Watch Us Move! Slice's New Home!

If you are coming to Denver by the Slice, here, thank you! But, you are just in time for our move to a new improved location. Among other things, the new site takes less time to type in to your browser!

It is still a bit of a work-in-process. The ads are just test spots for now. Some listings don't exist yet. But, all the content is there with a lot more to come. The features, news and coverage will be expanding at approximately the speed of the Purveyor's learning curve. Thank you for your support!

Visit now at http://www.denverbytheslice.com/. More great news and views of living in Downtown Denver. See you there!

Street Watch: Hot Times in the Old Town

This third weekend in July just doesn't have much going for it. At least, not in the way of street closures. Besides the on-going mess of 15th Street between Little Raven and Boulder Street, there are just a couple of traffic disrupters you may want to know about.

Lawrence between Speer and 17th, then 17th to Broadway, will be closed late Saturday night for the Moonlight Bicycle Classic at the Civic Center. There is a special promotion with BCycle Denver for this event, so if you can't sleep, head over to the rack at Union Station, grab a bike and go for a ride. You may want to check the details first, which you can do here.

And, across the way in Highlands, the annual Mt. Carmel Church Bazaar closes Navajo evenings between 35th and 36th Avenues. A healthy walk over to food and games, and on the way back, your pockets will be much lighter...unless you win a ham.

Next Wednesday, the 21st, Larimer Street through the Square will be closed for a large dinner gala. Warm al fresco.

We survived the James Taylor/Carole King and Paul McCartney concerts this week. (Footnote: Paul McCartney was actually declared an Historic District before LoDo.) And, the Rockies are not back in town until July 27. So visit the galleries! Or watch the Tour de France. Stay cool this weekend...and be careful crossing the streets!

Street Gang Caught on Television Tampering with Fence!

Here is a video link where you can see a street gang putting their special touches on the construction fence on 16th Street near Union Station. See it here.

Then go see for yourself how much fun this is! Yarn Bombing!

Vive la France! Bon la Fete Nationale!

At the very least, have a glass of French Wine today. It's Bastille Day, one of the world's great celebrations of freedom!

Le quatorze juillet has, in one way or another, been celebrated since the first anniversary of the 1789 storming of the Bastille, key to the formation of the First Republic. It is known to us as a symbol of the French Revolution which would eventually result in the democratic republic of France today.

Denver by the Slice was lucky enough to be in Paris one year on Bastille Day. The streets rumbled with the military parade down the Champs from the Arc to Place Concorde. By now the French use "helper armies" to fill the ranks, but the spectacle remains.

And, at the end of the day, fireworks over the city. It is a glorious time to be in Paris, one of any. But, even though our visit was several years ago, we have never  since seen a fireworks display to match. So big, so long, so musical, so Paris. And, then, with no hope of getting a taxi back to the hotel, a long walk through the Paris night...with about a million of our closest friends!

And, since (probably if you are reading this) you are not in Paris, you can still take a vicarious French tour by watching the outstanding photography in the television coverage of the Tour de France bicycle race, for the rest of July. Tune in and take off. It is a beautiful country!

Art Worth Getting Up and Going to See Tonight!

This is "1.26", Janet Echelman's monumental temporary sculpture commemorating the inaugural Biennial of the Americas, July 7-31. Quoting from the release from the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs:

"1.26 engages with issues of temporality and interconnectedness surrounding the 1.26-microsecond shortening of the day that resulted from the February 2010 Chile earthquake's redistribution of the earth's mass. A large netted aerial sculpture - inspired by a NOAA simulation of the ensuing tsunami - will float above the traffic, suspended over 14th Street between the Civic Center's Greek Theatre and the Denver Art Museum."

Drive or bike or walk there. Park. Get out and walk around and look at this from different angles. It is stunning. And, its only there...in the air...until the end of the month!

Fireworks Fizzle on New Xcel Building

We had great hopes for how the Coors Field Fireworks would reflect off the new Xcel office buidling at 18th and Larimer last weekend. Watching the fireworks from a rooftop deck just a few blocks from the field, the reflections off the towers of Downtown just add to the show.

But, this new buidling with its blue hue in the daytime turned into a black hole. No light. No reflections. All that for a rate increase!

