Waldorf Astoria Residences Cherry Creek will rise as Colorado’s first Waldorf Astoria-branded property, setting a standard for world-class luxury in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
Evoking the pioneering spirit and natural beauty of its captivating mountain backdrop, the boutique property’s 37 luxury residences will deliver a timeless landmark in the heart of Denver.
1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom luxury residences starting from $2.3M
Penthouse pricing available upon request
“ROOM WITH A VIEW” (COLOR) BY DAVID YARROW
Archival Pigment Print
Large (framed): 71x104; Standard (framed): 52x74 Edition of 12
32. BAR CART
BELLY UP TO THE BAR AT THE CRICKET
34. HE SAID, SHE SAID
DATE NIGHT AT THE FORT
36. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
BILL MACK OF FASCINATION ST. FINE ART
39. BEYOND THE CREEK
EXPLORING COLORADO AND BEYOND
42. 36 HOURS
YOUR IDEAL CHERRY CREEK ITINERARY
44. HOMECOMING FROM CHICAGO TO CHERRY CREEK
ATELIER
By Relevant Galleries
THE EDGE OF DISCOVERY
“Atelier” is where boundaries are tested, new voices emerge, and art breathes in real time. It’s about showcasing art in motion: experimental work, artist debuts, creative risks, and the in-between moments that define contemporary art’s evolution. with love, Relevant Galleries
OPENING MAY 2025
CHERRY CREEK NORTH
PUBLISHER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
BETSY MARR
PRESIDENT
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
KEVIN MARR
PHOTOGRAPHER
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
CARLY SWAN Copyright 2025-2026 by Marr & Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Cherry Creek Magazine is published twice 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. CHERRY CREEK MAGAZINE Denver, Colorado 80206 303.917.6705
The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop is Denver’s newest hotel in the heart of Cherry Creek, the city’s iconic fashion district. As the fabric of the neighborhood, the hotel weaves together a location in the most walkable neighborhood with distinguished hospitality, providing an experience that is “Altogether Cherry Creek.”
Discover inspired events, carefully curated to provide an experience like no other. Enjoy storied food and drink at award-winning on site restaurant, narrative. Sip and savor at Kisbee on the Roof, punctuated by unobstructed panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Downtown Denver skyline.
altogether cherry creek
Book A Service +
Twenty years ago, I was running a public relations firm, planning what was supposed to be the city’s hottest magazine launch party. The event was set inside a private jet hangar, with polished concrete floors, planes gleaming in the background, and a guest list full of Denver’s who’s who. My young intern at the time, a newly graduated dynamo named Kady Zinke, was helping with the details.
The theme was aviation, so we had the bright idea to dress our cocktail servers as flight attendants. We ordered what we thought were sleek, retro uniforms. When they arrived, however, our jaws dropped. They were not fit for public viewing. Let’s just say they belonged in the “private” section of the costume catalog. Panic ensued.
That’s when Kady quietly said, “I can fix this.” She took the uniforms home, pulled out her sewing machine, and two days later returned with beautifully reworked outfits. She added panels of silver lamé to the hems and transformed what could have been a disaster into something stylish, sophisticated, and event-ready. The party went off without a hitch, and I learned two things that night: first, that my heart was in magazine publishing, not PR, and second, that Kady was destined for something big.
from our publishers
Fast forward two decades, and those same sewing skills became the foundation for her luxury athleisure line, Kadyluxe (page 62). Her brand carries the same fearless mix of creativity and grit that has always defined her. To see it all come full circle and to have the honor of writing her story was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
This issue celebrates that same creative energy through the art of dining. From the arrival of Alteño (page 69) , where Michelin-starred chef Johnny Curiel brings the soul of modern Mexican cooking to Cherry Creek, to Brian Lockwood’s return to Denver’s culinary stage (page 50), every story in our Dining Issue honors passion, precision, and purpose. Our Dining Guide (page 75) and The List of Cherry Creek’s best restaurants (page 26) round out the celebration, highlighting the chefs and spaces that continue to shape our neighborhood’s food scene.
Because whether you are building a business, a meal, or a dream, success comes from grit, perseverance, creativity, and the courage to follow your heart.
Yours in style,
a
Betsy Marr
Brows, Blowouts and Beyond
CHERRY CREEK’S BEAUTY + WELLNESS DESTINATION
At Sola Salons, you’ll find talented professionals across every specialty ready to welcome you in a private, modern setting — all under one roof. Book your next service today!
CONTRIBUTOR
Carly Swan
Carly Swan is a Denver-based family and lifestyle photographer known for capturing authentic connections and helping her clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. Through her business, Willow Ray Photography, she brings warmth, humor, and heart to every session, from playful toddler moments to timeless family portraits. When she’s not behind the camera, Carly is chasing her twin daughters and creating funny, relatable content for Instagram.
GETTING TO KNOW HER...
RIGHT NOW, I'M INSPIRED BY...My twin toddlers, Lennon and Pearl. They remind me to slow down and see the beauty in everyday chaos: the giggles, the messes, and the tiny moments that make up family life. They’re so full of energy and love, even during the tantrums. Waking up to them each day gives me purpose. They inspire me to keep growing and to stay positive, even when things get tough.
I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY BECAUSE... It freezes time in the most magical way. As a mom, I know how quickly the days fly by. Photography lets me hold onto the little details that make every season of life so special. There’s nothing better than capturing a real moment that feels genuine and full of heart.
BUCKET LIST TRIP? Whitefish, Montana. My husband, Benny, and I were married there in 2019, and I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since. It holds such a special place in my heart and is the perfect place to slow down, disconnect, and soak in those stunning mountain views with my camera in hand, of course.
+ MORE VIA @willowrayphoto
WHERE DENVER CONNECTS, CREATES,
AND
CELEBRATES
Clayton Hotel & Members Club redefines what it means to be part of Cherry Creek. Here, sophistication meets a warm, inviting community, and our curated events are designed to connect you with Denver’s brightest creatives and trendsetters. Be it exclusive performances, art pop-ups, or networking nights, Clayton gives you access to the best of the city—all in an intimate, membersonly setting. Ready to elevate your Cherry Creek experience?
CHERRY CREEK WEDDINGS
If you haven’t been following @CherryCreekMag lately, now’s the time. We’ve gone full-time with the scrolling, storytelling, and scene-stealing. From the newest restaurants and style drops to behind-the-scenes shoots, dinners, and design moments, our feed is where Denver’s most beautiful neighborhood comes to life.
Think of it as your daily edit of life, style, and luxury in the Creek. Follow along for what’s new, what’s next, and what everyone’s talking about. Want to collaborate or see your brand featured? Reach out and let’s create something beautiful together.
Unveiling
From “I do” to debut, Cherry Creek Magazine will soon unveil Cherry Creek Weddings & Events, Denver’s definitive guide to weddings, galas, and private celebrations. Launching in our upcoming Winter issue, this annual edition will showcase the region’s most beautiful moments and the talented creatives who make them possible. In addition to stunning real weddings and inspired design features, the issue will highlight the art of entertaining — from intimate dinner parties and milestone celebrations to the city’s most notable philanthropic events. Our signature Blue Book vendor profiles offer an inside look at the planners, florists, venues, caterers, and designers shaping Denver’s event landscape, presented in a polished, editorial format that feels as timeless as it is inspiring. It’s a curated celebration of love, style, and the occasions that bring us together.
Coming Winter 2026
Join us on November 15th
To be featured, drop us a line at hello@cherrycreekmag.com
Fall weekends call for good music, great coffee, and a little sparkle. On Saturday, November 15, Town Pump Provisions is teaming up with Espresso Sessions for a cozy-cool patio takeover complete with a live DJ, signature espresso tastings, and mimosa pairings that keep the morning rolling straight into the afternoon. Stop by for the vibe, stay for the company, and toast to the perfect Cherry Creek Saturday.
CHERRY PICKED
1. Cinq a Sept
Panama Vegan Leather Jacket, $495 Neiman Marcus Denver
Mors a Jouets Chemise Scarf 70, $460 Hermès Denver
5. Jimmy Choo
Bon Bon Ruched Suede Bucket Bag, $1,895 Neiman Marcus Denver
6. Prada
Suede Hairbow, $725 Neiman Marcus Denver
7. Element 79 Jewelry
Black Gold and Brown Diamond Earrings, $10,835 Element 79 Jewelry
8. Prada
Leather Bow Pumps, $1,450 Neiman Marcus Denver
9. Ramy Brook
Marcia Faux Suede V-Neck Midi Dress $485 Neiman Marcus Denver
10. Christian Louboutin
85mm Santia Suede Fringe Booties, $2,995 Neiman Marcus Denver
11. Diptique
Amber Scented Candle, $120 Neiman Marcus Denver
1. Brunello Cucinelli
Suede Full-Zip Bomber Jacket $7,200 Neiman Marcus Denver
2. Brunello Cucinelli
Men’s Cross Stitch Stripe Tie $370 Neiman Marcus Denver
3. Valentino Garavani
VLogo Signature Crocodile Loafers $6,590 Neiman Marcus Denver
4. Creed
Oud Zarian Eau de Parfum, $630 Neiman Marcus Denver
5. Bell & Ross
BR-0392 Diver Watch Bronze, $4,990 Oster Jewelers
6. Brunello Cucinelli
Men’s Traditional-Fit Wool Overcoat $6,200 Neiman Marcus Denver
7. Prada
Saffiano Leather Travel Duffel Bag, $5,100 Neiman Marcus Denver
8. Rizzoli
A Man and His Car, $45 Amazon Books
9. Tom Ford
Men’s Lelio Square Sunglasses, $465 Neiman Marcus Denver
10. Tom Ford
Men’s Signature T Leather Belt, $850 Neiman Marcus Denver
11. Burberry
Men’s Check Leather Gloves, $980 Neiman Marcus Denver
neighborhood watch ELEVATED LIVING
When Waldorf Astoria first announced its Colorado debut in Cherry Creek North, the project immediately set a new standard for luxury living in Denver. Now, newly released renderings offer a closer look inside the 37-residence development—revealing interiors that balance mountain warmth with the brand’s signature urban sophistication.
+ MORE VIA //waldorfastoriacherrycreekresidences.com
San Francisco–based BAMO, whose work spans Four Seasons and Rosewood properties around the world, leads the design. The firm’s approach is tactile and architectural: veined marble, pale stone, and soft oak layered with sculptural lighting and subtle metal accents. The primary bath feels more spa than suite, with natural light spilling across monolithic slabs of stone, while the dressing room - anchored by a curved island and glass-framed views - recalls the quiet order of a couture atelier.
At street level, the familiar hallmarks of the Waldorf experience come into play. Plans include the brand’s signature Peacock Alley lounge and a destination restaurant designed for both residents and the public -an elegant nod to Cherry Creek’s increasingly cosmopolitan rhythm.
With sales led by Dawn Raymond of Kentwood Real Estate, homes start at $2.3 million and range from 1,350 to more than 4,000 square feet. More than an introduction, these new design details reaffirm the project’s place at the intersection of hospitality and home - and confirm that the Waldorf Astoria name still carries its quiet power, even at 5,280 feet.
SPICE NOTES
Tucked inside the second floor of the Clayton Members Club, longtime Lead Server Mahinda Thabrew has quietly become one of the property’s defining presences. Since joining the team in 2021, his reputation for thoughtful service has made him a favorite among members — but this season, it’s something from his own heritage that’s drawing attention.
Thabrew is the founder of Andezx Premium Ceylon Cinnamon, a line of hand-crafted cinnamon sticks sourced directly from the lush hills of Sri Lanka. Unlike the more common cassia variety, Ceylon cinnamon is known for its subtle sweetness and layered aroma — a refined spice that elevates everything from coffee and cocktails to desserts and curries.
Each batch is meticulously harvested and rolled by hand, bringing a taste of Sri Lanka’s culinary tradition to Cherry Creek. For Thabrew, it’s a personal passion project that bridges continents — and a reminder that even amid the polish of a private club, there’s room for genuine craft, connection, and a story worth savoring.
Begin a new chapter in a place that feels like home. At St. Andrew’s Village, residents experience the freedom of maintenance-free living, and are able to focus on what brings them joy. With a variety of social gatherings, engaging activities, and enriching programs, each day fosters connections and memorable experiences. From housekeeping and chef-prepared meals to personal support, everything is thoughtfully managed for comfort and peace of mind. Discover what this new beginning can bring at St. Andrew’s Village Active Independent Living and Assisted Living, where comfort and connection await.
french lessons
Just a few blocks from Cherry Creek, tucked into the stylish 9+CO district, sits one of Denver’s most impeccably curated boutiques —Bastille PARISDENVER, the brainchild of trés chic interior designer–turned–fashion stylist Véronique LeClerc, who is, quite literally, as French and chic as they come.
Inside, the space feels like a page torn from a Left Bank lookbook: light-soaked and effortlessly elegant, with racks of elevated essentials and one-of-a-kind finds that balance refinement with ease. LeClerc’s discerning eye, honed through years in design, shines through every detail, from the artful merchandising to the quiet luxury of the brands she imports.
