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HELPING PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF CHANGE
Raquel Hinman, CFP® has more than 25 years experience offering financial planning and investment management to people going through a major life transition.
Hinman Financial Planning, Inc. is a fee-only fiduciary that can help you with:
• Retirement planning
• Understanding the impact of an inheritance
• Post-divorce planning
Hinman Financial Planning, Inc. is a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor. We do not sell products or earn commissions. We do provide financial planning and investment solutions that are tailored to your needs, keeping you at the center of the relationship.
Trisha Ventker About the Editor
Trisha Ventker is a published author, award-winning photographic artist, branding and viral visibitity expert and publisher of Denver, Luxury magazine.
Reader impressions have surpassed 12 million for the magazines, with the Denver Luxury magazine leading readership, being nationwide.
Denver Colorado Luxury magazine has covered 17 major fashion houses, and in addition to the local and international fashion scene, featured are international and fashion travel, local and worldwide celebrities, food and wine, and the bustling Denver art scene.
Ventker is best known for her Amazon best selling book Internet Dates From Hell which had the movie rights optioned by Paula Wagner. Trisha is also one of the first Indie Book authors to have a book optioned for the big screen.
Ventker is originally from New York City, presently residing in Colorado for the last 17 years, with her husband and son.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Trisha Ventker
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
Trisha Ventker CONTRIBUTORS
Richard Carroll
Mary Hill
Michael Moore
David Rossa
Trisha Ventker
cover photo credit : David Rossa stylist: Tiaja Pierre
Feature
The Fire Within: How Chef Dana Rodriguez Is Redefining Modern Mexican Cuisine
Home
Denver Metro Fall Housing Market: A Season of Distinct Contrasts
Fashion
Kate Spade—An Iconic Fashion Designer all that glitters
Food & Wine
Worth the Splurge: Steak Frites Around Town
Travel
Aloha Hawaii
The Blake, Taos’ Grandeur
The Mark Hotel: New York’s Most Stylish State of Mind
Mexico City Part 3: Vibrant Mexico City: A Feast for the Senses
Health & Beauty
Holiday Glow
Gift Guide
Must Haves: Holiday Gift Ideas
Denver Guide
Hotels, Restaurants, Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches Boutiques and Culture
Contributors
Richard Carroll
“Kate Spade—An Iconic Fashion Designer”
Mary Hill
“New Construction vs Existing Home Purchase --Which Offers the Better ROI?”
Contributors
“Holiday
David Rossa “all that glitters”
Trisha Ventker “Aloha Hawaii”
“The Blake, Taos’ Grandeur”
“The Mark Hotel: New York’s Most Stylish State of Mind”
“Mexico City Part 3: Vibrant Mexico City: A Feast for the Senses”
Michael Moore
Glow”
FEATURE
FEATURE
Q
Meet Chef Dana Rodriguez
Business-owner, chef, and entrepreneur Dana Rodriguez knows how to turn up the heat. “Loca,” as she’s known by her friends and team members, hails from a farm in Chihuahua, Mexico where she grew up without running water or electricity under the watchful eye of a mother who taught her to grind corn daily into masa for tortillas. In her early 20s, Dana relocated to Denver and took a job at the city’s storied Panzano restaurant, starting as dishwasher and eventually working her way up to the position of Executive Chef while learning the ropes of the industry working and learning alongside some of the city’s top culinary talent.
Since then, Dana has gone on to open the Denver essential Work and Class, Super Mega Bien, and global steakhouse Carne. At the close of 2021, Dana was announced as Culinary Partner at Casa Bonita, bringing her brand of “loca” to the iconic, beloved Colorado restaurant and entertainment experience. Dana has garnered an impressive six James Beard nominations, including in the 2023 “Outstanding Chef” category.
A
Chef Dana Rodriguez
with
DCultural Roots: Where are you originally from? How has your heritage influenced your culinary style and the flavors you bring to your menus?
DI grew up on a farm in Chihuahua, Mexico that didn’t have running water or electricity. My earliest memories are of my mom grinding corn every morning to make fresh tortillas. That sound was part of our daily rhythm. When I was 24, I came to Denver to visit family and fell in love with Colorado. My heritage inspires everything I do in the kitchen. Even after all these years working in kitchens focused on French, Italian and other cuisines, it’s the concepts and techniques from home that ground my menus. People always think it’s interesting that I don’t have a Mexican restaurant, but my inspiration comes more from the way my parents would feed everyone who showed up at our door.
DEarly Inspiration: What first sparked your passion for cooking, and when did you know it would become your career?
DI never planned to be a chef. When I came to Denver in 1998 I just needed a job! I had studied computer engineering in Mexico, but as a single mom with three daughters I was focused on survival, not dreams. I first applied to be a dishwasher at Casa Bonita but they told me I wasn’t qualified, which was the first story I told Matt Stone and Trey Parker when I was meeting them in 2021 to talk about the Culinary Director role at Casa Bonita. To go from being denied a job as a dishwasher, to being hired to oversee all culinary operations there is pretty incredible.
DTraining & Mentorship: Can you share a pivotal moment or mentor from your early training who shaped your approach in the kitchen?
DChef Jennifer Jasinski changed my life when she became executive chef at Panzano. She saw something in me that I did not see and took me under her wing. She taught me everything - not just how to cook, but how to run a business, how to treat employees, how to understand the numbers. When Jen and Beth Gruitch opened Rioja, they invited me to be a partner and sous chef, and I stayed with them for 17 years. I left Rioja to open Work & Class and it was one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had. Jen was like my big sister, who protected me and watched over me to make sure I was ok. She shaped me into the restaurant owner and entrepreneur I am today.
DCareer Journey: You’ve cooked in various kitchens before Denver— what were some of the most important stops along your path, and what did each teach you?
DAt Panzano, I learned so much about Italian cooking, starting from basics like how to make pasta, and at the same time I was working second and third jobs at places like Tamayo and The Cheesecake Factory because I had three daughters to support and I wanted to learn as much as I could. I helped open Tamayo with Richard Sandoval - we actually just cooked together again recently - and I worked with Kevin Taylor and at some of John Hickenlooper’s restaurants. Each place taught me something different. At Rioja, I spent seven years mastering Mediterranean food, then at Bistro Vendôme I learned all about French cuisine. People were like, “a Mexican chef for a French restaurant?” But that’s exactly why I wanted to do it. I wanted to do things that weren’t expected of me. I always want to push myself. Each of those experiences taught me something different, but they also taught me what I didn’t want to do. After years in fine dining (and I loved it!), I started thinking about food that felt more like home. Simple, honest food at a fair price. That’s what led to the opening of Work & Class.
DDefining Challenges: What was the biggest challenge you faced early in your career, and how did overcoming it make you the chef you are today?
DThe most significant challenge for me early in my career was the language barrier. That and being underestimated because I was a Latina woman. Twenty years ago, it was hard enough being female in a kitchen, but being a Latina who barely spoke English? I learned quickly that you don’t have to fight with people to prove you’re talented, you show them through your work. You show up earlier, you work harder, you never complain. I learned to be a leader without losing my heart - what makes me, “me.” Now I make sure my employees feel valued and respected by offering health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation time, bonuses and more. Some of my kitchen staff have been with me for decades.
DCasa Bonita, Carne, Work & Class and Day Shift: Tell us about how you became the executive chef and culinary partner at Casa Bonita. What inspired Carne? What about Work and Class? And a new daytime spot called Day Shift?
DWork & Class came from wanting to do something different after all those years in fine dining. I wanted to create a place with a square meal and a stiff drink at a fair price, which was very different for Denver at that time. No fuss, just good food and a great time! We opened in 2014 in RiNo when it wasn’t the hot spot it is now, and we just expanded with a new location in Englewood this past September. Dayshift by Work & Class is our all-day café concept, something I’ve wanted to do for a while. We’re right across from Craig Hospital, where people could grab quality breakfast and lunch that feels accessible, familiar, but still has my twist on it. We’re doing Avocado Toast-adas instead of boring avocado toast plus much more.
Carne was something I’d been thinking about for a while-a globally inspired steakhouse that breaks all the rules of what we think steakhouse is. I wanted to create a place where people walk through the door and feel sexy, feel the energy, and think, “This isn’t a normal steakhouse.” We found and transformed the former Il Posto space in just two months, creating this 1970s-inspired spot with a menu of dishes and meats from around the world that is still very accessible. Whether you want to come several times a week and sit at the bar for a quick bite, or stop in to go big for a special night of celebration, Carne is that place!
Casa Bonita is such a full-circle moment for me. When the new owners approached me about being the culinary partner, my first reaction was, “I bet I’m qualified now!” But of course, it took about two seconds for me to say yes to the incredible opportunitiy. Taking something so beloved to Colorado and making the food actually good while keeping the magic was the kind of challenge I wanted. I’m really proud of the team we’ve built and that we’ve preserved something for future generations to enjoy telling my story.
DSignature Dish Story: If you could choose one dish that best represents your artistry and heritage, what would it be, and what’s the story behind it?
DThat’s easy, Pozole! It’s one of the things I remember most from my childhood, my family’s “good-moments” dish. We made it with dried guajillo chiles and whatever protein we had on hand. We would nixtamalize the hominy ourselves and have it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, any family reunion! Now we joke it’s for hangovers, but really, it’s about keeping the tradition alive. I also love making mole. It’s really like a love letter. The mole that we serve at Carne has plantains from Peru, chocolate and Oaxaca peppers from Mexico. I work directly with farmers and artisans in Mexico to source ingredients because it’s about creating jobs and relationships in both countries. If you take care of the people doing the work, everyone grows together.
DLooking Ahead: You’ve already made a name for yourself in Denver’s culinary scene—what do you envision the next chapter of your career unfolding?
DWe’re looking at opening more Work & Class locations. The Englewood expansion has been great, and I think that model of partnering with local farms, keeping prices fair, and above all creating community will appeal to people in other places too. I’m focused on doing right by my employees, supporting local suppliers, and proving you can build something successful without losing your soul. I’m also continuing my work with nonprofits. I’m involved with over 20 organizations, including SafeHouse Denver, Latinas First Foundation, and Work Options for Women.Above all, I want to keep creating opportunities for others the way my mentors created opportunities for me. Bringing employees on as partners, providing paths to ownership, showing that success and generosity aren’t mutually exclusive! That’s the legacy I want to build.
HOME
HOME
“New Construction vs Existing Home Purchase-Which Offers the Better ROI?”
Mary Hill
New Construction vs Existing Home PurchaseWhich
Offers the Better ROI?
Mary Hill Broker/Realtor
Mary Hill Properties
Home Buying?
If you’re considering buying a home in Denver, it’s time to look at more than just curb appeal.
Are you weighing the benefits of new construction vs. existing homes? Whether you’re drawn to new construction homes in Denver, or charming resale home, each comes with its own ROI profile. Let’s break it down from an ROI perspective so you can make an informed decision.
New construction
•Modern efficiency and long term value.
•No major repairs needed for 10 to 20 years.
•Appliances, furnace, air conditioning unit, roof, windows are all new.
•Energy efficient design save money year over year.