Later, Denver by the Slice had to walk the local dog. A woman came wobbling down Wynkoop, wearing an American Flag. She said, "I'm a mess. Do you have your cellphone with you?" Unsure just who she was asking, the dog and I looked at each other. Neither one of us had gone out that night with our phone. Lesson noted. Woman wobbled away on down Wynkoop.

Street Watch: LoDo Streets Open, Huston Street Closing!

The only real Street news this weekend should be Rockies closer Huston Street. How about those Rocks!?

Actually, one short segment of 21st between Broadway and California will be closed for a World Cup Final event suspiciously close to the British Bulldog. That's on Sunday.

And, Biennial events consume both the Skate Park and City of Cuernavaca Park, north of Commons Park, for the weekend. You'll have a chance to visit the All Nations Skate Jam or the Indigenous Village. Check the Biennial website here for more information on this month long celebration of the Americas.

But, after perusing our lists and sources over and over for street closures, or assorted wierd events, Denver by the Slice will just relish one of the best weekends of the year for sports.

World Cup Final, Netherlands versus Spain. All European. All Spain.

And, the Tour de France enters the Alps this weekend. Over two full weeks of racing to go in what is arguably the most difficult sporting event in the world. Anything can happen. And, the scenery is beautiful. Watch it on VS, Comcast Channel 73. (And, please, do not take that as an outright endorsement of Comcast. Just telling you where it is.)

And, the Rockies. Heading to the All Star break with three games against the Padres. Coincidentally, the friars have a 3-game lead on the Rockies, so these are very, very big games. Expect big crowds and bad driving. Huston Street closing!

When Badgers Fly...Updated!

15,000 Wisconsinites bothered to bestow the name of "Buddy" on their flying badger. (See this link to our former post)

Beats "Bella" and certainly beats "Cookie". Frontier won't disclose the actual vote totals, though, so we are left to wonder if this was on the up-and-up. Denver by the Slice would like to hear if flying with a badger is, or is not, an improvement. All planes should have animals on them. Don't you think? Buses, too. But, not driving.

Outstanding Art All Around Us!

One of the great benefits of Denver's Biennial of the Americas, opening tonight, is the springboard it provides for galleries and artists to show off some great works and shows. And, the opening parties were a work of art themselves!

Here in our own neighborhood, the Museum of Contemporary Art opened a gallery wide new show titled "Energy Effects": Art and Artifacts in the Landscape of Glorius Excess. Phenomenal works by various artists, including a working replica of a particle accelerator, by Jim Sanborn.

Across Delgany, Capsule has an ambitious exhibit all month called Objectophilia, curated by Lauri Lynnxe Murphy. That show also takes the first floor of the new building across 15th, next to the Light Rail tracks. Lots of talented artists including Bill Amundson and Phil Bender. In the middle of it all, the landing pad of a '68 Chevy Nova, looking like it could be just a bad suburban driver visiting Downtown on a Friday night. But, it is actually a collaborative work of the MCA and DOCA, inspired by a photograph by Gonzalo Lebrija.

And, new shows at Robischon (Wazee between 17th and 18th) and Plus+ Gallery (25th and Larimer). All month, good exhibits worth multiple visits. And, the Biennial is going on, too!

Street Watch: Fourth of July Fallout Alert!

This weekend has a shortage of Downtown street closures...and an abundance of Downtown fireworks. The only closings found by Denver by the Slice are around the Civic Center. Saturday, look for closures on 14th Street and Bannock for Saturday night's Independence Eve Concert with the CSO in the Greek Theater. Some marches, some anthems, some American classics and the obligatory 1812 Overture, still by Tchaikovsky. Followed by fireworks.

On Sunday afternoon, look for 14th to close at Stout for the Civic Center-based 30th National Veterans' Wheelchair Games Parade.

And, our beloved Rockies will fill the stands for the game, then the sky BOTH Friday and Saturday night after playing the Giants. Lots of good places to watch. And, the Rockies' fireworks look especially good reflecting off the downtown buildings. We're looking forward to see how they look bouncing off the new Xcel headquarters at 18th and Larimer. The closer you are, the louder they are!

There you are. Baseball, fireworks, 4th of July and the 1812 Overture. 'Bout as American as you can get!