Each piece is an ode to everyday French chic: polished yet unpretentious, feminine yet functional, sophisticated but never overdone. Whether you’re slipping into a tailored blazer, discovering a new European label, or simply stopping in for a dose of Parisian inspiration, Bastille PARISDENVER captures what Denver’s fashion scene has long been missing — je ne sais quoi , found right here at 9th & Colorado.
+ more via bastilleparisdenver.com
BROADWAY 10 OPENS
Cherry Creek welcomes a new arrival with Oklahoma roots. Broadway 10, first opened in Oklahoma City’s historic Automobile Alley, brings a refined yet relaxed chop house sensibility to the neighborhood. The menu centers on hand-cut, house-aged steaks cooked over pecan and hickory wood or broiled to order, along with fresh sushi and seafood.
The space feels generous and contemporary, offering a comfortable setting for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, or simply a well-made martini at the bar. In a subtle nod to its signature hospitality, guests seated at the bar receive a complimentary glass of crisp bacon to enjoy while they settle in.
SWEAT
With its blend of quality, warmth, and a touch of unexpected charm, Broadway 10 is set to become a welcome addition to the Cherry Creek dining landscape.
+ MORE VIA //b10chophouse.com
IT OUT
Cherry Creek just got a little hotter—and healthier. After changing hands and undergoing a chic rebrand this summer, Urban Sweat has reopened its doors as one of the neighborhood’s most elevated destinations for modern recovery. The sleek new studio combines wellness science and spa-like serenity, offering a trio of transformative treatments designed to help you feel as good as you look.
Inside, glowing cedar saunas hum softly with infrared heat, encouraging deep detoxification, improved circulation, and that unmistakable postsession calm. Nearby, the Red Light Therapy room feels like stepping into the future—its rejuvenating wavelengths promoting collagen production, skin clarity, and cellular energy. And for those craving a bit of sculpted relief, the Lymphatic Roller session delivers a rhythmic, tension-melting massage that helps reduce inflammation and bloat while leaving you light on your feet and calm in your mind.
Following its grand reopening in late August, Urban Sweat has quickly become a neighborhood staple for locals who take their self-care seriously. The team’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: wellness isn’t an indulgence, it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re winding down after a long workday, prepping for a busy weekend, or simply seeking a few moments of restorative quiet, Urban Sweat offers a refined reset for body and soul.
• Elegant living spaces with sunroom, screened porch, and butler’s pantry
• Charming carriage house above garage with full living quarters
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHERRY CREEK…
From power lunches to date-night destinations, Cherry Creek’s dining scene has evolved into one of Denver’s most dynamic. These seven standouts define the neighborhood’s culinary moment—each distinct, all exceptional. -- Betsy Marr
ALTEÑO
1 2 1 3 4
Led by Michelin-starred chef Johnny Curiel, Alteño brings modern Mexican cooking to Cherry Creek with a confidence that feels both grounded and new. Drawing inspiration from his native Jalisco, Curiel crafts dishes that balance warmth and precision—think deeply flavored moles, fresh seafood, and open-flame techniques that add complexity without pretense. The space hums with understated energy, anchored by an inventive bar program and a menu that honors its roots while pushing them forward.
When to go: Weeknights at the bar for mezcal cocktails and small plates before the dinner rush.
altenorestaurant.com
BAROLO GRILL
A Denver institution for more than three decades, Barolo Grill remains the definitive destination for Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s commitment to hospitality is unwavering— polished service, an awardwinning wine cellar, and seasonal menus that weave Colorado ingredients into Italian tradition. There’s a sense of timelessness here, where the pace slows, the pasta is handmade, and every detail feels intentional. It’s not just one of Cherry Creek’s best restaurants—it’s one of Denver’s most enduring.
Order this: The tasting menu paired with Piedmont wines— an experience that never feels rehearsed.
barologrilldenver.com
MATSUHISA
Sophisticated yet unpretentious, Matsuhisa brings international pedigree to Cherry Creek without sacrificing intimacy. The sleek interior sets the stage for chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature style—Japanese precision infused with Peruvian flair. Every dish, from the yellowtail jalapeño to black cod miso, carries the quiet confidence of a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. Refined, rhythmic, and flawlessly executed, Matsuhisa continues to set the bar for elevated dining in Denver.
Insider pick: The omakase menu—best enjoyed at the sushi bar for an orchestrated experience.
matsuhisarestaurants.com
LE COLONIAL
A study in atmosphere as much as flavor, Le Colonial marries the elegance of French technique with the vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine. Its palmframed dining room feels like a portal to another time, while the menu celebrates balance— bright herbs, layered spices, and classic French structure rendered with grace. Service is crisp, the lighting forgiving, and every plate arrives with a sense of place. Le Colonial is escapism done right, equal parts cosmopolitan and comforting.
Best seat: The private dining sunroom at golden hour—it feels like Saigon at sunset.
lecolonial.com
5
TOWN PUMP PROVISIONS
Part bodega, part eatery, and entirely on point, Town Pump Provisions brings a fresh, fast-casual sensibility to Cherry Creek. The brainchild of Dana Monfort, the concept blends thoughtful sandwiches, seasonal salads, and a curated grocery selection that feels equal parts local market and chef’s pantry. Just next door, a Little Man Ice Cream counter adds a playful finish, underscoring the space’s approachable energy. It’s smart, streamlined dining that proves casual can still feel considered.
Stop by: Mid-day for a quick lunch, an afternoon iced coffee, or a scoop next door that feels like summer, even in the fall.
801 CHOPHOUSE
7 6
At 801 Chophouse, the steakhouse tradition is alive and well—but with a modern edge that fits Cherry Creek’s evolving aesthetic. The space exudes confidence: leather banquettes, moody lighting, and a wine list built for decision-makers. Prime beef, fresh seafood, and impeccable service form the backbone of the experience, but it’s the sense of ritual—the martini, the crisp linen, the unspoken precision—that keeps regulars returning. This is indulgence handled with restraint and style.
When to go: Late on a Friday for the perfect martini and a power-table crowd.
801chophouse.com
LA MERISE
Tucked along Third Avenue, La Merise delivers effortless charm and old-world sensibility. The French bistro’s menu reads like a collection of classics—steak frites, coq au vin, crème brûlée—each prepared with consistency and care. There’s nothing flashy here, and that’s precisely its appeal. The cozy dining room and garden patio invite lingering conversation, and the experience feels delightfully familiar, as though it’s always been part of the Cherry Creek fabric.
When to go: Sunday brunch for croque madames, mimosas, and a true neighborhood moment.
lamerisedenver.com
CHERRY CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of meet Marc Purvis
Marc Purvis is everywhere in Cherry Creek. Overseeing its Chamber of Commerce has him moving and shaking all about the neighborhood. There may not be a bigger champion for the community with its owners, managers, stores and experiences. So, what’s Purvis up to? We’ll say this…he’s got a dream dinner party and menu locked in like no one we’ve ever talked to, not to mention insights, wisdom and stories that make him an unforgettable Man About Town.
You’re the new Executive Director of the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce. Talk about what this role requires and why you were interested in taking on this leadership position for the neighborhood. This role requires vision, collaboration, and the ability to build. That means relationships, opportunities and systems that make the Chamber more valuable for our members. My focus is on strengthening connections between businesses, finding leaders, and the broader community while shaping the Chamber’s vision, modernizing our approach, and defining our unique place in the business ecosystem. I’m passionate about building community and helping people make money. I saw an opportunity to step up and lead the Chamber into its next chapter by creating councils, collectives, and initiatives that reflect the diversity of our members and foster the development of our businesses.
What do you think your members are looking for today? What’s the temperature of Cherry Creek’s business community? I see a real hunger for authentic connection. Virtual meetings are efficient and save time, but when people come together in person, the conversations are deeper and the relationships more genuine. That’s what people are craving right now. What excites me most is seeing individuals invest not just financially, but with their energy, time and talent in helping build something bigger than themselves. The vibe is optimistic, collaborative, and community driven.
You’re also a part of Nexa Mortgage here in Denver. What’s something that most people don’t know about the mortgage industry today? It used to be that you went to your bank and took whatever loan they offered. Today, mortgages are hyperlocal and highly flexible. Independent mortgage brokers are taking more market share than ever because
we can offer choice. We are not tied to one bank, mortgage lender or one product. For example, a buyer with strong equity doesn’t always need to show a paystub to qualify. In a noisy market, people are really looking for clarity, direction and price, and that’s where brokers add real value.
Favorite neighborhood haunts? The breadcrumbs at Local Jones, El Jefe tacos at SOL, the degustazione menu at Barolo Grill, and Tom Xao Sate (no onions) at Le Colonial are just a few standouts. The food scene in Cherry Creek reminds me of my time in Chicago. You can find just about every type of cuisine here, all so well executed that you can’t wait for your next lunch meeting.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To surround myself with people who fuel my goals. Positive, driven people elevate my energy and mindset, while negative ones can drain it—so choose your circle wisely.
Three things you cannot live without? Family, faith, freedom. One more “F” – Fourteeners!
Who are your five dream dinner party guests and what are you eating?
Rosa Parks, Chuck Barris, Ronald Regan, Martha Stewart, and David Letterman, and we’ll feast on charcuterie,
braised short ribs with creamy Parmesan polenta, roasted seasonal vegetables, a Martha Stewart–inspired garden salad with homemade vinaigrette, and apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream.
The most fun you’ve had in a city is where? Forty-two hours in Prague. It was so unexpected and unforgettable. Even with the jet lag from an 18-hour stopover in London. The people were incredible, eager to share stories, and genuinely excited to connect with visitors from the U.S. And the city itself? Stunning. Imagine walking among buildings that have stood for more than a thousand years in the “City of 100 Spires” I think there’s many more than that. But what truly made it special were the people. I don’t think anywhere compares to its unparalleled luxury, hospitality, artistry and sense of community.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self now? Go for it, trust your gut, build multiple income streams, and be disciplined by time blocking your priorities. Slow down and be present with your family at least one day a week. Making money is tough, but being broke is tougher. Hold on to real estate and buy multifamily property and live in one of the units. Take out a HELOC the day after closing, you never know when having access to cash will save the day.
gal about town
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHUTTERS, SHADES & CLOSETS of meet Kristen Brown
Kristen Brown is in the business of throwing shade at people…just not the kind that isn’t appreciated by its recipients. The owner of Rocky Mountain Shudders, Shades & Closets has been a part of the Cherry Creek community for several years now, and so we had to sit down with her to learn all things Kristen Brown – from her favorite restaurants and shopping, the world of closets, and television home shows, to the best advice she’s ever received, her last vacation, why she’s so active in the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce, and what she is always doing while driving. And it was just a serendipitous bonus that we saw a window to throw in a question about Modern Family (We like to think she’s the real-life version of Claire Dunphy). Kristen Brown is our Gal About Town
Tell us how you got into the businesses of window treatments and closets. I began with Rocky Mountain in 2004. My dad, Alan Stremel, began the business. I had a major in photography but, after working in this industry, I learned that I loved working in the home, with clients and helping them put the final touches on their home to make it comfortable with window treatments. In January 2020, my husband and I purchased the business from my dad. In 2024, we purchased Colorado Space Solutions and added custom closets to our offerings. Window treatments and closets have great synergy, and we love focusing on these two specialty home items that really make your home comfortable and livable.
Do you watch the show Modern Family ? Ed O’Neill’s character, Jay Pritchett, owned Pritchett’s Closets. Can you relate to his passion for closets? I love this question. When I purchased the closet company, this thought came up that we were like Modern Family, especially since I am the daughter that took over the business! I do share the passion for closets. They are something that everyone should have. Organizing your home, closets organize your life and make you so much happier. I also just share the passion of supporting clients and being the best at what we do.
You’ve been a member of the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce for a while now, and now you’re on the Board of Directors. Talk a bit about the chamber and what drew you to getting so involved in it. I first joined the chamber years ago, and then kind of slowly backed out because I didn’t get involved and I didn’t see the value. About three years ago, I returned the chamber and attended the annual luncheon and saw that I really needed to know what was going on in Cherry Creek. The chamber was the place to find that. I rejoined and reached out to the executive director to be more involved. Being a board member and active member of the chamber gives me a community in Cherry Creek. I meet so many amazing businesses every week, and I have found a
wonderful home in Cherry Creek. It has also given me a platform to work with businesses in my industry as we start the Cherry Creek Design Collective under the chamber, giving a voice to the design and home furnishing businesses in Cherry Creek.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Keep working. You will one day find something that you are good at that isn’t hard and comes naturally. Be brave and take risks.
Favorite Cherry Creek haunts? There are so many amazing restaurants in Cherry Creek! I love Cherry Cricket, SOL, Syrup and Enstrom (next door to us). I am partial to the wonderful design stores in Cherry Creek. White Peacock and The Den are some favorites.
Who are your five dream dinner party guests and what are you eating? I can imagine a beautiful quiet room with just us, so conversation is easy. We are eating comfort food - chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy with amazing appetizers and desserts. I am with people that mean the most to me, and those that support each other. I would bring back my family that is no longer on this earth to share their stories and mine.
What are three things you can’t live without? Music. Coffee. Art.
