5280 Magazine October 2019 by 5280magazine

2Be5st

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT THE GRIZZLY ROSE PAGE 94

10 YEARS ON: THE BALLOON BOY MYSTERY—SOLVED BY ROBERT SANCHEZ

INSIDE COLORADO’S FLOURISHING HEMP INDUSTRY PAGE 104

THE DENVER MAGAZINE

Restaurants Dig Into The Delicious Dining Scene In Denver—And Beyond! PA G E 8 2

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9 | 5280.com

Q House

Denver | Cherry Creek Shopping Center 303.333.4446

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1 6 0 0 B R O A D W A Y, D E N V E R , S U I T E 1 9 2 0

To get the best result, COMPLEX CASES REQUIRE EXPERIENCED LAWYERS. IT ONLY TOOK 1.7 SECONDS. The Ford Taurus was northbound at 65 mph. It lost control, crossed the median, ejected its driver, became airborne, then crashed into the windshield of a southbound HVAC service van. The impact instantly killed the van driver and injured his co-worker in the passenger seat. First responders smelled alcohol on the breath of the Taurus driver. Her blood test result was positive for alcohol. Felony charges were filed against her alleging careless driving causing death—aggravated by DUI. The wrongful death case on behalf of the family of the van driver would appear simple and straightforward. Make a claim. Settle it quickly. Case closed. However, to get the best outcome for our clients, the van driver’s widow and their 2-month old baby, would be complicated and time-consuming. The case required five different legal proceedings to get top dollar for the family. CASE #1 – Uninsured motorist coverage. The at-fault driver was uninsured. Our investigation determined, however, that the service van was owned by and, therefore, covered by the HVAC company’s $1 Million uninsured motorist (“UM”) policy. UM coverage is insurance you buy in case an un- or under-insured driver runs into you. The statute and insurance explanation can be viewed on Colorado.gov—just search for “UM/UIM coverage.” In this case, the passenger of the van was also injured. The UM insurer, therefore, deposited its policy proceeds with the court. It filed a case (legal term: “interpleader”) so that a court could decide how to divide the money between the widow for the death of her husband and the passenger for his injuries. The widow and her baby received most of the money. This led to CASE #2, probate proceedings to approve and apportion the UM settlement. CASE #3 – The Colorado Victims’ Rights Act (VRA) ensures that crime victims are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and that they have notice and the right to attend any hearings at the critical stages of the criminal case. Victims also have the right to submit a victim impact

statement at the time of sentencing. In this case, we attended hearings with our client and worked in cooperation with the victim rights advocate assigned to the case. The statute and applicable forms can also be viewed on the Colorado.gov site—just search for “Victim Rights Act.” CASE #4 – Workers Compensation Case, Benefit Penalty. Employees who are injured or killed on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as a matter of law. However, if the injury or death is allegedly the result of the employee failing to follow a safety regulation, then the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier can reduce the benefits it owes by 50%. Because our van driver was unbuckled from his seat belt at the moment of the collision, the workers’ compensation carrier petitioned to reduce the widow’s support benefits by half. The evidence, however, persuaded the carrier that belted or not, no one could have survived the impact from the Taurus. The penalty claim was dropped. We settled the compensation claim for the widow and baby for a lump sum plus structured settlements. Colorado.gov, search for “workers compensation benefits/ penalty.” CASE #5 – Lawsuit and judgment against the at-fault driver. In the end, we decided that we needed to finalize any claim against the at-fault driver. The van driver was the primary breadwinner and source of support for his wife and his baby. They were a young family, and he had a long work life ahead of him. We filed a complaint against the at-fault driver and took a default judgment against her for $2,282,005.00. The judge found the conduct of the at-fault driver was a basis to exceed the caps on wrongful death damages and to bar discharge in bankruptcy. Complicated cases require experienced lawyers to get the top dollar/best result.

Jim Chalat

Attorney/Partner

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Features

OCTOBER 2019

25 BEST RESTAURANTS Whether it’s for the food,

the drinks, the vibe, or the mission behind it all—these are the spots we’re obsessed with right now. Dig in. BY DENISE MICKELSEN

THE LAST HONKY-TONK It’s been 30 years since the

Grizzly Rose was born amid a boom of urban country music venues. Today the beloved institution stands as the last true country music hall in town. We take you inside. BY KASEY CORDELL

104

HEMPOLOGY Coloradans may have Ph.D.s

in THC, but many aspects of the nonintoxicating version of the world’s most controversial plant remain mysterious. Here, our guide to the legally confusing, scientifically dubious, potentially lucrative world of hemp. BY LINDSEY B. KING

116

the country was captivated by a bizarre spectacle in Fort Collins that became colloquially known as the Balloon Boy Hoax. We unearth the truth behind that day—and all the days since. BY ROBERT SANCHEZ

| 5280 | OCTOBER 20 19

Benjamin Rasmussen

UP IN THE AIR A decade ago this month,

Depts.

26 DIALOGUE

28 BEHIND THE STORIES

31 COMPASS

behind a Lafayette stand-up comedian’s award-winning material...Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend comes to the Mile High City...and a spuds-centric celebration in Carbondale.

How a local data-crunching company helped the Denver Nuggets reach the playoffs... when the sinkhole on U.S. 36 might finally be fixed...a Colorado Springs desegregation pioneer will be memorialized with a statue there...three more black women who deserve sculptures in Colorado...and a Q&A with the Denver hosts of a podcast about making (and keeping) friends as adults.

39 ADVENTURE

55 EAT & DRINK The Women’s Bean Project gives work experience to chronically unemployed women and makes delicious snacks...enjoy fare from immigrant chefs at Aurora’s Mango House...and why one of Snooze’s founders ran off to Italy to make wine (plus, where you can taste it).

The story behind a local flytying legend...your guide to the 71-mile High Line Canal Trail...a new festival commemorates Ridgway’s status as the set of the original True Grit film...and a small company in Leadville is making the Beanie Babies of the outdoor-wear world.

60 RESTAURANT REVIEW New Haven–style pizzas and nearly perfect pastas make White Pie a casualdining destination.

47 CULTURE

68 GREAT OUTDOORS

A northwest Denver shop crafts eerie dioramas using succulents and bones...Andean Venezuelan chef Andrea Murdoch’s favorite Colorado places to connect to her indigenous roots...the inspirations

BY SCOTT MOWBRAY

COLUMN Located just east of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, across the Colorado River, Lockhart Basin is a fourwheeling paradise. Buckle up for the ride of your life.

BY KELLY BASTONE

48 LISTINGS

122 CALENDAR

This month’s can’t-miss events.

132 DINING GUIDE

Where to eat in and around town.

BACKSTORY

ON THE COVER Photograph by Matt Nager Shot on location at Q House

196 HOUSE OF

HORRORS Five things only Coloradans fear going bump in the night.

5280 (ISSN 10826815) is published monthly by 5280 Publishing, Inc., 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202. Subscriptions are $19 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, and COLORADO PARENT. © 2019 5280 Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clockwise from top right: Sarah Boyum (2); Courtesy of Lori Kiplinger Pandy; Randy Langstraat; Sarah Boyum

52 80

The future is bright,

EVEN WHEN FAMILY IS COMPLICATED

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Geoff Van Dyke DEPUTY EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

Lindsey B. King

David McKenna EDITORIAL

FEATURES EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

Kasey Cordell

Jessica LaRusso

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

Patricia Kaowthumrong RESEARCH EDITOR

Kim Habicht FASHION EDITOR

Georgia Alexia Benjou CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Julie Dugdale, Daliah Singer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Bastone, Scott Mowbray EDITORIAL INTERNS

Chloe Barrett, Kaiti Kinshella, Marissa Kozma, Lily Oâ€™Neill, Keegan Pope, Meredith Sell, Chaney Skilling, Marissa Vonesh D I G I TA L DIGITAL EDITOR

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Victoria Carodine

We are uniquely positioned to address the most complicated tax, trust, real estate, and corporate issues affecting your family. PREMARITAL, MARITAL AND COHABITATION AGREEMENTS SEPARATION AND DIVORCE / PATERNITY SPOUSAL AND CHILD SUPPORT CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION ARRANGEMENTS ADOPTION / COMPLEX FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS ASSET VALUATION AND PROTECTION

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Amanda Croy, Sean Parsons ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Boyum CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Michael Byers, Matthew DeFeo, Michael Hirshon, Paul Miller, Dave Murray, Matt Nager, Jimena Peck, Benjamin Rasmussen, David Williams, Marta Zafra

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FLAVORS AS RICH AS THE HISTORY THAT INSPIRED THEM. In Santa Fe, every bite you take will give you a true taste of the city and the history that made it what it is today. Because flavor isn’t just meant to be enjoyed, it’s meant to be experienced. It’s just one of the things that makes The City Different, but there’s still much more waiting to be uncovered. Uncover your different at SantaFe.org

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SUBSCRIPTIONS A one-year subscription to 5280 costs $19 for 12 issues. A two-year subscription costs $34. Special corporate and group rates are available; call 303-832-5280 for details. To start a new subscription, to renew an existing subscription, or to change your address, call 1-866-271-5280 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or send an email to circulation@5280.com. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, CALENDAR & DINING GUIDE Letters to the Editor must include your name, address (both of which can be withheld upon request), and a daytime phone number. Letters may be submitted via regular mail, fax (303-832-0470), or email (letters@5280.com). Calendar events should include a basic description of the event; its time, date, place, and cost; and a phone number that readers may call for more information. Send calendar submissions to events@5280.com. To have a restaurant considered for our Dining Guide, contact us by phone or email (dining@5280.com) to receive a submission form. We also encourage you to contact us if your experience at a restaurant differs significantly from our listing. Information for these sections should be submitted at least six weeks before the issue’s cover date. WRITER’S GUIDELINES Writer’s guidelines can be found online at 5280.com/writers-guidelines. To suggest a story idea, email us at news@5280.com.

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DEE | KEVIN | MATT

Dialog ue

contributing to a rash of traffic fatalities that are up over 50 percent since 2018 alone. Against this backdrop of inadequate infrastructure and unsafe driving, Denver, with

[ F R O M T H E E D I T O RI A L D I R E C T O R ]

Growing Green

its famed 300 days of sunshine, can only claim 0.88 percent of its commuters travel by bicycle. Engage-

s we head toward another volatile election year and talk of a global economic slowdown becomes more prevalent, there’s a burgeoning industry in Colorado that—at least for now—appears to be immune not only to shortsighted partisanship, but also to the whims of the markets. If the first so-called green rush happened after the legalization of medical marijuana and the second came after the legalization of recreational weed, one could dub the recent explosion of the hemp business in the Centennial State green rush number three. Hemp, the nonintoxicating cannabis sibling of marijuana, may have been legalized in a 2018 federal farm bill, but the DEA still considers cannabis compounds, such as THC and CBD, Schedule I substances. That legal gray area hasn’t stopped legions of Coloradans from entering a sector they believe could bring hemp’s alleged health benefits to consumers—and a different kind of green to their bank accounts. They might be right: Experts say estimates putting the industry at $2.6 billion nationwide by 2022 are wildly conservative. To learn more, deputy editor Lindsey B. King immersed herself in the complexities of hemp and, after her initial reporting, wondered if she’d be able to demystify the business. “The policies, regulations, and definitions concerning hemp aren’t just confusing and contradictory,” King says. “They’re also constantly evolving. The industry is being born as we speak.” After wading through the murk, King produced “Hempology” (page 104), a breakdown of the Colorado hemp biz that will help you understand both the economic impact of this budding sector and what may—or may not—be in those CBD “sleep” gummies you’ve been swallowing before you tuck yourself in each night. GEOFF VAN DYKE SPE LIM ED IT

D EE SP MIT LI

“WILL LOWER SPEED LIMITS ACTUALLY PREVENT TRAFFIC DEATHS IN DENVER?” August 19, 2019

Mayor Michael Hancock’s plan to reduce speed limits in Denver by five mph in response to the deaths of two cyclists elicited a range of responses from readers. “No,” Scott Zillion

wrote, “they just need to make bike lanes.”

@BlockDTrump put the onus on pedestrians: “They

| 5280 | OCTOBER 2019

need to start ticketing jaywalkers.” And Gustave Radcliffe wondered why the Mile High City’s corporate community hasn’t taken a firmer stance on the issue: “As

a frequent bike commuter, I find Denver outdoor business behemoths such as Outdoor Retailer, VF Corp, Ikon, and Vail Resorts are surprisingly absent from the conversation. Concern

for environmentalism and climate change have become common talking points for them and

their sponsored athletes, yet in the local fight to foster transportation alternatives to cars they are virtually silent. Denver has a major emissions issue that has resulted in the Environmental Protection Agency declaring it a ‘serious’ violator of the Clean Air Act. From 2011 to 2015, Denver funded only $2.8 million of its $119 million planned bicycle network. At current spending rates, the network won’t be complete until 18 years from now. Worse, enforcement of safe driving laws like speeding and red light running has fallen 45 percent over the last decade,

ment from the outdoor industry via strong public statements in support of car alternatives might be the push that makes Denver actually treat this like a mainstream issue.”

“WHAT WOULD LANDMARK DESIGNATION MEAN FOR TOM’S DINER?” August 13, 2019

“THAT PERFECT CORDUROY MAKES ME SMILE.” Bill Ferguson, dreaming of ski season after reading “A Complete List of Every Mountain Vail Resorts Has Ever Purchased,” which 5280.com published on August 15

In the fiery debate over the future of this longtime East Colfax Avenue staple, 5280. com readers took the side of owner Tom Messina, who wanted to sell the building to a developer. “This place

might be ‘legendary,’ but it is not a historic landmark,” Chris P.

Johnson wrote. “The building is ugly AF.” Pamela Kline concurred: “I think this is more about trying to prevent development than preserving history.... I hope Tom prevails,” she wrote. Messina got his way in August after a local group withdrew its landmark application. CONTACT 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).

Clockwise from top left: Sarah Boyum; Courtesy of Vail Resorts; Getty Images (2)

52 80

Media Sponsor

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Behind The Stories

Things In This Month’s Issue That Took Longer Than They Should Have

DENISE MICKELSEN Food Editor

BENJAMIN RASMUSSEN Photographer

Denver lensman Benjamin Rasmussen lives just five minutes from the Grizzly Rose, a 30-year-old gathering place for the city’s two-stepping community. But he’d never passed through its cherry red doors until 5280 asked him to photograph the venue for “The Last Honky-Tonk” (page 94). “I was surprised,” Rasmussen says. “The crowd isn’t a bunch of hipsters who think it’s quaint or ironic. Some of the patrons have been going for decades.” To capture a feeling of intimacy, Rasmussen shot simple portraits of longtime Grizzly Rosers alongside high-energy photos of dancing couples and mechanical bull riders. “It’s about making quiet images in frenetic settings,” he says. Rasmussen’s work has also appeared in Vanity Fair and Time.

| 5280 | OCTOBER 2 019

When food editor Denise Mickelsen began planning this year’s “25 Best Restaurants” (page 82) package, she wanted it to feel different. After all, the list itself went through quite a shake-up this year, with almost half of the spots included making their debuts or returning after some time off the roster. “I wanted to tell the stories of these incredible restaurants in unique ways,” Mickelsen says, “by highlighting what I’m most in love with at each spot: the food, the drinks, the ambience, or even the mission behind it.” That’s why you’ll find casual Super Mega Bien and social enterprise Comal on the list next to fine-dining powerhouse Frasca Food and Wine, all presented in a fresh new format that honors the Front Range’s dynamic dining scene.

DAVID WILLIAMS Photographer

On October 15, 2009, a homemade heliumfilled balloon lifted into the air above Fort Collins. The inventor, Richard Heene, said he feared his son might be trapped aboard, creating a panic so well covered by the media that photographer David Williams heard about the incident from Antarctica’s McMurdo Station, where he was on assignment. Ten years later, Brooklynbased Williams got a lot closer to the family at the center of the Balloon Boy story when he photographed them at their New Hampton, New York, home for “Up In The Air” (page 116). A little too close, perhaps: “The family has an intimidating dog,” he says. “I was told to bring a bone to help him warm up to me. Best advice I’ve gotten before a shoot.” Williams’ photos have recently appeared in the New Yorker and GQ.

EDUCATIONAL ENDURANCE

“WHEN MY PHYSICAL THERAPIST TOLD ME SOMEONE ASKED ABOUT HIS ‘MELLY’ IN NASHVILLE, I KNEW WE WERE ONTO SOMETHING.” —Senior editor Spencer Campbell on Melanzana, the Leadville store with a national cult following (“The Golden Fleece,” page 44)

Years after her initial application, Ruth Denny (“On A Pedestal,” page 34) was finally hired at Gilpin Elementary School. “It’s crazy that she had to wait nearly a decade,” says research editor Kim Habicht. “She’d even worked as a teacher in St. Louis beforehand.”

WILD BIRD CHASE

It took three 5280 staffers two hours and 3.5 miles of walking to photograph a ceramic-bird-adorned tree along the High Line Canal Trail (“The Long And Short Of It,” page 40). “We paced a half-mile stretch but just didn’t see it,” says photo editor Sarah Boyum. “Turns out the mile markers were out of date.”

LATE TO THE PARTY

Deputy editor Lindsey B. King finally gave in to the CBD craze and tried two forms during her research for “Hempology” (page 104): a topical salve and full-extract “sleep” gummies. “I liked them both,” King says, “but I think I’m one of those folks who needs a lower dose. I felt a little nauseated with the recommended milligrams.”

Sarah Boyum; Illustrations by Michael Hirshon

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FIRST PLACE 2019

Four statue-worthy achievements by Colorado women of color. PAGE 34

Compass CRUNCHING THE NUGGETS

After helping the Nuggets reach the playoffs, Boulder’s Fusion Sport looks to join the military.

From top: Courtesy of Lori Kiplinger Pandy; Photo illustration by Sean Parsons. Source photo: Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images (Jamal Murray)

Two years ago, the Denver Nuggets’ training staff was struggling with an influx of data. An explosion of technology—all those wearables and apps—had produced a bevy of numbers about players’ performances. However, sprint-speed information gathered by one app was uploaded to an Excel spreadsheet, while the wearable that tracked heart rate only sent figures to a specific website. Having to toggle between various databases made it challenging to get everyone on the same page to make informed decisions about athletes’ health.

OCTOBER 20 19 |

5280 | 31

TRENDING

Fusion Sport’s Smartspeed timing gates

in the

AIR

That changed in 2018 when the Nuggets began using Smartabase full time. A software program created by Australian analytics company Fusion Sport—which has its North American headquarters in Boulder—Smartabase takes statistics about players’ fitness and well-being from a variety of sources and compiles them into a single platform. That allows the Nuggets, who begin their season on October 23, to make better decisions about, say, whether to dial back a player’s workout intensity to prevent injury. “It helps us find trends that bring meaning to a lot of information,” says Matthew Tuttle, a physical therapist on Denver’s training staff. Fusion Sport owes much of its success to good timing. In 2003, Markus Deutsch, an exercise physiologist in New Zealand, developed a system of gates that tracked sprint speed much more accurately than a stopwatch. As training centers and teams, including the New Zealand national rugby squad, implemented his device along with other similar data-gathering equipment, Deutsch saw the resulting numbers explosion create an information pileup. He stepped in as traffic cop. Deutsch and a former classmate, Joe Cole, launched Smartabase nine years ago. Today’s version can aggregate outputs from more than 100 pieces of technology, from Garmin watches to Omegawave heart rate bands. (But it won’t make sense of your personal Fitbit. The company doesn’t license the software to individuals—only organizations.) Smartabase doesn’t reach conclusions, though. Rather, each client decides how it wants to view and compare data. The Nuggets, for example, are particularly concerned with workload: The franchise tries to pinpoint the criteria that cause execution to diminish as well as what types of therapy help athletes play better, longer. The Nuggets aren’t the only team unlocking performance secrets with Smartabase. More than 200 organizations—including the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Australian Institute of Sport—in 15 countries use the service. To drum up even more business, the company opened its Boulder office in 2018. From there, Fusion believes it’s well-positioned to court a potential new customer: the U.S. armed forces. Troops at Fort Carson are already participating in a pilot program to see how Smartabase can help measure markers such as endurance and anxiety control. By doing so, the Army believes its soldiers should be better prepared to perform when it really matters. —SHANE MONAGHAN

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The Nuggets’ regular-season record after the team began using Smartabase full time

That more Monet doesn’t always mean more problems. Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature, an exhibit featuring paintings from the artist, visits the Denver Art Museum from October 21 to February 2.

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s assurance that the sinkhole on U.S. 36 near Westminster should be fixed this month.

Your favorite Pepsi Center moments. The home of the Avalanche and Nuggets turns 20 on October 1. (Our hearts are still going on about the facility’s first show, a Celine Dion concert.)

How at least applying to colleges is getting cheaper. The Colorado Department of Higher Education and local universities will waive application fees for in-state students on October 15.

Courtesy of Fusion Sport (Fusion Sport); Courtesy of Denver Art Museum, Frederic C. Hamilton Collection (“Fishing Boats” by Claude Monet); Andriy Kravchenko/Alamy Stock Photo (Pepsi Center); Getty Images (frame, traffic cone, money)

Continued

100-64

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HISTORY

ONE FOR THE BOOKS While working at a Five Points library in the 1930s, Pauline Short Robinson noticed it lacked books about African American heritage. To fix the issue, she baked and sold 100 pies, raising $40 to start a collection. Despite that success, a Denver Library staffer said the institution would never hire a black woman as a librarian. Robinson proved the naysayer wrong in 1943.

On A Pedestal

A prototype of artist Lori Pandy’s Fannie Mae Duncan sculpture, which will be unveiled on October 26

One of the women who helped desegregate Colorado is (finally) getting the statue she deserves. We think this trio should be next in line for enshrinement.

hen Fannie Mae Duncan (pictured) opened the Cotton Club’s doors in the early 1950s, she wanted to bring top-notch entertainment to Colorado Springs. She succeeded—the venue often hosted musicians such as Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington before it closed in 1975—but it was her “everyone welcome” policy, inviting both black and white audiences to shows in an otherwise segregated community, that transformed the city. Duncan will be memorialized as a catalyst for peaceful integration in Colorado Springs on October 26, when Fort Collins sculptor Lori Pandy unveils a life-size bronze likeness of Duncan (complete with her signature four-inch heels) in front of the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. As the city’s first statue of an African American woman, the sculpture underscores another issue: Only 10 percent of outdoor historical statues in the United States depict women, and even fewer commemorate women of color. If Colorado would like to begin to even those numbers out, we’d suggest starting with these three local pioneers of integration. —KIM HABICHT

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TEACHING TOLERANCE Gladys Bates’ contributions to racial equality began in Mississippi, where, in 1948, she sued the state for salary discrimination against black teachers. Her justice-driven principles followed her to Denver: As a teacher at Baker Junior High School, Bates wrote the school’s first curriculum for African American history, and when she was assistant principal of Place Junior High, she organized dances to encourage white and black students to mingle.

Clockwise from top left: Courtesy of Special Collections, Pikes Peak Library District, 412-4; Denver Public Library/Western History Collection; Lyn Alweis/the Denver Post via Getty Images; John Epperson/the Denver Post via Getty Images; Courtesy of Lori Kiplinger Pandy

RIGHT TO WORK In 1951, Denver Public Schools told Ruth Denny she was too fat and hairy to be hired. She knew the real reason was the color of her skin and started Denver’s Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) chapter, often hosting group meetings in her living room. In 1962, CORE boycotted and picketed local grocery stores, such as King Soopers, for weeks, successfully persuading the companies to hire African Americans.

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Q&A

From left: Erin Linehan, Amy Moore, and Anna Newell Jones at Thump Coffee on East 13th Avenue

versation, too. It’s like there’s this feeling of, I’m connected all the time. How am I lonely? Amy: The honesty and authenticity of the interactions isn’t there. How do you improve that quality? Anna: I think it takes practice. You have to work on becoming more comfortable with yourself and showing as close to your true self as possible. Erin: Be vulnerable. That sometimes helps the other person relax into it.

A new podcast from three Denver women unpacks the nuances of adult friendship.

here’s something strange about our 30s: Careers often thrive, the kids always grow, but our friendships? They sometimes dwindle. Ask Denverites Amy Moore, Anna Newell Jones, and Erin Linehan, however, and they’ll say relationships don’t have to disappear. In order to stay connected, the trio has had coffee together every Wednesday at 6 a.m.—the only time all three are free—since 2016. After three years, they realized an audience could benefit from their advice, and with the help of House of Pod, a podcast studio and co-working space in Denver, they released the first episode of Less Alone: A Podcast About Connection in June. It quickly won top honors at the Outlier Podcast Festival in July and has garnered 9,500 downloads as of press time. In advance of an October meet and greet, 5280 joined the women to talk about authenticity, vulnerability, and how transplants can avoid loneliness. —SARAH PROTZMAN HOWLETT

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S AV E T H E D AT E Meet the hosts of Less Alone at a live episode recording on October 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at House of Pod.

the first person who actually showed up that early.

Anna: I thought a book club sounded like a good way to get together with people more often. Amy was one of the only people to come. We knew one another through mutual friends.

Erin: I was stoked when Amy asked me to join. I loved that we talked about all sorts of things: ideas, personal struggles, business, vacations, dreams, etc. I felt connected and supported.

Amy: I genuinely wanted to hang out with Anna more, though!

Why do you think connecting is so difficult during your 30s?

Anna: As it turns out, 6 a.m. is not a popular book club time, because after a while it was just the two of us. We’d end up just chatting rather than discussing the book, so we decided to scratch the reading.

Erin: As we age, some people get married, some have kids, some are focused on their careers. If you’re not connecting on a core level—and if you’re no longer in the same life stage—friendships can fade.

Amy: I met Erin through a friend of a friend, and somehow we started talking about the coffee meetings. I told her she should come. She wasn’t the first person we invited, but she is

Amy: Communities help you feel connected, but then if you go through a divorce or a separation, you can wind up out of that group. Anna: Digital can’t help but be part of this con-

Denver is known for being transplant central. What advice do you have for people new to town who are looking for friends? Anna: It sounds so simple, but eye contact and smiling can make a huge difference in how others perceive you. Take people up on invites. Ask people questions, be curious, use their names. Erin: The biggest thing I’ve noticed in our city is that people connect through activity. People are just as likely to go on a trail run or a hike as they are to meet you for a happy hour or dinner. Find an activity you love or want to try, then join a group of like-minded people and get out and engage. Anna: The more you can do that, the more you’ll be a magnet for others like you.

From top: Matthew DeFeo; Getty Images

Coffee Talk

5280: How did the early morning coffee meetings start?

Anna: I think the reciprocal thing is so huge. Making sure you’re giving as much as you’re taking.

BRUNCH

•

LUNCH

•

DINNER

CHERRY CREEK

OCTOBER 21-25 | 5:30-9:30 P.M.

Join us as the Gardens dresses up for Halloween with luminaria-lined pathways, spooky lighting displays and hundreds of carved, glowing gourds!

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A John Wayne look-alike contest and five other reasons to visit Ridgway this month. PAGE 4 2

Adventure

PictureLux/The Hollywood Archive/Alamy Stock Photo (top)

A Rubber Leg Stimulator fly made by Charlie Craven

TYING ONE ON

When he was seven, Charlie Craven lost all of his father’s fishing tackle during a single day of staggeringly wayward casts. The elder Craven punished young Charlie by buying him a fly-tying kit and telling him to replace the equipment. Thus began the career of “maybe the most versatile, productive tier ever,” according to Dave Student, a fly specialist at Louisville’s Umpqua Feather Merchants, the Nike of fly sellers. Craven got his first job tying in middle school, and the Northglenn native started inventing his own designs while working as a fishing guide in college. His creations often repurpose materials in surprising ways. For example, Craven mimicked the ribs of a midge fly—a favorite autumn snack of lake-dwelling trout—with Super Hair, a crinkled nylon filament mostly used to snag saltwater fish. He sold his first tie to Umpqua at the age of 28, and in the 20 years since, he’s created a bevy of originals (many with evocative names, such as the Dirty Hippy). Craven even opened his own Arvada shop, Charlie’s Fly Box, in 2004—proving that sometimes punishment can be its own reward. —KAITLYN KINSHELLA P H O T O G R A P H BY S A R A H B OY U M

OCTOBER 2 019 |

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OUTDOORS

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

At 71 miles, the High Line Canal Trail is one of the country’s longest urban paths—and maybe the most complicated. It links 11 boroughs between Waterton Canyon and Aurora and is maintained by seven agencies. To make the trail more accessible, the nonprofit High Line Canal Conservancy released a guidebook last month that contains mile-by-mile tips, facts, and history. No time to study all 238 pages? Relax: We gave it a read to learn what you need to know before you stroll (or run or bike). —ANGELA UFHEIL

If you plan to traverse the entire trail, you’ll have to wait till 2022. Miles 69 through 71 will be closed for the next three years while Aurora Parks, Recreation, and Open Space builds a new park. Visit highlinecanal.org for closure updates and detour suggestions.

Around mile 29, spot the colorful cluster of ceramic birds placed in a cottonwood tree by an unknown artist.

See one of Colorado’s last round barns—a remnant from 1902—at the Delaney Farm Historic District near mile 55. Denver Urban Gardens runs a community garden on three acres of the land and partners with Denver nonprofit Project Worthmore to employ refugees.

Fall is the best time to eat plums from the once-farmed, nowwild fruit trees that line the canal from mile 14 to 34. (The downside to this section? Goat head thorns. Keep a patch kit handy in case one punctures your bike tire.)

After witnessing the Sand Creek Massacre, Cavalry Private Amos C. Miksch testified to the attack’s brutality. The Miksch-Helmer Cabin, which he later built on 160 acres of land, still stands close to mile three near Chatfield State Park.

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Completed in 1883, the High Line Canal was first used for irrigation. Unfortunately, water never flowed well through the poorly designed, leaky trench. Next year, Denver Water will begin using the High Line for stormwater management. That means Coloradans walking by Mamie D. Eisenhower Park, the first area to undergo the change, will hopefully notice a richer ecosystem thanks to more H20 in the canal. The conservancy also predicts the switch could reduce mosquitoes: Better flow discourages egg laying.

Clockwise from top right: Getty Images; Courtesy of Carol Smith; Courtesy of Jill Kaplan; Courtesy of Douglas County; Getty Images; Sarah Boyum; Getty Images

The conservancy’s strategy to preserve the trail includes updating the mile markers, a project that will be completed in 2020. (Mileages on this page reflect current mile markers.) Plus, all future improvements must meet ADA guidelines when possible. For example, a planned underpass will make crossing Hampden Avenue easier, and much of the trail will be repaved with concrete by 2022.

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Western Classic

Ridgway’s new festival celebrates the town’s starring role in True Grit—and offers a good excuse to explore the Western Slope town’s creative district and the nearby San Juan mountains. —LAUREN PUCKETT

RIDGWAY OLD WEST FEST

Fifty years ago, Hollywood transformed Ridgway into the set of the original True Grit film, leaving a mark so distinct the town may as well have been branded: Guides still lead cinephiles past Rooster Cogburn’s home and Judge Parker’s three-man gallows. This first-time celebration (October 11 to 13) adds other delights for fans, such as a Q&A session with set painter Don DeJulio and performances by crooner Debby Campbell, the daughter of country legend and True Grit star Glen Campbell. For a truly immersive experience, don’t forget to pack an eye patch for the John Wayne look-alike competition. Free, ridgwayoldwestfest.org

RIDGWAY RAILROAD MUSEUM

The short, narrow-gauge Rio Grande Southern Railroad only traveled between Ridgway and Durango. Nevertheless, it provokes a disproportionate amount of excitement from

| 5280 | OCTOBER 2019

locomotive aficionados. Why? During the Great Depression, the company used a small rail car powered by a bus motor, rather than a resourceguzzling steam engine, to save money. Now called the Galloping Geese, the fleet has been largely dispersed, but for Old West Fest, two cars will return to Ridgway. Ride one on the museum’s half-mile loop with views of the San Juans for the coolest leaf-peeping “drive” you’ll ever experience. $5, ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org

EATERY 66

Spencer Graves, who spent eight years as the executive chef at luxury Costa Rican hotel Florblanca, and his wife, Katie, began flipping locally sourced patties inside a 1966 Airstream in 2015. Within two years, they’d outgrown the trailer and started serving their popular burgers—as well as Korean barbecue pork belly BLTs—from a downtown Ridgway brick-and-mortar with a

Clockwise from left: The Ross ranch of True Grit fame; Eatery 66’s Airstream trailer; a RIGS angler; bowls from Mountain Girl Gallery

mountain-facing patio. That’s where the Airstream now resides, acting as a taproom for a rotating lineup of Colorado craft beers. eatery66.com

RIDGWAY CREATIVE DISTRICT

At least 20 percent of the city’s population identifies as artisans. It’s no wonder, then, that the Ridgway Creative District dominates much of downtown. At Mountain Girl Gallery, four owner-makers ply their distinct wares—from rustic copper serving utensils to hand-spun scarves—under one roof. The 104-year-old Sherbino Theater added new lighting and acoustic equipment during last year’s remodel, bolstering live performances like the one folksy strummer Emily Scott Robinson will provide on October 18. ridgwaycreativedistrict.com

CHIPETA SOLAR SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

There’s no wrong way to gaze at golden aspens during the

The original True Grit movie poster

fall—but a hot tub on your suite’s private patio might be the ultimate vantage point. (Request a southeast-facing room for the best views of the San Juans.) The soak is just one of many luxurious details at this elegant, adobe-style resort designed for tranquility: Relax further with a CBD massage or in the solarheated thermal pools before bedding down in a room with log-lined ceilings and Mexican-tile bathtubs. From $159 per night; chipeta.com

RIGS FLY SHOP & GUIDE SERVICE

Take advantage of fall fly-fishing along the foliage-lined Uncompahgre and Gunnison rivers with Ridgway Independent Guide Service (RIGS) owners Tim and Heather Patterson. They’ve spent nearly two decades outfitting anglers with fishing gear, kayaks, and even canine life vests. Most important, the Pattersons’ meticulously detailed, all-season fishing reports make them the local experts on where and when to cast a line. fishrigs.com

Clockwise from top left: Jim Pettengill; Courtesy of Made By Latitude; Courtesy of RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service; Everett Collection Inc./Alamy Stock Photo; Courtesy of Deidra Krois

TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE A

HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING

For when you need a break in between adventures â€“ home is just around the corner.

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GEAR

The Golden Fleece The most sought-after outdoor wear in the country hails from Leadville. Please, don’t go looking for it.