•Potential to choose your own finishes
•Pre-construction pricing and better loan rates
•Faster appreciation in growing markets
•Typically smaller lots usually further out
•May need window treatments and landscaping
Existing Construction
•Charm
•Space
•Immediate value
•Established neighborhoods
•No added costs for window treatments, landscaping or appliances
•Existing infrastructure; Sewer, electric, plumbing, water, are already in place
•May require updates or repairs sooner depending on the age of the home
So, which offers the better ROI? It depends on your goals. If you want turnkey efficiency and modern design and features, new construction might be the smarter play. If you’re seeking space, character, and lower upfront costs, an existing home could win out.
Mary has been a realtor since 2016. She specializes in maximizing the return on your home your largest investment. If she isn’t selling or showing homes you will find her playing poker, watching college basketball games or spending time with her family.
“Playing dress up begins at age five and never truly ends”
Kate Spade
“Kate Spade—An Iconic Fashion Designer”
Richard Carroll
Kate Spade, during her beguiling 55 years on this planet, created a dynasty. Exceedingly intelligent, she was vastly motivated with a boundless eye for fashion, the art of style, and the panache, and lifestyle of New York City. Katy, as her family and friends called her, was a prolific author, publishing some seven books, as well as large embossed table volumes, such as New York, Things We Love and Places to Go and People to See, while always surrounding herself with lifetime friends who slipped into her creative dreams of fashion and her stylish, colorful, and playful, handbags.They also enjoyed the challenging journey with her from college and virtually insolvent to creating a major fashion house. She wrote in her book Style that her favorite color was green which evoked to her, freshness, youth, fertility, the safety of traffic lights, the calm of nature, and Kermit’s easy grin. The little green book with a cover depiction of her walking her dog Henry, is like connecting to an old friend with a peppy conversation and a page-turner you hope will never end.
A Lady for All Seasons
Her loving attention to the world around her, and a strong understanding of the art of fashion, and color were robust identifications brought forward by her skillful dexterity, mischievous sense of humor, and tireless work ethic. Similar to Coco Chanel, Balenciaga, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Vivienne Westwood, she was able to grasp her dream, and take it for an exciting ride into a selective world of color and fabric, with a great honesty of style. Spade was born, Katherine Noel Brosnahan, on Christmas Eve, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, of primarily Irish descent. Her parents, Earl and June Brosnahan, owned a road-construction company, and homelife consisted of four sisters and a brother, and with the astute skill of creativity running brilliantly in the Brosnahan DNA, she is also the aunt of actress Rachel Brosnahan.
Lifechanging Decisions
She attended an all-female Catholic high school, and the University of Kansas, wherein August 1981 she met Elyce Arons, who became a lifetime friend, and co-founder of the Spade fashion house, and who later wrote a bestselling book, “We Might Just Make It After All. My Best Friendship with Kate Spade”. With the essence of youthful passion and spirit, they decided it was time to spread their wings and move forward, and spontaneously packed their bags and transferred to Arizona State University in Tempe, was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and where she met Andy Spade—not love at first sight, but a couple to be. With finances tight, Kate worked in sales at Carter’s Men Shop in Phoenix, where Andy also worked. She graduated in 1985 with a sharp eye for fashion, and a degree in journalism.
In 1986, Katie, Andy Spade, and Elyce moved back to Manhattan—a city that Kate exceedingly esteemed. She found a job at Mademoiselle Magazine in 1986, achieving the position of senior fashion editor and head of accessories. During her six years with Mademoiselle, and with lengthy discussions with Elyce and Andy, and a sharp eye, she felt the utilitarian or effective use of stylish and affordable handbags was lacking, and in 1991, departed Mademoiselle, and by 1993, decided to take a huge step and go into the handbag business.
Kate Spade, Fashion Realized
Not one of her friends were familiar with an extremely difficult fashion house startup, Kate was the designer, Elyce marketing and business development, Pamela Bell, another close friend, production, and Andy the creative director, advertising, and investment supporter, providing $30,000 initial funding from hard-earned 401(K) savings, his retirement nest egg, which would produce the first run of Kate Spade, handbags. Ambiguous on a brand name with Brosnahan being too unwieldy, Kate Spade was founded in January 1993, and a year later, married Andy. They launched with a collection of six high quality, affordable, and colorful handbags, sleek with modern designs, created with paper and Scotch tape, including the popular “Sam Bag,” a black, boxy, simple tote made from waterproof nylon, sold for $200, all of which had been created by Kate with Scotch tape and paper. The early years were not profitable, and living in a Tribeca loft, which served as an office and warehouse, and posting years of demanding marketing and trade shows, until retailers, Barney’s New York, made a purchase, as did Fred Segal, Los Angeles, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue, who ordered bags in bulk.
In 1996 they opened a small, 400-square-foot boutique in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, a popular gathering place for the up and coming fashionistas, and were exceptionally successful. The Kate Spade handbags were seen throughout the city, as young adults adored them for their stylish and urban look, while others were drawn to the pricing and functional, refined appearance. The often quoted, Fern Mallis, director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America during the 1990s, wrote, “Everybody had Kate Spade bags. You could afford them, and happily buy more than one.” The company expanded into accessories and whimsical clothing, and in 1995 Kate Spade was nominated for a Council of Fashion Designers of America award, CFDA , to recognize and celebrate excellence in American fashion.
In 1999, Spade sold a 56% stake in her business to Neiman Marcus Group, to help expand the brand worldwide, and in 2006, sold her remaining shares to them, so she could spend time with her daughter, Francis Beatrice Valentine Spade, who was born in 2005. In 2016, she launched a new collection of luxury footwear and handbags under the brand name Francis Valentine.
Depression and Suicide.
Kate Spade, brilliant, charming, and with extended creative powers, is a vibrant legacy that still matters, and with an inner voice we’ll never know. Married for 24 years, not divorced, however for 10 months living separately within a few blocks of husband, Andy Spade. They spoke daily, while their teenage daughter, Francis Beatrice, was living with both parents. For years Kate suffered from depression and anxiety, while also seeing a doctor regularly and taking medication for depression. A housekeeper on June 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. found Kate in her Manhattan apartment, which was ruled suicide by hanging, age 55. A note to her 13-year old daughter, found on a bed near her body, read, “Bea—I have always loved you. This is not your fault. Ask Daddy!” Under rainy skies on a Thursday, designer Kate Spade was laid to rest in Kansas City, Missouri, her hometown. Hundreds of mourners gathered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Catholic Church, with many clutching their Kate Spade bags in tribute. The funeral was held in the same location where her grandparents were wed, and a day before, on Wednesday night, her father, Earl Brosnahan, Jr., 89, passed from a failing heart and heartbreak over the death of his treasured daughter. Kate Spade New York announced plans to donate $1 million to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness causes. Kate, at the time of her death, had an estimated net worth of $200 million, but regardless, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Depression can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, impacting daily life, including thoughts of death and suicide. Health experts urge, “If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional.” According to research, women are nearly twice as likely, as men to be diagnosed with depression, and it can occur at any age. The United States Suicide Lifeline, 988, is available 24/7/365.
Of Note
The Kate Spade brand generated approximately $1.4 billion in net sales in 2023, with 397 directly operated retail boutiques across the world.
Richard Carroll is a nationally known travel writer honored with eight international writing awards. Richard has covered all seven continents, and with family heritage dating to early Colorado.
FOOD&WINE
FOOD&WINE
Worth the Splurge: Steak Frites Around Town
Whether a sophisticated steakhouse or casual bistro, steak frites is a classic dish that is perfect on any occasion. Paired it with a martini or a glass of red and you have a decadent yet well-balanced meal. On the menu at dozens of restaurants across town at various price points, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots that we deem worth the splurge.
Jill’s Restaurant
In Boulder, located within St Julien Hotel & Spa, Jill’s Restaurant offers a thoughtful menu featuring fresh, local and dynamic ingredients sourced from its own on-site garden, the Boulder’s seasonal and through partnerships with local farms, creameries and ranches-each used to create scratch-made food, including pasta, bread, pastries, sauces, jus and more, including the demi-glace served with its steak frites. The dish, available on the dinner menu, is made with a prime Coulotte steak topped with a Dijon demi-glace and served with an arugula salad, roasted garlic and fries ($42). 900 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
Local Jones
Local Jones is a warm and inviting neighborhood restaurant and bar in the heart of Cherry Creek North with contemporary American cuisine. Steak Frites ($48) here are made with strip steak served with a house-made green peppercorn steak sauce and herbed fries-just enough so that guests inevitably want to settle in and stay awhile. 249 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
Le Palais Frites
Le Palais Frites at Palace Arms inside The Brown Palace is serving a French-inspired pre-fixe menu with steak frites as a highlight. For $49, guests can enjoy an 8oz Creekstone Flatiron Steak with Cognac Sauce Au Poivre, or upgrade to a Brunson Meats Noble 16oz Dry-Aged New York Strip (+$36), butter-basted and finished with the same classic sauce. Each order is paired with bottomless duck fat fries, plus a choice of starter and dessert, making it a can’t-miss dining experience in one of Denver’s most historic settings. 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
The Fort
While steak frites may not technically be on the menu at The Fort, guests can still enjoy one of the best steaks in town, including a couple of bison varieties, and crisped-to-perfection fries. For the ultimate menu hack, order William Bent’s buffalo filet mignon aux poivre, an eight-ounce buffalo filet served with brandy peppercorn sauce and sub in in a side of crip, double-fried French fries-perfect for dipping in the rich cream sauce. 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465
Courtesy of Jill’s Restaurant
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Outrigger’s Aloha Hawaii
Trisha Ventker
Outrigger’s Aloha Hawaii
Trisha Ventker
The islands of Hawaii appeared like a string of sparkling pearls emerged in a deep blue background, while scattered clouds played games with the sun, as we approached Kona on the Big Island. The islands, rising upward from the ocean millions of years ago in a mighty pulsating force of lava energy, are geographically isolated in the vast Pacific Ocean; however, the volcanic-formed islands were of great significance for the skilled Polynesians, who, in their trusty double-hulled, voyager canoes with sails woven from strips of hala, leaves from the pandanus tree, departed from the Marquesas, on a 2,000 mile journey to the islands, involving several months. Guided by the stars, migrating bird flight patterns, ocean swells, wind patterns, and cloud formations, it was not a singular event for the Polynesians, but rather a process of expansion and settlement. Today, the Polynesians navigational feat stands among the world’s best ever. Luckily for my husband, Tom, and me, flying United Airlines from Denver to Kona, to the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, it was a sweet, non-stop, seven and-a-half hour flight, and we were greeted with the colorful and pungent leis, always a warm welcome for visitors, symbolizing the Hawaiian spirit of hospitality.
The Big Island
Rich with history, legends, and heritage, the Big Island is larger than all other Hawaiian Islands combined, with an incredible 266 miles of attractive coastline, and the only Hawaiian Island with a roadway that circles the entire island. The birthplace of King Kamehameha, the distinguished monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands, and a former playground of Hawaiian royalty, the island is home to five separate shield volcanoes, with Kilauea the most famous and most active, while Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth by volume, and Mauna Kea, when measured from its underwater base, is the world’s tallest mountain, higher than Mount Everest, though all five are regarded as “sacred” by the ancient Hawaiian people.