The most fun you’ve had in a city is where? Most recently we took a trip to Marrakech, and it was beautiful, the food was great, and the experiences were like nothing else. My most memorable was an ATV ride followed by a camel ride and dinner under the stars in the desert.
bar cart
TAYLOR HAUENSTEIN, CHERRY CRICKET
She calls the bar the “black sheep” of Cherry Cricket. I’m already intrigued. It’s a chill, no frills environment with immediate access to award-winning burgers. Cherry Cricket bartender Taylor Hauenstein has had her eyes and ears open for years serving all walks of life. From a frequent feathery patron whom Jimmy Buffet would endorse to the best drink we’ve never heard of, we go behind the bar to hear stories from a woman who is no stranger to the bar scene. This is Bar Cart
How did you get into this industry and why? My mom was the queen of throwing parties. Our house was always full of people, food, drinks, and laughter. I loved how she brought folks together, and I guess it just rubbed off on me. Bartending felt like a natural extension of that: creating a welcoming space, serving up delicious drinks, and making people feel at home.
The Cherry Cricket is more than just burgers. Talk about the bar scene and vibe. If you know, you know. The Cricket has this nostalgic magic, even if it’s your first time walking in. It feels like your hometown bar, whether you’re solo after a long day or rolling deep with friends celebrating something big, it’s always got a spot for you. We’re not fancy about it. Even in Cherry Creek, we proudly hold onto our black sheep vibe. No frills, just consistency, charm, and a little rebellious spirit..
behind the bar, nothing really shocks you anymore. People are wild, and wonderfully weird, and I’ve come to appreciate when someone just lets it all hang out and shares a slice of their life.
What’s the oddest drink order you’ve ever received? Some people get a little too creative. One guy used to order Scotch Bloody Marys, and genuinely loved them. Another regular would dump an absurd amount of black pepper into his beer. No judgment... but wow.
Is there a guest you’ll always remember? So many. One guy named Stubbs stands out. He was a veteran with the most incredible stories from around the world. Total legend. And then there was a woman who brought her 30-year-old parrot named “Margarita” to the bar. That bird was a gem.
What have you come to expect from Cricket bar patrons? They definitely keep us on our toes in the best way. Over the years, we’ve watched people go from first dates to anniversary parties to celebration-of-life gatherings. There’s something really special about being woven into people’s milestones. Our hope is always to give them a space where they can just be. Whoever they are, wherever they’re at.
What’s the best drink we’ve NEVER had? A Chartreuse Swizzle. It’s got falernum in it, which brings this warm, spiced vibe that feels like fall and winter, but the whole drink’s got enough zip to make sense in July. It’s a sleeper hit.
Is there one drink that you love to make? As classic as it sounds, I love making an Old Fashioned. It’s endlessly customizable. Between the different spirits and bitters, there’s always a way to tweak it for whoever’s sitting in front of you.
What’s the funniest or weirdest thing you’ve overheard while bartending? Oh man... some things are probably best left off the record. Let’s just say, when you spend enough time
Where do you get your inspiration? Honestly? Everywhere. A walk with my dog, the smell of a tree in bloom, a color combo that sparks something, or even a song lyric that makes me think, “Ooh, that could be a drink.” Inspiration rarely comes from the same place twice, and never when I expect it.
Do you drink? If so, what’s your drink of choice? I do! I’m a big fan of a Paper Plane. It’s simple, balanced, and somehow always appropriate.
What are some seasonal cocktails that you recommend? Blood orange is one of my favorite Fall/Winter flavors. It’s bright, citrusy, and just complex enough to play equally well with a spritz or a tequila. It adds that little extra pop without trying too hard.
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.
THE FORT
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 The Fort.
He: We’re still in the car and you seem very uppity. What’s going on? You excited for The Fort?
She: Excited? I’m practically giddy. You know how I feel about an evening that involves a spicy mezcal margarita, history, and a roaring fire. Plus, The Fort is such a Colorado icon. Kitschy in the best way possible. I’m already mentally photographing the antlers and adobe.
He: This restaurant has a ton of space, and it’s packed on a Tuesday night. Tour buses too. What a beautiful property. A nice breeze on this bluff in Morrison with stunning 360-degree views. And you can bring kids here. I’m thrilled that our little rascals aren’t here tonight, but there is plenty of room for them to roam and explore.
She: It feels like you’ve stepped into a Western film set. There’s something about the smell of wood smoke and leather that just hits different. And yes, if the boys were here, they’d already be halfway up that hill pretending to be Kit Carson. I, however, am here for the tableside service and the cocktails.
He: I’ve never wanted to take a picture or video of myself less in my life, and you’re running around The Fort like Martin Scorsese.
She: I can’t help it. The lighting! The adobe walls! The taxidermy! This place is like Ralph Lauren met Yellowstone. Besides, someone has to document our culinary adventures and your very serious expression while buttering a muffin deserves its own reel.
He: I’m starving, and this is the perfect place to come hungry. These buffalo empanadas hit the spot, and I may take home some more of this hot chorizo sausage bean dip. Phenomenal spice. Not to mention these homemade pumpkin raisin muffins are wonderful, and this salad might be the freshest ever. And I’m SHOCKED you didn’t make any changes to your salad, Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally.
She: Make me stop eating this bean dip! I can’t fill up on chips at The Fort. Who does that? I’m saving room for that filet and my goat cheese green chile grits. Priorities. Plus, that margarita is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. I feel like I’m on vacation in my own backyard.
He: So, it’s not every morning that you have a conversation about lunar astrology with my 82-yearold mother. Did you have that on your bingo card?
She: We should have brought her with us! Where else can you sip a cocktail named “Roadrunner” and discuss the moon’s gravitational pull with your motherin-law under a stuffed buffalo head?
He: Can’t help but notice that your new favorite word to use these days seems to be “lens.” Speaking of lenses, take a look at my Akaushi beef rib eye with the egg on top. Wow. The goat cheese green chile grits are from-another-planet good, and I may fill at least one pocket with the gravy from these mashed potatoes. Who’s going to carry me back to the car when we’re done?
She: You? Carried? Please. I’m the one who just ate an entire filet and half of these grits. I’d walk through fire for those grits. Smoky, creamy, a little tangy…basically Colorado comfort food perfection.
He: I haven’t had an ice cream sundae in forever. What a blast to the past. Delicious. How’s your bread pudding?
She: Dangerous. It’s drizzled in whiskey sauce and tastes like December in a bowl. If this place didn’t have such a rich history, I’d say the bread pudding alone could make it famous.
He: I feel like we just ate our way through every decade since 1830.
She: That’s kind of the beauty of The Fort. It’s nostalgic but still somehow fresh. You come for the view, stay for the charm, and leave promising yourself you’ll bring friends back next time. Or your mother-in-law.
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 five and seven-year-old boys…all under one roof.
+ MORE VIA // thefort.com
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artist in residence meet
BILL MACK of FASCINATION ST. FINE ART
He has created an art form that we’ve honestly never seen before. Not often that happens. So, of course, we need to know who Bill Mack is and what his work is all about. Prominently showcased at Fascination St. Fine Art in Cherry Creek, we sat down with a pioneer of this stunning relief sculpturing genre for our Artist in Residence.
+ MORE VIA // fascinationstart.com
Your sculpting techniques are uniquely your own. Can you share how you developed your approach to relief sculpture? At the beginning of my career as a relief sculptor, I was young, around 17-years-old. I was a draftsman at a company that designed signage, and someone had done a relief portrait that was to be cast in bronze and mounted in a building that we were fabricating the name for. The relief sculpture didn’t look anything like the person, in my opinion. So, I told my boss that, and he said to still give it a try. I did, and it came out well. They submitted it, and it was approved. I subsequently left the company and became a freelance artist, since I realized I could make more money creating relief portraits for that company than I could working for him directly. I carried on my commission career from that day forward, all the way through college and beyond.
How does music, or other sources of inspiration, play a role in your creative process? I love music and movies and have them on to remind me that there is an outside world of people, and that I’m not alone when I’m working. Movies have always been part of my collecting, and they and the actors have become a big part of my artwork for the last decade and continue to be to this day. I do have a lot of history channels and documentaries on. Even easier than that of course is music. I like everything. I have my favorites - Queen, Prince, and I like opera, particularly modern opera like il Divo. Sometimes I work 12 or more hours a day pretty much non-stop, so having music, TV and/ or movies to keep me company is extremely important.
What’s something about the art industry that most people don’t know? I like this question a lot. When people hear the words relief sculpture, typically their minds spin to full-round works. In relief, whether it be bas-relief - the lowest level of relief - or low, medium, high relief, or even alto-relief, there clearly is a distinction between that and sculpture. While reliefs are dimensional, they are normally displayed totally differently than sculptures. They are always flat-backed and typically hung on walls, carved into a wall, or held in your hand like a coin, but clearly are not full-round artwork. In many ways, reliefs are to drawings and paintings (two-dimensional artworks) as they are to sculptures (full-round three-dimensional artworks). Accordingly, I am confident that the word relief by itself is far better to describe my dimensional works than relief sculptures.
You’ve partnered with Fascination St. Fine Art for many years. What draws you to that relationship, and how does gallery representation impact your career? I’ve been a commissioned artist for 20 years before I decided to transition into the gallery world. Various forms of relief are displayed all over the world, mostly on historical buildings, particularly in Europe, but also in major cities throughout the United States. However, I quickly learned that there was no one offering a comprehensive collection of relief in galleries until I had my first one-man show in Milwaukee, then Minneapolis, then on Red Dale Drive in Los Angeles. We had to teach the gallery how to represent my artwork because they had never dealt before with two-dimensional art, drawings and paintings, and full-round sculptures. There was a gap in time when I wasn’t represented, and Fascination St. Fine Art and I found each other. Recently, the ownership changed. Mike Severinson, the current owner and his wife, Jen, were already friends of mine. Previously, they were involved in galleries and artists as collectors, and they have been truly excellent to work with on the other side of the table. Their attitude and their expectations for growth are in line with my thinking.
You’ve had a remarkable career with countless milestones. Is there a moment or project that stands out as particularly transformative or meaningful for you? Things changed when I received a phone call from someone offering to sell me the original Hollywood sign. They had heard of me both as a collector and an artist and proposed that I purchase the historical mantle and paint iconic images on it. My first impression was, ‘How is that possible?’ Once they explained that the Hollywood sign had been taken down in 1977, and seamlessly replaced with the new sign in 1978, I immediately told the caller that I would be interested. Once I got off the phone, my first thought was, why me? I’m a sculptor. I’m a relief artist. I deal with dimensional artworks. I hadn’t put myself in that category as a two-dimensional artist. I had them send me a piece of the metal, and I put it outside my office in my studio where I’d look at it daily. I decided to take the historical metal and use it as my canvas to paint an image of Jean Harlow, who lived and acted when the Hollywood sign was born in the 1920s in Los Angeles. Once I completed the image, my staff, independently of me, consigned it to a gallery in Florida where I was about to have a show. By the time I reached the gallery in Florida, the Harlow painting on the historic metal had already been sold for a fair amount of money. I subsequently was smart enough to make the purchase of the remains of the original 1923 Hollywood sign, and the metal that I use is my canvas to paint the iconic stars from the golden years of Hollywood.
What’s a side of you - personal or professional - that your collectors and fans might be surprised to learn? Those who have come to know me well know that I am a big sports fan. And since I don’t view myself as a sports artist at all, surprisingly, I’m in virtually all sports Halls of Fame. Most of the artwork were commissions or part of some charitable event. I have artworks in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, the Canadian and United States Hockey Hall of Fame, the Figure Skating Hall of Fame, the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Cowboy (or Rodeo) Hall of Fame, and the Tennis Hall of Fame.
What new work or direction is exciting you right now? I am refocusing on my reliefs and some full-round works. For example, the 8’ tall cast bronze sculpture of Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer Joe Mauer. Fascination St. has encouraged me to create a series of new reliefs. Additionally, now is the time to find a permanent home for the monumental H from the original Hollywood sign. In other words, much of the same, but with greater focus on dimensional artworks, media or had at least seen my work at some point. A few weeks later that dream became a reality when the owner of Westward Gallery, Michelle Courier, brought me on as a resident artist. This was a monumental moment in my career. Over time, she not only represented me, but she also became a mentor and provided me with a wealth of knowledge about the art industry and until today is a dear friend.
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The Strength I was missing
I thought I had wellness figured out. I was eating clean, sleeping well, and finally at my ideal weight. But strength, real and visible strength, still eluded me. I looked good in clothes, yet my skeletal muscle mass was not where it needed to be. I felt healthy, but not powerful. More than anything, I wanted to feel strong in the ways you cannot measure in a mirror: strength in movement, in confidence, and in how I carried myself in the world.
That realization led me to finally commit to the fitness side of Eden Health Club. I had been a member for some time, drawn to its beautiful design, calm energy, and thoughtful approach to wellness. But once I truly embraced strength training through one-on-one sessions with Marcela Cmarkova, combined with small-group classes, everything shifted. My body changed, yes, but so did the relationship I had with it.
