to 2010.

Just weeks into last season, home runs were up across baseball, and many folks speculated the increase had to do with so-called “juiced” baseballs. Rob Manfred, MLB’s commissioner, did say the balls Rawlings manufactured for 2019 might be more aerodynamic, but most teams, including the Rockies, weren’t willing to publicly impugn them just yet. “It took them awhile to suss it out,” says Nick Groke, who covers the Rockies for the Athletic. “In the moment, I don’t think anyone really knew exactly what was happening.” One thing was clear, though: Baseballs were flying around Coors Field as if gravity didn’t exist. During a 15-game stretch from June 12 to July 15, the Rockies gave up 9.9 runs per game while scoring 7.6 runs per game. Those numbers, which were partly the product of poor pitching on both sides, were unlike anything the park had seen since the late 1990s.

A few months after the season ended, Rockies manager Bud Black was more certain about the baseball’s role. “Something was up with the ball,” he says. “I don’t think it was anything that was planned by anybody. I just know from being a part of this game for 40 years that it was just a little different to even touch and feel.”

Black’s anecdotal evidence has been backed up by science. MLB commissioned an independent study to look into the sport’s home-run surge. The findings, which were released this winter, determined the increase was 60 percent due to changes to the baseball—most notably, a lower seam height that created less drag—and 40 percent due to hitters actively trying to hit more long balls.

Black is quick to point out that both teams have to play with the same balls. While that’s true, only one squad has 81 home games in a setting where the stitched spheres are already meeting with less air resistance. At the league’s winter meetings, MLB did indicate it would try to provide insight about any changes to the balls for 2020. However, it also said there won’t be enough time to fully test the balls between manufacturing and opening day. That meant the Rockies were still left guessing as they headed to spring training.

APRIL 4, 2014:

SEPTEMBER 5, 2018:

The Rooftop bar opens in the right-field stands, taking the place of 3,500 seats.

Rockies shortstop Trevor Story blasts a 505-foot home run, the longest ever hit at Coors Field.

JULY 3, 2015: Zac Brown Band plays the first major concert at Coors.

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WILL KYLE FREELAND GET HIS GROOVE BACK?

The Rockies need their former ace to rediscover his motion and pitch like it’s 2018 again. Plus: What a solid 2020—as we prognosticate, compared to previous years— might look like for the hometown hurler.

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MAGIC 8 BASEBALL

In 2018, the outlook for Freeland’s career was good. He had a 2.85 ERA, 17 wins, and 202.1 innings pitched. In 2019, long-term success looked very doubtful with a 6.73 ERA, three wins, and 104.1 innings pitched.

Here’s what we think he’ll need to do to change his fortunes.

2020 ERA: 4.00 Wins: 10 Innings Pitched: 180

Courtesy of the Colorado Rockies

E

verything about Kyle Freeland’s 2019 was complicated. But maybe nothing more so than his pitching motion: The 26-year-old lefty started the season with a longer pause at the top of his delivery, a hitch that contributed to myriad mechanical problems. The glitchy motion made it difficult for him to locate his pitches, and he was regularly giving up moon shots. On top of that, he had coaches in his ear constantly suggesting slight adjustments. “I didn’t feel confident at all,” Freeland says. “I was just hoping not to give up runs.”

Freeland’s 2018 season had been everything he dreamed of growing up in southeast Denver. He put together one of the best overall pitching seasons in franchise history, which included 17 wins and a fourth-place finish in National League Cy Young voting. But as the 2019 campaign entered late May, it seemed increasingly unlikely he’d regain that impressive form.

To help Freeland get out of the spotlight so he could work through adjustments, Rockies brass sent him down to the team’s minor league affiliate in Albuquerque. “Kyle put a lot of pressure on himself to replicate the previous season,” says Rockies manager Bud Black. “We all knew he needed to take a step back.” Freeland would eventually return to the big league team in July, but injuries limited him the rest of the season.

Despite the team’s dismal 2019, the Rockies didn’t make any drastic changes to the pitching staff this offseason. The plan is for German Márquez and Jon Gray to once again hold down the front of the rotation with Freeland. But there aren’t any other pitchers on the roster who have proven themselves as serviceable fourth or fifth starters yet, which means another lackluster year from Freeland could leave the Rockies with a debilitating dearth of reliable arms.

There are many major league pitchers—Mark Fidrych of the Detroit Tigers and Pete Schourek of the Cincinnati Reds among them—who produced Cy Young– worthy seasons only to never replicate such greatness again. There are also a select few, like Hall of Famer Roy Halladay, who were sent down to the minors and were able to resurrect their careers. In order to help his future hew closer to the latter scenario, Freeland spent the winter in Scottsdale working on a more straightforward pitching motion. “You aren’t going to see the long pause,” Black says. “It will be a free-flowing, momentum-building delivery.” In other words, simplicity might be the solution.

FIELD OF DREAMS

Life Cycle Of A Rockies Star

The scuttlebutt of the offseason was that the Rockies may have been willing to trade superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado. Those rumors left many Rockies fans experiencing déjà vu. In the team’s 27-year history, it’s employed five perennial MVP candidates (Arenado included). Just one, Todd Helton, played his entire career with the team, while the other three—Larry Walker, Matt Holliday, and Troy Tulowitzki—were shipped out of town. Here, we plot the trajectories of those players’ careers with the Rockies and consider whether Arenado could be the next great athlete to become a former Rockies player.

TODD HELTON

Three of the superstars have ended up on teams with a bird mascot. Is Arenado next?

TROY TULOWITZKI 2007

The shortstop finishes second in Rookie of the Year voting.

2009

Tulowitzki leads the Rockies back to the playoffs.

November 2010

A 10-year, $157 million contract extension could potentially keep Tulo in Denver through 2020.

2011–’14

Injuries plague Tulo; the Rockies never win more than 74 games in a season.

July 2015

New general manager Jeff Bridich trades Tulo to the Toronto Blue Jays.

1998

The first baseman nabs a second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.

NOLAN ARENADO 2013

1999–2006

The third baseman snags his first of seven straight Gold Gloves.

Despite Helton’s five all-star appearances, the Rockies only have one winning season.

2017-’18

April 2003

Arenado helps the team make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time.

He nets a new nine-year, $141 million contract.

2007 & 2009

Helton finally makes the playoffs.

LARRY WALKER 1995

The right fielder finishes seventh in MVP voting and leads the Rockies to their first playoff appearance during his first year with the team.

March 1999

Walker inks a six-year, $75 million extension.

1999–2004

The Rockies produce just one winning season in Walker’s final six years.

Courtesy of the Colorado Rockies (5); Infographic by Sean Parsons

August 2004

The future Hall of Famer is traded to the St. Louis Cardinals so he can try to win a championship.

February 2019

He signs an eight-year, $260 million contract extension.

August 17, 2014

After hanging up his cleats following the 2013 season, Helton becomes the first Rockies player to have his jersey retired.

2019

The team goes 71-91.

Following the last game of the year, an exasperated Arenado says, “It feels like a rebuild.”

MATT HOLLIDAY 2004

The left fielder finishes fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.

2007

Holliday’s .340 batting average helps the Rockies make their second postseason trip ever.

Winter 2019-’20

Trade rumors swirl. Reports suggest the Cardinals may be the favorite to land Arenado, but as of press time he was still a member of the Rockies. m

Spring 2008

He turns down a four-year $82 million contract extension because it doesn’t include a no-trade clause.

Summer 2008

The team finishes 74-88 as Holliday struggles with injuries.

November 2008

Holliday gets traded to the Oakland Athletics and then signs a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals the next offseason.

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Bringing Beauty Into The Street Laura Aldrete steps in as executive director of Denver’s Community Planning and Development Department in a time of unprecedented growth—and frustration.

With a background in cultural anthropology and urban planning, the north Denver resident brings a global perspective to city-building—but will that be enough to ensure the kind of equity Denver seeks?

BY KA S EY C O R D E L L P H O T O G R A P H Y BY R A C H E L W O O L F

You can call Laura Aldrete a lot of things: an athlete (a competitive high school soccer player, the 52-year-old still moves with grace); an adventurer (Aldrete spent her early 20s traveling and working in Central America and still backpacks here and internationally); a mom (her sons, Alex and Aristedes, are teenagers). But don’t call her a native. “I refuse to use that term,” the executive director of Denver’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) Department says. “I would never want to offend the Native American population by presuming I am the first here, that I am of this land. I also think that there is a presumption that if you are from here, you have more authority than whoever comes into our city, and we want people to come. Besides, everybody came from somewhere else, say, five generations ago. That attitude is disruptive to evolving us forward.”

Aldrete is sitting at a conference table in her office in the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building. It’s early January, just three months after she’d been sworn in to her new role, and she’s still getting used to the space. Only a few personal touches hang on the walls: a painting by her mother, a map of Denver, a small string of prayer flags.

Taped discreetly behind Aldrete’s desk is a sheet with the names and photos of City Council members and districts.

Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution by former New York City department of transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan sits in the middle of the table. Aldrete’s been meaning to read it, but first she’s getting caught up on her department.

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CPD’s boilerplate says its mission is to “envision, enable and ensure a better Denver.” Translation: If it’s got to do with land use—whether that’s putting a building in the ground or taking one out of it—or city design, Aldrete’s office is involved. Which is why it’s a little surprising that for most of its 162-year history, Denver hasn’t had a cabinet-level Community Planning and Development department. In fact, CPD is among the youngest of the city’s 11 cabinet-level departments, having only been officially established in 2002.

Today CPD has 300 employees. Some ensure fire and building code compliance; others help residents navigate permitting processes, like those for adding an egress window or an accessory dwelling unit (such as a mother-in-law suite); and still others collaborate with citizens to help develop the vision for what Denver’s many neighborhoods and public pockets will become. Over the course of her 20-plus-year career, Aldrete has worked with many of CPD’s branches—as the city’s point person for the redevelopment of Stapleton, as assistant director of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, as the senior vice president of real estate at Denver International Airport, and as a planner and project manager for various private design firms.

She’s particularly passionate about community engagement, though. “But for the community, [this department] doesn’t exist. There is a reason why community is the first word in our name,” she says. “Growth is going to continue. It’s not really a question of whether or not growth should happen. It will happen. It’s up to us as a city to give access to the citizens to participate in what that looks like.”

Those voices are sometimes raised, angry, and frustrated— understandably so. As Denver attempts to balance exponential growth with a desire to keep the city equitable, affordable, sustainable, and livable, the outcomes have not always been perfect. The city’s population has increased by nearly 20 percent over the course of the past decade, helping to boost median home prices from around $195,000 in 2010 to nearly $430,000 at the end of 2019. Meanwhile, a onebedroom apartment that rented for $800 10 years ago goes for about $1,400 today. “The era that we’re living in is a defining moment. Great cities are measured by how they respond to the demands they come upon,” says Mayor Michael Hancock.

LAURA ALDRETE “We’ve been on a record pace of development for the past seven to nine years, and we need to make sure we have a leader who is really directing the values of the city.” Hancock believes Aldrete is that leader.

CPD executive director Laura Aldrete, seen here walking on West 32nd Avenue, wants to elevate the dialogue about good design in Denver.

THE INTERIOR OF ALDRETE’S two-story West Highland bungalow looks nothing like what you might expect from someone whose working hours are permeated by terms like “zoning,” “setback,” and “window fenestration.” Art and curios fill the

warm, bright space. Many of the paintings are her mother’s, a nurse with an artist’s heart; some of the collectibles come from Aldrete’s global travels in the ’90s; and still others are mementos from international backpacking vacations with her husband, John Plakorus, and their two sons. The most striking feature inside Aldrete’s home, however, is an enormous map of the world stretched across a wall in the dining room. “It’s actually wallpaper,” Aldrete says. “It’s prompted a lot of conversations around the dinner table.”

Born in Denver in 1968, Aldrete gained exposure to international travel at an early age. Her father, who had moved to Denver from Mexico City, was a researcher and professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado’s medical school.

At the time, reprinting research was expensive, but her father was committed to making his findings accessible, so he translated them and found publishers in Mexico; he would travel extensively throughout Latin America and sometimes Europe sharing his work. He often took Aldrete, as well as her two brothers and her sister, with him. “We’d all travel, and my mom, as an artist, would walk us in the street and say, ‘Look at the architecture and think about how it’s addressing the street,’ ” Aldrete says as we walk near her house on a sunny, cool Saturday afternoon.

“Maybe not in those words, but she’d say, ‘Think about how these places are bringing beauty into the street life, into the thing you do every day.’ Sometimes, in America, we simply miss that. We get very utilitarian.”

She pauses and points to a decidedly unlovely but very practical abode with a tiny porch and a large garage. A short metal fence surrounds the yard. It’s a prime example of post–World War II construction, when the garage became more important and the footprint of the porch— where you welcome visitors in off the street, where you sit and watch your neighbors walk by— slowly shrank. “You forget that art is what brings you joy and that sense of wonderment, even if you’re not conscious about it,” she says. “There’s something about its presence in your daily life—hopefully when you’re walking down the street—that makes you feel great about where you live. I’m not an artist, but I feel like that really drives how I think about cities and how we should think about our public spaces, which are our streets, our public realm. It should have beauty in it.”

As eloquent as Aldrete is about neighborhoods, they weren’t always her focus. When she started at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1986, she was pre-med, like her father, her uncle, and her two brothers, all of whom became doctors. Then her parents divorced and Aldrete found herself thinking very hard about what she really wanted to do with her life—and what she really wanted to do was to be an archeologist in Latin America.

So Aldrete left CU in her fourth year to study anthropology at a school outside of Mexico City. Before finishing her degree

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in anthropology at CU in 1991, she did archaeological field work with the National Science Foundation in Honduras.

There, she helped dig through late classic Mayan ruins. By studying the disbursement patterns of things like feathers, shells, and ceramics—each specific to different regions or groups of people—the teams began to piece together the movements and trade routes of the Mayas. They could make out the city center, outlying settlements, and roads. They were, in a sense, rebuilding ancient cities.

The parallels to Aldrete’s current career are obvious, but it took the young student a few more years to recognize her desire to do something else. In the early ’90s, Aldrete was splitting time between dig sites in Honduras and the States and living out of a suitcase—appealing enough at 23, but Aldrete knew it wasn’t sustainable for her long term. Then she read an article about a housing project in India that had failed because the architects didn’t account for cultural context and put the bathroom next to the kitchen—a serious faux pas in India. “I read this article,” Aldrete says, “and it was acknowledging all the things I love about anthropology and archaeology—the people, the community.”