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“NOW IT’S BECOME ALMOST A STATUS SYMBOL FOR FOLKS.”

tiny Lake County community has seen a 100 percent rise in tourists over the past five years, thanks in part to Melanzana becoming a mecca for the adventure-minded, Bordogna says. And enthusiasts such as 26-year-old Avon resident Danielle Carp plan to keep making pilgrimages: “It’s unique in a Jeff Bezos, you-can-get-whateveryou-want-in-a-day world. Selfishly, I want more.” —DALIAH SINGER

Dave Murray

oel Fredrickson wasn’t shopping for a side hustle when he wandered into a camping store during a recent trip to Nashville. Then an employee complimented his Micro Grid hoodie from Melanzana, a small outdoor apparel company based more than 1,000 miles away in Leadville. “You know you can buy those and sell them online for more money,” she told him. “People are doing that nowadays.” Fredrickson, a physical therapist based in Englewood, didn’t follow her advice. But plenty of others have. Melanzana’s fleeces—available only in Leadville, at the brand’s lone store—have essentially become the Beanie Babies of the adventure world. Out-of-staters post in Facebook groups begging locals to ship them the company’s hand-sewn products in exchange for a $10 premium. On eBay, shoppers pay $50 to $100 more than the retail price for used versions of the apparel, lauded for its breathability, warmth, and odor-repelling powers. Even Coloradans reroute their weekend camping trips to snag “Melly” hoodies, sweatpants, and dresses. “It’s a little frustrating to go all the way up to the store and have them be completely sold out,” says Meggie Gildea, a 25-year-old Denverite who has planned road trips around pit stops at the shop. “But I think it makes the company and the items they sell even more special.” Fritz Howard, a native New Englander, started Melanzana in 1994 and uses only high-end domestic material and local labor. As his fleeces became more popular, Howard refused to outsource manufacturing or buy textiles from overseas. Instead, after fabric delays and escalating demand often left him with limited product, he quit selling Melanzana online and by phone in order to build up inventory at the Leadville store. The strategy seems to have had the unintended consequence of making people want more of what they can’t easily have. “First, it was just a badge of honor that you lived in Leadville or had spent time here,” says Mike Bordogna, former executive director of the Leadville Lake County Economic Development Corporation. “Now it’s become almost a status symbol for folks.” Being an icon, though, hasn’t exactly been a boon for the small business. Howard won’t compromise his principles by hiring more sewers at lower wages or using cheaper materials, and on a recent Sunday morning, eager patrons waited in line outside the company’s shop, which looked picked over and bare even before it opened. (Melanzana does have stoplight icons next to every item on the website to help buyers see what’s available, and patrons are permitted only two hoodies apiece.) Howard is so concerned about such scenes that he refused to be interviewed for this story. “Because of our company values, we are naturally limited in our ability to scale up rapidly,” he wrote in an email. “We are intentionally trying to keep a low profile.” It’s too late for that—a fact that’s been tough on Howard but great for Leadville. The

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Learn where Andean Venezuelan chef Andrea Murdoch connects to her indigenous roots on the Front Range. PAGE 48

Culture

Sarah Boyum (top)

LOVELY BONES

Amber Hage-Ali has never been one to shy away from death. As a kid hiking in her native Ohio, she collected plants and insects, arranging them into snapshots of nature inside glass containers. Most fascinating to her, though, were tiny reminders of former lives: bones. Hage-Ali incorporated rodent skulls and vertebrae into her little worlds but kept the “terroriums” to herself, friends, and family members, assuming they’d be too gruesome for public viewing. Even after continuing to make them as an adult, Hage-Ali, now 30, needed the encouragement of her boyfriend, Ian Johnson, a taxidermist she met after moving to Colorado in 2017, to realize others might want these delicate juxtapositions of decay and regrowth in their homes. Once the couple found success at markets and on Etsy, Hage-Ali and Johnson opened the Terrorium Shop in the Regis neighborhood this past May. The customizable displays ($35 to $250) contain succulents and give nature’s critters a final resting place. Says Hage-Ali: “I’m trying to honor the animal by giving it a second life.” —CHANEY SKILLING P H O T O G R A P H BY S A R A H B OY U M

OCTOBER 20 19 |

5280 | 47

TASTEMAKER

When Murdoch wants to feel close to Venezuela, she visits the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the gardens. “I usually stop at the cacao bean pod plants,“ she says. “It’s grounding to see an ingredient from Latin America in Colorado.” botanic gardens.org

BUTTON’S BLUE CORN WHISKEY

Native Roots

Chef Andrea Murdoch opened Four Directions Cuisine, an Arvada catering company focused on indigenous food, in the fall of 2017. Now, the Andean Venezuelan reveals the local spots that feed her identity. —CHLOE BARRETT N AT I V E A M E R I C A N T R A D I N G C O M PA N Y American Indian antiquities fill the upper level of this Civic Center neighborhood shop, including a room brimming with intricate textiles. Downstairs, find jewelry, pottery, and paintings by contemporary Native American artists. Don’t miss the

“parfleches” (rawhide bags and containers) made and painted by Southern Ute tribe member Debra Box, whose work appeared in Dances With Wolves. nativeamerican tradingco.com

INDIGENOUS FILM & A R T S F E S T I VA L In its 16th year, the fest (October 10 to 14) showcases the work of

| 5280 | OCTOBER 20 19

native filmmakers and artists at venues across Denver. The headlining movie, Merata: How Mum Decolonized the Screen, documents the life of late Māori director and producer Merata Mita. “It’s about an indigenous woman breaking down barriers in her career,” Murdoch says. “The story inspires my cooking.” kuvo.org

Clockwise from above: Andrea Murdoch in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory; a parfleche; a Tocabe fry bread taco

To concoct this spirit, Fairplay’s Snitching Lady Distillery sources blue corn from Bow & Arrow Foods, a farm and mill operated by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Towaoc. Murdoch, who uses the same blue cornmeal in her cooking, loves the drink’s sweet nuttiness. $45; find retailers at snitchinglady distillery.com

TOCABE

Murdoch says these American Indian eateries, with locations in Greenwood Village and Berkeley, are the best spots in

the Denver area to try addictive fry bread. The traditional recipe comes from owner and Osage Nation member Ben Jacobs’ grandmother. (Murdoch also vouches for the bison ribs with house-made blueberry sauce.) tocabe.com

INDIGENOUS P E O P L E S ’ D AY

The holiday falls on October 14, but this fête lasts all weekend: Walk through Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks with Doreen Martinez, an assistant professor of indigenous studies at Colorado State University, to learn about the natural world through a Native American perspective. Members of the Southern Arapaho Nation tribe will demonstrate traditional dances at Boulder High School. Finally, gather at the Boulder International Peace Garden for a community event led by Arapaho and Cheyenne hand drummers. Complete schedule at bouldercolorado.gov

Clockwise from top left: Sarah Boyum; Courtesy of Native American Trading Co.; Courtesy of Adam Larkey

D E N V E R B O TA N I C GARDENS

COMEDY

Inside Joke After three decades as a stand-up comedian, Nancy Norton finally found the spotlight last year when she became the first woman to win the Boston Comedy Festival. With a new album (Born 4th of 3) out this month, the 59-year-old Lafayette resident recently dissected one of the bits that helped her win the prestigious contest—because while explaining a joke might be a drag, it’s also pretty illuminating. —SHANE MONAGHAN

The bit I got out of nursing for the same reason a lot of people get into it…to save lives. I was not meant to be a nurse. It’s all about “them.” MY arm is broken, MY chest is hurting, MY cervix is dilating! Me. Me. Me. Me. Me! And that’s just the doctors. I come from five generations of nurses, or as I like to call us: co-dependents. My mom never told me to be a nurse. She tricked me. Through gifts and toys.

“The Easy Bake Oven thing comes up a lot in my comedy. I did a competition recently in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the buzz was some woman did an entire set about an Easy Bake Oven. (It was me.) When I write, I find it’s better to let myself gooooo, baby. I don’t know if I think about structure a ton, but I know my ego needs a laugh every 30 seconds.”

| 5280 | OCTOBER 20 19

She brought home leftover gauze, syringes, and needles. ther girls got dolls that wet or dolls that cried. I got a doll that choked and then she died. Her name was Resusci Annie. Chicken bone sold separately.

It was a lot of stress trying to save that doll. If you didn’t act quickly, she would start drifting toward that little dolly white light. Turns out it’s the light from the Easy Bake ven. Heaven is full of cakes!

“This is going to be a name drop, but Tig Notaro gave me this tag line. (I like to remind people that she used to open for me.) I love that line. I’m big on collaboration with my peers. When I started I wanted it all to be something I came up with, but that’s not how good comedy works. You sometimes get lines from other people. It helps a joke evolve.”

“This is typically where I pretend to drag half a doll out from under the Christmas tree. I feel like my material is delivery-dependent. I’m very demonstrative. When I first started, I would spend hours trying to get a bit down to the right amount of syllables. I realized I was better when I just threw my energy at the back wall.”

Courtesy of Melanie Watson (Nancy Norton); Ko Hong-Wei/Alamy Stock Photo (background)

“I was a hospice nurse until I was 27. I asked people who were dying, How are you so at peace? They would tell me, Oh honey, I got to live my dream—whatever that was. For me, that was stand-up comedy. At the time, I was living in Honolulu. This new club had opened, and they were holding tryouts. I was like, OK, you have to do this. It was the best two minutes of my life, and they hired me right on the spot.”

I N V EST I N

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SAVE THE DATE

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Your short list of Colorado’s coolest October events.

OCT. 18–26

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PHILANTHROPIC FASHION

The Broadmoor Art Academy

OCT. 12

COMING OF AGE

Spencer and Julie Penrose, founders of the Broadmoor Hotel, started the Broadmoor Art Academy in 1919 in hopes of creating an institution that would garner national recognition. The school delivered on that ambition by attracting legendary en plein air artists—such as John F. Carlson, George Biddle, and Mary Chenoweth—who wanted to teach while painting and drawing the area’s striking scenery. In 1936, the academy became the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, which, in 2018, the American Art Awards named one of its 25 Best Galleries and Museums. For its 100th Birthday Party, the center is returning to its roots by showcasing a gallery of masterpieces created during the school’s earliest years. The collection includes Ernest Lawson’s painting of Cripple Creek, on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. One hundred never looked so good. fac.coloradocollege.edu

OCT. 4–6

’CROSSE COUNTRY

Over the past two decades, Colorado has become a hotbed for lacrosse. That love for the sport helped the state lure this month’s Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Championship Weekend from its usual perch on the East Coast to Denver—making it just the second city west of the Mississippi to host the event. The University of Denver’s Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium will welcome the semifinals on Friday, and the winners will play for the title at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park two days later. (Tickets start at $15 per game, and with the Denver Outlaws second in the standings at press time, there’s a good chance you’ll see the home team nab its second straight championship.) On the Saturday between the games, the MLL will throw its annual awards ceremony, during which it will crown its MVP in a fitting celebration for both the growing league and the region’s leading lax hub. majorleaguelacrosse.com

Carbondale was the nation’s top potato producer in the early 20th century. Today’s taters come mostly from Idaho, but the town still celebrates its heritage annually. You can too during the 110th Carbondale Potato Day Parade and Celebration on October 5, which features spud-themed floats and a farmers’ market. carbondale.com

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Find more events in the Calendar on page 122 and online at 5280.com/ events.

OCT. 5

LEVELING UP University of Colorado Boulder instructors Matt Bethancourt and Danny Rankin and Matt’s wife, Lisa, a game developer, started the Whaaat!? Festival for Games and Experimental Interaction in 2018 to nerd out with a handful of likeminded developers over odd projects. Then the event drew hundreds more than anticipated. To accommodate the glut of gamers, they added even more avant-garde entertainment to this year’s free event at the Atlas Institute in Boulder. Attendees can play games like Buster Blunder: Participants blow into Nintendo cartridges to power virtual vehicles. whaaat.io

POTATO PARTY

For one week, the Artwear Biennial ($15 to $50) will transform Fort Collins into the fashion capital of the country—or at least of Colorado. After watching models strut on the catwalk at Lincoln Center, guests can peruse 300 pieces of covetable couture, including a snow white wedding coat with purple lining from local designer Kari Armstrong. Proceeds support the Fort Collins performing arts venue where the event takes place—meaning you’ve got a good excuse to splurge. lctix.com

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How Snooze co-founder Jon Schlegel pivoted from brunch fare to Italian wine. PAGE 58

Eat Drink FRUITFUL LABOR Chile-spiced dried mango. Yogurt-covered blueberries. Crispy plantain chips. These are not items you’d expect from a company called the Women’s Bean Project (WBP), but the Denver-based nonprofit has had 30 years to expand its horizons. In 1989, founder Jossy Eyre used $500 of her own money to launch a soupmix business that would also train and empower chronically unemployed women. Since then, the WBP has graduated over 1,000 students—many experiencing homelessness, transitioning out of incarceration, or recovering from substance abuse—from its social enterprise program. Participants gain job and life skills, mentorship, and paid work experience assembling soup and chili mixes, baked-good kits, and snacks (available online, at local Safeways, and regional Whole Foods Markets). We’re filling our packs with the WBP’s latest creations, which not only include those blueberries, mangoes, and plantains, but also Thai curry cashews and organic gummy fish— which taste as good as the mission behind them makes you feel.

Courtesy of Dan Fogarty (top)

—CHLOE BARRETT

P H O T O G R A P H BY PA U L M I L L E R

OCTOBER 2019 |

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WHAT’S HOT Clockwise from left: Ayny’s Kitchen pastries; Urban Burma’s Siri and Martin Tan; Jasmine Syrian Food fare; Mango House’s dining area; curry and dal at Nepali Mountain Kitchen

A World Of Good

as well as a fragrant cup of Somali chai to go with yet another sweet: the tender, cardamom-scented sponge cake known as “dolsho.”

—CHLOE BARRETT & KAITLYN KINSHELLA

URBAN BURMA Rice noodle dishes may be the star attraction at 37-year-old Siri Tan’s Burmese food stall, but don’t overlook the rest of the menu, which includes expertly fried and ultra-flaky curried vegetable and potato samosas and crunchy, earthy “laphet thoke” (fermented tea leaf salad), which is a riot of textures. The “nan gyi dok,” though, is the true object of our affection: thick, slippery noodles (similar in width and consistency to udon) coated in a rich chicken curry and topped with cilantro, a lime wedge, half of a custardy hardboiled egg, and crispy fried onions.

JASMINE SYRIAN FOOD When the Alnouri family emigrated from Damascus, Syria, to Aurora two years ago, they didn’t speak more than a few words of English. Today, Mohamad and his parents run their own Mango House food stall, a dream they still can’t believe is their new reality. Fans of Levantine fare will be equally stunned by their silky hummus; chicken shawarma, singing with cumin and lemon; and crisp “kebah” (aka “kibbeh”), which are football-shaped bulgur pockets stuffed with minced lamb, beef, and onions. Portions are generous, as are the happy hosts.

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AYNY’S KITCHEN Somalia natives (and spouses) Ayny Aweis and Fauzy Sayid don’t seem at all concerned about spoiling their guests’ appetites by plying them with samples of Aweis’ desserts. The duo is known to hand out free “bur kuku” (rich Somali doughnut holes) while diners ponder ordering the ethereal black-eyed pea fritters called “bajiya” or the likes of the “baris and hilib” plate, which consists of a mountain of fluffy Somali-style spiced rice, tender cubes of marinated beef, two savory sauces (one jalapeño, one coconut), and a fresh side salad. Get both dishes

NEPALI MOUNTAIN KITCHEN NEW ADDITION When Taste of Sudan left Mango House in September, Mohamad Alnouri’s cousin—also Mohamad— opened Syrian restaurant Masa Middle Eastern in its place. Go for pastries like “fatayer bil sabanekh” (spinach turnovers) and “manakish jibneh” (cheese flatbreads).

Owners Sarda Siktel and Dharani Dhakal love mountains—be they the Himalayan peaks in Nepal for which the husband and wife named their food stall or the Rockies in their new homeland. Metro Denver diners are fortunate to have them near our foothills, because the city’s dining scene would be worse off without their “jhol momo,” a bowl of comfort holding eight tender, Kathmandustyle vegetable dumplings bobbing in a creamy, sesamebased sauce. Also try the “dal bhat tarkari,”

an iconic Nepalese dish that arrives on a shining metal tray complete with brothy lentils (“dal”), aromatic basmati rice (“bhat”), warmly spiced vegetable curry (“tarkari”), and fiery, salty housemade pickles.

GOLDEN SKY SUSHI Chef-owner and Rohingya refugee Khaing Tun’s raw fish station is guided by his passion for Japanese fare as well as the cuisine of his native Myanmar. His menu ranges from shrimp tempura and classic California rolls to a tropical mango iteration and a special named for Tun’s new home: the Denver Roll, with crab, avocado, cucumber, chili sauce, and jalapeño cream cheese. 10180 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 303-900-8639, 1532galena.com

Sarah Boyum (5)

At Aurora’s new multipurpose Mango House—part walk-in health clinic and community center, part shopping mall and food hall—immigrant chefs share their culinary traditions. Here’s our guide to the best bites.

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Living The Dream With Attimo Winery, Snooze co-founder Jon Schlegel is bringing the fruits of his years in Italy back to Denver.

hen some people turn 40, they jump out of an airplane or buy a shiny convertible. Snooze co-founder and former CEO Jon Schlegel did something even more nonsensical: In 2013, he stepped away from the wildly successful breakfast empire and ran off to Piedmont, Italy. It wasn’t all impulse. For years, Jon had vowed that he’d mark his fourth decade by moving to Italy to learn winemaking. That didn’t make the transition from running highstakes, fast-paced eateries to living la bella vita any easier. “I have a restaurant brain and restaurant ADD. I’m used to constantly solving problems,” Jon says. But over the next couple of years, Jon, his wife, Megan, and their son Tre, who was three when they left the United States, immersed themselves in the slower rhythm of their adopted village of Monforte d’Alba. After Megan and Tre went to bed each night, Jon would hang out in the kind of space he knew best: restaurants. There, he learned street Italian, which, combined with Megan’s near-perfect Rosetta Stone Italian, helped them gain the trust of the community. Jon began touring vineyards and working alongside his new farmer and winemaker friends, learning how to grow, prune, harvest, and crush grapes. “[I wanted to understand] how wine goes from soil to bottle,” Jon says. “I’m a first-level somm, but I wanted reps in the vineyard to really understand how it works.” In 2015, Jon bought an almost two-acre vineyard. Shortly thereafter, he delivered on his promise that the family would return to Denver in time for Tre to begin kindergarten. Now, Jon is bringing his wine back to the Mile High City as well. Next month, Attimo Winery, his new wine bar and production facility, is slated to open in a former pawn shop adjacent to Snooze’s original Ballpark location. There, you’ll be able to try 11 Attimo

| 5280 | OCTOBER 2019

AGRITURISMO The Schlegels’ Piedmont home has two apartments where you can rent the dream—at least, for a week or two. Members of the Attimo Wine Club ($22 per month) get discounted nightly rates, but even if you don’t make it there, the two bottles club members receive every month make joining worthwhile. lacasagialla monforte.com

(Italian for “moment”) varieties featuring grapes from vineyards near Jon’s, plus wines made by other small producers in Piedmont. A Barolo cru from Jon’s own grapes will be poured at the winery come May 2020. (A bianco, a rosso, and a rosato are also at local bottle shops, including Argonaut Wine & Liquor, and on area restaurants’ wine lists.) When Jon isn’t tending his vines abroad, you’ll find him in Attimo’s Italymeets-Denver tasting room, doing what he was born to do: take care of people. “I can’t wait to serve the wine,” Jon says. “My happy place is on the floor.” —AMANDA M. FAISON

Clockwise from top left: Courtesy of Dan Fogarty (2); Courtesy of Megan Schlegel

Vineyards in Piedmont

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REVIEW

Mystical Pizza

New Haven–style pies and nearly perfect pastas make White Pie a casual-dining destination. BY SCOTT MOWBRAY

few years ago, I became obsessed with seeing how thin I could make my pizza crusts. After stretching and resting the dough, I would drape it over my fists and stretch it even farther until translucent, as if I were making strudel. What emerged from the oven was blistered, black on the bottom, and brittle to its edges. Was it even pizza? I suppose so: baked dough, stuff on top. But you could also argue that it was nothing more than fancy crackers and that I had lost my marbles. The point is that pizza engenders mania, and its dough-plus-stuff formula has manifested a crazy quilt of varieties in this pie-mad country. There’s the casserole heft of Chicago deep dish and the airy, medium-thick Roman pizza al taglio, often square in shape and cut with shears. Detroit-style pan pizza sports a lacy, cheesy ridge fans go nuts for. The Neapolitan pie is the inspiration for a lot of recent pizza revival artisans: crisp on the bottom and puffy and supple around the edges, with Ph.D.-level attention paid to proper chew and the flavor of the wheat. Then there’s the thin-crusted version favored by White Pie in City Park West. It’s a variety chef-owners (and brothers) Kris and Jason Wallenta grew up eating at the famous Sally’s Apizza in New Haven, Connecticut. The classic New Haven approach would get you fired

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WHITE PIE 1702 Humboldt St. 303-862-5323 whitepie.com

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THE DRAWBACK:

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DON’T MISS:

Pizzas (especially the white, Fuggetaboutit, and pepperoni), arancini, lasagna, gnocchi, chicken Parmesan

from Domino’s for its extravagant black char, both on the bottom and around the edges. In fact, traditionally cooked in a raging coal-fire oven, a New Haven pie looks like a disciple of Satan made it. Yet done right, it’s crisp, smoky, and damn good. That style is indeed done right at White Pie. The Wallentas’ interpretation is thin enough that it can’t support an overload of toppings, so even the menu’s more baroque versions—such as the Paulie Walnuts with potatoes, pancetta, garlic, mozzarella,

Sarah Boyum (2)

From left: The Ava Angelini and White Pie pizzas; counter seating at White Pie

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REVIEW

candied walnuts, and parsley—are assembled with a light hand. The flavors of the crust are rarely obscured. And the minimalist iterations, such as the Fuggetaboutit (tangy red sauce with lots of garlic and briny kalamata olives) and the pepperoni (quarter-size disks on a thin slick of sauce with melted mozzarella), deliver true pizza-purist satisfaction. You’ll note the pies’ silly, sometimes mob-inflected names. There’s a Burrata Bing, a Mootz (the New Haven word for mozzarella, so that one’s arguably legit), and an Ava Angelini. I tend not to like restaurants that leave me pointing at the menu as I order, loathe to actually call things out. That may be a personal hangup, but really, Porky Porkorino? Monikers aside, after tasting eight of White Pies’, well, pies, I was consistently impressed with its attention to detail. The house red sauce had vivid, concentrated flavor. Pepperoni slices arrived nicely

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Sip On This

curled (that curl is Spritzes, frozen Negronis, and called “cupping”; sours, oh my! entire articles have been written about it) with charring about their rims and little pools of hot, salty oil inside the cups. The dabs of mashed potato on the Paulie Walnuts pie proved again how delicious a starchon-starch play can be: With pancetta, the result was a deconstructed baked potato effect (the candied nuts were thankfully so scant as to be moot). There was bacon-and-egg pleasure in the eponymous White Pie, topped with crème fraîche, bacon, garlic, and mushrooms, a soft-yolk egg forming the sunny center. The Ava Angelini, by contrast, is all about olive oil, prosciutto, and arugula, added after the oven for a fresh salad effect. Even the

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REVIEW

Pro Pasta

White Pie’s Jerry Springer (ricotta, gnocchi is a mozzarella, sugar snap must-order. peas, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and onion), which sounded grotesque, was impressive, its dog’s breakfast of ingredients deployed with admirable restraint. I will highlight one flaw: Slices tended to flop. Even using the New York fold technique from my days living in Brooklyn, I could not, in several instances, get the slice from pan to mouth without a fatal droop at the pointy end. This is a calibration error, having to do with the limited cantilever strength of dough if you make it too thin. The problem is fixable—if the Wallentas even view it as a problem. But enough about the pizza. The real surprise at White Pie is its killer pasta program. I would put its cacio e pepe against the best I’ve had in recent years, with bucatini exactly as chewy as you want and its sauce having creamy essence of Parmesan, salty-funky Pecorino Romano notes, and just enough black pepper bite. The baked 10-layer lasagna will bring me back too: thin, soft noodles in the Bologna style, with béchamel and tomato sauces blending into unctuousness. Nor did the wonders cease there. White Pie’s gnocchi consisted of exceptionally tender potato dumplings bathing in a bright tomato sauce and tossed with barely cooked cherry tomatoes. Fresh basil and a spoonful of Burrata finished the dish. Gnocchi are so commonly botched that I wanted to walk back to the kitchen to congratulate the cook for her or his touch. And then, perhaps the greatest surprise of all: an entrée of chicken Parm. Let me not count the ways this dish can bore us all. But here, the chicken was neither dry nor watery and was coated with a substan-

Sarah Boyum

A HISTORIC DISTILLERY It’s not often that you label something as young as 2008 “historic”—but then, the Breckenridge Distillery has kind of made a habit out of breaking rules and eclipsing assumptions. In 2008, doctor-turned-distiller Bryan Nolt, Founder and CEO, made history as not only as the first (and still only) distillery in Breckenridge and Summit County, but also as the “World’s Highest Distillery” (officially: 9,600 feet). Today, the distillery continues to make history with its mountain inspired, blended spirits, including its multiple award-winning Breckenridge Bourbon. They may be a mom & pop distillery, but they’re also the biggest whiskey distillery in Colorado, a top-15 craft distiller in the U.S., and one of the fastestgrowing distilleries in the country. In 2018, the Distillery won the Icon of Whisky award for Brand Innovator of the Year.

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landmark, a point of pride, and a rite of passage into the Breckenridge lifestyle— and especially into the après life—the Breckenridge Distillery plots a path both through Breckenridge and into one of our most beloved mountain traditions: an après that transitions from mountain to hand-crafted cocktail, from hiking trail to full flights of bourbon. This is more than a remarkable experience; it’s a memory you take home. A memory on which to reminisce every time you crack open that bottle of Breckenridge. This is the reason you’ll be back. DRINKING TO A LOCAL KIND OF PLACE The Breckenridge Distillery has never wavered in its commitment to Breckenridge. Through many hurdles, owner Bryan does not falter: He loves this town and his local team. “I’m in Breckenridge for the water, nature and the environment,” Nolt says. Blending with Breckenridge’s Rocky Mountain water is one of the unique ingredients that adds to the quality, mouthfeel and flavor of these award-winning elixirs. So, drink up! THE DISTILLERY TRAIL: FROM TASTINGS TO TOURS TO A LIQUID CHEF If there is one must-try, don’t-miss-it-or-you’ll-regret-it place to be, it’s here: At one of the most revered après institutions and a true Breckenridge experience.

PH OTOG R A P HY B Y MER ED ITH A U S TIN

Choose your chug, pick your poison: At the downtown Tasting Room, you’re welcome to try one or two samples. From there, take the distillery’s free shuttle out to Breckenridge Distillery proper (find it: 1925 Airport Rd | 970-547-9759) and “tap” into Breckenridge past and present on a distillery tour: Scheduled to start every half-hour from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., they go behind the scenes and include a tasting of the Classic Vodka, Gin, and Bourbon. (Upgrade to a wider selection for $10.) You’re now a few tastings in, so it’s a good time to head next door to the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant (or BDR), realm of Kansas City-style barbecue at lunch and an elevated menu for dinner: unique flavors, Colorado ingredients, and great company, inspired and created by world-renowned chef David Burke. At BDR, the focus falls firmly on local inspirations and signature dishes. These priorities shine through in almost every dish, be it the Prime Porterhouse—dry-aged for 40 days in a Himalayan sea salt room, a process patented by Chef David Burke—or the satisfying sourdough, produced with the distillery’s spent bourbon grains. And, lest all the superb food begin to soak up your buzz, look to Billie Keithley, BDR’s resident Liquid Chef: Relying on the distillery’s resident spirits, seasonally-sourced ingredients, and Colorado inspiration, Billie’s handcrafted cocktails tickle your funny bone and please your palate. “If it is edible, I can make a cocktail out of it,” she says. 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

tial crust that was fried to a deep brown for maximum nutty intensity. The result reminded me of the best possible schnitzel, only thicker. There was a modest layer of that red gravy on the bottom, and on top, a burnished combination of mozzarella and Parmesan more complex in texture and flavor than the usual glop. There were a few brilliant small plates, too, such as perfectly fried arancini enriched with that cacio e pepe cream and a daily special of wood-fired cauliflower enlivened by vinegary romesco. But two salads were misfires: White Pie’s Caesar, with breadcrumbs and bagna càuda, was disappointing. It wasn’t a terrible salad, but it also wasn’t a Caesar. I was even less happy with the green salad with candied walnuts and pears, which suffered from a too-sweet vinaigrette. White Pie has a relaxed vibe and a convivial bustle. Its wood-fire oven dominates the tall, boxy dining room of plain and painted brick. Decorations largely consist of stacked cordwood, lush greenery, and wine bottles. The attentive servers apologized for occasional lags in delivery, delays that I attributed to too many pie orders in a full restaurant. A pizza oven is like an airport with a single runway—during busy times, you wait. No matter: We consoled ourselves with well-made drinks. In the hot weather, the strawberry frosé and frozen Negroni—the former tasting of real fruit, with herbal depth from vermouth; the latter terrifically bitter—were especially welcome. If you like sour cocktails set to maximum pucker, try the Asbury Park Sour, made with fresh lemon juice, Four Roses bourbon, and a lambrusco float. White Pie succeeds in so many ways that my only request is for the kitchen to tackle a few more vegetable dishes and improve the salads, channeling the sorts of items that put the excellent Franny’s pizzeria (now closed) in Brooklyn on the national map: small plates, lightly dressed and on the acidic side, featuring things like beans, radishes, fennel, escaroles, anchovies, Find our Dinolives, and nuts. The ing Guide, kitchen certainly has an extensive the range to pull that list of area restaurants, off. In the meantime, on page White Pie is the sort 132 and of cheerful, finely online at tuned neighborhood 5280.com/ restaurant every neighrestaurants. borhood needs. m

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Of f The Road Again

ne morning this past October, I steered my Toyota Both routes hug the same section of the Colorado River: Tundra into a convoy of nine other vehicles, all Part of the White Rim path meanders atop a mesa on the intent on finding solitude in Utah’s canyon country. Colorado’s west bank, while Lockhart Basin sits across the The irony made me chuckle as I glanced at my sidewater on the east side. In fact, this zone was originally included view mirror and saw the train of candy-colored within Canyonlands’ proposed boundaries but was ultimately Jeeps and Toyotas behind me snaking along the trimmed from the bill that President Lyndon B. Johnson dirt road that climbs to Hurrah Pass, not far from signed in 1964 to establish Utah’s third national park. Moab. But rough, remote trails make solo travel Now, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees risky, and I knew I’d need my companions’ help to Lockhart Basin’s swath of chiseled red sandstone, where no negotiate the 50-plus-mile Lockhart Basin course. permits are required for you to camp, drive, bike, or run. But This four-wheel-drive route has a lot in common with the the road does include a few technical sections that demand better-known White Rim Road, which winds through Canmore driving skill than anything I’d encountered along yonlands National Park and is deservedly in demand with the White Rim or the other intermediate thoroughfares mountain bikers, Jeepers, and trail runners (many of whom I’d tackled. So for my two-night Lockhart Basin journey, spend two to five days completing the 100-mile loop). Twice, I joined a Coyote Adventure Safari group guided by John I’ve pedaled the White Rim and ogled the vast canyons and Marshall, an expert overlander who promised to help my sculpted pinnacles that have earned it backcountry buckethusband, Ben, and me pilot our pickup through this scarcely list status. The White Rim’s popularity, though, has visited corner of canyon country. We—and our 20 made camping and day-use permits increasingly difnew best friends—would have it all to ourselves. Slow Crawl A difficult section ficult to score. Lockhart Basin delivers comparable of the Lockhart CRESTING THE HILL at Hurrah Pass, I decided this scenery—and offers the kind of isolation that no Basin route must be the most appropriately named feature in longer exists on Canyonlands’ most famous circuit.

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Randy Langstraat

Located just east of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, across the Colorado River, Lockhart Basin is a four-wheeling paradise. Buckle up for the ride of your life. B Y K E L L Y B A S T O N E

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Engagement for alcohol/drug abuse or dependence treatment. *NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) is a third-party organization that receives both clinical and quality information (HEDIS) and member survey (CAHPS) feedback to rate health plans nationwide. For some of these measures, Kaiser Permanente was tied for the best. Relative to health plans in Colorado, Kaiser Permanente is the highest-rated commercial plan overall.

kp.org/mentalhealth/co

#Where AthleteMeet sArt

COLORADOBALLET.ORG

the American West. An immense panorama of fingery canyons spread out below me in a view that seemed cosmically big, as if I were peering out of a spaceship instead of an old pickup truck. So yes, I cheered— and so did my cohorts, who issued a chorus of oohs and aahs into the walkie-talkies we all carried. “Pretty soon, you’re going to feel like you’re the only person on the planet,” Marshall said as our caravan started down the far side of the pass, which felt like the tipping point between Moab and its outback. Just to our left, a wall of crimson sandstone soared to neck-craning heights. On the right, the road ended in a plunging cliff that reminded Ben to keep his eyes on the dirt beyond our hood. As the passenger, Out The Window Striking views on the way to Hurrah Pass I was free to gaze westward into Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district and its vast honeycomb of tour company, named Coyote Land Tours, rock. The enormity of the landscape made became a wilderness EMT with Grand the minutia of life feel insignificant. County’s search and rescue team, and soon At lunchtime, we parked for a picnic ranked among the nation’s most respected at what Marshall called the “catacomb”: a off-road drivers. Carmakers now hire him tall, rounded butte whose base is riddled to design 4x4 courses and lead outrageous with caves. My shoes kicked up dust from adventures (most recently, he drove from earth that almost never sees rain, and the Vancouver, British Columbia, to the Arctic cool air felt strangely heavy as I wriggled Ocean for Mazda). Marshall also schools through holes, which was both fun and a members of the U.S. Army Special Forces little creepy. and is one of just five Master Trainers cerBack on the road, we soon came to a tified by the International 4-Wheel Drive signpost draped with rubber chickens and Trainers’ Association. He assured us that other daffy mementos left by previous if we followed his instructions, we would adventurers. The road to Chicken Cormake it through the difficult terrain. ners veered to the right, but our route into He was right. Sometimes he used his Lockhart Basin continued left—into a walkie-talkie to issue step-by-step driving twisted canyon that appeared to offer no advice. On tougher sections, he hopped passage at all. The walls narrowed to just 20 out of his Jeep to direct us through the feet in some places, and the ground heaved rocks. His trained eye evaluated our with rock ledges and toothy boulders. ground clearance and turn radius, and his Ben’s worried look reflected how I felt. tips made impossible-seeming situations If we’d been traveling alone, we would’ve possible. (We learned, for example, that turned around in defeat rather than press vehicles’ traction-control systems take sevon into a seemingly impassable jumble of eral seconds to kick in, so when our tires sandstone. For John Marshall, however, this spun out on sandy rocks, Marshall urged us is where the real fun begins. to stay on the accelerator until the truck’s A former aerospace engineer, Marshall computer corrected for the slip and rolled moved from California to Moab 17 years the tire up the rock.) With meticulous ago and applied his knowledge of physics wheel placement and an assist from Marto off-road driving. He launched his first shall’s winch at the steepest, loosest spot,

Ray Mathis/Alamy Stock Photo

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GREAT OUTDOORS we emerged onto a plateau where the route smoothed out significantly. Marshall had been wrong about feeling alone. As luck would have it, a stream of trail runners competing in the Moab 240 Endurance Run cruised their way through Lockhart Basin that very same day. “I never see anyone out here,” Marshall protested after we’d set up camp on a promontory with a 360-degree view. I was too exhausted from four-wheeling to mourn the lack of solitude. The scenery was worth the slog, and so were the barbecued pork ribs Marshall had wrapped in foil and placed underneath each vehicle’s hood so that our engines would slow-cook our dinners during our daylong drive. I don’t believe that anyone who was in Moab’s restaurants that evening enjoyed a finer meal.