Marcela often says movement is medicine, and training with her feels like learning a new language of trust between body and mind. Some days she challenges me to lift more, move with precision, or stay one breath longer during a difficult moment. Other days she reminds me that strength also comes from stillness, rest, and grace. She believes we have been conditioned to perform rather than feel, and she helps me reconnect with my own rhythm. With her guidance, I no longer chase perfection. I train to honor the woman I already am.
Eden’s programming reflects the same philosophy. Each forty-five-minute class is strategic and intentional. Push builds the anterior chain— chest and shoulders; Pull develops the posterior chain—back and biceps; Tempo x Core builds control and stability; Whole Body balances strength head to toe; Power hones speed and explosiveness. What sets Eden apart is each coach has their own niche and specialty workouts (core x restore, Pilates x strength, strong and endure). The body tells a story long before form does, and at Eden you feel seen in that way. Even in a group setting, coaches meet you where you are.
Before I began, I had a full InBody diagnostic to understand my muscle mass, metabolism, and composition. That data became my roadmap. Strength work paired with recovery has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. Marcela often reminds me that rest is strategy. The infrared sauna, red-light therapy, and compression sessions help me recover, reset, and clear my mind. After workouts, she encourages me to take a moment before rushing into the day and to allow the clarity and confidence to settle in. As she puts it, we are human beings, not human doings.
What keeps me returning, more than anything, is the people. Eden is a place where effort feels shared and encouragement feels natural. There is no competition, only authenticity and support. Marcela defines strength as the ability to stay open even when life feels heavy, and I see that strength reflected in every person who walks into Eden ready to better themselves from the inside out.
Today, I feel different. I feel strong both physically and emotionally. The nutrition, the sleep, the supplementation, and the mindfulness were all pieces of my journey. Fitness was the missing one, and finding it completed the picture. Eden has given me a new understanding of wellness. It is not just about health. It is about power, alignment, presence, and connection to self.
If you know the difference between looking well and feeling strong, then you already understand this evolution. Visit edenhealthclubs.com to learn more. True strength does more than shape your body.
CHERRY CREEK MAGAZINE READERS...
For a limited time, you are invited to enjoy a complimentary fitness class and full recovery services at Eden, including infrared sauna, red light therapy, and compression therapy. Mention CCM when booking.
“It is not just about health. It is about power, alignment, presence, and connection to self.”
BetsyByMarr
ASPEN GETS A GOOP
Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle empire has officially landed at altitude. The new Goop Aspen outpost—nestled in the historic Collins Block on East Hopkins Avenue—feels equal parts alpine retreat and minimalist gallery. Within its 647 square feet, the brand distills its signature ethos of clean living and quiet indulgence into a perfectly edited collection that’s as functional as it is aspirational.
Inside, the shelves tell the Goop story in full: beauty essentials like GOOPGLOW vitamin C serum and GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Cream line up beside sculp tural G. Label knits, buttery leather separates, and the kind of elevated everyday pieces that turn the simple into the sublime. There’s a considered selection of home and wellness finds too—think ceramic matcha sets, crisp linen robes, and GP-approved supplements that promise everything from better skin to deeper sleep.
The space itself mirrors the brand’s DNA—warm woods, pale stone, and soft light that invite you to linger rather than browse. It’s both an escape and an extension of Paltrow’s carefully crafted world: one where beauty, balance, and design converge at 8,000 feet.
+ MORE VIA // goop.com
beyond the creek
WESTIN RIVERFRONT: THE PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY
Whichever brother got to push the elevator button had to take a backseat to the other brother pushing the button for which floor we were headed to. And then they’d race 50 yards down the hallway to the room. Then it was a battle for who got to open the door with the key card.
You’d think this was Disneyland.
It was glorious, and Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa up in Avon, Colorado, might as well have been the happiest place on earth for these 7-year-old and 5-year-old rabid raccoons. It was for their parents too.
Spa days for mom and dad—replete with steam, sauna, champagne, and coma-inducing massages—could not have come at a better time in refreshing the body and the mind from the throes of never-ending parenting. Spa Anjali, with its mountain-inspired rituals and river-rock treatment rooms, is an entire world unto itself. The therapists are masters, blending natural ingredients like juniper and sage to melt away every trace of city tension. Post-treatment, the recovery lounge overlooks the water, and the oxygen bar somehow makes you feel like you could climb a 14er—or at least make it through bedtime routine with ease.
There are three different hot tubs—one for adults only—if you want to soak privately sans kids, plus the grand pool, fitness center, salon, yoga, and a Chef Richard Sandoval restaurant in Stoke & Rye all perched on the Eagle River with a heavenly backdrop of Beaver Creek in the world-renowned Vail Valley. Guests can hop the Riverfront Express Gon dola right outside the hotel for easy access to Beaver Creek Mountain, or stay put and enjoy the outdoor fire pits that glow against the crisp alpine air.
Back to Stoke & Rye. Our server, Kyle, will be running that place soon if our experience was any indication of his talents. Redirecting me from one menu entrée to their Grilled Hanger Ribeye was a boss suggestion that I’m still thinking about. Unforgettable. Throw in the wedge salad, smoked potatoes, and homemade rolls, and I wanted for nothing. The Mrs. loved the Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon and the kids’ menu had the boys quiet for a while, which we’ll always welcome.
Between the river trails, mountain hikes, and the hotel’s daily wellness classes, this corner of Colorado feels like the reset button you didn’t know you needed.
The short drive to Beaver Creek rushed back the fond mem ories of the chapel where we got married, and the village served as yet another playground for our grommets to explore and consume another slice of what life is all about. Between the river trails, mountain hikes, and the hotel’s daily wellness classes, this corner of Colorado feels like the reset button you didn’t know you needed.
Year-round is such a magical destination in this neighborhood, and the spotting of a few Lamborghinis was the cherry on top for our two little car buffs who are already asking when we can come back.
Westin Riverfront for the win.
-Kevin Marr
PERFECT HOURS IN CHERRY CREEK 36
Friday Evening
4 p.m. | Check In at The Jacquard Hotel
Begin your weekend at The Jacquard, Cherry Creek’s modern boutique retreat. Drop your bags, slip into something fabulous, and head straight to Kisbee on the Roof, where the cocktails are as artful as the panoramic mountain views.
7 p.m. | Dinner at Narrative
Downstairs, Narrative strikes that ideal balance of sophistication and ease. Settle into a plush booth for seared scallops or short rib risotto, paired with something crisp from the thoughtfully curated wine list.
9 p.m. | Nightcap at Forget Me Not
End your first evening with a drink beneath the twinkling lights of Forget Me Not, the neighborhood’s favorite floral-filled cocktail den. The crowd is chic, the lighting perfect, and the martinis dangerously good.
Saturday Morning
8:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Town Pump Provisions
Cherry Creek in the fall is pure magic— golden trees lining boutique-filled streets, fireplaces flickering inside cozy cafes, and a festive hum that builds toward the holidays. Here’s how to spend a long weekend soaking it all in, from champagne brunches to candlelit dinners and everything in between.
A neighborhood newcomer with old-soul charm, Town Pump Provisions serves coffee and breakfast sandwiches worth the buzz. Grab a seat by the window and take in the early-morning hum of Cherry Creek waking up.
10 a.m. | Shopping Along Sixth Avenue
This charming stretch of shops captures Cherry Creek’s mix of elegance and artistry. Start at SOL Lingerie for beautiful, confidence-boosting essentials; pop into Rosy Rings for botanical candles and gifts; stop at Margaret O’Leary for cashmere classics; and finish at THE DEN, a beautifully curated home and lifestyle boutique brimming with local design finds.
Saturday Afternoon
12:30 p.m. | Lunch at Le Bilboquet
It’s a scene for a reason. Le Bilboquet remains Cherry Creek’s most iconic lunch—French fare, rosé, and people-watching perfection. Order the Cajun chicken or steak tartare and linger long after dessert.
2:30 p.m. | Pampering at Face Foundrié
Glow-up time. At Face Foundrié, quick, results-driven facials make self-care feel downright glamorous. The “You Dew You” is a local favorite—brightening, hydrating, and impossibly refreshing.
4:00 p.m. | Culture Fix at Relévant Galleries
Wrap your afternoon with a browse through Relévant Galleries, Cherry Creek’s contemporary art haven showcasing striking works from local and international artists like David Yarrow, Gib Singleton, and Russel Young.
Saturday EVENING
6:30 p.m. | Dinner at Hapa Sushi
Lively, stylish, and endlessly fun, Hapa Sushi delivers fresh rolls, playful cocktails, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts upscale and unpretentious. Order the multiple “oh-wow” rolls, a sake flight, and enjoy the hum of the weekend crowd.
8:30 p.m. | Dessert & Drinks at Bar Amorina
Cap off the night at Bar Amorina, Cherry Creek’s newest gem—a moody, Italian-inspired cocktail bar serving silky tiramisu and espresso martinis under candlelight. It’s intimate, elegant, and effortlessly cool.
Sunday Morning
9 a.m. | Brunch at Local Jones
Ease into Sunday at Local Jones, where the menu is classic comfort with a twist. The lemon-ricotta pancakes and crispy bacon are non-negotiables, best paired with a spicy Bloody Mary and a side of gossip.
11 a.m. | Bike + Boutique Hop
Hop on a cruiser and spend your final morning exploring Cherry Creek’s mix of high style and local soul. Stop by MAX for designer fashion, Lawrence Covell for timeless menswear and luxe accessories, and Show of Hands or The Artisan Center for locally made treasures that make perfect gifts— or keepsakes from your weekend in the Creek.
black book
The Jacquard Hotel: 303.515.2000, 222 Milwaukee St
Forget Me Not: 720.772.7843, 227 Clayton St
Town Pump Provisions: 303.353.4844, 2615 E. 2nd Ave
SOL Lingerie: 303.394.1060, 248 Detroit St
Rosy Rings Studio: 720.519.3122, 2940 E. 6th Ave
Margaret O’Leary: 303.993.5841, 2700 E. 3rd Ave
The Den: 720.708.6950, 3000 E. 3rd Ave
Le Bilboquet: 303.835.9999, 299 St. Paul St
Face Foundrié: 303.997.6901, 3000 E. 1st Ave
Relévant Galleries: 720.577.4312, 180 Clayton Ln
Hapa Sushi: 303.322.9554, 2780 E. 2nd Ave
Bar Amorina: 303.952.0597, 241 Columbine St
Local Jones: 720.772.5022, 245 Columbine St
MAX Clothing: 303.295.6200, 264 Detroit St
Lawrence Covell: 303.320.1023, 225 Steele St
Show of Hands: 303.399.0201, 2610 E. 3rd Ave
The Artisan Center: 303.388.7420, 2757 E. 3rd Ave
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home COMING FROM CHICAGO TO CHERRY CREEK
WORDS BY BETSY MARR | INTERIOR DESIGN : JENNIE BISHOP |
When designer Jennie Bishop first stepped inside her most recent Denver project, she found a home with good bones but a broken story. “It was slightly tragic,” she recalls with a laugh. “Dated, disjointed, and begging for a full gut.” What followed was a complete transformation—a three-year collaboration that turned an awkward, aging house in the heart of Cherry Creek into a serene reflection of its owners and of Bishop’s signature style: a masterful mix of restraint, warmth, and material beauty.
Her clients—longtime collaborators from Chicago—wanted to bring a bit of their city sensibility west. “They’re casual, cool, and down-to-earth,” Bishop says. “They love natural materials, don’t mind a little patina, and wanted something easy but elevated.” The result is a home that feels at once relaxed and sophisticated, textured yet timeless, built for real life rather than perfection.
The couple’s art collection, curated with Bishop over the years, became both foundation and muse. “We started with their pieces from Chicago and built from there,” she says. “The art became the connective thread—this beautiful continuity between two homes, two cities, and two chapters in their lives.”
The turning point came when everyone decided to stop compromising. “At first we said we’d just do the kitchen,” Bishop remembers. “But once we committed to gutting the whole thing, we could finally breathe. That’s when it came alive.” With the freedom to reimagine the layout, Bishop found rhythm and purpose in spaces that had long lacked both. “Originally, there were twin sitting rooms and facing fireplaces halfway up the wall,” she says. “It made no sense. Once we reoriented the rooms, everything clicked—the dining, living, and breakfast areas began to talk to each other.”
The kitchen and adjoining spaces became the project’s defining triumph. Partnering with Marcus Otten of Exquisite Kitchen Design (EKD), Bishop reworked what was once a maze of dated rooms into a luminous, functional heart of the home. “That skylight over the island turned out to be a gift,” she says. “It gave the entire space life.”
PHOTOS: DAVID LAUER
OPPOSITE PAGE: A Lindsey Adelman chandelier crowns the dining room, its sculptural silhouette paired with a BDDW table for understated drama. Throughout the home, the clients’ decade-long collection of Lindsey Adelman Studio fixtures adds sculptural poetry — from the dining chandelier to sconces and statement accents gathered from 2014 to 2024.
TOP: White-oak cabinetry and polished silver hardware strike a refined note, made richer by Palm Orleans’ Palmetto Stripe grasscloth.
RIGHT: A jewel-box powder room stuns with artful stone and tile layering, a hallmark of Jennie Bishop’s eye. Sculptural lighting adds an unexpected flicker of glamour.