Last Day for an Old Friend

Triage is closing today. You know Triage, David Scott's fine little clothing store for men and women that he has run for 29 years in Writer Square. Triage is closing today and it is a shame.

David came to this tough decision a few weeks ago when faced with an outlandish rent increase from the new Square owners. You know the ones. They recently spent a bunch to take away the interior of Writer Square, one of Denver's first truly mixed-use developments. Now, with trees and plantings mowed down, the whole square suffers a bit of tackiness and clutter. With many empty spaces.

A lot of those empty spaces came in the office tower. That translated to lost professional customers for Triage. Any retailer will also tell you how important the surrounding stores are to bring the right people to an area. The new owners of Writer Square have put two new tenants near David - Sprint and Subway. Hardly the right types for the quality he so well nurtured in his collections and service.

David Scott is from a big family in Oakley, Kansas and he has run marathons all over the world. This 29-year marathon of Triage has come to the finish line. But, we suspect our good friend will find another race to run successfully. Stay tuned!

Street Watch: Lull Before the Storm

More heat than street this weekend Downtown. As we said, last week, we'll do our best to bring you any potential interruptions to your mobility caused by special events or street closures through the Downtown neighborhood. Here is this weekend's short list...followed by a special comment on last week.

The only street closures we can officially find: Lawrence between 19th and 20th for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square, through Sunday 6/27; and, 14th and 15th partials between Court and Curtis for a 5K Run event, but only Saturday morning until about 10:30. And, as we mentioned previously, 15th Street from Little Raven west is a total mess.

The Rockies have left town for a few days after nearly sweeping the red Sox in three very entertaining games. All sold out. It should be relatively easy to get around. The annual "Heat Festival" seems a week early.

Last weekend, even Denver by the Slice was surprised by the closing of Wynkoop Street between 15th and the creek. Saturday, a law firm which offices on the street, invited 400 of its best friends for a party, with a band and lots of balloons. But, they failed to notify the neighborhood of the event...and  they totally blocked  the access to Manny's Bridge and the bike paths from Wynkoop. Unnecessary. The City requires that affected residents sign off on such events. That's why the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association is so diligent about getting all the resident buildings and businesses to sign off for their events, like the upcoming "No Garage Garage Sale" on August 28th at the same location.

Last week's event was "permitted" but not correctly so. It has been noted.

What also bothered Denver by the Slice was the release of several hundred helium balloons from the party. Seems the kids were having a good time watching them float off (often in bunches of several dozen) towards Eastern Colorado and Western Nebraska where they litter the landscape and present a real hazard to wildlife. They may add a lot to a party, but balloons don't look so good wrapped around a goose's neck. They should know better. The party people. Not the geese.

Invasion of Red Sox Nation!

The mall is jammed! The shuttles are jammed! The ballpark is jammed! Even the hotels are jammed! With the rare invasion of Red Sox fans, and closet Red Sox Fans already here, it feels like a playoff.

For the businesses downtown, the words of SNL's Garrett Morris: "Beisbol bin bery, bery good to me!"

One new arrival, with suitcase, was wearing shorts that exposed a large graphic vertically arranged spelling of "B-O-S-T-O-N" tattoo on his leg. If found, we will know where to return him.

Salvation in the Form of Good Coffee Coming Back Downtown!

We wrote about the closing of Peet's in January here at the slice. Now, we can happily report that Peet's is coming back. A new space is announced in the Sheraton Hotel, on the Mall, between Court and Tremont.

This is, perhaps, the best news of the day. Peet's is back. Except we don't know when it will open. But the Slice will find out and let you know, too. You won't have to take a bus ride to Cherry Creek for great coffee!

Civic Center Eats! Every Tuesday this Summer!

Like the Steuben's Truck (pictured), Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, Denver Cupcakes and Moe's Barbeque? See them and more every Tuesday between 11 and 2:30 at the Civic Center. Good food, good shopping, good causes and live music. This is a great mid-day break for people Downtown. Or, if you like, an excuse to ride the Mall Shuttle. Spotted: Boston Red Sox fans!

Coming Soon to a Street Near You!