She was sold. She packed up and headed to the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the only schools in the country that offered graduate degrees in both urban planning and Latin American studies— but not before meeting John, an urban planner himself who was the teaching assistant for a course she took at the University of Colorado Denver. (“We didn’t start dating until later!” he says.)

They moved back to Colorado after Aldrete finished graduate school in part to be near family when they started their own.

Aldrete’s stint as an archaeologist and her current vocation have strong ties to each other, but there’s another fundamental link that Aldrete finds satisfying. “There’s something about dirt,” she says. “I love dirt. I love when I see streets getting built. I like going out to see where the water line is going in and the building is coming up. So there’s some weird relationship between digging in the dirt for archaeological benefit and seeing things

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Aldrete with her son Aristedes and her husband in the dining room of their north Denver home.

come out of the ground from a city standpoint. There’s some connection to earth for me that transcends whatever career I’m in.”

FOUR DECADES AGO, Henry Cobb and I.M. Pei’s architecture firm transformed 12 milquetoast blocks of central Denver into a vibrant shopping, transit, and tourist destination. Today more than 55,000 people a day traverse the 16th Street Mall’s decorative granite stones, whose unique design was inspired by the pattern found on two Southwestern emblems: Navajo blankets and diamondback rattlesnakes. Unfortunately, the design did not

take into account drainage and Colorado’s brutal freezethaw cycle, and the resulting cracked and broken pavers have become tripping hazards for those same 55,000 sets of feet (and that’s to say nothing of how slippery the granite becomes when it snows). Which is why, in 2018, the city determined it would renovate the mall over the next few years. Estimated cost? More than $100 million. The design phase for the 16th Street Mall’s reinvention has already

LAURA ALDRETE started and will be complete in 2022—in the middle of Aldrete’s tenure.

It’s not every day that one gets to rethink a major city’s defining attraction, so Aldrete is understandably excited. To ensure the best possible outcome for the mall, CPD began with on-the-ground reporting. It took a close, measurable look at how people use the promenade by collecting data to help inform design choices. How many people cross over to be on the sunny side of the street? How many women versus men are on the street after the sun sets? Of course, urban design isn’t just about the science; the real art comes in the interpretation of that data.

That’s where Councilwoman At-Large Robin Kniech anticipates Aldrete will face some of her biggest challenges during her tenure. “I think the department sometimes struggles when there is discretion,” Kniech says. “It’s easiest when there is a formula.

Data can give you background on a place, but data cannot tell you what to do. No formula can tell you what we as a city need.” Right now, Denver is still developing its math—both for the 16th Street Mall and for its 78 neighborhoods—but the equation starts with the suite of planning documents adopted by City Council in mid-2019. Collectively dubbed

“There’s some connection to earth for me that transcends whatever career I’m in.”

Denveright, the plans include Denver’s Comprehensive Plan, an articulation of a 20-year vision for the city; Blueprint Denver, the city’s overall land use and transportation plan; Game Plan For A Healthy City, the long-range parks and recreation plan; and Denver Moves: Transit Plan and (related) Denver Moves: Pedestrians and Trails, both of which present the city’s goals for improving the way we all get around.

Three years in the making, the collection of plans not only establishes guiding principles for how Denver will grow, but also aims to give CPD the tools and authority it needs to pull them off. “This stuff doesn’t happen accidentally,” says Brad Buchanan, who preceded Aldrete as CPD executive director and oversaw the creation of the Denveright documents. “You have to be very, very intentional about the outcomes you want in a city.” For Denver, those outcomes are made clear in the Comprehensive Plan’s six guiding “vision elements”: 1) create a city that is equitable, affordable, and inclusive; 2) build strong and authentic neighborhoods; 3) connect Denver by safe, highquality, multimodal transportation options; 4) build a robust, diverse economy; 5) forge a city that is sustainable and resilient to climate change; and 6) ensure Denver’s communities are safe, healthy, and active.

Simply articulating these goals took three years. Actualizing them will take another 20, but Aldrete and her team at CPD are the ones charting the initial course. Among Aldrete’s polestars: climate action and inclusivity. Denver City Council adopted a Green Buildings Ordinance in 2018 that included a requirement for new buildings over a certain size to have cool (solar-reflective) roofs; they also must take eco-conscious measures such as building a green roof, improving energy efficiency, installing solar panels, or paying into the city’s Green Fund. This year, CPD is offering to expedite five developments that volunteer to become green-building pilot projects. “We should be thinking every day, What is the one thing I am doing to address climate change in my practice as a human?” Aldrete says.

(For instance, she generally carpools to and from work or rides her bike.) “If we don’t address climate change both as people and as a city, we have more troubles ahead.”

By inclusivity, Aldrete means equity, or the ability for all kinds of people—with varied socioeconomic situations—to be able to live in Denver. And the city does have a formula for that. Using metrics like poverty rates, access to grocery stores and parks, and childhood obesity and life expectancy, Denver’s Neighborhood Equity Index identifies what parts of the city are likely to need more resources and where residents are most likely to experience displacement. Topping that list currently are areas that include Montbello, East Colfax, Villa Park, Sun Valley, and West Colfax—all places that have been given planning priority by CPD. They’re among the first wave of neighborhoods to receive small-area plans—essentially, localized strategic development plans for small groups of similar ’hoods—through what’s called the Neighborhood Planning Initiative. These plans will help establish guidelines for things like building heights, density, transportation, and parks. As such, the process for developing them is often contentious.

So are citywide measures like allowing more accessory dwelling units, adjusting zoning to allow for higher-density CONTINUED ON PAGE 146 housing, changing the number

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ARTS & EXHIBITS  CULINARY  KIDS & FAMILY  MUSIC PERFORMING ARTS  SPECIAL EVENTS  SPORTS & RECREATION

ARTS & EXHIBITS

APRIL 17–MAY 22 Delectable

Distract your dinner guests from your shoddy cooking with the eccentric tableware found at this showcase. Members of the Art Students League of Denver and artists from across the country will sell their handcrafted dishes, such as Arizona-based sculptor Farraday Newsome’s butterflybedecked plate and Coloradan John Hamilton’s sci-fi-inspired sake set (pictured). Hungry visitors can test the artists’ handiwork at an allyou-can-eat sundae buffet, where Denver’s Sweet Action Ice Cream will be served in bowls made by some of the very artists whose works are on display. Mon-Sun, times vary. Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St., 303-7786990, asld.org. Free.

APRIL 24–AUG. 30 Nari Ward: We The People At first glance, the centerpiece at Nari Ward’s latest exhibit might just look like a bunch of shoelaces hanging from the wall. But if you observe from the right angle, you’ll see that the 3,500 strings form the phrase “We the People.” In this powerful show, Ward addresses immigration, America’s racial history, and gentrification in 17 works reaching back to his early career in 1993. Like those shoelaces, most of Ward’s materials are objects he finds on the streets of his neighborhood of Harlem, but the themes he addresses affect all Americans.

Tue-Sun, times vary. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., 303-298-7554, mcadenver.org. Ticket prices vary.

CULINARY APRIL 1–30 Dining Under the Stars at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms Although this four-course gourmet affair is held in tents, it’s decidedly fancier than your average backcountry feast. Under translucent plastic-covered domes at the dreamy 700-acre Chatfield Farms, groups of four to six will sip on Moët & Chandon Champagne and wines while being pampered with vegan, gluten-free, or seafood-focused meals prepared by 2017 Chopped winner (and Coloradan) Heather Carr. Mon-Sun, times vary. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton, 303-865-3500. Ticket prices vary. Visit dineunderthestars.net.

APRIL 14 Titanic First Class Dinner The 1997 movie Titanic gives viewers a glimpse into life aboard the “unsinkable” ship, but at this aristocratic affair, curious diners will get to actually experience what it was like to feast as a first-class passenger aboard the vessel. The historic Lumber Baron Inn’s culinary team will deliver attendees 11 different courses

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that are almost identical to the ship’s menu, including poached salmon with mousseline sauce, cold asparagus vinaigrette, and cream of barley soup.

After dinner, savor a glass of French wine while you compete in trivia based on the tragedy. Tue 7-10 p.m. Lumber Baron Inn, 2555 W. 37th Ave., 303-477-8205, lumberbaron.com. $175.

APRIL 18 French Macarons Baking Class If the recipes in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking are a bit above your skill level, learn to create a French essential at this beginner macaronmaking class. Sweet Addict Bakery owner Deidre Peak will help each participant craft a dozen of the meringue-based cookies, from teaching students how to perfect their egg-white-whipping techniques to demonstrating how to insert lemon and pistachio fillings. After the class, attendees will take their freshly made desserts home to snack on—or consume in one sitting. Sat 2-6 p.m. Crafted Colorado, 2609 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs. $87. Visit craftedcoloradoltd.com.

KIDS & FAMILY APRIL 7 Easter Peep Party Avoid Easter-candy-related sugar rushes (and crashes) at this creative workshop, where kids will make Peeps out of inedible materials. Led by Rod and Jen Arreola, co-owners of Kidcreate in Broomfield, you and your small children will construct a nine-by-fourinch sculpture of a Peep using model magic clay and colored sand. Afterwards, take the giant Peep home with you and use it as Easter decor

that won’t be eaten within the hour. Tue 9:3010:30 a.m. Kidcreate Art Studio, 5025 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield, 303-578-8060. $16-$18. Visit denver.kidsoutandabout.com.

APRIL 10 MasterChef Junior Live! Gordon Ramsay and Emeril Lagasse, step aside. The mini chefs who headline this cooking challenge have culinary prowess that rivals even the masters’. Four past contestants on the show Master Chef Junior will prepare three courses—an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert— each with surprise, must-use ingredients. Your kids will be amazed at their peers’ skills, and if they’re lucky, they might be one of the eight guests selected to cook alongside the nascent celebrity chefs onstage. Fri 7 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, 303-623-0106. $30-$60. Visit altitudetickets.com.

APRIL 18 Box City Bob the Builder superfans have a chance to plan, design, and construct their own structure with cardboard, paper, glue, and markers at this engaging expo. Guided by Denver Community Planning and Development Department staff, families will be ushered through the process of construction in Denver, starting with design. First, kids make blueprints, then take them to a real city planner who will sign off on the plans and “register” the building. After participants build their structures, Denver Building Inspectors will audit them. With approval, little urbanists can place them on the appropriate zone—industrial, residential, school—on a giant map of Denver. Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. History Colorado Center, 1200 N. Broadway, 303-447-8679, historycolorado.org. Free.

Courtesy of Patti Murtha (“Red Sake Set” by John Hamilton)

APRIL 3–MAY 1 Masks It takes artists years to perfect their mediums, be it painting, sculpting, or photography. For this quirky exhibit, though, Front Range creators will eschew their favored materials and instead turn white, ceramic masks into full-blown works of art. Visitors will get to see 215 pieces decorated by artists with various backgrounds. Multimedia artist Tyra Brown plans to use gold leaf to create a face rising out of the ashes, local painter Bob Coonts’ design will look like a pig; and Douglas Case’s version uses smooth stones to form the head of a fairy-tale troll. Wed-Sun, times vary. Museum of Art Fort Collins, 201 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, 970-482-2787, moafc.org.

Ticket prices vary.

& E N D YO U R S U M M E T R A R ST IN

ASPEN © 2020 TI Gotham Inc., a subsidiary of Meredith Corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

JUNE 19–21 CLASSIC.FOODANDWINE.COM Join the party in Aspen! This premier culinary event consists of three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions by worldclass chefs and wine experts.

MARTHA STEWART • ANDREW ZIMMERN JACQUES PÉPIN • STEPHANIE IZARD

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

JAZZASPENSNOWMASS.ORG End your summer at the 30th Anniversary JAS Labor Day Experience taking place in Snowmass Village with the spectacular Elk Mountain Range as a backdrop. Artists include:

STEVIE NICKS • ERIC CHURCH KINGS OF LEON • MAREN MORRIS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

CALENDAR

MUSIC APRIL 1 Killswitch Engage Using capes, mohawks, and even guitar pyrotechnics, this heavy metal band has been entertaining the headbanging crowd since 2000. The Massachusetts-based quintet’s theatrics aren’t the only reason they’re so popular, though. Their hardcore guitar riffs and gruff—OK, nearly screaming—vocals have earned them three Grammy Award nominations and headlining tours on six different continents. Considering their heavy sounds and onstage high jinks, this is a can’t-miss performance for fans of the genre, whether you’re a mosh pit regular or just need to relieve some pent-up angst. Wed 7:30 p.m. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St., 303-837-1482, fillmoreauditorium.org. Ticket prices vary.

Visit killswitchengage.com.

APRIL 4 Bear Grillz Before revealing his identity on the Jerry Springer Show four years ago, this secretive, Denver-based dubstep DJ wore a bear mask while he performed. Despite the big reveal (he’s a normal guy named RJ, not the British survivalist of a similar name), he’ll still don his mask for this Mile High City show and perform his signature sub-bass-infused sounds interwoven with hip-hop and reggae beats. A revamped mask, with horns and red LED-lit eyes, represents the darker themes on his latest album, Demons, which he used to explore his struggles with depression and

anxiety. Sat 9 p.m. Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., 720-577-6884, missionballroom. com. $26-$85.

APRIL 14 Brandy Clark Nashville’s biggest stars consistently turn to this small-town Washington native for her songwriting chops—she’s lent lyrics to country mavens like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves—but writing verses isn’t her only talent. Her own albums, which she packs with empowering country ballads, have earned Grammy Award nominations. At her Mile High City stop in Globeville, Clark will perform selections from her latest album, Your Life is a Record. Listen for the oboes and organs the songstress has added to her typical acoustic sounds. Tue 8 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., 303-296-1003, globehall.com. $29-$34.

Visit brandyclarkmusic.com.

APRIL 29 Tanya Tucker When she was only 13 years old, this country music siren kick-started her career with the hit “Delta Dawn.” Nearly half a century later, she’s still delivering awardwinning melodies like “Bring My Flowers Now,” which took home this year’s Grammy Award for Best Country Song. On her latest album, While I’m Livin’, the sassy singer reflects on her life and career as the first lady of outlaw country.