ABOVE: A sculptural lamp, layered hues, and subtle pattern come together in this inviting bedroom vignette, where thoughtful details create a polished and personal retreat.
A
CENTER: A layered great room blends rich textures and sculptural form, anchored by a custom Coup d’État sofa and illuminated by Lindsey Adelman sconces that add a touch of artful glow.
BOTTOM: Curved aubergine millwork transforms a quiet corner into an intimate reading nook, proof that bold color and thoughtful detail can turn small moments into standout design.
As for favorites, Bishop hesitates to choose. “I love both powder rooms to death,” she says. “The breakfast nook has this pretty little edge I can’t get enough of. And the fireplace and bar—I’m obsessed.” The bar, in particular, became a creative leap of faith. “The homeowner said, ‘Surprise me,’ so I did. She couldn’t change a thing—and she loves it as much as I do.”
Stone is the undeniable through line. “Stone, stone, stone,” Bishop says with a grin. “It’s bold but quiet, timeless but full of life.” Used throughout the home, it grounds every room in natural warmth and calm sophistication. “This project is a study in balance,” she reflects. “Natural, bold, yet somehow restrained. I’m not always balanced and restrained,” she adds, laughing, “but I’m working on it.”
The result is a home that feels as effortless as it is intentional—refined, livable, and beautifully human. For Bishop, it represents not just another project, but an evolution. “It’s about trusting your gut,” she says. “When you do that—and when your clients trust you back— that’s when the magic happens.”
“This project is a study in balance. Natural, bold, yet somehow restrained.”
-JENNIE BISHOP
RIGHT:
bespoke porcelain lighting sculpture floats above the dining table, bringing sculptural softness to a room grounded in warm woods and natural light.
RIGHT: The primary suite leans into calm, layered texture and organic shapes, with a Lindsey Adelman fixture lending sculptural sophistication overhead.
BOTTOM RIGHT: In the primary vestibule, a Nepenthes pendant by Christopher Boots introduces soft, sculptural glow against statement wallpaper and a striking stone console.
BOTTOM LEFT:
“It’s
-JENNIE BISHOP
MEET THE DESIGNER
Current Obsession: The Excaliblue quartzite from Calia Stone Boutique in Chicago. “That stone at the bar and fireplace still stops me in my tracks.”
In Her Own Home: “My Katie Stout ‘Ladies’ wallpaper. I’ll have it somewhere in every house I ever live in.”
Secret Source: “Marrakech. Always.”
Design Tip: “YOLO. Do it. Don’t hold back. Paint is not forever. Nothing is forever. Go with your gut.”
Creative Fuel: “David Flack’s new book Flack Studio. I just went to Ibiza for the first time and the EDM is giving me energy. Travel keeps us on our toes.”
From Michelin Star tutelage and a Colorado homecoming for a new Cherry Creek North restaurant project, to consulting a Hollywood celebrity on one of the best shows on television, Chef Brian Lockwood is…
LOCKED IN
Add another culinary heavyweight to Cherry Creek North.
This neighborhood dining scene is really getting fun. Chef Brian Lockwood and his heralded Michelin Star background that runs as long as his Japanese-inspired tattoo sleeves will soon be unpacking his knives at the corner of E. Second Avenue and Adams Street for a Boka Restaurant Group creation that is sure to turn heads and soothe the taste buds.
While the details of the restaurant are cautiously under wraps, Lockwood hints at a concept near and dear to his heart that encapsulates his more-than-comfortable wheelhouse for featuring spectacular dishes, “We’re focusing on live fire elements that I think are very transformative in ingredients and really exciting ways to cook. There will be a grill and a dome oven and it’s very similar to how I cook at home for my 8-year-old daughter, Noa,” Lockwood explains from his Boulder, Colorado, residence on a hot summer day in August.
It’s all part of the latest chapter in Chef Lockwood’s 32-year journey into the world of restaurants. At the age of 14, looking for structure and something to “keep me out of trouble,” Brian took a dish washer job at the old Wick Skillet Bakery in Boulder. In his early 20s, he scratched the itch with a three-year apprentice program at American Culinary Foundation – an all-encompassing, hands-on learning program that introduced Lockwood to the core of culinary foundation that included the likes of baking, soup cookery and sauce making.
And then San Francisco came calling.
“I set a goal. I studied. I read a lot of cookbooks. At the time, Gary Danko was the guy everyone wanted to work for. His restaurant, Gary Danko, was quite progressive and iconic,” Lockwood shares.
So, with some luck and a lot of persistence, 24-year-old Brian found his way to the bustling award-winning kitchen of the Michelin Star restaurant in the city by the bay that was one of the true culinary powers in the country, “San Francisco was amazing,” Lockwood begins with raw admiration, “California has incredible product whether it’s produce, seafood, fruit or meat. At that time in Colorado, there wasn’t a lot of agriculture, and they weren’t doing what was happening in San Francisco.”
Gary Danko was the first stop on a resume that would see Lockwood as an integral part of some of America’s most prestigious and accomplished dining establishments. His brag sheet is a murderers’ row of crème de la crème brilliance including The French Laundry in Yountville, California; Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder; El Cellar De Can Roca in Girona, Spain; and New York City’s Eleven Madison Park and NoMad New York.
Not every chef looks like Brian Lockwood.
He is lean and mean, knowing full well the physical and mental obstacles that can plague life in the restaurant universe, “Kitchens are stressful in general. Fast paced. Intense.” So, a proper diet, the gym, running, time with his family and a deep passion for fly fishing all contribute to the work/personal balance that is beyond crucial for a day in the life of this 46-year-old.
“We’re focusing on live fire elements that I think are very transformative in ingredients and really exciting ways to cook.”
then there was the call from
The highly acclaimed, 21 Primetime Emmy Award-winning show, The Bear, needed Chef Lockwood’s help. Starring Jeremy Allen White as a young chef from the fine dining world who returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop, it was vital that White played the role to a tee. Show writer Will Guidara knew just the puppet master for the job.
“Sounds cool!” Lockwood said when he was approached. “I worked with Jeremy for a week in Los Angeles and focused on his mannerisms with cooking – how to baste a fish, how to cook a piece of meat properly and let it rest, how to slice with a knife, how to break down a fish, how to segment a piece of citrus, how to shell peas properly, how to work from raw product on the left to finish on the right and discard, and simple things like wiping your counter and cutting board. He was great and super talented, not only as an actor but with the tactical tasks and he picked up the jobs a little too easy.”
But, there was one thing that the two-time Emmy winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series could not do.
“When slicing on a mandolin cutter, I’ll use my belly to hold the mandolin,” Lockwood explains (not that Lockwood has much of a belly). “I was telling Jeremy that he could use his belly, but then I forgot who I was talking to because this is someone who could do laundry on his abs and I don’t think he has the ability to put the mandolin anywhere on his tummy,” he says with a laugh.
What started out with a week of training parlayed into the show asking Brian to head out to Chicago and help for a five-month stint. And there’s a chance that The Bear will require the chef’s insight and expertise moving forward into next season as well.
Meanwhile, Lockwood is relishing the fall season and all the yumminess that confidently parades through the kitchen with squash, pumpkins, black truffles, celery root, beets, and kale, “While spring and summer are the fun seasons for cooking, fall is my favorite with its more comfortable ingredients, the different depths of flavors and the challenge of it all. It takes more thought.”
His thoughts are currently in a phase of discovery and a chapter of sharing and coaching his culinary team, “You’re always in discovery with food anyway. That’s just part of it.”
Through his world travels – Kyota, Japan being the apple of his eye – Brian’s inspirations are interminable, whether it’s ideas from being outdoors, traveling, or creating new concepts from common ingredients, “I learn so much by observing what others are doing.”
And soon, now that he’s back home and cooking in Colorado, we’ll have the privilege of observing what Chef Brian Lockwood is doing.
-KEVIN MARR
And
Tinsel Town.
CHERRY CREEK the faces of
Behind every great brand is a great mind. The Faces of Cherry Creek spotlights the leaders, creators, and changemakers driving Denver’s most dynamic neighborhood forward.
PHOTOS BY CARLY SWAN
CULTURE
Matsuhisa’s Secret Ingredient: The Man Behind the Memories
Denver • Aspen • Vail
Behind the memories created at each Matsuhisa private event lies a man whose story mirrors the brand’s refined rhythm. As Director of Marketing and Events for Matsuhisa’s trio of Colorado outposts—Aspen, Vail, and Denver—Pete Giokas is the architect of more than 500 private events each year, from intimate dinners for two to high-profile soirées for the world’s most discerning guests.
A Colorado native and CU alum, Giokas’s culinary journey began far from the Rockies—in Los Angeles, where he joined the opening team at Nobu in 2008. Eight years later, he returned home to help open Matsuhisa Denver in 2016. Now in his seventeenth year working for Nobu Matsuhisa restaurants, after mastering nearly every front-of-house role, he brings with him a deep understanding of what Chef Nobu calls kokoro—a Japanese word meaning “heart, mind, and spirit.”
“Matsuhisa’s culture is an extension of Chef Nobu’s kokoro,” Giokas explains. “Everything we do—from restaurant design to the cuisine, to the way we train our teams—is a reflection of Chef’s heart.”
That spirit permeates every detail of the events Giokas and his world-class team orchestrate. Their chef-curated menus feature both Nobu classics and specialty dishes, while offsite experiences have redefined what luxury dining can be. In Denver, the new At-Home Omakase brings an eight-course tasting menu into the intimacy of a private residence, prepared by Matsuhisa’s top chefs. The Sushi Class, led by Head Sushi Chef Nico Schlanger, offers an interactive, hands-on lesson in the art of sushi-making, while elegant Pickup Catering Sushi Kits deliver the restaurant’s cache straight to the host’s table.
Matsuhisa’s offsite footprint extends far beyond the city, with Giokas and his team curating experiences at events like the Palm Tree Music Festival’s Palm Club in Aspen and the Denver Polo Classic. Corporate clients—from the Denver Broncos to JP Morgan—trust Matsuhisa Colorado to deliver moments that are as seamless as they are spectacular.
For Giokas, the mission is simple yet profound: to ensure every event embodies kokoro—Chef Nobu’s enduring philosophy of excellence, authenticity, and heart.
A LIFE CURATED: Inside Shelby Richardson’s World of
Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Shelby Richardson has always had an instinct for beautiful living — not just the kind that can be seen, but the kind that can be felt. After earning a degree in finance and economics from Florida State University, she packed her bags and moved to Denver knowing only one person. Six weeks later, she met her husband — a real estate developer and contractor — and the city quickly became home.
Her professional story began in finance, then moved through corporate healthcare and the startup world, but it was her behind-the-scenes work helping her husband source opportunities and refer clients that revealed her true calling. Real estate, she realized, was where her talents converged — the business acumen, the design sensibility, the human connection. Leaving behind the corporate grind, she built her own business from the ground up, merging data-driven expertise with a genuine love for creating spaces and possibilities.
Today, as a luxury real estate advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty, Shelby stands out in one of the city’s most competitive markets
Modern Luxury
feel exciting — like we’re creating something new together.”
With a background in finance and economics, Shelby brings clarity and confidence to even the most complex deals. Add in her marketing intuition and the global reach of Sotheby’s, and it’s no surprise she’s been recognized as one of Denver’s Top 10 Real Estate Agents on Social Media (#7), honored by RealTrends as one of America’s Top Real Estate Professionals, and named Rookie of the Year by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors after just her first year in business. She’s been a consistent “Quarterly Best” producer ever since.
Her network extends far beyond Denver. “If you called me today and said you were moving to London, Miami, or New York, I could connect you with a world-class agent I know personally,” she says. “That’s the beauty of being part of a truly global brand.”
For Shelby, Cherry Creek is both the backdrop and the heartbeat of her life. It’s where she meets clients for coffee, attends community events, enjoys date nights with her husband, and manages the
Luxury is an experience, not a price point. Every client deserves exceptional service, thoughtful marketing, and a seamless process — whether they’re buying their first home or their forever home.”
by being exactly who she is — authentic, approachable, and unapologetically driven. “There are 14,000 agents in Denver,” she laughs. “I stand out by being me, because there’s only one of me, and 13,999 others.”
For Shelby, luxury isn’t defined by a price tag. “Luxury is an experience, not a price point,” she says. “Every client deserves exceptional service, thoughtful marketing, and a seamless process — whether they’re buying their first home or their forever home.” Her approach is equal parts strategic and creative — blending sharp negotiation and precise pricing with marketing that feels more editorial than transactional. Each listing tells a story, from elevated staging to narrative-rich campaigns that reflect not just the property, but the life within it.
Her clients — many of whom become long-term friends — describe working with her as empowering and unexpectedly fun. “Real estate can be stressful,” she says, “but when we work together, I want it to
couple’s development projects — from luxury renovations to a new commercial concept bringing Michelin-rated dining to Denver. She’s equally passionate about giving back, supporting local charities and partnering with Cherry Creek businesses to strengthen community ties. “I love helping people build new lives here — finding homes, creating friendships, and embracing the lifestyle that makes Cherry Creek so special.”