T H E N E X T M O R N I N G , I watched the rising sun spotlight the surrounding cliffs then climbed into our cab to continue the drive south. With the trip’s technical crux behind us, Ben and I were able to devote more attention to the stunning backdrop. Along the White Rim Road, the sculpted rock displays come in an impres-

 IF YOU GO Charles Wells’ book, Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, offers GPS waypoints and descriptions for the Lockhart Basin route for bikepackers and expert off-road drivers. John Marshall of Coyote Adventure Safari leads three-day Lockhart Basin trips twice a year (typically in spring and fall). From $875, 435-260-6056, coyoteadventure.com Rim Tours’ “Needles to Moab” itinerary supports mountain bikers on a four-day ride through Lockhart Basin. $925, 435259-5223, rimtours.com

sive range of colors, from oxblood to mustard to flax (the namesake white layer actually has a tinge of gray). Here, sultry reds dominate. If the White Rim is milk chocolate, Lockhart Basin is 70 percent cacao, dark and intense. Its hues may be monochromatic, but its shapes are just as varied as the ones across the river: We passed jagged mittens, eroded spires that looked like stacked stones, and wrinkled,

elephant-hide cliff faces that were so tall they made our three-ton truck and camper seem as small as a flea crawling across the desert’s crust. When the hard blue sky softened into the pinks of evening, we noticed a cluster of knifelike rocks on the horizon: It was the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park and a harbinger of our trip’s conclusion. Tomorrow, our dirt road would end just east of the park boundary, where we’d follow pavement back to Moab. But I wasn’t quite ready to shower away Lockhart’s red dirt. Cutting the engine on a west-facing rock ledge Marshall had chosen for camp, I unpacked my folding chair instead of charging into the evening’s chores. Feathery clouds blanketed plum-colored mesas that dissolved in the dying light. With plenty of ice still in the cooler, I fantasized about pulling a reverse Thelma & Louise. “Let’s stop going!” I said to Ben, only half joking. m Kelly Bastone is a contributing writer for 5280. She lives in Steamboat Springs with her husband and daughter. Email her at letters@5280.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REALTOR PROFILES OCTOBER 2019

REALTOR PROFILES

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OCTOBER 2019

KRITZER JANETJANET KRITZER

One of Denver’s Top 10 Brokers for the past eight years by the Denver Board L I V S OT H E BY ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y of Realtors. As one of the leading real estate brokers in Denver, Janet Kritzer is dedicated toExperience meeting your needs with the utmost level of sophistication an exceptional, curated approach! Janet’s straightforward approach and professionalism. She specializes luxury home market within all the array of and dynamic commitmentintothe each client has helped her build an impressive neighborhoodsloyal of Cherry Hills Village. skillful refined sales customers that insist onWith working withnegotiation, her time and time again. Janet believes strategies, and inexpansive knowledge of the area, it’s clear to see why Janet the power of listening, which allows her to understand her clients’ needs and consistently ranks the through top individual salesClients for LIV guideinthem the process. willSotheby’s. feel confident in Janet’s unparalleled tenacity and experience a premier level of dedication. With skillful negotiation,

Call Janet to discuss how her willinwork for you refined sales strategies, and experience expansive knowledge Denver Metro, it’s clear to see why Janet consistently and your real estate needs.ranks in the top individual sales for LIV Sotheby’s. C A L L J A N E T TO D I S C U S S H O W H E R E X P E R I E N C E W I L L W O R K

TOP 10 BROKER SINCE 2007 F O R YO U A N D YO U R –R EDENVER A L E S TATMETRO E N E E D SASSOCIATION . OF REALTORS

v v v

WALL STREET JOURNAL TOP 500 AGENTS NATIONALLY

2018 – Recognized as one of Top Brokers in Denver Real Estate

Wall Street Journal Top 500 Brokers Nationally

AWARDED FIVE-STAR PROFESSIONAL SEVEN YEARS RUNNING VV Awarded Five Star Professional 12 years running

LUXURY HOME PROFFESIONAL GLOBAL CAPABILITIES VV Luxury Home ProfessionalWITH with Global capabilities

PHONE: EMAIL: WEB: ADDRESS:

(303) 883-2474 PHONE: (303) 883–2474 Janet@JanetKritzer.com EMAIL: janet@janetkritzer.com www.JanetKritzer.com WEB: www.janetkritzer.com 8000 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 200 ADDRESS: 8000 E. Belleview Ave., Ste. 200, Greenwood Village Greenwood Village, CO 80111

LIBBY LEVINSON KENTWOOD The Golden Rule also applies to real estate: I give my clients the same customer experience I would expect to receive when buying or selling a home. As a Denver native, I am familiar with the historic Denver neighborhoods as well as the numerous metro area suburbs. I share my love of the Denver Lifestyle via www.LifestyleDenver.com and through my social media channels. #goexploredenver with me! VV

More than 14 years of experience

Designations: CIPS, CRS & GRI

Over $100 Million sold in residential real estate

Yearly recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Excellence Awards National Association of Realtors Director for the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Interior design enthusiast and staging consultant

PHONE: (720) 935-0412 EMAIL: libby@libbysellsdenver.com WEB: www.libbysellsdenver.com ADDRESS: 215 Saint Paul St., Ste. 200, Denver OCTOBER 2019

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OCTOBER 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REALTOR PROFILES

SARAH SOMERVILLE RE/MAX I’ve been involved in the real estate industry for well over a decade, and I am committed to delivering exceptional services to my clients. Growing up in Lakewood, CO, attending Green Mountain High School, and completing my bachelor’s degree in Denver, I am a true local and expert on the Denver Metro area in general. I am knowledgeable regarding codes and zoning, have a keen eye for detail, and am a thorough, honest communicator. Buying or selling a home is a multifaceted, deeply personal endeavor, and I would love to be your guide. I am based in west Denver, serving the entire metro area.

PHONE: (720) 883-6551 WEB: www.somervillerealestate5280.com EMAIL: somervillerealestate5280@gmail.com

JANET KRITZER

LIZ RICHARDS

One of Denver’s Top 10 Brokers for the past eight years by the Denver Board of Realtors. As one of the leading real estate brokers in Denver, Janet Kritzer I V of S OT H E BY ’ S is dedicated to meeting your needs with the utmost Llevel sophistication and professionalism. She specializes in the luxury home market within all the has been one of Denver’s neighborhoods of Cherry Hills Village. With skillfulLiz negotiation, refined sales top producing agents since 2004 and is proud to of herJanet business comes by way of referrals and repeat clients. strategies, and expansive knowledge of the area, it’sbrag clearthat to 95% see why extensive knowledge and experience with new construction validates consistently ranks in the top individual sales for LIVHer Sotheby’s. why she is the “go to” agent for Denver developers. Liz’s tireless work ethic,

design background, faryou reaching client network, and strategic negotiation skills Call Janet to discuss how her experience will work for complement her ability to achieve top results for buyers and sellers in the everand your real estate needs.

challenging and changing residential market. Liz’s passion for the importance of

home ownership and building wealth via real estate investing is the source of her TOP 10 BROKER SINCE 2007 – DENVER METRO ASSOCIATION drive and incredible energy to be the best of the best. She always strives to create OF REALTORS

v v v

WALL STREET JOURNAL TOP 500 AGENTS NATIONALLY

a client for life and not just one transaction. VV

LUXURY HOME PROFFESIONAL WITH GLOBAL VV Top 40CAPABILITIES Agent and in top 3% in Denver Area productivity in 2018, 2017, and 2016

PHONE: EMAIL: WEB: ADDRESS:

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OCTOBER 2019

#2 Agent in Denver Metro for 2018

AWARDED FIVE-STAR PROFESSIONAL SEVEN YEARS RUNNING VV Top Producer in the Denver Market in 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(303) 883-2474 Janet@JanetKritzer.com www.JanetKritzer.com 8000 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Over $65 million closed in 2018

Over $40 million closed in 2017

Over $48 million closed in 2016

Member of the Denver Board of Realtors Million Dollar Round Table since 2004

PHONE: (303) 956-2962 EMAIL: liz@livsothebysrealty.com WEB: www.lizrichardsrealestate.com ADDRESS: 100 Saint Paul St., Ste. 200, Denver

REALTOR PROFILES

OCTOBER 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ANNE DRESSER KOCUR L I V S OT H E BY ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y Dedicated to Making Lifetime Clients. Anne had another record-breaking year representing buyers and sellers in the Denver real estate market. Anne works 24/7 to find her buyers the perfect home and her sellers a qualified buyer. Anne’s extraordinary level of service will allow you to achieve all of your real estate goals. VV

Consistently #1 Top Individual Producer Denver Metro Association of Realtors Consistently #1 in Individual Sales for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Selling your home – staging, marketing, negotiating, and providing the highest level of service to sell your home for top dollar Buying your home – finding the best value and utilizing the finest negotiating skills

Years of corporate relocation experience

Extraordinary service in every price range

Over 95% client repeat/referral rate

PHONE: (303) 229-6464 EMAIL: adresser@livsothebysrealty.com WEB: www.annedresser.com ADDRESS: 8000 E. Belleview Ave., Ste. 200, Greenwood Village

WENDY GLAZER KENTWOOD As one of the most respected and knowledgeable real estate agents in Denver, Wendy brings a level of commitment and passion to her profession. She works diligently, one-on-one, to help each client achieve their real estate goals. Wendy is a Denver native and knows the city’s neighborhoods. Her unparalleled negotiation skills, her integrity, listening to her clients’ needs and the respect from fellow agents, makes the process of buying or selling a home go smoothly. Wendy has the experience and skills you need for all your real estate transactions. You can trust her to help turn your dreams into reality! VV

Consistent Recipient of the Five Star Professional Award

Consistent Recipient of the Denver Metro Realtors Excellence Award

Working with Sellers and Buyers Since 2003

DENVER’S TOP TEAM PHONE: (303) 906-9000 EMAIL: bdglaz@aol.com WEB: www.wendyglazer.com ADDRESS: 215 Saint Paul St., Ste. 200, Denver OCTOBER 2019

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OCTOBER 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REALTOR PROFILES

BRIAN SUNDBERG GROUP RE/MAX The Brian Sundberg Group has over 20 years of experience selling homes in the Boulder area, and within five minutes of meeting them, you’ll see why five-star reviews are their status quo. The Brian Sundberg Group has the market knowledge you need, the ask-me-anything attitude you want, and the straight-shooting style you rarely find in a realtor. The Brian Sundberg Group’s real estate philosophy is one of telling it like it is and giving it all they’ve got. You can count on them to arm you with logic, build your confidence, and advocate for your success as you play to win in Colorado’s bustling real estate environment. You want someone who’s accountable and at your (full) service. You want it all, and you should have it. You want The Brian Sundberg Group.

PHONE: (303) 931-5483 EMAIL: briansundberg11@gmail.com WEB: www.briansundberg.com

SUSAN DUNCAN RE/MAX MASTER MILLENIUM The best way to find the home of your dreams is to partner with a real estate professional who emphasizes getting to know you first and learning what would truly fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re buying or selling, Susan Duncan has the energy, enthusiasm, and 25 years of award-winning experience to help you find what you’re looking for, and the resources and knowledge to help you make it happen as costeffectively and quickly as possible. When Results Count, You Can Count On Susan.

PHONE: (303) 877-4626 EMAIL: susanduncanhomes@comcast.net WEB: www.susanduncanhomes.com RP-78

OCTOBER 2019

REALTOR PROFILES

OCTOBER 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ANN KERR KENTWOOD In a market rich with realtors, Ann Kerr stands out from the pack. With over $500 million in sales, she is proof of the power of relationships. Ann’s 20-year tenure in the industry reflects the type of staying power that can only be achieved through honesty, integrity, and unrelenting authenticity. She answers phone calls and emails directly. It’s extremely important to her that she take responsibility for every detail of every transaction. Ann is not only a real estate leader, but a community leader as well. She has served on numerous boards and committees including the Cherry Hills Village Planning and Zoning Commission, The John Lynch Foundation, PIVOT, University of Oklahoma Alumni Assocation, University of Denver Lacrosse, and Swim Across America.

PHONE: (303) 818-8668 EMAIL: akerr@kentwood.com WEB: www.annkerr.com ADDRESS: 4949 S. Niagara St., Ste. 400, Denver

KIM KOUBA C O M PA S S R E A L E S TAT E After 10 years in real estate, I’ve made a move! Now partnered with Jody Donley, I’m leading the New Perspective Team empowered by Compass. For me, it’s about the people, and the NPRE Team and Compass both share in this conviction. NPRE has a 14 year history of Designing Homes to Sell which seamlessly merges with Compass Concierge - a service that fronts my seller’s costs around home improvements to prep a home to sell. Now my sellers will net more from their house with less fuss. As for me, I’m still serious about solid analysis, gracious yet persistent negotiating, and using that knack for common sense problem-solving to help my people. Ready for me to guide you home?

PHONE: (303) 204-8215 EMAIL: kimkouba@npreco.com WEB: www.compass.com/agents/denver/kim-kouba ADRESS: 10515 E. 40th Ave., Ste. 113, Denver

KAREN LEVINE RE/MAX ALLIANCE I am a Colorado native, born and raised. I have been a RE/MAX REALTOR for over 30 years and love helping buyers and sellers make their real estate goals a reality. My real estate business focuses equally on buyers and sellers. I work the entire Denver Metro marketplace with an emphasis on Jefferson County. I enjoy working with first time homebuyers, move-up buyers and sellers, and the empty nester move-down buyer or seller markets. I am very involved in my local, state and national REALTOR Associations, serving in a variety of leadership roles. I have hosted a fundraising luncheon, Karens for the Cure, for 12 years that benefits Susan G Komen Colorado and volunteer for the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies. My interests include food and wine, scuba diving, travel, golf, hiking, fishing, and golden retrievers. I welcome your inquiries about residential real estate and will provide the utmost professional service when it comes to handling your real estate needs. PHONE: (303) 877-7516 EMAIL: karenlevine@remax.net WEB: www.karen-levine.com ADDRESS: 5440 Ward Rd., Ste. 100, Arvada OCTOBER 2019

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OCTOBER 2019

NANCY GREAGER

LUKE GORDON RE/MAX OF CHERRY CREEK VV VV

VV VV

Top 2% Denver agent Six consecutive years Five Star Professional for outstanding customer service Selling Denver’s finest neighborhoods 35 + years experience helping buyers & sellers

C O M PA S S R E A L E S TAT E

PHONE: (303) 331-4548 EMAIL: luke@denvercityhomes.com WEB: www.denvercityhomes.com FACEBOOK.COM/lukegordondenverrealestate

NANCY AUSTIN C O M PA S S R E A L E S TAT E

PHONE: (720) 371-9779 EMAIL: nancy.austin@compass.com ADDRESS: 200 Columbine St., Ste. 500, Denver

PHONE: (720) 938-9001 EMAIL: nancy@nancygreager.com WEB: www.nancygreager.com ADDRESS: 200 Columbine St., Ste. 500, Denver

RE/MAX CHERRY CREEK

JACOB GRAM P E R R Y & C O.

The genuine relationships I build with my clients is the driving force to my passion for real estate. When the time comes for negotiating, I’ll be on your side, fighting for what is best for you!

Jacob is more than a real estate transaction manager. From buying your first property to building your dream, he will navigate as part of your overall financial advisory team.

PHONE: (303) 870-8142 EMAIL: kristina@dreamsbydavis.com ADDRESS: 3773 Cherry Creek North Dr., Denver

PHONE: (303) 585-0502 EMAIL: jgram@perryandco.com

CARLA BARTELL P E R R Y & C O. Proven experience and unparalleled service shouldn’t be optional when buying or selling your home. Don’t settle! Carla will give your real estate transaction the attention it deserves.

PHONE: (303) 884-4550 EMAIL: cbartell@perryandco.com

OCTOBER 2019

Nancy Greager, an award-winning real estate professional, draws upon 18 years of real estate experience when helping buyers and sellers navigate Denver’s dynamic market to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her outstanding market knowledge, work ethic, and negotiation skills allow Nancy to provide exceptional real estate experiences. Over 90% of her business is referral-based! Consistently ranked as top-producing agent in Denver and repeat Denver Metro Association of Realtors Excellence Award recipient Consecutive 5280 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent Award Winner 2010-2019 (award first offered in 2010 and is based solely on client satisfaction). Only 123 Denver Realtors have won this award all 10 years it’s been offered. Designations include “Certified Residential Specialist” (CRS), “Certified Negotiation Expert” (CNE), and “Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist” (CLHMS), thus placing Nancy in an elite group of Realtors across the country.

A proud Denver real estate professional with real service and real solutions!

KRISTINA DAVIS

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REALTOR PROFILES

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CRYSTAL LOCKHART RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS For over 15 years, Crystal has serviced the Denver Metro area and Southwest corridor. She’s honored and passionate about helping clients make their dreams come true.

PHONE: (303) 905-3852 EMAIL: cboyer4re@gmail.com WEB: www.crystalboyer.com

REALTOR PROFILES

OCTOBER 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ADVERTISE HERE S P E A K D I R E C T LY TO T H E AU D I E N C E LO O K I N G TO PURCHASE A NEW HOME

JESSICA REINHARDT VITCENDA RE/MAX Jessica is a Denver native and 2nd generation Realtor. With her two decades of real estate experience, she will put as much effort, dedication and passion into accomplishing your real estate goals as she does as a competitive swimmer who successfully swam the English Channel. PHONE: (303) 549-1223 EMAIL: jessicareinhardt@Remax.net

5280’s Realtor Profiles special advertising section delivers direct access to Denver’s affluent and educated market.

STEVE GREENLEE RE/MAX ALLIANCE VV VV

Trusted trial lawyer for nearly 25 years Supported by The O’Brien Team’s 28+ years of combined experience Skilled negotiator • Savvy marketer

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , C O N TA C T A R I B E N

720.266.6240 OR ARI@5280.COM

PHONE: (720) 926-5230 OFFICE: (303) 420-8800 EMAIL: steve@stevegreenlee.com

For the first time ever, 5280 magazine is proud to announce the launch of

TOP PRODUCERS IN REAL ESTATE. FEATURED IN 5280’S MARCH 2020 EDITION OCTOBER 2019

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{} {} Clockwise from top left: Q Houseâ€™s barbecue ribs; duck lo mein; braised pork rice; salt-and-pepper shrimp; and pork belly buns

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT NAGER 82

| 5280 | OCTOBER 201 9

2Be5st

Restaurants There is so much to love about the Front Range dining scene these days. Here are the spots I’m obsessed with, whether for the food, the drinks, the vibe, or the mission behind it all. Dig in. By Denise Mickelsen

OBSESSION

Q House

THE FOOD

City Park $$$

Of all the food I tasted during 600-some restaurant meals in 2019, chef Christopher Lin’s “lu rou fan”–inspired braised pork rice at year-old Q House was possibly the most craveable and comforting. The Momofuku alum is a whiz with rice (and carbs in general), transforming each grain into a perfectly tender—never mushy—morsel. Studded with pork belly and tangy pickled mustard greens, that dish draws me back to Q House again and again. With it sitting at the center of the table, the other items shown here illustrate how I’d round out meal 601.

OCTOBER 20 19 |

5280 | 83

OBSESSION THE MASHUP

12 at Madison Congress Park $$$

Chef de cuisine Toby Prout joined owner Jeff Osaka in 12 at Madison’s open kitchen a year ago; today, only three of the menu items Prout inherited remain (baby lettuce salad, Parker House rolls, and mushroom orecchiette). What’s new is “slightly off-center,” as Prout puts it—in the very best way. 12 at Madison’s French dip, for example, is reimagined and deconstructed, so you can put it back together as you like it. Prout’s demonic goal? To ruin all other French dips for his guests.

Lightly toasted Grateful Bread Company baguette

Aged Triple Play Extra Innings cheese from Hook’s Cheese Company

Umami-bomb pickled green peppercorn jus for dipping

“Horsey sauce” (the secret: fresh horseradish and Kewpie mayo)

“A lot of chefs look at fusion as smashing foods together, but Norman Van Aken [of Norman’s in Orlando, Florida] taught me to look at it as an organic melding of different flavors. Now I get to pull from all the favorite things I’ve seen and thought about over the 30 years I’ve been cooking.” —Toby Prout

| 5280 | OCTOBER 201 9

Thinly sliced, marinated wagyu eye of round

25 BEST RESTAURANTS OBSESSION THE VIBE

OBSESSION

Tavernetta

THE MASHUP

LoDo $$$$

Top 5 Things to ♥ About Tavernetta’s Lounge

“Walk-ins only” means you can treat this high-end Italian restaurant’s bar area like a (very stylish) corner pub.

Go more than once, and the crackerjack service team will treat you like a regular.

A deep Italian wine list + Champagne + craft cocktails + amari you’ve never heard of = A+ bar menu

Spuntino

The people-watching from the tables between the fireplace and the train platform is unbeatable.

Highland $$$$

From top: Sarah Boyum; Courtesy of Casey Giltner

You can crush #dinnergoals during the daily happy hour (3 to 6 p.m.), when a Negroni, a plate of “pierno” (crispy little grilled Montasio cheese and prosciutto cotto sandwiches), and a drippy, threescoop tower of seasonal gelato flavors make you feel like you’re dining in Milan instead of along the tracks at Union Station.

Chef and co-owner Cindhura Reddy dishes on the South Indian flavors taking root on Spuntino’s seasonal Italian menu—in exciting plates such as Rocky Mountain elk tartare with toasted masala aïoli and spiced risotto with smoky, tomato-pickle-braised pork shoulder and pakora-fried shallots.

“I grew up in Cleveland, but I’m first-generation; my parents moved to New York City from Hyderabad [in South India] when they were in their early 20s. We ate Indian food every day, and cooking was a full family endeavor. ” “Elliot [Strathmann, Reddy’s spouse and Spuntino’s general manager and co-owner] and I closed Namkeen [in Zeppelin Station] about 10 months ago, but there are no regrets because it opened us up to working with [South Indian] ingredients at

Price key (average amount spent on food at dinnertime, per person)

$ = less than $20

$$ = $21 to $30

Spuntino. We’ve always taken a global approach anyway; there are so many fun flavors in the world, why restrict yourself?” “I don’t like the word fusion. America isn’t a melting pot, it’s a salad bowl; there are pockets of influence. I like thinking about Indian and Italian food that way instead of trying to fuse the two. We hint at it and maintain our neighborhood feel by keeping the food familiar. Elliot is playing with Ayurvedic botanicals and spices in his amari now, too. We’re having a good time.”

$$$ = $31 to $40

$$$$ = $41 or more

OCTOBER 20 19 |

$ = less than $20

$$ = $21 to $30

$$$ = $31 to $40

5280 | 85

$$$$ = $41 or more

OBSESSION

Barolo Grill

THE MISSION

OBSESSION

Julep

THE DRINKS

RiNo $$

Dear Denverites,

Barolo Grill Cherry Creek $$$$

At last count, Barolo Grill’s awardwinning wine cellar held about 15,000 bottles. So, yeah: This 27-year-old Italian restaurant’s wine list can be intimidating. But that’s where sommelier Erin Lindstone and owner and wine director Ryan Fletter come in, steering you to the glass, carafe, or showcase bottle you didn’t even know you wanted. Their 110-page list ranges from an $11 glass of 2016 Verdicchio from Castelli di Jesi Riserva to a page of wines tasted on the staff ’s annual trip to Italy’s famed wine regions. Paired with chef Darrel Truett’s imaginative cooking, Barolo’s wine catalog is far more worthy of joy than fear.

Corrida Boulder $$$$

There’s a wine renaissance occurring in Spain right now, driven by daring young producers, rediscovered regions, and unfamiliar-until-now grapes. For a taste, book a seat at year-old Corrida. There, you’ll find all the hot grapes: Godello, Verdejo, Treixadura, Mencía, Garnacha.

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Pours from visionary producer Raúl Pérez Pereira and young gun Laura Lorenzo are on the list, as is an impressive collection of sherries, brandies, and vermouths. As you sip on any of the above and savor chef Amos Watts’ dry-aged steaks and sophisticated tapas, you’ll rightly marvel that the renaissance has traveled all the way to the Front Range.

Frasca Boulder $$$$

A meal at Pearl Street’s 15-yearold fine-dining Italian juggernaut begins with a complimentary splash of a bright Friulian white. Wine director Carlin Karr’s list and Frasca Food and Wine’s pro service team usher you through the rest of the experience, pairing co-executive chefs Kelly Jeun and Eduardo Valle Lobo’s refined, Friuli-inspired fare with gems from the producers that excite them (think: premier cru Chablis from Domaine Vocoret and the 2016 Chave Hermitage Farconnet). Finally, the after-dinner drink cart appears, its bottles and decanters promising bittersweet, herbaceous liqueurs that underscore the breadth and depth of Frasca’s attention to everything liquid and lovely.

We need to talk. When I dine at Julep, Kyle and Katy Foster’s almost two-year-old, contemporary Southern restaurant, I don’t see you there. Not enough of you, anyway. What’s going on? The Fosters, both born south of the Mason-Dixon Line, have created such a special spot at the far end of Larimer Street. I think we’re fortunate to have a chef who can deliver the classics (juicy fried chicken, Kentucky Hot Brown sandwiches, pickled shrimp, those buttery biscuits!) while simultaneously exploring a more sophisticated vision. I mean, have you tried Kyle’s wild-caught brown shrimp and heirloom grits with dill-pickled okra, or his circa-1885 roasted lamb? He also cooks from nose to tail and supports Colorado farmers and ranchers. Come spring, he’ll resume hosting lunchtime pirate-themed po’boy pop-ups Wednesday through Friday. So, please, don’t make me beg—just get over there! You can thank me later. Yours till the biscuit crumbles,

Denise

25 BEST RESTAURANTS OBSESSION THE FOOD

Arcana

Safta

$$$$ Boulder

RiNo $$$$

Sarah Boyum (Arcana)

If you love mixing and matching a meal from a smorgasbord of small plates like I do, here are two delightful restaurants—Arcana, inspired by American heritage cooking, and Safta, a temple of modern Israeli fare—where I always fill up on the likes of cheeses and dips and marvelous breads before I can get to the entrée or family-style portion of the menu. Please pick your own winning dishes at each spot, because I certainly can’t.

Seasonal farmer’s cheese toast

VS.

Labneh with pink peppercorns

Mini ham sliders with coffee-pickled shallots

VS.

Any of the five ethereal hummus options

Bread (anadama loaves, honey buns, rye)

VS.

Wood-oven pita

Lamb tostada with hoja santa salsa verde

VS.

Lamb kebabs with za’atar chimichurri

Assorted pies, cakes, and ice creams

VS.

Assorted babka, rugelach, and savory pies

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OBSESSION THE FOOD

Dio Mio RiNo $$

400

Pounds of fresh pasta (from six different doughs) made every week. That doesn’t include the 50-odd pounds of spaghetti Dio Mio makes for neighbor Hop Alley’s dan dan mian.

Loaves of superb bread—seeded sourdough and tender focaccia— baked daily. Once lunch service begins this month, there will be even more options.

2 years, 7 months

Annette Aurora $$$

Caroline Glover, chef-owner of two-year-old Annette, shares the vision behind her award-winning, wood-fire-fueled restaurant inside Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace.

“I wanted to create a cozy spot that felt like eating at a friend’s house, with simple, seasonal food. I hoped our guests would feel like they were part of our family, which I think has happened, what with the open kitchen and our regulars. My favorite part is when people come in for the first time and say that they feel that way too.” “We only use responsibly sourced product because it’s important to buy food from people whose values align with ours. Ela Family Farms, DeLaney Community Farm, Esoterra Culinary Garden…

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we don’t have to manipulate the ingredients too much because they’re excellent to begin with, and we honor the food even more because we know what it took for those farmers to get that product to our kitchen.” “Annette wouldn’t be Annette without the team. Everyone does everything, and everyone shares; all hourly employees earn the same rate and share tips. It’s not just about a paycheck; I’ve had servers leave to make more money on tips and come back. Annette is a labor of love. We’re all on the boat together, and I think our guests can feel it.”

5 to 7

Seasonal and mostly local vegetable-centric shared plates on Dio Mio’s beautifully concise menu. If co-owner chefs Spencer White and Alex Figura ever take off the roasted broccoli with spicy cheddar sauce, pickled broccoli stems, and French’s Crispy Fried Onions, tears (mine and my kid’s) will flow.

Aaron Colussi (Dio Mio)

OBSESSION THE MISSION

From left: Miles Mazey, Chelsey Maschhoff, Caroline Glover, Nelson Harvey, and Daniel Seibel

Length of time Dio Mio’s magnificent cacio e pepe was made with wide fettuccine noodles. As of this past June, the dish features ruffle-edged mafaldine instead (which my Italophile nine-year-old son pronounced even better for its sauce-soaking capabilities).

25 BEST RESTAURANTS OBSESSION THE MASHUPS

Heirloom blue cornmeal is responsible for the hue of this outrageously good cornbread.

Sarah Boyum (The Wolf’s Tailor)

Acorn’s redeye butter is a nod to the traditional Southern gravy often served with fried country ham and cornbread or biscuits.

Aged Surryano ham is produced in Virginia, chef Ian Palazzola’s birthplace.

Acorn

The Wolf’s Tailor

Hop Alley

RiNo $$$

Sunnyside $$$

RiNo $$$

After almost two years as Acorn’s executive chef, Ian Palazzola has made the menu at the RiNo mainstay his own. He’s an intellectual, seasonal cook fascinated by all things preserved, fermented, and dry-aged; a spring restaurant renovation gave him more storage space for a zero-waste-inspired larder and a dry-aging locker where even butter improves with time and bacteria (the good kind!). On the plate, Palazzola synthesizes his Virginia roots and time spent in kitchens from Atlanta to Aspen to the Bay Area, where he helped Mourad earn a Michelin star for its Moroccan fare. Palazzola’s childhood can be tasted in his crusty, fluffy cornbread with ham and redeye butter, while chef Mourad Lahlou’s influence is felt in dishes such as lamb shank with caramelized onions, dates, and ginger.

Japanese pickles and ancient grain noodles. Yakitori-style meats and puffy breads and rice cakes cooked over open flames. Clay-pot braises and vegetable dishes derived from the backyard garden. Highballs and alpine wines sipped around a fire pit. Clever desserts featuring miso or fermented soy. The Wolf ’s Tailor has been weaving together these seemingly disparate elements for a year now, and its no-boundaries, no-waste party just keeps getting better. Frontman Kelly Whitaker brings inspiration and drive to the operation, akin to the Pied Piper leading his team—and his guests— down a thrilling new path.

A wise restaurant critic once wrote that Hop Alley’s version of Chinese fusion is preferable to that of New York City darling Mission Chinese. To wit: Mission’s famous kung pao pastrami pales against the spectacular Mongolian pastrami dreamed up by Hop Alley’s executive chef, Geoff Cox. This past spring, the silky meat—served with braised turnips, spring onions, and miso mustard—wowed. His citrus-andaged-soy-adorned steamed snapper is also unparalleled, and I’d bet that even owner Tommy Lee bows down to Cox’s crunchy shrimp toast and spicy dan dan mian garnished with a garden’s worth of local vegetables. Simply put, three-year-old Hop Alley is about as expert as fusion gets. OCTOBER 20 19 |

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OBSESSION THE VIBE

LeRoux LoDoÂ $$$$

With exquisite European bistro fare on the table and twinkling crystal chandeliers hanging above, gorgeously appointed, 10-month-old LeRoux is one of the most romantic restaurants in town.

Delicate as each dish may appear, LeRouxâ€™s techniques are bold. Case in point: Paper-thin slices of wild mushroom transform into a multilayered terrine that is seared for crisp edges and a melty interior.

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Reserve this curved back booth for the privacy it affords and a great view of the marble-topped bar. Slate blue paint, leather banquettes, slim white tapers, and muted music complete the Parisian ambience.

Tableside showmanship abounds, from the roving cheese cart to the flames that engulf the seasonal baked Alaska.

25 BEST RESTAURANTS OBSESSION THE VIBE

Super Mega Bien

OBSESSION THE MISSIONS

RiNo $$

50+

Posters and handbills that line the walls, depicting Mexican wrestlers, Latin American revolutionaries, album covers, and even co-owner Tony Maciag in a photo taken in his freshman year of high school

1,800

Wood dowels that hang from the vaulted ceiling, soaking up some of the din from lively diners chatting while star chef-owner Dana Rodriguez manages her selfproclaimed “family” of cooks inside the open kitchen

Colorful dim sum carts that roll throughout the dining room and patio bearing bold Pan-Latin snacks, from tender Cuban ropa vieja with fried plantains to carne asada with Argentinian chimichurri to Brazilian coconut shrimp soup

Steamed buns that are available every Sunday (and occasionally on other days); fillings, which range from chicken tinga to spicy barbecue duck, change weekly

Cocktails on the drink menu, including a potent piña colada that’s so creamy, fruity, and refreshing, you’ll wonder how that libation ever earned such a bad reputation

Comal trainee Vian Alnidawi

Blackbelly

Boulder $$$

Blackbelly’s restaurant and butcher shop are lauded for their meat-driven menus and charcuterie based on responsible, whole-animal sourcing. But chef-owner Hosea Rosenberg also takes excellent care of his employees: Benefits include medical and dental insurance, PTO, and subsidized ExpressToll passes. The staff also receives training on stress management—so you can feel good knowing that Blackbelly’s people are as well cared for as the animal(s) on your plate (or in your shopping bag).

Beast & Bottle Aaron Colussi (Super Mega Bien)

Uptown $$$

Six-year-old Beast & Bottle is better than ever. Chef and co-owner Paul Reilly has rejiggered the menu to spotlight his sustainable sourcing. A new lamb section showcases the

whole animal that arrives every Tuesday from Loveland’s Ewe Bet Ranch. But Fridays might be the best time to visit: The plat du jour features produce from DeLaney Community Farm, a local agricultural endeavor that supports resettled refugees.

Comal Globeville $

It’s been three years since Comal Heritage Food Incubator began training immigrant and refugee women to operate their own food ventures. The trainees earn cred through Comal’s weekday lunch service, events, and fundraisers, cooking home-style Mexican and Syrian cuisine. All the while, chef Arden Lewis and the team from parent nonprofit Focus Points Family Resource Center teach necessary business skills. It’s working, too: Graduate Erika Rojas now has a food truck called Prieto’s Catering, and Syrian mother-daughter team Vian Alnidawi and Sara Nassr launched Zaki Mediterannean Cuisine, a catering company.

