Cherry Creek Magazine | Summer/Fall 2023

Casteel Creek, Vail Valley

Discover the Vail Valley’s most unique and exclusive community set upon 457 acres, adjacent to 2,000,000 acres of National Forest Service land, yet just 20 minutes to Vail. An unmatched opportunity for recreation and entertainment.

9141 Mountain Ranch Road, Conifer

Reminiscent of an historic ranch, this property is a superior example of harmony between home, equestrian center, and the sacred 49.57 acres it rests upon.

11 Beds | 14 Baths | 7,853 Square Feet | $9,500,000 303.674.3200

15490 Mountain View Circle, Broomfield

One of a kind contemporary custom home with stunning mountain views and sleek designer elements situated on 2.34 acres.

5 Beds | 8 Baths | 10,938 Square Feet | $7,600,000 303.893.3200

2355 Stratton Forest Heights, Colorado Springs

Stratton Forest Masterpiece, a completely custom home just footsteps from hiking trails connecting to the 300+ acres of Stratton Open Space.

4 Beds | 7 Baths | 9,344 Square Feet | $3,500,000 719.578.8800

303.893.3200

livsothebysrealty.com

900 Pennsylvania Street #600, Denver

Magnificent views, indoor-outdoor living, luxury finishes, and award-winning design combine to offer the ultimate urban sanctuary.

3 Beds | 4 Baths | 3,023 Square Feet | $2,995,000 303.893.3200

THE BROADMOOR An American Masterpiece

AWARD-WINNING AMENITIES

• 5-Star Spa and Fitness Center

• 2 Championship Golf Courses

• 3 Pools, including Seasonal Infinity Pool

• 5 Tennis Courts

• 3 Pickleball Courts

BOUNDLESS ADVENTURE

• All NEW Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

• The Broadmoor Seven Falls

• The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure

• Falconry Academy at The Broadmoor

• Hiking

• Mountain Biking

• Horseback Riding

• Fly Fishing

• On-Site Bowling Alley

EXCEPTIONAL DINING & RETAIL

• An Abundance of Distinct Restaurants, Cafés and Lounges on Property

• 19 Unique Retail Outlets

AUTHENTIC, ALL-INCLUSIVE WILDERNESS PROPERTIES

• Cloud Camp

• The Ranch at Emerald Valley

• Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Camp

PUBLISHER

EDITOR IN CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

BETSY MARR

PRESIDENT

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

KEVIN MARR

PHOTOGRAPHER

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

BRANDI ASHMAN

CHERRY CREEK MAGAZINE

2443 South University Blvd. Number 171 Denver, Colorado 80210 303.917.6705

CHERRYCREEKMAG.COM

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

kevin@cherrycreekmag.com

SUBSCRIBE VIA cherrycreekmag.com

Copyright 2023 by Marr & Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Cherry Creek Magazine is published three times annually. Reproduction without permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Marr & Company, LLC and its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editor (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed companies and/or products that advertise in the publication or that are mentioned editorially. The Publisher assumes no responsibly for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Cherry Creek Magazine. Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser product, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher.

With so many stressors and challenges going on in life today, I like to focus on the positives and the pure joys in life. Betsy and I have always committed content to Cherry Creek Magazine that celebrates the human spirit with good people doing good things. This issue is no different.

Look no further than Chris Camozzi and Whitney Johns, a remarkable couple right here in the neighborhood who are tirelessly committed to their passions of health, fitness, and professional fighting (page 67), making themselves known around the world for their respective accomplishments. Then there are the dozens of Peak of the Creek award winners (page 53) who have found success and happiness through their careers and callings, providing the area with some of the best offerings and services anywhere in Colorado. Our dining guide (page 73) spotlights chefs and restaurants whose lot in life has established our neighborhood’s culinary scene as one of the must-visit destinations anywhere in the country. With all of these examples, when you love what you do, it’s impossible to not see the results. Here at CCM, we continue to enjoy this privilege of serving Cherry Creek and its surrounding areas, and we’ve recently launched our most robust social media platform to date with even more to come by way of interviews, overviews, and behind-the-scenes views. With so many beautiful layers to the people, products and experiences of Cherry Creek and its surroundings, we’re more excited than ever to highlight this special place called home through as many platforms as we possibly can.

As always, we thank you for your support and we’re humbled to be able to play our part in this incredible community.

Gratefully yours,

Kevin Marr

LEFT: ENJOYING THE LAST BITS OF SUMMER WITH OUR BOYS IN LOS CABOS, MEXICO

PHOTO BY DANIELLE NUNGARAY

JESS KNAUF

A Pasadena, California native, Jess grew up surrounded by influential architecture and design. “My favorite childhood memories revolve around rearranging furniture with my friends’ mothers at sleepovers.” Her traditional family home, filled with pedigreed antiques and custom Colefax & Fowler fabrics, married with summers spent in bohemian Laguna Beach, shaped her playful aesthetic.

After graduating from Denison University, Jess moved to Denver in search of an idyllic lifestyle. After tenures at three of Denver’s most notable design firms, focusing on both commercial and residential interiors across the country, Jess launched her own business in 2016.

Jess’ time abroad helped shape her sense of style, influences her use of color, and developed her understanding of adding depth and layers to a room. “Living in Italy taught me about patina, and how beautiful rooms, filled with quality pieces, can still look spectacular hundreds of years later.” Her goals for design are to create spaces that will stand the test of time, enduring different stages in a client’s life. She can create rooms that can be grown into, and added to, as one’s needs evolve.

Not afraid of mixing the old with the new, the high and low-end, Jess strives to create spaces that are comfortable, unique, and inviting. “Your home should never be too precious that it can’t be lived in.” With a focus on unexpected color and textile combinations, Jess is able to create residences that emanate fun and sophistication.

See her work in Homecoming: A Colorful Family Haven (page 52).

This season stay at Halcyon, a chic destination in Denver’s Cherry Creek, and instantly feel at home. Experience our rooftop pool deck, a hidden oasis within this urban scene or dine at our neighborhood eatery, Local Jones, and elevate your stay with gear from our Gear Garage equipped with everything you need for your own Colorado adventure.

dispatches from our digital

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

When Gucci opened its doors in Cherry Creek Shopping Center last year, our hearts skipped a (designer) beat. Since then, we’ve been glued to the seminal brand’s social media page, where daily inspiration is delivered in the form of dreamy campaign images and the latest designs from the beloved Italian icon. We especially loved Gucci’s summer stories campaign where the idyllic beaches of the French Riviera took center stage.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

There’s nothing quite like the little blue box, and Tiffany and Company’s social media pages indeed evoke the brand’s centuries-old allure. We love following along for our daily dose of diamonds and design. Even better? Browsing at Tiffany’s Cherry Creek locale, where we can (and do) lose ourselves for hours on end.

@tiffanyandco

KEEPING UP WITH CCM

Our website is chalk-full of up-to -the-minute, hyper-local content. Stay in touch with Cherry Creek’s latest and greatest, browse our archives, and find a little inspiration for your next neighborhood adventure.

CHERRYCREEKMAG.COM

We are inspired by the great musicians of the past, and this shot of Dizzie Gillespie is one that caught our eye. Here, the jazz legend plays his trumpet while swimming in the waters of the French Riviera. It’s a moment captured in time, and one that transports us to 1960 when the image was taken. We’ve curated an entire board of jazz photography on our Pinterest page. Follow along for more musical moments like this.

pinterest.com/cherrycreekmag

Shown Here: Cocktailing at Cretans, one of our favorite Cherry Creek hot spots.

PHOTO BY BRANDI ASHMAN

@gucci Visit at 3000 E 1st Avenue

CONNECT WITHUS CHERRY CREEK

Enjoy a cup of coffee on your private mountain-view patio before setting off for a morning hike. Afterward, take a refreshing dip in the pool and treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at Bloom Spa. Indulge in delicious tapas at Leonora and then immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of an outdoor concert.

Finally, retire for the night in the comfort of your vacation residence.

Welcome to life at the Residences at The Sebastian – Vail, a prestigious Private Residence Club nestled in the heart of Vail Village. With recent renovations and unmatched five-star services and amenities, the Residences offers a seamless and hassle-free way to own a vacation home in our beloved Rocky Mountains destination.

Embrace the endless possibilities and adventures awaiting you in Vail. Discover the unparalleled fractional ownership opportunities at the Residences at The Sebastian – Vail.

Models Open Daily

sebastianvail.com

970.343.5053

CHERRY PICKED

1. Tiffany & Co. 2023 Blue Book Necklace, Price Upon Request Tiffany & Co. Cherry Creek Shopping Center

2. Hyde Park Collection Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond & Opal Ring Price Upon Request, Hyde Park Jewelers

3. Aquazzura Zsa Zsa Sandal, $995 Neiman Marcus Denver

4. Tory Burch

Kira Top Handle Bag, $348 Tory Burch, Cherry Creek Shopping Center

5. Tiffany & Co. Atlas Diamond Watch, $6,400 Tiffany & Co, Cherry Creek Shopping Center

6. Phaidon Woman Made, $60 Amazon Books

7. Mignonne Gavigan Wings Earrings, $250 Neiman Marcus

8. Tory Burch Kira Sunglasses, $188 Tory Burch

9. Chiara Boni One Shoulder Rosette Gown, $1,190 Neiman Marcus

10. Marysia Seersucker Bikini, $330 Net-a-Porter

11. Hyde Park Collection Platinum Tourmaline & Diamond Necklace Price Upon Request, Hyde Park Jewelers

12. Baccarat Lucky Butterfly, $190 White Peacock

1. Gray Malin Surfs Up, Hotel del Coronado, $329-$3,499 graymalin.com

2. Tiffany & Co. Bocce Set, $3,090 Tiffany & Co. Cherry Creek Shopping Center

3. Moser Glass Pebbles Double Old Fashioned, $189 White Peacock Denver

4. Mulo Suede Espadrilles, $195 Mr. Porter

5. Assouline Red Sea The Saudi Coast, Haven Collective

6. Kiton Paisley Tie, $330 Neiman Marcus

7. Tiffany & Co. Diamond Point Square Dish, $1,270 Tiffany & Co. Cherry Creek Shopping Center

8. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Cabochon Cuff Links, $5,200 Tiffany & Co. Cherry Creek Shopping Center

9. Shinola Detroit The Runwell, $595 Shinola Detroit

10. Alexandra Llewellyn Wood Backgammon Set, $8,281 Mr. Porter

11. Orlebar Brown Swim Trunks, $325 Neiman Marcus Denver

READERS’ CHOICE:

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EDITORS’ CHOICE:

BEST PLACE TO BUY SKINCARE

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CHANGING LANES

BMC Investments and Los Angeles-based Prism Places have been selected by Invesco, one of the nation’s most prominent investment advisors, to redevelop Clayton Lane in Cherry Creek North. The mixed-use redevelopment plan will transform the vacant Sears site and surrounding retail west of Clayton Lane — excluding Whole Foods and east of Clayton Lane — into more than 430 multifamily units and a retail district. Tryba Architects is leading the planning process while Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is overseeing retail curation and design. PCL Construction has been selected as the general contractor. “The BMC and Prism team and Invesco will transform the site of the massive, obsolete 1950s Sears department store, loading docks and parking garage into a highly refined, fully integrated and intimately crafted new neighborhood within Cherry Creek. We are honored to be part of this extraordinary project to create a new centerpiece for Cherry Creek North,” said Bill Moon, principal at Tryba Architects.

The retail transformation includes adding more than 100,000 square feet of pedestrian-friendly retail space and restructuring existing storefronts on Clayton Lane and Second Avenue into small-format floor plans preferred by boutique shops and restaurants. In addition, two of the retail spaces are planned to be “affordable retail,” where the venture is committed to partnering with minority-owned businesses for retail and restaurants as well as supporting minority artists by using their work in the common areas or in a gallery. Finally, Whole Foods will remain in place and the adjacent garage on 2nd Avenue will not change in any way. Construction at Clayton Lane is expected to commence in mid-2024, and the redevelopment will take two years to complete.

One of the new retail spaces has already been announced, as modern furniture retailer Joybird plans to open at 121 Clayton Lane. It will be the company’s first showroom in Colorado, joining 10 others around the country. According to documents submitted to the city, the company is renovating the 7,120-squarefoot space and adding partition walls. Joybird was founded in 2014 and acquired by La-Z-Boy in 2019. The company’s products range from a $629 loveseat to a $5,295 sectional. The Clayton Lane space was previously occupied by the kitchen supply retailer Sur La Table.

“..a highly refined, fully integrated and intimately crafted new neighborhood within Cherry Creek.”