Looking ahead, Shelby’s brand continues to expand — not just in real estate, but in storytelling and design. With a growing team and a dynamic digital presence, she’s focused on offering a full-service experience that’s as personal as it is polished. “I’m an optimist,” she says. “The best is still ahead — and who knows, maybe my HGTV show isn’t too far away.”
Because for Shelby Richardson, every day — every deal, every connection, every client — is another opportunity to make life just a little more beautiful.
TOWN PUMP PROVISIONS: A Modern Spin on the Neighborhood Bodega
When longtime Denver resident Dana Monfort set out for a morning walk through Cherry Creek North, she wasn’t searching for inspiration. She simply needed Advil. After stopping into a few boutiques and cafés, she realized there wasn’t a single place in the neighborhood to grab everyday essentials.
“In New York, there are little bodegas on nearly every corner,” she recalls. “On a trip to Napa Valley we wandered into this charming shop where I bought water, snacks, and a really good bottle of wine. That was the moment I thought, this is exactly what Cherry Creek needs.”
That simple thought became Town Pump Provisions, a new neighborhood hub that opened this summer on East 3rd Avenue. Equal parts bodega, eatery, and ice-cream parlor, it fills a gap locals didn’t realize existed. The left side offers grab-and-go convenience with staples like pantry essential, aspirin, and snacks, beside small indulgences such as craft wine and local goods.
The name Town Pump carries personal meaning for Monfort. It nods to her family history and to a time when the “town pump” served as a gathering spot for neighbors to connect and recharge.
Inside, that spirit is evident. Beautiful stone finished, vintage-inspired lighting, and playful design details create a setting that feels both elevated and familiar. Even the menus are designed with nostalgia in mind, printed in a style that could easily hang on a family refrigerator.
Beyond its design, the shop embodies a simple philosophy: bring back the corner store and make it beautiful. Guests stop in for coffee and a breakfast sandwich in the morning, pick up a salad at lunch, grab paper towels and pasta on the way home, or treat the kids to ice cream after dinner. It is convenience paired with care and a meticulous attention to detail that mirrors Monfort’s background in real estate and her affection for neighborhood life.
I wanted to create a space that feels easy and inviting — the kind of place you can swing by on your lunch break, grab what you need, and probably run into someone you know.”
The center serves as the Eatery, a moody yet cheerful counter for made-to-order sandwiches, artisanal coffee drinks, salads, and burritos, all focused on clean ingredients and approachable comfort. On the right sits the newest Little Man Ice Cream, the company’s eleventh Denver location and a favorite stop for families strolling the district.
For Monfort, the idea was never only about convenience. She wanted to bring warmth and soul to a part of town known for its polish.
“Cherry Creek has so many beautiful, high-end experiences,” she says. “I wanted to create a space that feels easy and inviting — the kind of place you can swing by on your lunch break, grab what you need, and probably run into someone you know.”
“Every great community has a place where people naturally cross paths,” she says. “Town Pump Provisions is meant to be that place for Cherry Creek. You can shop, eat, relax, or simply say hello to a neighbor. It’s a little bit of everything, which is exactly what our neighborhood needed.”
With its thoughtful curation, warm aesthetic, and welcoming energy, Town Pump Provisions has quickly become part of Cherry Creek’s daily routine.
It proves that the most inspired ideas often begin with something simple…a walk, a craving, or the realization that home can always feel a little more complete.
ELEMENT 79: The Art of Modern Jewelry
Carol Ferguson
There’s a certain kind of alchemy that happens when gold meets meaning. It’s what drives Carol Ferguson, founder of Element 79, and what gives her Cherry Creek boutique its quiet, magnetic energy. “Jewelry should make you feel something,” she says. A belief that guides every ring, bracelet, and heirloom she helps bring to life.
For Ferguson, fine jewelry is storytelling... an expression of who we are and what we choose to hold close. “It’s wearable art,” she says. “A collection built over time, marking the moments that matter most.”
Since opening Element 79 in 2017, Ferguson has redefined the way Denver women experience fine jewelry. Her store, warm and artfully understated, feels less like a boutique and more like a private atelier. It’s the kind of place where clients linger and discoveries unfold naturally. The curated cases gleam with intention: minimalist gold bands, sculptural earrings, singular gemstones that hum with personality.
With more than two decades in the world of fine jewelry, Ferguson’s philosophy remains refreshingly human. She helps clients transform inherited pieces into contemporary designs, blending memory and modernity with ease. “There’s magic in giving old jewelry a second life,” she says. “It’s honoring where it came from while letting it evolve with you.”
Inside Element 79, every detail reflects that ethos . Craftsmanship, connection, and beauty. “Over time, your collection becomes a reflection of your life,” Ferguson says softly. “It tells your story, one piece at a time.”
At Element 79, these stories shimmer as wearable art for those who write their own.
BERNSTEIN PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT: Guiding Denver’s Most Discerning Investors
In a city known for bold entrepreneurs and visionary families, Bernstein Private Wealth Management has become the trusted partner for those navigating the complexities of significant wealth. With an office in Cherry Creek North, the firm blends global insight with a distinctly local touch—helping clients design lives and legacies that reflect both purpose and prosperity.
At the helm of Bernstein’s Rocky Mountain region is Greg Kadet, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, whose three decades in private wealth leadership bring deep expertise and a passion for cultivating a client-centric focus. Kadet leads the region’s advisory team as they guide high- and ultrahigh-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations through every stage of their financial journey—from wealth creation and preservation to philanthropy and succession.
Bernstein’s philosophy is refreshingly boutique: every client relationship begins with a conversation, not a product pitch. Their advisors pair behavioral finance and sophisticated modeling with a fiduciary duty to always put clients first. The result is a deeply personalized strategy that adapts to changing markets, life transitions, and evolving goals.
Behind the numbers — over $860 billion* in assets under management for Bernstein’s parent company, AllianceBernstein — is a commitment to integrity, innovation, and impact. Bernstein’s Denver team brings national resources and industry-renowned research to the local level, serving some of Colorado’s most dynamic business owners, investors, and multigenerational families.
“Every family’s story is unique,” Kadet says. “Our role is to help them write the next chapter with confidence.”
For Denver’s most discerning investors, Bernstein offers more than wealth management—it offers partnership, perspective, and peace of mind.
LADIES LUXE RIDES: The Power of Safe, Stylish Travel
Kalia Bates
For Kalia Bates, what started as a need for flexibility as a busy mom of four has transformed into a mission—and a movement. The founder of Ladies Luxe Rides, a premier Denver-based luxury car service, Bates is redefining what it means to travel in style, safety, and confidence. Her vision? To empower women one mile at a time.
After too many uncomfortable experiences in traditional rideshares, Bates saw a gap in the market for a service that prioritized women’s safety without sacrificing sophistication. “Every woman deserves to move through life with confidence, independence, and elegance,” she says. With that in mind, she launched Ladies Luxe Rides—a transportation brand built by women, for everyone. Whether it’s a school drop-off, airport transfer, or a night on the town, every journey is designed to leave riders feeling in control, at ease, and cared for.
More than a fleet of luxury SUVs, sprinters, and sedans, Ladies Luxe Rides is a statement: that safety and style can coexist, and that empowerment can happen anywhere—even in the backseat of a car. Bates’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: quality over quantity, and connection over convenience. “When you ride with us,” she says, “you see my face, you know the woman in charge.”
Rooted in Denver, Bates is as committed to her community as she is to her clients. Through her Her Way Forward Fund, she provides safe, discreet transportation to women in vulnerable situations—using mobility as a means of freedom and a fresh start.
With plans underway for an exclusive app and a rewards-based membership program, Bates is steering her company—and her cause—toward an exciting future. Elegant, empowering, and authentically Denver, Ladies Luxe Rides proves that sometimes the road to independence begins with the perfect ride.
STITCHED FIRE from
By Betsy Marr
From high-speed IndyCar circuits in Los Angeles to sewing circles with exiled Mormon women in Conifer, from noodle-fueled nights in Shanghai to women stripping mannequins in a Broncos team store, Kady Zinke’s journey is anything but ordinary.
The founder of Kadyluxe has turned chaos into couture...and she’s only just beginning.
Some stories are too cinematic to fictionalize. Twenty-years-ago, I hired Kady Zinke as an intern at my public relations firm. She was bright, ambitious, earnest. Two decades later, watching her helm one of the fastest-growing fashion lines in the athletic apparel world feels like closing a circle. But her story, as I learned, isn’t a clean arc of success. It’s a collage of risk, failure, wild faith, and reinvention all stitched together like the garments that bear her name.
Kady Zinke’s earliest memories move in rhythm. Ballet slippers on worn studio floors, the count of eight pulsing through her bones. Dance was her first language, discipline her second. By the time she reached her twenties, she had mastered both.
After college, she followed the call west to Los Angeles. But the dream wasn’t dance anymore, it was acting. She wanted the camera, the script, the chance to inhabit other people’s stories. What she found instead was a city that tested her boundaries.
L.A. was equal parts seduction and survival. She worked odd jobs, bounced between casting calls, and lived on caffeine and adrenaline. During that time, she also took a job at a public relations firm, spending nights on red carpets and orchestrating celebrity chaos.
“I literally walked Kardashians down press lines,” she laughs. “It was glamorous in theory, but I was also running on no sleep, balancing trays at the (then) Montage Beverly Hills, and trying to figure out who I was.”
She had always loved speed. Engines roaring, adrenaline humming through steel and bone. One night at the Montage, that allure pulled her toward a man who owned an IndyCar team and, as she would later learn, had authentic ties to the CIA.“ He offered to teach her to drive competitively, a proposition as seductive as the city itself. “I was twenty-something and thought, why not?” she says. But it wasn’t the racing that changed her life, it was the way he moved through the world. “He knew everything about me,” Kady says. “Even my medical records.”
The deeper she fell into his orbit, the more extraordinary and unnerving the moments became. He once called her the morning Osama Bin Laden was captured, telling her the exact time to turn on the TV hours before the news broke. On another occasion, she was summoned to the downtown Marriott, where LAPD officers showed her a file on one of her perpetrators — a powerful Hollywood figure — and told her he had been “taken care of.”
“It was surreal and terrifying,” she says. “He used real intelligence tactics to get close to me. I didn’t understand it then. I just knew I was being watched, protected, and controlled all at once.”
He pushed her, questioned her ambitions, and told her she was too smart to be acting. That she should build something instead. “He told me, You need to solve a problem,” she remembers. “And that stuck with me.”
It was glamorous from the outside. But from the inside? It was lonely, dangerous, and exhausting. “I was losing myself,” she remembers.
When that glamour cracked, Kady did what few in that city ever do: she left.
Back in Denver, the air felt lighter. She auditioned for the Denver Nuggets dance team, half on a whim, half on muscle memory. She made it.
Professional sports dance was brutal. Long rehearsals, demanding choreography, hardwood floors that left her knees purple and swollen. “We were performing on wood, night after night,” she recalls. “It was pain and joy in equal measure.”
That pain sparked the idea that would change her life. Dancers wore clunky, unattractive knee pads that were sweaty, bulky, and always in the way. “I kept thinking, Why hasn’t anyone made a better one?” she says. “Something built into the legging itself. Something beautiful and functional.”
Kady remembered the racing suits and protective gear that the Indy drivers with whom she’d practiced wore. They were sleek yet functional, armored yet elegant. “I remember thinking, why doesn’t dance have something like that? We throw our bodies on hard floors every day, and all we get are awkward knee pads.”
The spark was lit. Kady had found her problem to solve.
It was the intersection of her two worlds: the aesthetics of fashion and the discipline of dance. A knee-pad legging that was thin, integrated, invisible, and effective.
She started sketching designs between rehearsals and researching fabrics after midnight. But she was also broke. “I bought a 1961 Buick LeSabre because it was all I could afford,” she laughs. “We made $7.25 an hour to dance. My accountant looked at my one pay stub and said, ‘Where are the rest?’ I told him, ‘That’s it.’ He nearly fell out of his chair.”
But that didn’t stop her. Soon, she was commuting back to Los Angeles, this time not for acting auditions but to haunt the city’s garment district. “I was on a mission,” she says. “If I couldn’t find the product, I’d make it myself.”
The L.A. garment district wasn’t dazzling. It was fluorescent lights, men shouting in five languages, bolts of fabric stacked to the ceiling. It was also Kady’s school of hard knocks.
“They saw me coming a mile away,” she admits. “I was young, female, and clueless. But every mistake was a lesson. I learned how to source, how to negotiate, how to spot a scam.”
She launched a Kickstarter to fund the prototype with $20,000 in small pledges from dancers, yogis, and fitness instructors who believed in her vision. She fulfilled every order—delivering sleek moto leggings as a thank-you to her backers—but the engineer she’d hired to develop her impact technology stole the remaining funds. “It was humiliating,” she says. “But I wasn’t going to quit.”
Out of the ashes, she designed something new: a sleek Italian-fabric moto legging with rosegold zippers. It was her own version of luxury athleisure. It wasn’t the knee-pad concept, but it was proof of concept: she could design, she could produce, she could sell.