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OBSESSION THE MISSION

Mercantile LoDo $$$$

Things to ♥ About Mercantile Dining & Provision, From Morning to Night Breakfast

Counter-service egg-and-cheese calzones, grain bowls, and burnished pastries (from owner Alex Seidel’s wholesale bakery, Füdmill) let you start the day your way.

Lunch

Fried chicken banh mi. Enough said.

Dinner

Morin LoDo $$$$

Wine director Mary Allison Wright and beverage director McLain Hedges (both pictured) have created a brilliant drink program at Morin, chef Max MacKissock’s glamorous ode to modern French cuisine. Here, the married partners explain their boundary-pushing ideology.

Mary Allison Wright:

McLain Hedges:

“I am going for French-ish with Morin’s wine list, based on the criteria we have for producers: sustainable at least, preferably organic or biodynamic; no herbicides or pesticides, ever; and nothing added or taken away from the wines apart from a little bit of sulfur at bottling. So, natural wines, because wines made in this way not only taste better, they feel more alive. I choose wines that complement the guests’ experiences with Morin’s food. In the fall, we’ll have a revolving door of Beaujolais and cru Beaujolais by the glass as well as small-grower Champagnes, like the ones by Marie Courtin.”

“Like Mary, my goal for the bar program is French and French-adjacent; I want to teach our guests about spirits inspired by Old World culture, like brandy, cognac, armagnac, and rhum agricole. We’re trying to help people access new flavors. And we focus a lot on sustainability, whether that’s edible garnishes or my obsession with preservation and fermentation techniques. We have a new foraged and fermented seasonal cocktail section on the menu, and I’m preserving local summer produce for the fall and beyond. We are constantly trying to waste less by creating more.”

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Shopping

Go for a killer cheese selection (including Seidel’s excellent sheep’smilk-based Fruition Farms Creamery products), charcuterie, house-made pickles and jams, and a library of pantry ingredients from Denver-based Savory Spice.

Drinks

Mercantile’s lists are traditional and playful—quotes from the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Homer Simpson are scattered throughout—and its new “What We’re Drinking” wine selection provides the chance to try an everchanging lineup from boutique labels.

@ourampersandphotography (Morin)

OBSESSION THE DRINKS

Fine-dining service and executive chef Matt Vawter’s hyper-local, hyperseasonal New American fare has earned national awards and much Centennial State love.

25 BEST RESTAURANTS OBSESSION THE FOOD

Cattivella Stapleton $$$

The cooking at two-year-old Cattivella, led by chef-owner Elise Wiggins, has range: house-extruded pastas. Woodfired pizzas. Of-the-moment vegetables. Whole boar spit-roasted on the restaurant’s patio rotisserie. With all those savory options, you might be tempted to skip dessert—but that would be a foolish mistake. Save enough room to order Wiggins’ hot-from-the-wood-oven seasonal crostada, filled with berries in the summer and tart-sweet apples and pears come autumn.

Beckon

À la mode is all but forgotten after tasting this amaretto “spuma,” a thick, mousselike cream that melts into lovely pools as you scoop up every last bite.

The crust is buttery and flaky, but the gentle char it gets from live fire makes it truly special.

OBSESSION THE VIBE

RiNo $$$$

High-end tiny-house restaurant Beckon gave Denver its first true chef ’s counter experience when it opened last year. It’s at once novel and familiar. Novel: pre-paying $115 for eight mystery courses (plus $65 to $95 for wine pairings); facing chef Duncan Holmes and his team from an 18-seat counter; and gourmet, Scandinavian-inspired creations (like trout-roetopped hakurei turnips in buttermilk broth). Familiar: a stylish room; warm hospitality; and the impeccable sourdough we’ve become accustomed to at sibling cafe Call. It’s a dining experiment elevated just enough for the Mile High City.

Uchi Curtis Park $$$$

Don’t go to Uchi looking for a relaxed neighborhood sushi spot. The scene there is hip and modern, and guests buzzing over chef Tyson Cole’s pristine nigiri and inventive Japanese fare will likely drown out quiet conversation. But do go for a dynamic meal rooted in classic techniques and Asian ingredients. Pastry chef Ariana Quant’s desserts are exhilarating; try her jasmine cream number, which plays a whipped panna cotta off cilantro granita, juicy pineapple, and crunchy honey cookie crumbs. It embodies the unexpected delight delivered by every bite at Uchi. m

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Thirty years ago, the Grizzly Rose was born amid a boom of urban country music venues. Today the beloved institution stands as the last true country music hall in town. We take you inside. BY KASEY CORDELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENJAMIN RASMUSSEN

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N 1989, WHILE MILLI

Vanilli was blaming it on the rain and Cher was turning back time, a littleknown Oklahoman named Garth Brooks was feeling much too young to feel so damn old inside a brand-new honky-tonk in industrial north Denver. The Grizzly Rose had just opened and was one of the first clubs in America to book Brooks. “This is kind of where it started,” Brooks told reporters before his performance at Empower Field at Mile High this past June. Both Brooks and the Rose—as it’s affectionately called—rode America’s obsession with line dancing and country music through the ’90s. By the end of that decade, Brooks owned more than 20 number one hits and Denver boasted about half a dozen country music clubs. Today the Rose is, arguably, the last honkytonk standing in the Mile High City. “Denver is a loyal town,” says Scott Durland, who’s owned the Rose since 2009. “The fact that Casa Bonita is still in business tells you how loyal it is.” Over the course of its 30-year history, the venue has remained committed to booking country acts—from legends like Waylon Jennings, Chris LeDoux, and Merle Haggard to then emerging artists such as Brooks, Miranda Lambert, and Toby Keith— and keeping shows affordable (most tickets max out at $25). “The Grizzly Rose has always survived, and will always survive, because of the concerts they get in there,” says Bill Repola, who, with his wife, Kathy, owned the Rose in the early 2000s. This month, that includes up-and-comers Jimmie Allen and Tyler Farr and old-schoolers Montgomery Gentry. You might see fewer cowboy hats in the crowd these days, but the Rose still draws a diverse, multigenerational crowd six nights a week. From line-dancing lessons (Tuesdays) and ladies’ nights (Thursdays) to twostepping and mechanical bull rides, we help you slip on down to the oasis of country music in the Mile High City. 96

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“If the footwork doesn’t work, the dance will never work.” Dance instructor Dennis Giullian (pictured, far left) has been repeating those words several times a night since he began teaching at the Grizzly Rose 26 years ago. The Rose hosts free “progressive” (couples “progress” around a room) dance lessons on Wednesday nights, but patrons can also sign up for private group instruction with Giullian. You can show up solo to any of the lessons; Giullian will find you a partner. “I like starting with the two-step,” he says, “because they can transfer what they learn from it to other dances more easily.” Giullian often taps longtime patrons Don and Joanie Moore (pictured, far right) to help demonstrate. After all, the couple, in their 80s, have been spinning, scooting, and swinging at the Rose every Wednesday and Saturday for 29 years. “It’s our recreation,” Joanie says.

You don’t need a cowboy hat to get in the door on Thursday nights. But boots or some other closedtoed shoes aren’t a bad idea as more than 1,000 people regularly pack into the Rose for ladies’ night, when women quaff draft beers and well drinks for free until midnight. Need a break from line dancing, which rules the floor on Thursdays? Practice your roping skills on a plastic steer in the back room or hone your hustling at one of the Rose’s five billiards tables, like this group of Valor Christian High School alumni (pictured, bottom left)—some of whose parents used to frequent the venue. Bartender John Barthell (pictured, bottom right) probably served them, too: He’s been pouring drinks at the Rose since 1990—a year after he started as a bouncer. Open to anyone 18 or older on most days (and to all ages on Sundays), the Rose engenders an all-comers vibe.

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For many patrons, the Grizzly Rose isn’t just about country music, longnecks, and mechanical bulls. It’s about family. General manager Lindy Arnold (pictured, below) started coming to the Rose with her parents—who learned to dance here and became competitive ballroom dancers—when she was 15. Lindy went on to become the GM in 2013; she met her husband, Barry (pictured, with Lindy), head of security, the same year. After losing his love of 36 years, Roland Blanscet (pictured, top left) made the Grizzly Rose his second home in 1989. “When my wife died, I was just sitting in the house, looking at the four walls and thinking, There’s got to be something better than this.” So Blanscet took a six-week dance course during a visit to his native Arkansas and has been wooing the ladies at the Rose ever since. You’ll rarely see him without a dance partner, and much of the time, they’re the ones asking. “I like to dance the waltz the most,” he says. “I like the rhythm—and you get to hold the gal close.” Blanscet usually frequents the Rose on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights; he’s become such a regular that when owner Scott Durland had 30-year anniversary buckles made, he gave one to Blanscet. “The day Roland doesn’t walk through those doors at 6 p.m.,” Lindy says, “my heart will break.”

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While some things about the Rose have changed over the decades— what was once a Western wear store is now a banquet hall and small dance space; the former DJ booth is a bar for the Rose’s bottle service; and a shoe shine stand will soon become a photo booth—others, like the tandem “Widowmaker” mechanical bulls and the signed memorabilia from musicians who have played here, remain. It would be nearly impossible to count the number of acts that have performed at the Rose—thousands, probably—but it’s easy to see that the venue is one of the few remaining country bars in Denver to host live music every night it’s open. Sometimes those are bigger national acts. Much of the time, a band contracts to play for a week. (Toby Keith started out in one of these.) Owner Scott Durland (pictured, upper right) even provides a house in Globeville for visiting musicians to stay in to help defray their costs. Keeping the music alive was important to Durland when he bought the Rose. He grew up listening to the likes of Alabama, Chris LeDoux, and Willie Nelson on his family’s Northglenn dairy farm and wants to keep that musical legacy going at the Rose. “It’s important to hold onto the history of this place,” he says. “Today. And for the next 30 years.” m

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Hemp Coloradans have long been knowledgeable proponents of cannabis. But even if Centennial Staters have Ph.D.s in THC, many aspects of the nonintoxicating, industrial version of the worldâ€™s most controversial plant remain mysterious. Consider this your guide to the legally confusing, scientifically dubious, potentially lucrative world of hemp. BY LINDSEY B. KING 104

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logy PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIMENA PECK

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Colorado Hemp Project’s cannabis plants grown for fiber and grain

Ask the guy sitting next to you at the bar if he prefers the high he gets from Northern Lights or Sour Diesel, and he’ll likely answer you as easily as if you’d asked whether he likes IPAs or Pilsners better.

That’s how it is here in the promised land of weed. We know our cannabis—or, at least, we know (and love) the dreamy euphoria that comes from our friend marijuana, a version of cannabis replete with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Perhaps not surprisingly, we’ve been much less chummy with marijuana’s straitlaced cousin, industrial hemp. That relationship is changing, though, because when Amendment 64 passed in 2012, some Coloradans saw an opportunity to revive a crop the U.S. government had essentially declared illegal more than seven decades earlier. Hemp, after all, is a wildly versatile plant, and the low-THC, protein-rich, fibrous, carbon-eating annual can be an attractive and sometimes lucrative raw material for making everything from culinary oils to bioplastics. Indeed, in other countries, hemp has long been raised as an agricultural commodity, not unlike corn. In the States, hemp has only recently regained popularity (especially after federal legislation allowed for widespread legal cultivation in 2018), primarily for its roster of cannabinoids, active compounds with potential health benefits. The most celebrated of hemp’s chemicals is cannabidiol—a compound purported to cure nearly anything that ails you—which you’ve almost certainly come to know as CBD. Coloradans have been at the forefront of the hemp-derived CBD craze because proponents rightly believed Amendment 64 would pave a path to legal cultivation. As such, for roughly five years now, local farmers have been planting hemp, prompting an entire sector to sprout in support of what experts say could be a $2.6 billion industry in this country by 2022. There are at least three asterisks* attached to that economic forecast, though. With federal and state laws regarding hemp and its derivatives still in flux and a dearth of regulatory policies from safety agencies, our unlikely but budding devotion to the teetotaling version of the plant could still encounter some rough patches.

➺

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kan• uh• bid• aye• all The correct pronunciation of cannabidiol, often referred to as CBD

The 2018 federal farm bill legalized the regulated production of hemp and removed hemp and hempderived products from Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act. But according to a rule issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration two years earlier, cannabidiol is a federally illegal Schedule I substance. At the center of the conflict is this: Hemp extracts that deliver nonintoxicating CBD to the consumer often contain small amounts of THC, which has long offended the feds’ delicate sensibilities.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hemp-derived CBD may not be used as a dietary supplement or in food because CBD has already been approved by the agency as a drug. (Epidiolex, a medication for seizure disorders, uses purified CBD and was approved in 2018.) At the center of the conflict is this: U.S.

companies have been putting CBD into everything from coffee to “relaxation” gummies since well before the FDA categorized it as a pharmaceutical. That leaves CBD purveyors wondering when the feds may initiate enforcement, potentially disrupting the industry. The FDA has said it is “currently evaluating the regulatory frameworks that apply to certain cannabis-derived products that are intended for nondrug uses.”

Because THC and CBD are federally illegal, medical research into the possible benefits of cannabis’ components is sorely lacking. At the center of the conflict is this: CBD proponents say the chemical has medicinal upsides, but there is little scientific evidence to back such claims. Meanwhile, the FDA has been sending strongly worded cease-anddesist letters to hemp extract companies that make unsubstantiated health assertions about CBD.

Hemp

logy

Piloting Progress

C O L O R A D O U S H E R S I N T H E C O U N T R Y ’ S N E X T E R A O F H E M P.

If you haven’t noticed, Coloradans don’t much care what the folks in Washington, D.C., have to say about…well…most things. So, much as it did with marijuana, the Centennial State has been making its own rules when it comes to hemp, which has positioned our rectangular plot of fertile ground at the vanguard of the trend. Five years ago, no one in Colorado was (legally) sowing hemp seeds. But during the 2019 growing season, roughly 2,600 farmers registered more than 80,000 acres and 12 million square feet of greenhouse space with the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) to propagate hemp. Those numbers make Colorado one of the nation’s leading producers of low-THC cannabis, the majority of which is raised for CBD. Our lead over the CBD-producing competition—aka, other U.S. states—is no accident. The CDA has been focused on propping up the local hemp sector from one end of the supply chain to the other since it implemented one of the country’s first hemp pilot programs in 2014. Today, the CDA continues that support in a variety of ways. But the ag folks aren’t the only state officials who have hemp’s back. After all, if you’re gonna flout federal rules (or try to guide the feds toward better ones), it seems only prudent to get everyone involved.

0.3% The maximum percentage of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, on a dry weight basis, that a cannabis plant can have and still be considered hemp.

Food Fight

In 2017, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued its Industrial Hemp Policy, declaring that all parts of the industrial hemp plant (CBD in particular) are allowed as food ingredients in the Centennial State and essentially thumbing its nose at FDA policies stating otherwise. “We decided to lead the nation in taking a stance,” says Jeff Lawrence, director of the CDPHE’s Environmental Health & Sustainability division. “People were already putting it in food. The cow was out of the barn. We needed to regulate it.”

Action Plan

Spearheaded by the CDA—but supported by the CDPHE, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, the Department of Public Safety, and many other organizations and industry

gurus—the Colorado Hemp Advancement & Management Plan (CHAMP) aims to serve two purposes. The first is to meet requirements set out in the 2018 farm bill— including defining the state’s processes for licensing, testing, and background checks— and to deliver the information to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). That should be complete this fall. The plan’s second intention is to nourish the entire hemp industry ecosystem—from researching seed genetics to helping retailers with banking and insurance—in Colorado. “We need to examine the supply chain and build the industry holistically,” says Hollis Glenn, division director for the CDA, adding that CHAMP’s second phase will likely be complete

come spring 2020. “We want other states and the federal government to look to us as the model.”

Hempster In Chief

Governor Jared Polis has been an ardent supporter, even flying the hemp flag—literally—when he was a congressman. “I requested that an American flag made in Colorado from hemp fly over the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2013,” Polis says. “Today, I print my business cards on hemp paper.” Those efforts may seem like gimmicks, but the governor is also giving his imprimatur to the CHAMP initiative to ensure the state capitalizes on the economic opportunity. “Look, whatever happens federally, Colorado is supporting hemp,” he says. “Industrial hemp is here to stay.”

Courtesy of the U.S. House Office of Photography (Jared Polis)

Growing Strong

Between 2017 and 2018, the U.S. hemp crop exploded, increasing from 25,713 acres to 78,176 acres (including indoor cultivation). The top three states for production by acreage in 2018: Montana, Colorado, and Oregon. Sources: Vote Hemp’s U.S. Hemp Crop Report, 2018; the National Conference of State Legislatures

KEY D.C.

States and districts without hemp legislation States with hemp legislation that grew hemp in 2017 and/or 2018 States with hemp legislation but which may not have grown hemp in 2017 and/or 2018

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Be n e f icial Tra its

In the same way farmers breed corn to be sweeter, plant breeders can coax the cannabis plant away from THC-laden marijuana into low-THC hemp. But it’s as much an art as it is a science, especially because research into hemp genetics stalled when the plant was basically banned in the 1930s. “It’s not like you can walk into True Value and buy CBD hemp seeds,” says Margaret MacKenzie of Collbran’s Salt Creek Hemp. That means farmers are on their own when it comes to learning how to select for traits that will deliver the desired end product, which, in Colorado, is fiber and grain about 30 percent of the time and CBD approximately 70 percent of the time.

Hemp For Fiber & Grain

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1 The cannabis plant’s seeds contain no cannabinoids but are rich in protein and fatty acids.

2 In fields of hemp grown for fiber and grain, seeds are sown very close together— roughly 80 to 150 plants per square meter— which results in a tall, bamboolike crop.

3 Growing from a seed—rather than a clone, or plant clipping—produces heartier plants, and because other countries have been cultivating hemp for fiber and grain for decades (or centuries), there are reliable seeds for purchase if you want to grow hemp for those purposes. The CDA has certified several varieties of hemp seed for fiber and/ or grain—many from foreign countries—including product from Fort Collins–based New West Genetics.

4 When farmers grow hemp for fiber and grain, male and female plants are grown together because having a high yield of female flowers— where cannabinoids flourish— is unnecessary.

5 Approximately 15 percent of the hemp plant is made up of long fibers, which come from the outer part of the stalk and are used for textiles.

6 The “hurd,” which comes from the woody inner part of the stalk, can be used to make bioplastics, “hempcrete” (a building material), and composites that can be used in a variety of industries.

Credits ThisTkspread, from left: Eric Farrelly/Alamy Stock Photo; Jeremy Pawlowski/Stocksy; Illustrations by Marta Zafra

or Americans who’ve grown up believing cotton is the fabric of our lives, pivoting to hemp might elicit some not unreasonable head-scratching. But there are definitely upsides—and, of course, several downsides—to bringing hemp back into vogue in the United States. First, the pros: Hemp grows, well, like a weed, which is to say relatively easily. Compared to cotton, it takes up less land and yields more fiber, requires less water, and is a known “bioaccumulator,” meaning it absorbs toxic nastiness like heavy metals from the soil and leaves it healthier. Further, hemp is a carbon dioxide consumer, making it an attractive weapon in the fight against global warming. As a fabric, it’s highly durable and antimicrobial. Hemp isn’t just fashionable, though; it’s also edible. As a food source (see: shelled hemp seeds for snacking, hempseed oil for salad dressing), it’s nutritious and tastes a bit like sunflower seeds. But when the U.S. government declared cannabis flora non grata, the infrastructure supporting a crop that had been cultivated for more than a century in this country rusted away. More than eight decades later, re-pioneering a hemp industry makes for a catchy sound bite, but there are significant hurdles to leap over—particularly for fiber—before hemp T-shirts with Made In The USA labels become de rigueur. In what is a chicken-or-the-egg conundrum, farmers need to begin raising hemp for fiber, but they won’t if there’s no one to buy it. And no one is going to buy it until there are facilities to process it. But few folks are going to invest in building multimillion-dollar processing facilities if there’s not enough hemp being cultivated to support them.

Hemp

30%

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The approximate failure rate of hemp samples sent to the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) lab for THC testing. Any concentration higher than 0.3 percent constitutes “hot hemp,” or marijuana, and must be destroyed. Hemp For CBD

Hemp grown for CBD looks exactly like marijuana grown for THC. The plants are typically shorter and bushier than those cultivated for fiber and grain.

Female plants are coveted for CBD because their flowers produce higher quantities of cannabinoids. As plants reach sexual maturity, cultivators must rid their fields of rogue males, which can pollinate the females, triggering seed production and a reduction in cannabinoid concentration. As such, researchers have been pursuing better and better ways to “feminize” seed so that a farmer can be sure to only sow female plants.

Credits Tk

3 The CDA has not certified seed for low-THC, high-CBD plants. Because reliable seed for CBD is difficult to find, a lot of hemp for CBD is grown using clones—plants grown from clippings that create genetically identical plants—known to deliver satisfactory concentrations of cannabidiol.

4 Hemp for CBD is often hand-planted and hand-harvested—especially on small family farms—making it a very labor-intensive crop.

As the plant matures, the level of CBD increases— but so does the concentration of THC. Hitting the sweet spot of high CBD and a THC content below 0.3 percent is something of a guessing game that gets easier only with experience and quality testing.

ou’ll find it in coffee and chocolate and beer. It’s in lotion and salves and bath bombs. You can chew it in a gummy or smoke it. Yes, CBD is everywhere these days…but where in the hell did it come from, and why is it suddenly available at random places like DSW? In the early 1940s, an American chemist isolated cannabidiol, but research into its medicinal properties has been inconsistent due to federal drug laws. Then three things happened: First, states began legalizing medical marijuana in the late 1990s, a move that allowed patients to experiment with cannabis with different ratios of THC to CBD. Second, a group of parents with children suffering from debilitating forms of epilepsy found varying levels of relief for their kids using high-CBD, low-THC medical marijuana—and got CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta to tell the whole world about it in mid-2013. Finally, several laws— Amendment 64 in Colorado and the 2014 and 2018 federal farm bills—gave farmers the green light to plant hemp, a less legally fraught way to deliver CBD to the masses. Still, there are myriad issues. Not only are plant genetics a problem for farmers, but the industry is also full of pretenders, so it’s difficult for consumers to know what they’re getting. “There are so many CBD products, but 80 out of 100 don’t have the said amounts of CBD in them,” says Dani Fontaine Billings, cofounder of Colorado Hemp Project, a hemp farm and consulting agency, and co-owner of Longmont’s Nature’s Root, a line of hemp and CBD body products. “It will get better with government regulation,” which she says should stabilize an industry suffering from a sort of Wild West syndrome. OCTOBER 20 19 |

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Where It All Begins

C O L O R A D O FA R M E R S A R E D R I V I N G T H E N E W HEMP ECONOMY—BUT IT’S STILL A RISKY BUSINESS.

Laden with rocks and claylike in its consistency, the soil on this two-acre plot of land near Fort Collins doesn’t look particularly fertile to the untrained eye. Zane Kunau knows its richness, though. For the past several years, 35-year-old Zane and his wife, 37-year-old Kristen, have been digging in this dirt. Today, a Saturday in mid-June, they’re at it again, planting their fifth crop of hemp. As Kristen liberates another 12-inch-tall clone from its temporary plastic pot and plops it into a pre-dug hole in the ground, she smiles and then coos at the tiny sproutling. “Grow strong, little plant,” she says. “Thrive.” The charming incantation has been working well for the Kunaus. Freida Farms, the name of their company, has so far succeeded in what might be generously called the unpredictable business of industrial hemp. Kristen says they owe their relative prosperity growing hemp for CBD to Zane’s self-taught “mad scientist” skills with the plants and suffering through the early years. “The state hands you your registration to grow,” she says, “and kinda just says, ‘Good luck!’ Farmers are essentially on their own.” Raising crops is a precarious endeavor no matter the chosen commodity; however, favorable outcomes become exponentially more uncertain when there’s no sage advice to follow. Brent Young is a regional extension specialist in agriculture and business management with Colorado State University, and it’s his job to help farmers and ranchers manage risk. “We don’t know a lot about how to produce hemp, especially for CBD,” Young says, explaining CSU has had to be mindful of federal policies on the legality of CBD because it receives federal grants. “Because of that, there’s not yet a lot of research at the university level, and anyone in the private sector who has been successful—maybe through trial and error—doesn’t want to share their knowledge. They want the competitive edge.” It’s hard to blame them. These are the gold rush days of cannabidiol. Ballpark estimates from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) suggest some hemp farmers are raking in $20,000 to $80,000 in gross revenue for one acre of CBD-rich biomass. Compare that to $571 in gross revenue for one acre of corn, and it’s easy to see why growers see hemp as a miracle crop. Because so-called price discovery—or the act of determining the proper price of a commodity based on supply and demand in a marketplace—has yet to happen for hemp grown for CBD, there is no way to know what a pound of product should garner. “It’s just so new,” Young says. “There is a business advantage in ignorance.”

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$20$40 The approximate market price Colorado farmers are currently seeing for a pound of CBD-rich biomass

That almost certainly will slip away as the hemp industry matures. But it’s a dilemma people like the Kunaus will worry about another day. Now, there are more pressing problems, like the fact that banks won’t work with them because CBD is still a Schedule I substance. The Kunaus, though, are ahead of many wannabe hempsters, who have only decided to play Old MacDonald since the 2018 farm bill passed. Between 2018 and 2019, hemp growers registered with the CDA increased from 835 to more than 2,600, which means there were a lot of hemp rookies tending farmland this past growing season. “There’s going to be a massive amount of loss reported this year,” Salt Creek Hemp’s Margaret MacKenzie says. “A lot of people buying $9 seeds that have no paperwork from some untrustworthy guy from Boulder. A lot of people planting 20 acres when they should’ve started with one. A lot of

Hemp

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From left: Zia, Zane, Kristen, and Winter Kunau, photographed in their CBD hemp field near Fort Collins

hot hemp. A lot of male plants spreading pollen everywhere.” One other thing the Kunaus have learned through experience is to have a contract with a buyer—preferably a licensed, bonded commodity handler— before they tuck their greenhouse-grown clones into northern Colorado soil. Recently, their harvests have been going to companies that use Freida Farms’ hemp in CBD cigarettes. It’s been going well enough that hemp farming and consulting is now Zane’s full-time gig; Kristen maintains a side hustle or two but manages to spend much of her time with the couple’s two young daughters. “We always daydreamed about having a small farm,” Kristen says. “We don’t have big ag backgrounds or big investors. We’re a family farm, and we’re just trying to be honest and authentic and deliver high-quality hemp, even when it’s not so easy to do.”

TRICKINESS OF THE TRADE

25,0 00 Ways in which hemp can be used, according to advocates, who point to applications in textiles, food, beauty products, bioplastics, and construction materials, among many other things

Three more pain points for hemp farmers, explained. Crop Insurance: Farmers of corn or wheat can buy policies from the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation that help them recoup losses due to, say, drought. Hemp farmers can’t —yet. Although the 2018 farm bill has provisions for creating federal crop insurance for hemp, insurance is based on actuary tables, and actuary tables are based on data. Years of data. “Developing those tables for a new crop is going to take time,” CSU’s Brent Young says. “It’s going to take the USDA a minimum of four years to get those numbers.”

Testing: Although hemp farmers sometimes quibble with aspects of the CDA’s testing processes for THC, most growers just want to be compliant. Frustration with testing at private labs—which growers often pay for to determine when THC concentrations might dictate harvest time; to ensure safe quantities of heavy metals and solvents; and to have proof of CBD levels—is a different story. “Testing facilities aren’t all the same,” says Freida Farms’ Kristen Kunau, “and the results are not reliable.”

Shipping: This past January, a truckload of hemp was stopped by Idaho State Police. Although the driver provided the bill of lading, which declared 6,700 pounds of hemp, officers arrested him on marijuana trafficking charges. The incident laid bare the realities of transporting a legal plant product that’s visibly indistinct from its illegal cousin, especially when laws regarding hemp still vary from state to state. (Hemp is illegal in Idaho.) In May, the USDA issued a memo saying states cannot impede the transport of legal hemp.

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S T U D I E S I N T O C B D H AV E N ’ T K E P T U P W I T H S A L E S , B U T C O L O R A D O R E S E A R C H E R S A R E T R Y I N G T O C H A N G E T H AT.

It all seems a little suspicious. A white van with no rear windows pulls up outside a house; there’s a lot of coming and going; maybe there’s a hint of cannabis in the air. But this isn’t some shady drug deal. It’s science—specifically, an observational study called PRISM, started by University of Colorado Boulder clinical and cognitive psychologist Cinnamon Bidwell in August 2018. The van is a mobile research lab devised by Bidwell and her colleagues at CU’s CHANGE Lab as a clever—and compliant—workaround on federal research restrictions, which essentially rule out investigating commercially available cannabis in humans in a laboratory setting. Colorado was the eighth state to legalize medical marijuana, in 2000, and the first to implement legal recreational cannabis, in 2014. Those moves, along with the 2014 federal farm bill that permitted pilot programs for hemp cultivation, have allowed Centennial Staters to be on the leading edge of a green rush touting not only the ability to get high legally, but also—and maybe more importantly—the potential health benefits of using nonintoxicating cannabis compounds, specifically CBD. This is where PRISM (Pain Research: Innovative Strategies with Marijuana) and Bidwell’s tricked out CannaVan come in. Although claims abound that CBD can treat everything from chronic pain to Crohn’s disease to anxiety, federal drug laws have stymied researchers’ abilities to definitively prove those assertions. “There’s a huge public health need for data in this space,” says Bidwell, pointing to a retail market for CBD (estimated at $367 million nationwide last year) that’s expanding far more quickly than the research needed to support or debunk the health claims manufacturers are making. Because the federal government still classifies THC and CBD as Schedule I substances, to study cannabis compounds in human subjects in a lab, researchers must wade through red tape to access cannabis from the only federally approved source, the University of Mississippi. Cannabis from Ole Miss, however,

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Study Halls

CU Boulder isn’t the only Colorado institution studying CBD.

Colorado State University’s vet school is looking into CBD’s effect on seizures in dogs. Preliminary results showed a lower frequency of seizures in 89 percent of subjects. Children’s Hospital Colorado and CU Denver are researching the effect of cannabinoids on children suffering from symptoms related to brain tumors.

If you’re interested in participating in any of Bidwell’s studies, visit colorado.edu/center/ cuchange to take the eligibility survey or call 303-492-0288 to learn more.

Marta Zafra

Seeking Good Science

contains lower concentrations of compounds like CBD than products on the consumer market. As a consequence, studies don’t reflect what people are actually using—and what the results might be. CU’s solution: Let participants in research studies supply their own cannabis products, and then bring the lab equipment to them. For the PRISM chronic back pain study, researchers drive to participants’ homes for prearranged appointments. Subjects undergo initial blood draws in the van and answer questions about their medical conditions. Then they consume whatever cannabis product they choose— dosing themselves with CBD and/or THC (Bidwell is studying both compounds)—in their homes before returning to the van for a second round of blood draws and simple tests to monitor possible side effects. Although researchers can’t control dosage or how participants take the substances, they do track the brands of the products, the listed cannabinoids and their concentrations, and, in the case of CBD, whether it’s derived from marijuana or hemp. Bidwell’s team not only gets qualitative survey data from participants, but it also measures cannabinoid levels in the subjects’ bloodstreams, which lets her control her data to account for variations in concentration as well as the type of compound and delivery method. “We’re the only people who have found a way to assess these high-potency forms [of cannabis products],” Bidwell says. The PRISM study is ongoing; so far, Bidwell’s team has worked with roughly 85 participants and hopes to include 290 total by the time the study closes in 2022. Bidwell’s aim, of course, isn’t just to glean evidence about cannabis’ effect on chronic pain. She’s also seeking information about what types of compounds, and in what doses, might work best and if there are side effects. Although there are limitations to her research, she’s optimistic it will provide insight and potentially buttress reports like a 2017 National Academy of Sciences study that found evidence cannabinoids are effective for chronic pain. She’s adamant that no matter what her work reveals, more study is required. But until researchers can work on legal market products, she says, CannaVan or no CannaVan, getting answers will be next to impossible. —Joe Lindsey

Hemp

C BD Basics Lesson 1 There are several ways to administer CBD. SWA LLOWED Whether it’s a tincture, an edible, a capsule, an oil (sometimes used in food), or a powder (for smoothies!), swallowing your CBD is the slowest method of absorption because it must pass through your digestive tract before hitting your bloodstream. However, swallowed doses of CBD also typically last the longest.

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Never tried hemp-derived cannabidiol before? No sweat. Here’s your primer. Lesson 2 There are various extraction methods that deliver different forms of CBD.

FUL L S PE CT R U M Using a solvent-based extraction method, extractors pull the full array of cannabinoids—including CBD and THC—“terpenes” (aromatic oils), and other plant components from the hemp flower into an extract, often called crude oil. Users may benefit from the so-called “entourage effect”: Research has shown that CBD may be more effective when combined with the full spectrum of cannabis’ compounds.

BROAD S PE CT R U M D I ST I L LAT E Extractors further refine the crude oil, targeting THC for removal. While they can limit THC in the end product, trace amounts of that compound as well as others will remain. Distillate is, however, a very pure form of cannabidiol.

IS O LAT E The purest form of CBD; all remaining compounds are removed from the distillate, yielding a single-compound powder.

S UB LING UA L/ B UCCAL Oils and tinctures can also be taken by keeping them in your mouth—either under your tongue or against your cheek— for a minute or two, allowing some of the cannabidiol to absorb through tissue membranes directly into the bloodstream.

Clockwise from top left: Getty Images; rgbstudio/Alamy Stock Photo; Hero Images/Getty Images; Getty Images

INHA LED By using a vape pen or by smoking CBD cigarettes, you inhale the cannabinoid directly into your lungs; from there, it moves quickly into the bloodstream. This is the fastest delivery mechanism, but the effectiveness is short-lived.

TOPICA L Creams, lotions, salves—you name it—all deliver CBD to target areas, like muscles, inflammatory cells, and pain receptors. Topical CBD doesn’t typically enter your bloodstream unless a penetrating agent is added.

Consumer Alert

Lesson 3 There’s not a lot of helpful medical research when it comes to several aspects of CBD use.

DO SAG ES There is no agreed-upon dose for CBD. Finding the right dose is based on what a person is taking it for, how much a person weighs, and how an individual’s metabolism might function. Fortunately, a huge upside to CBD is its safety; there have been no reports of lethal overdose, and unpleasant side effects (see below) and major complications are very rare. That said: Follow the instructions on a product’s packaging and then feel free to adjust as needed.

IN D I CAT I O N S There is evidence—some backed by research, some anecdotal—that CBD may have a therapeutic benefit for pain, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, insomnia, nausea, Huntington’s disease, bipolar mania, and a slew of other conditions. There is only one FDA-approved drug that uses CBD: an antiseizure medication called Epidiolex, approved in 2018.

SI D E E F F E CTS Although users typically tolerate CBD quite well, side effects can include nausea, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth, drowsiness, changes in appetite, and diarrhea. It’s also a good idea to ask your physician if CBD might interact with other medications you’re taking.