BROADWAY 10 IN DEN

Steak and sushi are headed to the Creek next summer by way of Provision Concepts and its flagship restaurant, Broadway 10. The Oklahoma City-based company will be settling in to the entire first floor of the new office building going up on the corner of 3rd and University, right next to Hillstone. With 9,300 square feet to work with, Broadway 10 will be offering its signature wood-fired steaks grilled with pecan, oak and hickory; sushi, sashimi, salads, starters and other meat and seafood entrees. “I know coming into this market that I’ve got to be on top of my game,” Provision Concepts founder and CEO Jeff Dixon told BusinessDen . From the sounds 0f the interior design plans, Broadway 10 will be a head turner with its low ceilings, crown molding, dim lighting and a large horseshoeshaped bar with private dining rooms and ample patio space.

Sweet !

By way of Harwich Port, Massachusetts, Sweet Izzy has settled into Cherry Creek North. The dairyfree, gluten-free, vegan ice cream shop is located at 3003 E. Third Avenue. The Doucette family, Elizabeth and Mark, named Sweet Izzy after their daughter, Isabelle. The ice cream consists of an oat milk and coconut milk base with flavors including mint chocolate chip, raspberry chip, cookie dough and cookies n’ cream. It serves hard-pack and soft-serve ice cream, toppings, cones, milkshakes, banana splits and sundaes. The 1,300-square-foot location will feature pink gooseneck lights, marble countertops and gold and pink accents, emulating the vibe of their Cape Cod store. Sweet Izzy will serve as a wonderful option for those with dairy allergies, or for those who are just looking for a healthy alternative with their ice cream.

+ MORE VIA // broadway10okc.com

+ MORE VIA // @sweetizzycc

Ay, Papi!

From the restaurant group behind Clayton Lane’s wildly popular Forget Me Not, the Culinary Creative Group has just delivered another exciting and unique drinking establishment with Ay Papi, located at 248 Detroit Street, next door to Aviano Coffee. The name of the bar was inspired by the Puerto Rican heritage of the group’s founder, Juan Padró, and is a phrase that Padró heard his whole life as a term of endearment. The establishment oozes plenty of charm and character, including a painting that artist Joaquin Gonzales gave Padró of him as a boy with his late father in a hammock under a mango tree in Puerto Rico. It hangs in the long and narrow space of the bar, which has been outfitted with a new skylight to bring in plenty of sunshine during the day. There is also a small front patio. Mojitos and daiquiris are the star attractions along with seafood-forward bites like ceviche that will be served until 1 a.m. “Stylistically, it’s be a place to go enjoy a refreshing cocktail,” Nicole Lebedevitch, partner and beverage director explains. “One that’s bright and colorful in every sense.”

Colorado: The Next Michelin Star Destination

The world-famous Michelin Guide, celebrating the pinnacle of restaurant quality and experience, is coming to Colorado, making the Centennial State the eighth Michelin Guide destination in North America and the sixth in the United States. “In 2022, the Michelin Guide conducted a destination study in Colorado, and we spoke with Michelin about the excellence of the Colorado restaurant industry,” said Sonia Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) president and CEO. “The Michelin team was pleased with the inspectors’ initial findings, and since then, the Colorado Tourism Office, led by director Tim Wolfe, has solidified the partnership. We couldn’t be happier for our industry.” The inaugural edition of the Michelin Guide Colorado will be announced in the fall, including Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Recommended restaurants. “Through the Michelin Guide Colorado, diners across the globe will discover what we’ve always known: The Colorado dining scene is dynamic, delicious, and growing by the day,” Riggs continued. “We are confident that our local restaurants will rise to this occasion, impressing Michelin inspectors and proving that the Centennial State is worthy of Stars, Bib Gourmand awards, and much more.”

+ MORE VIA// guide.michelin.com

PHOTOS BY BRANDI ASHMAN

+ MORE VIA // @aypapicc

CHERRY CREEK’S BEST…

Have you ever had an appetizer that stole the show at a lunch or dinner? In and around Cherry Creek, we’ve found a slew of delicious “starters” that we feel deserve some love for their unforgettable flavors and the immediate control they’ve had on us to come back for them again and again. --

Kevin Marr

1 2

Baked Brie CRETANS

An appetizer that’s almost as rich and vibey as the restaurant itself, we love the Baked Brie at Cretans (on the first level of The Clayton). A delicious crowd pleaser that’s perfect to nosh on over a glass of wine, the Baked Brie is creamy and spreadable, making it an ideal accompaniment to Cretans’ house made pita bread.

231 Clayton Street cretansdenver.com

Thai Tuna Roll

HILLSTONE

An order of this heavenly concoction has an extremely short life span on our plate. It comes with a sauce that I’ve honestly never tasted because this roll is flawless without it. Tuna, avocado, macadamia nuts and jalapeno wrapped in a white soy paper. If Hillstone didn’t showcase so many other fabulous food options, then this would be the only thing I’d eat.

303 Josephine Street hillstone.com

Sweet Corn Empanadas

1 3 4

TORO LATIN KITCHEN

On a menu full of good ideas, start with this one. Aji Amarillo. Manchego cheese. Avocado puree. Chimichurri. Savory, yummy goodness, and good luck eating just one. And we love pairing an order with some of the best ceviche anywhere, creating two different textures, temperatures, and flavor profiles that we feel go absolutely perfect together.

150 Clayton Lane torodenver.com

Spicy Tuna Nachos HAPA

SUSHI

Hapa isn’t just sushi and sake. The menu features some nice range including this dish consisting of spicy tuna, fresh mango salsa, guacamole, and sour cream with tortilla chips and sweet soy. It’s light, cool, crispy, and healthy, and, for an added kick, order some sliced jalapenos to bring a little fire.

3030 East 2nd Avenue hapasushi.com

H A P A H A P A

S U S H I S U S H I G R I L L G R I L L & & B A R B A R

S A K E S A K E

ESCAPE TO CASA CASCADA

MITA, MEXICO

BY BETSY & KEVIN MARR

A SPARKLING COASTAL COMPOUND SITUATED ON AN ENVIABLE OCEANFRONT PERCH IN PRESTIGIOUS PUNTA MITA...

It’s the ultimate resort within a resort. A sparkling coastal compound situated on an enviable oceanfront perch in the prestigious gated community of Punta Mita. In a collection that epitomizes ultra-luxury, this home – this idyllic oasis – is the epitome of ultra-luxury. Welcome to Casa Cascada.

From the moment you arrive at this indoor-outdoor retreat, you’re surrounded by awe-inspiring ocean views, manicured lawns, striking architecture, and authentic luxury. Minimalistic in its style but not its approach, Casa Cascada seamlessly blurs the line between indoors and out with its forward-thinking design. The result is a bespoke private villa evocative of the world’s most coveted and contemporary luxury hotels.

A multi-level, modern hacienda, Casa Cascada was designed to “cascade” from one tier to the next. It’s a notion that’s illustrated not only in the home’s footprint, but quite literally in its roofline

and profile, both of which feature tiered, waterfall-esque silhouettes. The palatial oceanfront estate, situated adjacent to both the St. Regis and Four Seasons Resorts, boasts a unique, albeit functional layout that proves smart design and creative architecture are not mutually exclusive.

Guests enter the villa through an elegant main house before being led through a palm-lined courtyard that connects a series of five individual suites. It’s a thoughtful blueprint, one that makes the home ideal for large groups and multi-generational families. Each suite is replete with its own garden patio and outdoor shower in addition to all the trappings one would typically expect from a five-star resort, yet in the privacy of your own villa. An additional primary suite in the home’s main structure is equal parts posh and palatial, and is ideal for younger families who wish to be close in proximity to one another.

An architecturally striking estate where breeze ways and open-air rooms blend seamlessly with lush tropical atriums and rooftop terraces, everything about Casa Cascada is intentional.“ Much like Cuvée’s own design ethos, Casa Cascada was intuitively curated,” explains Morgan Botkin, Cuvée VP of Global Destination Operations.“ From the way the light hits the rooftop terrace at sunset, to the design of the outdoor dining room that feels as though it is floating above the pool, each nuance was carefully considered. It’s a home that exceeds the bounds of luxury – it’s a piece of art.”

Expansive in its footprint, the villa was built as a series of contemporary structures that feel private yet perfectly connected. A stunning, modern swimming pool surrounds the outdoor dining and living spaces – rooms that are every bit as sophisticated as their interior counterparts. Throughout the property. walkways seemingly ascend from the water, again blurring lines – this time those between pathway and pool. “The home was designed so that the pools and water features feel truly integrated into the rest of the architecture, taking the concept of indoor/outdoor living to an entirely new level,” Botkin attests. A rooftop terrace and hot tub offer a secluded space to relax, stargaze, and take in sweeping waterfront views, while a lavishly appointed lounge area features a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and bar under the impressive vaulted ceiling of a thatched roof palapa.

The neighboring Pacific Ocean and its crystal-clear waters await your beck and call for surfing, fishing, scuba diving, sailing, water sports, whale watching, and even a swim with a pod of local dolphins. All the while, Cuvée’s in-house experience curator will ensure that any activity you can think of becomes a reality. A spa day at the St. Regis’ tony Remede Spa. Horseback riding through the lush Sierra Madre Forest.

A day trip to Puerto Vallarta. Rest and relaxation at one of the nearby luxury beach clubs. Blending your own Tequila at the neighboring Four Seasons Resort. Hiking local trails. Exploring the volcanically created Marietas Islands. Punta Mita is a veritable playground for guests of all ages and Cuvée is here to create the experience of a lifetime.

For the golf enthusiast, the legendary Jack Nicklaus has designed two spectacular signature courses at Punta Mita, both offering extraordinary ocean views and world-class play. Pacifico, with seven holes directly facing or playing alongside the Pacific Ocean, features spacious fairways and greens as well as the “Tail of the Whale” – the world’s only natural island golf green. Highly praised by golfers everywhere, this unique championship course inspired Condé Nast Traveler to select the Four Seasons Punta Mita as the world’s number one golf resort many years over.

Bahia, Nicklaus’ second championship course in Punta Mita, has five ocean view holes and provides a perfect complement to its sister course Pacifico. With undulating fairways and greens protected by deep greenside bunkers, Nicklaus referred to Bahia as “adding a little spice” to the Punta Mita golf experience.

An afternoon visit to nearby Sayulita, known for its colorful buildings, vibrant street art, and lively surf culture, is always in order. Browse the local shops for handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts and stop by a traditional taqueria for authentic Mexican street food. Afterwards, return to the privacy of Casa Cascada for an unforgettable culinary experience. Your private chef will masterfully create a mouth-watering menu for you and your guests to enjoy al fresco, ocean views included.

Casa Cascada by CUVÉE 720.794.9970 // cuvee.com

What’s your impression of the people, the neighborhood, and working in Cherry Creek North?

I have been so impressed with the other neighboring restaurants and the high level of service they give to their guests. Urban Egg is right where we need to be, surrounded by strong businesses and other great restaurants. Another thing I love is that our guests are so kind, genuine, and sincere to our staff. I can’t say enough good things about the people in CCN. Not only that, but I will say that the “Cherry Creekers” are some of the best dressed guests. I have always enjoyed fashion, so seeing the great outfits that our guests wear into the restaurants is a nice perk.

Do you have any neighborhood favorites? For flowers, I love Bloom by Anuschka. It’s a great place to get a nice bouquet for my wife and I love the owner’s story. Hapa Sushi has an awesome happy hour and I always get stellar service when I sit at the bar. Another favorite is Quality Italian. My wife and I love doing double dates there because the pastas and menu are incredible, and we always have such a fun night in their restaurant. It’s also in the Halcyon hotel, which is one of my favorite places for a staycation. We had our manager retreat at the Halcyon right out of COVID and their staff was so accommodating and took such great care of our managers and chefs. The Halcyon will always have a special place in my heart.

Most memorable Urban Egg moment you’ve witnessed so far? We didn’t get our liquor license until 5 p.m. on Friday the night before we were supposed to open in Cherry Creek. My dad and I were extremely stressed that we weren’t going to be able to serve any cocktails at our friends and family event and we were losing sleep. By the time it came in, we were just wrapping up the final training with staff and going over our game plan. Once we got the approval and the document, my dad and I jumped up and celebrated and the whole staff started cheering! It was such a stressful but memorable moment with our team and so serendipitous how it all worked out.

BRENNAN PRICE

URBAN EGG

You can’t miss Brennan Price in Cherry Creek. At 6’4 and athletic, he could pass as a movie star or a Denver Bronco. However, the real attraction that he’s linked to is the phenomenal fare and dining experience at the restaurant that he presides over as Vice President of Urban Egg Cherry Creek. Price is doing everything at the eatery that one is required to do at such a busy and popular dining destination, but he also took time to answer our questions in our latest edition of Man About Town.

Do you read? Do you have a book or website that you’re enjoying at the moment?

I read like crazy. I love when I find a good book and can’t put it down. My favorite book is probably The Boys in the Boat about the University of Washington row team’s 1936 quest for an Olympic Gold in Berlin. The most recent book I just finished was The Comeback: Greg LeMond, the True King of American Cycling, and a Legendary Tour De France. I also enjoy reading leadership books and always encourage our managers to look for and find books that help them develop their leadership skills and teams.

Favorite item on the Urban Egg menu right now?