Kona, in the Hawaiian language, means “leeward” or dry side of the island, while the sunny Kona District stretches an expansive two thirds of the west side of the island, some 60 miles alongside one of Hawaii’s most striking coastlines, lined with lava fields, and rich volcanic soil ideal for the island’s esteemed coffee farms, To the south is Kealakekua Bay, where British explorer Captain James Cook, 59, in 1778 first set foot on the island, and where he was eventually killed, foolishly attempting to kidnap Kalani’opu’u, the ruling chief of the island. Cook is buried offshore at Kealakekua Bay.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
The 22-acre, 511-room and suite, Kona Outrigger is a beauty, designed on craggy lava rock cliffs, overlooking Keauhou Bay and the Pacific Ocean, where the giant manta rays can be seen up close. We were anxious to make a fair exchange of Denver’s bracing mountain air for Kona’s ocean breezes, as the Hawaii reporting trip is a vivid immersion into history, culture, and the Hawaiian hospitality that lingers long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. The property, fresh from a $60-million transformation, overlooks Keauhou Bay, where legend says Hawaiian royalty once bathed in the nearby cooling tide pools, while enjoying the island setting.
Outrigger’s Aloha Hawaii
The staff was welcoming with big smiles, and a rare surprise for me was an upgrade to the Presidential Suite, complete with a private balcony the size of a small home, with two baths, living room, kitchen, and a dressing room lined with mirrors like a tailor’s studio, and ocean views. Outrigger pulsates with activities, from sunrise yoga to ukulele lessons, a Kaukulaelae walking tour, slide races, lei-making workshops, and the lively Feast & Fire Lu’au, a torchlit celebration of music and dance. Anxious to experience the Outrigger’s kitchen expertise, we reserved a table at Piko that set a brilliant Big Island vibe. Tom savored his selection of the catch of the day, a yellowfin tuna titled Lime Poached Ahi, in a tasty shiitake butter sauce, while I warmed to a bowl of Keauhou Chowder speckled with ulu, or breadfruit, and ali’i mushrooms offering a sweet and mild flavor, and grown on the Big Island. The Hawaiian word ono means “delicious” in English, and a fitting description for the Keauhou Chowder.
A Walk Through Ancient Keauhou
A splendid way to start an Outrigger, Big Island morning is a lavish buffet breakfast at V47, and then with guide Nikki, a cultural walking tour through the historically significant area of ancient Keauhou, a royal residence and birthplace of King Kamehameha III, and views of attractive Keauhou Bay with ageless fishing ponds and considered a sacred birthplace of royalty, and where Lonoikamakahiki, a 17th century king, once ruled. The village was a critical fishing location for the earliest Hawaiians, with numerous historical sites such as temple platforms dating to the 1400s functioning as a solar calendar. The spectacular, steep-sided lava rock, Keauhou Bay cliffs offer stunning and captivating ocean vistas, rippled by an offshore breeze, an occasional boat, and trails of seabirds on the hunt. The coastal landscape stretching endlessly, is a reminder that we are on a volcanic conceived island, the land extending from the sea to the mountains providing the Hawaiians, farming in the uplands and fishing in the ocean.
Houla Poolside Bar & Lounge
Back at the Outrigger, lunch for guests is served at the Houla Poolside Bar & Lounge, where we shared Fish Tacos in warm, double cheese corn tortillas, with the fresh catch of the day that was lightly Cajun crusted, and bright with papaya seed vinaigrette and pineapple salsa, all pure island flavor, along with a side of coleslaw sprinkled with spicy aioli pineapple sauce and dashed with fresh jalapeño lime. The Hawaiian Poke was created with in Amona sweet onion, ogo, chili pepper, and kimchi. The refreshment was Pog, a clever mix of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. Our dining medleys were popular Outrigger selections with guests, and something we would order again.
Manta Ray Night Dive with Sea Quest Hawaii
A soothing bonus is lounging on the patio and admiring the wondrous and indecisive ocean, and for us, it was thinking about our upcoming night dive. We enjoyed an early dinner at Piko with a charcuterie board layered with mango, goat cheese, brie, and a huge Bavarian pretzel. A Miso cookie for dessert, and another glass of tasty Pog. With the sun below the horizon, we headed to the bay, and a night dive that turned out to be an absolutely incredible experience. I felt a flicker of nerves, and was a bit afraid due to the darkness, and the impulsive Pacific Ocean, but once I was snorkeling with the group and observing the beautiful, graceful creatures, gentle cousins of sharks, glide by me. I was hooked. An ocean giant with a fifteen foot wingspan swooped beneath me, lit by soft blue lights, others slipped by in a slow, mesmerizing ballet, and fear gave way to wonder. It’s an exceptional Hawaiian remembrance to experience these gentle creatures up close. Thursday, our last day on the Big Island, we wandered the property with Misha Vavru, the director of Group Sales, who proudly shared the details of the sweeping renovation, an expansive wedding chapel, no resort or parking fees, and the essence of Hawaiian throughout, though we were informed that guests removing lava rocks from the volcanoes is considered bad luck, so, for us, the lava rocks can remain at ease. An enjoyable touch was the evening’s Feast & Fire ’Lu’au that was set against the Grand Lawn and Keauhou Bay; the performance traced the arrival of Polynesians across the Pacific, and the vibrant eras that shaped Hawaii. Drums were sounding, torches were blazing, and we were swept into centuries of island storytelling.
Outrigger
Reef Waikiki Beach Resort—Lava Cliff to City Surf
Reporting for the publication, and following readers’ requests, I felt it was significant to cover editorially at least one of the five Outrigger O’ahu properties. A quick 40-minute flight carried us from Kona’s quiet drama to the lively heartbeat of O’ahu, where history is alive. In 1947, when air travel was considered luxurious and elegant, guests were booking Pan American, World Airways, and United Airlines, or sailing on the 800 passenger Matson SS Lurline, from the 1930s until the 1960s between San Francisco and Honolulu on a four to five day sail, docking near the famed Aloha Tower. The ship was a huge support to help establish Hawaii as a premier tourist destination before jet air travel. The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, with 658 rooms and suites, and three towers ranging from five to 18 floors, is celebrating 75 years of operation, and a $80-million renewal, symbolizes the life force of old Hawaii while involving today’s traveler. It’s complimentary cultural programming keeps traditions alive with lei making, a Hawaiian vow-renewal ceremony, hula lessons, and for younger guests, ages 5-11, a firsthand adventure is the new Coral Kids Club, focusing on a safe, supervised space to learn about ocean conservation, sustainable practices, and healthy living.
Cirque du Soleil
We popped into the Outrigger’s Kani Ka Pila Grille and lunched on coconut shrimp and ahi tuna nachos before stepping into the spell of Auana, the first Cirque du Soleil resident show in Hawaii. The Canadian company, founded in 1979 by talented and acrobatic street entertainers, is a modern circus without animals, performing high-level acrobatics, and has been honored with several Emmy awards. Watching the show at the Outrigger’s custom-designed, 784 guest theater, the company’s home, I felt it was a tribute to Hawaiian culture, with breathtaking acrobatics, including the hula, and eight remarkable chapters of journeys from ancient Polynesian migrations to the golden age of Hawaiian tourism. The performance is an overall celebration of the island’s mo’olelo (stories) and is intensely rooted in Hawaiian history. Our heads buzzing with acrobatic sizzle, dinner selection was the Maui Brewing Company. They have multiple taps offering their own craft beers, year-round selections, and rotating seasonal beers with a distinct island weave. A seasonal example is a light, crisp, Japanese-style lager beer brewed with rice. Their craft beer isserved with playful bites such as Roasted Pork Belly Bao Buns, and “The Origami” pizza, and for me a tasty island-brewed root beer.
Outrigger’s Aloha Hawaii
A Swim with O’ahu’s Green Sea Turtles
Since snorkeling with stingrays on the Big Island, a swim with green sea turtles on O’ahu was a must. The adventure began with breakfast at V47, followed by a shuttle to Kewalo Basin Harbor for an Iruka Hawai’i’s Waikiki Canyon Turtle Snorkel. The name of O’ahu’s prized wild green sea turtles is honu. The honu is the most common sea turtle found in Hawaiian waters and is the only species in the islands known to come ashore to bask in the sun. Over 95% of the Hawaiian green sea turtle population nests in the remote French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and frequently travels to the main Hawaiian Islands, including O’ahu, to forage for food and rest on the beaches. In Hawaiian culture, honu are regarded as sacred creatures and sometimes seen as spiritual guardians, and by law it’s illegal to touch, feed, or harass them. Beneath a sky as blue as a Hawaiian postcard, we swam alongside the honu, schools of tropical fish, and even a baby octopus finding its way. A certified PADI diver in my younger days, I felt a rush of nostalgia for the quiet magic of the underwater world, and experiencing the honu.
The Outrigger Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman was our dinner choice. Noted for Hawaiian regional cuisine shining local farm to table ingredients, live music, ocean views, and handmade cream pies. I find that worldwide beverage creations are often creative, and Tom ordered “The Morning After,” designed with Monkeypod single barrel, Maestro Dobel tequila, Xicaru mezcal, orange, hibiscus, and lavender. My choice was a Monkeypod Mai Tai made with Kula organic silver and dark rums, a touch of lime, house-made macadamia nut orgeat, and Bols orange curacao, topped with a honey-lilikoi foam. We shared fresh lobster, shaka moa free-range deviled eggs, Tom savored a Seared Ahi Steak, created with fresh ahi, jalapeño, and mashed potatoes set with a soy sesame Maui onion sauce. I indulged in organic Macadamia Nut-Crusted Fresh Fish with a macadamia nut and panko crust, a creative Maui pineapple relish, a side of organic scallion-garlic rice and lemon beurre blanc, which is a sauce with a light, creamy texture and citrusy flavor. We did finish with one of their famed pies, a cloud-light banana cream pie.
A delightful surprise was stepping out on Kalakaua Avenue to a huge fiesta to find we are in the heart of the 71st Waikiki Ho’olaule’a, an Aloha Festival street party, the avenue transformed into a mile of hula, music, and thousands of revelers dancing beneath the stars, with hula performances on stages, Hawaiian crafts and musicians, and loads of cuisine. A true celebration of island spirit.
Meeting Aunty Luana
Sunday morning was an unforgettable encounter with Aunty Luana Maitland, Outrigger’s area director of Cultural Experiences. She’s been with Outrigger for 25 years, lives on the other side of the island, and has decades of Hawaiian knowledge. She spoke of her fisherman grandfather, who was also a cook, and her loving grandmother’s stories, and two special Outrigger events: the Hawaiian Vow Renewal, and the Sunset Ceremony, when at the end of the day everyone says a chant to the gods thanking them for the day and a prayer for the ancestors that passed. She said, “Respect the mountains for their streams and the ocean for its fish.” Her words lingered long after we parted. With her thoughts in mind, I relaxed at the pool with other guests, and Tom worked out in the state-of-the-art gym and enjoyed a dip in the ocean directly in front of the property.