Denver by the Slice is starting a regular feature to alert residents and fans of Downtown Denver to upcoming events and street closure issues. How many times have you gotten up on Saturday morning to find you were imprisoned on your block by a parade, march, run or massive walk that closed the streets? Worse...how about cheerleaders under your window?

Well, we hope to help you know in advance of something coming up Downtown.

The largest event of the weekend is the Pridefest at the Civic Center through Sunday, June 20. This is a very colorful event that includes lots of music and a couple of parades along East Colfax Saturday and Sunday. Pride abounds!

On the other side of Downtown, Saturday, June 19, the Highland Street Fair will occupy West 32nd Avenue between Lowell and Perry.

Next weekend, June 25-27, is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square, around 19th and Lawrence. And, don't forget to dodge the bikers Wednesday, June 23 on Bike to Work Day. They can be as tricky as cars, especially when they ride while texting or talking.

Street construction-wise, many projects are on-going, but it appears they are starting in earnest on the re-alignment of Larimer between 15th and 17th. It's not easy making a street narrower. Wewatta, behind Union Station remains under siege, and 15th Street from Little Raven west is a mess. Especially near 15th and Little Raven as a demolition project is well under way at the Northwest corner.

And, finally, look for sell-out Rockies crowds Tuesday through Thursday evenings when they host the Boston Red Sox for the first time since the short 2007 World Series. Red Sox Nation is a scary thing...especially driving!

Gelato Returns to Downtown, and Not a Moment Too Soon!

Welcome, Amore Gelato, on the Mall between Welton and Glenarm. Bruce Koeller spent two years bringing this business to life in what was a sunglass store. Thank him! If there is anything we don't need more of Downtown, besides Starbucks, that would be sunglass stores. We have Gelato now, and we are happy.

Gelato is more dense than ice cream which is full of air, and gelato has about half the fat and less sugar. Gelato originated in Italy, of course, and it is ubiquitous there. We had gelato in Larimer Square for a while with Gelazzi, but that business melted away. There is gelato around Downtown (Little Man, Red Trolley), but it is always best if close by. And, close by is important for gelato because it is typically made fresh in small batches. Bruce makes his in the kitchen upstairs from his shop.

The traditional flavors are all good. The pistachio is solid. The sorbettos light and great for summer. During the Democratic National Convention a couple of years ago, the most asked question on the mall was "Where can I get some ice cream or gelato?" Now we know. Tip: try the original Honey Sunflower Gelato, Bruce's culinary invention. And, a personal favorite that will conjure up memories of the Good Humor truck driving down your street...Dreamsicle! Take some home.
(Photo: Copyright Diane Huntress)

LoDo Lights Gaining an International Reputation!

"Current 3" by Virginia Folkestad

First one, now three international electronic magazines are running illustrated articles about our very own LoDo Lights, the light art installation on Manny's Bridge. That, of course, is the pedestrian bridge over Cherry Creek at the end of Wynkoop Street. The lights are interactive and have been pleasing passers-by since March 6, 2009. Originally meant to be a temporary installation, the artist, city and neighborhood association agreed to keep it on.

Now, the buzz is getting around the world! You can see the Enlighter Magazine article following this link. Lots of pictures and information about what goes into public light art. And, lots of other neat light art projects from all over the world. Enlighter is an Australian based publication focusing on lighting, lighting design and lighting architecture. Since their article appeared, similar publications from Greece and the United States have picked up on the story as well.

Diane Huntress managed this initial LoDo Lights project. The title is "Current 3". The artist is Virginia Folkestad. The funding came from the neighborhood and with the assistance of the City of Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. Lights on and well worth your re-visit. Remember to stand back and watch the bridge "breathe" when it thinks no one is looking!

     Photo Copyright Diane Huntress

7th Year of Mixed Taste Begins Friday at MCA!

Denver by the Slice was in the audience of 12 people at the very first Mixed Taste Tag Team Lecture in 2004. That was at The Lab in Belmar. Created by Adam Lerner, now the Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver, 15th and Delgany in LoDo. We can all be glad that he brought this series with him to our neighborhood!

Mixed Taste pairs two 30-minute lectures from experts on entirely diverse subjects. And, then the question and answer session opens up to both subjects at the same time. And, it can get pretty wild. This season starts with "The Birth of the Cocktail" and "Irrational Engineering." Next Friday, June 25, look for "The Alpaca" and "Nuclear Missiles."

