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A Tasty Season
Fall is more than a pumpkin spice latte on the go. It’s a season full of comforting flavors and an invitation to savor them all with friends and family. In this Food & Drink issue, we highlight what’s waiting for you around town: comfort food at favorite restaurants in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, exciting new fine dining headed to South Denver, and of course, your morning fix at the local coffee shop (my new PSL alternative, the Maple Golden Chai at Monk & Mongoose).
For me, fall means food. For several years, we hosted our neighborhood besties with littles on Halloween night to share a pot of soup and nibbles before the dads took the kids trick-or-treating. The idea was for the ladies to hand out our own treats to passing families, but really it was an extra opportunity for girl time with a delicious glass of wine.
It’s the time of year we bring our entertaining back indoors — from sports team feeds, to lunch box packing, to the slower, longer bakes and flavorful bubbles on the stove.
And speaking of flavor — if you’ve driven around the Park Meadows area this past year, you’ve seen the creation of the next big (and delicious) thing to land in South Denver. The 14,000-square-foot Jack’s in Lone Tree will carry forward the excellence of its sister restaurant, Jack’s on Pearl in Denver, when it opens later this fall. I had the privilege of sitting down with president Darryl Shoemake to learn about the thoughtful details shaping this steak and fish house.
You’ll find more details on this exciting new concept in the pages ahead. We also share where to find some delectable fall flavors at favorite restaurants around town, a guest ranch with food worth traveling to, and more.
Here’s to savoring every bite this fall.
CORRECTION:
JENNIFER STARBUCK,
In our September issue of Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle, we inadvertently printed the wrong photo of Elevated Dermatology’s new Littleton provider, Dr. Tesia Kolodziejczyk. We are pleased to properly introduce her this month in our Business Monthly section.
PUBLISHER
October 2025 Visit our Instagram
Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angie Jehu, Mel Boban, Sonja Nix
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Larry Herz, Molly Johnson Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
GRAND OPENING PARTY
To celebrate the grand opening of our clinic, we welcome the community to join us for a grand-opening party. Enjoy food and drinks while you meet Dr. Dillon Le and Dr. Sheila Vizanko and bring the kids for some fun activities!
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city scene
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
On Aug.26, the new AdventHealth Heart and Vascular Institute officially opened its doors to provide leading cardiovascular care to the region. This state-of-the-art center, located on the AdventHealth Littleton campus, was built to expand access to specialized heart and vascular care, bringing lifesaving treatment closer to families across South Denver and the Rocky Mountain Region. 1: Community faith leaders bless each of the main areas of the institute. 2: Now Open: AdventHealth Heart and Vascular Institute. 3: Members of the AdventHealth Littleton cardiovascular care team. 4: Michelle Brokaw of Fleisher Smyth Brokaw FSB, and Alexandra Smart, MD, AdventHealth Littleton ECMO Medical Director. 5: Jennifer Brooks, Director of Cardiovascular Services, AdventHealth Littleton. 6: Rick Dodds, CEO, AdventHealth Littleton; Jennifer Brooks; Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter; Brett Spenst, AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Chief Executive Officer; Lee MacDonald, MD, South Denver Cardiology Associates; Matt Mendenhall, Chief Medical Officer, AdventHealth Littleton; Dr. Alexandra Smart; Tim Gillespie, AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Vice President, Mission and Ministry 7: Generous donors whose contributions led to the completion of the project.
8-14: The Morgan Adams Foundation celebrated its 22nd annual Concours D’ Elegance at the Centennial Airport on Aug 23. In addition to the finest vintage and exceptionally crafted modern aircraft, automobiles and motorcycles in the Rocky Mountain Region, guests experienced the most elite private aircraft and automobile collectors in the country for this one-day tour de force. 2025’s event saw 2,000 guests alongside 20 restaurant partners from across the Denver Metro area, and a single donor who raised his paddle for $100k. The event raised nearly $1.5 million to support the foundation’s local research initiatives to end childhood cancers.