When boutique fitness studios started calling, she knew she was onto something. And then the phone rang from Carbon38, one of the most influential retailers in the activewear world. They wanted her leggings.
“I didn’t even have inventory. We’d given it all to our Kickstarter donors.” she laughs. “But it was validation. It told me I was on the right track.”
Kadyluxe was born literally from her living room, where fabric bolts doubled as décor and cardboard boxes became furniture.
Scaling production meant finding affordable labor. The solution came from a place so improbable it bordered on satire: a group of exiled Mormon seamstresses living in Conifer, Colorado.
“They’d escaped Warren Jeffs’ sect,” Kady explains. “A friend said, ‘They’re incredible sewers, they just need work.’ So I drove up the mountain with bolts of metallic spandex in my Mini Cooper.”
The women stitched in long skirts and braids, hymns humming under their breath. “They were asking me about dating, drinking, sex,” she recalls, laughing. “They’d sip coffee (technically forbidden) and sew push-up bras for NFL cheerleaders. It was surreal.”
And yet, their work was immaculate. Those pieces ended up on the sidelines of the Dallas Cowboys, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and in Pure Barre studios across the country. “Ironically, one of my old ballet rivals—someone who I had always been intimidated by—became an NFL cheerleader and ended up ordering uniforms from me,” she says with a grin.
But she couldn’t keep driving fabric up the mountain forever. She needed scale...and science.
Kady cold-called the Colorado School of Mines and left a voicemail for a metallurgist named Dr. Terry Lowe. To her astonishment, he called back. His daughter was a ballerina. He understood.
Together, they experimented with flexible materials that could absorb impact without bulk. The result earned Kady a $30,000 state innovation grant and, eventually, a patent. Then, a few years later, another opportunity arrived: a $250,000 award from Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade through the Advanced Industries Accelerator program.
“I think I was one of the first women to win it in my category,” she says. “We used that money to expand R&D, file additional patents, and figure out how to manufacture the tech at scale. We discovered a proprietary way to integrate it seamlessly into other fabrics, like a hidden layer of protection.”
The applications blew past fashion. “It can be used in shoes, helmets, football gear, military uniforms, even aerospace,” she says. “Imagine lighter materials that still absorb impact. We can do that cheaply and sustainably.”
But turning prototypes into product required a new kind of education. So she booked a $500 flight to
Shanghai and landed in a world that changed everything.
There she met Bob and Tina, an American expat and his formidable Shanghainese wife, who became her mentors. “They took me under their wing,” she says. “Bob was this gruff guy from Jersey; Tina knew every factory in China. They taught me everything.”
Days started before dawn, driving to factories on the city’s fringes; nights ended in noodle shops, steam rising as Bob sketched patterns on napkins. “That was my MBA,” she says. “Not in a classroom, but in back-alley workshops.”
After seven trips to China, Kady came home fluent in the language of production. She finally had a sustainable business and the respect of an industry that had once dismissed her.
Then, just as the momentum crested, came the gut punch.
Kady had broken into collegiate licensing creating sleek, flattering university gear for women. It was lucrative and innovative until Lululemon noticed. “They saw what we were doing and went after the same market,” she says. “Overnight, we were outgunned.”
The setback nearly broke her. “I’d been hustling nonstop, working 16-hour days, skipping holidays, missing life,” she says. “I hit a wall. I didn’t even recognize myself anymore.”
She packed a bag and flew to South America for a series of ayahuasca ceremonies. “I needed to burn everything down and rebuild myself,” she says.
In the jungle, beneath a canopy of stars, she drank the bitter brew and watched her identity dissolve. “I saw every version of myself,” she says quietly. “The little girl in ballet slippers. The actress. The hustler. The woman who never gave up. I saw the things that were keeping me small and I forgave them all.”
When she returned home, something had shifted. “It was like my cells were on fire,” she says. “I wasn’t chasing anymore. I was creating.”
“When I look ahead, I see Kadyluxe evolving into a lifestyle platform. Fashion is just the entry point.”
Not long after, a thread from her past tugged forward. The Denver Broncos Cherrleading Coach, a client and supporter of Kady’s, ushered her into NFL conversations. A reminder that sometimes the path back to the future runs through where you began.
And then, her phone rang. It was a high-powered Denver Broncos executive. He wanted Kadyluxe to design the team’s new women’s collection.
“I thought it was a prank,” she says. “Then I realized it was real.”
For a local brand, the deal was monumental. Local licenses rarely, if ever, become available and typically, these decisions are quite political in nature. To say Kady was an underdog would be a massive understatement. For Kady, it was personal. “Denver made me,” she says. “To come full circle and design for the team that defines this city and to have it come through my dancing roots…it meant everything.”
When the collection launched, chaos followed but in the best way. The Love Letter Sweater sold out in hours. The Vinti Cardi disappeared next. Even the hand-drawn Game Changer Tee flew off racks. NFL.com sold out. The Broncos team store sold out. Kadyluxe’s own site sold out. “Girls come up to me crying,” she says. “They’re so grateful to finally have something stylish and feminine. Something that celebrates their team without being tacky or loud. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for.”
“It was the fastest women’s sell-out in Broncos history,” she says, still incredulous. “Women were literally undressing mannequins in the team store.”
The executive called again, this time to marvel. How does it feel? he asked. Kady pauses when she recounts it. “After everything, L.A., the losses, the burnout, to hear that from him? It was like the universe whispering, See? You were never small.”
The success made national headlines in the licensing world. For Kady, it was more than a commercial win, it was emotional closure. “From dancing on the Nuggets’ hardwood to dressing the Broncos’ sidelines,” she says, “all the pain had a purpose.”
The Broncos collection cemented Kadyluxe as more than a brand. It was a portal to something bigger.
“When I look ahead, I see Kadyluxe evolving into a lifestyle platform,” she says. “Fashion is just the entry point.”
That platform, in her mind, spans beauty, wellness, and spiritual growth. “I want to share everything that’s helped me,” she says. “From plant medicine and healing modalities to fabrics and products that carry real energy. It’s all connected.”
Her new obsession is high-vibration clothing—pieces designed with intention, crafted from materials that elevate rather than drain. “Linen has one of the highest frequencies of any fabric,” she explains. “I got these incredible linen sheets once, and they changed my sleep, my energy, my everything. I thought, Why doesn’t everyone know this? That’s what I want to share. Fashion that feels as good as it looks.” In Kady’s world, leggings can align your energy, sweaters can raise your frequency, and what touches your skin can shape your spirit. It’s audacious, yes, but so was every chapter of her life.
She envisions Kadyluxe as a digital ecosystem: part marketplace, part community, part movement. A space where women discover not only chic apparel but rituals, fabrics, and tools that make them feel alive. “It’s not just about what’s in your closet,” she says. “It’s about how you live, what you touch, what you let touch you.”
It’s the next evolution of a story already too wild to invent. A story stitched from risk, stitched from grace, stitched, truly, from fire.
THE EVOLUTION OF KADYLUXE, FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: Row 1: Kady, prior to her Ayahuasca ceremony in South America; Kady during one of her early trips to China; Kady with her mentors, Bob and Tina. Row 2: Kady with one of her unlikely sewers, an exiled woman from the Warren Jeffs Mormon sect; Kady today, shot at Broncos Stadium in anticipation of her collection; Kady and Dr. Terry Lowe with then Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper after being awarded $250,000 from Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Row 3: Late nights in China with Kady’s production team; A shot of Kady from her Denver Nuggets Dance audition; Kady during a Nuggets halftime performance.
JOHNNY BE GOOD
By Kevin Marr
HE’S REDEFINING WHAT MEXICAN CUISINE MEANS IN DENVER AND BEYOND—ONE MICHELIN STAR AT A TIME.
MEET CHEF JOHNNY CURIEL.
“We’re not scientists. We don’t do foams or molecular gastronomy or any of that stuff. Just rustic cooking that feels close to my heart.”
Maybe there isn’t any molecular gastronomy going on, but there’s definitely some astronomy quickly occurring at Cherry Creek’s most raved about restaurant, Alteño, because the manner in which he’s racking up Michelin Stars with his establishments, they’re going to have to name a new constellation after Johnny Curiel.
But don’t tell that to the famed 34-year-old chef and restaurateur by way of Guadalajara, Mexico. Like any other chef we’ve spoken to over the past seven years, he’s not chasing that sort of thing.
However, The Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation have quickly homed in on him.
Alma Fonda Fina and its neighboring Mezcaleria Alma in the LoHi neighborhood of Denver have both found Michelin Stardom in the past year with the former receiving the coveted Star in 2024 and the latter bursting into the dining stratosphere with its own Star here in 2025. Meanwhile, Curiel’s Cozobi Fonda Fina in Boulder also snagged a spot on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list this year as well and Alteño landing on Michelin’s 2025 Recommended List.
Not bad for a guy who got into the family business at age 14 washing dishes for his father’s restaurant, “Running and owning restaurants is something that my father, mother, aunts and grandparents all put in my system at early age,” Curiel explains on a May afternoon from an Alteño booth, clad in a black t-shirt and a tight, clean haircut, tattoos draped on both arms.
In public, he blends right in, but in the kitchen, you can’t miss him.
“Hospitality is what I like to do. On every Monday and his other days off from the restaurant my father Juan and his friends opened in Frisco (Colorado), he was always cooking for people. It was always who we were…the entertainers.” Johnny didn’t cook with his father growing up though. He didn’t learn that skill from his patriarch, “He wanted me to start from zero and have me understand what a dish pit was and having clean dishes and being organized, clean, and tidy and what that all meant. It was going to mean so much to me in the future.”
At age 16, Curiel saw his family move back to Guadalajara, but the teenager had other ideas, “I think about it this way,” he says with a smile, “As a young Mexican kid whose family had decided to move back to Mexico and I’d decided to stay in the U.S. and do what I wanted to do, there’s a breaking moment where I was the rebel who wanted to stay here.”
Fifteen years ago, down I-70 from Breckenridge where Curiel spent middle school and high school, there was a culinary buzz from the likes of Chef Troy Guard’s restaurant TAG, and Chef Jen Jasinki’s Rioja. Leaving Summit County in the rearview, Johnny headed down the mountain to be a part of the big city’s culinary coming-of-age, “I was lucky to work with mentors like Richard Sandoval, Troy Guard, Jamey Fader, Dave Query, and so many other people who I was always seeing the best of and what they did. I also wanted to learn from someone else’s mistakes because I didn’t want to make those mistakes myself or necessarily be just like that one person. I wanted to learn so much that I could become my own. It was about establishing myself, showing people what Mexican culture means, and putting a lot of pride into what I was cooking.”
Johnny Curiel was putting the name of Mexico out to Denver.
And then he decided he didn’t want to work for anyone anymore and looked to open up his own place. Ever since he could remember, the goal was to always have his own restaurant. He feels blessed to be born in a generation when chefs were no longer “not accepted.” What does Curiel mean by that? “In earlier times, it was, ‘Sure. You’re a chef. You cook for a living. That’s not really a career.’ Then Food Network came out along with all the shows, and James Beard, and now people want to know you.”
Well, people know Chef Johnny Curiel. Winning a couple Michelin Stars in no time flat and a James Beard nominee for best new restaurant will do that.
And now we come to Alteño in Cherry Creek at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club. Spanish for “highlands,” Alteño is an homage to his father’s hometown of Jalisco, Mexico, as Johnny sees Juan as the original highlander. “Alteño has been busy. We’ve been very well received by Cherry Creek and everybody.”
To put it mildly, the 94-seat space is always packed and the hottest ticket in town. It’s the fourth restaurant that he and his wife and business partner, Kasie, have created in under two years. Kasie is a seasoned and successful former restaurant group VP – most notably with the renowned Hillstone Restaurant Group. As Curiel tells it, his wheelhouse is cooking and creative, and Kasie is “really good at everything else.”
There’s so much more that goes into restaurants besides the food. She handles service, décor, payroll, insurance, accounts. You name it.
So, the menu? The food? The concept?
Start with world class seafood.
Curiel expounds, “When it comes to seafood and its freshness, I grew up with all of this and, to me, it was very important to make sure I paid the right homage to Jalisco and seafood because, in the United States more than anywhere else, people don’t associate Mexican food and seafood together (unless it’s ceviche). It goes so above and beyond if you think about it. Mexico is surrounded by water to the east and west. Seafood is a core part of our recipes and diet.”
The way they cook at Alteño is right on point with how Johnny remembers his family sharing meals, from the cornbread and stuffed mushrooms to his favorite Aguachile De Atun (bluefin tuna) and dishes like the unforgettable Gringa Al Pastor and Camote Asado. “I love to think of my cooking as rustic,” he says with a huge, unabashed smile, “It’s super traditional. We always focus on the ingredient and making sure whatever is on the plate is great. I feel like making it look pretty on the plate and everything else comes after that.”
From this mantra, “everything else that comes after that” has come in the form of warp speed accolades, and it’s a quizzical spotlight that still has Johnny’s head spinning, “If you told me the day I opened Alma that I would get a Michelin Star, I would have bet you $10 million dollars that it never would have happened,” he says astonished and deadpanned. “A James Beard nominee for best new restaurant? A joke. Never. Do we celebrate them? Of course. They are some of the best things that have ever happened to us, and it’s extremely meaningful because it’s something that our staff and guests deserve so much. It’s something our city deserves so much.”