Dukes at the Outrigger Beach
Dukes, a beachfront restaurant and bar located in the Outrigger hotel on Waikiki Beach, is possibly the most popular dining and happy hour location in Hawaii. Named after the famed Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, born in 1840 in Honolulu, who spent most of his youth on Waikiki Beach developing surfing with the now traditional surfboard and his splendid swimming skills. He became a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and served as an alternate for the U.S. water polo team at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Later he toured the United States, giving swimming and surfing lessons. Dukes décor has photos and memorabilia of him, and there is a general vibe of Hawaiian culture and his surf history. Filled with guests, we found a table, and Tom toasted the evening with a coconut mojito while I sipped a guava-laced “Guava Jam.” We shared panko-crusted calamari and mango-glazed pork ribs with a decadent lobster tail, finishing, of course, with Kimo Original Hula Pie, which is macadamia nut ice cream and hot fudge, the sweetest possible farewell to Hawaii. On a late Monday night we boarded our return flight to Denver, reluctant to leave the warm island breeze and the gracious spirit of Aloha.
When You Go
Two islands, and two Outrigger resorts, each with its own rhythm: Kona’s elemental power and quiet magic, and Waikiki’s vibrant pulse and storied surf culture. Together they offer more than a vacation; they offer a deeper connection to Hawai’i’s past and a heartfelt reminder of why the islands continue to call us back.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 outrigger.com
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico’s Grandeur
Trisha Ventker
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico’s Grandeur
Trisha Ventker
Nature Flourishing
The splendor of nature was all-encompassing, with shades of green brilliant under an afternoon of dappled summer light. Autumn was just around the corner, full colors holding steadfast, as birds dodged through the treetops in a gusty mirage. It was a feel good nature setting that captured my heart with an immediate blessing, and a definite sense of place. The setting pulled me in with a welcoming tug. It was time to leave troubles and tribulations behind, give my cellphone a long nap, and take a deep breath. The four-star, 115 room and suite Blake Hotel, at first glance, appears like a mountain lodge, lost in time, a stylish alpine destination with stories to share. Entrenched in the sprawling Taos Ski Valley at the base of Kuchina Peak, towering 12,481 feet into a canopy of clouds, while Kuchina is a famed New Mexico icon, and a segment of the massive Sangre de Cristo mountain range. A further reward in the nature network of Taos Ski Valley is the Carson National Forest, encompassing 1.5 million acres of lakes, valleys, ski trails, and imposing Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet, the highest mountain in New Mexico, which is one of four other steep, towering mountains, 11,000 feet or higher. The hotel itself has a base elevation of 9,322.1 feet, so visitors arriving from the mile-high city of Denver, should feel right at home.
With the incredible setting and the daunting, towering mountains, first catching my eye was the bubbling Hondo Creek, a wandering tributary of the famed Rio Grande, which flows through the base area of The Blake and Taos Ski Valley. On this assignment, I’m once more reporting for Denver Colorado Luxury Magazine, traveling with my husband, Tom, and intensely aware that we are experiencing an exceptional Northern New Mexico destination that is instantly enchanting and distinct from everyday life.
Visionaries Ernie and Rhoda Blake
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is a stylish and welcoming lodge, honoring German immigrants Ernie and Rhoda Blake, the founder of Taos Ski Valley. Born Ernst Hermann Bloch in Frankfurt, Germany, and living in Switzerland, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1941, and served in Army Intelligence during World War II, where he used the code name Ernie Blake, which he kept during his lifetime. Later, he and his wife, Rhoda, flying over the valley in their Cessna 170, noticed a large, promising basin, and were captured by the beauty and incredible challenge for skiers, and a destination for those who adore nature. He said, “There was a tremendous snow basin, and I thought it was an optical illusion.” With great foresight, and from an abandoned mining camp, they pioneered the development of the ski area, and in 1955 founded the Taos Ski Valley, enjoying 300 inches of light dry snow annually, and opening the first lift and trail in 1956/57.
The Blake Hotel
The hotel opened in 2017, many years after the arrival of Ernie and Rhoda. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with views of the natural world, some non-smoking, and others with a full kitchenette, and something new for me was the thoughtful hallway water fountains. Browsing through the property, and for evening fun, there is a gorgeous terrace with a firepit, an outdoor pool, a busy fitness center with yoga classes in the gym, pet-friendly, and on the fifth floor, attractive penthouses. For advanced skiers, it’s ski-in, ski-out, but best for me was the friendly service, and the warmth of the staff.
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico’s Grandeur
Dining 192 and flying high.
Dining at the hotel’s restaurant, 192 , was memorable. The restaurant’s name, 192, was cleverly the tail number on Ernie and Rhonda Blake’s Cessna, and another connection to the Blake family legacy. We indulged in light dumplings and rich baked brie. Brunch was elegant and rewarding. Tom’s Eggs Benedict was nicely prepared, while I savored a fresh yogurt parfait layered with fruit and granola. Mid-mountain, The Bavarian offered a cozy, alpine impression. My husband, Tom, from Hamburg, was delighted with the authentic schnitzel sausages, and a formidable Bavarian German beer list.
Art, Culture, and Taos’s Creative Roots
Taos is rich with cultural layers. Native Americans have been living here for eons of time, and it all comes together at the Taos Art Center, displaying art capturing the Southwest’s vibrant light and color, while at the Taos Pueblo and Native Heritage Center, we encountered centuries-old traditions and stories that give the Taos Ski Valley its soul.
The Course-Sharp Historic Site on Kit Carson Road is where we stepped back to the early 1900s. The preserved studios of artists E. Irving Course and Joseph Henry Sharp, co-founders in 1915 of the Taos Society of Artists, are a testament to Taos’s creative legacy. They and their contemporaries, like Blumenschein, Phillips, and Dunton, were drawn by the Pueblo culture and dramatic light, introducing Taos to the broader world. Wandering through their sunlit studios, I could feel the warmth and inspiration in the brushstrokes and mountain views.
Nampeyo
Nampeyo, a famed Hano Tewa Hopi potter, highly esteemed by collectors and museums, her artistic grandeur rooted in ancient Hopi styles, and was influential in reviving prehistoric designs, which assisted in preserving the traditions of Hopi pottery. Creating magnificent creations, her artistic creativity and reputation, spread, and at the time, the popular Fred Harvey Company, requested if she would tour the United States and demonstrate her talents in their hotels. National exposure drew attention to Native American pottery and her Hopi roots. Nampeyo, 1859-1942, learned to make pottery in the ancient Tewa style from her mother, White Corn, using ancient techniques for making and firing pottery, and her designs came from old Hopi pottery and shards found at 15th century ruins. Her work has influenced other artists, and the Taos art community, which itself has a splendid history as a celebrated art gathering.. In 2010 one of Nampeyo’s artworks sold for $350,000, and maintaining her New Mexico Hopi roots, the Taos Millicent Rogers Museum acquired a Nampeyo pottery piece, enhancing their ability to share the story of Hopi pottery, and Nampeyo, while Taos is the longest living Pueblo community in the United States, dating to 1350, with approximately 50 Taos families.
Spa Interlude
After enjoying the art, history, and cultural adventures of the Taos Ski Valley, I indulged in a hydrating body wrap. My body and skin felt renewed, and my spirit quietly content. I find there’s something indulgent about pairing mountain adventure with luxury, and I imagined how restorative it would feel after skiing the expert terrain once winter arrives.
Details about the events, as well as additions to the event calendar, can be found at skitaos.com/ calendar
*many of these photos are credited to Taos Ski Valley
When You Go
What makes Taos Ski Valley unique, is its heartfelt thrust, with native, Hispanic, and European histories visible and celebrated. The steep sloped skiing is well-known, but what sets Taos apart is its cultural depth, artistic legacy, and personal warmth. As Tom and I flew home, we gazed down at the quiet valley, and felt it was more than a fall trip, but a preview of a holiday where ancient traditions, mountain light, and festive celebrations converge. Taos Ski Valley is a soulful celebration waiting to be lived.
Holidays, The Blake and Taos Ski Valley
Thanksgiving Day (November 28), The Blake offers a full menu and the traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 3 p.m. to 10. Reservations and advanced planning are essential. Torchlight, parades, and fireworks are ongoing through November and December, where skiers zip down the slopes with light flares, and the night sky bursting with festive colors. The spiritual heart of Taos shines brightly during the holidays On December 24th there is the procession of the Virgin Mary, beginning with mass at 5 p.m. at San Geronimo Church, followed by a moonlit procession through the pueblo, with bonfires, and rifle salutes atop centuries-old adobe buildings. On Christmas Day, traditional ceremonial Deer and Matachinas dances are performed, and held in silence, with no recording devices, cameras, or phones allowed.
Guests can request a decorated Christmas tree in their rooms and book personal shoppers who handle gift buying for your family, letting one soak in the season instead of stressing over holiday errands, and with The Blake’s warm lobby fire, spa conveniences, and town and airport shuttle service, it can be a holiday with memories. New Year’s Eve is the showstopper of the season with torchlight parades, skiers descending the slopes carrying flares for a glowing procession, fireworks, and a dinner buffet at Tenderfoot Katie’s, followed by the annual Snow Ball in the Martini Tree Bar, a 21 and older event with live music and dancing from 7 p.m. to 11.
Final Thoughts
Contour Airlines, a boutique, charter-style service from Denver to Taos, without long lines, made travel remarkably smooth, and in under an hour, glorious alpine views rolled by beneath us as we reached northern New Mexico. Visiting in autumn allowed us to enjoy the valley’s quiet before snowfall, ancient traditions, the soft mountain light, and glimpse the festive magic that will unfold this holiday season.
The Mark Hotel
Trisha Ventker
The Mark
Living in Manhattan for over a decade, entering The Mark Hotel, I felt like I was home again. It’s unusual to get the vibe of home while traveling.
New York City, one of the world’s great urban destinations, is a city defined by its legendary hotels. The esteemed Mark Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside on the corner of Madison and 77th Street, stands among the city’s best. For years I called New York City home, and I strolled past The Mark numerous times as it’s within walking distance of Central Park, Hermès, Prada, Gucci, Kate Spade, and a host of the city’s most refined boutiques, and conveniently located, a short 10-minute walk to the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Mark has secured a singular reputation of a modern cultural cachet that blends with the timeless sophistication of the Upper East Side. The hotel is a stunning New York City landmark embodying Manhattan’s rare ability to honor tradition while remaining unquestionably of the moment.
A Parade of Fashion
However, what makes The Mark truly iconic goes beyond its address; the property is a cultural hub and celebrity sanctuary. The luxurious atmosphere is the unofficial center of operation of the famed museum’s annual Met Gala that takes place the first Monday in May. The Mark is the strategic destination for stars getting ready for the big night at the Met Gala; the rooms become ateliers, including the penthouse, with the lobby and entrance serving as the event’s unofficial red carpet. Numerous times I have noticed the red carpet on event night that stretched from the hotel towards the museum, the lobby converted into a runway of couture gowns and flashing cameras. Conversely, the hotel also hosts other gala events throughout the year. At the time, being fresh from college, and throughout my years in New York, I noticed gowned ladies being ushered into the hotel, leaving a trail of scented goodness, along with the fashion elite, and celebrities in abundance—simply a parade of fashion and glam.
On assignment I pinched myself, realizing I was working media with a magazine in tow, and I will finally experience the historic property firsthand, recalling a multitude of enduring city memories. Though the hotel is known for its impeccable service, and stringent discretion for travelers who crave both glamor and privacy, my thoughts were of the high profile guests of the fashion industry, celebrities, and socialites, who have spent time within the jeweled walls of the hotel, along with all the incredible stories unfolding, whispered gossip, and countless tales of fleeting and lasting love, gala balls, and where, for some, an invitation is solid gold.