I love anything Mexican on our menu, but would say my absolute favorite is our Huevos Rancheros with chorizo, bacon, eggs over medium and green chili served with a side of French fries.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

When I was a line cook straight out of culinary school in San Francisco at a restaurant called A16, we had a young female manager that I really appreciated, Penelope. She worked in the front of the house and always hustled and managed a staff that was older and more tenured than she. I was young and looking to get into management myself, so I asked her how she managed older employees so effectively. She said, “I just treat everyone with respect, I work hard and try to help them out when they need it. If you treat everyone with respect, they will typically treat you with it as well.”

What are the three things that you can’t live without? My wife Alycia and our two children Camden and Jaela. Good books to read. Coffee. I have 1-2 lattes every day and it’s part of my morning routine.

Who are your five dream guests to join you at a dinner party, and what are you eating?

Martin Luther King Jr, Nikola Jokic, Mother Teresa, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln. An authentic Italian meal. We would start off and order a ton of appetizers and charcuterie because I love good appetizers. For entrees, we could do a bunch of fresh pasta, nice steaks, and seafood. We would finish the meal off with a couple orders of tiramisu, crème brulee, and gelato. I think we could serve it all family-style so that everyone could try all the dishes and we could share our thoughts on our favorites. That would be one fun dinner.

The most fun you’ve had in any city is where? Visiting New York City with my mom in 2019 before my son was born was an amazing trip. We did hot yoga in the morning and then we would just walk to different restaurants and ask the bartender or the server where we should go next. We got to see “Mean Girls” on Broadway which was hilarious, and we had our last dinner at Thomas Keller’s Per Se which was incredible. That was one of the coolest cities I have even been to and it was such a nice trip with my mom.

Last song you cranked up in your car?

Evil Ways by Santana is a favorite of mine and I always crank it up on nice days in my Jeep with the top off.

What would you tell your 18-year-old self now?

Enjoy the ride and you don’t always have to be right. I’ve learned through time that there are a lot of different and successful ways to go about navigating life. It doesn’t have to be your way or the highway.

Meet Carla Valdez of NEIMAN MARCUS

She’s been behind the scenes and an integral part of fashion mecca Neiman Marcus in Cherry Creek for almost 10 years. Meet Carla Valdez. She’s the Brand Experience Lead for Neiman Marcus Denver, and she knows the neighborhood as well as anyone. So, who better to sit down with and learn more about the woman and all things Cherry Creek in our latest edition of Gal About Town?

What is your favorite aspect about Cherry Creek? There’s a great ener gy in Cherry Creek right now. You can feel the neighborhood becoming its next iteration. The food is amazing, people are stylish, and you can chat with just about anyone and they’ll have an interesting backstory.

What is it like working for a legendary brand like Neiman Marcus? It’s pretty amazing! I worked for a lot of retailers and even stepped away from retail for a bit, but Neimans is something special. It’s a big company with a strong heritage but still manages to feel like a community in so many ways. And there’s nothing like playing in designer clothing to turn a bad day around.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE Denver “style” these days? The beautiful thing about Denver is people really own their personal style. We don’t see trends anymore like we used to where everyone is wearing the same thing. The fashion scene here is really people who dress for themselves and curate pieces that make them happy. Authentic ity is really what the Denver fashion scene is all about.

What’s something about the retail and fashion industry that most people don’t know? People always think my job is so glamorous, and sometimes it is. Other times I’m wearing sneakers and dragging boxes of stuff into a dusty U-Haul truck at 7 o’ clock in the morning.

Do you have any favorite stores in the neighborhood? I love the consignment stores in Cherry Creek. Kouture Consignment, Deja Blue, and Rags. I’ve always been a big vintage shopper and those stores always deliver.

PHOTO BY BRANDI ASHMAN

Describe your personal style. My style changes with my mood. Some days I want to dress like Mick Jagger, and some days I want to dress like Rihanna. Either way, I like to always add something unexpected to my look. And I love to add vintage pieces that I can chat about.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had at work? I will never forget my first year at Rev the Runway for National Jewish Health. We had this poor model wear thigh-high patent leather YSL boots that didn’t have a zipper and were a half size too small. Of course, it was towards the end of the show and she had a quick change. There were probably five of us trying to get her in the boots while someone is screaming that they need her on the runway. I’m pretty sure she got a friction burn trying to put those on.

Who are your five dream dinner party guests and what are you eating? Frida Khalo, Stevie Nicks, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and adding Koya Nyangi (@letmeshowyoudifferent) to hype me up if I get nervous. I’m definitely not cooking for this bunch, but I would love to take them to Rancho de Chimayo in New Mexico. My family is from Santa Fe, so it would be fun to share our favorite restaurant with them.

What’s your favorite way to relax on a weekend? I love being able to meet up with friends over a glass of wine and completely let loose. When I’m not doing that, I’m usually at hot yoga, reading a book, cuddling with my pets, or hiking in the mountains.

What’s your favorite Cherry Creek restau rant and what do you order? I’m currently obsessed with the Caviar Sliders at Cretans. I could eat them every day!

What city in the world have you had the most fun in? I recently took a solo trip to Merida, Mexico, and had the most amazing time. The food was amazing, the culture was so warm and inviting, and everywhere I went I made friends. It’s not the first place in Mexico most people think of but it’s a great city !

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said she said

KONA GRILL

We’re married. We work together. We see each other all the time. So, what could we possibly talk about while out for dinner? In this case, food. And lots of it. Join us at Kona Grill.

He: They have an amazing happy hour here. Especially when the weather is nice and the patio is open. Having said this, I’m going to get a Jack Daniels on the rocks because I have yet to find a dining situation that Jack can’t blend in with perfectly. What sounds good to you?

She: They do. In fact, I think it’s one of the best in Cherry Creek. Such a great vibe and an equally great value. The happy hour food menu is extensive with incredible options for both sushi lovers and non-sushi eaters alike at $3, $6, and $9! The potstickers, spicy tuna roll, and sliders are my go-tos. And the cocktails? Some of the best around. The raspberry mojito is my new favorite. I didn’t expect to like it as I figured it’d be way too sweet, but it’s light and refreshing.

He: Speaking of unexpected, I want to focus on these sautéed green beans with their pot sticker soy sauce and maple syrup. I’ve never had anything quite like this. It goes wonderfully with this New York strip and garlic pesto butter. Just delicious. Definitely not the green beans I had growing up.

She: I opted for seafood - Kona does a great job with theirs and it is always fresh. Tonight I chose the Miso-Saké Chilean Sea Bass and I don’t regret it. Great flavors, flaky, yet buttery fish. Healthy but not boring.

He: That’s what I want to be - healthy but not boring. Not sure if the shishito pepper calamari falls into that category, but it really is a must-try. Not your ho-hum fried calamari, and quite spicy.

She: I liked it as well, but so far, my favorite small plate has been the ribeye meatballs. I love the bed of mashed potatoes they’re on. I will never not get these.

He: Remember the last time we were here, we saw that woman who used to be your friend, then she wasn’t your friend, and then she came over to our table and said “hi” and she was your friend again?

She: Female friendships are complicated, Kevin. Kind of like the Fire Dragon Roll they just made us tableside. It was delicious, full of heat, and by the end, it was literally on fire. Totally dramatic, and I cannot wait to try it again. I am a sucker for dishes that are made and presented tableside.

He: You know they make everything from scratch here? I didn’t know that. Whoever made this carrot cake deserves an award.

She: Really? That’s pretty impressive given how extensive the menu is It really does have a little bit of everything and there are so many sauces and accompaniments. I cannot imagine the prep work that goes into making it all from scratch, daily.

He: Getting back to dessert - this carrot cake really is the best I have had in a long time. How’s yours?

She: I’m a chocolate person and this double-stack brownie doesn’t disappoint. It’s a warm, doughy brownie topped with chocolate ganache, vanilla & caramel cream, vanilla bean ice cream. What’s not to love?

He: Looks like Kona is batting 1,000 when it comes to desserts.

She: Definitely. The perfect ending to dinner al fresco.

+ MORE VIA // konagrill.com

Kevin and Betsy Marr are “He” and ‘She.” They work and live in the Denver area, where they produce Cherry Creek Magazine and raise their two toddler boys…all under one roof.

KRISTEN ZIMMERMAN meet

How did you first get into art? When did that happen and what direction did it take you in? I have always gravitated to art. Having spent my early years moving several times from one coast to the other, art became the most consistent element in my life. Even though my roots were never planted in a city as a child, art was deeply rooted inside me. During my early education, I won several awards on portraits and mixed media drawings. When it came time to choose a college major, the definitive choice was art.

How did the opportunity with Prime IV Cherry Creek come about? Rob Dahlager, owner of Prime IV Cherry Creek, connected with me through a mutual friend. He had seen some of my work and inquired about a mural. Knowing how strong the art community is in Cherry Creek, Rob wanted to bring this element into his business by having a custom mural created by a local artist. Being Prime IV is a franchise business, Rob and I knew we needed to stay on brand but expand the concept with creative liberties. The idea was to capture the ultimate staycation experience, one that transports your senses.

What’s your take on the art scene in Cherry Creek North? I love that Cherry Creek has opportunities to explore art in so many forms – fashion, food, fine art galleries, architecture, furniture makers, sculpture, and murals. Mixed with local events and festivals, there is no shortage of art within the community. I had the honor of being featured as an artist at the neighborhood’s Live & Local series this summer and it was such a fun experience. Getting to create live art in the community was both engaging and very rewarding.

What inspires your work? During the height of Covid in April 2020, I was in a severe bike accident that left me with nine facial broken bones, skull fractures, and a concussion. This unfortunate day forever shifted the artistic journey I find myself on. I now see that accident as a blessing, as it was the beginning of both the external process of rebuild ing my physical well-being as well as an internal healing process from my father’s death; lead ing to a personal breakthrough of creative walls I didn’t know existed within myself.

With this year’s opening of Prime IV Cherry Creek, a new artist has been introduced to the Cherry Creek community. Kristen Zimmerman of Art for Hue is the talent behind the stunning mural inside the wellness center at 201 Steele Street. Not only does the project have a story to tell, Zimmerman has one of her own that is as beautiful as her work.

Being broken down both mentally and physically gave me the ability to decide how I wanted to be built back up. I chose strength, an abundance of creativity, and a whole lot of love. I am a wife and a mother to two children who play and create with me. Children have a way of finding the best color combinations you wouldn’t normally choose, creating the most authentic marks, and finding joy in art that’s so raw, real, and full of inhibitions. When I lay down foundational layers on my abstract paintings, I let them experiment with me, as no mark is a bad mark, and any foundational layer can be changed or worked upon.

You describe yourself as a realist artist. To us lay people, what does that mean? I consider myself a multi-disciplinary artist whose work is best described as contemporary abstract-realism. My new series strives for the simplification within the realism portraiture while bordering the wildly abstract background. The process of my painting begins with layers of inks, acrylics, paint pens and finished with layers of oils, spray paint, and varnish. I have even begun to explore this concept with child portraiture, where the client’s children get to have an interactive experience of working closely with me within my studio and making their own mark making to their custom portraiture. I feel strongly about harnessing and nurturing young artists. Engaging youth in the arts can promote positive, powerful social change, and should be encouraged both in and outside of our schools. Art allows children to express themselves, build self-confidence, and further character development. I have a strong fire pulling me towards building more art within the community not just for adults, but for children. I would love to see more events that give children acknowledgment and praise in their art whether its curated art shows or collaborating for a communal mural .

DR. EMILIA HERMAN

DR. MARTA JANION

conveniently located near cherry creek

home COMING

A COLORFUL FAMILY HAVEN

WORDS BY BETSY MARR

They say you attract what you exude, and for Denver-based designer Jess Knauf, this certainly rang true with clients Andy and Erin Miller. Knauf, known for her undeniably east coast aesthetic, realized instantly that she and the Millers were a match made in design heaven. The couple both attended college on the east coast before settling in Denver, inspiring a classic design sensibility. When the perfect Denver home hit the market, the Millers snapped it up knowing that it was the ideal space to create a family home with east coast influences. With Knauf’s help, the homeowners took an already beautifully renovated historic brick home and gave it their own brand of classic, colorful charm.

Because the home was essentially a new build with historic bones, the homeowners were able to solely focus on furnishings and décor, avoiding the headaches that so often accompany construction. “The previous owners shared a similar aesthetic, so many of the existing finishes and even some of the window coverings remained intact. We had a beautiful canvas from which to work,” Knauf explains.