Curiel pays devote respect to Denver’s dining scene and the culinary giants before him who’ve helped shaped the landscape, citing kitchen behemoths like Chef Alex Seidel,
“IT WAS ABOUT ESTABLISHING MYSELF, SHOWING PEOPLE WHAT MEXICAN CULTURE MEANS, AND PUTTING A LOT OF PRIDE INTO WHAT I WAS COOKING.”
Justin Brunson and Kelly Whitaker as a few who have helped pave the way for the Mile High City’s selected inclusion as one of the country’s must-eat destinations. He sees Colorado – and Denver in particular – riding a long wave that’s not even halfway to the shore, and that’s what excites him the most.
And while the restaurant industry in Denver is one of the most treacherous on Earth (that’s a separate article for another time), he’s never seen a more united front with those still standing. These days, restaurant owners and chefs see no shame in working together and sharing ideas. In a way, it’s survival of the fittest. They’ve collaborated and connected through roundtables 18 people deep. They convey what’s working for them and what might need tweaking. They discuss indispensable matters regarding wages, insurance, and labor costs. They recommend each other’s restaurants. It’s OK to be friends.
Sure, there’s still lots of competition but Johnny explains that it’s “the good competition” and healthy, “I want any other Mexican restaurant in the city to perform at their best because I need to perform at my best. If they’re performing, then that means I have to step up. It’s all synergy as a city. The economy wins. Restaurants win. Everybody wins. If there aren’t great restaurants and people around you, then you aren’t learning or moving up.”
So, it’s not about running your own race in this instance. It’s all about meeting at the finish line together.
For Johnny Curiel, dining out is another part of his mental fabric. He wants to see what restaurants are out there and support them when it’s needed and when it’s not needed, “Our food here in Denver is insane. Why would I not get out when I know I can get some of the best Japanese food at Kawa Ni; amazing Chinese food at Hop Alley; Vietnamese at Sap Sua and Dan Da; and wonderful Mexican food at Xiquita? You would have to be dumb to not go out and try their food.”
Meanwhile, back at his kitchens, Curiel has some Stars to maintain. He sees the pressure as normal. Not so much winning any more of them but retaining them. He doesn’t want to go backwards. Since day one, when he and Kasie opened Alma, the prices haven’t changed. The service style hasn’t changed. The husband-and-wife team have stayed true to who they are. Whatever happens, happens. If more awards come, then they’ll come, and if they don’t then they don’t.
“Michelin is so incognito,” he says with a grin, “For 365 days, you have to perform. For us, it’s one guest. One plate at a time.”
In the meantime, constant trips back to Guadalajara and beyond keep his never-at-rest brain going in developing and discovering different preparations and concepts for future creations.
“All I ever wanted was to open a good restaurant that I could be proud of. I want to be that neighborhood spot that people can relate to and say, ‘Shit. That was good.’ Whenever a chef in Denver has a day off, I want them to come here and say, ‘I want to eat with Johnny.”
Mission accomplished. Everyone wants to eat with Johnny.
Between you, me and the fence post…Curiel revealed that he has recipes for the next 10 years stemming from his life growing.
Sounds like he might have a future in this business.
“I LOVE TO THINK OF MY COOKING AS RUSTIC. IT’S SUPER TRADITIONAL. WE ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE INGREDIENT AND MAKING SURE WHATEVER IS ON THE PLATE IS GREAT. I FEEL LIKE MAKING IT LOOK PRETTY ON THE PLATE AND EVERYTHING ELSE COMES AFTER THAT.”
fall/holiday 2025
WE’RE FALLING FOR THE CHERRY CREEK DINING SCENE
Well, here we are again. Another fall season seducing us with its always highly anticipated line-up of scrumptious flavors and appetite-inducing dishes that make food so damn vitalizing for football season, crisp days and nights, and the heart-warming glow of the holidays. It’s not happening without the tireless efforts and brain trust in these chefs’ kitchens, those of which always have this time of the year circled on their respective calendars. So, what’s coming out hot and yummy for the next few months?
NARRATIVE
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW OFFERINGS THIS SEASON...
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB Executive Chef John Kramer I always think of warm, hardy food and abundance.
MAGNA KAINAN Executive Chef Carlos LaMagna It’s one of the most exciting times as we hit that confluence of late summer ingredients hanging on to their last moments and the new ones that thrive in cooler weather. Certain mushrooms start popping up for foraging season, along with some of the heartier squashes. That shift naturally leads us into warmer, heartier dishes. And of course, it’s the perfect time for soup. This is such a great transition period, not just for the weather, but for how we put together our menus. It’s a true time of abundance and creativity.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD Executive Chef Charles Albright Fall is all about comfort, warmth, and depth of flavor. It’s the season when the air turns crisp and kitchens start to fill with the aromas of roasting, braising, and baking. To me, it means celebrating harvest ingredients - squash, root vegetables, apples, pears, and earthy mushrooms - prepared in ways that feel grounding and cozy.
MATSUHISA DENVER Executive Chef Patrick McCready Fall signals the beginning of the holiday and party season. It’s a time for family, friends, and colleagues to come together. Food shifts dramatically from summer to fall as we look to the long winter ahead.
LOCAL JONES Executive Chef Matt Heikkila I always think of warm and comforting fall flavors. Apples, pears, pumpkins, squashes, root vegetables, sage, and warming/mulling spices.
HAPA SUSHI Managing Partner Ned Nichols I love our beautiful blackberry and almond margarita with Alban Eno tequila, and our new dinner menu features Colorado lamb tenderloin with a chipotle and honey glaze; pan seared beet-infused salmon fillet with orange and rosemary, bear Blanc sauce, and Chef Jason’s new strawberry gazpacho.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FALL MENU...
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB We really look forward to the versatile hard squash that becomes available throughout the season. We will also enjoy incorporating bitter greens. They are often a nice balance to the sweet squash.
MATSUHISA DENVER In one word: festive. You will see the winter squash to start the season and, as it progresses, you will see apples, pears, and all the different citrus of the winter season.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD Our fall menu will lean into hearty, rustic dishes with a modern twist. Expect hearty soup with a hint of spice, braised short ribs, seasonal vegetables, and desserts highlighting root veg and hearty fruits with warm spices. We’ll balance the richness with bright fall salads, nutty grains, and herbs that carry the freshness of summer into autumn.
LOCAL JONES: Some items will include braised lamb shank, grilled pork chops, seared duck breast and confit leg and thigh, green beans, Brussels sprouts, red kuri squash, and apples. I’m trying to focus on more international flavors with locally and regionally sourced ingredients.
MAGNA KAINAN: You’ll definitely start to see a few more dishes that are richer in flavor and texture as we move deeper into the season. Think slow roasts, braises, and stews that bring out those comforting, layered flavors that we all crave this time of year. We’ll be leaning into the bounty of fall ingredients - squashes, brassicas, root vegetables - and really letting them shine. And of course, all of it will carry that Filipino flair that ties our menus together and makes the food feel both familiar and unique.
HAPA SUSHI: In the winter, fish naturally fatten up to protect themselves from the cold, which means they’re at their most flavorful. To celebrate, we’ll be featuring a rotating selection of “special fish” each week. We’re also excited to bring back some beloved classics. After making menu changes last year, we heard from so many of our guests and, because of that overwhelming support, a few fan favorites are returning.
DESCRIBE THE PERFECT FALL MEAL...
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB A roasted pork shank with braised Swiss chard.
MATSUHISA DENVER I love a meal that is made by someone else while surrounded by my family and enjoying life through food and company.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD A perfect fall meal starts with something simple and soul-warming like a velvety pumpkin bisque. Then a slow-roasted main dish like herb-crusted lamb or a roasted chicken with root vegetables, paired with buttery mashed potatoes or wild rice. Dessert would be something classic and cozy, like an apple crisp or bread pudding with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. And of course, it all pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a spiced cider.
LOCAL JONES: I love a good traditional Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, glazed yams, and cranberry chutney.
MAGNA KAINAN: A perfect fall meal for me is something that truly celebrates the harvest and the ingredients of the season. I look forward to roasted wild mushrooms, crispy duck adobo, and squash cooked down in coconut milk until it’s rich and comforting. And of course, it has to end with a nice apple dessert like a classic apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For me, that kind of meal captures everything I love about fall - hearty and comforting, but also vibrant and full of flavor.
HAPA SUSHI: That’s easy. Start with a cup of soup - any kind will do – add then add a salad, followed by a hearty main like slow-simmered beef short ribs. And since it’s the season for layers, I like to finish it off with a scoop of seasonal ice cream to seal the deal.
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB Sauer Bratten. It’s a German marinated pot roast. My recipe is from my great grandmother.
MATSUHISA DENVER White fish sashimi, yuzu olive oil, soy salt, micro cilantro. It’s simple, clean, and very elegant.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD I love bringing something that feels festive but also travels well. A savory option might be a baked brie wrapped in puff pastry with cranberry chutney. It’s always a crowd pleaser. For something sweet, I’ll go with a spiced pumpkin roll or a rustic apple galette. Both are seasonal, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear quickly
LOCAL JONES: Mushroom and leek stuffing never disappoints.
MAGNA KAINAN: Honestly, the iconic duo of pancit (Filipino noodles) and lumpia (Filipino egg rolls) will always be a true crowd pleaser. I also love sharing family recipes that mean a lot to me, like my dad’s pork adobo or my mom’s version of pancit. It’s those flavors that really tell a story. But, if I am really trying to wow a big party, I might show up with a whole roasted pig.
HAPA SUSHI: I feel so lucky to call my co-workers at Hapa my family. Most of us have been here since the very beginning and, not to age myself, but that’s 25 years! During the holidays, we always celebrate with a potluck, and my go-to dish is Katsu chicken. It’s always a crowd favorite and it never fails to bring smiles all around.
Clayton Hotel & Membership Club invites you to explore exclusive gatherings and immersive experiences—all in the heart of Cherry Creek.
The most delicious Japanese + Hawaiian food fusion
"Hapa" is derived from the Hawaiian term that describes a harmonious blend of Asian & American cultures.
Thus, our menu is based on traditional Japanese cooking fundamentals which are then amplified, muted, or mixed with influences from many different styles of cooking until they are something completely new: they're Hapa.
LANDMARK
FALL 2025
A5 STEAKHOUSE
1600 15TH STREET
303.623.0534 / A5DENVER.COM
ASH’KARA
2005 W 33RD AVENUE
303.537.4407 / ASHKARADENVER.COM
AVIANO COFFEE ON 2ND
215 ST PAUL ST. SUITE 180
720.389.9948 / AVIANOCOFFEE.COM
AY PAPI
248 DETROIT STREET
AYPAPIDENVER.COM
BAR AMORINA
233 CLAYTON STREET
303.532.8980 / BARAMORINA.COM
BAR DOUGH
2227 W 32ND AVENUE
720.668.8506 / BARDOUGHDENVER.COM
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB
233 CLAYTON STREET
303.551.1600 / CLAYTONDENVER.COM
FORGET ME NOT
227 CLAYTON STREET
720.259.5369 / FORGETMENOTDENVER.COM
FOX AND THE HEN
2257 W 32ND AVENUE
303.862.6795 / FOXANDTHEHEN.COM
HAPA SUSHI
3030 E SECOND AVENUE
303.322.9554 / HAPASUSHI.COM
KUMOYA
2400 W 32ND AVENUE
303.862.6664 / KUMOYADENVER.COM
LOCAL JONES
249 COLUMBINE STREET
720.772.5022 / HALCYONHOTELCHERRYCREEK.COM
MATSUHISA DENVER
98 STEELE STREET
303.339.6628 / MATSUHISARESTAURANTS.COM
MISTER OSO
103 S OGDEN STREET
303.955.0352 / MISTEROSODENVER.COM
MAGNA KAINAN
1350 40TH STREET
720.524.8684 / MAGNADENVER.COM
NARRATIVE
222 MILWAUKEE STREET, IN THE JACQUARD
720.571.8080 / NARRATIVECHERRYCREEK.COM
OLLIE & PARK’S
1210 E 17TH AVENUE
720.769.3427 / OLLIEPARKS.COM
SENOR BEAR
3301 TEJON STREET
720.572.5997 / SENORBEARDENVER.COM
TAP & BURGER
2219 W 32ND AVENUE
720.287.4493 / TAPANDBURGER.COM
I’m Dreaming of a Chic Christmas
Pictured Here: Sophia Loren wearing head to toe Christian Dior as she trims the tree at her Roman villa. December 23, 1971.
Photo courtesy Getty Images
PHOTO BY SARA FORD PHOTOGRAPHY
Curated Comfort. Enduring Beauty.
This season, celebrate the art of gathering in spaces that exude warmth and intention. At HW Home, our collection of design-forward furnishings brings understated luxury to every corner of your home — from the glow of the dining room to the calm of a well-dressed living space. Explore our Cherry Creek North showroom at 239 Detroit Street and discover oneof-a-kind pieces, custom upholstery, and thoughtful accents that make every moment feel timeless.