New York City, 1927
The Mark is located in a 1927 Renaissance Revival building when the city was the bustling hub of the Roaring Twenties, with a vibrant jazz culture and an underground world of Prohibition. The Holland Tunnel opened, connecting Manhattan to Jersey City, and colorful Jimmy Walker was the mayor. The hotel, standing proud in its historic prime location, opened as the Hotel Hyde Park in 1927, then in 1987, under new ownership, underwent a two-year $40 million renovation, reopening as The Mark. An extensive interior redesign in 2009 by acclaimed French designer Jacques Grange, infusing both heritage and bold modern avant-garde design elements, including the lobby’s striking black and white striped marble floors, offered a welcoming sophistication. Other renowned artists and artisans also contributed custom-made furnishings and art, working with 152 rooms and suites, and one huge penthouse for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury.
Penthouse Paradise
I was long aware of the momentous hotel’s penthouse; at 12,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest and most expensive in the country, covering the top two floors of the hotel with five bedrooms, six bathrooms with heated marble flooring, and private rooftop terraces with glorious views of Central Park and the skyline, and where a private ice skating rink can be installed during winter. Moreover, there is a library lounge, a chef’s kitchen, and a formal dining room seating 24 guests. A main living area can be changed into a full-sized grand ballroom, that has hosted private performances by some of the world’s finest dancers and performers.
I checked in and was warmly greeted, as were other guests. I settled my bags in room 711 and was impressed by the attention to detail with a vase of fresh roses and a welcome basket of fruit, nuts, and bottled water. The minibar had an ice maker, and I found fluffy robes, large towels that appeared new, and a towel warmer for cool weather. (I have one in my Denver home and adore it.) I checked out the Frederic Fekkai Salon on the second floor for a blowout or hair styling. Fekkai, a celebrity stylist and entrepreneur known for his luxury hair care brand and for styling celebrities like Demi Moore, Martha Stewart, and Claudia Schiffer, is credited with creating the first “day spa” salon concept at Bergdorf and Goodman. Chiran transformed my hair into a chic and sleek look, as did Yessenia on my brows with a decidedly youthful appearance. The place was buzzing with activity, and they told me the salon is always in demand with both repeat and hotel guests.
Dining
Covering New York City in the past, I’ve written that dining in the city is a celebrated lifestyle, and indeed, the Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, is something special. The restaurant seats 104 guests and has a separate private dining room for an additional 22 patrons. The room is classic European elegance containing contemporary design features, with Executive Chef Michael Hursa, who has cooked in other top Manhattan restaurants. Though the restaurant is under the umbrella of the renowned Chef and proprietor Jean-Georges Vongerichte, who has been honored with four Michelin Stars in three separate restaurants.
The Mark
My dinner choice was The Mark Clam Bar by Jean-Georges & Caviar Kaspia. Menu delights are fresh lobster rolls, oysters, and clams, each prepared with Jean-Georges’ signature touch, and for an elevated touch, can be topped off with the renowned Caviar Kaspia. The Clam Bar is available until fall and then back in the spring. David was my attentive server, and his focus on details was superb. I ordered the Caviar Kaspia Imperial Baeri, 30g, accompanied with Warm Blinis, paired with a glass of Drappier Blanc de Noir, Brut Nature. Pure bliss! Chef Hursa sent out a tasting of his famed Lobster Roll created with cherry tomato tarragon and savory Sriracha Mayonnaise, and followed by a succulent Peekytoe Crab Cake fashioned with a delightful celeriac remoulade, slices of pink grapefruit and ginger.
The Historic Broadway Theatre
Living in New York City, it’s easy to become a theater aficionado. After the delightful dinner, I hailed a taxi and headed to the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan and the distinguished Broadway Theatre at 1681 Broadway near 53rd Street, to see The Great Gatsby Musical with one of my dearest New York City friends of 30 years, Matt Fletcher. The theatre opened in 1924, and strangely enough, today it is one of the few Broadway theaters that is actually on Broadway, known for hosting large-scale musical productions such as My Fair Lady, Cabaret, The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables, before they expand to audiences worldwide. It’s a prestigious gig for many of the world’s finest actors who have graced its stage. The Broadway Theatre is noted as one of the largest venues in the Theater District, seating 1,761 patrons. The ambiance is classic theater with a grand chandelier, excellent lighting, and an Art Deco marquee out front. After the entertaining and fast-moving production, with luck, (flagging down a cab in the city is often challenging) we quickly hooked a cab back to The Mark Bar and enjoyed a classic Old Fashion cocktail and an Espresso Martini. The ambiance of the bar reminded me of my visit to Marrakech: dimly lit walls decorated with Moorish-like starburst lanterns.
The second morning, I started the day with a boundless boost—breakfast by Jean Georges, with poached eggs and avocado, and a glass of fresh green juice. I spoke with Joshua, the manager, and chatted “theatre” with Maria at the concierge desk. Later, with notebook in hand, I met with Michel Heredia, director of sales and marketing, discussing the incredible hotel, the proximity to a plethora of museums, and discovering we both share the museum passion. Michel is originally from Mexico City, a city I have covered editorially. (Please see Mexico City, Spring,Fall, Holiday 2025 issues)
Museum Walk
The Mark Hotel sits in the heart of Manhattan’s cultural corridor, steps from some of the city’s most celebrated museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with one of the world’s top art collections spanning 5,000 years. A short walk north is the Guggenheim Museum, noted for the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed spiral and a collection of Modern and contemporary art, while the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum showcases design in all its forms, from past to present. Familiar with the collection of museums, I revisited the Frick Collection, one of my favorites, which is just around the corner from the hotel on East 70th Street. The historic building (it seems everything in the city is historic) opened in 1935, and it’s like walking into a luxurious European palace in a bygone era of horse-drawn carriages. One of the world’s foremost collections of European fine and decorative art, the illustrious collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919), who bequeathed his home, old master paintings, sculptures, and 1,800 works of art to be enjoyed by the public. His daughter, Helen Clay Frick, founded the Research Library, recognized as one of the world’s finest art research historical centers. Together, the museums make The Mark an ideal base for art and culture aficionados while exploring the Upper East Side.
After engrossed in the Frick Collection, I strolled down Madison Avenue and popped into one of my favs, the charming Laduree French bakery, hugely popular with residents for its large tea selection and macaroons. I indulged in vanilla, passion fruit, and raspberry macaroons and a glass of fresh lemonade. Boutiques I experienced near The Mark were Frances Valentine, Elyse Walker, Kirna Zabete, Rubin and Chapelle, Cartolina, Tanya Taylor, and Veronica Beard, each with a positive city ambience, and where you will meet local shoppers.
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges
My last night at the hotel was dinner at The Mark Restaurant. Executive Chef Hursa dropped by the table, as did Ivorie, a server, to suggest some recommendations. I began with a refreshing frozen cocktail for late summer, The Frozé is mixed with Provence Rosé, Chopin Organic Vodka, and flavorful organic peach that lingered on the tongue. The service was efficient, and I would return again for another taste of the salad, which was shaped with warm shrimp, avocado, tomato pieces, enoki mushrooms, and a light and flavorsome champagne vinegar dressing. A crispy salmon sushi, dressed with chipotle mayonnaise and soy glaze, was an ideal recommendation, as was the cream of tomato soup, splashed with sourdough croutons, basil, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Next up was the Black Truffle Fontina. Cheese Pizza, a huge favorite with diners, followed by an extraordinary platter of Fresh Fettuccine, organized with a squeeze of Meyer lemon, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of black pepper. The steak suggestion was a savory, prime 28-day-aged New York Strip, served with a rich and tangy French-style Bearnaise sauce and crispy French fries.
My stay at The Mark was ending with an early morning departure for Denver. The hotel offers a collection of experiences that go far beyond a typical luxury stay, blending Upper East Side elegance with playful exclusivity.
When You Go
Guests can set sail aboard the hotel’s 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat, a black-and-white-striped vessel available for private charters, complete with menus by Jean-Georges and sweeping views of the New York Harbor. On land, The Mark extends it signature style into Central Park, where guests can guide a remote-controlled sailboat across the Conservatory Water Pond or explore the city on custom-designed bicycles equipped with curated route maps. For those who prefer to unwind indoors, wellness offers a range from in-suite facials by Dr. Barbara Sturm to personal training and yoga, while beauty services by Frederic Fekkai bring a salon experience straight to your room. Pedicabs are available for exploring the neighborhood, and curated picnic packages with blankets and baskets are designed for afternoons in Central Park. A former New Yorker, I think of The Mark as a lifestyle destination rooted in luxury and creativity.
MAIZ TINTO
TRADITION MEETS THE WORLD — A BOLD MEXICAN KITCHEN WHERE ANCESTRAL RECIPES INTERTWINE WITH GLOBAL INGREDIENTS AND MODERN TECHNIQUE, PAIRED WITH MEXICAN WINES AND SPIRITS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE CULINARY JOURNEY IN MEXICO CITY
+52 55 4161 4327
DURANGO 341, ROMA NORTE, MEXICO CITY,
Trisha
Vibrant Mexico City: A Feast for the Senses
Trisha Ventker
I’m in a passionate love affair with Mexico City. This is my second trip to the city in the clouds (alt. 7,349’), and I will return again with an open heart. (See spring and fall issues.) The hum of the city begins before you even land, which is a pulsating metropolis of some twenty million souls and an incredible blend of heart, chaos, and color. I’m again traveling with my friend Lisa on a non-stop Volaris flight from Denver, eager to dive headfirst into one of the most vibrant weekends of the year: Día de los Muertos. (Day of the Dead). We checked into Hoteles Centrales Zocalo, a charismatic boutique hotel overlooking the city’s historic square with 105 rooms and suites, high ceilings, tasteful decorations, and wood floors. We enjoyed it so much the first time that staying here again felt like coming home. From the rooftop terrace, we again were overwhelmed with the view of the Cathedral Metropolitana and the buzzing Zocalo below, which to me is a living tapestry of history, sound, and soul. Our view of the historic center of Mexico City and Xochimilco is of a combined, distinct UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mexico City Excels
I travel the world reporting for Denver Colorado Luxury Magazine, and Mexico City is an exceptional destination, as the oldest city in the Americas, the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world, home to the largest university in Latin America, second in the world with the most museums with 185 institutions dedicated to art, history, science, and culture, and while massive Chapultepec Park is the largest urban park in Latin America. The city was built on a former lake bed founded by the Aztecs in 1325 and was the former Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Mexico City features both ancient and modern traditions, with colonial architecture standing alongside modern skyscrapers. But for me, the city has long been noted as one of the world’s great dining destinations, offering a creative cuisine that includes the country’s various regions and their divergent specialties, with nine Michelin-starred restaurants and more on the horizon.