In this brave new hemptastic world, mislabeling is rampant. If you’re shopping for hemp-derived CBD products, make sure you don’t fall prey to merchandise marketed as “hempseed oil” or “hemp oil” that pops up when you search for goods containing CBD. (Hempseed oil comes from the hemp seed and has no CBD; it’s often used in cooking and beauty products.) This is a serious problem when shopping on Amazon, which prohibits the sale of CBD and THC yet delivers 5,000 results when one searches for “CBD oil.”

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5280: We know the FDA and USDA are playing catchup with the newly legal hemp sector—what should consumers do to protect themselves in the meantime?

T H E L O W D O W N O N C B D S A F E T Y.

The regulatory infrastructure for the national hemp industry is sorely lacking, which means CBD users need to do their due diligence, even if they live in the Centennial State. We asked Thuy Vu, director of operations and regulatory affairs for Evergreen-based hemp company Hammer Enterprises and former foodborne illness, outbreak, and marijuana investigator for the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, what steps Coloradans should take to make sure they’re purchasing quality products.

May 31, 2019 Date that the FDA held its first public hearings on the safety and efficacy of hemp-derived cannabidiol products.

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Thuy Vu: We all need to pay attention to sourcing and start reading labels. Consumers seeking quality hemp and hemp-derived products can make informed decisions by comparing the label on the product with the certificate of analysis. What’s a certificate of analysis? The COA is a document issued by a testing facility that confirms whether an ingredient or product meets the product specifications, which is a set of criteria that establishes whether the sample conforms to predetermined safety, regulatory, or quality control stan-

dards. For example, the COA can confirm the expected CBD potency on the label as well as verifying that the product isn’t tainted with pathogens, mycotoxins, or unapproved pesticides. Where would someone get one of these COAs? While COAs are not readily available to the public, companies that stand behind their products will proudly provide the COA when asked. We should question any company that refuses to provide a current COA for a specific batch or lot number. It’s really about transparency. OK, let’s say I’ve got the COA in hand—what am I looking for? Consumers should always compare the name of the manufacturer (or repacker, re-processor, and/or distributor), the lot number or batch number, the manufacture date, and the expiration date listed on the COA with the label of the product they want to purchase. It should all match. If it doesn’t, I would request the correct COA or refuse to purchase the product altogether. I would also research the testing facility that performed the analysis. One barometer of a quality lab is that it has obtained what’s called an ISO 17025 accreditation for the specific test methods listed on the COA. If a consumer wants more information, she can

always call the testing facility and have someone explain the results. Do we really need to do all this work? I mean, it’s just CBD, right? As a former regulator, my bottom line is that any product made for human consumption should be safe, and there should be evidence to support that. Hemp is not a federally approved food ingredient, so we have to protect ourselves until it is. Furthermore, consumers need to understand the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum and isolate [see page 113] because they contain different levels of THC. THC potency may not always be reported on the label; that can be a big deal if you’re, say, up for a job and there’s a required drug test. Also, the FDA has tested a host of CBD products and found that many of them do not contain the amount claimed on the label. You could be paying a lot of money for nothing. Is there a simple overarching guideline for consumers? I would highly recommend purchasing from a manufacturer that operates in a state that has an industrial hemp program with active participation from state regulatory agencies, like Colorado, which has the most progressive industrial hemp regulatory program in the nation.

Rachael Sabell (2)

Consumer Reporting

Hemp

Shopping Cart

W H Y Y O U S H O U L D F E E L F O R T U N AT E T O B E A B L E T O F I L L Y O U R B U G G Y W I T H C B D AT L U C K Y ’ S M A R K E T.

Marta Zafra

Although CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, and Walgreens say they will soon be dipping their toes into the shallow end of the CBD pool by selling topical applications of the cannabinoid, few mainstream supermarkets are stocking their shelves with cannabis products, and even fewer are offering a full lineup that includes tinctures, gummies, vape pens, and capsules. In Colorado, that leaves consumers to wander the metaphorical, questionably stocked aisles of the internet or get CBD at a dispensary, where the accompanying THC content might be higher than desired. Happily, Boulder-born Lucky’s Market, which has five locations along the Front Range, dived into the CBD deep end in October 2017, making the spe-

Warning letters sent by the FDA to U.S. firms that marketed CBD as curative or as a treatment for diseases from 2015 through press time in 2019

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cialty grocer an early adopter. Captained by senior director of apothecary Sindy Wise, Lucky’s Market’s program focuses on full-spectrum hemp extracts and trains its staff to answer customer questions with as much detail as the law allows. Wise also vets the products that end up in the CBD sections of its stores. “We require a certificate of analysis from every supplier,” Wise says. “We make sure that what it says on the bottle is what’s actually in there. Furthermore, we’ve learned through experience which companies are in this for the right reasons.” Currently, Lucky’s works with about 12 hemp extract suppliers, all of which Wise feels good about; however, the trained herbalist wasn’t afraid to tell us about her four favorite products.

The Brand

The Product

Use It

Wise’s Choice

Bluebird Botanicals bluebirdbotanicals.com

Hemp Extract – Signature (with frankincense and black seed oil)

Like an everyday multivitamin

“This is a hardcore tincture; you’re gonna taste it, which I love. But you can mix it into a smoothie, too.”

Charlotte’s Web charlottesweb.com

Hemp Extract-Infused Gummies – Recovery

As an anti-inflammatory

“Inflammation is the root cause of many health issues; this is a way to keep it down.”

Mary’s Nutritionals marysnutritionals.com

Burnout Elite Topical Mist

To soothe skin irritations

“This is one of my favorites. Not only does it work, but it also smells so good.”

CV Sciences cvsciences.com

PlusCBD Oil Drops – Gold Formula

For a daily dose of general well-being

“CV Sciences was one of the first to do CBD oil right, and this tincture is high-concentration.” m

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The Heene familyâ€”(clockwise from top) Falcon, Ryo, Richard, Mayumi, and Bradfordâ€”in New York this past August.

Ten years ago this month, the country was captivated by a bizarre spectacle in Fort Collins that became colloquially known as the Balloon Boy Hoax. Although Richard Heene pleaded guilty to the prank, it was never fully clear whether it was the scam that police made it out to be. We unearth the truth behind that dayâ€”and all the days since. BY ROBERT SANCHEZ P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D W I L L I A M S

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visited Balloon Boy’s father, he was standing in the back of a pickup

truck, inflating balloons and letting the family dog bite them. That, perhaps, was the least bizarre part of my visit. During my time with Richard Heene, his wife, and their three sons, I was shown a video of the kids’ heavy metal band, the Heene Boyz; I got a demonstration of Richard’s back-scratcher, which he was selling online for $24.99; and I held a battery-operated fan encased in a small plastic box that men could shove down their pants to cool their genitals. “I want to sell that one to Tractor Supply,” Richard tells me. “Farmers sweat a lot.” He calls it the BlowJab. It’s roughly two hours from Manhattan, but New Hampton, New York, might as well be on the other end of the earth. It’s not quite Upstate, and it’s definitely not the city. The Heenes, who came here in May, exist in a geographic limbo, which is a fitting metaphor for their lives today, 10 years after their helium-filled balloon took off from their Fort Collins backyard and crashed into America’s pop culture consciousness. Today, the Heenes live in a camper trailer parked on the side of a twisting country road. A 160-year-old farmhouse slumps just a few yards away, a spray of mold running up the white siding. The house is a renovation project the Heenes are working on for an investor in Florida, where the family had been living since Richard pleaded guilty to one felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant in relation to what came to be known as the Balloon Boy Hoax. Richard served 30 days in jail and 60 nights of work release, and in August 2010 he moved his family 1,900 miles from Colorado to Florida. Now in the New York countryside for the summer and fall, the Heenes were, in all likelihood, the most famous people in their zip code. Not that they were advertising that fact. Their trailer was parked between two homes; one neighbor had already called the police because one of the boys and a friend were trespassing on private farmland. The officers pulled up to the trailer. Richard apologized and explained that the family was new to town and the boys were

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Diana Fields was home in Virginia when she turned on the television 10 years ago and saw the silver balloon in the air. “The news anchor said a boy might be inside,” Richard’s sister says. “I saw it was in Colorado, and I felt sick. I knew it had to be Rick.” The Great Recession was hammering American families by then, and people were out of work and struggling. Richard’s remodeling and home renovation services were luxuries most people

From cbsnews.com

On the second day I

just doing a little exploring. The officers heard the family dog, Zinc, an enormous and energetic Belgian Malinois, barking. The officers told Richard to get the dog under control. “You can’t win with cops, man,” Richard says, recalling the visit, but not really talking about that particular interaction with the police. “We just want to be left alone. Like, please leave us alone.” There was, however, one positive takeaway from the encounter. At least for now, it seemed no one recognized the names Richard and Mayumi Heene or those of their sons: Bradford, 20; Ryo, 18; and Falcon, aka Balloon Boy, 16. Richard is 58 now. He’s let his thinning, graying hair grow out, and it’s pulled into a ponytail that runs toward the middle of his back. The corners of his eyes are creased and cracked. He prefers jean shorts and sleeveless T-shirts that show off his Gulf Coast tan. He’s managed to retain enough of his energy to still seem youthful—if not in body then at least in spirit. It’s something he credits to raising three boys, to swinging a hammer for a living, and to his myriad inventions, which range from his Bear Scratch back scratcher to his HeeneDuty Truck Transformers to his Head Banger Energy Shots to the BlowJab. For her part, Mayumi is omnipresent, the glue of the family who prefers to work in the shadows. When Richard first saw her at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles in 1997, Mayumi was holding a clipboard and appeared to Richard to be the perfect counterbalance for his disorganized mind. After their marriage and the birth of three sons, it was obvious to anyone that—although Richard preferred the spotlight—Mayumi was the silent force that kept everything together. “She’s traditional Japanese, which means she takes the caretaker role very, very seriously,” a family friend says. “She lives to serve Richard and the boys. She would never want embarrassment or shame for any of them.” The Heenes had promised to renovate the house by early fall, but a series of complications had already befallen them. Bradford broke an ankle riding a dirt bike and couldn’t work. Richard’s crew hadn’t arrived from Florida. “I think they ran out of marijuana,” he says. Richard worried they might never show up. The home’s interior was a mess. The floors drooped; the stairwell bannister was falling apart in places. Sheets of plastic covered the windows. Saws, drills, and hammers were lying about. Inside one of the gutted rooms, Ryo held a 1930s newspaper the boys had discovered earlier. Falcon fetched some glass bottles that were once concealed in the walls. Their father smiled. “All these things were hidden, and now we’re seeing them,” Richard says, seemingly certain the house would give up all its secrets.

UP IN THE AIR

This spread, from left: A news couldn’t afford; Mayumi was running an at-home release it about 13 feet into the air, and then use the broadcast image of Richard video-editing business, but that work had slowed electricity to maneuver the balloon. Heene’s balloon after it landed; Richard and the family’s dog, Zinc, too. Richard needed a way to make some money. A video camera was set up on a tripod. The play with a balloon this past sumBy the fall of 2009, he’d dreamed up a heliumHeenes had filmed everything—from Home mer while Mayumi records the fun. filled, foil-backed insulation balloon of sorts. With Depot trips to the boys taping up the plastic a successful launch, Richard imagined dozens of sheets. They recorded the boys on the couch a inventors building their own dirigibles and racing them across a few days earlier, talking about their excitement for the launch. As desert, maybe in Arizona or Utah. If he could get enough balloons they stood in the backyard, the Heenes counted down from three, for the competition, Richard thought he could find sponsors and Richard pulled a release pin, and the balloon slowly floated toward maybe some airtime for the event. the tops of the trees out back. The Heenes cheered. The Heenes used whatever spare cash they had to buy the supThe balloon kept going. plies and started building. The balloon was 20 feet in diameter and Richard yelled at his wife and kicked the wooden frame on was constructed using 16 pie-shaped plastic sheets and two rolls of which the balloon had been sitting. It wasn’t until about 30 secduct tape. A circular plywood basket was attached to the bottom of onds later that Richard and Mayumi claim they realized Falcon the balloon with string, wood, and more duct tape. Richard rested it wasn’t in the yard. He’d been playing inside the balloon’s basket all atop a wooden frame. morning; earlier, Bradford filmed Falcon climbing around the plyA test launch was scheduled for October 12, 2009, Richard and wood basket and their father yelling for the boy to stay away. Now Mayumi’s 12th wedding anniversary. By then, the family had spent Bradford was screaming at his parents: “Falcon’s in there! Falcon’s more than a month on the project. The boys helped cut the plastic in there!” sheets and pieced them together. Once he determined the balloon Richard’s first call was to the Federal Aviation Administration was airtight, Richard covered the sheets with aluminum foil to help (FAA), law enforcement reports say. As the balloon floated out of conduct the electricity that would propel the balloon. sight, Richard thought someone at the FAA could track it on radar After a few days of weather delays, Richard was feeling good about or at least might have the authority to shut down airplane traffic in the prospect of a successful test run. When he emptied five tanks of the area. The person at the FAA said Richard needed to call 911. helium into the balloon on October 15, it expanded and began to Mayumi dialed, but the emergency operator couldn’t understand take the shape of a Jiffy Pop popcorn container. Richard then hooked her. With his wife crying on the phone, Richard called KUSA a stun gun to the basket and ran a million volts of electricity across (Channel 9) in Denver from his cell. “I wanted to know if they the balloon’s surface. The plan was to tether the balloon to the ground, could get a helicopter in the air and get eyes on it, because no one OCTOBER 20 19 |

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UP IN THE AIR could see what was going on,” he says. Richard then jumped on Mayumi’s phone and talked to the 911 operator. Within minutes, Larimer County sheriff ’s deputies began arriving at the Heenes’ rented house. They searched the family’s bedrooms, the basement, and the home’s garage. When Falcon wasn’t in those places, they went to friends’ houses. Deputies searched a wooded area nearby, a local reservoir, and a large park. About an hour after the balloon’s launch, footage of its flight was broadcast across the country on cable news channels. “You see those power lines down there, and it just makes your stomach turn,” anchor Shepard Smith told Fox News viewers as a helicopter followed the balloon through the air. “We believe there is a little boy in this balloon…. He can’t see out, and he’s just flying. A six-year-old child. A first grader.” Television and newspaper reporters flooded the Heenes’ neighborhood. Nearly 90 minutes after Mayumi’s 911 call, with an entire nation watching, the balloon began deflating. One side sagged; the silver bag slowly circled a freshly planted field about 50 miles from the Heenes’ home. As the balloon plopped onto the ground, deputies and an ambulance converged. They searched the craft. Falcon wasn’t there. A deputy reported seeing an object fall out a few miles earlier. “It was the worst moment of my life,” Richard says. For the next hour, the Heenes say they wondered if their son was dead. With deputies still searching, Richard and Mayumi cried in the living room. As one investigator was making a call from the kitchen, he heard a shriek. Falcon had shown up. He told his parents he’d been hiding inside a box in the garage’s attic. He told police that he thought he’d get in trouble because he’d been climbing around the basket and had been scolded by his father before the launch. Safe in his hiding place, he’d played with some toy cars and then had fallen asleep.

That evening, during an appearance on CNN, Wolf

Blitzer asked Falcon, via Richard, why he’d hidden for so long. “I don’t know if Falcon can hear me,” Blitzer began. “Did he hear anything? Did he hear you screaming out ‘Falcon, Falcon?’ ” Richard posed the question to his son. “He’s asking, Falcon, did you hear us calling your name at any time?” “Mmm-hmm,” Falcon answered. “You did?” Richard said, sounding a little surprised. “Well, then why didn’t you come out?” “Um.” Falcon paused. “You guys said…[pause] that, um…[pause] we did this for the show.” “Man,” Richard said. “No,” Mayumi said. Two days later, Larimer County law enforcement officials asked

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Richard to come to their office. According to sheriff ’s reports, “up to this point, all interaction [between Richard and Mayumi] showed emotions consistent with a grieving process or concern for a lost child.” Now, no one was sure what to believe. At an investigator’s request, Richard and Mayumi agreed to take separate polygraph examinations. The results have been redacted in law enforcement files, but Richard seemed dodgy with his answers, the examiner later wrote in a report. At one point, Richard said he was living with type 1 diabetes; he appeared on the verge of falling asleep when the investigator’s questions became more accusatory. Mayumi crumbled during an interrogation after the polygraph. She admitted that the balloon was a setup. She explained that she and her husband wanted attention for a science-based reality show they’d pitched with producers who’d filmed their 2008 appearances on ABC’s Wife Swap. A runaway balloon with a kid inside could be television catnip. Sheriff Jim Alderden recommended felony charges against both Heenes for conspiracy, for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and for attempting to influence a public servant. “They put on a very good show for us,” Alderden said at the time, “and we bought it.” Television trucks camped outside the Heenes’ house, and the boys stayed home from school. Richard had a basement renovation lined up, but the client canceled at the last minute. “It was all bullshit,” Richard says now. “This wound up being more about one sheriff ’s ego and his search for 15 minutes of fame than anything having to do with us.” For one thing, Richard says, his wife was nowhere near proficient enough to understand—much less, to answer—polygraph-measured questions in English. She also didn’t understand that she could stop her interview and ask for an attorney. Richard tried to get legal help, but he couldn’t reach anyone because it was a weekend. (The sheriff ’s report backs up this claim. At one point, Richard even asked one of the investigators if he could help Richard find an attorney. The investigator declined.) “Every bit of what happened to the Heenes was an injustice,” says David Lane, a Denver attorney who represented Richard. Lane claims the Larimer County district attorney’s office ultimately put the family in an untenable situation: If the Heenes took their cases to court and Mayumi lost, prosecutors promised to start deportation proceedings. (The Larimer County DA’s office has denied this charge.) “It would have been great to take the case to trial and make them all look stupid, but was Richard really willing to take unconscionable risks with his family over it?” Lane asks. “You’re talking about tearing a loving mother from her children and her husband as some kind of revenge. It was morally repugnant for the prosecutors to put the Heenes in that position, to let this case turn into a circus. For God’s sake, it was a balloon.”

UP IN THE AIR

To this day, Richard hasn’t changed his story, and his sister has never doubted her brother. “If Richard was going to pull a stunt like that, he would have called me first,” Diana says. “He would have known I’d be worried, thinking one of my nephews’ lives was in danger. There’s no way he does something like that, worrying people he loves.”

This spread, from left: Richard, inside the house he’s remodeling, shows off his Bear Scratch back scratcher invention; the males in the Heene family have an affinity for dirt bike riding.

One warm summer day this past June in New Hampton, Richard sat in his trailer’s kitchenette drinking coffee and scratching out drywall estimates. Sunlight poured through the windows, streaking across the small kitchen where Mayumi was scrubbing dishes. Pots and pans were stacked on the kitchen counter and in the sink; papers and empty cups covered the table. The family’s black rabbit hopped from one end of the trailer to its litter box near the kitchen. Zinc, the dog, lazed atop a rug draped across the linoleum. Richard wasn’t disappointed that this was their life, he said. He and his boys were getting paid for their work, and he was teaching them a trade that would last their lifetimes. (Later, on the phone with me, one of Richard’s clients used the word “exceptional” to describe the quality of the Heenes’ work.) Richard was enthusiastic about taking this abandoned home and turning it into a place where someone could spend his or her life. He liked the themes of renovation: the concept of reclamation and the possibilities of a teardown and rebuild. “You can change anything with hard work,” he says. “I’m a passionate guy. When I set my mind to something, I get it done.” So all of this was really for the best, he said, except that this was not where he expected to end up—parked on a crumbling

driveway, packed inside a 300-square-foot trailer with his wife and teenage sons, with a felony on his record and a past he felt like he couldn’t escape. He’d like more time to work on his inventions. He’d like to be back in Colorado, chasing storms and studying electromagnetic fields like the old days. More than anything, he’d like if everyone could forget the whole Balloon Boy thing. Of course, that would prove impossible. He was sure the incident had cost him jobs and friends. He knew a quick Google search could scuttle potential business opportunities. Worst of all, his felony disqualified Richard from the holy grail of reality television for inventors: Shark Tank. “I know I could impress the Sharks,” he says. “Just give me the shot and let me do my thing.” His only chance at redemption, he learned, was a pardon. Colorado Governor Jared Polis is the one person with the authority to make the stain of Richard Heene’s past decade disappear—at least on paper. Richard thought the governor and his people would be sympathetic to his story if they understood the case’s details and what had happened in the years since: the polygraphs; the media attention; how Richard and Mayumi raised three children in the aftermath; how Mayumi recently became a naturalized citizen of the United States; how the family survived. Richard turned back to the drywall estimates on his paper pad, but it was obvious his mind wasn’t into the work this morning. A back scratcher had been sold on the bearscratch.com site and needed to be shipped to Jacksonville, Florida. He was waiting for Mayumi’s video edits on a Richard-written CONTINUED ON PAGE 162 OCTOBER 20 19 |

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52 80

Calendar

Our curated guide to the best local events in October.

OCT. 25 Mat Kerekes

INSIDE 122 Music

126 Performing Arts

122 Arts & Exhibits

126 Special Events

122 Culinary

128 Sports & Recreation

124 Kids & Family

MUSIC OCT. 6 Cold War Kids Since meeting at Califor-

nia’s Biola University in 2004, the members of this indie-rock outfit have achieved a lot—including releasing six studio albums and the gold-certified single “First.” And they continue to release high-energy, foot-stomping sounds: For instance, their 2017 album LA Divine includes upbeat, drum-dominated rhythms and catchy choruses. As a prelude to their upcoming album New Age Norms, the band will embark on a 21-city tour, proving that though they’ve aged, they’re not going anywhere. Sun 8 p.m. Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, 303-786-7030, bouldertheater.com. $28. Visit coldwarkids.com.

OCT. 15–16 Lizzo Best-known for her flamboyant flute-playing stunts and contagious confidence, this rising pop star is well on her way to icon status with her 2019 breakthrough album Cuz I Love You. At her Mile High City stop, expect to hear her catchy Billboard Hot 100 track “Truth Hurts,” and songs such as “Tempo” and “Jerome” which flaunt the upand-comer’s range of talent, from lightning-fast rap verses to soulful R&B ballads. Unafraid to assert her worth, Lizzo isn’t waiting for the

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You may know him as the frontman of the grungy alternative-rock band Citizen, but Matt Kerekes has a softer side that he explores in his solo endeavors. Tabling the grungy guitar riffs and bass lines that originally put him on the map, the 25-year-old uses his trademark confessional lyricism to tackle subjects such as rejection and grief on his 2019 sophomore solo album Ruby. Despite their gloomy subjects, Kerekes brings levity to his songs with theatrical harmonies, vibrant piano melodies, and impressive guitar work. Fri 7 p.m. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St., 303-487-0111, themarquistheater.com. $16-$19.

ARTS & EXHIBITS BEST BET OCT. 12 Broadmoor Art Academy 100th Birthday Party Spencer and Julie Penrose started the Broadmoor Art Academy in 1919, hoping to create an institution that would garner national esteem. They delivered on that ambition by attracting legendary en plein air artists, such as John F. Carlson, who wanted to teach while painting the area’s striking scenery. For its centennial, the center is showcasing masterpieces created at the school, including Ernest Lawson’s painting of Cripple Creek on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Sat 10 a.m.-noon. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs, 719-634-5581, fac.coloradocollege.edu. Free.

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS?

Visit our online listings at 5280.com/ events.

BEST BET OCT. 18–26 ArtWear Biennial At this weeklong fashion show, guests can watch models don the latest trends on the catwalk and then peruse more than 300 pieces of covetable couture, including a snow white wedding coat created by Fort Collins’ Kari Armstrong. Proceeds support the town’s performing arts venue, where the event takes place. Fri-Sat, times vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins, 970-2216730, lctix.com. $15-$50.

OCT. 21–FEB. 2 Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature

You’re probably familiar with French impressionist Claude Monet’s mesmerizing paintings, but this exhibition featuring the country’s largest collection of Monets in over two decades is your chance to see them in person. The works span the artist’s 75-year career, including his early beginnings with traditional landscape pieces to his popular “Waterlilies and Japanese Bridge,” an example of the painter’s ability to make an ephemeral moment everlasting. Mon-Sun, times vary. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., 720-865-5000, denverartmuseum.org. $15-$50.

OCT. 24 Conception Art Show This eight-year-old

pop-up exhibition started when New York artist Rachel Wilkins Blum grew tired of the maledominated creative world. She’s fixing the dearth of diversity with this traveling showcase featuring the works of underrepresented artists from across the country. You’ll get to see pieces, such as Denver-based Annie Houk’s oil paintings, from creators who have never shown their art before. Thu 5-9 p.m. The Hangar at Stanley, 2501 Dallas St., Suite 135, Aurora, 720-588-2500, stanleymarketplace.com. $22. Visit conceptionarts.com.

CULINARY OCT. 3–6 AppleFest Picturesque Cedaredge’s

apple harvest is bountiful enough to merit a four-day celebration. The mountain town’s annual festival boasts a chili cook-off, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and, of course, apples in all their delicious forms. Taste Granny Smiths from the town’s orchards while you compete in the apple-pie-eating contest or Honeycrisps in a tart libation from Snow Capped Cider. If you need a fruit respite, try bites from more than a dozen local restaurants, including Bravo Pizza, on Saturday and Sunday. Thu-Sun, times vary. Cedaredge Town Park, 245 W. Main St., Cedaredge, 970-856-6961, cedaredgechamber.com. Free.

OCT. 20 5280 Dines The Mile High City is packed

with so many incredible restaurants, it’s nearly impossible to eat at all of them. But you can cross at least two dozen eateries off your culinary bucket list at this fete, which will feature food from some of this magazine’s 2019 class of the metro area’s 25 best restaurants (see page 82). In between delectable bites crafted by the city’s top chefs, sip on a punchy cocktail courtesy of the open bar and get your picture taken at the photo booth—it’s going to be a night you’ll want to remember. Sun 6-9 p.m. The Hangar at Stanley, 2501 Dallas St., Suite 135, Aurora, 720-588-2500. $78. Visit 5280scene.com.

Courtesy of Luke Gilford

music gods to make room for her in the hall of fame—she’s staking out her own claim. Tue 7 p.m.; Wed 8 p.m. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St., 303-837-1482, fillmore auditorium.org. Ticket prices vary. Visit lizzomusic.com.

Lizzo

CALENDAR OCT. 23 The Taste of Greenwood Village

With more than 50 restaurants showcasing samples at this culinary celebration, we recommend pacing your bites. Area restaurateurs will present a bevy of different cuisines, from Cebiche Highlands’ Peruvian delicacies to Tap & Burger’s American cuisine. Meanwhile, Molly’s Spirits will provide an equally robust wine selection, with varieties ranging from a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to a light Chenin Blanc. Should our previous advice fall on deaf ears (we don’t blame you), you can dance your appetite back with energetic tunes from local bands Dotsero and Page Six. Wed 4:30-8:30 p.m. Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse St., 303-779-1100, dtcchamber.com. $79-$179.

KIDS & FAMILY OCT. 3–DEC. 1 Hansel and Gretel For the past 25

years, Denverite Annie Zook has owned and been the sole performer at Denver Puppet Theater. To celebrate the studio’s quartercentennial, she’s presenting her take on this classic story. Zook will re-enact the Brothers Grimm tale with her self-made wooden marionettes cloaked in colorful papier-mâché costumes. Kids can interact with the puppets and even decorate their own paper figures to bring home after the enchanting performance. Thu-Fri 10 a.m.; Sat 1 p.m. Denver Puppet

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Theater, 3156 W. 38th Ave., 303-458-6446, denverpuppettheater.com. $8.

OCT. 3–25 Enchanted Hollows Pumpkin patches

are fun enough on their own, but this fall, Denver Zoo will up the ante with a spooky take on the autumnal tradition. Visitors will walk through a field full of creepy, immersive effects including the odor of rotting pumpkins, sounds of footsteps in the woods, and slithery centipedes inhabiting a tree stump. In between sips of huckleberry fizz potion, interact with some of the zoo’s creepier animals, such as reptiles and insects, and check out the grizzly-bear-turned-big-foot habitat to be thoroughly frightened. Mon-Sun, 6-9:30 p.m. Denver Zoo, 2900 E. 23rd Ave., 720-337-1400, denverzoo.org. $10-$15.

OCT. 5 Darci Lynne & Friends Ventriloquist and

child star Darci Lynne Farmer was only 12 years old when she became the youngest winner of America’s Got Talent. Since then, she’s blossomed into a bona fide teen star, performing across the country with her two puppet buddies, peppy rabbit Petunia and shy mouse Oscar. At this attention-grabbing performance, you’ll see the Oklahoma native sing classic songs including Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Sat, 6-9:30 p.m. Buell Theatre at Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St., 303-893-4100, denvercenter.org. $30-$50. Visit darcilynne.com.

OCT. 21–25 Glow at the Gardens Even your best

pumpkin-carving creations will be put to shame at this after-dark experience featuring more than 100 hand-carved gourds from local artists. Families can browse the collection of illuminated squash sculptures, including a 10-foot-tall stegosaurus and a mummy family, created by local artists like Jess Parrish and watch performers, some wielding fire and some cloaked in LED lights. Afterwards, sit in on a carving demonstration to bone up on your squash-decorating skills. Who knows; maybe next year one of your fall fruits will be featured. Mon-Fri, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Denver Botanic Gardens,1007 York St., 720-8653500, botanicgardens.org. $17-$21.

OCT. 22–NOV. 2 Tiny Tots Orchestra: Planes,

Trains, and Automobiles If your little one loves tinkering with train sets or constructing model planes, they’ll delight in this transportation-themed night of live orchestral music. Tiny conductors can sing and dance to locomotive-centric songs and sounds, including train noises and beloved favorites such as “Wheels on the Bus,” performed by nearly 40 local musicians, such as Denver Municipal Band veteran Dan Leavitt and local actress and teaching artist Maggy Stacy. After the performance, audience members will have the opportunity to play instruments including violins, xylophones, trumpets, and lap harps as well as meet with the music makers. Tue-Sat, times vary. Locations vary. 303-355-7855. $10. Visit insidetheorchestra.org.

Penthouse Suite

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Naturalist-guided excursions

With the arrival of our revolutionary new Celebrity Flora®, your experience in the unspoiled Galapagos Islands will be anything but primitive. These suites are the largest, most luxurious in the islands, complete with Personal Suite Attendants and unrivaled amenities. Plus, our Celebrity Flora packages are blissfully all-inclusive. For a limited time, enjoy half off your second guest’s fare, and get round-trip air included up to $750 per person.*

Visit celebrity.com, call 1-888-283-6879, or contact your travel advisor. † Airfare valued up to $750 per person including taxes and fees. * Offer applies to new individual bookings made August 1 to October 31, 2019, for select Galapagos cruises and cruise packages of 7, 10, 11, and 16 nights on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition, or Celebrity Xploration, departing September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Offer includes half off the second guest’s cruise fare with the purchase of a first guest’s cruise at full price. Galapagos cruise packages of 10, 11, and 16 nights, sailing during 2019 and 2020, also receive round-trip air, valued up to $750 per person including air taxes and fees, departing from U.S. or Canadian gateways, booked via Flights by Celebrity. Seven-night cruise-only itineraries are not eligible for the inclusive air offer. Guests with independent air arrangements may choose a $500 per person cruise fare savings instead of air via Flights by Celebrity. Offer applies to the first two guests in a stateroom and is subject to availability and change, capacity controlled, nontransferable, and not combinable with any other offer, and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Cancellation of Air: Tickets may be purchased on a nonrefundable or refundable basis and are each subject to the cancellation terms of the applicable airlines and Flights by Celebrity. Offer is available to residents of the United States and Canada. Refer to Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and to change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2019 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Ecuador.

CALENDAR

OCT. 18–NOV. 11 Laughing Stock Audiences don’t

New Heights: Dancing on the Walls that Divide Us

PERFORMING ARTS OCT. 12–13 New Heights: Dancing on the Walls

that Divide Us Isabel von Rittberg refuses to believe that walls have to divide people. As the artistic director of the AscenDance Project, a troupe that combines rock climbing, music, and choreography, she uses barriers as an outlet for creativity. Rittberg, who grew up in a divided Germany, will direct a nine-dancer performance, portraying a unified world, through synchronized rock climbing interspersed with ballet modern-dance-inspired floor work, and multimedia elements, such as a video projection of the Berlin Wall. Sat 7:30

usually get to see the behind-the-scenes mayhem of theater production. This comedic play, however, takes viewers backstage to witness a complete season of a fictional New England– based theater, The Playhouse, including casting, staging rehearsals, and performing. With Denverite Katie Mangett directing, this 14-character play includes allusions to classics such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Brandon Thomas’ Charley’s Aunt and hits on the hilarious, often adversarial, personalities of the ensemble—emphasizing that no matter what, the show must go on. Fri-Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Evergreen Players, 27608 Fireweed Dr., Evergreen, 303-674-4934, evergreenplayers. org. $15-$25.

OCT. 31–NOV. 24 Tuesdays With Morrie When

young journalist Mitch Albom sees his college professor and mentor Morrie Schwartz on Nightline and discovers he has Lou Gehrig’s disease, he decides to rekindle their relationship. Based on Albom’s memoir of the same title, the true story follows the renowned author making a weekly pilgrimage for six weeks to get final lectures on life from Schwartz. Directed by former Broadway actress and local Billie McBride and starring Denver favorite Chris Kendall as Morrie, this two-

BEST BET OCT. 5 Whaaat!? Festival University of Colorado Boulder instructors Matt Bethancourt and Danny Rankin and Matt’s wife, Lisa, a game developer, started this alternative gaming festival in 2018 because they wanted to nerd out with a handful of likeminded developers over odd projects. Then the event drew hundreds more than they anticipated. This year’s attendeescan test-

Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

OCT 4-6 FRI-SAT 7:30 n SUN 1:00

NOV 1-2 FRI-SAT 7:30

HalfNotes

OCT 11 FRI 7:30

Halloween Spooktacular!

Music of Selena

Mozart Symphony No. 40

Dvořák Symphony No. 7

NOV 3 SUN 2:30

FAMILY

HalfNotes

NOV 8-10 FRI-SAT 7:30 n SUN 1:00

Renée Fleming - The Brightness of Light- Colorado Premiere NOV 15 & 17 FRI 7:30 n SUN 1:00

OCT 18-20 FRI-SAT 7:30 n SUN 1:00

Verdi Requiem – 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Colorado Symphony Chorus OCT 26-27 SAT 7:30 n SUN 1:00 HalfNotes Please join us for family-friendly activities 1 hour before the concert.

These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM!

| 5280 | OCTOBER 2019

ing for a weekslong wilderness expedition or just a one-day fishing excursion, this 60-vendorstrong event has the supplies you require. Outdoor outfitters—half of which are based in Colorado—will display their newest wares and fan favorites, from ENO hammocks to tiny travel trailers crafted by Arvada’s Into The Wild Overland. After you’ve stocked up on adventure gear, take a turn at the BassPro archery station, where adults and kids alike can finetune their aim. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W. Sixth Ave., Golden, 303-704-1240. Ticket prices vary. Visit offgridexpo.com.