Ciro Najle will handle the engineering session this week. Jake Adam York, the Cocktail. York is a popular lecturer in this series, and rightfully so. Over the years he has waxed poetically on jazz, barbeque, single malt scotch, American whisky, Southern Food...and poetry, among others. These programs, for the next 10 weeks on Friday's at 6:30 usually sell out. But, you can still check ticket availability at the MCA website.

About 250 people attend the programs now. And, you can purchase adult beverages before and after. If you are lucky, often, the programs contain lecture materials such as free subject samples. When the series began, Adam gave away everything to get people there. Now, it is a pleasure to get in!

By the way, the subjects for that very first Mixed Taste in 2004: "Surreal Cinema" and "Brunello Wines." Perfect combination. Lakewood didn't know what had hit them!

Weekend Assignment: Pick Your Table!

So it might be rainy out this weekend, but you can still think about your favorite Downtown patio table. Denver by the Slice wants to know what you like. We have some favorites and you probably do, too.

For instance, just about any of the high tables on the Wynkoop Brewery's Wynkoop porch provide a perfest perch for Friday evening people watching. Not to mention good beer. Rumor has it that in about a week you may see a gorilla driving a horse delivering beer from that spot.

The corner outside table at Dixon's patio often contains LoDo residents, sometimes with their dog. It's a great view on either the Mall or Wazee.

On Rockies game nights, the elevated bar spots outside The Keg at 19th and Wynkoop put you close to the action. And, just about any table on the patio at Crepes 'N Crepes works as a good spot to see friends, share some wine and practice your French.

And, for a distinctive view of LoDo, the Cafe on the top floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art has some wonderful outside tables, coffee, lunch, adult beverages and late hours on Friday's.

What places do you like? Send your comments to our email, or just post them here. The reward is your enjoyment! Bon Weekend!

Let's Ban Bagpipes Blaring Between Buildings!

There's a time and a place for everything. Bagpipes, for instance. They sound fine in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. They sound appropriate marching through a crowded McCormick's on the same day. Limit one!
Bagpipes sound marvelous every April at the St. John's Episcopal "Kirchen o' the Tartan" service in that huge gothically acoustic space. And, a bagpipe never sounded sweeter than the single piper emerging from dense fog one year at the Houston Open as a tribute to the colorful Payne Stewart who had perished en route.

But, please, not for dinner. A piper has taken up residence at the corner of Lawrence and the 16th Street Mall. And, frankly, it is annoying. If you are trying to enjoy a meal of crepes, a glass of French wine, and friends across the way...you are tested. This piper seems only to know three tunes. And, they play over and over and they echo and echo around between the buildings. We are all for street musicians, but there should be some limits. Pianos, great. Guitars, fine. Peruvian mountain bands, yes. Bongos, close. But, bagpipes, please no.

We find that we are not alone in attitude toward this irritant. There are whole web pages of jokes about this misguided instrument. For instance: "Why do pipers march while they play?" Answer: "To get away from the sound!"

We should be able to organize our LBBBBB movement, before the carriage horses get really nervous. And then the food, wine and friends will all be better. Until the heavy metal rock group shows up.

Beach Gets Music, Deserves a Name!

We need to name the beach. Our own Downtown Beach. No, that's not a good name. We are talking about the little spit of sand (when the water is low) that becomes overrun every warm weekend at Confluence Park. The season of Confluence Concerts, which starts this year on July 1, overlooks that beach.

First the music. The Greenway Foundation presents a series of four outdoor/on the lawn concerts July 1, July 8, July 15 and July 22. Each concert is 6:30-8:00 and food and beverages and adult beverages are available. This is a fun program covering blues, zydeco, jazz and swing, respectively in the schedule.

But, back to the beach with no name. Here are some off the wall suggestions from our editorial panel. Let's hear your ideas (or complaints)! "Drifter's Landing," "Plage Fideaux," "La Playa," "Flush," or, a sponsorship opportunity such as, "Chase Bank Beach at Confluence." They could even put in an ATM. And, the Greenway Foundation could get the big sponsorship fee and help out all the rest of their fine river projects that make living Downtown so enjoyable!