A Gourmet Welcome: La Mallorquina
La Mallorquina is located in the prosperous and modern, leafy, tree-lined streets of Polanco. The neighborhood is recognized as one of the most expensive real estate markets in Latin America, known for superlative dining, luxury shopping, posh hotels, art galleries, and museums. Dinner, our first night, was pure enchantment. This is the kind of place where every bite feels like an embrace. Edgar guided us through a meal that danced gracefully between Spanish and Mexican influences. To awaken the palate, we began with a touch of smoky and smooth Montalobos Tobala mezcal, served with a slice of orange. Croquettes de jamon y queso melted with each bite, and the chile en nogada was a tour de force. The city’s culinary arts were shining with the roasted poblano filled with a sweet and savory mixture of fruit, beef, and pork, blanketed in a light walnut cream sauce, and sprinkled with pomegranate jewels. The Camaron with lime and black squid ink rice was equally as stunning and flavorful, while the solomillo con foie gras over potato puree and mushroom reduction brought a note of pure indulgence. Ending the night on a dreamy, velvety note, the dessert selection was a torta Basque with vanilla ice cream and berry coulis.
Vibrant Mexico City: A Feast for the Senses
Taco Tasting Room Ritual
The following day we stepped into a unique culinary experience. It seemed like the Taco Tasting Room was a hidden sanctuary, yet in the heart of Mexico City. Emilio, the gracious host, greeted us, while Fabian performed a symbolic ritual at the door to clear our energy, inviting us to leave behind the noise and stress of the outside world. Chef Pepe Salinas, the owner and the renowned chef of Balcon del Zocalo, is the visionary behind this immersive concept, with a philosophy rooted in the idea that food is more than sustenance but has a connection to storytelling and spiritual grounding. Sitting in the comfortable Taco Tasting Room, the delightful tacos became a kind of art form. Each bite was a meditation in balance and flavor, with heritage and innovation beautifully entwined. The history of Mexican tacos dates back to Mesoamerica, 3000 BC, where indigenous people used corn tortillas in place of spoons for fillings, such as fish, beans, and chili.
Saturday: Dia de los Muertos Magic
The day arrived in a swirl of marigolds, incense, and nostalgia. After our Día de los Muertos, professional makeup was in place, we joined the crowds flooding the streets with painted faces, flickering candles, and music echoing through the zocalo, and possibly through the entire city. The Day of the Dead originated from pre-Hispanic Aztec traditions and other Nahua people living in central Mexico who viewed death as a natural part of life, today blending nicely with Catholic holidays and All Saints Day, honoring loved ones. According to traditions, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on the first day, and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on the second day. Family members offer food, water, and tools to aid the deceased on a difficult journey. This inspired the modern Día de los Muertos practice of makeshift home altars and leaving food and other offerings on loved ones graves.
Balcón del Zocalo
Chef Pepe Salinas created lunch for us and other guests at Balcon del Zocalo on the 6th floor, rooftop, of our Hoteles Centrales Zocalo. It was an experience to remember. From our terrace table we had front-row seats of the traditional celebration and the city’s iconic parade honoring the cycle of life and death. Our tasting menu was a love letter to Mexico with five creations. First up was the mackerel ceviche with black recado, a smoky, spicy, and pungent Maya-style seasoning paste from the Yucatan, with pineapple and a nutty-flavored jicama. Corn esquites with beef tenderloin were crackling with grasshopper mayonnaise. Duck carnitas with steamed buns and tasty guacamole was a winner, as was the Sonora beef fillet grilled with poblano and Oaxacan black mole. Dessert was pan de muerto filled with silky pumpkin cream. The tasting menu covered five regions in Mexico, highlighting their specialties.
Later we visited ofrendas flowing with candles and Cempasúchil flowers, which are the Mexican marigolds, known as the flower of the dead, to guide the spirits of deceased loved ones back to the living world with their effervescent color and strong bouquet. Every altar told a story, a whispered name, a photograph, a reminder that remembrance is its own kind of love.
Maiz Tinto—Culinary Storytelling
Maiz Tinto is found in the pulsating and culturally opulent neighborhood of Roma Norte with trendy cafes, street art, and renovated mansions. Chef Ulises Palafox has elevated traditional ingredients to high art. The tasting menu was a sensory journey through the essence of maize, which is Mexico’s beating heart. We opened the evening with a mezcal sour rimmed with hibiscus and grasshopper salt, followed by a cascade of exquisitely plated courses. A mini tostada with fresh baby corn, onion ashes, and charred eggplant, was a new and wonderful experience. Shrimp in chile-lime soy, served with avocado and tortilla crisps, was another new taste. A Mexican croquette with truffle, Oaxaca cheese, and tomato cream, was stunning. The sea bass was grilled with guacamole and cilantro flour,
and last on the tasting menu, a six-hour brisket, or suavizado, over buttery mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts. Each dish was paired with local wines, and the cocktails were infused with hibiscus, citrus, and herbs. Dessert was rich, nostalgic, slightly spiced, and tasted like “Christmas in a bowl,” which was a strawberry and hibiscus creation with homemade sorbet in a mamey toasted seed cream. The tasting menu was a sensory memory that lingered long after the last taste.
Roma Norte—Outline & Huset
Sunday unfolded at a leisurely pace. I booked the stunning Hacienda Gobernadores for the remainder of our visit. The Hacienda is an elegant retreat owned by the gracious Ponce Rojano family, with colonial architecture, lush gardens, and timeless serenity, all of which nicely provide the ideal contrast to the city’s animated energy. Following a light breakfast, we enjoyed a long and interesting walk, checking out the neighborhood, with our destination Outline, a creative restaurant near the Fuente de Cibeles. Outline is co-owned by Walter Meienberg of Huset, Burkas, and Hanky Panky fame, along with Boho, a DJ and artist, and Ari Ramo. The restaurant is a stylish, bohemian space that celebrates culinary innovation and community. The guest chef was Alex Suastegui, and we ordered the recommended lychee margarita and a Kentucky bourbon lemonade with dill and lemon bitters, making the afternoon delicious and refreshing. We shared a Cochinita Crust Taco designed with gouda, beans, and pickled onion. A Shrimp Agua Chile was presented with one shrimp green, dressed with lime and serrano, and the other black and topped with habanero and soy. The house-spiced fries had a unique citrusy kick. Outline is another link in Mexico City’s culinary excellence.
Our last night in Mexico City, we dined at Huset, one of Roma Norte’s most beloved restaurants, beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, surrounded by the scent of wood-fired grills and laughter. We savored an avocado pizza with salsa macha, seared ahi tuna with ginger rice, and finished with a heavenly tres leches cake. The weekend and reporting were drawing to a close, and we lingered under Huset’s leafy patio, sipping our final mezcal and reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences.
When You Go
Mexico City doesn’t just feed you; its diverse dining selection can transform you. The city is a place where ancient and modern coexist effortlessly, where every flavor tells a story, and where every visit feels like a homecoming. Our visit was for Día de los Muertos, but we left with something deeper, a reminder that in this city, life and memory are always beautifully intertwined.
Notes
It’s best to order a cab from your hotel, and like any large city, be aware of your surroundings. Typically big-city precautions are in play. Change money in the bank or at your hotel, and pesos are important for the vendors. Avoid the display of wealth. The biggest concern is pickpockets. Only carry what you need for the day. If in need of a certified guide contact the hotel concierge for a registered guide.
HEALTH&BEAUTY
HEALTH&BEAUTY
Holiday Glow
Michael Moore
Holiday Glow
Michael Moore
The holiday season is a great time to add a bit of a pop of glitter and glow. A shimmer on the eyes and a glimmer on the lip or a glow on the skin.
A 3 Step Holiday Look:
Don’t make the holidays overcomplicated. Keep it simple, keep it easy, and keep it fun! A glow to the face is a great place to start. Be it cheeks, lips, or your eyes. A little is a perfect way to elevate any natural makeup look.
1) Start with the skin: A hydrated glow is essential this holiday season. Custom foundation is the place to start! Glow, coverage, and skincare in one… all built with YOU in mind. Matching your skin type, skin tone, and skin texture.
Pro tip: Remember to prep and set the makeup to make it last all day and night long. Prime with BB Brite by Lira Clinical, then set it with your Makeup Saver Setting Spray.
2) Holiday eyes: This season it is about a subtle approach. The Moore For Life holiday trip does it all for you: Desert Sand, Golden Goddess, and Gilded. A trio that will do the heavy lifting all day and night long. These colors give you multi dimension and multiple looks.
Pair this with a gel black pearl eyeliner adding another dimension of drama from day to night. Top it off with the look of faux lashes…but in a simple and wearable way. Your Mascara!
3) Lips will bring the look all together and get you off to the ball. Make them glow. A shimmer lip color with a lip gloss is the perfect way to get you the look you want. How to make it last you ask? Lipstick, liner, then gloss…No worries this holiday season!
Michael Moore has worked in the cosmetics industry since 1988 with brand leaders such as Bobbi Brown Essentials, Chanel, and Estée Lauder. In New York City, he was often seen backstage during fashion week, supporting major designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Bob Mackie, and Vera Wang. Michael’s client list included Oscar winners, First Ladies of the United States, and royalty. Eventually, the quality of the Colorado lifestyle—the healthy, natural atmosphere that inspires his technique—drew him out west, where he opened Moore For Life in Denver’s own center of chic, Cherry Creek North. Today, Michael works regularly with print and television media for photo shoots, fashion content, and special events. His makeup artistry has graced numerous publications such as INStyle and The New York Times, and television shows Oprah and The Today Show.
MUST
HAVES
Bombas Women’s Sunday Slipper
The slipper that looks as good as it feels.
Designed with soft, ultra-warm, and fluffy sherpa inside and out, these also have a memory foam and EVA midsole for a high level of support and a rubber outsole so you can step out quickly without having to change into real shoes.
Perfect for walking around the house (or just down to the mailbox).
P.S. If you like a roomier slipper, or are a half size, we recommend sizing up.
$85.00
(but with Bombas’ current Holiday 25% off promotion sitewide, the slippers are $63.75!)
bombas.com
BOMBAS
BOARDERIE
Large Happy Holidays Cheese & Charcuterie Board
Boarderie’s Large Happy Holidays Cheese & Charcuterie Board includes 39 hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, olives and spreads, three boxes of crackers (Rosemary and Olive Oil, Tart Cherry and Cacao, and Everything Spice), complete with an acacia wood serving board and bamboo cutlery kits for serving.
Boarderie is the first and only company in the world to ship fully-arranged, artisan cheese and charcuterie boards nationwide.
Proudly founder-led and family-owned, Boarderie handcrafts each board with premium ingredients and thoughtful care—designed to inspire meaningful moments and ready to gift or serve.
Created in 2021 by a close-knit team of hospitality creatives — Angel, Rachel, Julie, and Aaron.
Today, that answer arrives daily on doorsteps across the country—through stunning, ready-to-enjoy boards shipped overnight, fueling conversation, connection, and a sense of occasion. prices vary depending on size
shown is large $249.00
MUST HAVES Holiday Gift Ideas
THIS IS NOT A SKETCHBOOK
This Is Not A Sketchbook isn’t just a sketchbook, it’s a guided art class blended with workbook style prompts and video lessons.
Whether you’re shopping for kids, teens, or the hard to buy for friends, this interactive workbook makes gift giving thoughtful and fun.
Created by artist Lauren Horn, the workbook began trending on TikTok for its approachable style and confidence boosting prompts.
How It Works:
The Sketchbook: Each page acts as a mini art class, complete with lessons, prompts, and plenty of space to explore freely.