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 conducted by Brett Mitchell

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MEXICAN CULTURAL CENTER

126

OCT. 4–6 Off-Grid Expo Whether you’re prepar-

NOVEMBER

OCT 12-13 SAT 7:30 n SUN 2:00

also supported by

SPECIAL EVENTS

OCTOBER

The Goonies in Concert

presenting sponsor

person show demonstrates the power of connection and meditates on what it means to say goodbye. Thu-Sat 7 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., 303-800-6578, cherrycreektheatre.org. $38.

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto NOV 22-24 FRI-SAT 7:30 n SUN 1:00

Home Alone in Concert NOV 29 FRI 7:30

HalfNotes

Aretha: A Tribute

SYMPHONY POPS

NOV 30 SAT 7:30

TICKETS: COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

Courtesy of Alisa Geiser

p.m.; Sun 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-7328, thedairy.org. $25-$30.

A LONG MORNING OF COFFEE BY THE FIRE, JUST THE THREE OF YOU. A HIKE TO TOP OFF THE DAY. AND THE SNOW? WELL, THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT SO FUN OUT HERE.

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CALENDAR drive avant-garde digital entertainment like Buster Blunder, a car-racing contest of sorts: Participants blow into Nintendo cartridges to power virtual vehicles. Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Roser ATLAS Center, 1125 18th St., Boulder, 303735-4577, atlas.colorado.edu. Ticket prices vary. Visit whaaat.io.

OCT. 18–21 Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout

The Great Gatsby fanatics can party like it’s the 1920s at this all-day swinging affair celebrating the era’s Balboa dance. Learn about the old-fashioned moves, which incorporate fast tempos and a closer embrace than traditional

swing, from world-renowned instructors such as National Swing Dance Hall of Famer Sylvia Sykes and European Balboa champion David Rehm. Once you’re confident in your steps, join in one of the contests, where you’ll be judged on footwork, teamwork, and timing—and can win cash prizes. With music provided by jazz ensemble Greg Ruby 6, there will be four different levels of instruction, so whether you’re stepping on your partner’s toes or cutting a rug, you can improve your moves. Fri-Mon, times vary. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver—Thornton, 83 E. 120th Ave., 303-8836691. Ticket prices vary. Visit cmdance.org.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

SPORTS & RECREATION BEST BET OCT. 4–6 Major League Lacrosse Championship Over the past two decades, Colorado has become a hotbed for lacrosse. That love for the sport helped the state lure the annual Major League Lacrosse Championship from its usual perch on the East Coast to Denver. This month, the Mile High City will host the league’s semifinals; the winners will play for the title two days later. On the Saturday between the games, the league will hold an awards ceremony, during which it will crown its MVP and Rookie of the Year in a fitting fete for the growing league and the region’s leading lax hub. Fri-Sun, times vary. Locations vary. 303-688-5297. Ticket prices vary. Visit majorleaguelacrosse.com. OCT. 5 Castle Rock Trail Festival Castle Rock’s

300-acre Philip S. Miller Park is the town’s largest-ever park project, complete with an amphitheater, recreation center, and zip line course. You can tour the new facilities yourself at this running summit, which includes six races of difficulties ranging from a 5K to a 50K ultramarathon, which take runners from the park’s newly constructed trails to singletrack and doubletrack trails in nearby Ridgeline Open Space. If you’re truly a glutton for punishment, celebrate your finish at Challenge Hill, a 200step staircase adjacent to the finish line. Sat, times vary. Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock, 720-733-2299. Ticket prices vary. Visit coloradorunnerevents.com.

OCT. 5–6 Talbott’s Orchard Crit Cross and

Orchard Cross Race over a variety of terrain— including dirt, grass, and gravel—in this hearty cyclorace through Talbott Farms’ 306-acre peach orchard in Palisade. Depending on age and bike style, cyclists have between 20 and 45 minutes to complete as many laps as possible around the course, which is packed with stunning views of Palisade. Afterward, roll over to Talbott Farms’ taproom, where you’ll find cider and house wines on tap. Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Talbott Farms, 3800 F 1/4 Rd., Palisade, 970-464-5943. Ticket prices vary. Visit madracingcolorado.com.

OCT. 13 14th Annual Black and Blue Ball Watch

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some of the hardest-hitting skaters in Colorado throw down in gowns on this night of no-holdsbarred roller derby. Founded in 2006, the FoCo Roller Derby league faces off in games across the state. This time, teams will don formal attire— think floor-length prom dresses—in a flat-track showdown during which players try to lap members of opposing teams. After the competition, players will contend for awards, including “Belle of the Ball,” that acknowledge their style and skating. Sun 3-6 p.m. McKee 4-H Building, 5280 Arena Cir., Suite 100, Loveland, 970-619-4000 . Ticket prices vary. Visit focorollerderby.org.

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three-day climbing bonanza takes place at 7,000 feet—and on some of the best limestone in Colorado. Sit in on clinics from professional climbers and compete in a slackline competition. After you’ve worked up a sufficient appetite, sate your hunger with gourmet grilled cheese from Colorado Springs’ the Fiesta Grill and suds from Boulder’s Avery Brewing Co. Fri-Sun, times vary. Shelf Rd., Cañon City, 503-781-8906. Ticket prices vary. Visit americanalpineclub.org.

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DENVER

PRESENTS

10.20.19 6–9 PM

H O S T E D AT

We are bringing together the winning chefs featured in our 25 Best Restaurants list to give you the foodie event of the year. Guests will enjoy access to an assortment of delicious bites, along with open bars featuring beer, wine, and fun cocktails. Plus, capture the night at one of our many photo opportunities.

GET TICKETS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS!

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THIS IS A CAN’T-MISS CULINARY EXPERIENCE! D E S I G N S

D E S I G N S

52 80

Dining Guide Our directory of where to eat in Denver and beyond. NEW American Elm $$ Berkeley / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot, where you can get $2 oysters and $3 shrimp cocktail every day. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Lunch, Dinner

NEW Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).

American Grind $$ Speer / American This sustainably-minded

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.

Visit our online listings at 5280.com/ restaurants.

burger joint serves satisfying, well, burgers, fries, and ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations not accepted. 81 S. Pennsylvania Ave., 970-420-8484. Lunch, Dinner

PRICE KEY ( Average Entrée ) $ under $10 $$ $11 to $15

LOOKING FOR MORE DINING OPTIONS?

25 BEST Annette

$$$ $16 to $25 $$$$ $26 and higher

$$$

Caroline Glover, brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and woodgrilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST 12 at Madison $$ Congress Park / American With a menu offering 18

25 BEST Arcana $$$$ Boulder / American This charming Boulder restau-

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

rant aims to explore the roots of American heritage through food. Pair a cider with the Colorado lamb or the farmer’s cheese toast. Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-3885. Dinner, Brunch

Ace Eat Serve $$$ Uptown Area / Asian This Uptown restaurant and ping-pong hall features Asian-inspired cuisine and 11 ping-pong tables. Try the Szechuan shrimp wontons or the duck confit bao bun. Reservations accepted. 501 E. 17th Ave., 303-800-7705. Dinner

25 BEST Acorn RiNo / New American Contemporary American

cuisine with Southern and Moroccan notes at this mainstay inside the Source is served from an oak-fired oven and grill. Don’t miss the bar’s inventive cocktails. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner

Acreage Restaurant $$ Lafayette / Seasonal Stem Cider’s ciderhouse and eatery pairs its drinks with house-grown produce and sustainable sourcing by chef Eric Lee. Order something from the charcuterie menu and save room for the cider doughnuts. Reservations accepted for parties of nine or more. 1380 Horizon Ave., Unit A, 720-443-3007. Lunch, Dinner

African Grill & Bar $$$ Lakewood / African Head to this cheery African restaurant for rich stews, fried fish, rice dishes, and friendly service. Also try the Green Valley Ranch location. Reservations not accepted. 955 S. Kipling Pkwy., 720-229-7778. Lunch, Dinner

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this food hall include Street Feud, Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada, QuickFish Poke Bar, Quiero Arepas, the Rotary, and Bistro Georgette. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Bamboo Sushi $$$ LoHi / Sushi This Portland-born sustainable sushi spot

Aurora / American Acorn’s former sous chef,

Avanti Food & Beverage $$ Highland / International Current tenants of

Ash’Kara $$$ LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plantbedecked eatery. Try the falafel and king salmon crudo. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-5374407. Dinner, Brunch

will make you feel good about each bite of sashimi you take. Reservations accepted. 715 17th St., 303-2846600. Dinner

Bar Dough $$$ Highland / Italian Tuck into wood-fired pizzas and comforting pastas from chef-owner Max MacKissock and executive chef-owner Carrie Baird at this casual gathering spot. Reservations accepted. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506. Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Barolo Grill $$$$ Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food and wine menus at this eatery focused on the cuisines of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner

Basta $$$ Boulder / Italian This wood-fired eatery offers bold flavors and good wine. Reservations accepted. 3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-997-8775. Dinner

GO FISH Downtown’s Guard and Grace recently expanded its raw fish offerings, and there’s one item in particular you shouldn’t miss: the spicy tuna crunch roll. Bold, fresh flavors abound, thanks to its filling of chives, cucumber, and charred shishito peppers and the spicy tuna mix on top. Even better, squid-ink tempura crunchies coat the outside of the rice for delightful texture. 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.

Sarah Boyum

SYMBOL KEY

25 BEST Beast & Bottle $$$$ Uptown Area / Seasonal A sustainable-sourcing

From Cheeseburgers...

mantra permeates a menu that features everything from local lamb to cod collars. Reservations accepted. 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-623-3223. Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Beckon $$$$ RiNo / Scandinavian Chef Duncan Holmes brings an elevated, intimate 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

Biju’s Little Curry Shop $$ Berkeley / Indian Get your fill of southern Indian food at this curry shop. Top a bowl of biryani with spiced chicken, beef, or veggies. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 4279 Tennyson St., 303-975-6886. Lunch, Dinner

The Bindery $$$ Highland / Contemporary Linda Hampsten Fox’s

And Beyond OH, AND... CHICKEN, HAND-CUT FRIES, DOUBLE-BATTERED ONION RINGS, DOGS AND CUSTARD TOO.

eatery, market, and bakery offers worldly fare inspired by her travels. Settle in for the smoked rabbit pie with mustard gelato. Reservations accepted. 1817 Central St., 303-993-2364. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Bistro Barbès $$$$ North Park Hill / French Jon Robbins offers a menu inspired by the French, North African, and Middle Eastern flavors of Barbès, the Paris neighborhood where he spent three years. Reservations accepted. 5021 E. 28th Ave., 720-398-8085. Dinner

1147 Broadway Street #101 Denver, CO 80203 (720) 390-5046

Bistro Vendôme $$$ Downtown / French This romantic spot on Larimer Square conjures up Paris with crusty bread, excellent coffee, and a tranquil patio. Indulge in French bistro classics, such as steak frites. Reservations accepted. 1420 Larimer St., 303-825-3232. Dinner, Brunch

Black Cat Farm Table Bistro $$$$ Boulder / Seasonal Diners can be assured that the produce, dairy, and meats served in the cozy dining room are sourced from executive chef Eric Skokan’s Boulder County farm. Reservations accepted. 1964 13th St., Boulder, 303-444-5500. Dinner

25 BEST Blackbelly $$$ Boulder / New American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s meaty menu focuses on charcuterie, small plates, and daily butcher specials. Check out the butcher shop and grab-and-go market, Blackbelly Butcher, located next door. Reservations accepted. 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder, 303-247-1000. Dinner

Blue Sky Cafe and Juice Bar $ Lakewood / American This neighborhood early day

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joint invites diners to put their own spin on menu items, from pancakes to grain bowls. 14403 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood, 303-216-2670. Breakfast, Lunch

Bramble & Hare Boulder / Pub This cozy pub offers dishes and

$$$

cocktails inspired by fresh ingredients from owner Eric Skokan’s farm. Try the kimchi fried rice or the confit potato poutine with bacon gravy. Reservations accepted. 1970 13th St., Boulder, 303-444-9110. Dinner

Broadway Market Capitol Hill Area / International. This sprawling

marketplace is home to nine food concepts, a central bar, a self-serve beer wall, and two retail options. Drop in to peruse offerings from Royal Rooster, Pizzeria Coperta, Mother Tongue, and many more. 950 Broadway, 720-390-7132. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

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Cart-Driver $$ RiNo / Pizza Inspired by Italy’s roadside cafes, Cart-

Cafe Brazil $$ Berkeley / Latin American This colorful South American restaurant has more than 75 rums and specializes in creations from both the land and sea. Order the grilled chicken and black bean stew. Reservations accepted. 2845 Larimer St., 303-954-0230. Lunch, Dinner

Carmine’s on Penn Speer / Italian This family-style Italian restaurant serves huge platters of hearty food on a year-round patio. Reservations accepted. 92 S. Pennsylvania St., 303-777-6443. Dinner

Driver slings oysters, wood-fired pizzas, and Prosecco on tap. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. 2500 Larimer St., 303-292-3553. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST Cattivella

$$$ Stapleton / Italian Elise Wiggins offers rustic, woodfired Italian fare from a chef’s counter. Go for grilled oysters, pizzas, and fresh pastas. Reservations accepted. 10195 E. 29th Dr., Ste. 110, 303-645-3779. Lunch, Dinner

Cherry Cricket $$ Cherry Creek / Pub This popular neighborhood hangout offers excellent green chile and great burgers. Also

try the Ballpark location. Reservations not accepted. 2641 E. Second Ave., 303-322-7666. Lunch, Dinner

Cho77 $$ Downtown / Asian Lon Symensma offers Asian street food with a modern touch at this fast-casual eatery. Try the Indian lamb meatballs or the Hainanese chicken fried rice. Reservations not accepted. 1520 16th St., 720-638-8179. Lunch, Dinner

ChoLon $$$$ Downtown / Asian This contemporary restaurant serves modern twists on Pan-Asian cuisine. Try the French onion soup dumplings. Reservations accepted. 1555 Blake St., 303-353-5223. Lunch, Dinner

Chook Platt Park / Contemporary Chook specializes in

Australian-style, charcoal-grilled rotisserie chicken and fresh veggie sides. Reservations not accepted. 1300 S. Pearl St., 303-282-8399. Lunch, Dinner

Chow Morso Osteria $$$ Downtown / Italian The team behind Barolo Grill brings hand-rolled pastas and comforting Italian plates to LoDo. Reservations accepted. 1500 Wynkoop St., 720-639-4089. Lunch, Dinner

Citizen Rail $$$$ Downtown / American This chic eatery offers dryaged proteins and wood-fire cooking. Try the grilled escarole salad or the bone-in smoked short rib. Reservations accepted. Hotel Born, 1899 16th St., 303323-0017. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

City, O’ City $$ Capitol Hill Area / American Plant-based Denverites flock to this meat-free zone for pizza, vegan pastries, and a full bar. Reservations not accepted. 206 E. 13th Ave., 303-831-6443. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Colt & Gray $$$$ Downtown / Contemporary This intimate neighborhood spot presents a superior roster of seasonal farm-to-plate options. Start with the roasted marrow bones. Reservations accepted. 1553 Platte St., Ste. 120, 303-477-1447. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST Comal Heritage Food Incubator $$ 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

The Cooper Lounge $$ Downtown / Seafood This Union Station speakeasy overlooks the Great Hall. Pair luxurious bites, including wagyu steak tartare and salumi selections, with your cocktail. Reservations recommended. Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., 720-460-3738. Dinner

Coperta $$$ Uptown Area / Italian Tuck into comforting Italian fare at this restaurant, which celebrates the cuisine of Rome and Southern Italy. Try the pollo alla diavola or the spaghetti carbonara. Reservations accepted. 400 E. 20th Ave., 720-749-4666. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST Corrida $$$$ 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

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We Great Eyewear

Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar $$$ Golden Triangle / Latin American Don’t miss the mojitos at Denver’s authentic Cuban restaurant. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted Monday–Thursday for parties of six or more. 1173 Delaware St., 303-6052822. Dinner

Cucina Colore $$$ Cherry Creek / Italian An upbeat dining room, bar, and patio are a great backdrop for this menu of contemporary Italian food. Reservations accepted. 3041 E. Third Ave., 303-393-6917. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

D D Bar $$$ Uptown Area / American Chefs Keegan Gerhard and Lisa Bailey produce exquisite desserts and modern comfort food. Check out the grab-and-go coffee and pastries. Reservations accepted. 494 E. 19th Ave., 303-861-4710. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Dead Battery Club $$ Highland / Contemporary This all-day cocktail and

Cherry Creek North Greenwood Village 303.321.3000 303.721.9666

Aspen Grove 303.706.9900

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Colorado Springs 719.473.2020

Denver Central Market $$ RiNo / International This RiNo marketplace features 11 vendors with dining options ranging from ceviche to ice cream. Take your pick from Crema Bodega, Culture Meat & Cheese, High Point Creamery, Tammen’s Fish Market and Frizzi’s Oyster Bar, and High Point Creamery. 2669 Larimer St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

with a

DOC

Denver Diner $$ Golden Triangle / American This casual, old-school joint on West Colfax is open at all hours and draws in night owls and early birds alike for comforting, homestyle entrées. Reservations not accepted. 740 W. Colfax Ave., 303-825-5443. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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November 9

Denver Milk Market Downtown / International Bonanno Concepts’

25 BEST Dio Mio RiNo / Italian One thing you can count on at Alex

December 7

get fit with doctors. Free blood pressure checks, giveaways, coffee, and breakfast.

See the full list of Denver Metro Area walks, locations, and times at

D ENVE R. WALKWITHADOC.ORG | 5280 | OCTOBER 20 19

16-venue collection of bars and restaurants features everything from fresh pasta to poke bowls to charcuterie. Don’t miss the fried chicken sandwiches at Lou’s Hot and Naked. 1800 Wazee St., 303-792-8242. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Take a step toward better health. Meet new people, learn about health, walk, and

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Death & Co. $$$ RiNo / Contemporary The famed New York City bar offers top-notch cocktail service and an inventive menu in the lobby of the Ramble Hotel. Reservations accepted. The Ramble Hotel, 1280 25th St., 720-3302660. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

WA L K

October 12

food lounge has a fun and funky vibe. Try the Battery Buns, which come in five different flavors, including spinach and artichoke and crab salad. Reservations accepted. 2420 17th St., #103, 303-477-2444. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Figura and Spencer White’s fast-casual Italian eatery: perfect pasta. Try the cacio e pepe. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. 3264 Larimer St., 303-562-1965. Lunch, Dinner

Domo Restaurant $$$ Lincoln Park / Japanese Enjoy authentic Japanese country foods in a traditional setting. Try a selection of marinated seafood from chef and owner Gaku Homma’s Wanko sushi menu. Reservations not accepted. 1365 Osage St., 303-595-3666. Lunch, Dinner

Dos Santos $$$ City Park West / Mexican The menu at this modern taqueria features light, seafood-centric dishes, like a beer-battered fish taco. Reservations not accepted. 1475 E. 17th Ave., 303-386-3509. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Duo Restaurant $$$ Highland / Contemporary Duo captures the true essence of the neighborhood restaurant: simple food, a low-key but polished ambience, and the hum of neighbors trading stories. Reservations accepted. 2413 W. 32nd Ave., 303-477-4141. Dinner, Brunch

E El Five $$$ LoHi / Mediterranean Justin Cucci’s fifth Edible Beats concept boasts panoramic views, creative tapas, and Spanish-style gin-tonics. Reservations accepted. 2930 Umatilla St., Ste. 500, 303-524-9193. Dinner, Brunch

El Noa Noa $$ Lincoln Park / Mexican Authentic Mexican food with top-notch margaritas. Reservations not accepted. 722 Santa Fe Dr., 303-623-9968. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

El Taco de Mexico $ Lincoln Park / Mexican Mexican food with an emphasis on authenticity. Here you’ll find the chile relleno burrito. Reservations not accepted. 714 Santa Fe Dr., 303-623-3926. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Come and experience why everyone has fallen in love with our food “BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT”

Elway’s $$$$ Downtown / Steak House This sleek restaurant‚ named after the Broncos great‚ serves classic steak house fare in upscale environs. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted. 1881 Curtis St., 303-312-3107. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

- 5280, EVERY YEAR SINCE 2002

“BEST INDIAN & LUNCH BUFFET” - WESTWORD, PAST 17 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen $$ 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

★

ESTABLISHED 1998 Takeout, Catering & Delivery Available

★

Gluten Free Menu

FOLLOW OUR FOOD TRUCK!

Your Neighborhood Restaurant of Choice proudly serving you for 21 years 330 E. 6TH AVE. | 303-871-9777

The Family Jones Spirit House $$$$ Highland / Contemporary Denver’s first distillery/

2390 S. DOWNING | 303-298-1939

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restaurant features eclectic small plates and handcrafted spirits. Reservations accepted. 3245 Osage St., 303-481-8185. Dinner

Finn’s Manor RiNo / International The indoor bar serves a wide

selection of cocktails, while food trucks offer diverse variety of bites, from fried chicken sandwiches to Puerto Rican fare. 2927 Larimer St., 303-353-2340. 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. Order the pan-fried, bone-in veal scaloppine. Reservations accepted. 4401 Tennyson St., 303-561-0234. Dinner

SPANISH-INSPIRED CRAFT COCKTAILS, TAPAS & SANGRIA DAILY HAPPY HOUR FROM 4-6 PM

voted “Top of the Town” by 5280 Readers

Fish N Beer $$$ RiNo / Seafood Kevin Morrison offers approachable, fresh seafood, and a hearty beer list at this casual oysterette. Reservations not accepted. 3510 Larimer St., 303-248-3497. Dinner, Brunch

OCTOBER 20 19 |

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FNG Highland / American Troy Guard offers elevated

comfort food with a side of rock n’roll at this neighborhood spot. Reservations not accepted. 3940 W. 32nd Ave., 303-963-5931. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST 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). Reservations accepted. 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-6966. Dinner

French 75 $$$ Downtown / French Mizuna’s younger, more casual sibling features approachable French bistro fare. Try the half-rotisserie chicken served with buerre fondue and pommes frites. Reservations accepted. 717 17th St., Ste. B, 303-405-7575. Lunch, Dinner

Fruition Restaurant $$$ Country Club / American James Beard Awardwinning chef Alex Seidel’s tiny kitchen focuses on seasonal dishes that are big on flavor. Reservations accepted. 1313 E. Sixth Ave., 303-831-1962. Dinner

G Gaetano’s $$$ 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

Gaku Ramen $$ Boulder / Japanese This Boulder ramen shop serves three of the most traditional types of the Japanese noodle soup: shoyu, miso, and tonkotsu. Reservations not accepted. 1119 13th St., Boulder, 303-736-2879. Lunch, 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 $$$ 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. Dinner

H Hank’s Texas BBQ Hale / Barbecue This fast-casual barbecue

Hashtag $$ Stapleton / American Chef Troy Guard takes on the breakfast joint with Hashtag. Try the lamb neck eggs Benedict or the sea salt chocolate chip hot cake. Reservations not accepted. 10155 E. 29th Dr., 303-993-6896. Breakfast, Brunch

Hearth & Dram $$$$ Downtown / New American This modern saloon has more than 350 whiskies, complemented by a menu featuring wood-fired takes on New American cuisine. Reservations accepted. 1801 Wewatta St., 303-6230979. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highland Tap and Burger Highland / American Pick your patty, bun, and

premium toppings for a customizable meal enhanced with a choice of 18 to 20 Colorado craft beers. Also try the Sloan’s Lake location. Reservations accepted for eight or more. 2219 W. 32nd Ave., 720-287-4493. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST Hop Alley $$$ 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

joint serves tender, slow-cooked meats (including brisket and hot links) in sandwiches, tacos, and salads until supplies run out each day. Reservations not accepted. 5410 E. Colfax Ave., 720-277-3225. Lunch, Dinner

Hops & Pie $$ 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. Reservations not accepted. 3920 Tennyson St., 303-477-7000. Lunch, Dinner

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I Il Porcellino Salumi $$ Berkeley / Deli This market and deli strives to provide the highest quality locally raised cured meats in Colorado. Pick a selection to take with you, or enjoy a fresh salumi platter or sandwich in house. Reservations not accepted. 4334 W. 41st Ave., 303-477-3206. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Il Posto $$$$ RiNo / Italian Sample Andrea Frizzi’s imaginative Italian cuisine in sleek, urban environs. Don’t miss the seasonal risotto or the inventive craft cocktails. Reservations accepted. 2601 Larimer St., 303-394-0100. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Istanbul Bakery & Cafe $$ Washington Virginia Vale / Middle Eastern Inside

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the shopping center at the intersection of South Monaco Parkway and Leetsdale Drive, friendly owner Ismet Yilmaz prepares authentic Turkish pastries. Reservations not accepted. 850 S. Monaco Pkwy. Ste. 9, 720-536-5455. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Izakaya Den $$ Platt Park / International It’s been dubbed Sushi Den II, but Izakaya Den is more than a replica of its popular cousin. You can still order ultrafresh sushi, but the most exciting dishes come in the form of small plates. Reservations accepted. 1487-A S. Pearl St., 303-777-0691. Lunch, Dinner

J J’s Noodles Star Thai 2 Westwood / Asian This traditional Thai spot has

developed a cult following over the years. The tom yum soup, drunken noodles, and pad thai are the regulars’ picks. Reservations not accepted. 945 S. Federal Blvd., 303-922-5495. Lunch, Dinner

Jamaican Grill $$ Lincoln Park / Caribbean This family-owned Jamaican restaurant serves classic Caribbean-centric dishes like jerk chicken, fried plaintains, and rice and peas, accompanied by a menu of rum-infused cocktails. Reservations accepted. 709 W. Eighth Ave., 303-623-0013. Lunch, Dinner

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar $$$ Downtown / Seafood Enjoy sustainable seafood in an upbeat atmosphere. Specialties include the raw oyster bar, chicken and crawfish gumbo, and oysters Rockefeller. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted. 1539 17th St., 303-292-5767. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Jovanina’s Broken Italian Downtown / Italian This gorgeous LoDo eatery

$$$

expands on traditional Italian fare by incorporating unexpected, seasonal ingredients. Go for the woodroasted oysters casino or the handmade fettucine with butter-poached shrimp. Reservations accepted. 1520 Blake St., 720-541-7721. Dinner

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25 BEST Julep 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

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The Kitchen Denver $$$ Downtown / Contemporary This community bistro features consciously sourced ingredients and a raw seafood bar. Try the comforting tomato soup. Also visit the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. 1520 16th St., 303-623-3127. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

PASTRY PARADISE To the delight of Denver carb lovers, Ismet Yilmaz—a native of Artvin, Turkey, and owner of the Turkish Chef on Wheels food truck— opened his brick-and-mortar Istanbul Cafe & Bakery in Washington Virginia Vale in April. You’ll be amazed by the buffet of sweet and savory pastries and sandwiches on offer, including Turkish panini called “tosts,” poğaça buns stuffed with salty feta, and multiple kinds of nut-studded baklava.

La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas $ Valverde / Mexican This is a must-visit destination for taco lovers. Try the tacos al pastor and carnitas and don’t skip the salsa bar. Reservations not accepted. 1565 W. Alameda Ave., 720-583-6586. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

La Loma $$ Downtown / Mexican This local favorite offers a menu of classic Mexican eats (think: flautas, tacos, and fajitas) in a convivial downtown location. Reservations accepted. 1801 Broadway, 303-433-8300. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Le French $$ Southeast Metro / French This chic Belleview Station bistro, owned by French-Senegalese sisters, transports diners to France via sophisticated pastries and Parisian cuisine. Ring in cocktail hour with wine and beverages courtesy of an afternoon cart service. Reservations

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accepted. 4901 S. Newport St., 720-710-8963. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Leña $$ Baker / Latin American Inspire your palate with the rich and vibrant flavors of Latin America. The menu features favorites like chilaquiles, ceviche, and empanadas. Reservations accepted. 24 Broadway, Ste. 104, 720-550-7267. Dinner

25 BEST LeRoux $$$$ Downtown / French Lon Symensma’s upscale, European-inspired eatery features tableside preparations and a roving cheese cart. Reservations accepted. 1555 Blake St., Ste. 102, 720-845-1673. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Liberati Restaurant & Brewery $$$ Five Points / Italian The brainchild of Rome-born restaurateur Alex Liberati, this combination brewery/ eatery serves scratch-made Italian fare and grape ales. Reservations accepted 2403 Champa St., 303-862-5652. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Linger LoHi / International Set in the former three-story

Olinger Mortuary’s parking garage, this restaurant takes you around the world with a menu of small plates. Reservations accepted. 2030 W. 30th Ave., 303-9933120. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Lola Coastal Mexican $$$ LoHi / Mexican The flavors and beachy vibes of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula shine at Lola. Order the charred octopus. Reservations accepted. 1575 Boulder St., 720-570-8686. Dinner, Brunch

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Dr. Aguirre is one of the first board-certified urogynecologists in the world experienced in performing reconstructive and cosmetic vaginal surgery, making him uniquely qualified to address both the aesthetic & functional concerns of women.

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Lou’s Food Bar $ Capitol Hill Area / 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. Reservations not accepted. 701 Grant St., 303-860-2929. Lunch, Dinner

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classic Italian dishes greet you at this spot. Don’t miss the house-made burrata cheese. Reservations accepted. 711 Grant St., 303-832-6600. Dinner

Lucile’s Creole Café $$ Speer / Breakfast Lucile’s offers Cajun and Creolestyle breakfasts and lunches with great service. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 275 S. Logan St., 303-282-6258. Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

M Maine Shack $$ LoHi / Seafood New Englanders and seafood fans, rejoice: This fast-casual spot is slinging lobster rolls, fried whole-belly clams, chowder, roast beef sandwiches and more. Reservations not accepted. 1535 Central St., 303-997-2118. Lunch, Dinner

Mango House $$ Aurora / International This immigrant- and refugeeled food hall is home to six outstanding culinary concepts, including Urban Burma, Ayny’s Kitchen (a Somali bakery and cafe), Jasmine Syrian Food, 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

Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza $$ Downtown / Pizza This spot serves Neapolitan-style pies, coal-fired limoncello wings, porchetta sandwiches and much more. Also try the Englewood location. Reservations accepted. 2129 Larimer St., 303-296-7000. Lunch, Dinner

Maria Empanada $ Platt Park / Latin American Go straight for the empa-

25 BEST Mercantile Dining & Provision $$$ Downtown / New American Award-winning chefs Alex Seidel and Matt Vawter offer upscale, contemporary farm-to-table fare, including pastas and family-style shared plates. 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

Mister Tuna $$ RiNo / American Troy Guard’s chic RiNo spot offers

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Luca $$$$ Capitol Hill Area / Italian Convivial hospitality and

nadas. Buy them in singles or share a dozen, but save room for the alfajores. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted for parties of 10 or more. 1298 S. Broadway Ave., 303-934-2221. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Experience matters.