Walking with RTD and the Union Station Hole-in-the-Ground Gang!

From RTD this morning, an announcement that Walking Tours of the Union Station Redevelopment Project will be offered free to the public. This is a joint effort of DUSPA, USNC and RTD. If you know your acronyms, you know this is pretty much everyone involved in the massive project.

The tours are at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 17, July 15, August 18, and September 16. One hour in length, they will focus on some of the history and lore of the historic station, the scope of the transit redevelopment project and views of the actual construction. You have to call 303-592-5462 to sign up, as groups are limited to 25 people each. They'll meet at the Wynkoop Street entrance to the station.

If you are a real construction-aholic (you know who you are), sign up for more than one. And, if you are like some people who want to experience RTD, but you are afraid to ride a bus, this walking could be the answer.

Cheers! The Weekend has Arrived!

Activity and traffic Downtown last weekend were a little over the top. Parade, Baseball, Day of Rock, Art. All well and good...but did you notice how crowded (especially the Mall) it was? This weekend offers just as much opportunity to do things, but more on our side. No baseball (Rocks are in Arizona staying inside), no art fair (just the Chalk Art Festival at Larimer Square which assures us of at least one thunderstorm), no parade, and only one big night of outdoor music (the annual Friday night summer series starts at Rock Bottom, 16th and Curtis).

Of course, if you are so brave as to venture just out of Downtown, to the Civic Center for instance, you can dip your birkies into the Capitol Hill People's Fair on Saturday and Sunday. This was a very enjoyable event when it was held on the Esplanade in front of East High School. But, that was at least 20 years ago. Now, it's more like Cinco de Mayo with more yoga, or the Taste of Colorado with less fat.

You could go the other direction, down Cherry Creek to Confluence, cross the bridge and enter Denver's lycra showcase, the Starbucks at REI. Now, this is truly a wonderful place to sit...under the trees and by the river. The bike-by crowd changes constantly. And, many of your friends will probably wander through. Try the herbal tea with lemonade. Starbucks is much better when they don't use coffee in their drinks.

But, the scene in front of you may make you wonder. The river will be full of people, dogs, babies, baptisms, rafts, inner tubes, and the occasional loose hot dog wrapper from the vending cart above. Have you ever really wanted to be in that water? Do you watch sometimes what floats in that direction from our own Creek upstream? Enjoy the breeze through the trees and the sound of rushing water trying your best not to think about all those people treating the area as Coney Island.

And, while you are just in the neighborhood this weekend, enjoy one of the patios or try one of the BCycles (they are all over downtown. Check this link). Drop by Swing Thai, now open on Sundays from 1-8. And, pick up a nice bottle of wine from Jed at Wines off Wynkoop, in the alley behind the Tattered Cover. Enjoy the warm, and less-crowded weekend ahead. But, be careful crossing the streets!

Quiet 3-Day Weekend Ahead

To many people Memorial Day Weekend marks the real start of summer in Denver. But, Downtown this weekend offers very little in the way of activity unless you choose to engage in any of the following.

Memorial Day Parade at 10:00 Saturday, free of course.

Museum of Contemporary Art's AstroTurf Yard Sale, great bargains, beer garden, all day Saturday, at 15th and Delgany.

Downtown Denver Arts Festival, 12th year, free at the Pavilions Friday afternoon through Monday.

Denver Day of Rock, free from Concerts for Kids. 20 bands, some you may have heard of, 4 stages on the Mall. From about 2:30 to 9:30 Saturday. Stages at Skyline Park, Curtis and Welton Streets. Rock On!

And, Rock On, Rockies! Five in a row and counting. With the Dodgers in town for a 3-game series. Big crowds for a big series.

Otherwise, a pretty quiet weekend ahead.

When Badgers Fly...

These are mean little animals. So mean, in fact, that long ago German farmers bred a dog unafraid to go down in their holes and rat them out. The dachshund. Weiner dog. Barrel chested little guy with jaws of steel. Very useful downtown for picking up food off the sidewalk.

So now, those Wisconsonites who stole our local airline, Frontier, are putting one of their own on a plane. Part of the deal with Midwest Airlines allowed the name to stay, but included the addition of a badger to the spokesanimal fleet. What to name the creature? Bella, Buddie and Cookie? (its head does resemble an Oreo) were chosen as finalists from "thousands of entries" according to the airline.