Stylistically, she returns to her Southern roots for a twangy trip to the dirt roads of her past. Wed 7:30 p.m. The Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., 303-377-1666, bluebirdtheater.net. $45$50. Visit tanyatucker.com.

PERFORMING ARTS APRIL 10–MAY 10 Choir Boy The screenwriter of the 2016 tearjerker Moonlight, Tarell Alvin McCraney, will make you bawl once again with his newest endeavor: a musical drama. This Broadway debut follows Pharus, a high school student struggling to fit in. When Pharus jumps at the chance to become the first gay student to lead his school’s boys choir, he stands up against his bullies and long-held traditions. The gospel musical features a cast of Denver actors and explores how to overcome prejudice and celebrate who you are. Tue-Sun, times vary.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., 303-893-4100, denvercenter.org. $37-$72.

APRIL 15–26 WordFest & Artists of Color Summit For the past six years, this 10-day festival has created a space for writers of color to network, share skills, and gain inspiration. Creatives can choose from more than a dozen events and plays, such as Interview With a Mexican, based on Gustavo Arellano’s syndicated OC Weekly column “Ask a Mexican!” in Los Angeles. Script analysis and acting workshops, new play readings, and discussion roundtables all reinforce the power of collaboration. Wed-Sun, times vary. Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, 303-296-0219, suteatro.org. $10-$40.

APRIL 16–MAY 16 Sin Eaters When you scroll through social media, you don’t typically see swaths of graphic content. That’s because it’s someone else’s

APRIL

M AY

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 APR 3-5 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Mahler Symphony No. 9 conducted by Brett Mitchell

Holst The Planets

MAY 1-3 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

APR 17-19 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Beethoven Violin Concerto conducted by Christopher Dragon

Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet with the Colorado Symphony APR 23 THU 7:30

Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet with members of the Colorado Symphony

MAY 8-10 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Jim James and Teddy Abrams with the Colorado Symphony MAY 15 FRI 7:30

Ellie Caulkins Opera House Studio Loft APR 25 SAT 7:30

Big Band Classics conducted by Brett Mitchell

Colorado Symphony Ball 2020

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” conducted by Brett Mitchell

APR 25 SAT 6:00 Mission Ballroom

MAY 16 SAT 7:30

SYMPHONY POPS

MAY 22-24 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

DYAO: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra APR 26 SUN 2:30

presenting sponsor

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also supported by

TICKETS: COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

CALENDAR job to make sure you don’t. In this psychologically thrilling play written by Los Angeles–based Anna Moench, viewers follow Mary Lee, who quickly discovers the traumatizing nature of her new job as a content moderator who protects the public by weeding out disturbing posts on social media platforms. When she believes she sees her boyfriend in an incriminating video, she begins to question her own sense of reality and the health of her mind. This dramatic production is a fast-paced, intelligent look at how social media can shift peoples’ wellbeing and view of the world. Thu-Sun, times vary. Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-4447328, thedairy.org. Ticket prices vary.

SPECIAL EVENTS APRIL 4 Catan National Qualifier Anyone who has ever played the board game Settlers of Catan knows how competitive it can get. At this tournament, the stakes are even higher than usual: Players will face off in the hopes of advancing all the way to the Colorado finals, with an opportunity to continue on to the national championship in Columbus, Ohio. In three round-robin-style games, participants will vie to strategically gather resources and buy roads, houses, and settlements in hopes of being

the first to conquer the land. Even if you don’t advance to the finals, you’ll bring home prizes such as Catan boards based on real-life locales like New England or Spain. Sat, 2-7 p.m. The Wizard’s Chest, 451 Broadway, 303-321-4304, wizardschest.com. $5.

APRIL 5 Arvada Kite Festival We all know rain showers and flower blossoms are signs of spring, but in Arvada, this kite-flying festival signals to residents that warmer weather is on the way. Each year, hundreds of Coloradans gather to fly the intricate, colorful objects—and to munch on food from vendors such as Denver’s Mac ‘N Noodles and to listen to music, this year courtesy of Fort Collins–based DJ Tracy Knapp.

Little ones can catch some air themselves in an 18-foot-tall bounce house or stay closer to earth by opting to get their faces painted or playing with bubble machines. Sun, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Arvada Stenger Sports Complex, 11200 W. 58th Ave., Arvada, 720-898-7403. Free.

Visit arvadafestivals.com.

APRIL 19 Vintage Voltage Expo Whether you’re a hipster in love with rare vinyl records or a boomer trying to relive the days of your musicobsessed youth, this vintage audio sale will have what you desire. Audiophiles will be able to dig through troves of obscure gear, which may include Weltron 2001 “Space Ball” radios and circa-1950s Predicta TVs. Before buying, you can test the antiques in one of the many listening rooms to ensure the quality is up to your standards. Sun, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Denver Mart, 451 E. 58th Ave., 303-347-8252. $5.

Visit danacainevents.com.

SPORTS & RECREATION APRIL 4 Monster Energy Supercross You won’t be executing stunts at this dirt biking expo, but the sight of bikers accelerating off jumps and performing jaw-dropping turns will have you feeling like your insides are doing flips. More than 150 professional and amateur athletes, potentially including 16-year-old phenom Jett Lawrence, will complete a course filled with obstacles like triple jumps and moguls (or “whoops,” in supercross lingo). The fastest contestants will earn points throughout the season, and the winners will be determined at the finals in Salt Lake City. Sat, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., 720-258-3000. $20-$100. Visit supercrosslive.com.

APRIL 18 The Mile High 4.20K You’ve heard of a runner’s high—but the competitors of this 4/20-themed race are chasing a high of a slightly different kind. Pot-loving participants will run 4.2 kilometers (that’s 2.6 miles) around Sloan’s Lake with views of the Mile High City’s skyline. After they cross the finish line, racers can satiate their post-race munchies with bites such as protein cookies from Lenny and Larry’s and find out who’s earned the, erm, highest spot on the podium. Sat, 8-11 a.m., Sloan’s Lake Park, 1700 N. Sheridan Blvd. $50. Visit runsignup.com.

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS?

Visit our online listings at 5280.com/events.

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Pepsi Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exclusive luxury space, Club Lexus, provides fans with an unmatched viewing experience, all-inclusive signature food and beverage selections, exclusive parking, dedicated concierge service and extraordinary backstage access making it a truly first-class destination to enjoy Colorado Avalanche game nights.

For more information, please contact us at 303.615.6870 or Avalanche@PepsiCenterClubLexus.com.

DINING GUIDE $ UNDER $10



$$ $11 TO $15

$$$ $16 TO $25

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

$$$$ $26 AND HIGHER

charred octopus to tuna tartare to short ribs with a yuzu glaze. Reservations accepted. 1550 17th St., Ste. 120, 720-904-6711. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

SYMBOL KEY NEW

Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).

B

25 BEST

Indicates inclusion in our annual list of Denver’s best restaurants, released each October. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.

12 at Madison

Acorn

$$

$$

Annette

$$$

Arcana

$$$$

Aurora / American Acorn’s former sous chef, Caroline Glover, brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted.

Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch 25 B E S T

Boulder / American This charming Boulder restaurant explores the roots of American heritage through food. Pair a cider with the Colorado lamb.

Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-3885. Dinner, Brunch Avanti Food & Beverage

$$

Highland / Global Visit this collective eatery to sample new, exciting restaurant ideas. Current tenants include Lea Jane’s Hot Chicken, Meta Asian Kitchen, Bistro Georgette, and more. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Avelina

$$$$

LoDo / American This upscale restaurant offers a sleek atmosphere and beautifully composed plates with worldly flavors. Sample everything from

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Beast & Bottle

$$$$

Beckon

$$$$

Bistro Vendôme

$$$

25 B E S T

RiNo / New American Contemporary American cuisine with Southern and Moroccan notes is served from an oak-fired oven and grill at this mainstay inside the Source. Reservations accepted.

The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721.

Lunch, Dinner 25 B E S T

$$$$

Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food and extensive wine menu at this elegant eatery, which is focused on the cuisines of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont regions.

Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner

Congress Park / New American With a menu offering 18 small plates meant for sharing (plus one large-format dish meant to feed two to four people), Jeff Osaka’s cozy restaurant is ideal for dining with a small group. Reservations accepted.

1160 Madison St., 720-216-0190. Dinner 25 B E S T

Barolo Grill

25 B E S T

A 25 B E S T

Visit our online listings at 5280.com/ restaurants.

Uptown Area / Seasonal A sustainable-sourcing mantra permeates a menu featuring everything from local lamb to cod collars. Reservations accepted. 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-623-3223.

Dinner, Brunch 25 B E S T

RiNo / Scandinavian Chef Duncan Holmes brings an elevated, intimate, ticketed dining experience to Larimer Street. The Scandinavian-influenced menu changes seasonally, and excellent, thoughtful wine pairings are available. Reservations required.

2843 Larimer St., 303-749-0020. Dinner LoDo / French This romantic spot on Larimer Square conjures up Paris with crusty bread, excellent coffee, and a tranquil patio. Reservations accepted. 1420 Larimer St., 303-825-3232.

Dinner, Brunch

25 B E S T

Blackbelly

$$$

Boulder / New American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s meaty menu focuses on charcuterie, small plates, and daily butcher specials. Try the crispy pig ears with red pepper jelly. Check out the butcher shop and grab-and-go market, Blackbelly Butcher, next door. Reservations accepted. 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder, 303-247-1000. Dinner Brightmarten

$$$$

Belcaro / American Go to this neighborhood spot with its own in-house butchery program for elevated comfort food. Try the pork chop. Reservations accepted. 730 S. University Blvd., 720-541-7696. Dinner, Brunch

Broadway Market

$$

Brutø

$$

Capitol Hill / Global This hip marketplace is home to nine food concepts, a central bar, a self-serve beer wall, and two retail options. Drop in to dine on offerings from Royal Rooster, Misaki on Broadway, and more. 950 Broadway, 720-390-7132.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Downtown / International At the Wolf’s Tailor’s sister restaurant at the Dairy Block, chef Kelly Whitaker highlights heritage grains and other local ingredients. Reservations accepted. 1801 Blake St., 720-325-2195. Lunch, Dinner

Buckhorn Exchange

$$$$

Lincoln Park / Steak House This Denver classic exudes a Wild West feel with taxidermied animals on the walls and a menu that includes Rocky Mountain oysters and wild game. Reservations accepted. 1000 Osage St., 303-534-9505.

Lunch, Dinner

Family-Friendly Fare Chef-owner Razz Cortes-Maceda opened Carm & Gia Metropolitan in Aurora as a love letter to her Windy City hometown. Go for juicy hot dogs topped with the likes of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos; Polish sausage sandwiches; burritos stuffed with french fries and your choice of meat; and creamy shakes.

Sarah Boyum

PRICE KEY

(Average Entrée)

Want More Dining Options?

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

chanGemakers

E ve r y mo n t h we h i g h li g h t a n ex t ra o rd i n a r y o r g a n i z a t i o n c a us i n g c h a n g e i n o ur co mm u n i t y.

D o n a t e t o d a y a n d h e lp be pa r t o f t h e s o l u t i o n .

Tennyson Center for Children T H E R A P E U T I C

S E R V I C E S

F O R

C H I L D R E N

A N D

F A M I L I E S

MISSION: Tennyson Center for Children is dedicated to helping children who have experienced severe neglect, abuse, and/or trauma so they can bravely and safely change their life’s story.

This collaborative effort brings together county and state child welfare leaders in radically new ways to rewire the way funding and children move through child welfare to produce better outcomes for kids and families at lower cost to society.

RECENTLY: Tennyson Center for Children has served Colorado’s most neglected, abused, and/or traumatized children since 1904. We provide a safe, stable home for kids 5-18 who are facing critical circumstances; an accredited, therapeutic K-12 school with a 3:1 student-toteacher ratio on our campus; and in-home and community services in diverse counties across the state focused on prevention and early intervention to strengthen families with children of all ages.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Our donors and partners are the foundation of all our work. Without you, we would not be able to provide safety, support, and life-changing programming to the children and families we work with!

• Donate to support our kids, programs, and operations • Partner at the corporate level • Attend or host a fundraising event throughout the year, such as Mile High Country Q & Brew (April 2020), Corks for a Cause Wine Tasting (June 2020), FORE! Our Kids Annual Golf Tournament (August 2020), or our annual gala, the Denver Dinner (October 2020)

Tennyson seeks to ensure that all children have the resources and support needed to succeed today, tomorrow, and into the future. We imagine a world where every child’s unique potential is unleashed.

In 2019, we began leading a statewide effort called Rewiring to provide earlier support to children and families, prevent and divert families from entering child welfare, and to follow the children we interact with into adulthood.

TennysonCenter.org | 303.433.2541

� � tennysoncenter INSTAGRAM/ tennysoncenter4kids � � Tennyson Center for Children

APRIL 2020 | CHANGEMAKERS | 131

DINING GUIDE Bull & Bush Brewery

C

$

Washington Virginia Vale / Pub This brewery is like the London original but with sports bar entertainment. Reservations accepted, excluding Friday and Sunday evenings. 4700 Cherry Creek South Dr., 303-759-0333. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Butcher’s Bistro

$$$

Ballpark / American The New American menu at this spot focuses on whole animals, seasonal ingredients, and local products. Try the house-made sausages. Reservations accepted.

2233 Larimer St., 303-296-2750. Dinner

NEW

Cart-Driver

Carm & Gia Metropolitan

$$

Aurora / American Burgers made with certified Angus beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, sandwiches, shakes, and more are on the menu at this familyowned spot. Don’t miss the East Colfax Loaded, a mountain of fries or tots topped with chile verde, queso fresco, crema, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and scallions. Reservations not accepted. 9598 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora, 303-747-2008. Lunch, Dinner

SPRING

FREE

ADMISSION

$$

LoHi / Pizza Inspired by Italy’s roadside cafes, Cart-Driver slings oysters, wood-fired pizzas, and Prosecco on tap. Finish with the house-made panna cotta. Also try the RiNo location. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. 2239 W. 30th Ave., 720-501-2264. Dinner

25 B E S T

Cattivella

$$$

Stapleton / Italian Chef Elise Wiggins offers rustic, wood-fired Italian fare from a sprawling chef’s counter. Go for grilled oysters, seasonal pizzas, and fresh pastas. Reservations accepted. 10195 E. 29th Dr., Ste. 110, 303-645-3779. Lunch, Dinner Chicken Rebel

$$

Cho77

$$

Highland / American The brick-and-mortar location of the popular food truck and former Avanti food stall serves up sandwiches, salads, and more starring beer-battered fried chicken.