The Learning Process: Starting simple with lines and shapes, lessons build gradually toward more advanced drawing. Each prompt connects to a QR-linked video tutorial that brings the lesson to life offering structure, inspiration, and creative freedom.
Now, it’s making its way onto holiday wish lists everywhere as the creative gift that keeps on giving.
$49.99
thisisnotasketchbook .com
GIGIPIP
The Linden Boater Hat
The Linden Boater Hat is your go-to for clean lines, quiet confidence, and endless styling potential. Featuring a minimalist silhouette with a classic telescope crown, Linden brings balance and elegance to any look. Three gold-plated studs on the crown offer just the right touch of subtle shine—perfect for elevating your outfit without overwhelming it. Lightweight and structured, this versatile boater can be dressed up or down, making it ideal for brunches, events, or everyday wear.
As one of our most timeless shapes, Linden is designed to complement any wardrobe and adapt to your personal style. If you’re after modern simplicity with a meaningful nod to Gigi Pip’s roots—Linden delivers.
Also available in Cinnamon and Dark Oak.
$156.00
MUST HAVES Holiday Gift Ideas
DENVER CRAFT CLUB & ADULTS AND CRAFTS
3851 N Steele St Suite 1383, Denver CO 80205
Though Martha is the queen of DIY projects, Denver-based Adults & Crafts offers the perfect way to embrace the Martha Girl Summer for crafters of any (or even no) ability.
It’s an elevated craft kit company (think meal kits, but for crafting) with a mission of making crafting accessible to everyone.
Searches for “cute summer crafts” are up 106%, as are “group art projects for adults” and “summer crafts for teens.”
Rather than risking a Pinterest fail in pursuit of #marthagirlsummer, Adults & Crafts is the perfect option – they provide all the “ingredients” and instruction you need to make a trendy craft you’d actually like to display in your home, whether “solo” or during a curated “crafternoon” with the gals.
From individual self-led craft kits, to virtual or in-person individual and group instruction, to monthly craft subscriptions, there’s an option for everyone who might be interested.
Though the company is based in Denver, they are able to ship their craft kits all over the state, as well as the U.S. and internationally.
They’re also able to conduct private classes in-person throughout Colorado - a great option for bridal or baby showers, girls’ nights, or just a relaxing and creative outlet.
prices vary
GUIDE
GUIDE
DDenver’s leading guide to highly-rated hotels, restaurants and culture
The Brown Palace
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is aptly named with its palatial atrium aweing guests of all ages. The hotel first opened in 1892 and has kept its historical charm while providing modern and luxurious amenities. A walking tour of the hotel is available to enlighten visitors of the heart and soul that went into its design and highlights special details only visible to a knowledgeable eye. Despite the close proximity to a bustling downtown, guests enjoy the many restaurant options on-site, including afternoon tea time in the stunning atrium, complete with devonshire cream shipped in directly from England, and the culinary mastery offered at the Palace Arms restaurant, served in a room with hand painted wallpaper and surrounded by ancient relics.
brownpalace.com
321 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 297-3111
HOTELS
The Crawford is a truly unique hotel, located in Denver’s Union Station. Designed within the original walls of this historical landmark, which dates back to 1881, guests find themselves enjoying a new room experience at each visit, as no two rooms are the same. The hotel boasts historical yet modern design features, with rooms that feel cozy yet luxurious. Guests looking for a peaceful atmosphere can curl up with a good book in one of the reading nooks while those looking for more excitement need only walk downstairs to The Great Hall. Also known as Denver’s Living Room, The Great Hall features a vibrant array of shops and restaurants with award winning chefs. Whether patrons are enjoying a craft beer from the Terminal Bar or competing in a friendly game of shuffleboard, The Great Hall brings people together, a perfect reflection of the building’s original intention.
thecrawfordhotel.com
1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202 (720) 460-3700
The Crawford Hotel
Four Seasons
Four Seasons hotels are known for their luxurious accommodations and unmatched customer service, and the Four Seasons Denver is no exception. From the moment guests enter the hotel, they are treated to an experience like no other. Large suites with stunning mountain views, unforgettable meals at the famed EDGE Restaurant & Bar, relaxing treatments at the full-service spa, and delicious cocktails served poolside at the rooftop pool oasis, are just a few of the unique amenities awaiting Four Seasons guests. Its convenient location across from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts complex and just steps away from Larimer Square and the 16th Street Mall, allows guests easy access to shows, shopping, restaurants, sporting activities, and exciting nightlife offered in downtown Denver.
fourseasons.com/denver 1111 14th Street Denver, CO 80202 (303) 389-3000
HOTELS
DThe Gaylord of the Rockies
Located minutes from Denver International Airport in the idyllic All American City of Aurora, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center will feature over 1,500 guest rooms including 114 well-appointed suites and over 485,000 square feet of extraordinary meeting and convention space. As a gateway to the Rockies, Gaylord Rockies will offer memorable experiences to its guests with first-class restaurants, a luxurious spa and salon, diverse shops, winding waterways and picture perfect sunset views. Rustic alpine charm and exciting “open-air” activity make this Rocky Mountain Front Range retreat an adventure in itself.
The Oxford Hotel
The Oxford Hotel, in addition to being one of the most popular luxury hotels in downtown Denver, is the oldest operating hotel. It has seen many enhancements through the years, perfecting the art that is a luxury hotel, while preserving the character and integrity of its history. As a registered landmark on the National Register for Historic Places, and boasting a stunning display of art and historical architecture, it’s no wonder the hotel receives guests from across the globe.
theoxfordhotel.com
1600 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 628-5400
HOTELS
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Denver, located in the heart of downtown, lives up to its name with quality and modern sophistication incorporated into every inch of the hotel. Special attention to detail is evident throughout and provides guests with a tranquil setting to enjoy a luxurious home away from home. Even the youngest of guests are considered VIP’s and eligible to take part in the Ritz Kids program. A myriad of dining options are available within walking distance of the hotel but many guests enjoy paying tribute to famed Broncos quarterback John Elway, by indulging in the fine dining offered on site at ELWAY’S steakhouse.
ritzcarlton.com/denver
1881 Curtis Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 312-3800
Acova
Owned and operated by restaurant veterans, Sean and Betsy Workman, Acova debuted in the Lower Highlands area of Denver in June of 2018 and was designed to be the neighborhood joint for friends and family. The kitchen creates an eclectic menu for all lifestyles and dietary restrictions and serves lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch.
acovarestaurantcom
3651 Navajo Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 736.2718
Mon - Thurs
11:30 am - 10:00 pm 11:30 - 11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am - 11 pm
Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
RESTAURANTS
One of Colorado’s best northern Italian restaurants, Barolo Grill has also been recognized as one of the world’s best restaurants for wine. In 2018 Barolo was honored with both Wine Spectator’s Grand Award and Wine Enthusiasts’ Best 100 Wine Restaurants award. Known for hand crafted modern Piemontese cuisine and knowledgeable, attentive staff, Barolo is the perfect choice for special occasions or a great night out. Their seasonally changing menus highlight items from the staff’s annual pilgrimage to Northern Italy and features locally sourced ingredients from regional farms and artisans.
barologrilldenver.com 3030 East Sixth Avenue, Denver, CO 80206 (303) 393.1040
Ash’Kara, a globally inspired restaurant with influences from Israel, the Middle East and Mesopotamia, is a collaborative partnership with the restaurateur team of chef Daniel Asher and Josh Dinar (River and Woods, the forthcoming Tributary Food Hall in Golden and Mother Tongue at Broadway Market) and Culinary Creative Group (Bar Dough, Senor Bear, Morin and the forthcoming Maine Shack). Ash’Kara is located in Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood.
ashkaradenver.com
2005 W 33rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211 (303) 537-4407
Mon - Tues 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed - Sun 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 3:00 pm - 10 p.m.
RESTAURANTS
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
The restaurant features warm dining spaces, with local stone and classic mahogany throughout to create an unparalleled ambiance. Enjoy Denver’s premiere smoking lounge with more than 65 cigars to choose from in our humidor. Located in the prestigious Greenwood Village area, it’s the perfect place to reconnect over an intimate dinner and is one of the best steakhouses in Denver.
delfriscos.com
8100 E Orchard Road, Denver, CO 80111 (303) 796-0100
11:30 am - 2 :00 pm
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cocktails check website
photo courtesy of Eater Denver
Guard and Grace
There’s a reason that Guard and Grace is the first name on people’s lips when asked for a steakhouse recommendation in Denver. Chef and owner Troy Guard wows his patrons with a fine dining experience featuring mouth watering steaks and a delicious raw bar, turning any social gathering into a celebration.
guardandgrace.com
1801 California Street, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 293-8500
Dinner Sun - Thurs 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm Fri - Sat 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
RESTAURANTS
Le French Founded by Senegalese French sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia, Le French is a gourmet, casual-chic French bakery and bistro. Le French specializes in high-end pastries and elevated modern Parisian cuisine with global influences, a nod to the sisters’ heritage. lefrenchdenver.com 4901 S. Newport St. Denver, CO 80237 (720) 710-8963 Tues - Thurs 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
8:00 am - 10:00 pm 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
photo credit Rachel Adams
Le Bilboquet
Reminiscent of a charming French bistro, Le Bilboquet Denver is located in Cherry Creek North within the St. Paul Collection. The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere paired with simple, classic French cooking - bringing a slice of Parisian café culture to the neighborhood. Le Bilboquet is a natural gathering spot to enjoy a chilled bottle of rosé alfresco or classic bistro fare like croque monsieur paired with a local draft beer.
lebilboquetdenver.com
299 St. Paul Street, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 835-9999
Mon - Fri 11:30 am - 9:00 pm Sat 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Sat - Sun 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
RESTAURANTS
Spuntino
Spuntino Food & Wine claims a “Global Mind, Colorado Body, and Italian Soul” and the statement could not be more true. The owners, a husband and wife team, bring their passion for Italian food and culture to the Highlands region of Denver. Fresh, house-made focaccia, gnocchi, and gelato are enhanced by an extensive wine list and intimate setting.