30-minute mammo
Screening
Los Carboncitos Opens New Location in Lone Tree
Los Carboncitos in Lone Tree brings authentic Mexican flavors to Colorado with signature tacos al pastor, homemade salsas and traditional family recipes. They are proud to offer a warm, vibrant atmosphere where friends and families can enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes and the true taste of Mexico. To learn more: loscarboncitoscolorado.com
Photography by Los Carboncitos
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Backcountry Resident Livin’ in Black & White
Highlands Ranch writer and director Rick McMann has completed filming the sitcom pilot “Livin’ In Black & White” right here in Highlands Ranch. The comedy flips the script on race, class and politics with sharp, satirical humor. McMann, an industry veteran, directs and produces the series, which features Denver talent and familiar locations. The pilot will debut on YouTube Oct. 1, spotlighting Denver as both backdrop and character in the timely new show.
Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns returns for its fifth year of family-friendly Halloween fun at Hudson Gardens. This year’s expanded show features a redesigned, glowing trail of more than 7,000 carved pumpkins, enchanting lighting, dazzling pumpkin displays and a synchronized light-and-music show every 30 minutes. New for 2025: a Halloween dance party and interactive glow pass that allows guests to become a part of the show. Add-ons like s’mores, 3-D glasses, and a family-friendly maze are available. magicofthejackolanterns. com/denver
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Elevated Dermatology Welcomes Dr. Tesia Kolodziejczyk
Elevated Dermatology welcomes Dr. Tesia Kolodziejczyk (pronounced “Cola-Jay-Check”) to its Littleton location. A Colorado native, Dr. Kolodziejczyk is thrilled to be return ing to care for patients in her home state. She practices medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She graduated in the top 5 percent of her class from Rocky Vista University in Parker, and completed both her transitional year internship and dermatology residency at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she served as chief resident.
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ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
COWBOY GOURMET
Rustic Tradition Meets Refined Taste — No White Tablecloths in Sight
Molly Johnson Photography
Tucked into the Colorado Rockies just outside Granby, C Lazy U Ranch is one of the nation’s premier all-inclusive dude ranches. Known for its five-star service, sweeping mountain views and Western charm, the ranch offers year-round adventures, including its premier activity, horseback riding, alongside fly fishing, sleigh rides, backcountry skiing and guided hunting. Guests can indulge in signature spa treatments, yoga and much more. Many come for the wide-open spaces and come back for their signature blend of luxury and laid-back hospitality. Dining here is as thoughtfully crafted as the rest of the experience. Meals are an integral part of ranch life, prepared with intention and a deep connection to the land.
Molly Johnson Photography
Molly Johnson Photography
Mornings begin in the main lodge with a hearty, homemade breakfast. Guests fuel up with made-to-order omelets, cheddar biscuits, house-baked pastries and fresh fruit. Cowboy coffee, brewed over an open flame and served strong, is as much a ritual as a caffeine fix, often accompanied by stories from the range and a smoky aroma that clings to your cowboy duds all day.
Lunches are relaxed, served outside on the patio when weather allows, with panoramic mountain views. The fare is healthful, fresh and flavorful, featuring options like grilled tacos with slaw, greens with roasted chicken or a bowl of tomato bisque. Many ingredients are grown just steps away in the ranch’s hydroponic greenhouses, in partnership with Sedalia’s FarmBox Foods, which brings fresh herbs, lettuce and microgreens to the table year-round.
Evenings sometimes begin in the pasture, where guests sip cocktails while the horses wind down after a day on the trail. Wranglers and barn staff mingle, introducing the herd by name while sharing quirks, stories and favorite scratch spots like they’re talking about old friends. The particularly social horses like to join the happy hour and conversation.