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& Delicatessen takes on the Tri State Italian deli with this takeout-only spot. Reservations not accepted. 3357 Downing St., 720-287-3642. Lunch, Dinner

modern, eclectic cooking inspired by his Hawaiian upbringing. Go for rotisserie-roasted meats or try the oak-grilled shiitake mushrooms. Reservations accepted. 3033 Brighton Blvd., 303-831-8862. Lunch, Dinner

Mizu Izakaya $$ LoHi / Sushi This contemporary Japanese restaurant offers an impressive bar and a hip atmosphere. Try items from the binchotan (charcoal grill) or the raw bar, or stick with appetizers like the cream pork kimchi. Reservations accepted. 1560 Boulder St., 720-372-7100. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Mizuna $$$$ Capitol Hill Area / 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

25 BEST Morin $$$ Downtown / French Chef Max MacKissock serves imaginative French fare at this elegant eatery. Sip a glass of natural wine from the extensive list and enjoy a platter of raw oysters. Reservations accepted. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner

My Brother’s Bar $ Highland / Pub Enjoy beers and burgers with classical music in one of Denver’s oldest bars. Reservations not accepted. 2376 15th St., 303-455-9991. Lunch, Dinner

shrimp and grits with Tabasco butter‚ at this sleek eatery. Reservations accepted. 222 Milwaukee St., 720-5718080. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

New Saigon $$ Athmar Park / Vietnamese This spot serves an extensive menu featuring delicious rice paper wraps, crispy soft shell crabs, soups, salads, and much more. Reservations accepted for five or more. 630 S. Federal Blvd., 303-936-4954. Lunch, Dinner

Next Door $$ Downtown / Contemporary This casual community pub focuses on nutritious, affordable cuisine. Select from salads, sandwiches, and locally sourced burgers. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. 1701 Wynkoop St., 720-460-3730. Lunch, Dinner

Noble Riot $$ RiNo / French Find charcuterie boards, rabbit terrines, and other French fare at this sommelier-operated bistro. Try the venison meatballs with a glass of vino from the eatery’s extensive list of natural wines. Reservations accepted. 1336 27th St., 303-993-5330. Dinner

N Narrative $$$ Cherry Creek / American Chef Paul Nagan serves gussied-up versions of American favorites‚ such as

Oak at Fourteenth $$$$ Boulder / Seasonal This bright, open space just off the Pearl Street Mall offers a diverse, ever-changing menu of seasonal, oak-fired eats and creative cocktails. Reser-

Find a

vations accepted. 1400 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-3622. Lunch, Dinner

Old Major $$$$ LoHi / American Go for owner Justin Brunson’s bistrostyle, 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., 720-420-0622. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Olive & Finch $$ City Park West / American Discover wholesome, inspired meals at this restaurant, bakery, and juice bar. Also try the Cherry Creek location. Reservations not accepted. 1552 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-8663. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox $$ Ballpark / Contemporary The “gastro-brothel” menu encompasses globally inspired pub fare like flatbreads, small plates, and stone-fire skillets. Reservations accepted. 1215 20th St., 303-993-8023. Dinner, Brunch

Osaka Ramen $$ RiNo / Japanese Jeff Osaka’s modern ramen shop features original noodle soups, bento boxes, and creative small plates. Reservations not accepted. 2611 Walnut St., 303-955-7938. Lunch, Dinner

Osteria Marco $$$ Downtown / Italian This casual tavern features deepset wooden booths and a spacious bar. The menu lists approachable eats, such as fresh house-made mozzarella and rustic pizzas. Reservations accepted. 1453 Larimer St., 303-534-5855. Lunch, Dinner

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Ototo $$$ Platt Park / Japanese Market-driven dishes like a catch-of-the-day raw bar and whole grilled fish complement a selection of sashimi, ramen bowls, and yakitori. Reservations accepted. 1501 Pearl St., 303-7332503. Dinner

Owlbear Barbecue RiNo / Barbecue The brick-and-mortar joint from

pitmaster Karl Fallenius is serving brisket, ribs, and all of the fixings. Reservations not accepted. 2826 Larimer St., 970-708-3954. Lunch, Dinner

P Pepper the Noshery $$$ Boulder / New American Located next door to its brother restaurant, Salt, Bradford Heap’s Pepper serves sustainable meats and seafood and craft cocktails in a space decorated with repurposed materials. Reservations accepted. 1043 Pearl St., Boulder, 720-638-4800. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

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

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Pizzeria Locale $$ Boulder / Pizza Inspired by the pizzerias of Napoli, Italy, this contemporary pizza joint offers a modern take on a traditional classic. Also try the fast-casual locations in Denver. Reservations accepted. 1730 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-3003. Lunch, Dinner

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The Plimoth $$$$ Northeast Metro / American An emphasis on locally farmed and foraged ingredients results in an everchanging menu of seasonal dishes, like confit heirloom potatoes and cauliflower-turnip gratinée. Reservations accepted. 2335 E. 28th Ave., 303-297-1215. Dinner

Pony Up $$ Downtown / Contemporary 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

The Post Brewing Co. $$ Rosedale / American Diners flock for the crispy fried chicken as well as the creative sides, tasty craft brews, and down-home desserts. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 2200 S. Broadway, 720-466-5699. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Potager $$$ Capitol Hill Area / 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., 303832-5788. Dinner

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Q 25 BEST Q House $$$ 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 pig ear salad. Reservations accepted. 3421 E. Colfax Ave., 720-729-8887. Dinner

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NEW Rita’s Law Five Points / American This neighborhood spot

Quality Italian $$$$ Cherry Creek / Steak House This upscale spot serves a smart mix of steak house fare and American-Italian favorites. Try the baked lasagna for two or corn gnudi with king crab. Reservations accepted. 241 Columbine St., 303-532-8888. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Quiero Arepas $$ Platt Park / Latin American Venezuelan corn flatbreads, or arepas, are on the menu. Our favorite is the La Havana, a take on a Cuban sandwich, featuring slowroasted pork loin, ham, and local Muenster and a creamy mayo-mustard-pickle “Havana” sauce. Reservations not accepted. 1859 S. Pearl St., 720-432-4205. Lunch, Dinner

Rye Society Delicatessen and Picklery $$ RiNo / Deli Stop by this neighborhood Jewish deli for

serves up inventive cocktails, coffee, and light fare with a side of community. Reservations not accepted. 2209 Welton St., 720-465-9644. Lunch, Dinner

comfort-food favorites, including pastrami on rye, bagels with lox, and buttery apricot-walnut rugelach. Reservations not accepted. 3090 Larimer St., 303-5932713. Breakfast, Lunch

River and Woods $$ Boulder / Contemporary Settle into the cozy dining

room for a relaxed dinner including dishes such as chicken-fried calamari steak and bison double cheeseburger. Reservations not accepted. 2328 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-993-6301. Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Safta $$$ RiNo / Mediterranean Acclaimed chef Alon Shaya

Root Down $$$ LoHi / Contemporary Located in a refabbed 1950s service station, this hip restaurant serves globally inspired cuisine, with a focus on garden veggies and sustainable meats. Also try the DIA location. Reservations accepted. 1600 W. 33rd Ave., 303-993-4200. Dinner, Brunch

brings modern Israeli fare to Denver. Start with the creamy hummus and pillowy wood-oven pita before moving on to tabbouleh salad, charred cabbage, and halloumi. Reservations accepted. The Source Hotel & Market Hall, 3330 Brighton Blvd., Ste. 201, 720-4082444. Lunch, Dinner

Racines $$ Capitol Hill Area / American A Denver institution,

Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen $$ Five Points / Deli Get your fix of New York-style bagels

Sarto’s $$$ Jefferson Park / Italian This authentic Italian restaurant

Racines offers traditional American fare. Order the fish and chips. Reservations accepted for six or more. 650 Sherman St., 303-595-0418. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

at this Five Points deli. Don’t miss the Standard‚ a bagel and cream cheese topped with gravlax, tomato, and onion. Also try the Aurora location. Reservations not accepted. 725 E. 26th Ave., 720-440-9880. Breakfast, Lunch

serves house-made pastas, soups, and more. Stop into Sarto’s Pantry‚ the adjacent market‚ for grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Reservations accepted. 2900 W. 25th Ave., 303-455-1400. Dinner, Brunch

R Rioja $$$$ Downtown / Mediterranean James Beard Awardwinning chef Jennifer Jasinski creates high-end Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Try the artichoke tortelloni or spice-rubbed Colorado lamb. Reservations accepted. 1431 Larimer St., 303-820-2282. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

S P E C I A L

Russell’s Smokehouse $$$ Downtown / Barbecue Diners flock to this subterra-

A D V E R T I S I N G

Sassafras American Eatery Highland / Cajun/Southern Located in a pair of

cheery, adjoined houses, this eatery charms. Expect to find Southern classics such as eggs Sardou. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted from Monday to Friday. 3927 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-0080. Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

nean 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

S E C T I O N

chanGemakers

Every month we highlight an extraordinary organization causing change in our community. Donate today and help be part of the solution.

Clayton Early Learning E D U C A T I O N

L O W

I N C O M E

F A M I L I E S

MISSION: Clayton Early Learning is a center of excellence for early childhood education, empowering children, influencing public policy and providing the research and professional development educators need to help children and families thrive. RECENTLY: Through direct services to children and families, policy and advocacy work, research and evaluation and teacher professional development, Clayton Early Learning positively impacts 20,000 Colorado children each year, setting the stage for their future success. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Clayton Early Learning appreciates cash donations (website below) and the donation of new books and children’s clothing (sizes newborn to 5T). Corporate volunteer opportunities are also available. Contact: Lindsey Lebowitz, Director, Development, 303-393-5634 or at llebowitz@claytonearlylearning.org. 3801 Martin Luther King Blvd. Denver, CO 80205

ClaytonEarlyLearning.org | 303.355.4411 152 | CHANGEMAKERS | OCTOBER 2019

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Señor Bear $$$ LoHi / Latin American This charming LoHi spot draws from the vibrant cuisines of Latin America and has excellent tropical cocktails. Reservations accepted. 3301 Tejon St., 720-572-5997. Dinner, Brunch

Smōk $$ 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

NEW Snarf Burger $ Sloan’s Lake / American This spinoff of the legendary sandwich shop hosts a new menu: hamburgers, deepfried hot dogs and bologna sandwiches, and frozen custard. Try the Capitol Hill and Boulder locations. Reservations not accepted. 2535 Federal Blvd., 720-535-5184. Lunch, Dinner

Snooze $ Ballpark / Breakfast Sip a mimosa in this hip breakfast eatery’s chic orange booths. Choose between pineapple upside down pancakes and huevos rancheros. Multiple locations. Reservations accepted Monday through Thursday for eight or more. 2262 Larimer St., 303-297-0700. Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

The Source $ RiNo / International 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., and Caffe Figurati. 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-443-1135. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Spuntino $$$ Highland / Italian Enjoy the locally sourced menu at

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this Italian-inspired spot. Try the seasonal pasta or any dish with goat and save room for the house-made gelato. Reservations accepted. 2639 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-0949. Dinner

Stanley Marketplace $$ Aurora / International Formerly the Stanley Aviation building, this site is now home to a sprawling, foodcentric marketplace. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, 720-990-6743. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Steuben’s $$ Uptown Area / American With food like homemade mac and cheese and fried chicken, plus retro booths, this restaurant makes the 1950s feel right around the corner. Also try the Arvada location. Reservations accepted. 523 E. 17th Ave., 303-830-1001. Lunch, Dinner

Stoic & Genuine $$$ Downtown / Seafood Impeccably fresh seafood preparations are the star of this iconic oyster house. Reservations accepted. Union Station,1701 Wynkoop St., 303-640-3474. Lunch, Dinner

Strade Bianche Cafe Boulder / Italian Named for the famous white roads in Tuscany, Strade Bianche Cafe features homemade pastas and is adorned with bicycling memorabilia. Reservations accepted. 1739 Pearl St., Boulder, 720-999-1064. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

25 BEST Super Mega Bien $$$ RiNo / Latin American Chef Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class offers a combo of large-format items and PanLatin small plates, the latter served from roving dim-sum-style carts. Try the braised lamb with grilled cactus salad. Reservations not accepted. The Ramble Hotel, 1260 25th St., 720-269-4695. Dinner

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Super Star Asian Cuisine $ Athmar Park / Asian This glitz-free eatery serves topnotch dim sum and an extensive menu of traditional Chinese plates such as steamed whole fish and ma po tofu. Reservations accepted for six or more. 2200 W. Alameda Ave., Ste. 34, 303-727-9889. Lunch, Dinner

Sushi Den Platt Park / Asian Sushi Den offers fresh, vibrant

$$$

seafood flown in twice a week from Japan and a hip, lively scene. Sit at the bar and watch the masterful sushi chefs, led by Toshihiro Kizaki, as they work their artistry. Reservations accepted for five or more, except Friday and Saturday. 1487 S. Pearl St., 303-777-0826. Lunch, Dinner

Sushi Ronin $$$ Highland / Japanese Sushi Ronin’s casual and comfortable vibe complements the traditional, omakase-style Japanese cuisine. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. 2930 Umatilla St., 303-955-0741. Dinner

Sushi Sasa $$$ Highland / Japanese Enjoy Japanese fusion cuisine‚ including sushi combos, poke bowls, noodles, and much more‚ in a sleek, modern setting. Reservations accepted for lunch and dinner. 2401 15th St., Suite 80, 303-433-7272. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Sushi-Rama $$ RiNo / Sushi This sushi joint features a fun, conveyer belt-style dining experience. Also try the DTC location. Reservations not accepted. 2615 Larimer St., 720-4764643. Lunch, Dinner

T Table 6 $$$ Speer / American This space’s warm and cozy atmosphere extends to chef Mike Winston’s American bistro cuisine, which is elevated by haute foodie touches. Reservations accepted for five or more. 609 Corona St., 303-831-8800. Dinner, Brunch

Tables $$$ South Park Hill / American A glass of wine, flickering candlelight, and mismatched tables set the tone at this cozy neighborhood restaurant. Reservations accepted. 2267 Kearney St., 303-388-0299. Dinner

Tacos Tequila Whiskey $ City Park / Mexican Often referred to as Pinche Tacos, this taqueria offers a variety of Mexican specialties. Try the queso a la plancha taco. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 1514 York St., 720-475-1337. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST Tavernetta $$$$ Downtown / Italian The team behind Boulder’s acclaimed Frasca Food and Wine offers the same attention to hospitality at its more casual Denver restaurant near Union Station. 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

Thai Pot Cafe $ Virginia Village / Asian Try curries, noodle bowls, soups, salads, and coconut-infused desserts at this cozy Thai restaurant. Reservations accepted. 1350 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 191, 303-693-6200. Lunch, Dinner

Tocabe $ Berkeley / American American Indian food goes Chipotle-style at this quick service restaurant that specializes in Navajo tacos. Also try the Greenwood Village location. Reservations not accepted. 3536 W. 44th Ave., 720-524-8282. Lunch, Dinner

TAG $$$ Downtown / International Chef Troy Guard describes

To The Wind Bistro $$$ City Park / Contemporary This cozy neighbor-

the food at his flagship restaurant as continental social cuisine. Translation: He serves big and small plates with flavors from around the world. Reservations accepted. 1441 Larimer St., 303-996-9985. Lunch, Dinner

hood restaurant offers a fresh, casual take on bistro fare and a top-notch craft beer selection. Reservations not accepted. 3333 E. Colfax Ave., 303-316-3333. Dinner

Tamayo $$$ Downtown / Mexican This spot’s modern menu is derived from authentic Mexican roots and ingredients. Check out the rooftop lounge and the selection of more than 100 tequilas. Reservations accepted. 1400 Larimer St., 720-946-1433. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

The Truffle Table LoHi / Seasonal As an offshoot of the Truffle

Cheese Shop, it’s no surprise that a variety of cheese boards and fromage-focused small plates color the menu. Reservations not accepted. 2556 15th St., 303-455-9463. Dinner

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Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery $$ Golden / International Golden’s first food hall boasts nine culinary options, including Woodgrain Bagels, Fringe Pizza, and Amore Gelato. 701 12th Street, Golden. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

U 25 BEST Uchi Denver $$$$ Five Points / Sushi James Beard Award–winning chef Tyson Cole combines unexpected flavors for his unique take on Japanese food. Try the sake toro aburi and 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 LoHi / Asian A sleek, contemporary atmosphere

and dry-aging program at this modern steak house. Reservations accepted. The Oxford Hotel, 1659 Wazee St., 303-262-6070. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Vesta $$$ Downtown / Fusion 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 WaterCourse Foods $$ Uptown Area / American This vegetarian icon has been serving wholesome food since 1998. Don’t miss the brunch specials. Reservations accepted after 5 p.m. 837 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-7313. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

defines this bustling modern noodle house. The selective menu includes dishes such as Chinese-style steamed buns and noodles. Also try the Speer location. Reservations not accepted. 2215 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-3263. Dinner

The Way Back $$ Berkeley / Seasonal Settle in for craft cocktails and

Urban Farmer $$$ Downtown / Seasonal Executive chef Chris Starkus

White Pie $$ City Park West / Pizza Chow down on New Haven-

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polished fare, such as roast chicken with tomato curry or the barbecue lamb neck. Reservations accepted. 3963 Tennyson St., 970-682-6888. Dinner

style pizza right here in Denver. Pair the Porky Porkorino‚

topped with soppressata, mozzarella, pickled chiles, and spicy honey‚ with a frozen Negroni. Reservations not accepted. 1702 Humboldt St., 303-862-5323. Lunch, Dinner

25 BEST The Wolf’s Tailor $$$ Sunnyside / Contemporary Basta chef Kelly Whitaker fuses Asian and Italian techniques at this hip Sunnyside eatery. The results‚ such as 7x brisket braised in dashi and red wine and house-extruded malfadine pasta with koji tomatoes‚ are unique and delicious. Reservations accepted. 4058 Tejon St., 720-456-6507. Dinner

Work & Class RiNo / American This elevated meat-and-three

concept offers a unique hybrid of American and Latin cuisine in raucous, repurposed-shipping-container digs. Our pick: the Cajun rotisserie chicken, chickpea croquettes, cochinita pibil, and peppers five ways. Reservations not accepted. 2500 Larimer St., 303-2920700. Dinner

Z Zeppelin Station RiNo / International This industrial-chic food hall,

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The bRUNch Run OCTOBER 13, 8 A.M.–12 P.M. Stapleton Central Park. The bRUNch Run is a unique event that embraces both food and fitness. Participating restaurants include Denver Milk Market, Punch Bowl Social and many more. Registration includes finisher’s medal, all-you-can eat and drink and a really good time! Information and tickets at brunchrunning.com.

The Science Lounge: Bloodsuckers OCTOBER 17, 6:30–9:30 P.M. Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Vampires, bats, and parasites galore! Beware of all things that bite during this night dedicated to creatures who feast on blood. Costumes encouraged. Ages 21+. Cash bar. Information and tickets at dmns.org/sciencelounge.

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2019 Carousel Ball

UP IN THE AIR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 121

heavy metal rock opera called American Chilly that featured the Heene Boyz. It was filmed four years ago at a Florida theater, and Richard wanted to pitch it to a Hollywood agent. So far, no one had returned his emails. “I can see that on Amazon Prime, for sure,” he says. On top of all that, he’d been getting calls from reporters about the upcoming anniversary of the worst moment of his life. He’d been called a kook, a moron, an idiot, and a liar. An editorial once argued that his kids should be taken from him. Investigators, Richard said, “tried their best to ruin my family.” The media “wanted to humiliate and destroy us. Well,” he said, “I’m not going to let that happen.”

In 1982, a truck driver named

Larry Walters tied 42 weather balloons to a Sears lawn chair and took off from a backyard in San Pedro, California. After Walters reached an altitude of 16,000 feet, pilots taking off and landing at nearby Los Angeles International Airport began reporting the balloon-propelled chair to the air traffic control tower. Less than an hour after leaving his home, Walters started his descent by shooting out seven of the balloons with an air pistol. By the time he became tangled in power lines and electricity was shut off in a Long Beach neighborhood, Walters had traveled about 10 miles. Police picked him up, and the legend of Lawnchair Larry began to spread. Walters appeared 10 days later on Late Night With David Letterman. He explained that the flight was the culmination of a childhood dream, financed—in large part—by an understanding girlfriend. Lawnchair Larry planned to call the FAA in advance of the launch, but, he told Letterman, the balloon took off. It wasn’t all improvisation, though. The flight was filmed; the audio between Walters and his girlfriend on the ground was recorded. “Would you do this again?” Letterman asked Walters. “No,” he replied. “This was the fulfillment of a 20-year dream. I’ve achieved inner peace. I’m a happier person today.” The audience whooped and applauded. Lawnchair Larry was ultimately fined $1,500 on the charge that he didn’t establish two-way communication with the

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UP IN THE AIR airport tower. He eventually quit his job as a truck driver and found himself in demand as a motivational speaker. His story appeared in newspapers and in magazines. The Smithsonian Institution asked for the chair. Nearly a decade after Lawnchair Larry’s exploits, the watch company Timex created an advertisement celebrating “adventurous individuals” that featured Walters’ smirking, gray-mustachioed face. In the decade following his stunt, Lawnchair Larry never got rich. He eventually broke up with his girlfriend. He made occasional speaking appearances. He did volunteer work for the U.S. Forest Service in Southern California. On October 6, 1993, Lawnchair Larry hiked alone into the Angeles National Forest and died by suicide. He didn’t leave a note.

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After the Balloon Boy incident, Richard, Mayumi, and the boys moved from Fort Collins to Bradenton, a city outside Tampa, then later to a home about an hour and a half farther north. Richard and Mayumi home-schooled their kids, worried about the negative attention they might get at school. The boys had been playing guitars and drums for years, gravitating toward the heavy metal interests of their father, and they started playing covers of songs from bands like Slipknot and Iron Maiden. Ryo was a natural on the drums. Bradford played the guitar. Little Falcon was the perfect, if unexpected, frontman and could command a stage. Richard marketed them as the youngest metal group in the world. One of their songs was titled “Balloon Boy No Hoax.” Richard set up gigs in front of five people, in front of 50, in front of 2,000. It’s worth considering what the world might think of Richard had the incident not happened. After all, it’s easy to forget that before that balloon took off from his yard, quite a few very serious people took him very seriously. Yes, Richard could be foolish. Yes, he was a wacky inventor/storm chaser/budding reality television personality. But he’d done it all so adeptly, playing a role he knew would sell. In his 2008 Wife Swap appearance, his performance was a master class in reality TV idiocy. (“You’re not my wife,” he yelled in one of his more memorable exchanges with his TV spouse. “You’re a man’s nightmare!”) When Wife Swap was preparing to celebrate its 100th episode, producers asked viewers to pick their favorite families to reappear on the show. The Heenes were an easy choice. That same year, he co-wrote a paper on electromagnetic fields that appeared in the

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UP IN THE AIR member of his team accused Richard of putting fame above his family’s safety. In April 2009, the family signed an option with the Wife Swap producers to pitch a series about outrageous homemade science experiments and the equally outrageous family that created them. A balloon made in the shape of a flying saucer was one of the ideas. In the meantime, Richard took menial jobs. He was paid to change light bulbs. He once cleaned a backyard piled with dog poop. There was Richard Heene, budding reality TV personality and licensed contractor, shoveling canine excrement and weeds into a trash bag for $300. “I’d never been so embarrassed,” Richard says, his voice suddenly dropping. “That time in our lives….” He didn’t finish the sentence.

If the Balloon Boy fiasco seemed to define their father, it was the opposite for the Heene kids. When I met them, they said they didn’t feel trapped. They didn’t feel like a joke. For boys who grew up with an eccentric father like Richard, they’re

During the infamous CNN interview after the balloon had landed, six-year-old Falcon (sitting on his father’s lap) suggested that the whole thing may have been a ruse.

remarkably normal. They didn’t want the spotlight. They ate lunches and dinners together; they slept next to one another in the trailer. They worked together. Ryo seemed content to hang out and play video games. Bradford enjoyed playing guitar and talking about the opposite sex. “A girl once asked me to autograph her boobs,” he says. Falcon liked the autonomy homeschooling gave him; it allowed him to spend days working on houses and earning money for dirt bike parts.

From cnn.com

National Weather Digest. He tagged along on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plane that passed through the center of Hurricane Wilma. His stormchasing work was legitimate enough to earn him a profile in the Denver Post, which only bolstered his reality TV show aspirations. For someone with just a high school diploma whose only previous work experience had been cutting demo reels for actors in Los Angeles and working on homes as a contractor in California and Colorado, Richard had done more than most might have expected. “He’s a smart man,” says Daniel Liu, a real estate investor who’s worked with Richard on two properties in Florida. “He might come off a little strange at first, but it’s because he’s passionate about what he’s doing. You need to step back and see the full person. Don’t Google him. Don’t make a judgment, because that guy on the internet isn’t the real Richard Heene.” When the incident happened, the family was spiraling. Richard’s over-the-top shtick had run thin with the meteorologists he was hanging with. He wanted too much attention. After Richard dragged his kids to chase storms in dangerous conditions, one

UP IN THE AIR One evening, I asked the family when they’d last watched the infamous CNN interview. I didn’t get a definitive answer. Some YouTube commenters reported hearing a farting sound after Falcon spoke, which, they joked, marked the exact moment when Richard crapped his pants. I played the video on my phone. The boys listened, their faces flat. They heard the high-pitched splat. “No fucking way,” Bradford howled. Richard did not laugh. “People rarely recognize me from that,” Falcon told me later of the CNN appearance, in a way that seemed he was avoiding the words “balloon” and “boy.” “I don’t look like the same kid. I was six. I’m a completely different person.” He says he can’t remember what he was thinking at the time. “That was such a long time ago,” he says. It was obvious he’d left the whole thing behind him, even if his father could not. Falcon Heene isn’t Balloon Boy. He’s Falcon Heene, regular teenager. He wants to ride dirt bikes and buy a truck. Someday, he might want a family of his own. He wants to finish renovating this house and move on.

The next afternoon, the farmhouse was quiet; a breeze ruffled a plastic

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sheet covering a window. Richard was alone in one of the downstairs rooms, waiting for Falcon and Ryo to come out of the trailer and help put in a support beam across the ceiling. Richard has spent a lot of time thinking about how he can fix his family’s reputation. Ultimately, he learned he was the one who needed fixing. “I spent so much of my time before the incident doing the Richard thing,” he says. “Mayumi, the kids, all of them were following Richard, doing what I wanted to do. They didn’t complain. They didn’t question me. They just did it. But maybe what we went through, what I had to personally deal with, I think that was probably a message for me: no more Richard shit.” He paused. He picked up a hammer and stood in the room’s shadows. “I’m getting older, and I have to think about my sons and the lessons I want to pass to them. I’m setting them up to be millionaires. I want them to be happy. I want to teach them all the things I know. I want them to do better than I’ve done, and I want their road to be easier than the one I’ve taken.” But it’s never easy. A month after I visited the Heenes, Mayumi’s attorney emailed

me to say he’d found her case file. If I got his client’s approval, he’d show it to me. Lee Christian had the cardboard box on a conference room table when I arrived at his Fort Collins office the next week. The room had a wall of windows facing a baseball field. One night 10 years ago, Christian had his first meeting with Mayumi and Richard in here. As they sat to talk, the room was bathed with white light. Television crews had set up on the other side of the windows; reporters were trying to watch the meeting. “It was like, ‘What the hell?’ ” Christian remembers. For a veteran attorney like Christian, the stakes seemed so low, the alleged crime so inconsequential, that everything about the moment seemed absurd. Of course, he can laugh about it now. The Bear Scratch back scratcher is on the floor in his office. A mock presidential campaign button that reads “Sarah Palin/ Richard Heene 2011” is on a bookcase. Inside the box Christian put in front of me, there were at least 1,000 pages of investigative files, reports, and unreleased discovery. There were dozens of pages of photocopied past-due notices from 2009. The Heenes’ bank had sent a letter informing the family that their account was

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UP IN THE AIR overdrawn and was being canceled. There was a copy of the contract between the Heenes and the production company that wanted to film the home-science show; there was a Larimer County sheriff ’s report that said the filmmakers were no longer doing business with the family. There were interviews with the kids’ teachers, with former business partners and friends. Buried among the final pages were copies of handwritten notes. The first page had a blue sticky note on it that read, “Notes

from Mayumi.” The following 12 pages appeared to have been created for her attorney, a blow-by-blow of the event. The first entry was dated April 27, 2009. The production company had gotten five rejections on the reality show over five months. “What could we do to help them?” Mayumi wrote. “They wouldn’t put up money, but we can do our own project…. Then they can make a ‘one-off ’ out of it.” For September 30, Mayumi wrote: “Richard redesigned flying saucer many times. He

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started 30 feet. He called around to see if it’s feedable [sic], but he found it away [sic] expensive. Also he found it wouldn’t fit in our back yard.” October 1: “Richard made a shop list.” October 2: “We shot intro of this project on the couch with kids.” October 3: “We started building a flying saucer and shooting the process inside of the house because it was snowing.” Then things get weird. October 6: “We have a video of Falcon saying, ‘I want to get inside of it.’ ” October 14: “At night, Richard asked me to remember about the story of ‘Lawnchair Larry,’ then Richard mentioned what if Falcon hid for ½ hours later and landed, then mention in [news]paper, Fort Collins…. Falcon can hide in the closet with a safe in the basement.” October 15: “To my understanding, we’re never going to launch the flying saucer because the strong wind changed our mind. Because of the wind, it might crash on somebody, cars or anything…. Richard said we would do the third test and quit. That’s why I thought he was acting so strange. After the flying saucer went off, he went so hysterical. Because he started so hysterical, I started taking it seriously. After it was launched, we did not know whether Falcon was in the flying saucer or in the house or anywhere.” October 18: “I found out when we visited our attorney’s [sic] that Richard revealed he came down to the basement to look for Falcon, but he wasn’t there. Richard thought really Falcon would be in the flying saucer.” The notes explained everything. Here it was in black and white: For all the times Richard had claimed everyone had the story wrong, for all the tall tales he told me, Mayumi’s notes showed a motive and a plan. It’s not difficult to piece it together: With a video camera rolling, Richard would launch the balloon and freak out. He’d call the FAA and get the balloon tracked. There’d be a tearful reunion when Falcon emerged from the basement, where he’d been told to hide. Richard would call back and say his son wasn’t in the basket. They’d make sure the Fort Collins newspaper knew about the stray saucer and the drama behind it. The story might go nationwide. With publicity in full force and a recording of every moment, networks would fight over the Heenes’ story. Except Falcon didn’t hide where he was told to. He hid in the garage attic, not in the basement. He played with his cars and he fell asleep. The FAA said Richard needed to call 911. Deputies showed up. Neighbors

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UP IN THE AIR began searching for Falcon. And then that silvery balloon was careening across our television screens. That’s why Mayumi’s reunion with Falcon was so believable: For a few hours, she and Richard honestly worried their son had been swept away. I decided to call Richard for what I thought would be the last time. He fumbled for words when I explained what I’d found. He wanted to know where I’d gotten the notes and if he could see them. I could hear Mayumi in the background, denying to her husband that she’d written anything. I emailed photos of the notes to Richard, and he asked if he could call back the next day. He didn’t. Two days after our brief conversation, my cell phone finally rang. “This whole thing, that never happened,” he told me. Lawnchair Larry? He said someone mentioned it to the family after the balloon fiasco, not before. “So you didn’t suggest that Falcon could hide in the closet with the safe in the basement?” I asked. Mayumi suddenly broke in. “I made the whole story up.” “What?” Richard said. “I wrote it,” Mayumi said. She started to cry. “What do you mean you wrote this?” Richard yelled. “What the fuck are you talking about? You said you didn’t know what this was. Why would you write this?” “To save myself, because of our kids.” “Oh, my God. Fuck! What the fuck? Every time you write something you cause a fucking shit storm.” There was a brief back-and-forth. Mayumi continued to cry. It was difficult to understand what she was saying. Richard yelled some more. The moment reminded me of the video the Heenes made of their balloon floating away, when Richard yelled at Mayumi and kicked the wooden launch pad. According to Mayumi’s notes, all of that had been an elaborate ruse. Now, it appeared, they were doing it again, this time for an audience of one. “I’m sorry,” Mayumi said. I asked her if she was saying she’d made up the story in the notes she’d made for her own attorney. “Yeah,” she said. Several seconds of silence passed. “Mayumi, you’re covering your mouth,” Richard said, slowly. “I don’t think he could hear you.” “Yeah,” Mayumi said, again, this time more clearly. m Robert Sanchez is 5280’s senior staff writer. Email him at letters@5280.com.

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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. ÂŠ2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and Coldwell Banker Devonshire. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and Coldwell Banker Devonshire fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 628217CDO_04/19

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Colorado Springs | $1,150,000 This gorgeous home sits on 3+ acres within the gated community of High Forest Ranch. The main house features a theatre room, 6br/6ba. The property is also host to a lovely 800 square ft. carriage house.

Boulder | Price Upon Request 4br/3.5ba home features an updated kitchen. The master suite offers a master bath with walk-in closets, jetted tub and radiant heat tile flooring. You will be a deeded member to the private Wonderland Hill Pool and Tennis Club.

Camellia Coray 719.359.0014 camellia@coldwellbanker.com

Pamela Outlaw 303.588.9516 pamelaoutlaw@outlawrealtor.com | PamelaOutlaw.com

Boulder | $1,047,000 Incredible German Passiv Haus construction w/ stunning mountain views from all floors. Conveniently located 12 mins. from downtown. Features include triple pane windows & doors, solar electric & concrete buffed floors. MacDonald-Weathers Team 303.898.6564 Brooke@boulderproperties.net | BoulderProperties.net

Denver | $928,500 Just Sold: Beautiful 4br/4ba home in the heart of Potter Highlands Historic District!

Mackenzie Jones 303.597.8966 Theresa Wirth 720.772.1197

Lone Tree | Price Upon Request This fabulous home offers a gourmet kitchen with slab granite, a center island and a walk-in pantry. Upstairs boasts a master suite with a 5-piece bath, double shower heads and a custom closet. The basement offers rec/media, wet bar & 5th bedroom Jan Selinfreund 720.427.5888 selinfreund@msn.com

Boulder | $812,000 This custom home sits above Boulder in sought after Boulder Heights. Imagine yourself sitting on one of the multiple decks or looking out from the thoughtfully placed windows. This home sits on just under one and one-half acres of usable land. Deborah Pixler 303.917.6771 deborah.pixler@coloradohomes.com

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Golden | Price Upon Request 3br/3ba home. Walkout lower level offers a master suite, updated 5-piece bath w/ sauna, sitting area w/ fireplace and laundry room. Upper level w/ 2 bedrooms, full bath and loft area. Main level living area w/ floor to ceiling windows and mountain views.

Highlands Ranch | $699,000 Rare Highlands Ranch Executive Home Backing to Open Space! Meticulous, quiet and private backyard and deck spilling onto serene open space.

Sue Mailey 720.442.4076 sue.mailey@coloradohomes.com

Sean and Janet Willcox 303.903.5255 willcox2@comcast.net | SeanandJanet.com

Aurora | $695,000 Gorgeous Richmond home in Tallyn's Reach neighborhood on a cul de sac. This two story, 5br/4ba has an amazing 19,177 square foot lot with a beautiful patio and view. Danielle Martini 720.630.5500 daniellebmartini@gmail.com

Arvada | $649,900 Unique fully renovated two-story 4br/4ba sits on over an acre, with a beautiful dog park & mountain views. Main floor master suite, gorgeous gourmet kitchen, finished walk-out basement. Excellent opportunity for business exposure due to location. Lorri DeLaney 720.313.7437 delaneylorri@gmail.com | LorriSellsHomesColorado.com

Aurora | $625,000 Transport yourself to the English countryside in this serene Tudor home with secluded garden oasis. Vaulted-ceiling living room, recently remodeled kitchen, family room with fireplace. Beautiful backyard garden is perfect summer gathering spot.

Berthoud | $614,900 Attention to detail and craftsmanship define this custom-built efficient home on one quarter of an acre. Enjoy views of Longs Peak from your master bedroom.

LaDawn Sperling 303.710.5817 ladawn.sperling@coloradohomes.com | LaDawnSperling.com

Christine Torres 720.320.1405 christine.torres@coloradohomes.com

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Denver | $800,000 Stunning 4br/4ba Stapleton home with expansive front covered porch perfectly located on a premium corner lot a few short blocks to the F-15 Pool, Stanley Marketplace, Eastbridge Town Center, Anschutz Medical Center & light rail. The open floor plan features a private study, formal dining, great room open to the fabulous kitchen w/ nook & glass doors leading to your backyard and 3 car garage!

Kimberly Austin 303.360.6400 kimberly@AnotherJustSold.com | AnotherJustSold.com

Lakewood | $700,000 This impressive Solterra home is perfectly nestled against the breathtaking & picturesque majestic Colorado rockies and offers an open floor plan w/ a shiplap entrance, study, powder bath, great room open to the kitchen w/ granite dine-in kitchen island, also open to the dining area, mud room & 2-car garage. The second level offers a master bedroom, 2 additional bedrooms, loft & upper laundry.

Kimberly Austin 303.360.6400 kimberly@AnotherJustSold.com | AnotherJustSold.com

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Lafayette | $1,325,000 Finely crafted semi-custom home backing to the Indian Peaks golf course. Main floor master suite, office and laundry are features that also make this home desirable. Large chef’s kitchen with high end appliances, granite island, & custom lighting.

Aurora | $840,000 5br/5ba home. Open design with exceptional updates. Premium location on 7th tee of Blackstone Country Club golf course. Master wing on upper level. Lower walkout level complete with pool table, wet bar and home theater area. Fabulous views!

Ro Troia 303.589.3966 Ro@RoTroia.com | RoTroia.com

Julie Konrade 303.886.2773 julie.konrade@coloradohomes.com

Evergreen | $742,000 3br/4ba home w/ granite countertops, beautiful flooring and fireplace. Master suite flaunts master bath with dual sinks and walk-in closet. Lower level with bath, wet bar and flex room.

Lafayette | $729,000 4br/4ba ranch style with an open floorplan, finished basement, updated stainless steel appliances and beautiful hardwood floors.

Francesca Costa 720.341.8208 francesca.costa@ColoradoHomes.com

Brian MacDonald 303.915.6126 Brian@MWLuxuryHomes.com

Fort Collins | $700,000 Enjoy the Colorado lifestyle in this 3br/3ba custom home located in the Horsetooth reservoir area including a steam shower and an indoor hot tub. Sit on the back deck and relax with the views of Horsetooth reservoir and the city below.

Denver | Price Upon Request Beautiful 3br/4ba home situated behind a secure gate offers a bright living room, a chef’s perfect equipped kitchen, a third bedroom with a balcony, a master with a fireplace, an attached two-car garage, and a roof top deck and rec room.

Michelle Bunnell 970.227.7011 michelle.bunnell@coloradohomes.com

Kathryn Farrow 720.098.8660 kathryn.farrow@coloradohomes.com | KathrynFarrow.cbintouch.com

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Fort Collins | $695,000 3br/2ba ranch-style half duplex Lakefront w/ 2 main floor master suites, spacious rooms and atrium w/ eight-foot skylight. Complete w/ new designer updates including quartz/granite, hardwood floors and Carrara tile. Unbelievable lake & meadow views!