For the homeowners, creating a space that was beautiful yet functional for their young family was paramount. “The family is traditional with a twist. I would describe their style as fresh. Classic, but not stuffy,” Knauf explains. For Knauf, the emphasis was on procuring furniture, lighting, and décor that aligned with the home’s classic design elements. “With two little ones at home (ages 4 and 7), we focused on selecting furniture and fabrics that are as lifestyle-proof as possible,” Knauf reveals. Yet kidfriendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or quality. In fact, for Knauf it is just the opposite. “We didn’t want to dumb anything down just because they have kids, so we focused on high quality performance upholstery as the foundation of most rooms.”

| INTERIOR DESIGN : JESS KNAUF | PHOTOS: SUSIE BRENNER | STYLING: NATALIE WARADY

SHOWN HERE: A boy’s bedroom with an updated Americana palette is both playful and classic. Daybed: Liven Up Design; Daybed fabric: Thibaut, Bayside Stripe, Cranberry (Egg & Dart); Window coverings: World Linen with Samuel & Sons Grosgrain trim; Campaign side tables: Target; Bug lamp, Avala; Bed Pillows: The Brass Bed

SHOWN HERE: In the breakfast nook, the homeowners comissioned a painting by Missy McGuirk Maude to remind them of their time spent on the historic New England coast exploring its iconic light houses. Light fixture: Ro Sham Beaux; Chairs: Ballard Designs; Chair and Banquette Fabric: Thibaut, Bristol, Sky (Egg & Dart); Table: Maine Cottage; Custom Pillow Fabric- Thibaut, Starleaf, Blue (Egg & Dart) and Alan Campbell, Petit Zig Zag, French Blue on Tint (Shanahan Collection)

Together with the Millers, Knauf selected pieces that will last a lifetime. Clean lines and timeless color palettes were the cornerstone of the design plan. From there, Knauf brought in layers of pattern and texture with rich fabrics, gorgeous painted (and wipeable) accent furniture, and durable wallcoverings. “We had a lot of fun mixing traditional fabrics like British chintz, with cool, casual Indian block prints. We even had the wallpaper treated with a water-resistant finish prior to install. Nothing is 100% kid-proof, but we came extremely close,” she laughs.

In the breakfast nook, which the designer deems her favorite space in the home, Knauf created a custom banquette with pops of color by way of pillows covered in performance fabrics, and a unique chandelier trimmed in authentic seashells - a nod to the time the Miller’s time on the idyllic east coast beaches. “I love the kitchen banquette! It has become a hub for family meals, crafts, and homework. It’s such a cheerful space!”

With two little ones at home, we focused on selecting furniture and fabrics that are as lifestyle-proof as possible.”

-JESS KNAUF

+ SEE MORE VIA JESSKNAUF.COM

TOP RIGHT: A whimsical playroom was designed to grow with the children over the years. Wallpaper: Wallshoppe, Tangier Medallion, Sky; Chair: Thibaut, Piper, Peony (Egg & Dart); Pillow Fabric: Link, Lima, Raspberry (John Brooks); Window covering: Fabric- Perennials, Canvas Weave (Town); Grosgrain Trim: Samuel & Sons

RIGHT: In the boy’s bathroom, Knauf repurposed the exisiting light fixture by adding a simple grosgrain trim from Samuel & Sons. Wallpaper: Thibaut, Harrison Stripe, Blue & Red (Egg & Dart); Mirror: Home Goods; Towels: Weezie

ABOVE: A classic blue and white color scheme made for a striking, timeless dining room. Light fixture: Circa, Classic Ring Chandelier; Rug: Aztec Custom Rug; Armchairs: Kravet; Marcy Arm Chair; Armchair Fabric: Schumacher, Luberon Plaid, Indigo (Egg & Dart); Dining Table & Side Chairs: Holland MacRae (Kravet); Side Chair Fabric: Quadrille, Nitik II, Navy Brown on Tint. (Shanahan Collection); Drapery: Schumacher, Piet Performance Linen, Cream (Egg & Dart); Drapery Trim: Schumacher Castille Tape, Navy (Egg & Dart); Wallpaper: Schumacher, Karuki Sisal, Indigo (Egg & Dart)

LEFT: In the primary bedroom, Knauf opted for a sophisticated yet serene design that would remain current for many years. Headboard: Design Wright; Headboard fabric: Madeaux, Cornucopia, Rosewater (Kneedler Fauchère); Bedding: Matouk and Pinecone Hill (The Brass Bed); Bedside Tables: Ballard Designs; Lamps: Ro Sham Beaux; Chair: Design Wright; Chair fabric: Lee Jofa, Kaya, Sky (Kravet); Rug: Artisan Rug Gallery; Chair Throw: Evangeline Linens

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP LEFT: A welcoming outdoor fireplace and patio offers plenty of room for entertaining al fresco. Furniture set: Restoration Hardware; Pillows: Design Wright and The Brass Bed

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP RIGHT: The blue and white color scheme is carried on in the guest bedroom. Wall sconces: Circa; Classic Swing Arm Wall Sconce; Side Table: Kenian Imports; Window covering and bolster (fabric): Lacefield, Boca, Wedgewood; Headboard and fabric: Ballard Designs; Bedding: Biscuit Home

OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT: Classic, calming, and kid-friendly all describe the home’s gorgeous living room. Sofas: Design Wright Studios, covered in Thibaut, Bailey, Slate (Egg & Dart); Ottoman, Bunny Williams (Kravet); Spindle Chair: Design Wright and Fabric, Pindler, Rockland, Chambray (Hoff Miller); Consoles: Oomph; Lamps: Avala; Lamp shades: Fermoie (Newport Lamp and Shade); Rug: Aztec Custom Rug; Accessories: Design Wright Studios; Custom Pillow Fabric: Lee Jofa, Althea Chintz, Citron and Blithefield, Small Damask, Aqua (both Kravet). Rogers & Goffigon, Richmond, Ocre (Kneedler Fauchère). All trims, Samuel & Sons; Block Print Pillows: Dear Keaton; Cane Glass: Dear Keaton; Cocktail Tables: Ballard Designs (silver top) and Circa (iron)

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Back to School

While childhood summers can be magical, they can also be, well, long. By the time back to school season rolls around, it’s welcomed. We love taking the kids for new school garb (Neiman Marcus has a great children’s department that has popped up in the past year), followed by shoes at neighborhood legend Little Feet, and finishing with lunch at the Cricket. It’s become our Cherry Creek back-to-school tradition - one we look forward to time and again.

Crisp Fall Evenings Al Fresco

In our opinion, fall is the best time of year in Colorado, and most certainly in Cherry Creek. Crisp September nights make for perfect evenings on one of the neighborhood’s rooftops, like Kisbee atop the Jacquard. Sip on a cocktail and dine under the stars amongst some of the best views in Cherry Creek. Afterwards, stroll through the neighborhood and take in the changing leaves and crisp fall air.

Glow at the Gardens

Every year, the York Street location of Denver Botanic Gardens transforms into a haven of all things Halloween. Take a spine-tingling stroll through the eerily illuminated gardens (cider in hand, of course) as you enjoy larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, spooky live entertainment and thousands of jack o’ lanterns made from real, locally grown pumpkins. It’s a fall event that the entire family can enjoy, and runs from October 17-22.

THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT CHERRY CREEK IN THE FALL

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Halcyon’s Piaggio Scooter

Few things compare to the je ne sais quios of buzzing around Cherry Creek on a Piaggio (makers of the iconic Vespa) scooter. Fortunately, guests of the Halcyon have one such scooter at their disposal by way of the property’s Gear Garage. Check out the Piaggio Fly 50 and take it for a cruise through the neighborhood. You’ll be the definition of “Cherry Creek chic.”

Fall Fashion

For us, fall is synonymous with fashion. It’s when we add the layers and instead of a simple sundress, we actually get to put together looks. We love refreshing our wardrobe this time of year with classic coats from Burberry, trendy pieces from A Line Boutique, and boots galore from Stuart Weitzman. But our favorite spot to splurge every fall is the legendary handbag department at Neiman Marcus.

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BRUNELLO CUCINELLI KIDS, NEIMAN MARCUS KISBEE ON THE ROOF

Sweater Weather

We can’t wait for sweater weather! Particularly the new selections from Veronica Beard, Haven Collective, Perch, and Nordstrom. If it’s cozy, chunky, and screams fall, we’re in. Even better, add a scarf for a true nod to the season ahead. Hint: sweaters pair well with one of Aviano’s new fall coffee drinks and a crisp morning on the patio.

Football

Fall is football. With Sean Payton arriving in Denver to turn the hopes around for Bronco fans everywhere, Sundays will be must-see tv if you don’t have a ticket on game day for what’s expected to be a turnaround season for Russell Wilson and company. There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants in the neighborhood for great eats, incredible drink menus, and that fall weather that we adore so much.

Small Business Saturday

There’s no better enclave for spreading the local love than Cherry Creek and no better time to do it than Small Business Saturday. Held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this annual event is a bright alternative to the dreaded big box Black Friday sales. The neighborhood comes to life with bustling streets and outdoor entertainment, and you’re guaranteed gifts that are unique and that support Cherry Creek’s beloved mom and pop shops, like The Brass Bed.

Biking Along Cherry Creek

Summers in Colorado are hot. And while we love a good bike ride as much as the next person, we don’t relish them in the blazing summer sun. Instead, we opt for fall rides along the Cherry Creek trail where the warm glow of September sun and a justcool-enough breeze make for the perfect afternoon escape.

Fall Farmer’s Market Days

While we automatically associate farmer’s markets with warm summer days, we think the best markets take place in the fall. Colorado Fresh Markets - which take place every Saturday at Cherry Creek Shopping Center - run through early November and are the perfect place to find the best seasonal fall ingredients, fresh flowers, and delightful handmade gifts.

VERONICA BEARD

THE BRASS BED

THE cherries

ON TOP

WRITTEN

WELCOME TO OUR FOURTH ANNUAL

Peak of the Creek Awards

Over the past few months, our readers voted and our editors sleuthed around the streets of Cherry Creek to uncover the best and brightest of 80206. From your favorite local restaurant, to the hairstylist you love, to the boutique with the most beautifully-curated collections, it’s time to shout our gratitude for Cherry’s Creek’s colorful businesses from the rooftops. These are the undisputed cherries on top.

Best SUSHI/JAPANESE

Editors’ Pick: Matsuhisa

It’s Nobu. We could stop there, but we won’t. Executive Chef Toru Watanabe is unstoppable with his New Style Sashimi with thinly sliced salmon, whitefish, scallop, or beef, brushed with garlic puree, garnished with ginger pins, chive, and sesame seeds, lightly seared in sesame and olive oil, finished with a yuzu-soy sauce. Or the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño with thinly sliced yellowtail, brushed with garlic puree, garnished with Serrano pepper and cilantro, finished with yuzu-soy sauce. The Black Cod Miso, which is Alaskan Black Cod cured for 72-hours in sweet Den Miso and garnished with hajikami is another all-star.

98 Steele Street / matsuhisarestaurants.com

Readers’ Pick: Hapa 3030 E. 2nd Avenue / hapasushi.com

Best SEAFOOD

Editors’ Pick: Jax Fish House

The Glendale outpost of the popular Boulder-based Jax serves the freshest seafood in the neighborhood. From oysters to octopus, the sophisticated but approachable (i.e. wildly fun) restaurant dishes out fare that impresses even the pickiest seafood lovers. With a daily happy hour that never disappoints, and live music on the patio every Friday, Jax is the place to sea and be seen.

650 S. Colorado Blvd / jaxfishhouse.com

Readers’ Pick: Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood 2625 E. 2nd Avenue / blueislandoysterbar.com

Best STEAKHOUSE

Editors’ Pick: 801 Chophouse

They run their own race at 801. The entire dining experience seems different from the rest, from the overall restaurant aesthetics, the impeccable service, the attention to detail and presentation, all in preparation for a marvelous steak. It’s a program that’s taken very seriously and it shows. There are so many perfect choices whether you fancy a wet aged filet mignon, New York Strip or ribeye; a dry aged porterhouse, bone-in New York Strip, or Delmonico, or the delicacy that is the Wagyu Japanese A5.

3000 E 1st Avenue / 801chophouse.com

Readers’ Pick: Elway’s Cherry Creek 2500 E 1st Avenue / elways.com

SO MANY CHOICES. SO MANY TALENTED CHEFS.

WHETHER YOU’RE A LOCAL OR VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN, OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS A CAN’T-MISS DINING DESTINATION. WITH YOUR INPUT, WE CELEBRATE THE WHO, THE WHAT, AND THE WHERE WHEN IT COMES TO THE FAVORITE FARE IN OUR FAIR COMMUNITY.

Best BREAKFAST

Editors’ Pick: Urban Egg

We run out of superlatives for this place. The menu is extensive, and yet everything is perfect, which tells you that the range and skills that the chef and that kitchen possess in presenting such flawless fare is mind-blowing. Just a few of the signature favorites include the Blue Corn Huevos Rancheros, Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, Tatum’s Original Avocado Toast, and the Rocky Mountain Corned Beef Hash.

3033 E 1st Aveue / urbaneggeatery.com

Readers’ Pick: Syrup

300 Josephine Street / syruprestaurant.com

Best APPETIZER

Editors’ Pick: Bruschetta Boards, Postino

If you aren’t a “bruschetta person,” you will be after you visit Postino’s 9 + Co location. Throw away your notions of overcooked toast points and mundane ingredients. Postino’s iterations...plural...are anything but. The restaurant is known for its Bruschetta “flights” consisting of four flavors from their extensive menu of twelve distinctively different, and distinctively delicious, varieties, all served on perfectly toasted house made bread. Our favorites? Brie, Apple & Fig Spread, Sweet N’ Spicy Pepper Jam & Goat Cheese, and the all around winnerBurrata, Bacon, Arugula & Tomato.