But, here's the rub. Their animal. Their name choices. Only residents of Wisconsin get to vote. So call your friends in the off moments of this weekend and tell them to go to FrontierMidwest.com/namethebadger. They could win something. Thanks to the Denver Business Journal for the picture. Thanks to the people of Wisconsin for solving this problem. Let's hope they do the right thing!

Oh, Brother! Bar Badgers Bar Over Name!

We missed this Denver Business Journal story last week. And, today, Westword wrote about it, too. Our very own Downtown version of a McDonald's type muscle job. Take your name to town and beat up on the guy with the same name who has been there forever.

The DBJ article does a good job of explaining the case for My Brother's Bar v. It's Brothers Bar and Grill. The latter is a place planning on opening soon at 1920 Market, part of a Wisconsin-based chain, adding yet another sports and juvenile-drinking-activity establishment to that part of LoDo. My Brother's Bar, of course, has sat serenely and successfully for 40 years at 15th and Platte, selling the heck out of Girl Scout Cookies every year.

This is the place you go for a good burger or the JCB. Classical music plays throughout. The bartenders actually wear ties. The food comes atop funky plastic trays holding condiments, peppers and pickles. And, you can get popcorn. The outdoor patio is one of the better, and better hidden, patio drinking locations in the city. They don't even have a sign over the door. And, it's on the Denver Beat Tour, since its past as a hangout for the likes of Jack Kerouac. His picture is on the wall by the restroom.

There are no televisions at My Brother's Bar. Just a fine place to go. We all know that. Otherwise we would be entering the limbo contest at the other Brothers on Market Street. I think the older Brother should win this fight!

Smart Meters Revisited: Is Denver Losing Money?

We have posted a couple of times about the "Smart Meters" now ubiquitous Downtown. But, as this item by John Schroyer points out, the city's projected revenue drop of a little over 7% has actually increased initially to about 20%! Read about it here at the Denver page of the Huffington Post. Driver convenience by the use of plastic has its price. Now, if people could only figure out how to get their cars into just one neat legal parking place at a time.

Downtown Farmers' Market Opens June 2!

Once again this summer, the Farmers' Market comes downtown on Wednesday's from 9-2 p.m. at Tiri's Garden, at the corner of 15th and California. This transformed corner parking lot is the special project of the Isenberg's, and built by Dale DeLeo. Part of the proceeds from each vendor will go to the Concerts for Kids program, providing funding for a variety of youth activities in Denver.

The garden served as an urban holiday tree lot this past winter which was highlighted here at Denver by the Slice. We'll work on getting a list of the vendors and publish that soon. Welcome to another season in the Garden!

Cake! It's What's for Dinner!

Mark Greenberg, owner of the Market, is Denver's  true "Ace of Cakes" and he proves it every day and especially in May and June. Often during these months of graduations, not to mention Mothers' Day, the Market has to stop taking orders for cakes. They run at the kitchen's capacity. And, that's a big kitchen!

This past weekend, alone, about 200 cakes passed through the door into the micro-climate that resides in front of this Larimer Street institution. Sometimes Mom takes the cake. Sometimes several layers of the same family show up.

Favorite flavor, of course...the Spring Fling shown here. Next fave, Tres Leches. Longtime, highly trusted Market employees often hoist the giant sheet cakes onto their shoulders to give them a chance of safely making it to the proud owner's car. The Market offers breakfast, coffees, specialty foods, hot foods and sandwiches and dinner, spelled c-a-k-e!

Where to Read the London Times

"There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn."

- Dr. Johnson to Boswell
 

So sayeth the landing page for Pint's Pub. So true. A delightful place to spend a rainy Friday afternoon, or any afternoon, at 13th and Bannock. This is easily close enough to be considered in the realm of Denver by the Slice...Downtown!
 
Pint's, complete with dartboard, London phone booth, and a pub menu is a rare but warm place. They offer British "Cask Conditioned" Ales and the largest selection of single malt Scotch whisky "west of Edinborough."
 
If you don't know Pint's, wander over there soon to lift a pint...or a wee dram!