Aurora | $635,000 This 4br/5ba home has open living & formal dining room, newer wood floors, a formal office w/ gorgeous built-in cherry cabinets, oak kitchen w/ granite, 2 gas fireplaces, 5-piece bath, a big wet bar & a 2-car garage, all w/ great golf views.

Debbie Pidcock 970.310.7650 deborah.pidcock@coloradohomes.com | DebbiePidcock.com

Bill Rapp 303.358.7070 william.rapp@coloradohomes.com

Westminster | $619,975 3br/3ba Blanca Peak home w/ energy efficient features. Kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, slab granite countertops and center island. Master suite w/ walk-in closet and dual sinks.

Denver | $579,900 Your story begins in this 4br/4ba home where living life on a grand scale begins with a park in front of your home. It’s one more reason to get out and play or enjoy your expansive front porch to soak in the majestic Colorado summers.

Caryn Geiger 303.441.2422 caryn.geiger@coloradohomes.com | CarynGeiger.com

Kimberly Austin 303.360.6400 kimberly@AnotherJustSold.com | AnotherJustSold.com

Arvada | $579,000 Lovely West Woods Ranch w/ 5br/3ba & over 3,000 finished sqft.! Wonderful vaulted ceilings and open floor plan. Very spacious family room w/ built-ins and gas fireplace! Huge 3 car garage and an Amazing 10,620 sqft. corner lot (0.24 acre) on a cul-de-sac!

Thornton | $575,000 2br/2ba home w/ stunning golf course views, open floorplan, and hardwood floors. Kitchen w/ raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and SS appliances. Unfinished walk-out basement has plenty of room to expand and is plumbed for an additional bath.

Brenda Bartoletti 303.941.8231 brenda.bartoletti@coloradohomes.com

Linda Gilbert 720.232.1990 linda.gilbert@coloradohomes.com | LindaGilbertHomes.com

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Aurora | $560,000 With mature landscaping and a .24 acre lot, this 4br/4ba home with a covered front porch and vaulted great room welcomes you from the moment you enter! Entertaining whether casual or formal will be a breeze with this open floor plan.

Conifer | Price Upon Request 4br/3ba home w/ updated kitchen, main floor master suite, secondary master suite & 2 guest bedrooms. Home w/ access to decks from 2 living rooms. Fenced-in approx. 2-acre property complete w/ operational stable, 4-car garage and deck w/ mountain views.

Medra Volpi 303.378.1144 Medra@MedraVolpi.com | MedraVolpi.com

Shannon Byerly 303.919.2611 YourFreshStartRealty@gmail.com | YourFreshStartRealty.com

Denver | $550,000 Charming townhome on Mayfair Park w/ open floorplan offers 3 bedrooms including a master suite w/ updated bath & walk-in closet. Finished basement hosts an office/rec room, laundry room, full bath & third bedroom. Courtyard w/ private outdoor space.

Arvada | $549,000 Beautiful 4br/4ba Leyden Rock home in the hills of Arvada. It has a large kitchen which is perfect for cooking and gathering with family and friends. You'll enjoy the short commute to Boulder, Golden, Denver and the mountains.

Kat Zoefelt 303.881.5684 kat@coloradohomes.com

Deborah Pixler 303.917.6771 deborah.pixler@coloradohomes.com

Parker | $549,000 6br/3ba ranch home on approx. 2.7-acre corner lot w/ wood floors, living room and fireplace. Kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances and island cooktop. Master bedroom w/ updated bath and walk-in closet. Basement w/ 2 non-conforming bedrooms and full bath.

Aurora | $535,900 This beautiful home in Prides Crossing has 5br/4ba with unobstructed views of the mountains and Quincy Reservoir. The lower patio and yard have been professionally landscaped and extends to the luxurious pool.

Phoenix Rain 303.884.9489 phoenix.rain@coloradohomes.com

Marcyndah Cosner 303.881.1876 marcyndah.cosner@coloradohomes.com | Marcyndah.com

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Denver | $535,000 Enjoy living the LoHi life in a penthouse steps from downtown. This 2br/2ba open floor plan loft in a secure and well maintained building features high ceilings, hardwood floors, in unit laundry, and a balcony with mountain views.

Louisville | $530,000 Well maintained 3br/2ba home backing to open space. Main level has open layout & vaulted ceilings. New furnace, washer & dryer. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances & eat-in area. 2-car garage & fenced backyard.

Robb Green 303.885.2924 robb.green@coloradohomes.com | RobbGreen.cbintouch.com

The Sartell Bliss Team 720.771.9345 bethanysartell@gmail.com | SartellBlissTeam.com

Havana Heights | $500,000 Outdoor living space abounds with this updated 3br/3ba ranch located on a large cul de sac lot. The best of two worlds. The feel of country living with the amenities of living in the city. Prepare to be amazed. From sunroom to finished basement!

Parker | $499,900 Beautiful 4br/3.5ba two story with over 2,800 finished square feet including a finished basement! Superb lot & yard w/ pergola & large deck! Ideally located close to downtown Parker, backs & fronts to open space!

Medra Volpi 303.378.1144 Medra@MedraVolpi.com | MedraVolpi.com

The Rowley Group 720.530.6749 Info@TheRowleyGroup.com | TheRowleyGroup.com

Aurora | $495,000 4br/3ba home w/ great room featuring built-in surround sound and a gas fireplace. Kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, a double oven, a 5-burner gas cooktop, granite countertops. Master bed w/ en-suite and trey ceilings. Complete w/ spacious basement.

Highlands Ranch | $485,000 3br/2.5ba townhome w/ open floorplan that leads to a private patio and a 2 car-garage. Basement w/ ample storage and the opportunity to create your own space. Close to the Highlands Ranch town center, restaurants, Civic green park & Central Park!

Brandon Miller 303.990.0702 brandon.miller@coloradohomes.com | BrandonSellsCO.com

Jeffrey McRae 303.906.5508 jeffrey.mcrae@coloradohomes.com | JeffreyMcRae.com

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Colorado Springs | $482,000 Completely remodeled 4br/4ba home with 3,400 square feet in the desirable Rockrimmon neighborhood (D20 schools)! Enjoy two private decks for entertaining, watching wildlife, or enjoying the Colorado weather.

Westminster | $480,000 4br/3ba home. Cathedral ceilings in master suite, dining and family rooms. All rooms w/ walk-in closets. New features include stainless steel kitchen appliances, Miracle Method counters, roof and wood laminate floors. Complete w/ backyard and garage.

Mark Hiryak 719.466.1407 mark.hiryak@coloradohomes.com | MarkHiryak.com

Ernie Sica 720.469.6999 ernie.sica@coloradohomes.com | welovecoloradohomes.com

Aurora | Price Upon Request 5br/4ba home in the desired Conservatory. Vaulted ceilings in the main living room leading into the kitchen and dining space. Master bedroom w/5-piece bath and large walk-in closet. finished basement with two additional bedrooms, bath and kitchenette.

Centennial | $479,900 Welcome home to this Parkview Heights beauty! This home boasts remodeled bathrooms with modern finishes, a remodeled kitchen and more! Outdoor living at its best; enjoy the beautifully landscaped yard with mature trees from the spacious deck.

Stephanie Fryncko 303.918.5917 stephanie.fryncko@coloradohomes.com

Marcus & Kirsten Harris 720.217.8904 marcus.harris@coloradohomes.com | HarrisTeamRealEstate.com

Littleton | $479,000 5br/3ba updated all-brick ranch in Leawood. Main level w/ new hardwood floors, paint & bedroom carpet. Kitchen w/ 42-inch cabinets, newer stainless & black appliances. Dining room w/ fireplace. Finished basement w/ 2 bedrooms and remodeled 3/4 bath.

Lakewood | $475,000 This updated 4br/3ba ranch home in desirable Greenbriar has an amazingly lush and private backyard with a large patio. The sunroom adds additional space for playing or just enjoying the yard on winter days. 576SIngallsSt.com

Victoria Rollins 303.921.3821 victoria@wispertel.net | VictoriaRollins.com

Medra Volpi 303.378.1144 Medra@MedraVolpi.com | MedraVolpi.com

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Lakewood | $469,900 3br/2ba townhome w/ mountain views, vaulted ceilings & abundant natural light. Kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Master bath w/ walk-in shower. Upstairs offers a loft space. Complete w/ finished basement and private patio. Nita Kolarsick 303.250.8280 Nita@NitaHome.com | NitaHome.com

Thornton | $459,000 This 2br/2ba townhouse features a gourmet kitchen, living area with fireplace, and master retreat w/ upscale bath. A large office provides the ideal place to work from home. Enjoy mountain views on the covered deck in this 55+ golf course community. Linda Gilbert 720.232.1990 Greg Gilbert 303.250.9007

Denver | Price Upon Request This amazing 2br/2ba townhome is in the heart of Stapleton! The kitchen includes an island & stainless steel appliances. Upstairs, both bedrooms feature walk in closets. Enjoy the beautiful Colorado sunsets on your rooftop deck.

Longmont | $440,000 This 3br/3ba ranch has a large covered deck and patio for those great family BBQ's. The huge rec room is perfect for having fun and big enough for a pool and foosball table. Main level has wonderful light, a kitchen w/ nook, and large living room.

Stephanie Fryncko 303.918.5917 stephanie.fryncko@coloradohomes.com

Marie Raines 720.334.5337 marie.raines@coloradohomes.com

Centennial | Price Upon Request 4br/2ba home in Broadway Estates w/ gleaming oak hardwood floors and open kitchen. Master suite w/walk-in closet and master bath. Large, fenced backyard w/ a deck. Close to the Highline Canal or shopping and dining at the Streets of Southglenn.

Bailey | $425,000 This ranch boasts an open kitchen including an island, granite counters, stainless-steel appliances and hickory cabinets. Three gas fireplaces, custom baths, new windows and doors, hardwood floors, new carpet and paint make this move in ready.

Yaron Marcus 303.484.1186 yaron.marcus@coloradohomes.com

Terry Robinson 303.898.3658 Info@Early-Group.com | Early-Group.com

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Commerce City | $410,000 3br/3ba home on a cul-de-sac in Reunion. Lots of upgrades: soft-close door cabinetry, large banquet, upgraded tile and more! Professionally landscaped backyard with gas firepit that overlooks greenbelt.

Denver | $400,000 This Adorable 2br/1ba, 1/2 duplex located in the Heart of Sunnyside. Updated, hardwood floors with new roof. Gardeners dream. Minutes from downtown. Next to park. New light rail station. Complete w/ a 1-car detached garage. Call me for private showing.

Taylor Carpenter 303.909.2108 taylor.carpenter@coloradohomes.com

Faith Young 720.270.9467 faith.young@coloradohomes.com

Idaho Springs | $400,000 Come home to a historic, charming Victorian cottage, with lovely outdoor gardens. Well maintained, with just the right updates, this 1895 house has a terraced backyard and sits above downtown Idaho Springs.

Broomfield | $385,000 This is a beautiful home in Broomfield with 4br/2ba. Located within Boulder Valley School District. It features a charming backyard with a fire pit and a spacious patio. Enjoy the two-car garage that has extra space for a third car.

Cindy Sahli 303.588.2399 cindy.sahli@coloradohomes.com

Miguel Miranda 720.883.8650 JMiguel.1325@gmail.com | JMiguelMiranda.com

Denver | $385,000 3br/3ba upgraded tri-level home in Glenbrook. This home has newer bathrooms with cool tile and a kitchen with sliding glass doors that open to a beautiful deck. This home is close to parks, a recreation center, pool, trails, shopping and more!

Denver | $385,000 5br(two non-conforming)/3ba home for someone who wants equity. The bones of this home are perfect. Located in Bear Valley close to public transportation, grocery stores and shopping. The mountains and downtown Denver are just a short commute away.

Jim Merrion 303.548.2043 james.merrion@coloradohomes.com

Shannon Byerly 303.919.2611 YourFreshStartRealty@gmail.com | YourFreshStartRealty.com

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Colorado Springs | $379,900 This beautiful home in Northgate features two master bedrooms w/attached bathrooms. A large kitchen opens to a formal dining area, and a living room w/ vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace. Mountain views from two decks. Fully finished basement.

Denver | $365,000 Charming 2br/2ba ranch home is sure to please. Full yard irrigation system, freshly painted exterior, refinished hardwood, an included washer and dryer, new carpet, new water heater and a newer furnace.

Angela M. Smith 710.210.8878 Angela@AngelaSmithRealty.com | AngelaSmithRealty.com

Michael Surges 303.981.7872 Kathleen Surges 303.981.6170

Denver | $360,000 Lovely 3br/3ba home in Alton Park (Cherry Creek Schools) in move-in condition. Eat-in kitchen open to family room. Master bedroom suite w/ full bath and walk-in closet. 2-car garage and private backyard. Near neighborhood pool and playground.

Frederick | Price Upon Request 3br/2ba Ranch home w/ room to grow. Features newer wood floors & eat-in kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances. Large family room w/ fireplace & formal dining area. Enjoy rear yard w/ concrete patio. Use your imagination to complete unfinished basement.

Laurie & Michael Marcus 303.409.6338 michael@marcusteam.com | MarcusTeam.com

Matt Coty 303.524.2986 matt.coty@coloradohomes.com

Aurora | $350,000 This charming 3br/3ba home is nestled on a quiet street adjacent to open space and is ready to welcome you home! Featuring soaring ceilings, a three sided fireplace, newer interior paint and tile floors.

Colorado Springs | $340,000 This beautiful 3br/3ba is in the Heart of Banning Lewis Ranch. The top floor can be used as office with a gorgeous view of Pike’s Peak. Two car attached garage, Gourmet Kitchen & hardwood floors shows like a model home. Call for a private showing.

Medra Volpi 303.378.1144 Medra@MedraVolpi.com | MedraVolpi.com

Faith Young 720.270.9467 faith.young@coloradohomes.com

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Aurora | $339,000 RV Parking! This well maintained & updated home features a remodeled kitchen, granite countertops, & an expansive backyard entertaining area. Convenient location near DIA, Buckley AFB, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora Sports Park, and E-470.

Bailey | $338,000 This charming 2br/1ba home boasts a remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, knotty alder cabinetry. The home has updated light fixtures, doors, new carpet & new paint, a brand new pellet stove and a 2-car garage.

Matt Brinkhoff 303.324.0241 matt.brinkhoff@coloradohomes.com | MattsColoradoHomes.com

Vicki Wimberly 303.674.6667 vicki.wimberly@coloradohomes.com

Aurora | Price Upon Request 3br/3ba townhouse within the Summit Park subdivision. Features a gas fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Main living space allow for natural light! Beautiful granite countertops in the kitchen and baths. Master suite w/ 5-piece bath. Complete w/ 2 pools. Julie Rudiger 720.341.1504 julie.rudiger@coloradohomes.com | JulieRudiger.cbintouch.com

Denver | $269,900 Why Rent When You Could Own this amazing Governor’s Park condominium with incredible views of Downtown Denver also near Cheesman Park, Denver Botanic Gardens and perfectly located between Downtown and Cherry Creek near amazing shops and dining. Wow! Kimberly Austin 303.360.6400 kimberly@AnotherJustSold.com | AnotherJustSold.com

Erie | $265,000 Beautiful 2br/1ba condo features an open layout, stainless steel appliances & two balconies including a private balcony accessible through the master bedroom. Amenities include a fitness center, pool, hot tub, walking paths and a playground.

Greenwood Village | $250,000 2br/2ba condo w/ open floor-plan with new carpet, central air and newer paint. Window A/C in master retreat 2 carport spaces w/ washer and dryer in-unit and fenced garden patio. Enjoy clubhouse w/ pool and exercise center Call for your private showing.

John Grandt 720.351.8488 John@RefRealty.net | RefRealty.net

Faith Young 720.270.9467 faith.young@coloradohomes.com

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Aurora | $235,000 This is the perfect townhome with nearly everything you were hoping for in your new place. You’ll love the main floor with soaring vaulted ceilings, a cozy wood burning fireplace, a nice dining area and a sliding glass door to the fenced patio.

Aurora | $235,000 2br/2ba condo w/ in-unit laundry, private balcony, secure garage and mountain views. Open floorplan w/ rooms on each side of the unit. Master suite w/ walk-in closet and soaking tub. Community w/ pool and tennis courts. Close to restaurants & shopping.

Kelly Baca 303.748.3295 kelly.baca@devonshirehomes.com

Erin Baggott 720.588.0579 erin.baggott@coloradohomes.com

more buyers As the #1 most-visited residential real estate brand online*, Coldwell Banker ® promotes properties on up to 700 websites. The result? More exposure, more views and more opportunities to sell your home. No other real estate company gives you more. Contact us today.

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Boulder | $712,000

Superior | $674,000

Boulder | $605,000

4br/3ba home w/open floorplan, vaulted ceilings and updates throughout. Kitchen w/granite countertops, new gas range and wood floors. Landscaped yard w/shade trees and garden beds.

Immaculate 4br/4ba home with pride of ownership in desirable Rock Creek! Features a custom addition and many upgrades. Spacious kitchen & master suite w/custom walk-in closet.

Rare 3br/2ba "green built" modern townhome. Features include modern cabinetry, cork floors, a custom wood staircase, radiant baseboard heat and moisture shield composite decking.

Kim Dunning 303.588.6037

Caryn Geiger 303.441.2422

MacDonald-Weathers Team 303.898.6564

Denver | $599,000

Castle Pines | $589,900

Lakewood | $580,000

A beautifully renovated bungalow in Sunnyside offers an open layout concept with a chefâ€™s kitchen and formal dining room. The huge backyard is perfect for gatherings.

Stunning 5br/4ba home including new interior paint, plantation shutters, hardwood flooring, remodeled kitchen, main floor bedroom with 3/4 bath, a finished basement and 3 car garage.

4br/4ba home. Family room w/vaulted ceilings & fireplace. Master bedroom w/5-piece bath & walk-in closet. Finished basement w/new flooring, living space, bedroom, 3/4 bath and bar.

P.J. Farrell 303.884.5368

The Rowley Group 303.841.1021

Kelly Redpath 303.548.4058

Westminster | $575,000

Littleton | $570,000

Denver | $550,000

5br/4ba Ranch in Hyland Greens w/vaulted family room & master suite. Remodeled kitchen w/quartz countertops & new cabinetry. Great room w/fireplace. Walk-out basement. Golf community.

Amazing 5br/4ba home in Columbine Knolls on an oversized lot. Featuring an open floor plan with amazing upgrades and a finished basement!

2br/2ba home with over 1,400 square feet on a large lot. Living area w/open floorplan and balcony. Kitchen w/large pantry. Master bedroom w/walk-in closet. Fenced yard w/backyard patio.

Team Fontyn 303.359.9937

The Simonis Group 303.905.5137

Vikki Bratcher 720.237.4792

Boulder | $549,999

Castle Rock | $549,000

Evergreen | $545,000

3br/3ba remodeled home w/fully finished basement, new flooring, paint & attached 1-car garage. North Boulder location w/ easy access to bike trails, open space in a pool community.

5br/4ba home on 1/2-acre w/fully finished 1,400 Sq. Ft. basement. Who wants to buy fresh produce when you can feed your family off of your own land? Garden w/fruit trees and vegetables.

Come take a look at this meticulous mountain house! With Evergreen Golf Course right out your window, just steps away from the beautiful lake, and within minutes to downtown.

P.J. Farrell 303.884.5368

Colleen Huber 303.506.3302

Ilene Schwartz 720.413.6616

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Boulder | $539,000

Erie | $525,000

Highlands Ranch | $515,000

This 3br/3.5ba is a great deal, offering approximately 2,300 sqft. w/updates throughout, including the kitchen, bathrooms and a huge family room. Near 2 highly-rated schools & trails.

Fantastic 4br/3ba home w/ mountain views. Features a gourmet kitchen w/ SS appliances, granite counters, and a large island with breakfast bar. Main floor master suite w/ 5-piece bath.

4br/4ba home offers kitchen w/stainless steel appliances & cherry cabinets. Master with walk-in & 5 piece bath. Basement w/built-in bar. Biggest yard and covered patio in Hearth

Richard Alpers 303..263.8237

Lorri DeLaney 720.313.7437

Kimberly Ryan 303.523.8333

Westminster | Price Upon Request

Longmont | $509,000

Denver | Price Upon Request

Beautiful open ranch! Maintenance free living! 2br/3ba, study/ dining room, huge open basement, great deck with hot tub. Two car attached garage. Trails, great HOA!

This is a beautiful, low maintenance, brick patio home w/ 2br/2ba in the highly desirable Westbrook Village of Longmont. It has an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and is move-in ready!

Incredible 2br/4ba, 2 car, townhome boasts natural lighting, high end finished, patio and balcony off the living room. Quick access to the I-25 corridor, shopping /dining.

Kristine Stirling 303.881.4768

Amanda Duran 720.427.9882

Joni Jagger 303.437.3046

Erie | $480,000

Denver | $459,900

Greeley | $450,000

This 3br/3ba home offers a great room, a main floor study, a gourmet kitchen, granite, hardwood floors, custom tile, an upstairs laundry and a 3-car tandem garage.

End-unit townhouse in Stapleton/Northfield with amazing outdoor living. 2br/2ba with loft. Quartz countertops & hardwood floors throughout. Master suite w/ 5-piece bathroom.

Beautiful 7br/5ba home situated on a large cul-de-sac. It features a finished basement, a private fenced in yard and an in-law suite with kitchen and separate entrance.

Lorri DeLaney 720.313.7437

Illona Gerlock 303.809.1235

Kevin Communal 303.514.2123

Highlands Ranch | $447,500

Centennial | $434,900

Ward | $430,000

Welcome to this wonderful home featuring 4br/4ba and gorgeous outdoor space. Located in the heart of Highlands Ranch, close to amenities and services.

Remodeled 3br/2ba ranch home on a large corner lot featuring a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new counter-tops, white subway tile backsplash, and kitchen island.

Million-dollar views under 1/2 the price! Completely renovated, uber-efficient mountain home w/upgrades, metal roof, huge windows, privacy + easy access to Nederland and Boulder.

Anne Pielage 303.215.5337

Brett Kennedy 303.881.8000

MacDonald-Weathers Team 303.898.6564

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Lakewood | $425,000

Littleton | $425,000

Broomfield | $419,900

This meticulously maintained four bedroom home has upgrades throughout. Newly built walk-out Trex decking, and landscaped backyard just scratch the surface of the beauty in this home.

Gorgeous 4br/3ba home on a huge lot with a two car over-sized garage, and bonus music room (could be converted to a four car garage).

Prepare to fall in love with this charming updated home in the heart of Broomfield. Great flow with large rooms to enjoy. Conforming bedrooms in the basement. Large patio / yard.

Mike Lynch 720.402.4818

Lisa Heagney 720.338.8095

Debbie Cooper-George 303.944.8494

Thornton | $415,000

Littleton | $415,000

Arvada | $414,000

Beautifully maintained 4br/4ba patio home with a finished basement. HOA removes sidewalk snow and does the lawn work. Has small fenced area for a pet or garden.

3br/3ba home on a cul-de-sac w/ plantation shutters and recessed, dimmable lighting. Kitchen w/ granite countertops and soft close cabinets. Backyard w/ large patio and plenty of trees.

Close to Old Town Arvada and the light rail, this great ranch style home features 3br/2ba on the main floor, situated on a large private lot with a full basement.

Cathy Schuster 303.478.6364

Aaron Luttrell 303.748.3200

The Simonis Group 303.905.5137

Denver | $409,900

Evergreen | $400,000

Thornton | $400,000

2br/1ba home w/original hardwood floors. Kitchen w/slab granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Family room accesses east facing backyard. Complete w/remodeled bath.

This 3br/3ba condominium has been upgraded from top to bottom. Enjoy the crisp mountain air on your deck while listening to the small brook.

4br/4ba well maintained home has large lot, backs to farmland and located on a quiet street.

Gail Wheeler 303.726.7202

Troy Strom 303.888.4162

Duane Penny 970.290.2220

Boulder | $375,000

Broomfield | $369,900

Westminster | $365,000

This 17-acre lot boasts beautiful views and peaceful serenity in Sunshine Canyon. There is easy access from CR-83, power utility is on site and is already through B lot approval.

This home located in Brighton Crossing Â on the end of cul-desac offers an open floor plan with sunfilled room.Â The kitchen has tumbled tile backsplash, newer stainless steel appliances.

Welcome home to this well loved 3 bedroom in Kings Mill. You'll love the warm feeling this home has. Roomy kitchen, great room plus family room, large yard, corner lot w/ RV parking.

MacDonald-Weathers Team 303.898.6564

Joni Jagger 303.437.3046

Team Fontyn presented by Teresa Wood 303.564.6407

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Arvada | $365,000

Northglenn | Price Upon Request

Denver | $359,000

Nice brick ranch on a corner lot! Open floor plan between the living room and kitchen area. French doors to the back patio. Accesible to Olde Town Arvada and the new G-Line light rail.

This 5br/3ba ranch updates include paint, doors, carpet, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, windows and roof. A huge patio, a two-car garage and finished basement complete this home.

Remodeled 2br/2ba condo. Updated kitchen w/ new cabinets, counters, tile and high-end appliances. Complete w/ tons of storage and 2 huge balconies. Deeded garage space.

Conde and Kurt Johnson 720.280.4662

Debbie Cooper-George 303.944.8494

Mike Kornelsen 303.918.8910

Henderson | $353,000

Fort Collins | Price Upon Request

Evergreen | $350,000

Immaculately maintained upgraded home with showplace landscaping. The three bedroom four-level features a large patio and gazebos. Near parks and K-12 schools.

Split-level 3br/2ba in Woodwest. Formal living room w/ exposed beams. Living room w/ fireplace. Master suite w/ extra space. Complete w/ newer roof, newer windows, patio and sunroom.

2br/1ba mountain home. Main floor w/ hardwood floors. Remodeled kitchen, vaulted ceilings, 1-car garage and laundry room. Great lot w/ garden areas, fenced inner yard, patio and fire pit.

Cathy Schuster 303.478.6364

Stephanie Ryan 303.725.8901

Stephanie Freadhoff 303.589.3777 Austin Freadhoff 303.829.8324

Thornton | $350,000

Arvada | Price Upon Request

Thornton | Price Upon Request

Welcome home to this 3br/2ba home on a quiet cul de sac. Move right in and enjoy the neighborhood along with a great backyard for entertaining.

3br/2ba ranch in the Parkway Estates w/ many updates including A/C, electrical panel and a new efficiency furnace. Huge backyard w/ deck and shade trees. Complete w/ bonus room.

3ba/2ba ranch style home w/ an updated kitchen, a remodeled finished walk-out basement w/ a bedroom, built-in shelving and a large recreation room. Complete w/ large fenced-in backyard.

Debbie Joseph 303.842.8331

Debbie Cooper-George 303.944.8494

Longmont | $344,000

Thornton | $342,900

Arvada | Price Upon Request

Charming 2br/1ba ranch is move-in ready including a kitchen, a dining area, a laundry room, a fenced backyard, a flagstone patio, a fire pit and a two-car garage with workshop.

Beautiful 4br/2ba ranch home with open space. This home backs to Niver Trail. This quiet and mature neighborhood is waiting for you to come and see.

Awesome 2br/2ba home with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an open concept living space and an attached garage. This well maintained and updated unit is a must see!

MacDonald-Weathers Team 303.915.6126

Mike Ermi 303.981.2837

Dylan Lario 303.931.3039

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Denver | $340,000

Denver | $339,000

Denver | Price Upon Request

3br/3ba remodeled home w/ new features including interior paint, carpet & floor boards. Renovated kitchen w/ new cabinets, appliances & floors. Basement w/ home office & rec room.

This fantastic brick ranch home features a beautiful yard with a detached oversized two car garage, a new privacy fence, and newer windows throughout the upper level.

3br/1ba home w/hardwood floors. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops & stainless steel appliances. Laundry room w/storage. Features fenced backyard w/covered patio & 1 car garage.

Dale Carroll 720.771.2500

Sean and Janet Willcox 303.903.5255

Pam Ludwig 720.333.5063

Aurora | $330,000

Aurora | $320,000

Colorado Springs | Price Upon Request

Large 3br/3ba townhome offers a kitchen w/eating area and dining space. Living room w/fireplace. Master suite w/5-piece bath. Approx. Finished basement w/wet bar. Mtn views & reservoir.

2br/2.5ba townhome offers living room w/ fireplace and brick chimney. Kitchen w/ quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Master suite. Finished basement w/ new carpet. 2-car.

Unique 3br/3ba home hidden in the tranquil residential area of West Colorado Springs. Located just minutes away from I-25, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs.

Dawn Atchison 303.905.9311

Dan Gerlock 303.755.7373

CC Signature Group 719.550.2547

Colorado Springs | Price Upon Request

Englewood | $310,000

Denver | $309,900

2br/3ba townhome located in Saddleback at Newport Heights. It features main level living and an open floor plan. Perfect for those looking to live in a well-maintained community.

3br/2ba Canyon Creek condo w/ large windows, covered balcony, attached one-car garage, additional carport space & moments away from dining, entertainment & Happy Canyon Trail.

Beautiful, solid brick ranch in Athmar Park. 2br/1ba on a sizable lot. Tons of recent updates: roof, gutters, electrical, flooring, interior paint, stove, and more!

CC Signature Group 719.550.2547

Aaron Luttrell 303.748.3200

Illona Gerlock 303.809.1235

Denver | $309,000

Commerce City | $305,000

Denver | $295,000

Located in Uptown, this 1br/1ba unit with office space wonâ€™t disappoint! Enjoy Building amenities including common area entertaining space, pool, spa, fitness room, dog park and more.

This former model home built in 2005 w/ mountain views, a generous master suite, laundry facilities, fireplace. Complete w/ two-car attached garage and appliances are included.

3br/2ba charming Barnum Ranch Home w/ an open floor plan, hardwood floors and a large lot. Close to parks, the library and public transit.

Janie Stoddard 303.408.0738

Sharon Wiest 303.909.7637

Nita Kolarsick 303.250.8280

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Lakewood | $274,900

Denver | Price Upon Request

Lafayette | $265,000

Charming 2br/2ba with loft Sun Valley West condo! Highly sought after, upper corner end unit with open space views looking towards the mountains and the Main Reservoir trails.

2br/1ba condo w/ new wood floors throughout. Many upgrades to include wood shutters, crown molding, granite countertops, upgraded cabinets and a wood burning fireplace with a mantel!

1br/1ba/1 garage. Kitchen w/ newer hickory cabinets, hickory style flooring. Living room w/ alcove. Bedroom w/ walk-in closet. Complete w/ laundry area. Easy access shopping, dining, more.

Brian Anzur 303.263.6808

Paula Upton 303.999.6663

Tom Dackonish 720.670.7284

Denver | $259,900

Thornton | $250,000

Aurora | $236,000

Centrally located condo in South Denver. 1br/1ba unit with 633 square feet. Reasonable HOA fee with utilities and underground parking included. Wash Park is visible from the curb.

2br/3ba Townhome w/ garage! Beautiful cabinetry in the large kitchen that opens to great room & fireplace. 2 master bedrooms each with a full bath. Close to shopping/dining.

Beautiful one level living in a private end unit! This rare ranch home is in a quiet interior location. 2br/1ba home with an attached one car garage.

Illona Gerlock 303.809.1235

Lori Fontyn 303.359.9937

Brett Kennedy 303.881.8000

Denver | $220,000

Westminster | Price Upon Request

Denver | $170,000

This adorable & updated corner unit captures your heart with its plenitude of natural light and customized landscaping! Enjoy our amazing Colorado summer evenings on your private deck!

2br/2ba condo. Kitchen w/ new stainless appliances. Master suite w/ walk-in closet. guest bedroom w/ hall bath. Complete w/ 2 north-facing balconies, a pool and mountain views.

This tenth floor condo is in an ideal location, just blocks to great restaurants, Trader Joes, and Cheesman Park, and located minutes to Downtown Denver.

Tori Campbell 970.209.7745

Debbie Cooper-George 303.944.8494

Kelly Redpath 303.548.4058

Denver | $159,900

Granby | $59,000

Boulder | Price Upon Request

2br/1ba penthouse unit in 4-story building w/ elevator, vaulted ceilings, garage and enclosed lanai! Resort-style living in 55+ golf course community!

Lovely one-acre lot with aspen trees and an open wild flower meadow. Sits across the road from Trail Creek. There is electricity to the property and gravel road is accessible all year.

This condo includes a 2-car attached garage, high ceilings, skylights, hardwood floors, fireplace, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a balcony deck with awning.Â

Cheryl Lohuis 303.522.6161

Donna Sackett 720.284.1126

MacDonald-Weathers Team 303.915.6126

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52 80

BackStory

To celebrate the season, we imagined an eerie abode filled with the terrors Front Range residents fear most right now—and then immediately wished we hadn’t. —ANGELA UFHEIL A NIGHTMARE ON AURARIA PARKWAY

THE BLAIR WITCH HOUSING PROJECT

NIGHT OF THE LIVING POLITICIANS

Serbian center Nikola Jokić became our favorite transplant after he averaged 20.1 points per game during the Denver Nuggets’ resurgent 2018’19 season. In our worst dreams, a torn Achilles tendon (à la Kevin Durant) benches him while the Portland Trail Blazers dunk on us again…and again…and again.

Just when you thought they were gone, slot homes rise from the grave! Although zoning laws passed in May 2018 require heavier regulation of these multifamily units, the city approved about 30 of the sidewaysfacing projects before the change. Which means these monstrosities haven’t been slain quite yet.

First, there was one. Then, three. Suddenly, eight. The urge to challenge Republican Cory Gardner for his U.S. Senate seat spread through this state (at least, its bluer half) like a virus, with 10 candidates, including John Hickenlooper, in the race as of press time. The only cure is eight months away: next summer’s Democratic primary.

DON’T BREATHE NOW

28 STOPS LATER

On March 6, Denver’s Air Quality Index, which measures pollutants such as carbon monoxide, jumped to 154 (a “good” reading is from zero to 50). Even scarier, an April report from the American Lung Association labeled Denver the country’s 12thmost-ozone-polluted city and said the Mile High City’s air quality is only getting worse.

A new law requiring two-wheel-drive cars to don winter tires or have snow chains in the vehicle while between Morrison and Dotsero on I-70 should help prevent weather-related spinouts. It also has the potential to cause more delays: The Colorado Department of Transportation is threatening to monitor compliance with trafficchoking checkpoints.

I L LU ST RAT I O N BY M I C H A E L BY E R S

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We have been fighting for injured people for over 20 years. AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT & INJURY LAW Practice Areas Also Include:

Workers’ Compensation, Medical Device and Dangerous Drugs, Class Action Litigation, Employment Law and Social Security Disability Named by 5280 magazine as “Top Lawyer 2015-18” for Personal Injury Law Named to “Top 500 Personal Injury Lawyers in America” by Lawdragon Designated twelve times Colorado Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law 2007-2019 (303) (970)

222-2222 | ColoradoLaw.net DENVER | FORT COLLINS | COLORADO SPRINGS