Best BRUNCH

Editors’ Pick: Snooze

Any brunch worth waiting upwards of two hours for is a brunch that deserves an award. This Colorado-founded eatery has built a cult-like following over the years, and its Cherry Creek adjacent location on Colorado Boulevard is constantly bustling with patrons looking to get their fix of Snooze’s signature Pancake Flights (Pineapple Upside Down is a must) and pretzel roll breakfast sandwiches with a side of the house-made smoked cheddar hollandaise. And while there is always a wait, Snooze’s morning cocktail menu makes the time pass quickly. Pro tip…you can add your name to the waitlist online.

700 Colorado Blvd / snoozeeatery.com

Readers’ Pick: La Merise 2700 E 3rd Avenue / lamerisedenver.com

Best DESSERT

Editors’ Pick: Lemon Doberge Cake, Del Frisco’s Grille

The GM here, Gavin Berry, raves about the lemon cake, and we understand why. There’s a neat story about how guests came here once and the cake wasn’t available, so they hunted it down at the Del Frisco’s in Greenwood Village. It’s a destination dessert with its six layers, lemon buttercream icing, and lemon glaze, and it’s a masterful way to end a dinner at one of the neighborhood’s great restaurants.

100 St. Paul Street / delfriscosgrille.com

Readers’ Pick: Hillstone Sundae

303 Josephine Street hillstonerestaurant.com

830 Colorado Blvd. / postinowinecafe.com

Readers’ Pick: Amarillo Ceviche, Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge 150 Clayton Lane / torodenver.com

Best SALAD

Editors’ Pick: Macho Salad, Cherry Creek Grill

So. Many. Choices. Cherry Creek North is salad heaven, but no one is knocking off last year’s winner because this legend has locked into something too special. Believe us, we love parity when it comes to the best this or the best that, but right now our favorite salad still consists of rotisserie chicken (a double order), avocado, chopped dates, goat cheese, almonds and to-die-for cornbread croutons.

184 Steele Street / cherrycreekgrill.com

Readers’ Pick: La Salade Niçoise, Le Bilboquet 299 St. Paul Street / lebilboquetdenver.com

PART 01: DINING

Best SANDWICH

Editors’ Pick: Urbano, Urban Egg

It could be for breakfast. It could be for lunch. Get it to go and eat it for dinner, for all we care. There’s so much to like about what’s going on with this sandwich that we’ll stop talking about it when we feel enough people understand what’s happening here. A pressed baguette with grilled ham, Swiss Applewood smoked bacon, dressed greens, tomato, back peppercorn mustard aioli, and an egg your way (our way is over easy so the yolk breaks and gives the sandwich that heavenly drizzle). Pair it with the best French fries in Cherry Creek (and maybe in all of Denver), and you have our winner.

3033 East 1st Avenue / urbaneggeatery.com

Readers’ Pick: Meatball Sandwich, North Italia 190 Clayton Lane / northitalia.com

Best CHEF

Editors’ Pick: Jarred Russell, Fruition

The same unassuming building on East Sixth Avenue that’s been Fruition since 2007 continues to create unforgettable experiences and dishes that has the restaurant in the conversation as one of the best in Colorado and the country each and every year. A tip of the hat to Chef Jarred Russell, an alum of the world-renowned French Laundry, who arrived last year and galvanized the kitchen and its crew in carrying on the tradition and high expectations that its founder, Alex Seidel, established over 15 years ago. Must-try dishes from this award-winning team include the Maitake Mushroom Slider, the Halibut Beignet, and the Veal Breast.

1313 East 6th Avenue / fruitionrestaurant.com

Readers’ Pick: Troy Guard, TAG Restaurant Concepts tagrestaurantgroup.com

Best BURGER

Editors’ Pick: Double Bacon, HopDaddy Burger Bar

Yet another reason to remember the 9+CO neighborhood for some fantastic dining opportunities. Here you’ll discover unique burger concoctions with toppings like caramelized onions, bacon, pepper jack, avocado, chipotle aioli, bacon jam, jalapeño slaw, Poblano peppers and mushrooms. We fell in love with the Bacon Jam Double with its two quarter pound beef patties topped with both white and yellow American cheeses, house-made tomato bacon jam, mustard, grilled onions & pickled mayo. But you don’t have to go big with your burger like we did, they’ll make you whatever you want.

4024

East 8th Place / hopdoddy.com

Readers’ Pick: The Cherry Cricket 2641 East 2nd Avenue / cherrycricket.com

Best PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT

Editors’ Pick: Concerts at Denver Botanic Gardens

1007 York Street / botanicgardens.org

Readers’ Pick: Quality Italian

It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Dim lights, thoughtful décor, award-wining food, low music, and the perfect bar scene if you’d rather have the bartender immediately at your service instead of holing up in a romantic and private booth or table. Plus, if the date really goes well, Halcyon is right there for an overnight or staycation.

241 Columbine Street / qualityitaliandenver.com

Best PATIO

Editors’ Pick: Le Bilboquet

Start with the boxwood that lines the entire patio. That’s an A for effort and presentation, serving as a beautiful precursor to what shows up on the table whether it’s the best charcuterie plate we’ve ever had, a bottle of Veuve, or the legendary Cajun chicken. For what it’s worth, the patio is good enough for Denver Nugget and two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, whom we gawked at when he pulled up in his gorgeous Lamborghini SUV. And that’s just one instance of epic people watching from your perch outside. Bon appetit, and we’ll see you on the patio.

299 St. Paul Street / lebilboquetdenver.com

Readers’ Pick: Forget Me Not 227 Clayton Street / forgetmenotdenver.com

Best SPOT FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH

Editors’ Pick: Hillstone

It’s got a vibe for business. The hustle and the bustle of a successful restaurant with its décor and ambiance that allows each party to disappear from the rest of the dining room and focus on the task at hand…in this case doing business over one of the best lunch spots anywhere. Whether it’s something from the bar or the award-winning menu, the next underwhelming experience we have there will be the first one because Hillstone never disappoints.

303 Josephine Street / hillstone.com

Readers’ Pick: The Clayton, Members Parlor & Restaurant 233 Clayton Street / claytondenver.com

Best KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Editors’ Pick: Bazille at Nordstrom

It is almost impossible to find a kid-friendly restaurant where the fare is sophisticated, the wine list impressive, and the service spot-on. Bazille, the Cherry Creek eatery tucked away on the upper level of Nordstrom, delivers in spades with all of the aforementioned, and then some. Comfy booths with windows overlooking the neighborhood, a great children’s menu, and a buzzy atmosphere make Bazille the perfect spot for a ladies lunch when the littles are in tow.

3000 East 1st Avenue / nordstrom.com

Readers’ Pick: The Cherry Cricket 2641 East 2nd Avenue / cherrycricket.com

Best ROOFTOP

Editors’ Pick: Rare Bird at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek With nearly 360-degree vantage points, this perch has a little bit of everything. The pool. The cabanas. The artwork. A big, beautiful, spacious bar surrounded by a soothing array of plants and flowers. Plenty of spots that feel private and exclusive for that perfect sunset, business meeting, date night, happy hour, or night cap.

245 Columbine Street/ rarebirdrooftop.com

Readers’ Pick: Kisbee on the Roof, The Jacquard 222 Milwaukee Street / thejacquard.com

Best COCKTAIL

Editors’ Pick: The Mai Thai, Ay Papi Any place whose tag line is “cocktails and vibes” is a place where we want to be. Ay Papi, Cherry Creek’s newest and arguably hippest watering hole, offers up both in a bright and bustling space on Detroit Street. With an expansive menu of Cuban inspired cocktails, there’s something for everyone, but our pick is the Mai Thai. Made with a house-infused, self-described “funky rum blend,” orgeat, yuzu curacao, and lime, it’s the perfect balance of citrus and spice.

248 Detroit Street / aypapidenver.com

Readers’ Pick: The Gardener, Matsuhisa 98 Steele Street / matsuhisarestaurants.com

Best HAPPY HOUR

Editors’ Pick: Kona Grill

With an outside patio that’s front-and-center from the valet area of Cherry Creek Shopping Center, cocktails and people watching have never been more fun. With views of the stately Restoration Hardware and its estate-like feel as well as the exotic cars that are a constant in the motor court, Kona Grill ensures an unforgettable happy hour replete with music, sports on TV, great service, and a bar loaded with options including their well-known Margarita Program. Inside the restaurant is just as lively for anyone looking to relax with some drinks and an extensively delicious happy hour menu.

3000 East 1st Avenue / konagrill.com

Readers’ Pick: Narrative at The Jacquard 222 Milwaukee Street / narrativecherrycreek.com

Best WOMEN’S FASHION SPLURGE

Editors’ Pick: Veronica Beard

New to the neighborhood in 2023 is Veronica Beard, our pick for Best Women’s Fashion. What began in 2010 as a creative collaboration between two sisters-in-law - Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard - has since gone on to become the de facto uniform of stylish uppercrust women. Beloved for its modern take on traditional silhouettes, Veronica Beard is best known for its signature Dickey Jacket - quite possibly the most universally flattering blazer on the planet.

250 Columbine Street / veronicabeard.com

Readers’ Pick: Garbarini

239 Detroit Street / garbarinishop.com

Best WOMEN’S FASHION STEAL

Editors’ Pick: Inspyre

Devotees flock to this contemporary women’s boutique for its well-curated, and equally well-priced selection of clothing, accessories and gifts. Think great basics like denim, cardigans, and the perfect white tee, coupled with trend-right jewelry, hats, jackets, scarves, and sunnies. We also love Inspyre’s selection of cute Broncos gear that will allow you to show off your fandom in true fashion.

171 Detroit Street / inspyreboutique.com

Readers’ Pick: Rags Consignments

201 University Blvd. / ragsconsignments.com

Best WOMEN’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES

Editors’ Pick: Hermès

There’s something innately special about the house of Hermès, and the brand’s storefront at Cherry Creek Shopping Center epitomizes luxury, beauty and true craftsmanship. Whether you’re in the market for an enamel bangle, a colorful silk scarf, a pair of signature mules or the holy grail itself – the revered Birkin – in our minds, Hermès is Cherry Creek’s undisputed luxury accessory mecca.

3000 East 1st Avenue /hermes.com

Readers’ Pick: A Line Boutique

3050 E 3rd Avenue / aline-online.com

THERE’S NO ENCLAVE IN ALL OF DENVER THAT APPEALS TO THE CITY’S TASTEMAKERS QUITE LIKE CHERRY CREEK. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A QUIRKY LOCALLY-OWNED GIFT SHOP, A BOHO BOUTIQUE OR A BIG NAME LUXE LABEL, CHERRY CREEK HAS IT ALL.

Best MEN’S FASHION: STEAL

Editors’ Pick: The Normal Brand

New to Cherry Creek, St. Louis-based The Normal Brand is not your average apparel company. Helmed by three brothers, the casual collection of men’s (and women’s) fashions are - as the brand saysnormal clothes made much better. We agree. Hoodies, polos, button downs, pullovers, tees, denim - they do them all and they do them well. We also love The Normal Brand’s golf and outdoor apparel. They’re normal, but much better.

105 Fillmore Street / thenormalbrand.com

Readers’ Pick: Suitsupply

299 Detroit Street / suitsupply.com

Best MEN’S FASHION: SPLURGE

Editors’ Pick: Neiman Marcus

How do you beat the icon from Dallas, Texas? In a neighborhood brimming with top shelf men’s fashion options, the roster of world renowned garb at Neiman Marcus’ disposal is unmatched. There’s a reason that Cherry Creek Shopping Center is one of the state’s premier destinations for locals and visitors alike. And Prada, Gucci, Dior, and Valentino are merely a few of them.

3000 E. 1st Avenue / neimanmarcus.com

Readers’ Pick: Lawrence Covell

225 Steele Street / lawrencecovell.com

Best MEN’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES

Editors’ Pick: Neiman Marcus

Back to Neiman Marcus. If it’s not the mother ship for men’s fashion then we don’t know who is. From Ferragamo loafers to Versace sneakers, to sunglasses by Tom Ford and the latest Shinola watches, Neiman Marcus delivers again and again.

3000 E. 1st Avenue neimanmarcus.com

Readers’ Pick: Nordstrom

3000 E. 1st Avenue nordstrom.com

Best OUTDOOR GEAR AND APPAREL

Editors’ Pick:Yeti

Since opening its Cherry Creek doors in 2020, gear-obsessed Denverites have been clamoring to get their hands on the goods at Yeti. The Austin, Texas-based line of coolers, buckets, drinkware, chairs and outdoor apparel has burgeoned since launching in 2006 with fishermen, campers, hikers and tailgaters flocking to the well-made products. Today, Yeti is considered the leader of the outdoor pack.