Then comes dinner, the culinary highlight of the day. A multicourse meal, dinner features seasonal, local ingredients, such as Colorado beef ribeye served with gratin potatoes and truffle demiglace or rainbow trout with salsa verde, escabeche and crispy tortillas. Served family-style, it’s an elevated experience that balances rustic heartiness with refined presentation. Vegetarian options, such as BBQ falafel over jasmine rice and tomato and cucumber
Sonja Nix
tabouleh topped with lemon yogurt, are always available and dietary preferences are handled with no fuss.
It should be no surprise that C Lazy U Ranch was named the No. 2 “best hotels for food in the U.S.” in Food & Wine Magazine’s inaugural “Global Tastemakers Awards” in 2023. In 2025, they were recognized by Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” and Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards “Best All-Inclusive Family Resort. Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice awarded C Lazy U as a “Top 20 Resorts in the Mountain West’ in 2024.
The food, like the rest of the ranch experience, follows a philosophy the team calls “five-star service with a two-star vibe.” It’s welcoming, polished, but never overly formal. Servers know guests’ names and preferences. The in-house sommelier curates wine pairings with an easy, friendly expertise, remembering what you liked the night before to guide his recommendations.
Throughout the week, themed dinners add variety.
An open-air cookout with smoked brisket, grilled corn, live music and string lights one night, followed by a wine-paired tasting menu with commentary from the chef and sommelier the next. At least once, dessert means s’mores by the fire, with house-made marshmallows and locally sourced chocolate.
The food, like the rest of the ranch experience, follows a philosophy the team calls “five-star service with a two-star vibe.”
In summer, kids eat separately with counselors, leaving adults to linger over dessert or enjoy an after-dinner drink. On the final evening, families dine together; a chance to share stories, laughter and celebrate the special memories they’ve created at the ranch.
At C Lazy U, the food reflects the ranch’s mission: to bring people together through connection to the land, tradition and one another. Meals are an intrinsic part of the day, with every bite reflecting the ranch’s mix of authenticity, elegance and the cowboy spirit.
C Lazy U Ranch Granby, Colo. clazyu.com
courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch
courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch
Jack’s Brings Dining Innovation to Lone Tree
SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND GLOBAL FLAVOR IN A REFINED STEAKHOUSE ELEVATES SUBURBAN DINING
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY HERZ
When Jack’s in Lone Tree opens its doors this December, it won’t just be another restaurant. It will be a new dining destination built on innovation, global inspiration and steakhouse tradition. Known for its elevated dining on Old South Pearl Street near Washington Park, Jack’s is expanding south with a menu blending global inspiration with contemporary flair, honoring its origins as a premier steakhouse while expanding South Metro culinary options.
At the heart of this expansion is Colorado’s premier large-scale dry-aged fish program. While most diners are familiar with the deep flavor of dry-aged beef, Jack’s has been pioneering the process with seafood for nearly three years, working with king salmon, Hawaiian yellowtail, Chilean sea bass and bluefin tuna. Stored in carefully controlled coolers just above freezing, the fish undergoes a process rooted in an ancient Japanese culinary tradition.
“The moisture is pulled out, impurities are pulled out and the connective tissue starts to break down,” explains Darryl Shoemake, Jack’s president. “That intensifies the flavor and
makes the fish much more tender.” The result is sashimi, sushi rolls and grilled entrées with remarkable richness and purity. This technique has only recently begun to emerge in the United States, primarily in coastal cities.
The Lone Tree location, with its expanded kitchen, allows Jack’s to take these innovations further. Guests can enjoy exclusive dishes not offered at the Denver location, including handmade lobster ravioli and a bone-on short rib. A rotation of global, chef-driven dishes ensures the menu remains dynamic, appealing to both first-time diners and loyal regulars.
Jack’s signature offerings are found throughout its menu. Australian Wagyu beef provides the ideal balance of marbling and robust flavor. “We want beef to taste like beef,” Shoemake explains. “Australian Wagyu gives you rich flavor like wagyu from Japan, without being too fatty.” Iberico pork from Spain, known for its delicate marbling and nutty richness, is another standout addition to the Lone Tree menu, not commonly found on other metro area menus.