Don’t miss the hot chicken tacos. Reservations not accepted. 3618 Tejon St., 720-710-6620.

Lunch, Dinner

Downtown / Asian Lon Symensma offers Asian street food with a modern touch at this fast-casual eatery. Try the Hainanese chicken fried rice or the Indian lamb meatballs. Reservations not accepted.

1520 16th St., 720-638-8179. Lunch, Dinner

ChoLon

MAY 8

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

MAY 9

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Chook

Platt Park / Contemporary Chook specializes in Australian-style, charcoal-grilled rotisserie chicken and fresh veggie sides. Order the charred broccoli salad. Also try the Hale location. Reservations not accepted. 1300 S. Pearl St., 303-282-8399. Lunch, Dinner

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Capitol Hill / American This meat-free zone features pizza, vegan pastries, and a full bar.

Reservations not accepted. 206 E. 13th Ave., 303-831-6443. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Downtown / Asian This contemporary restaurant serves modern twists on Pan-Asian cuisine.

Don’t miss the French onion soup dumplings.

Also try the Stapleton location. Reservations accepted. 1555 Blake St., 303-353-5223.

Lunch, Dinner

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RiNo / Latin American You’ll find family recipes from Latin America and Syria at this restaurant, which has a rotating menu and provides job training to local women. Reservations not accepted. 3455 Ringsby Ct., Ste. 105, 303-292-0770. Lunch Coohills

$$$$

Coperta

$$$

Downtown / French Enjoy the French–inspired cuisine made with local, sustainable products as you sip cocktails in a dining room that opens right onto Cherry Creek. Reservations accepted.

1400 Wewatta St., 303-623-5700. Dinner

Uptown Area / Italian Tuck into comforting Italian fare at this restaurant, which celebrates the cuisine of Rome and Southern Italy. Reservations accepted. 400 E. 20th Ave., 720-749-4666.

Lunch, Dinner

Untitled 198733, acrylic, 66” x 62” © Karen Roehl

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DINING GUIDE 25 B E S T

Corrida

Cozy Cottage Breakfast & Lunch

$

Berkeley / Breakfast The homey feel of this eatery is perfectly aligned with the menu of signature fruit and nut pancakes, eggs Benedict, and French toast.

Reservations accepted. 4363 Tennyson St., 720-855-9800. Breakfast, Lunch

Curtis Park Delicatessen

$

Five Points / Deli This neighborhood deli serves a menu of fine classic sandwiches (like the Curtis, made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and house-made Thousand Island). Also try the Cherry Creek location. Reservations not accepted.

2532 Champa St., 303-308-5973. Lunch

D Daughter Thai

$$$$

Death & Co Denver

Denver Central Market

$$

RiNo / Global This marketplace features 11 vendors with dining options ranging from ceviche to ice cream.

Take your pick from Crema Bodega, Culture Meat & Cheese, Curio Bar, High Point Creamery, and more.

2669 Larimer St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Denver Milk Market

$$

LoDo / Global Bonanno Concepts’ 16-venue collection of bars and restaurants features everything from fresh pasta to poke bowls to charcuterie.

Don’t miss the the signature fried chicken sandwiches at Lou’s Hot and Naked. 1800 Wazee St., 303-792-8242. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Dimestore Delibar

$$

RiNo / Italian One thing you can count on at Alex Figura and Spencer White’s fast-casual Italian eatery: perfect pasta. Try the cacio e pepe or the squid ink fusilli with blue crab. The house-made sourdough is heavenly. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. 3264 Larimer St., 303-562-1965. Dinner

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El Taco de Mexico

$

Lincoln Park / Mexican This Denver favorite serves Mexican food with an emphasis on authenticity. Try the chile relleno burrito. Reservations not accepted.

714 Santa Fe Dr., 303-623-3926. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elway’s

Downtown / Pub Innovative and high-quality international pub food is on the menu, including house-made sausages. Reservations accepted.

1317 14th St., 303-595-4255. Lunch, Dinner

$$

Farmhouse Thai Eatery

$$

Lakewood / Thai This cozy spot offers flavorful specialties from multiple regions, including northern Thailand’s khao soi (egg noodles in coconut curry) and som tum (green papaya salad). Reservations accepted. 98 Wadsworth Blvd., #117, 303-2372475. Lunch, Dinner

$

RiNo / Global The indoor bar serves a wide selection of cocktails, while food trucks offer a diverse variety of bites, from fried chicken sandwiches to Puerto Rican fare. 2927 Larimer St., 303-3532340. Dinner

Firenze a Tavola

$$$

Berkeley / Italian Parisi’s answer to upscale Italian, this restaurant is located downstairs from the popular Berkeley spot and offers a savory Tuscan experience. Reservations accepted. 4401 Tennyson St., 303-561-0234. Dinner

Fish N Beer

$$$

RiNo / Seafood Kevin Morrison offers approachable, fresh seafood and a hearty beer list at this casual oysterette. Try the lobster mac and cheese or wood-fire-grilled whole bass.

Reservations not accepted. 3510 Larimer St., 303-248-3497. Dinner

Flagstaff House

$$$$

Fruition Restaurant

$$$$

Country Club / New American James Beard Award–winning chef Alex Seidel’s tiny kitchen focuses on seasonal dishes that are big on flavor.

Many ingredients come straight from Seidel’s farm. Diners flock for the pasta carbonara.

Reservations accepted. 1313 E. Sixth Ave., 303-831-1962. Dinner

G Gaetano’s

$$$

Gold Point

$$

Gozo

$$

Green Russell

$$

Highland / Italian This comfy neighborhood hangout features old-school favorites, such as chicken Parmesan. Reservations accepted. 3760 Tejon St., 303-455-9852. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

RiNo / American This hip hangout serves craft cocktails and light fare, including sandwiches and customizable charcuterie boards. Reservations not accepted. 3126 Larimer St., 720-445-9691. Dinner

F

Finn’s Manor

Frasca Food and Wine

Boulder / Italian Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and master sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s fine-dining mecca has racked up scores of accolades over the years (including nods from the James Beard Foundation). The elegant Friulano cuisine always wows.

Reservations accepted. 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-6966. Dinner

$$$$

Downtown / Steak House This sleek restaurant‚ named after the Broncos great‚ serves classic steak house fare in upscale environs. Choose from a menu of steaks, seafood, and more. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted. 1881 Curtis St., 303-312-3107. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

$$

Highland / American This restaurant, bar, convenience store, and market serves elevated deli fare in an eclectic setting. Try the rolled focaccia sandwiches. Reservations not accepted. 1575 Boulder St., Unit A, 303-537-5323. Lunch, Dinner Dio Mio

$$

Edgewater / International Satisfy your cravings for everything from wild game sandwiches to Ethiopian fare at this eclectic collective of nearly two dozen food stalls and boutiques. Reservations not accepted. 5505 W. 20th Ave., Edgewater, 303-797-9119. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

$$$

RiNo / Contemporary The famed New York City bar offers top-notch cocktail service and an inventive menu in the lobby of the Ramble Hotel. Try the Japanese eggplant with crispy rice. Reservations accepted. The Ramble Hotel, 1280 25th St., 720-330-2660. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

25 B E S T

Edgewater Public Market

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

Highland / Thai This upscale restaurant serves beautifully-plated dishes and inventive cocktails with an elegant ambiance to match. Reservations accepted. 1700 Platte St., Suite 140, 720-6674652. Lunch, Dinner

25 B E S T

E

$$$$

Boulder / Spanish Housed on the rooftop level of the PearlWest building, this elegant Spanish steak house offers stunning Flatiron views and fabulous cocktails and wines. Splurge on the Japanese wagyu or opt for a locally sourced steak. Reservations accepted. 1023 Walnut St., Ste. 400, Boulder, 303-444-1333. Dinner, Brunch

$$$$

Boulder / Contemporary Located atop Flagstaff Mountain, this restaurant has a huge wine list and a spectacular view of Boulder. Try the Hudson Valley foie gras plate. Reservations accepted. 1138 Flagstaff Rd., Boulder, 303-442-4640. Dinner

Baker / Mediterranean Find a rustic Mediterranean menu of wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and seafood at this wine-focused eatery.

Reservations accepted. 30 S. Broadway, 720-638-1462. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Downtown / Pub This chef-driven cocktail bar offers a variety of small plates and libations. Reservations not accepted. 1422 Larimer St., 303-893-6505. Dinner

Guard and Grace

$$$$

Downtown / Steak House Chef Troy Guard’s modern steak house offers a chic setting for his innovative fare, which includes a raw bar and delicate salads. Reservations accepted. 1801 California St., 303-293-8500. Lunch, Dinner

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining

$$$

Downtown / Japanese This Japanese-based chain boasts table-centered grills on which diners cook proteins like Harami skirt steak. Reservations accepted.

1998 18th St., 720-726-4068. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

H Hank’s Texas BBQ

$$

Hale / Barbecue This fast-casual barbecue joint serves tender, slow-cooked meats (including brisket and hot links) in sandwiches, tacos, and salads until supplies run out each day. Try the pulled pork frito pie. Reservations not accepted. 5410 E. Colfax Ave., 720-277-3225. Lunch, Dinner

A Club for Your Whole Life Established in 1884, The Denver Athletic Club is located in the heart of downtown Denver and has been consistently ranked one of the top ten athletic and social clubs by Platinum Clubs of America as well as a perennial winner of 5280â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top of the Town Award. The DAC boasts full-service dining, banquet services and organized social events. Enjoy 20,000 square feet of fitness facilities and over one hundred group exercise classes per week.

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DINING GUIDE

Highland Tap and Burger

$$

Hops & Pie

Highland / American Pick your patty, bun, and premium toppings for a customizable meal enhanced with a choice of more than a dozen Colorado craft beers. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted for eight or more. 2219 W. 32nd Ave., 720-287-4493. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

NEW

Honey Elixir

Il Posto

Izakaya Den

$$

Platt Park / Japanese Ultra-fresh sushi, sashimi, and creative small plates are on the menu at this local favorite. Reservations accepted. 1487-A S. Pearl St., 303-777-0691. Lunch, Dinner

$$$$

India’s Restaurant

$$$

Istanbul Bakery & Cafe

$$$

J

Hampden / Indian This spot serves traditional fare, including flavorful dishes like tandoori chicken.

Take advantage of the lunch buffet, and be sure to try the cinnamon bread pudding. Reservations accepted. 8921 E. Hampden Ave., 303-7554284. Lunch, Dinner

$$

Downtown / American At this fine-casual eatery, guests pick their protein of choice to be enjoyed in a salad, sandwich, or plate. Reservations not accepted. 1900 16th St., #150, 720-420-0614.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hop Alley

$$

RiNo / Italian Sample Andrea Frizzi’s imaginative Italian cuisine in sleek, urban environs. Don’t miss the seasonal risotto. Reservations accepted. 2601 Larimer St., 303-394-0100. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

RiNo / Contemporary Nonalcoholic, healthpromoting “potions,” boozy cocktails, sipping chocolate, teas, and light bites are the draws at this stunning bar. Reservations not accepted. 2636 Walnut St., #104, 720-328-5992. Lunch, Dinner

25 B E S T

Ivy on 7th

Speer / American This is a bright eatery serving seasonal, European–inspired brunch and lunch dishes. Try the gluten-free lemon and ricotta pancakes with blueberries. Reservations accepted. 410 E. 7th Ave., 720-828-8180.

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch

I

$$

Honor Society Handcrafted Eatery

$$

Berkeley / Pizza Craft pizza and local brews are this spot’s forte. Load up your pie with toppings such as blackberry barbecue sauce and pickled jalapeño, and wash it all down with a choice of more than 20 beers. Reservations not accepted.

3920 Tennyson St., 303-477-7000. Lunch, Dinner

J’s Noodles Star Thai 2

$

Julep

$$

Westwood / Thai This traditional Thai spot has developed a cult following over the years. The tom yum soup, drunken noodles, and pad thai are regulars’ picks. Reservations not accepted. 945 S. Federal Blvd., 303-922-5495. Lunch, Dinner

25 B E S T

RiNo / Southern This isn’t your typical Southern restaurant. Chef Kyle Foster serves sophisticated dishes inspired by the flavors and techniques of the South, such as barbecued snails and pork and oyster sausage. Whatever you do, don’t miss Foster’s exemplary biscuits. Reservations accepted.

3258 Larimer St., 303-295-8977. Dinner, Brunch

Washington Virginia Vale / Middle Eastern Inside the shopping center at the intersection of South Monaco Parkway and Leetsdale Drive, owner Ismet Yilmaz prepares authentic Turkish pastries.

Reservations not accepted. 850 S. Monaco Pkwy., Ste. #9, 720-536-5455. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

$$$

RiNo / Chinese From Tommy Lee of Uncle, this neighborhood hangout serves dishes rooted in Chinese tradition with a touch of distinctive flair. Try the dan dan mian. Reservations accepted. 3500 Larimer St., 720-379-8340. Dinner

Jenna & Walker Stapleton / Harmes C. Fishback Foundation

Tickets

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

$$

Stapleton / American Prolific Denver chef Troy Guard takes on the breakfast joint with Hashtag.

Reservations not accepted. 10155 E. 29th Dr., 303-996-9985. Breakfast, Brunch

MAJOR SPONSOR

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DINING GUIDE

K Kachina Cantina

Kaos Pizzeria

$$

LoDo / Southwestern Located in the Dairy Block, this spot specializes in southwestern fare, such as Navajo tacos. Also try the Westminster-based sister location, Kachina Southwestern Grill. Pair a jalapeño-cucumber margarita with the chicken pozole rojo or the Wagyu cheeseburger with roasted green chiles.

Reservations accepted. 1890 Wazee St., 720-460-2728. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

$$

Platt Park / Pizza A wood-fired oven, gourmet ingredients, and wine to-go make this a perfect pizzeria for dine-in or delivery. If the weather’s nice, eat outside in the spacious garden area.