3030 East 2nd Avenue / yeti.com

Readers’ Pick: Orvis

2770 East 2nd Avenue / orvis.com

Best EVERYDAY JEWELRY

Editors’ Pick: Love Saro

With locations in Los Angeles, Boulder, and now Cherry Creek, the mother-daughter duo behind Love Saro - Sacha Jarmon and Carol Ritter - are dominating the permanent jewelry space. The brand showcases oneof-a-kind stone sculpture and handmade jewelry that, according to the duo, is made with love, purpose and intention. The custom permanent jewelry studio offers solid metals in over 50 chain styles, and genuine stones in over 160 options. Once you’ve designed a piece that tells your story, it is sealed onto the wrist. ‘We liken our process very much to a custom tattoo design experience, but with beautiful precious metal and stone,” Jarmon explains.

2702 E. 3rd Avenue / lovesaro.com

Readers’ Pick: Kendra Scott

175 Fillmore Street / kendrascott.com

Best FINE JEWELRY

Editors’ Pick: Hyde Park Jewelers

With a history dating back 45 years, Hyde Park is a Denver legend. Considered the crème de la crème of luxury fine jewelry, the Cherry Creek boutique is a sparkling trove of incredible jewels and watches. With designers such as Chanel, Cartier, Temple St. Clair, Wellendorf, and Walters Faith dotting Hyde Park’s roster, the store is the go-to for Cherry Creek’s well-heeled jewelry lovers. Hyde Park also owns and operates three additional standalone brand boutiques within Cherry Creek Shopping Center - Engage, Breitling, and Omega.

3000 East 1st Avenue / hydeparkjewelers.com

Readers’ Pick: Oster Jewelers

251 Steele Street / osterjewelers.com

Best LOCALLY-OWNED BOUTIQUE

Editors’ Pick: Haven Collective

Helmed by another mother-daughter duo in Michelle De Haven and Allie Marchese, Haven Collective is an ultra-chic, ultra-curated boutique where you’ll find your new go-to handbag and favorite denim alongside colorful Moroccan cactus silk pillows, an eclectic mix of globally inspired homeware, vintage finds, the perfect gift, and the very best selection of apothecary items rooted in all things botanical. Together, Michelle and Allie curate a highly edited selection of fine things to make your life effortlessly beautiful.

257 Fillmore Street / shophavenofficial.com

Readers’ Pick: Max 250 Columbine Street / maxfashioncolorado.com

Best CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Editors’ Pick: Neiman Marcus

Bit by bit, Neiman Marcus Denver has begun to carry pint-sized couture and today, the selection has grown into a proper (and fairly robust) children’s department. Far from your average selection of kids clothes, the Denver store showcases mini-versions of Versace, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Moncler, Golden Goose, Zimmermann, and Canada Goose.

3000 East 1st Avenue / neimanmarcus.com

Readers’ Pick: Vineyard Vines 2900 E. 2nd Avenue / vineyardvines.com

Best GIFT SHOP

Editors’ Pick: White Peacock

White Peacock is, quite simply, a haven of good taste and dreamy design. Named for the rarest and most beautiful of birds, the store carries everything a modern host or hostess could want, from crystal Baccarat picture frames to hand-painted Anna Weatherly dinner plates. In fact, many of White Peacock’s vendors are exclusive to the shop in Denver, making their selections highly curated and truly unique. We love the shop’s vast selection of colorful yarndyed table linens from the likes of Ardmore and Le Jacquard Francais, all of which are arranged on a brightly beautiful wall. Simply put, any gift from White Peacock is a gift we’d like to receive.

2440 E. 3rd Avenue / whitepeacockdenver.com

Readers’ Pick: Artisan Center

2757 E. 3rd Avenue / artisancenterdenver.com

Best HOME FURNISHINGS

Editors’ & Readers’ Pick: HW Home

The moment you step into HW Home, you immediately know that you’re going to experience something special. The attention to detail. The thoughtful placement and tactful choices of product and accessories, ranging from furniture, books and home decor and everything in between. It all conveys the warm, inviting sense of….well, home. The highly respected Colorado-bred home brand has been around since 1999, with their Cherry Creek North location adorning the southwest corner of East Second Avenue and Clayton Lane since 2014.

199 Clayton Lane / hwhome.com

Best HOME ACCESSORIES

Editors’ Pick: The Lark

There are some boutiques that are simply special.These icons - these hidden gems - are what shape our neighborhoods. The Lark, perfectly situated in the Denver Country Club enclave, is one such boutique. Having been in the same charming location (that once occupied a neighborhood grocer) for more than 50 years, The Lark has been a favorite of Denver’s uppercrust ladies who lunch for nearly half a century, with its furnishings, gifts, accessories and décor gracefully appointing the city’s most elegant homes. And unlike big box retailers, owner Jill Livran knows her customers by name and her shop’s collections by heart. For us, The Lark is as classically Denver as it gets.

1219 E. 4th Avenue / thelarkdenver.com

Readers’ Pick: The Brass Bed 3113 E. 3rd Avenue / thebrassbed.com

Best MASSAGE

Editors’ Pick: Squeeze

New to the Cherry Creek spa scene is our pick for the best massage in the neighborhood, if not the city. From the founders of Drybar, Squeeze is a “way better massage experience,” that bridges the seamlessness of an on-demand mobile app with a beautiful, sophisticated brick-and-mortar destinations. Each element is curated to be convenient, personalized, and hassle-free. Through the Squeeze app and website, guests can book, set personalized preferences, pay, tip, rate, and review, allowing them to walk in and “float out.” Personalized preferences are saved to guests’ profiles and reviewed by massage therapists prior to appointments so Squeeze knows exactly what you want, each and every time.

875 Albion Street / squeezemassage.com

Readers’ Pick: NOW Massage

291 St. Paul Street / thenowmassage.com

Best MAKEUP ARTIST

Editors’ Pick: Michael Moore, Moore for Life Michael Moore does more than simply sell makeup. The industry legend teaches, enhances, and transforms the beauty routines of his clients, completely altering the way they think about makeup. His natural, nofuss aesthetic helps women bring out their natural beauty, using products Moore sells at his Cherry Creek North studio, Moore for Life, as well as department and even drug store products suited to your skin and lifestyle. A makeup lesson with Moore ($300 for two hours) is tailored to you and your needs, not what kind of makeup is in vogue or beauty trends of the season. Clients bring in their own skincare products, tools and cosmetics. From there, Michael will tailor his approach to what you can do each day in three minutes, five minutes, or even create an evening look that you can achieve in seven minutes. The beauty guru will apply makeup to half of your face and, following his lead, you’ll do the other half. By the end of the makeup lesson, you’ll have an easy-to-follow chart to refer to at home.

3035 E. 3rd Avenue / mooreforlife.com

Readers’ Pick: Gina Comminello, The Look

75 S. Madison Street / thelooksalonmedspadenver.com

Best AESTHETICIAN

Editors’ Pick: Deidre Hunter

Tucked away in an unassuming space on Holly Street is one of the neighborhood’s best skin spas - Rewind Aesthetics. And within that space, in a single studio, is the city’s best aesthetician - Deidre Hunter. With nearly 25 years of experience and a devoted following of clients, Deidre has become the go-to aesthetician of Denver’s beautiful people, making them...well... exactly that. Hunter will transform your skin through a series of customized treatments that range from facials to lasers, to peels, microneedling and more. She’s honest, she doesn’t try to sell you things you don’t need, she’s fun, and she has the skin of someone 25 years her junior - the ultimate proof that what she does really works.

310 Holly Street

glowupskinlab.com or text 720.

Readers’ Pick: Facial Aesthetics

220 Josephine Street / facialaestheticsinc.com

YOU’D BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND A CROWD MORE PRIMPED AND POLISHED THAN THE ONE STRUTTING THE STREETS OF CHERRY CREEK. WHILE THERE’S A FITNESS STUDIO ON NEARLY EVERY CORNER AND SALONS APLENTY, THESE STARS STOOD OUT FROM THE PACK.

Best PLACE TO BUY SKINCARE

Editors’ Pick: Facial Aesthetics

Considered a pioneer in the aesthetics industry, Pamela Grossman-Hill and her med spa, Facial Aesthetics, have been perfecting the art of medical skincare since 1992. And Hill, the undisputed queen of rejuvenation, has curated the ultimate family of products and brands to keep that “just-left-the-spa” glow all month long. Shop from Elta MD, Eminence, Obagi and more at Facial Aesthetics’ Cherry Creek North locale.

220 Josephine Street / facialaestheticsinc.com

Readers’ Pick: Aillea

144 Steele Street / aillea.com

Best PLACE TO BUY MAKEUP

Editors’ Pick: Chanel Beauty

Is there a brand that’s more coveted, more glamorous, more fabulous than Chanel? Didn’t think so. With a newly opened free-standing boutique in Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Chanel Beauty lovers are in makeup heaven. Shop the brand’s entire collection, and bask in the unmistakable scents of Chanel fragrances to your heart’s content.

3000 East 1st Avenue / chanel.com

Readers’ Pick: Moore for Life

3035 E. 3rd Avenue / mooreforlife.com

Best HAIR STYLIST

Editors’ Pick: Laura Bennett

75 S. Madison Street / thelooksalonmedspadenver.com

Readers’ Pick: Alex Cox

When Alex Cox set out to build her own salon post-pandemic, we were over the moon for her. A Denver hair veteran, Cox has been in the business for 15 years and has an uncanny knack for creating looks that are beautiful, on trend, and wearable for real life. Her salon, Fifty Two Eighty, is airy, bright, and incredibly welcoming. With a team of stylists who are extensively trained and considered some of the best in town, Fifty Two Eighty is a sure-fire bet, and all of the stylists are (almost) as fabulous as the owner herself.

123 Adams Street / fiftytwoeightysalon.com

Best NAIL SALON

Editors’ Pick: PurLuxe

The name is apropos at this Steele Creek gem. PurLuxe is, well, pure luxe. The nail spa itself is bright, airy and poshly appointed with comfortable furnishings more reminiscent of a chic living room than a nail salon. Treatments are elevated, too, with an indulgent and expansive menu of mani/pedi options. We love the “Milk and Honey” that incorporates a milk bath and honey scrub into an already decadent pedicure.

3250 East 1st Avenue / purluxebeauty.com

Readers’ Pick: Mani/Pedi Cherry Creek

201 Fillmore / manipedicherrycreek.com

Best HAIR SALON

Editors’ Pick: 5280 Salon

123 Adams Street / fiftytwoeightysalon.com

Readers’ Pick: Vida Salon

On Clayton Street, in the epicenter of Cherry Creek North, is Vida - a salon that’s approachable, but edgy. Consistent, but cutting-edge. The Aveda salon always delivers when it comes to cut and color, and even offers services like skincare and injectables.

288 Clayton Street / vidasalon.com

Best GYM OR WORKOUT

Editors’ Pick: Posture Power Wellness

Posture Power Wellness (formerly Shari Barta Wellness) is far from your typical “gym.” In fact, it’s not a gym at all, but rather a pilates and occupational therapy studio focused on corrective exercise. Meaning that, in addition to getting stronger and leaner, you’ll also become more balanced. And when our bodies are balanced, we function more efficiently and without pain. Posture Power’s approach will help you build stability in your core, which helps you look and feel leaner, longer, and stronger.

3003 E 3rd Aveue / posturepowerwellness.com

Readers’ Pick: StretchLab

3201 E 2nd Avenue / stretchlab.com

Best MED SPA

Editors’ Pick: Vitahl

Owned and operated by Dr. Tahl Humes, Vitahl’s well-appointed space feels far more “spa” than “med” with its cozy vibe and posh décor. Inside each treatment room, however, is the most advanced, top-of-the-line equipment that is safely available to today’s consumers. Botox, fillers, lasers, hair removal, chemical peels – at Vitahl, you can pick your poison.

251 Steele Street / vitahl.com

Readers’ Pick: Facial Aesthetics

220 Josephine Street / facialaestheticsinc.com

Best TRAINER OR INSTRUCTOR

Editors’ Pick: Heather Eton, Lagree Luxe

A fashion model who fell in love with the Lagree pilates method years ago, Heather Eton of Lagree Luxe Cherry Creek our pick for best instructor. Her upbeat demeanor is encouraging without being annoying, and her classes are challenging but incredibly effective. Book ahead - Heather’s classes fill up quickly!

300 Josephine Street #220 / lagreeluxe.com

Readers’ Pick: Teddi B, Teddi B Workout

2628 East 3rd Avenue/ theteddibworkout.com

Best WELLNESS FACILITY

Editors’ Pick: Vive

Chronic pain. Stress. Insomnia. Eczema. Inflammation. We all have our ailments, and it’s difficult to know exactly what works – and what doesn’t. Enter Vive, the self-described “rest and recovery wellness center” that’s taking the neighborhood by storm. Infrared Sauna, Float Therapy, Cryotherapy, VibroAcoustic Sound Therapy, and Halotherapy…Vive is certain to cure what ails.