Rendering courtesy of Zebra Global
The restaurant balances luxury with approachability.
“Yes, we offer the steakhouse experience for those nights you want to go all-in, but we also want guests to enjoy a single entrée or sushi roll on a Tuesday night without feeling it has to be a special occasion,” says Shoemake, who along with wife Marilyn Shoemake, Director of Operations, and son Dylan Shoemake, Lone Tree General Manager, runs the Steve Lockton-owned restaurants.
Adding to its appeal, the Lone Tree restaurant will feature a butcher’s window, where guests can purchase premium cuts of Australian Wagyu, Iberico pork or hand-selected dry-aged fish to take home. This concept reflects Jack’s philosophy of making world-class ingredients accessible, whether in the dining room or at home.
This concept reflects Jack’s philosophy of making world-class ingredients accessible, whether in the dining room or at home.
The two-story space, located at the northeast corner of South Yosemite Street and Park Meadows Drive, spans over 14,000 square feet and features vaulted ceilings, contemporary design and warm, lodge-inspired textures. The upstairs dining room seats 175 guests, while the downstairs space can host private events for up to 125. Expansive patios take advantage of sweeping mountain views, allowing guests to enjoy year-round outdoor dining, from summer sushi platters to winter steak dinners warmed by heaters and fire features.
For Lone Tree, Jack’s represents a blend of steakhouse tradition and culinary innovation. It promises to be a dining destination where Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch and beyond can experience the full spectrum of Colorado’s evolving culinary scene.
ARTICLE BY ANGIE JEHU | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LINDSAY KEIFFER
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR — Monk & Mongoose Coffee’s Lindsay Keiffer
LINDSAY KEIFFER SERVES UP CAFFEINE AND CONNECTION AT ONE OF LONE TREE’S BUSIEST COFFEE SPOT
Tell us a little about yourself.
My husband, Jared, and I have lived in Lone Tree for about 11 years and Colorado for 14 years, with some time in Highlands Ranch and Downtown Denver. We have both pursued different career paths, primarily in the marketing and finance fields.
What was your inspiration for Monk & Mongoose?
When we were newly out of college, we visited a small coffee shop in San Antonio, Texas, where my husband grew up. It was the first time either of us had been in a small, local shop that focused on the experience of coffee, rather than the speed of getting your next cup of caffeine. We sat for a couple of hours and watched community and connection happen all around us and started to dream about “someday” when we could be a part of something that brought people together.
“As we continue to grow, we never compromise on our commitment to exceptional, highquality coffee and ingredients.”
Downtown Denver has an amazing coffee scene and after moving to Lone Tree, we felt inspired to take the next step in our dream and bring incredible coffee and community down to the suburbs. We found an incredible location and partnered with our local roaster and other local vendor partners and opened our first shop in October 2016.
What sets Monk & Mongoose apart and how has it evolved?
Our focus is on people and the pursuit of excellence in all we do. We understand that this takes hard work and consistency. We have a saying, “support and care for one another as an internal Monk family first, so we can show up every day and be great for our customers.”
Monk & Mongoose is a special community hub. Why do you believe you’ve been so successful?
Our team and our commitment to excellence in all we do! We have been incredibly blessed by how our community has accepted us and we continue to see amazing growth. As we continue to grow, we never compromise on our commitment to exceptional, high-quality coffee and ingredients.
What does the future hold?
We’re excited to open our third location this fall right here in Lone Tree. We’re honored to be the first brick-and-mortar retail of any kind on the east side of 25 as Lone Tree continues building the new City Center.
What is your favorite thing about the Lone Tree community?
Our favorite thing about our community is the support from everyone, including the City of Lone Tree officials such as former Mayor Jackie Millet, Jeff Holwell, Mayor Marissa Harmon and others. With their leadership and passion for intentional growth, we want to put down further roots in Lone Tree.
What is your favorite quote?