Reservations accepted. 1439 S. Pearl St, 303-733-5267. Lunch, Dinner

Kitchen Table BBQ

$$$

Congress Park / Barbecue This Kentucky and South Carolina-style barbecue spot located inside of Goosetown Tavern serves up some tasty meat plates, from sliced brisket to bison jalapeño cheddar sausage. Be sure to order a

basket of the house-made cornbread. Reservations not accepted. 3242 E. Colfax Ave., 303-399-9703. Lunch, Dinner Kobe An

$$$

Cherry Creek / Asian Everything is traditional at this Japanese restaurant, including the seating.

The menu features Japanese favorites, such as tempura, gyoza, and yakisoba. Reservations accepted. 231 Milwaukee St., 303-989-5907.

Lunch, Dinner

L 25 B E S T

LeRoux

$$$$

Downtown / French Lon Symensma’s upscale, European–inspired eatery features table-side preparations and a roving cheese cart. Don’t miss the Paris-Brest dessert. Reservations accepted. 1555 Blake St., Ste 102, 720-8451673. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Little Beast Street Food

$

Congress Park / American This casual joint has juicy brisket burgers, inventive sandwiches, and griddled tacos. Get the fried bologna burger with caramalized onions and dijon mustard.

Reservations not accepted. 2730 E. Colfax Ave., 303-399-4137. Lunch, Dinner

Los Chingones

$$

Lou’s Food Bar

$

Lowry Beer Garden

$

RiNo / Mexican Los Chingones offers shareable Mexican cuisine with distinctive style. Find a menu marked by ceviches, funditos, and tacos.

Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted.

2463 Larimer St., 303-295-0686. Lunch, Dinner Capitol Hill / American To the delight of Nashville–style hot chicken fans, this Frank Bonnano eatery (formerly located in north Denver) serves all manner of fried birds. Try the Lou’s, a crispy breast with dill pickles. Reservations not accepted. 701 Grant St., 303-860-2929. Lunch, Dinner

Lowry / American This traditional, Germanstyle beer garden celebrates Colorado breweries with 16 beers on tap. Try the burgers or bratwurst with house-cut french fries. Reservations accepted for parties of 20 or more. 7577 E. Academy Blvd., 303-366-0114. Lunch, Dinner

Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap House

$$

Louisville / Pizza Come for the brick oven Neapolitan-style pizzas, stay for the solid craft beer list at this casual spot. Reservations accepted for parties of 8 or more. 637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743. Lunch, Dinner

M Machete Tequila & Tacos

$$

Cherry Creek / Mexican Enjoy an extensive list of fine tequilas, and don’t forget to order the sumptuous tacos al pastor. Also try the Union Station location. Reservations accepted. 2817 E. Third Ave., 303-333-1567. Lunch, Dinner

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DINING GUIDE Magnolia Cajun

Ohana Island Kitchen

$$$

Platt Park / Cajun/Southern This cozy spot, housed in a Victorian home, offers Cajun cooking at its best. Don’t miss the boudin balls and the beans and rice with house-made andouille.

Reservations accepted. 1446 S. Broadway, 720-476-5518. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Mango House

Old Major

Aurora / International This immigrant- and refugee-led food hall is home to six outstanding culinary concepts, including Urban Burma, Jasmine Syrian Food, Golden Sky Sushi, and Nepali Mountain Kitchen. The hospitality is as warm as the food is delicious. Reservations not accepted. 10180 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 303-900-8639. Lunch, Dinner

Osaka Ramen

Mercantile Dining & Provision

$$$$

$$$

Downtown / New American Award-winning chefs Alex Seidel and Matt Vawter offer upscale, contemporary farm-to-table fare, including pasta dishes and family-style shared plates for the table.

Mercantile also features counter-service dining for breakfast and lunch, as well as a marketplace of locally sourced foodstuffs. Reservations accepted for dinner. Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Ste. 155, 720-460-3733. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Mercury Cafe

Dumpling lovers have reason to celebrate: Uncle Zoe’s Chinese Kitchen opened five months ago off East Iliff Avenue in Aurora, offering a variety of dough-wrapped delights.

Order a steamer basket of the delicate, madeto-order, pork-filled “xiao long bao” (soup dumplings) and a plate of steamed or pan-fried “jiaozi”—crispy-bottomed pot stickers stuffed with savory pork or tender beef and celery.

$$$

Mizu Izakaya

Mizuna

$$$$

Capitol Hill / Contemporary Chef-owner Frank Bonanno’s seasonal cuisine capitalizes on fresh ingredients, and service is prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Reservations accepted. 225 E. Seventh Ave., 303-832-4778. Dinner Morin

$$$

Downtown / French Chef Max MacKissock serves imaginative French fare at this elegant eatery. Sip a sophisticated cocktail, mocktail, or a glass of natural wine from the extensive list while enjoying a platter of raw oysters. Reservations accepted.

1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner

5280

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Northside Eatery & Market

APRIL 2020

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Boulder / Seasonal This bright, open space just off the Pearl Street Mall offers a diverse, ever-changing menu of seasonal, oak-fired eats from chef Steve Redzikowski and creative cocktails from Bryan Dayton. Order the kale-apple salad, braised meatballs, or smoked brisket. Reservations accepted. 1400 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-4443622. Lunch, Dinner

Officers Club

Pho Duy

$

Westwood / Vietnamese Slurp down delicious bowls of noodle soup at this popular Vietnamese mainstay. Reservations not accepted. 925 S. Federal Blvd., 303-937-1609. Lunch, Dinner

$$

$$

O Oak at Fourteenth

$

Westwood / Asian Some of the best Vietnamese pho noodle soup you’ll find in Denver. Also try the downtown location. Reservations accepted. 781 S. Federal Blvd., 303-922-2930. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

South Park Hill / Middle Eastern This quiet restaurant serves a solid menu of Middle Eastern and Lebanese fare. Reservations accepted. 5709 E. Colfax Ave., 303-355-7213. Lunch, Dinner

Highland / Seasonal This all-day eatery, bar, and market has a focus on local sourcing and seasonality. Try the Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich.

Reservations not accepted. 1691 Central St., 303-993-5599. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

$$

LoHi / Sushi This contemporary Japanese restaurant offers an impressive bar and a hip atmosphere.

Order items from the binchotan (charcoal grill) or the raw bar, or give appetizers like the cream pork kimchi a try. Reservations accepted. 1560 Boulder St., 720-372-7100. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

140

N NEW

Pho 79

Phoenician Kabob

$$

City Park / Contemporary This walk-up kitchen inside Middleman cocktail bar serves imaginative twists on familiar pub fare. Try the kimchi croquettes with sambal aioli and shaved Spam.

Reservations not accepted. 3401 E. Colfax, 303-353-4207. Dinner

25 B E S T

P

Dumpling Den

Five Points / Contemporary Enjoy live music and plenty of vegetarian options, as well as pasta dishes, Colorado fish, and grass-fed bison, lamb, and beef. Reservations accepted. 2199 California St., 303-294-9281. Dinner, Brunch

Misfit Snackbar

$$

RiNo / Japanese Jeff Osaka’s modern ramen shop features original noodle soups, bento boxes, and creative small plates. Try the mochi doughnuts.

Reservations not accepted. 2611 Walnut St., 303-955-7938. Lunch, Dinner

Cherry Creek / Japanese Legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa kicks Japanese staples up to the next level. Start with signature uni shooters and don’t miss the black cod with sweet miso. Reservations accepted. 98 Steele St., 303-329-6628.

Lunch, Dinner

25 B E S T

$$$$

LoHi / American Go for owner Justin Brunson’s bistro-style, seasonal cuisine with an emphasis on locally raised heritage meat. If you’re a steak aficionado, try the 24-ounce, bone-in rib-eye.

Reservations accepted. 3316 Tejon St., 720-4200622. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

$$

Matsuhisa Denver

$

LoHi / Seafood This Hawaiian–inspired eatery serves top-notch tuna poke, Spam musubi, roasted pork, and more in a casual setting. Reservations not accepted. 2563 15th St., 303-718-6580.

Lunch, Dinner

Pizza Republica

$$$

Downtown / Pizza This Italian fare is made from scratch. Try a Neapolitan pizza or the stuffed shells.

Also try the Greenwood Village location. Reservations accepted. 890 14th St., 303-623-2811.

Lunch, Dinner

Pony Up

$$

Post Oak Barbecue

$$

Downtown / Pub This casual bar serves fantastic French dip sandwiches (try the smoked mushroom variety) and craft cocktails. Reservations not accepted. 1808 Blake St., 720-710-8144.

Lunch, Dinner

Berkeley / Barbecue Texas barbecue wood-fired with post oak from Austin, Texas, is the draw at this spot on Tennyson Street. Don’t miss the certified Angus prime brisket and the house-made sausage.

Reservations not accepted. 4000 Tennyson St., 303-458-1555. Lunch, Dinner

$$$

Lowry / American Nosh on American staples like prime rib French dip and juicy bacon cheeseburger at this neighborhood dining room and bar, inspired by the military legacy of the adjacent Lowry Air Force Base. Reservations accepted. 84 Rampart Way, 303-284-0714. Dinner

Potager

$$$

Capitol Hill / Contemporary This family-owned restaurant specializes in fresh, seasonal food. The menu changes once a month. Dine in the back garden. Reservations not accepted. 1109 Ogden St., 303-832-5788. Dinner

Sarah Boyum

NEW

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Mexican

THE DENVER MAGAZINE

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DINING GUIDE Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana

$$

Highland / Pizza Enjoy Neopolitan–style pizza and a well-curated wine list. Multiple locations.

Reservations accepted. 2401 15th St., 720-855-9400. Lunch, Dinner

Punch Bowl Social

$$

RiNo / Barbecue Find delicious, modern barbecue at chef Bill Espiricueta’s fast-casual Source Hotel eatery. Reservations not accepted. The Source Hotel & Market Hall, 3330 Brighton Blvd., Ste. 202, 720-230-0792. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

$$

Baker / American This restaurant is perfect for food and play. Dine any time of day off of the diner-inspired menu while entertaining yourself with bowling, ping-pong, shuffleboard, and more.

Also try the Stapleton location. Reservations accepted for private parties. 65 Broadway, 303-765-2695. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Q House

Somebody People

$$

Overland / Mediterranean A standout pasta program and dishes that celebrate seasonal bounty make this zero-waste vegan restaurant great for herbivores and omnivores alike. Reservations accepted. 1165 S. Broadway, Suite 104, 720-502-5681. Dinner, Brunch

The Source

Q 25 B E S T

Smōk

$$$

City Park West / Chinese Enjoy a modern take on Chinese cuisine executed by chef Christopher Lin, an alum of Momofuku in New York City. Try the braised pork rice. Reservations accepted. 3421 E. Colfax Ave., 720-729-8887. Dinner

R

RiNo / Global This industrial-sleek food hall is home to a variety of hip eateries, bars, and shops.

Tenants include Acorn, Grabowski’s Pizzeria, Reunion Bread Co., Caffe Figurati, and Isabel.

3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-443-1135. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

25 B E S T

Spuntino

$$$

Highland / Italian Enjoy the locally sourced menu at this Italian–inspired spot. Try the seasonal pasta or any dish with Southern Indian influences.

Don’t miss the house-made gelato for dessert.

Reservations accepted. 2639 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-0949. Dinner Stanley Marketplace

Restaurant Olivia

$$$$

Washington Park / Italian This cozy-yet-modern neighborhood spot from the team behind Bistro Georgette specializes in fresh pastas and Italian classics. Reservations accepted. 209 S. Downing St., 303-999-0395. Dinner, Brunch

$

$$

Aurora / International This site is now home to a sprawling, food-centric marketplace with offerings from Yellowbelly Chicken, Stanley Beer Hall, Annette, Sweet Cow Ice Cream, and more. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, 720-990-6743. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Also try the Greenwood Village location. Reservations not accepted. 3536 W. 44th Ave., 720-524-8282. Lunch, Dinner Tofu House

$$

Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery

$$

True Food Kitchen

$$

Aurora / Korean Enjoy authentic Korean fare. This neighborhood spot specializes in soups and stews, but also offers a variety of other options. Reservations accepted. 2353 S. Havana St., Unit D1, Aurora, 303-751-2840. Lunch, Dinner Golden / International Golden’s first food hall boasts nine culinary options, including Generous Coffee, Kona Bowls Superfoods Café, Woodgrain Bagels, Fringe Pizza, and more. 701 12th St., Golden. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cherry Creek / Health You can count on this health-inspired cuisine to make your mouth and body happy. The menu features nutrient-dense foods such as kale and quinoa as well as fresh juices. Reservations not accepted. 2800 E. Second Ave., Ste. 101, 720-509-7661. Lunch, Dinner

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

U 25 B E S T

Rioja

$$$$

Downtown / Mediterranean James Beard Award– winning chef Jennifer Jasinski creates high-end Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Try the artichoke tortelloni. Reservations accepted. 1431 Larimer St., 303-820-2282. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Rosetta Hall

Sunday Vinyl

Downtown / European This stylish European–style wine bar on the Union Station platform offers the warm hospitality and exquisite cuisine the team behind Frasca Food and Wine is known for, all to the soundtrack of a vinyl-only playlist. Reservations accepted. 1803 16th St., 720-738-1803. Dinner

$$

Boulder / International The tenants of Boulder’s first food hall include Petite Fleur, Folsom Foods, Confit, the Ginger Pig, Jacaranda, Tierra, and Boxcar Coffee Roasters. 1109 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-323-5509. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Russell’s Smokehouse

$$$

Downtown / Barbecue Diners flock to this subterranean smokehouse for classic ‘cue. Try the fall-off-the-bone rib combo, which features both baby back beef and pork ribs. Reservations accepted. 1422 Larimer St., 720-524-8050.

Lunch, Dinner

25 B E S T

S Safta

$$$

RiNo / Mediterranean Acclaimed chef Alon Shaya brings modern Israeli fare to Denver. Start with the creamy hummus and pillowy wood-oven pita before moving onto tabbouleh salad, charred cabbage, and halloumi. Reservations accepted.