250 Steele Street #110 / vivefloatstudio.com

Readers’ Pick: Hydrate IV Bar

2721 E 3rd Avenue / hydrateivbar.com

PART 04: CULTURE & SPACES FROM IMPRESSIVE IN-HOUSE COLLECTIONS TO RENOWNED ART GALLERIES, CHERRY CREEK IS RICH IN CULTURE

Best HOTEL

Editors’ Pick: Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek

This hotel has it all. The speakeasy in the basement in the form of B&CG. Two highly reputable restaurants that flank the lobby with Quality Italian and Local Jones. A well-appointed staff is at your beck and call accompanied with all the necessary toys and connections to enjoy your stay when you leave your perfect guest room. Then there’s the rooftop replete with pool, views for days, and the Rare Bird rooftop bar. This property is a resounding favorite for travelers and locals alike.

245 Columbine Street / halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com

Readers’ Pick: Hotel Clio

150 Clayton Lane / hotelcliocherrycreek.com

Best ART IN A PUBLIC(ISH) SPACE

Editors’ Pick: The Clayton Hotel & Members Club

When the Clayton opened its doors, the community was understandably excited for something new. Something different. Something inclusive. Since then, the property has certainly delivered, and its art collection is no exception. We love the incredible original pieces found throughout the members club, hotel, restaurants and bars. Laura Goodson, Ron Hicks, Brien Hollowell, and Jason Siegel are just a handful of the signatures adorning The Clayton’s walls.

233 Clayton Street / claytondenver.com

Readers’ Pick: The Jacquard

Brigitte Bardot by Patrick Kane McGregor

222 Milwaukee Street / thejacquard.com

Best PLACE TO HOST AN EVENT

Editors’ Pick: Relévant Galleries

For a Cherry Creek event that’s intimate, sophisticated, and oozes cache, Relévant Galleries is the far and away winner. From charity receptions with the likes of celeb couple Ciara and Russell Wilson, to private parties that celebrate just about anything, the contemporary gallery is ideal. With a backdrop consisting of world-renowned photographer David Yarrow’s larger-than-life work, a Relévant event is always inspiring.

170 Clayton Lane / relevantgalleries.com

Readers’ Pick: Hotel Clio

150 Clayton Lane / hotelcliocherrycreek.com

Best ART GALLERY

Editors’ Pick: Clayton Lane Fine Art

With artwork from over 50 renowned international and regional contemporary artists, Clayton Lane’s eclectic collection encompasses the best in realism, impressionism and abstract styles. Exhibiting original paintings, limited editions, and bronzes, Clayton Lane Fine Arts offers a discriminating selection that appeals to the new collector as well as the tenured connoisseur. Most recently, the introduction of works by Paul Rousso has piqued the interest of collectors and admirers alike.

120 Clayton Lane / claytonlanefineart.com

Readers’ Pick: Saks Galleries

3019 E. 2nd Aveue / saksgalleries.com

POWER COUPLE

THIS CHERRY CREEK NORTH DUO TAKES SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

WORDS BY KEVIN MARR

ometimes I want to throw my phone away and move to a cabin in Montana with no Wi-Fi.”

Whitney Johns sits on a black leather sofa in her Cherry Creek North residence, clad in light blue camouflage pants, a white, light-weight zip-up, and spotlessly clean North Carolina Tar Heel-themed Air Jordans on her feet. It’s a lazy Saturday morning, and that’s the only “lazy” moniker that the 36-year-old health and fitness influencer could possibly be linked to.

The Boise, Idaho, native has been an undeniable force in the fitness and wellness industry for seven years now. She’s a coach, an entrepreneur, and a model, whose Whitney Johns Nutrition supplement line and Fit With Whit exercise platform span worldwide and are accompanied with nearly a million followers on social media. However, it’s the man sitting next to her on the sofa who might serve as her biggest supporter.

Meet Chris Camozzi. The 17-year MMA, kickboxing and bareknuckle boxing veteran is a brand in himself, having entered the ring in over 20 countries. A black belt in jiu-jitsu, the 6’3, 220 pound Denver native looks the part. Built like a modern-day gladiator with tattoos adorning his chiseled frame, if there was a Brad Pitt-inspired Fight Club in Cherry Creek, Camozzi would be first in line, and last to lose.

However, outside the ring, Camozzi is as friendly and mild-mannered as can be, undoubtedly two of the alluring characteristics that attracted Johns to him when they began dating three years ago.

So, how did the beauty end up with the beast?

Johns and Camozzi laugh in unison when posed with the question, so you know a good story is coming. Credit Chris’ lack of technological skills. In this case, he failed miserably in sending a DM to its intended recipient, and that was the serendipitous flame that started the eventual fire with Johns.

“We met through Fit Soda, a mutual sponsor,” Whitney begins with a smile. “The owner sent Chris one of my stories and Chris accidentally responded to me instead of his friend and said, ‘She’s so hot. I can’t handle it!’ An hour later, he realizes his mistake and messages me, ‘Sorry. That wasn’t meant for you.’ The first time I read that, I thought, ‘What a player. He’s trying to pretend like he didn’t mean to DM me.’ But then I started looking at his pictures and he seemed like a very genuine person, so I wrote him back.” Cue the budding long distance romance with Whitney in Los Angeles and Chris in Denver. Hour long conversations and FaceTime sessions manifested into an in-person get together.

As Johns puts it, “Let’s see if we actually like each other in person.” Back-andforth trips to California and Colorado ultimately gave way to Whitney moving to Denver, “But not for Chris,” she says with a laugh. “It was great timing,” she continues, “because it was mid-pandemic and I had to get out of L.A. It was so dangerous with the BLM riots and buildings set on fire. It was crazy Gotham City crime and it was everywhere. I just wanted to live somewhere safe, nice, clean and a little boujee,” she explains with another laugh.

Hello Cherry Creek North. It’s everything Whitney Johns was looking for. She’d visited Denver five years ago and went shopping at the mall and walked the neighborhood thinking, “I could totally live here.” Now she is, with Chris, walking the neighborhood with their Husky/Australian Shepherd-mix named Sofia, and enjoying the likes of Garbarini for clothes and accessories, and Cherry Creek Grill and True Food Kitchen for some yummy dining options.

They’re remarkably attuned to one another. Most couples avoid working together like the plague, but, by the sound of it, Johns and Camozzi have embraced it as though they invented the idea. “We live the same lifestyle,” Whitney shares. “We understand each other and what comes with living a very fit lifestyle. You have to have someone who gets it - who knows the level of training that's required and is equally committed."

Camozzi adds, “We work out together. We live together. We eat the same things. We’re super compatible and we don’t really ever fight.”

“Yeah. It’s kind of weird,” Johns chimes in. “We both come from dysfunctional relationships, so we don’t step on each other’s toes.”

Camozzi continues, “When I train her, she takes it all in. She doesn’t have an ego and she’s very good at listening and following directions. She’s been a personal trainer forever, so she also teaches me stuff when we lift weights.”

Johns recently was part of a celebrity influencer boxing tournament across the pond in both London and Ireland, and Camozzi trained her every step of the way. After one of the matches, an Instagram message between the two referenced the “crazy life” that they’ve chosen together.

So, I asked these two peas in a pod what their definition of a crazy life entails.

“We’re both entrepreneurs who work for ourselves,” Whitney starts out. “And we have this restlessness for adventure where we’re not afraid of risk or danger or going for it. It’s a YOLO (You Only Live Once) mentality in squeezing the juice out of this life and finding different ways to elevate. It’s not the normal 9-to-5 day, and we’re not married with kids yet, so we’re on our own path. I don’t know too many people who would volunteer to get punched in the face or put themselves out there like that. We seize opportunities when they come up, we travel spur of the moment, and we get up and go.”

And they’re always getting up and going somewhere.

An average day starts at 5:30 a.m. to get across town for a 7 a.m. workout, their first of the day. From there, Camozzi goes to the office in Golden, at the aforementioned Fit Soda, where he oversees the marketing, branding and athlete sponsorships for the nationwide all-natural, sugar-free soda alternative. He also hosts the Fit Soda Media podcast, Brawl Street Journal, where he shares his fight stories and experiences, conducts interviews, and highlights the sport in general. In the afternoon, Chris will work out a second time or teach others in the art of jiu-jitsu or tend to his tutorial app, Jiu-Jitsu On The Go, before coming home.

Meanwhile, Whitney’s days are spent shooting social media and video content, updating coaching plans, working on her supplement line with her team, and following up her morning workout with an afternoon one as well, focusing on sparring, mitts or boxing.

“By 8 p.m., we’re both ready to just eat and chill,” Johns admits.

Eating is obviously more crucial with these two than, say, an accountant. The amount of energy and calories that Johns and Camozzi are burning each day is dizzying, so bring on the feast. Not quite. Normally, it’s as clean of eating as you’ll find. My Fit Foods is a sponsor of theirs, so that array of healthy fare is their go-to for lunches on most days, and dinners fall in the range of bison, steamed greens, and rice.

“We understand each other and what comes with living a very fit lifestyle. You have to have someone who gets it - who knows the level of training that's required and is

“It’s boring,” says Camozzi with a smile, “but we like it. We go through a rotation of eating the same thing.”

Whitney adds, “Our palates are similar. He’s been fighting and I’ve been doing body building for so long that you just get used to eating for the nutrients. We don’t need rich meals every single night. Plus, if you don’t eat clean then your performance suffers or you get inflammation and then injuries come. You just don’t operate at your best.”

However, it’s not always boring, tasteless health food. This morning, before the interview, they had doughnuts. And they love their burgers, “Del Frisco’s Grille does a really good cheeseburger,” they profess. “And Matsuhisa is another favorite,” Whitney says excitedly. “The gin martini with cilantro is so good!”

What you might not guess is that Whitney eats more than Chris does on most days. Camozzi shares, “On one of our first dinner dates, she got a 16-ounce steak with potatoes and macaroni, and I was shocked. She finished all of it and I thought, ‘This is going to be an expensive girlfriend,” as Whitney gives a big laugh.

Johns hasn’t always laughed so often and so effortlessly. Growing up, she suffered from chronic pain and migraines and, as she would end up researching, it stemmed from a combination of diet and nutrition, muscle imbalances, and childhood trauma. “I was an old woman in a young girl’s body,” she concedes, “so I got super nerdy with my research and training and the difference was night and day. It turned out to be my calling. I asked myself, ‘What would I do for free? What am I really passionate about?”

Her Fit With Whit program started out as an in-person, one-on-one training session before she created an app that helped her work with clients everywhere. It’s a personalized workout program that breaks everything down on a daily basis for goals, diet, and online coaching. Her supplement line, which launched last spring, is a project near and dear to her heart that allows her to help women avoid making the wrong decisions when it comes to taking care of their health. She has partnered with a company that has over 100 clinical studies and over 20 years of scientific research, replete with existing formulations that are all centric to women’s hormone health, heart health and mental/brain health.

Johns is also excited to be coming out with a gut health product as well. “Coming from the fitness world like body building, I can tell you that there is a lot of crap out there with scam products and things that aren’t healthy for your body. As a coach, it’s very important that I spread the word about hormone, mental, and gut health. If you don’t have these things in check then your fitness mission is going to tank at some point, so let’s find a more sustainable way to get to your goal for looking the way you want and feeling really good.”

Speaking of feeling really good, Camozzi’s fight game of late has attracted all the right kinds of attention, with quick and convincing knockouts that now have him fighting for the bare knuckle world title on September 22nd. Not bad for the 36-year-old who seems to be getting better with age. A recent Instagram post to his nearly 88,000 followers was short and to the point, reading “17 years, 3 combat sports and just starting to hit my prime.”

So, he feels like he’s hitting his prime after all of these years of fighting. Is that normal? Why now and not, say, ten years ago?

“I recently changed coaches and gyms to get a new look because sometimes things can get stagnant,” he explains. “Also, maturity and mindset go a long

way with how I’m feeling and how I’m fighting. Whitney has really helped me as well. The healthy lifestyle that we live has led to more success because I feel that when you’re happy with your home life then it’s a trickle-down effect that produces more confidence and more opportunities.”

Fighting isn’t all just physical strength and stamina. People might not realize this. It requires fascinating strategies for those who are successful in the sport, and Camozzi likens it to the game of chess, “You’re always thinking several moves ahead. I’ll throw certain punches that I know won’t finish the

the dining guide

summer / fall 2023

Cherry Creek and the surrounding neighborhoods go hand-in-hand with award-winning restaurants. On the patio. On the rooftop. In the dining room. New flavors. Seasonal cocktails. The perfect wine and a mind-blowing dessert. From breakfast and brunch to lunch, happy hour, and dinner, this culinary mecca is always brimming with unforgettable dishes, so we chatted with some of the best to get just that - the dish on what’s tasty and a can’t-miss this season.

