This Saturday!

This is a production of Arts & Venues, City and County of Denver. And, it’s gone on for years. Be sure to hang around the Main Stage about 3:30 for the annual Tribute Awards. One of this year’s nominees is long-time LoDo resident…and master jazz trumpeter…Bob Montgomery. If you don’t see him Saturday, you can always visit his picture on the Wall of Fame at the famous El Chapultepec, 20th and Market.

Don’t forget the Colfax Marathon on Sunday morning. You won’t be able to drive across that long avenue very easily. Easier to run.

Take the Smash Out of Smashburger and Add the Works!

And, run you can, especially if you just had a FREE LUNCH. One of Downtown’s newest spots, Red Robin’s Burger Works gave out hundreds of free “test and training” meals to area business people this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You need the special invite, though, and a reservation. This is how they prepare the place and the crew for their official opening on Monday, May 21 at California and the 16th Street Mall.

It’s the third Burger Works location in the Denver-based chain’s holdings. Manager Nathan Brodbeck calls the food “craveable”. We’ll see what the rest of Denver calls it. For now, we’re calling it lunch.

Whatever you do this weekend, be careful crossing the streets. Especially you, Dana. And, you, Gary. And, you, Lawrence!

District What?

Since we are not on Charlie Palmer’s personal press call list, we get some of our news where we can find it. Just before noon today, William Porter, restaurant writer for the Denver Post, posted the news.

District Meats, on Wazee in LoDo, will change its name, along with its menu and serving hours.

The new name, Charlie Palmer’s District Tavern, is meant to be more reflective of a “modern tavern” and less reflective of a “steak house”. There will be no more lunch service, only dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

The news was also reported at westword.com. We know, however, that Denver by the Slice readers are busy urbanites with little time to search the “papers” for their local news. And, with the name change of this restaurant after just six months, we guess Charlie also now has the option of serving just about anything…pizza, of course, or sushi perhaps. Just like the rest of the neighborhood! Stay tuned.

Layers of Cakes Waiting for Their Mothers

Don’t try this at home! It takes a team of talented bakers and plenty of oven capacity to turn out over 600 cakes in four days. Not to mention an ordering system to keep it all straight.

The Market in Larimer Square has been at this for a while. 28 years under the able guidance of Owner Mark Greenberg. So, when Mothers’ Day comes around, he’s usually ready. And, he’s also ready to cut off the orders when it’s time. Meanwhile, the rest of the place hums with its normal coffee, food, sandwiches, food and food business while remaining a community gathering space. 

Spring Fling, Small Size!

Just imagine over 600 cakes! El Dia de la Madre was last Thursday and Mothers’ Day Sunday. Over 600 cakes between them. Spring Fling is still the number one. Tres Leches was close behind. This is business! Orders were cut off for Sunday to preserve quality. Many more cakes could have gone out the door.

Mark is famous for having a great staff, some of whom have been there over 20 years. He’s a leader. People have become successful in life from his tutelage in making sandwiches at The Market. He just bought them a new faster toaster “…because they are so good they shouldn’t be wasting their time waiting on toast!”

Really. Who takes the cake here?

(Photos: Diane Huntress)

"Vamos a la playa."

And, no it’s not for Cinco de Mayo. It’s a long overdue and well deserved break. Fiesta. Siesta.

Back in a few mananas with more fresh news and views of living in Downtown Denver. Be careful crossing the streets!

From 10 to 2 on Sundays, Coohills at 1400 Wewatta in Lower Downtown will offer brunch in the way that only they can. This is where you’ll want to be for a view over Cherry Creek, comfort on their famous patio and a fine meal prepared under the supervision of Chef/Owner Tom Coohill.

Let’s see. Brioche, Colorado lamb, charcuterie, housemade breads, pastries and sausages. So much to choose from. But, wait, here’s the Hot Smoked Salmon Benedict! I’ll have that. And, the bar is open.

Perfect for Sunday. Perfect for Mom. Make your reservations now at www.coohills.com or by calling Diane Coohill at 303-623-5700. Come back every Sunday!