The Source Hotel & Market Hall, 3330 Brighton Blvd., 720-408-2444. Lunch, Dinner

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Super Mega Bien

$$$

RiNo / Latin American Chef Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class offers a combo of large-format items and Pan-Latin small plates, the latter served from roving dim-sum-style carts. Reservations not accepted. The Ramble Hotel, 1260 25th St., 720-269-4695. Dinner

T 25 B E S T

25 B E S T

$$$

Tavernetta

$$$$

LoDo / Italian The team behind Boulder’s acclaimed Frasca Food and Wine offers the same attention to hospitality at their more casual Denver restaurant. The charming space is home to dishes from across Italy and a deep wine list. Reservations accepted. 1889 16th St, 720-605-1889.

Lunch, Dinner Tocabe

Berkeley / American American Indian food goes Chipotle-style at this quick service restaurant. Try the fry bread taco loaded with beef, buffalo, or chicken, and beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsas.

$

$$$

Downtown / Southern Nosh on re-imagined versions of down-home dishes, such as the signature honey-dusted fried chicken. Reservations accepted. 1650 Wewatta St., 720-274-0650.

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Uchi Denver

$$$$

Curtis Park / Sushi James Beard Award–winning chef Tyson Cole combines unexpected flavors for his unique take on Japanese food. Try the sake toro aburi or the foie gras sushi. Reservations accepted.

2500 Lawrence St., 303-444-1922. Dinner Ultreia

$$$

Downtown / Spanish James Beard Award– winning chef Jennifer Jasinski brings Iberian fare to Union Station. Reservations not accepted. Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., 303-534-1970. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Uncle

$$

Uncle Zoe’s Chinese Kitchen

$$

LoHi / Asian A sleek, contemporary atmosphere defines this bustling modern noodle house. The selective menu includes dishes such as Chinesestyle steamed buns and, of course, noodles. Also try the Speer location. Reservations not accepted.

2215 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-3263. Dinner Aurora / Chinese Handmade steamed and fried dumplings, along with a selection of Sichuan specialties, are on the menu at this family-owned spot. Reservations accepted. 12203 E. Iliff Ave., Unit D, Aurora, 303-755-8518. Lunch, Dinner

Unravel Coffee

$

Virginia Village / Cafe House-roasted beans and high-tech tools lead to stellar espresso drinks at this coffee shop, where you can also enjoy nourishing toasts, grain bowls, salads, and smoothies. Reservations not accepted. 1441 S. Holly St., 303-884-2380. Breakfast, Lunch

DINING GUIDE Urban Farmer

$$$

Downtown / Seasonal This steakhouse focuses on its in-house whole-animal butchery program and has a communal charcuterie station, where guests can “meet their meat.” Reservations accepted. The Oxford Hotel, 1659 Wazee St., 303-262-6070.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

V Vert Kitchen

$$

Washington Park West / French Salads and sandwiches (think curry chicken or skirt steak with arugula and walnut mustard) dot the small menu at this European-influenced cafe. Reservations not accepted. 704 S. Pearl St., 303-997-5941. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Vesta

$$$

Downtown / Contemporary Visit this stylish LoDo stalwart for upscale-yet-approachable fare. Try the luxe lobster cioppino or the rotating market specials. Reservations accepted. 1822 Blake St., 303-296-1970. Dinner

W

D O YO U N E E D S O M E E X T R A C A S H ?

C O M E P A R T I C I P AT E I N O U R R E S E A R C H S T U D Y. A L M A : A N T I - I N F L A M M AT O R Y L I P I D M E D I AT O R S I N A S T H M A A research study is now under way at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to evaluate an investigational oral medication that may t r e a t a s t h m a . I f y o u ’ v e b e e n d i a g n o s e d w i t h a s t h m a , y o u m a y q u a l i f y.

TO PA R T I C I PAT E , C O N TA C T U S AT ASTHMARESEARCH@UCDENVER.EDU OR 1-844-365-0852

25 B E S T

The Wolf’s Tailor

$$$

Sunnyside / Contemporary Basta chef Kelly Whitaker fuses Asian and Italian techniques and ingredients at this hip Sunnyside eatery. The results, such as 7x brisket braised in dashi and red wine and house-extruded mafaldine pasta with koji tomatoes, are unique and delicious. Reservations accepted. 4058 Tejon St., 720-456-6507. Dinner

Y Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill & Pastries

COMIRB: 19-0510, PI: Fernando Holguin MD, MPH and Study Title: “ALMA: “Anti Inflammatory Lipid Mediators in Asthma”

Committed to the best in customer service.

$$

City Park West / Mediterranean This family-run restaurant serves silky hummus, a variety of excellent grilled kebabs, and from-scratch sweets.

Reservations not accepted. 2207 E. Colfax Ave., 720-532-8746. Lunch, Dinner

Z Zeppelin Station

$$

RiNo / Global This industrial-chic food hall, located near the 38th and Blake light rail station, is home to eight globally inspired food and drink vendors and two bars. Options include Vinh Xuong Bakery, La Rola Urban Columbian, Norm’s Deli, La Doña, Budlong Hot Chicken, and more. Reservations not accepted. 3501 Wazee St., 720460-1978. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Providing Personal Service Since 1965

S I LV E R

 These listings are in no way related to advertising in 5280. If

you find that a restaurant differs significantly from the information in its listing or your favorite restaurant is missing from the Dining Guide, please let us know. Write us at 5280 Publishing, Inc., 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202 or dining@5280.com.

1418 LARIMER STREET

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LAURA ALDRETE

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of unrelated individuals legally allowed to live at a property from two people to eight, and offering property tax relief to homeowners and small businesses, the latter of which are saddled with a 29 percent property tax. Currently, CPD and the city are having conversations about all of these paths toward keeping Denver equitable.

Together with the small-area plans, such potential adjustments reflect the city’s attempt to address another tricky issue: gentrification. “I remember growing up in Wheat Ridge; my grandmother lived in north Denver. We would come in and cruise Colfax and Sloan’s Lake, and it was sketchy and it was scary and there were gangs, which was part of the stupid appeal. But it was not a great neighborhood,” Aldrete says. “So is it good that we have awesome restaurants I want to walk down to and get a cup of coffee? Yes, that’s

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great. Are there unintended consequences?

Yes. Are they great? No. But to think that we should do nothing is to say that there should be no growth. That there should be no change.” And that, Aldrete notes, is a dangerous proposition, because cities that don’t grow court death.

IF YOU WERE ONE OF the lucky people who got tickets to the Denver Art Museum’s sold-out Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature exhibition this past winter, an early audio tour stop would have landed you in front of “The Boulevard des Capucines.”

Painted by the impressionist in the early 1870s, the bustling Paris scene shows pedestrians filtering onto a treelined street on a snowy day. No one thing about the painting is discrete; the blurred brushstrokes work together to portray the energy and motion of the city—a city that itself was in an era of great change and upheaval.

“It’s a huge, long moment in the history of the city of Paris,” historian Joan DeJean narrates. “You couldn’t live in any part of Paris and be far from major destruction, reconstruction, complete transformation of the city around you. …There’s a sense on

the one hand that there are exciting new possibilities, that the city is creative, it’s renewing itself, it’s modern. But you’re losing something. You’re losing some of the beauties that made Paris Paris, in their eyes, and will Paris be the same? Paris is changing; what’s the future going to be? Some sense of excitement, but a sense of loss.”

Sound familiar? It certainly does to Aldrete, who recognizes Denver’s growth challenges as those to be expected of a relatively young city. She points to places she loves, like Mexico City or Rome, where thousands of years of urban living are layered on top of one another; in Rome, for example, ancient ruins might be situated next to an apartment with laundry drying out the window. “Cities are messy,” Aldrete says. “We as a city are lifelong learners, continually evolving, responding to the economy, how the digital age is changing us, not losing sight of our culture and our history, but also adding in and remixing. So there is never a stasis or complete resolution because we always have to evolve. Denver has been around for 150 years, and we are fit to be tied.”

Evolving doesn’t mean forgetting where we came from, she says. Recognizing the

LAURA ALDRETE history and culture of a neighborhood is part of what makes it feel authentic.

Aldrete is mindful of the full spectrum of that history and culture in north Denver.

She cites the contributions of Italian, Irish, and Latino populations while noting that the perspectives of new arrivals are valid, too. She believes that a little conscientiousness can go a long way toward integrating the present without condemning the past.

Says Aldrete: “Be thoughtful about how you think and phrase things.”

Design, both on a city scale—think transit, parks, and density—and at the neighborhood level, also can play a major role in integrating what was with what is, and elevating that conversation about what

districts like the one along Tennyson Street, near where Aldrete lives, these multistory structures become dead spots on what is otherwise an active street. The city banned slot homes in 2018, and Aldrete’s interested in having additional conversations about how to regulate design—perhaps by using standards and guidelines or even review boards. Denver already has precedents for both. If you want to build something downtown, in LoDo, or in Cherry Creek North, for example, it has to be approved by the area’s review board or commission.

Meanwhile, structures going up in Five Points, Capitol Hill, the Golden Triangle, and more than 20 other areas must abide by a set of established design guidelines that

Recognizing the history and culture of a neighborhood is part of what makes it feel authentic. makes good design is a focus for Aldrete.

“A bigger house doesn’t make good design.

Or brick on the front,” she says. “I think about the spaces between buildings: the edge of that facade, the height of it, the setback, how it engages with the human walking by.” This might be the language of urban planning, but it’s one we’re all unconsciously fluent in as pedestrians.

It’s why it feels more comfortable to stroll along, say, West 46th Avenue near Lowell Boulevard, with its canopy of 100-yearold trees and detached sidewalks buffering walkers from the road, than along some other nearby streets that are wider with fewer trees and smaller setbacks and where there’s not as much room between pedestrians and passing cars.

It’s also why slot homes feel so unwelcoming: Turned sideways on their lots, slot homes usually don’t have doors, porches, or many windows facing the street. It’s like looking at the cold shoulder of a house instead of its cheerful face. In commercial

are distinct to each area. But most parts of the city don’t have these kinds of design requirements. Aldrete would like to at least consider similar measures throughout Denver in order to protect that sacred part of city building—where architecture brings beauty into the street. Along with ensuring inclusivity, it’s central to how she’ll judge her own success as director of CPD. “I’ll ask myself: Have we built a city for people at all socioeconomic stages?” she says. “If we don’t build a city for everybody, we’ll have minimized the opportunity for all people to meet each other in the street. I think it is human interaction across the board that gives a sense of meaning and value to people’s experience in a city.”

That experience in Denver—where people from different backgrounds can meet in the street—is already under threat.

In recent years, the diversity of many of Denver’s central neighborhoods has dropped. For example, in 2010, about a third of Baker was Hispanic and Latino;

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LAURA ALDRETE

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by 2015, that was down to 21 percent.

Similarly, the percentage of Whittier residents who were black dropped from 29 percent to 24 percent between 2010 and 2015. Socioeconomics are changing, too: In 2010, the median household income in Denver County was $45,415. By 2018, it was $68,069. A recent study carried out by the West Denver Renaissance Collaborative, an organization that works to address involuntary displacement, found that between 2015 and 2018, roughly 3,900 families had been displaced from their homes, often as a result of rising rents.

Aldrete understands this all at a personal level. She’s seen her own neighborhood morph into one that is whiter, wealthier, and generally more homogenous in the 20-plus years she’s lived there. She’s watched her children observe the change and register it with a sense of loss. As a parent, that’s difficult. As a professional, it’s part of what drives her to want to be a part of finding solutions. “I don’t think you could say she’s too close to it,” says Susan Powers, a longtime acquaintance of Aldrete who now runs Urban Ventures, a development firm focused on building sustainable, diverse, and healthy communities. “Being close to it and seeing it and knowing the history of the neighborhoods is a huge advantage to the city. I think she cares deeply and wants to be a leader in making sure that this is a city for everyone.”

HANCOCK LIKES TO REMIND Aldrete that she applied to be Denver’s executive director of Community Planning and Development once before; he made a quip about it at her swearing-in ceremony.

Eight years ago, Aldrete was a senior planning supervisor for Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global design firm with an office in Denver. She’d already worked as the assistant director for the Denver Urban Renewal Authority and before that had been the city’s lead in the development of Stapleton, so she understood the challenges the city faced and the demands of the private sector. But, she says, it was clear to her in that first interview she wasn’t ready. She didn’t yet have the leadership skills. “I think there’s a lot more compassion and listening and learning that I have incorporated into leadership than I would have eight years ago,” she says. “I feel fortunate to have gained that insight.”

Some of the insight comes at the encouragement of a community of women—and some men—who helped her grow personally and professionally: Powers, former

LAURA ALDRETE City Councilwomen Rosemary Rodriguez and Happy Haynes, and veteran lobbyist Maria Garcia Berry, to name a few. “Those women raised me and sometimes mothered me and sometimes told me to suck it up and sometimes let me fail so I could learn the lesson, but they always held me up and recognized the promise they saw in me,” she says. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more supportive, and it’s part of why I feel so committed to this city. This city has wrapped itself around me.”

The timing also worked out for Aldrete, who will likely only serve as director for three more years—until the next mayor appoints someone new. Her kids are older now, she notes, giving both her and John a little more freedom. Alex graduated from Wheat Ridge High School last year and has spent the past year traveling in a kind of gap-year exploration similar to his mother’s, and Aristedes is in his junior year at Wheat Ridge, busy with friends and rugby and normal teenage things.

Even Chaco, the family’s Spanish water dog, is moving out of his puppy years. “It felt like a good time for me personally to try to step up and try to help the city,” Aldrete says.

We’re back in front of her house on a West Highland street that provides peeks at the snowcapped southern Front Range. Aldrete used to have a similar view from her front porch. A low-slung commercial building once sat across the street, allowing Aldrete and her family to see all the way to Pikes Peak. Eventually, the building was replaced by a few large, modern two-story homes, all constructed from similar blueprints, all eclipsing the mountainous view. In some circles, the grand sameness of these new abodes would draw criticism—derision even. Aldrete is more sanguine. “We can be critical, and yet, in 1926 we ordered houses from a Sears catalog,” she says.

She points to a row of small homes farther down the road. They are easily the most modest homes in an area dotted with stately bungalows and new builds.

“Who looked at those and said, These are great?” She pauses to squint into the sunshine at a dog pulling someone down the sidewalk. It’s Chaco and at the other end of the leash, John and Alex. Aldrete smiles at her family. “And that’s OK,” she says, looking back down the street.