Patterned after Tequileiras in Mexico, Tamayo invites patrons in for delicious small plates and specialty margaritas designed to perfection, inciting conversation and community. This modern take on Mexican cuisine is not found at a typical Mexican restaurant. Served on the terrace while watching a spectacular sunset over the Rocky Mountains, first time visitors are sure to return.
eattamayo.com
1400 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 946-1433
Lunch Mon - Fri 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner Sun - Thurs 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Fri - Sat 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Brunch Sat - Sun 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Happy Hour Daily at the tequila bar & lounge 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
RESTAURANTS
The Corner Office and Martini Bar
The Corner Office, located in downtown Denver, opened in 2008 by restaurateur Peter Karpinski of Sage Restaurant Group. The Corn0er Office is where enjoying great food and cocktails is your only assignment Loosen up, kick back and slide into prime time with colleagues, friends or someone special. Designed with a modern eye for comfort and good times, The Corner Office features a bustling bar, energetic dining rooms, communal table and private event rooms.
thecornerofficedenver.com 1401 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 825-6500 Mon - Thurs 6:00 am - 11:00 pm Fri- 6:00 am - 12:00 am Saturday Sunday 7:00 am - 12:00 am 7 :00am - 11 :00 pm
Toro
In the tradition of Central and South American convivial dining culture, Toro Denver features a ceviche bar, small plates, and family-style entrees, plus, hand-muddled cocktails and local beer and wine. Toro features authentic Latin ingredients, international flavors, and artful dishes at their Cherry Creek Denver restaurant.
torodenver.com
150 Clayton Lane, Ste B, Denver, CO 80206 (303) 253-3000
Breakfast Mon -Fri Sat - Sun 6:00 am - 10:00 am 6:30 am - 10:00 am
Happy Hour Mon - Sun 3:00 pm - 5 :00 pm
RESTAURANTS
uchi Denver
Uchi Denver is a renowned contemporary Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Denver, offering a unique culinary experience with its creative fusion of traditional flavors and modern techniques. Known for its innovative sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes, Uchi Denver has gained a reputation for impeccable quality and a chic, inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience in the Mile High City.
uchi.uchirestaurants.com/location/denver/ 2500 Lawrence Street Denver, CO 80205 (303) 444-1922 Mon -Sun 4:00 pm - 10:00pm
B
Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches
Bistro Le Roux
Bistro LeRoux, Chef Lon Symensma’s ode to the Meditteranean bistro, is gorgeously appointed and features an inventive menu of decadent fare in the heart of Denver’s LoDo neighborhood. From savory Croques Madame to decadent fresh-baked Cinnamon Rolls, LeRoux’s menu draws inspiration from Symensma’s time spent training (and eating!) in kitchens across Europe. lerouxdenver.com
1510 16th Street Denver, Colorado 80202 (720) 845-1673
Brunch Sat - Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches
Brown Palace
Perked in an elegant corner of The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Ellyngton’s is a stylishly appointed breakfast and lunchroom that offers a classy Sunday Brunch. With an extensive selection of exquisite menu items – guests can relish entrees like the prime rib quiche or the cured salmon toast. Patrons will get a taste of the hotel’s rich 130-year history by dining among the ornate décor and 19th century structures. .
brownpalace.com
321 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 297-3111
Brunch at Ellyngton’s Sun 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hilton Denver Inverness
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Rocky Mountains, Hilton Denver Inverness’ Champagne Sunday brunch features over a 100 offerings each week. A local favorite, the Sunday brunch is hosted in The Garden Terrace and offers an omelet station; shellfish display, including shucked oysters; smoked salmon; snow crab legs; bay scallops; and more. Additionally, a wide display of mini desserts and weekly rotating dessert flambe is available. Prices start at $64.95 per person and $32 for children ages 6-12 (guests under five are complimentary). theclubatinverness.com/garden-terrace 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112
Brunch Sun 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches
Tamayo Tamayo’s Bottomless Margarita Brunch is everything you want and everything you need going into fall and winter brunch dates with friends. The free-flowing small plates and brunch cocktails are offered every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy unlimited small plates featuring delectable favorites like huevos rancheros, carnitas tacos and tres leches paired with mimosas, margaritas and Bloody Marias. Bottomless Food & Drink $55 - Bottomless Food Only $40.
eattamayo.com
(720) 946-1433
Brunch Sat - Sun 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
Toro
Denver is a city built on brunch and Toro’s brunch menu is a pioneer in pairing breakfast favorites with unique cultural cuisines from all over the world. Toro’s bottomless brunch is perfect to enjoy with friends and family in their outdoor courtyard that’s hidden within the dining room. Offered Saturday and Sunday with a bottomless food and drink option for $50, this brunch is exclusive but surely one you’ll never forget. Their brunch menu, features exotic dishes with Latin flair like the Zucchini Tiradito, huevos rancheros, shrimp corn enchiladas, churrasco and eggs and quinoa-fried rice. Toro is also introducing a new brunch dessert, which is sure to become a fan favorite: churro bread pudding!
torodenver.com
150 Clayton Lane, Ste B, Denver, CO 80206 (303) 253-3000
Brunch Sat - Sun 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches
Snooze A.M. Eatery
Snooze’s new fall menu is here! The new menu includes three brand-new omelets, pumpkin pancakes and beverages and a big change to the lineup of Snooze’s Signature Pancake Flight with the addition of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Now, for the first time ever, guests can make reservations to dine at Snooze seven days a week!
snoozeeatery.com
*check website for all other locations 101 N. Broadway, Suite 1, Denver, 80203 ((720) 443-4540
Brunch Daily weekdays: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm weekends 6:30 am - 3:30 pm
Jill’s at The St. Julien
Although in Boulder, Jill’s definately is worth the drive from Denver! Brunch has returned to Jill’s Restaurant on both Saturdays and Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a new menu from executive chef Rich Byers. The thoughtful menu features fresh, local and dynamic ingredients with dishes such as a brioche croque madame with black truffle béchamel, Gruyère, an over-easy egg and River Bear ham, Shrimp & Grits with Gayla’s Georgia grits, and various Benedicts. Plus, brunch-goers can enjoy a build-your-own Tito’s Bloody Mary Bar loaded with mixes, toppings, hot sauce and more, in addition to bottomless mimosas.
stjulien.com
900 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 406-7399
Brunch Sat - Sun 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches
Olive & Finch
Olive & Finch, a “fine-casual” eatery from chef Mary Nguyen, will open a new location in Denver Union Station in early 2025. The third location of Olive & Finch will occupy the 1,879 square-foot space that formerly housed Snooze A.M. Eatery inside the iconic transportation hub. Olive & Finch Union Station will be open for dinner, happy hour, lunch, brunch and breakfast. It will offer a more robust selection of grab-and-go options than other Olive & Finch locations for travelers, including its own proprietary line of cold-pressed bottled juices, sandwiches, salads and more. The quick-service restaurant will also have a full craft coffee program, a liquor license and an emphasis on fresh-baked savory pastries and sweet treats.
oliveandfinch.com
*check website for all other locations
552 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218 (303) 832-8663
7 am - 5 pm Daily | 7 days a week
Postino
Postino WineCafé’s brunch is a balance of light and indulgent while maintaining the brand’s reputation for lovingly-crafted, approachable and downright delicious offerings. Available at all Colorado locations on Saturdays and Sundays, the brunch menu features a lineup of “table bites” designed for sharing, mains, sides, brunch cocktails and an ever-changing selection of boutique wines.
postinowinecafe.com
check website for all Postino locations
Brunch Sat - Sun 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Hidden Gems: Denver’s Best Brunches
Urban Farmer
Located in Denver’s charming LoDo neighborhood Urban Farmer Steakhouse offers an extensive selection of brunch offerings, including classic dishes like buttermilk pancakes, waffles and French toast, and unique options such as rabbit hash, served with fingerling potato, endive slaw and confit egg yolk. The restaurant also offers a Bloody Mary bar, encouraging guests to concoct their own creations each weekend for just $25. The buffet is complete with 26 different toppings, including olives, celery, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, fresh horseradish, togarashi, in-house candied bacon with brown sugar and chili flake, a selection of spices, house made bloody mix and much, much more. For those who prefer bubbles, the mimosa bar features a selection of freshly-squeezed orange, grapefruit and cranberry juices and a selection of up to four berry toppings.
Brunch Sat - Sun 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
A Tsagas Furs and Leathers Designs
A Tsagas Furs and Leather Designs is a Leather and Fur Clothing Store in Denver, CO that creates customized designs, offers alterations, and even restyles your old fur and leather pieces into something current and stylish. If you’re looking for edgy fashions made of leather or fur, visit us today or contact us to find out more about our unique services
atsagasdesigns.com
974 S Monaco Pkwy Denver, CO 80224 (720) 941-3877 Monday 11:00 am- 5:00 pm
Today, father and son create a beautiful array of custom jewelry ranging from classic to contemporary. While Gnat Original Design is well known for our exquisite engagement rings, we also craft one-of-a-kind pieces in the entire range of jewelry using precious metals, fine gemstones and certified diamonds.
gnatjewelers.com
250 Columbine Street Suite 130 Denver, CO 80206 (303) 355-5050
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11:00 am - 6:00 pm
10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Gnat Jewelers
Moore For Life
Michael Moore has worked in the cosmetics industry since 1988 with brand leaders such as Bobbi Brown Essentials, Chanel, and Estée Lauder. In New York City, he was often seen backstage during fashion week, supporting major designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Bob Mackie, and Vera Wang. Michael’s client list included Oscar winners, First Ladies of the United States, and royalty.
Eventually, the quality of the Colorado lifestyle—the healthy, natural atmosphere that inspires his technique— drew him out west, where he opened Moore For Life in Denver’s own center of chic, Cherry Creek North.
mooreforlife.com
3035 East 3rd Avenue Denver, CO 80206 (303) 484-1857
Tues- Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
LUXE FAVS
Hermes
A family company whose craftspeople make, often by hand and always with love , bags and belts, diaries and dishes, scarves and shoes, perfumes and purses, ties and travelling furniture, as well as gloves, hats, watches, jewelery and clothes.
hermes.com
Cherry Creek Shoping Center
3000 E. First Avenue, Space P-206
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 388-0700
Tues-Saturday 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum continues to wow visitors daily with its extensive display of world-class art, featuring painting and sculpture disciplines, modern and contemporary art, photography, textile art, and other representations from around the world. Temporary exhibitions provide a constant source of new art to view and appreciate. Special activities and games for kids are incorporated into the museum, allowing for an engaging and enlightening experience for all ages.
denverartmuseum.org
100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 (720) 865-5000
D
10am - 5pm Mon - Sun 10am - 8pm
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is the largest non-profit theatre organization in the country. From Broadway tours including performances such as Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Les Miserables, and Wicked, to more intimate theatres featuring comedy shows and other events, and education for all levels of thespian talent, the DCPA offers something for everyone.
denvercenter.org/ 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204
Administrative offices: (303) 893-4100
Main Box Office: (303) 893-4100
Closed major holidays
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens offers visitors an escape to a tranquil, 24-acre floral oasis. It features endless trails to meander while surrounded by a stunning display of natural beauty, showcasing local plants as well as plants from around the world. Many enjoy stopping in at the Offshoots Cafe for a coffee and croissant before continuing their journey. Families enjoy the Mordecai Children’s Garden, a rooftop garden designed for kids, providing them with a safe space to explore and connect with nature.
The Downtown Aquarium is truly an underwater adventure with exhibits featuring creatures in multiple habitats across the globe. From the desert to the rainforest and everything in between, visitors of all ages will marvel at the beauty of this underwater life. Aquarium visits are enhanced by dining at the aquarium restaurant where delicious meals are served with a view of a 50,000 gallon aquarium containing tropical fish, sharks, and even a mermaid or two.
aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver
700 Water Street, Denver, CO 80211 (303) 561-4450
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The DMNS provides visitors with multiple exhibits to explore and perform hands-on activities. Visit the Health exhibit to test your strength and view your self-portrait from 50 years in the future. Explore the Space Odyssey exhibit and experiment with the impacts of water, air, and magnets. Walk through the Wildlife dioramas to experience the magnificent size of a bear. The Discovery Zone was specially designed for small children and gives them the opportunity to expand the use of their fives senses within a safe environment. Museum visitors also enjoy the many shows offered at the IMAX and Planetarium.
dmns.org/ 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 370-6000