“Attach each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.” – Jim Harbaugh
Jennifer turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle
Published by Jennifer Loved by Highlands Ranch
2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS OCTOBER
events
OCTOBER 4TH
Mauzie's 20th Anniversary Open House
Mauzie's Fine Jewerly
Celebrate 20 years of custom, handmade pieces and the finest jewelry around at Mauzie's. This don't-miss event will include a significant discount on all merchandise in store, light bites to nibble on, a spinning wheel full of surprises and gifts, as well as giveaways and their annual open house signature cocktail. It's the party of the year!
OCTOBER 4TH
Lone Tree's Craftoberfest
Schweiger Ranch
Sample from Colorado breweries' fall line-up of beers, along with some of their tried and true favorites, while enjoying live music at the historic Schweiger Ranch in Lone Tree. You can throw a game of bags, compete in the stein hoisting competition, dance a polka and nosh on German cuisine or American favorites. Free to attend, beer tasting tickets available for purchase.
OCTOBER 17TH-19TH
Boo Hollow Benefitting the Women's Adventure Club
Tagawa Gardens, Centennial
Boo Hollow is the debut neighborhood in My Enchanted Village, a new seasonal pop-up children's village and community market hosted by the Women's Adventure Club at Tagawa Gardens. Families stroll through a whimsical neighborhood of upcycled playhouses, each transformed into a themed Halloween cottage ready for trick-or-treating. To participate, donate or learn about other seasonal villages, visit myenchantedvillage.com
OCTOBER 19TH
Amaze Beauty Studio at the Denver Bridal & Wedding Expo
National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver | 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Getting married? Come see Amaze Beauty Studio Highlands Ranch at the Denver Bridal & Wedding Expo! Learn more about Amaze’s bridal facials, lashes, brows, and waxing. Score exclusive discounts. Book your bridal beauty services on the spot. Amaze will get you wedding-day ready—glowing skin, flawless lashes, and all the confidence.
OCTOBER 25TH
Uncorked's 10th Anniversary Celebration
Uncorked Kitchen
Join Uncorked Kitchen as they celebrate their 10th anniversary on Oct 25th. Enjoy a free open house followed by a ticketed Wine Social and Chef Showdown. If you can't attend the open house, guests can enjoy exclusive specials throughout October, including 10 percent off select classes. Visit uncorkedkitchen.com/10th-anniversary for more information and to reserve your spot.
OCTOBER 31ST
Last Stop
Highlands Ranch Mansion
Calling Ghouls and Goblins of all ages to end Halloween night at the Highlands Ranch Mansion and Historic Park. This free, outdoor-only event welcomes visitors for a quick stop to trick-or-treat at the front door, while others can stay for a cocktail on the veranda. Enjoy DJspun Halloween music and a cash bar, including a signature spooky cocktail.
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Spectacular Seasonal Flavors to Savor Around Town
A Fall Tour
1: Cranelli’s: Monte Cristo Arancini
Sweet, salty and unforgettable harmony begins with golden-fried arancini with Gruyère, Parmesan, mozzarella, ham and elevated by raspberry jam and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
2: Postino: Boquerones Bruschetta Bursts of flavor come together harmoniously with mascarpone, a crushed tomato blend, fried capers, diced anchovy, lemon zest and topped off with freshly ground black pepper to tie all the elements together.
3: Monk & Mongoose: Maple Golden Chai
Comforting warm golden chai derived from a unique blend of turmeric, ginger and spices like cinnamon, subtly enhanced with house-made maple flavor.
4: Lazy Dog: S’more Brownie Sundae Campfire nostalgia with a melt-in-yourmouth chocolate chip brownie, complemented by a graham cracker crust, chocolate sauce, toasted marshmallow and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
5: Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood: Roasted Sea Scallops
Savory pan-seared roasted sea scallops, accompanied by a comforting heirloom carrot puree and garnished with a bright and aromatic gremolata of Marcona almonds and preserved lemon.