“That’s affordable housing.” m

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The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and Coldwell Banker Devonshire are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. Š2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell BankerŽ System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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Denver | $1,350,000 4 bedroom, 4 bath home remodeled to perfection with open main floor. Kitchen with designer tile, quartzite counters, Bertizonni appliances and under cabinet lighting. Master suite with dual closets and a master bath. Complete with lower level and mature backyard.

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Golden | $1,275,000 5br/3ba home with 3 fireplaces. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and breakfast nook. Dining room with access to the back patio and covered deck. Master suite with patio access and 5-piece bath. Garden level with family room, home theater and exercise room.

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Toni Keener 303.588.5766 tonikeener@hotmail.com | tonikeener.com

Lafayette | $1,159,000 5 bedroom custom home offers a study, living room w/floor to ceiling stone fireplace, kitchen w/custom cabinets & ss appliances, butler's pantry, dining room, master w/fireplace, 5-piece bath & heated tile floors & finished basement w/wine cellar & theater.

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Denver | $924,000 1br/2ba condo in Cherry Creek North features a gourmet kitchen w/Quartz counters, Aspen Leaf cabinets & Bosch appliances, living area w/wide-plank hardwood floors & surround sound system, office, master w/5-piece bath & customized closet & patio.

Susan Giltner 720.480.3243 susan.giltner@coloradohomes.com | susangiltner@cbintouch.com

Randy Burgess 303.883.0007 randy.burgess@coloradohomes.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

C O L D W E L L B A N K E R R E A LT Y

Evergreen | $885,000 5br/3ba w/fenced yard, gourmet kitchen & 2 richly appointed living rooms, both w/floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Master features a fireplace, jetted tub, walk-in closet & access to wrap around deck.

Great room & master have floor to ceiling windows.

Broomfield | $799,900 5br/4ba on a cul-de-sac features a finished basement w/game room, 1,100 sqft. patio, professional landscaping, 3-car garage & extended driveway. The interior features custom stone accents, radiant heated floors & spa-like master bath.

Liana Hall 720.227.1143 liana.reilly@coloradohomes.com

John Grandt 720.351.8488 john@refrealty.net | refrealty.net

Broomfield | $775,000 5br/3ba with mountain views on 1.25 acres of horse property.

Updated kitchen with 2-sided fireplace & separate nook with walk-out deck access. Finished walk-out basement with library/rec room & workshop. Zoned for horses and no HOA.

Denver | $700,000 1/2 block to Wash Park! 2br/3ba w/potential for 3rd bed/office in loft.

Family room w/fireplace and high-end kitchen. Master suite w/fireplace, 5-piece bath and walk-in closet. Beautiful natural light throughout. 2 large balconies and small patio.

Lorri DeLaney 720.313.7437 delaneylorri@gmail.com | lorrisellshomescolorado.com

Jewel Brown 303.886.9441 jewel@jewelsofcolorado.com | jewelsofcolorado.com

Thornton | $654,950 3br/2ba offers a gourmet kitchen w/espresso cabinets, granite counters & ss appliances, hardwood floors throughout the entry, dining & great room & master suite w/coffered ceiling, luxury bath & walk-in closet w/access to laundry room.

Conifer | $625,000 4br/3ba has Pikes Peak views, flat driveway, perennial garden, wrap-around decks, fresh interior paint, updated kitchen & baths, master suite w/spa-inspired bath, fireplace & 3 walk-in closets & finished lower level w/entertainment room and deck.

Linda Gilbert 720.232.1990 linda.gilbert@coloradohomes.com | lindagilberthomes.com

Susan Sharnas 303.475.3096 ssharnas@msn.com | homesatnewheights.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Idaho Springs | $1,200,000 This mixed-use building offers a commercial building that can be used for a variety of businesses and has an updated 3br/1ba apartment above w/over 1,400 sqft. and an attached garage. Plenty of off-street parking and 200' of creeksdide frontage.

Vicki Wimberly 303.674.6667 vicki.wimberly@coloradohomes.com

Arvada | $940,000 Two master suites in this four bedroom, four bathroom Arvada home near Van Bibber Park. Nearly half acre tree-shaded lot. Open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Oversized three-car garage.

LaDawn Sperling 303.710.5817 ladawn.sperling@coloradohomes.com | ladawnsperling.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Golden | $849,999 Welcome to this stunning single-family home with Green Mountain views. In the home find a gas fireplace, built-in shelves and exposed beams in the great room. Enjoy a roomy cedar deck with custom lighting and a patio with a jetted hot tub.

Kim Damion 240.620.5811 kimdamion@gmail.com | denverpropertyguide.net

Evergreen | $630,000 3br/3ba mountain home. Living room w/wood burning fireplace, formal dining area and an eat-in kitchen w/granite counter and appliances included.

Master retreat w/walk-in closet, master bath and a private deck. Main level w/2 bedrooms and a full bath. Lower level w/storage area, flex space, a craft/utility room and a 3/4 bath. Complete w/2-car attached garage w/storage and asphalt driveway.

Colleen Teitelbaum 303.668.8186 teitelbaumcolleen@gmail.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

C O L D W E L L B A N K E R R E A LT Y

Littleton | $530,000 4br/4ba home w/extensive hardwood flooring and formal dining. Kitchen w/gas stove and granite counters. Family room area w/fireplace. Main floor master bedroom w/5-piece master bath. Upstairs has loft area and 2 bedrooms sharing full bath! Fully finished walkout basement w/family room area, non-conforming bedroom and bathroom. The new enlarged deck backs to open space w/panoramic mountain views.

Colleen Teitelbaum 303.668.8186 teitelbaumcolleen@gmail.com

more connections With a global network of more than 92,000 agents in 3,100 offices and an online presence that attracts visitors from 231 countries and territories, Coldwell Banker ÂŽ brings together more home buyers and sellers worldwide.

The result? Your property will reach more agents and buyers, creating more opportunities for a quick sale.

No other real estate company gives you more.

Contact us today.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Denver | $949,500 Low-maintenance living! Architectural details. Open concept kitchen, family room and large nook. 2 main level bedrooms, en-suite baths including master. Finished basement, storage room.

Denver | $700,000 Beautifully updated/expanded 3br/2ba in Sunnyside with den/kitchen addition. Delightful surprises and artistic touches throughout. New floors, new electrical/plumbing, central air.

Large back yard, 2-car detached garage.

Jenny Tallmadge 303.204.7974 homejenny1@gmail.com | jennytallmadge.com

LaDawn Sperling 303.710.5817 ladawn.sperling@coloradohomes.com | ladawnsperling.com

Colorado Springs | $700,000 Walk-out 3,600 sqft. ranch w/Pikes Peak views! 4br/3ba/office.

Gourmet kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, island & breakfast bar. Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Basement wet bar. Flagstone patio backs to open space w/unobstructed views!

Denver | Price Upon Request 2br/2.5ba condo w/hardwood floors and dining room. Kitchen w/stainless steel appliances and granite slab countertops. There are 2 master bedrooms. Complete w/private Juliette balcony.

Mark Hiryak 719.466.1407 mark.hiryak@coloradohomes.com | markhiryak.com

Brett Kennedy 303.881.8000 brett.kennedy@coloradohomes.com

Denver | $689,743 Distinctive property located on a quiet corner with 2,954 total sqft.

Large living room, dining room, large master suite. Award winning Slavens K-8 is just a short distance away.

Chriss Bond 720.771.7369 chriss.bond@coloradohomes.com

Denver | $675,000

4br/2ba home. Living room w/original wood beams & fireplace. Kitchen opens to a sunroom. Main floor w/2br & ba. Downstairs w/flex room, 2 additional non-confirming brs, 3/4ba & laundry. Complete w/landscaped backyard & deck.

Diane Van Horn 720.775.9165 Sonya Peterson 303.587.7969

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Evergreen | $660,000 3br/2ba home w/main floor living, open floor plan and lots of land w/mountain views. A deck and 2 fenced yards for many outdoor options. Property includes a home on 0.75 acres and vacant lots for an additional 1.63 acres. See www.15RockGulchRd.com

Littleton | $650,000

Josette Montgomery 303.901.8027 josette.montgomery@coloradohomes.com

Susan Sharnas 303.475.3096 Tyler Westcott 303.619.4817

One of a kind custom mountain home on 5.2 acres w/pool house. Engineered thoughtfully w/an active solar heating system & 8-12-inch exterior walls. 3br w/en-suites, Sputnik light fixtures, balcony access, an office, fruit trees & views.

Denver | $629,900 Gorgeous craftsman featuring fully owned solar panels! This home near Quilted Garden Park offers a kitchen w/slab granite counters & ss appliances, finished basement, 2 car garage w/electric vehicle charging port, hardwoods & plantation shutters.

Denver | $625,000 Sunnyside 3br/4ba home w/open main level floor plan & hardwood floors. Kitchen w/white cabinets, island, quartz counters & built in Bar. Master suite w/en-suite bath/radiant floor. Finished Basement.

Private fenced yard w/a fire-pit slate patio .

Kimberly Austin 303.360.6400 kimberly@anotherjustsold.com | anotherjustsold.com

Kimberly Ryan 303.523.8333 kim@buydenver.net | buydenver.net

Denver | $600,000 2br/2ba condo offers kitchen w/center island, slab granite and stainless appliances, living room w/gas fireplace and formal dining room. Master bedroom w/5-piece bath and walk-in closet.

Thornton | $599,000 3br/3ba on Thorncreek Golf Course features a great room w/fireplace & a wall of windows capturing a breathtaking view.

Open floor plan w/main level master and office w/built-ins. Loft & 2 additional bedrooms upstairs each w/a private bath.

Kelly Baca 303.748.3295 kelly.baca@coloradohomes.com

Linda Gilbert 720.232.1990 linda.gilbert@coloradohomes.com | lindagilberthomes.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Bailey | $569,950 5br/3ba home on over 1.75 acres w/open floor plan and gas fireplace on main level. Kitchen w/granite tile countertops & pantry.

3brs on main level including the master suite w/deck access & dual walk-in closets. Complete w/lower walkout basement.

Boulder | $565,000 4br/4ba end unit townhome w/over 2,000 sqft. of space, hardwood flooring on the main floor, a gas fireplace and living room. Upstairs includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and new carpet. Finished basement occupies a 4th bedroom, a bathroom and storage.

Linda Pinkul 303.956.4068 linda.pinkul@coloradohomes.com

Jim Merrion 303.548.0243 jim@ourcoloradohomes.com

Centennial | $550,000 Beautifully remodeled 4br/3ba home on cul-de-sac. Kitchen w/quartz countertops, stainless appliances and white cabinets.

Spacious family room w/custom built-ins. All bathrooms fully remodeled. Beautiful covered stamped concrete patio in large yard.

Aurora | $549,900 5br/4ba ranch features hardwood flooring, great room w/fireplace, dining room, kitchen w/custom cabinets, slab granite counters, island, breakfast bar, gas cook top & pantry, master w/sitting area, 3-sided gas fireplace & 5-piece bath & finished basement.

Kristine Smith 303.882.9887 kristinesmith.co@gmail.com | kristinesmith.cbintouch.com

Kim Damion 240.620.5811 kimdamion@gmail.com | denverpropertyguide.net

Thornton | $540,000 4br/4ba home w/formal living and dining rooms as well as a family room. Kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, granite counters and pantry. Master suite w/double vanities, soaking tub and walk-in closet. Unfinished basement and large back paver patio.

Broomfield | $525,000 Under contract. Beautifully upgraded 3br/2.5ba w/newly installed hardwood floors & custom plantation shutters. Kitchen has gas cooktop, duel sink, built-in island, canned lighting & granite countertops. Enjoy an office space & unfinished basement.

Garth Criswell 303.669.0252 garth.criswell@devonshirehomes.com

Dan DeBacco 720.955.6111 dan.debacco@coloradohomes.com | debaccorealestate.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Thornton | $522,500 3br/2ba features rich wide plank wood floors, kitchen w/upgraded white cabinets, granite island & ss appliances, master w/bay window, extra-large bath, walk-in shower, dual vanities and tile flooring & walls and a finished garage w/coated floor.

Englewood | $499,000 3br/3ba 2-car garage bungalow offers a living & dining room w/hardwood floors, master w/bath & walk in closet, kitchen w/ss stove, dishwasher & microwave, newer counter tops, exposed brick & patterned flooring & finished basement w/laundry room.

Linda Gilbert 720.232.1990 linda.gilbert@coloradohomes.com | lindagilberthomes.com

Chriss Bond 720.771.7369 chriss.bond@coloradohomes.com

Aurora | $475,000 4br/4ba home w/open floor plan. Living room w/vaulted ceiling.

Family room w/fireplace. Kitchen w/granite countertops, an island, stainless steel appliances and pantry. Master suite w/5-piece bath and walk-in closet. Walkout basement and a backyard.

Denver | Price Upon Request 3br/2ba in Holly Hills has two-toned hardwood floors, living room, dining area & great room w/fireplace w/wood stove insert. The kitchen has all new appliances w/granite counters. The master bedroom has a large closet & bath w/walk-in shower.

Kelly Baca 303.748.3295 kelly.baca@coloradohomes.com

Stephanie Fryncko 303.918.5917 stephanie.fryncko@coloradohomes.com

Denver | $445,000 4br/4ba home w/open floor plan, a family room, fireplace and 1/2 bath. Kitchen w/granite countertops, large island, 42-inch cabinets, stainless steel appliances and double oven. 2nd level w/loft and laundry. Complete w/finished basement.

Denver | $438,800 2br/3ba townhome offers a main level w/front porch and foyer. 2nd level w/open floor plan, dining area, a kitchen w/stainless appliances and powder bath. 3rd level has master bedroom w/walk-in closet and bath, 2nd bedroom, loft and full bath.

Rae Marie Heard 720.234.7918 raemarie.heard@coloradohomes.com

Kimberly Austin 303.360.6400 kimberly@anotherjustsold.com | anotherjustsold.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Lakewood | Price Upon Request 3br/2ba home w/an open concept main floor layout. Kitchen w/granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances & custom backsplash. The covered back patio showcases a fully fenced backyard w/attached storage shed. Complete w/1-car attached garage.