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE: We are so excited to share that Toro has a new Chef de Cuisine, Tracy Todd. We have also brought back our lunch menu with some delicious new additions and our power lunch menu was designed to fit a delicious meal into a quick lunch break.

URBAN EGG: We now offer breakfast bowls, perfect for catering office meetings, parties or any gathering. Options include Salmon Lox, Chicken & Waffle, Southwest, Vegan Buddha and more.

NARRATIVE: We are elevating our brunch menu to create fresh new dishes that focus on local and seasonal American dishes. We also have some fresh new faces that have joined our team in both the front and back of the restaurant who are excited to meet you and welcome you into our home.

JAX FISH HOUSE GLENDALE: We offer a seasonal menu at Jax, so we are always taking advantage of the best of the season. A lot is new!

801 CHOPHOUSE: The watermelon and arugula salad!

KONA GRILL: We are featuring Red, White & Blue Cheeseburg ers at Kona Grill this summer! These are also served as a flight of sliders on the happy hour menu. Our summer features also include Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo, Apple Pie, and our Passion Fruit Casamigos Margarita. We’re taking full advantage with al fresco dining experiences for both lunch and brunch, and you can also enjoy the nighttime Colorado summer breeze during the traditional and late night happy hours.

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK: We recently launched Rare Bird, Denver’s newest rooftop bar atop Halcyon. We feature the same amazing Denver views, new specialty drinks, craft beers, wine, and a revamped light fare menu.

WHAT ARE THE MUST-TRY DISHES ON YOUR MENU?

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE: We are known for our world-class ceviche menu. Each ceviche we serve is presented with freshly-made corn and plantain chips, which pair perfectly with a margarita on our shaded patio. Our guests are also loving the new items on our lunch menu like the Cusco Chicken Sandwich, which is served on a pretzel bun with plantains and chimichurri mayo.

URBAN EGG: You must try the Denver Hot Chicken Benedict. It’s classic hot chicken with a Colorado twist featuring roasted Colorado chilies, celery, carrot and bleu cheese crumbles. These incredible flavors cannot be missed.

NARRATIVE: This Colorado heat is coming and there is no better way to cool down than with a fresh gazpacho. Ours will feature a compote of local tomatoes, cucumbers, banana peppers with tomato consume and an heirloom tomato sorbet thanks to our partner over at God Save the Cream Creamery. Another can’t miss is our Filet Mignon served with potato doughnuts, Brocolini gratin and tellegio cream. It is as if a cheesesteak got promoted.

RARE BIRD

TORO

JAX FISH HOUSE GLENDALE: Try our Cracker jax. These oysters come from our long-time collaborators and friends at Rappahannock Oyster Co. They are the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Also check out our Greenhead Lobster Co. lobster roll with herb dressing on a buttered split top roll; grilled salmon with spring onion tater tots; you can never miss with halibut, and the unsung hero of the menu is our burger. We have a seriously good burger.

801 CHOPHOUSE: The Foie Gras is a musttry! Ours is seared and the perfect addition to any of our cuts of meat. Not only is it delicious, it’s also raised on a free range farm.

KONA GRILL: The Endless Summer Menu features several new additions like the Red Sloppy Joe Burger made with BBQ smoked brisket, angus beef patty, American cheese and fried onion. For your seafood cravings, the Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese and scallions is a must-try.

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK: The chicken wings at Rare Bird with mango BBQ, ranch, and shaved veggies are packed full of flavor and perfect for a summer evening on the roof.

RARE BIRD

JAX

LET’S TALK SMALL PLATES. WHAT APPETIZERS SHOULD WE TRY?

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE: While we have a handful of delicious appetizers, we must mention our corn empanadas. They are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy and crunchy, made with Manchego cheese and aji corn, and are served alongside avocado puree and chimichurri.

URBAN EGG: The Billion Dollar Bourbon Bacon. Applewood smoked pork shoulder with our billion-dollar glaze. Indulge on your own or share it with the table to start your breakfast off right.

NARRATIVE: We have our house favorite of lobster corn dogs that are always a crowd pleaser, but also look out for some new stars. We are working on stuffed squash blossoms with creamy polenta and peanut chile sauce with grilled and pickled vegetable. One of our personal favorites is the beet duo with roasted golden beets and red beet hummus topped with a pine nut crumble.

JAX FISH HOUSE GLENDALE: We have had a few different iterations of our steak tartar over the years, but our current dish comes with three fried oysters: Dijon crema, grana Padano, and grilled sourdough. We have also added Chef Jenna’s Thai green curry to the Steamed PEI Mussels line-up. It’s super fresh with green ingredients and there is some heat from the chili, but this appetizer is loaded with fresh aromatics.

801 CHOPHOUSE: The tempura fried lobster bites. They are a great start to any of our entrees and a definite favorite.

KONA GRILL: Fan favorites include Seared Sea Bass Sliders with miso sea bass, furikake, miso aioli, Asian slaw and cucumber salad on King’s Hawaiian Rolls served with a side of russet chips; the Avocado Egg Rolls accompanied by honey-cilantro dipping sauce; and the Ribeye Meatballs with shallot and shiitake, macadamia nuts, chili glaze, creamy peppercorn sauce and whipped potatoes.

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK: The grilled lamb skewers at Local Jones are one of our signature dishes. This dish is the perfect start to any good evening, complemented with cucumbers, pickled onions, tahini, and house-made flatbread.

LOCAL JONES

Our elevated rooftop has gone to the birds. Introducing Rare Bird, Denver ’s newest rooftop bar atop Halcyon in Cherry Creek.

Imbibe and dine with the best views, fare and uncaged spirits this summer.

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE: We are always excited about our award-winning unlimited brunch service, where we offer free flowing bites, cocktails and other beverages every Saturday and Sunday. We will also host a variety of live music activations every weekend from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. to make the brunch experience even more lively!

URBAN EGG: Our innovative twists to classic breakfast favorites. Urban Egg offers best-in-class food and beverage items in a lively setting with genuine and sincere guest service. Our award-winning Blue Corn Huevos Rancheros, Rocky Mountain Corned Beef Hash and Mile High Bourbon Chai are favorites among locals and first-time guests.

NARRATIVE: We are excited for our new sour Cherry Creek smoothie that packs a punch of depth with sour cherries, acai, and freeze-dried tangerine. Another can’t miss that we are working on are the fried chicken pancake tacos with a strawberry jalapeno salsa and maple butter. It is a version of said chicken and waffles that you just cannot stop eating!

KONA GRILL: Kona Grill brunch happens every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are one of the few locations that offers the bottomless ‘Kona-Mosas’ option with champagne and several other flavor additives. Our signature dishes include Spicy Lobster Avocado toast, The All-American, and the Kona Loco with seared spam, jasmine rice, sautéed onion and shiitake mushrooms, furikake, eggs and loco sauce.

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK: Chef Saura’s cinnamon rolls or donut holes can’t be missed if you want a sweet treat. If savory is more your style, then our Eggs Benedict with tasso ham, a house-made English muffin, crispy potatoes, and hollandaise is a must-try. Join us every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Vinyl Brunch Sundays where beverages flow as the vinyl spins.

KONA GRILL

TORO

WHAT SEASONAL COCKTAILS WILL WE FIND ON YOUR MENU?

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE: Our Mercado Margarita is the perfect summer cocktail. To start, it’s a beautiful drink, reminiscent of a summer sunset with the pink from our rosemary hibiscus foam melting down into the yellow of the passionfruit juice. You get the spice from the Tanteo Jalapeno tequila, some sweet from the foam, and then a little tart with the passion fruit and lime juices mixed in. Don’t like spicy? We can make it with the Tanteo Blanco tequila to cut back on that, and it’s still a delectable treat!

URBAN EGG: The BC Aperol Spritz. A refreshing classic and a shout out to our dear friends in Beaver Creek. The color is beautiful and it’s perfectly light for those warm summer nights.

NARRATIVE: Muscadet is always refreshing and perfect for patio weather. Typically, Mus cadet has a lower ABV so you can sip on it all afternoon in the sunshine. Also, Clos Cibo nne Tibouren Cru Classe, with its medium acid and a beautiful finish, just makes you want to have another sip…and another. Summertime cocktails have to be rum-based or gin-based, so we like a light lilac gin old fashioned or a lavender gin fizz, and you can’t go wrong with a classic banana daiquiri either!

JAX FISH HOUSE GLENDALE: We recently introduced a new wine list at Jax, both by the glass and by the bottle. Our new list is inspired by our fresh, seasonal and sustainable menu and is mostly organic, sustainable and/or biodynamic. These wines pair perfectly with seafood and are a perfect pairing to our menu.

801 CHOPHOUSE: Our 1993 signature scotch cocktail and of course a Mai Tai are always popular. But the fan favorite is our Troon - the 801 take on a classic Greyhound. We use only the freshest ingredients: daily squeezed juices, housemade syrups and tinctures to keep our cocktail program fresh and timely.

KONA GRILL: We have two new cocktails that are perfect for cooling down on hot summer days - the Passion Fruit Casamigos Margarita made with Casamigos Blanco, Cointreau, passion fruit pureé, fresh lime and a tajin rim; and The Summer Refresher, made with La Marca prosecco and the Red Bull ‘Red’ edition.

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK: Our perfect summer cocktail is the First Class at Rare Bird with altos, grapefruit, Aperol, and basil. It’s like a bright and sippable play on a bourbon smash.

TORO

NARRATIVE

801

HALCYON

RARE BIRD

1.5 OZ RUBY RED VODKA

2 OZ FRESH GRAPEFRUIT JUICE

1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP

SHAKE OVER ICE

STRAIN INTO CHILLED MARTINI GLASS

IF DESIRED, RIM WITH SUGAR

MAKE IT: THE TROON 801 CHOPHOUSE ENJOY!

A COCKTAIL DONE RIGHT IS LIKE A MEAL IN ITSELF.”

- DANNY MEYER

KONA GRILL

ENDING ON A SWEET NOTE. WHAT’S YOUR BEST DESSERT THIS SEASON?

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE: La Bomba is simply the quintessential summer dessert. We like to call it edible art. Picture a chocolate sphere filled with cookie crumbles, seasonal berries and a mound of assorted sorbets and ice creams. A server brings it to your table and cracks the whole thing open right in front of you. It is refreshing and fun, and it brings a smile to everyone’s face. Digging into La Bomba is the perfect way to celebrate summer.

URBAN EGG: Stuffed French Toast is the perfect way to end your meal. Stuffed brioche, infused cream cheese, crème anglaise and fresh berries topped off with a caramel drizzle and whipped cream.

NARRATIVE: You can’t go wrong with homemade cook ies and ice cream from God Save the Cream, however we are finalizing a baked meringue dish with Palisade peaches, shiso (Japanese mint) and strawberry that should shout “summer” from the rooftops.

JAX FISH HOUSE GLENDALE: Our summer dessert is the warm Blueberry Buckle, which is served with whipped ricotta and chile agave. Just a little chef’s kiss to the fruits of summer.

801 CHOPHOUSE: Our SemiFreddo: Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla SemiFreddo (A half frozen Italian Ice Cream) Honey Cake, Pickled Green Strawberries, Honey Brittle and Strawberry Sorbet.

KONA GRILL: Our beloved homemade dessert menu includes the three-layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce and toasted walnut; and the Original Warm Butter Cake with raspberry sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK: Chef Saura’s Banana Split at Local Jones, with banana custard, whipped cream, peanuts, strawberry ice cream, with a cherry on top! It’s light, refreshing, and nostalgic. Chef Saura’s Banana Split brings you right back to summers of years past with a refined and elevated twist.

GUIDEBOOK

TORO LATIN KITCHEN & LOUNGE

150 CLAYTON LANE, IN HOTEL CLIO 303.253.3000 / TORODENVER.COM

URBAN EGG 3033 E 1ST AVENUE

720.798.3447 / URBANEGGEATERY.COM

NARRATIVE

222 MILWAUKEE STREET, IN THE JACQUARD

720.571.8080 / NARRATIVECHERRYCREEK.COM

JAX FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR

650 SOUTH COLORADO BLVD

303.756.6449 / JAXFISHHOUSE.COM

801 CHOPHOUSE

3000 E 1ST AVENUE

303.24.6474 / 801CHOPHOUSE.COM

KONA GRILL

3000 E 1ST AVENUE

720.798.3447 / KONAGRILL.COM

HALCYON, A HOTEL IN CHERRY CREEK

245 COLUMBINE STREET

720.772.5000 / HALCYONHOTELCHERRYCREEK.COM

TAG RESTAURANT GROUP

MULTIPLE CONCEPTS & LOCATIONS

303.756.6449 / TAGRESTAURANTGROUP.COM

KONA GRILL

last look

Chanel, c. 1961

Pictured Here: Models showing the latest suits from the house of Chanel, circa 1961. The look has endured and remains a classic today. Today, Denver’s most fashionable women shop similar timeless styles at the brand’s dedicated boutique within Neiman Marcus.

Photo by Paul Schutzer//Time Life Pictures, Getty Images