Commerce City | $345,000 2br/2ba home. Living area w/a gas fireplace, an eating space and an open updated kitchen. Upstairs has a master suite w/5-piece bath and a loft. Fenced backyard space has raised garden beds, a patio and a grass area. Complete w/attached 2-car garage.

Stephanie Fryncko 303.918.5917 stephanie.fryncko@coloradohomes.com

Kim Damion 240.620.5811 kimdamion@gmail.com | denverpropertyguide.net

Parker | $280,000 Inviting 2br/2ba condo in Prairie Walk w/one of the larger and desirable floor plans. Bedrooms have walk-in closets and private balconies. Open kitchen, dining and living area. Granite countertops in the kitchen and baths. Cozy family room fireplace.

Thornton | $230,000 2br/1.5ba townhouse in Park North. Great individual use or income property! Engineered wood floors, open kitchen w/counter seating, breakfast nook, tin backsplash & raised ceiling detail. Deeded carport w/additional reserved parking space.

Elizabeth Murphy 303.842.5063 elizabeth@elizabethmurphyre.com

Tasha Carrington 303.618.4237 tasha.carrington@coloradohomes.com | tashacarrington.com

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Arvada | Price Upon Request 1br/1ba townhome w/a galley kitchen and a dining area. Living room w/fireplace and a slider open to a private patio. Upstairs has bedroom w/attached bath. Complete w/attached garage.

As the #1 most-visited residential real estate brand online*, Coldwell Banker® gives your home more exposure to more buyers.

No other real estate company gives you more.

Stephanie Fryncko 303.918.5917 stephanie.fryncko@coloradohomes.com

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CYCLE THE CITY

100 MILES • 85 MILES • 50 MILES • 25 MILES REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE AT DenverCenturyRide.com Discover Denver by bike on this fully-supported urban ride.

S AT U R D AY JUNE 20, 2020

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Erie | $585,000 Stunning Victorian Erie Village 5br/4ba home just steps from the neighborhood park. Covered front porch, open floor plan, delightful kitchen and spacious master suite.

Blackhawk | $575,000 3br/3ba mountain home offers views of Mount Evans & the private valley below. It also features a main floor master bedroom w/a 5-pc bath, dual walk-in closets & private deck access.

Highlands Ranch | $545,000 6br/4ba, 3-car garage, newly painted interior, bay window, living & dining room, family room w/fireplace, finished basement & deck. Upstairs - hardwoods & master w/vaults & 5-piece bath.Â

Brie Fowler 303.882.8672

Elise Waldron 303.250.2771

The Dudley Team 303.356.3947

Erie | $510,000 3br/3ba w/walk-out basement, mountain views, kitchen w/wood floors, ss appliances, tile backsplash & granite. Upstairs loft, laundry room; fresh paint, upgraded light fixtures & fenced yard.

Castle Rock | $490,000 3br/3ba features an office/flex room, formal dining, great room w/vaults, gourmet kitchen w/upgraded counters, ss appliances, backsplash & flooring, 2nd-floor laundry & custom patio.

Thornton | $469,900 4br has hardwood floors, kitchen w/granite, subway tile backsplash, 42â&#x20AC;? cabinets & ss appliances. New carpet, dishwasher & fireplace. Trampoline, swing/play set & solar panels included.

Cindy Montgomery 303.772.7478

Forrest Oldham 720.771.0246

Sarah Schepman 720.308.3295

Castle Rock | $465,000 3br/3ba home w/open floor plan. Living room w/fireplace.

Kitchen w/kitchen island, ss appliances and a pantry. Master bedroom w/attached master bath. Complete w/backyard.

Aurora | $460,000 Updated 4br/4ba home. Kitchen w/eating space, stainless steel appliances and ceramic tile floors. Family room w/fireplace and wet bar. Master suite w/5-piece bath. Finished basement.

Longmont | $445,000 4br/3ba offers a remodeled kitchen w/ss appliances, granite counters & open to family rm w/fireplace. Remodeled master bath w/large shower, honed marble counters & raised sinks.

Hallie Rand 720.810.2931

Kathy Saidy 303.409.6133

Teresa Lomax 303.827.6320

Longmont | $429,000 3br/3ba home w/open floor plan. Living room w/fireplace & windows w/green space views. Upstairs has 3brs & loft area.

Easy access to community trails & no neighbors on 2 sides.

Denver | $415,000 4br/2ba - open floor plan, deck & finished basement. Updates include roof/gutters, 2 bathrooms, KitchenAid ss appliances, AC, pergo flooring, water heater, garage door, int paint & carpet.

Bailey | $409,000 Over 1,700 sqft. of living space in this 3-bedroom, 2 full bathroom log sided home. Completely updated home with all new stainless appliances, flooring and carpeting throughout.

Brad Pickels 720.839.1673

Nita Kolarsick 303.250.8280

Tiffany Lockwood 720.684.7273

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Longmont | $405,000 4br/3ba bi-level offers 2,500+ sqft., an eat-in kitchen, & living room w/fireplace. 2nd fireplace in the family room on the lower level. New roof, gutters & downspouts to be added.

Thornton | $399,500 3br home located in Thornton boasts stunning hardwood floors, kitchen w/ss appliances, dining, living & family room, master w/5-piece bath, new windows, new roof & newer exterior paint.

Erie | $392,000 2br/2ba w/custom closet system, garage floor coating, antique Maple flooring, new carpet, new AC, granite counters, ss appliances, new faucets, light fixtures & W/D and finished attic.

Janie Larson 720.937.2676

Nicole Wolf 303.898.5816

Brie Fowler 303.882.8672

Aurora | $390,000 3br/3ba plus a loft has an open floor plan and features a kitchen w/island and is open to the dining area and family room, a master w/private spa bath & walk in closet, deck & patio.

Boulder | $382,000 2br/1ba end unit w/vaulted ceilings, fireplace and skylight.

Kitchen w/custom shelving and wine rack. Bedroom w/built-in wardrobe. Upstairs loft w/Boulder Reservoir and foothills view.

Denver | $365,000 3br/2.5ba townhome w/hardwood floors, a fireplace and dining room. Kitchen w/lots of storage & newer appliances. Master bedroom w/dual closets & en-suite bath. Complete w/basement.

Sandra Wieber 303.902.6637

Dylan Lario 303.931.3039

Elise Denbow 303.917.8988

Aurora | Price Upon Request 4br/2ba boasts a master w/walk-in closet, family room w/vaulted ceiling, living room w/brick fireplace, bonus storage rooms, shed, modern lighting, new flooring, ss appliances & deck.

Aurora | $359,899 2br/2.5ba 2-story home w/loft in Adonea. Kitchen w/granite-topped island. Hardwood floors on main level. Master suite w/4-piece bathroom and walk-in closet. Sizable, fenced backyard.

Aurora | $359,000 Located in Pheasant Run, this home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas & a huge backyard. Recent updates include a brand-new roof, new countertops & appliances.

Marcus Harris 720.217.8904

Illona Gerlock 303.809.1235

Chase Huddleston 303.585.0895

Thornton | $349,900 3br/2ba home w/office. Living room w/fireplace. Kitchen w/Corian countertops & sink and 42â&#x20AC;? cabinetry. Master bedroom w/walk-in closet & bath. Complete w/a yard & 2-car garage.

Longmont | $329,000 2br/2ba condo offers vaulted ceilings, fireplace, private back deck that backs to green space, rare oversized 2-car garage w/plenty of room for storage & a great front patio area.

Littleton | $325,000 2br/2ba condo is turn-key ready w/mountain views & has new carpet, blinds & windows, fresh paint, loft w/custom built-in shelving plus 1-car attached garage. W/D/refrigerator included.

Cathy Schuster 303.478.6364

Marie Raines 720.334.5337

Sean and Janet Willcox 303.903.5255

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Littleton | $323,000 3br/2ba features a kitchen w/ss appliances & slab granite, renovated baths w/euro-style shower doors, new sinks, vanities & flooring, finished basement w/W/D included & private patio.

Colorado Springs | $315,000 3br/2ba, 2-car garage home has wood flooring throughout & carpet in bedrooms. The master suite has an attached bath & walk-in closet. The fenced back yard has 3 raised flower beds.

Aurora | $300,000 2br/1ba w/2-car garage, screened in patio, newly remodeled bath w/upgraded tile & pedestal sink, new carpet, newer wood-laminate flooring in kitchen, newer roof & recently painted.

Jessica Drummond 720.788.4599

Kim Gibson 719.433.0650

Jennifer Oldham 720.234.3863

Denver | $286,474 3br/2ba home in Green Valley Ranch. Main floor open layout w/stunning natural light. 2nd floor w/the bedrooms, laundry room and spacious loft. Complete w/a backyard and a 2-car garage.

Evergreen | $275,000 Methamphetamine contamination home exceeding Colorado state levels. Selling strictly "AS IS". City water, septic, driveway, gas, cable & electricity in. www.5076CamelHeightsRd.com

Colorado Springs | $275,000 3br/1ba, 2-car garage w/partially finished full walk-out basement plumbed for 2nd bath. Main level has vaulted ceiling, custom-built bookcase w/ladder, wood-laminate & tile flooring.

Diana Rodriguez 303.847.6293

Josette Montgomery 303.901.8027

Jennifer Zurzolo 720.315.5497

Denver | Price Upon Request 2br/2ba condo. Kitchen w/newer stainless steel appliances. Baths have been updated. Master suite w/walk-in closet & access to the lanai. Complete w/reserved parking in secure garage.

Denver | $260,000 2br/2ba home w/open floor plan. Kitchen w/stainless steel appliances and a granite island. Master bedroom w/walk-in closet & bath. Complete w/lanai & underground parking space.

Arvada | $240,000 2br/2ba condo faces a park & features new flooring, new paint, new light fixtures, new appliances, open floorplan, master bedroom w/an attached bath & walk-in closet & fireplace.

Marcyndah Cosner 303.881.1876

Tom Dackonish 720.670.7284

Sandra Wieber 303.902.6637

Colorado Springs | Price Upon Request Charming 3br/1ba ranch minutes away from Ft. Carson.

This home has a 2-car garage. The large lot provides space for trailer parking. Move-in ready w/all appliances included.

Denver | $198,500 Light and bright 2br/1ba South East Denver condo in Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Run. Open living room offers vaulted ceilings, a skylight and a wood burning fireplace. Condo is complete with a large deck.

Aurora | $170,000 This upgraded unit features a kitchen w/pantry & newer white appliances, new flooring throughout the living room & kitchen area, living room w/gas fireplace & covered outdoor patio.

Matt Coty 303.524.2986

Sally Van Teylingen 303.395.5121

Cherie Wahl 303.507.5455

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CINEMATIC STRAINS

Contrary to popular opinion, there are plenty of active ways to celebrate 4/20—a heady run on the Cherry Creek Trail, perhaps, or an enhanced stroll through the Denver Art Museum. But if you just want to relax this holiday season, a classic coupling might be in order. That’s why we asked local budtenders to recommend strains complementary to six very different flicks; see you on the 21st. —ANGELA UFHEIL

THE BIG LEBOWSKI

BRIDESMAIDS

The quintessential stoner movie calls for the godfather of hybrids: OG Kush. Says Dayne Garcia, assistant manager at Pure Marijuana Dispensary’s Bannock Street location: “It helps you settle into the couch but also keeps your head in the game”—allowing you to stay abreast of Walter, Maude, and why the Dude has to stay the hell out of Malibu.

If “Help me, I’m poor” is part of your lexicon, you’ve seen this 2011 comedy a few too many times. Add extra slapstick to your fifth— fine, 15th—viewing with the pine-forward Girl Scout Cookies hybrid, says Native Roots Highland store manager Daniel McBeth. “It makes you a bit chattier.” That means quoting along is even more satisfying.

168 5 2 8 0

APRIL 2020

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION “Gorilla Glue can kind of plug you in and amplify emotions that you’re already feeling,” Max Pelli, general manager at Kind Love, says. In other words: Prepare to experience intense despair when Andy Dufresne is sentenced—and giddy elation when Warden Norton reveals what Raquel Welch has been hiding.

INCEPTION

PLANET EARTH

STAR WARS

To get in the right head space for Christopher Nolan’s ultimate “bro… whaaaaaat?” film, you may want to try Glue Ball, a favorite of artists. “It’s a nice hybrid, indica-leaning strain that will keep you focused and thinking,” Garcia says. Hopefully this time, you’ll actually understand what in the world is going on.

The BBC docuseries is a study in pacing—a rabbit hopping through the rustling grass (cute!) is interrupted by a springing cougar (run!).

So McBeth suggests smoking Lavender Jones before pressing play. “It’s relaxing and doesn’t make you too sleepy,” McBeth says, “so you can still pay attention when multiple things start happening on the screen.”

Head to a galaxy far, far away with the aptly named Wookies strain. “It’s a hybrid, so you’ll have a cerebral high,” Pelli says.

“But it’s got enough mental stimulation to let you appreciate the cinematic grandeur.”

Read: You’re high enough to flip out over lightsaber battles but still sharp enough to complain about The Rise of Skywalker.

Photo illustration by Sean Parsons; Getty Images (hand with remote, television, smoke); World History Archive/Alamy Stock Photo (The Shawshank Redemption); SilverScreen/Alamy Stock Photo (The Big Lebowski); Photo 12/Alamy Stock Photo (Bridesmaids); Allstar Picture Library/Alamy Stock Photo (Inception); CBW/Alamy Stock Photo (Planet Earth); BFA/Alamy Stock Photo (Star Wars).

BACKSTORY

MARCH 15 –JUNE 7

IMAGES (Top to Bottom): Winslow Homer, Undertow (detail), 1886. Oil on canvas; 29 13⁄16 × 47 5⁄8 in. Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts: Acquired by Sterling and

Francine Clark, 1924, 1955.4. Image courtesy clarkart.edu | Frederic Remington, The Stampede (detail), 1908. Oil on canvas; 261⁄2 × 393⁄8 in. Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, Oklahoma, GM 01.2329.

Natural Forces: Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington is organized by the Denver Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Portland Museum of Art, Maine. The national tour sponsorship is generously provided by Bank of America. Additional funding is provided by the Thomas and Beatrice Taplin Fund, the Johnson Foundation of the Rockies, the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, Robert and Carolyn Barnett, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine, CBS4, Comcast Spotlight, and The Denver Post.

N AT I O N A L T O U R S P O N S O R