Big Game...Not Your Mother's Il Fornaio

Denver by the Slice had the privilege last night to attend a Preview Dinner at the Big Game Restaurant and Lounge, about to open in the former Il Fornaio space on Wazee. Preview dinners can be chaotic affairs, but this one was not. This group is organized, professional and efficient...and the food was very good. It will be weeks, or months, before the kitchen settles into the routine we should see on a regular basis, so let's re-visit the food at a future time.

Although, if you have the chance, don't miss the Watermelon and Ahi Tuna Ceviche! Special!

But, we can discuss the room and the space makeover itself. The space that sat vacant for many months is remembered fondly by many local residents. Many of us bought bread, sometimes every day, from the front bakery counter. Very good bread. We liked the light levels and the fireplace. The entire operation made you think you may not really be eating in a chain restaurant. It was an accessible, easy-to-use neighborhood place.

Now, the room is quite different. Same space, of course. Most of the same booth structure. Same bar placement and same kitchen area. But, different.

The bar area has been opened up, but still has the marble half-moon bar and at least one of the marble stand-ups. But it feels bigger without the various fixtures and decor that were there. And, there are TV's. Several.

You enter the dining area through a "horn door", the only remnants of wild game decor spotted. So don't worry about the guilt that goes along with dinner at the Buckhorn Exchange.

The dining area has plenty of tables, but also plenty of soft leather chairs and low cocktail tables oriented toward the fireplace wall. The fireplace, though, is dwarfed by very large video screens taking up the entire wall. These are above the several smaller screens running the length of the wall below. And, back on the entrance wall, more large and small screens. You won't miss a thing.

It is a different feel for this space, so much the same, yet not. Over the months we will see how the effort to have such a video impact blends with the effort to have a true gastronomic impact in LoDo. Watch to see how the Big Game plays out...but DO have the Ceviche!

Matt's Muddling Mounds of Mint!

Derby Day! Saturday, May 1 brings about yet another short horse race about which much is made...The Kentucky Derby. To help you view, drink, eat and enjoy this spectable (and the hats), Dixon's has some fun specials all day.

Our friend Matt Raia, bar impresario at Dixon's, is mulling lots of mint and opening lots of Jack. $4 Jack Daniels Mint Juleps, $4 Jack Daniels Whiskey Sours, $3 Derby Daly's (sweet tea, bourbon and lemonade) and you can drink them all day if you really think you should.

The kitchen is turning out that famous Louisville tradition, The Hot Brown Sandwich. Named for the Brown Hotel, the Hot Brown first appeared there about 1926, invented by Fred K. Schmidt. Originally this sandwich included turkey and bacon on bread, covered in a Mornay sauce and broiled. Through the years, many variations have been concocted...and, this Saturday at Dixon's, they are offering the "Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Benedictine Sandwich" for just $5, all day. The "Benedictine" of Kentucky food lore has to do with the Benedict Hotel in Louisville and it includes some combination of cucumbers and cream cheese. We don't know where this is going, so try one out and let us know what you think!

By the Slice thanks restaurant guru John Imbergamo for the Derby Tip on Dixon's. Betting it's good!

Truck Runs Red Light in LoDo! Is that News?

No, it's not. This happens all the time. Truck clearly in middle of intersection. Light clearly red. Caught on film! What you don't see is that this same truck had just made a U-Turn out of a parking space, hurrying to run this light.

Denver by the Slice has a recently rejuvenated fear of vehicles running red lights. It is dangerous. People can be hurt. U-Turns on Downtown streets are dangerous to anyone nearby. So is crossing the street.

By definition, most drivers Downtown live somewhere else. They don't know where they are going...and they are in a big hurry to get there. They don't read signs. They don't watch for peds or bikes or kids or dogs. They talk on the phone. It can be very scary out there.

Hundreds of cars everyday barrel down Wynkoop Street from 15th Street toward Cherry Creek. Yes, it is a dead end (or, cul-de-sac, if you prefer) and yes, there are only four (4) signs at the intersection announcing that. One car goes, another follows. And, worse, because of some trait of drivers still being researched, they drive back to 15th even faster to make up for lost time due to stupidity.

And, then there are drivers who rush to make lights, or just run them. The crosswalks at 15th and Wynkoop are especially dangerous, even more so when there are cars around. It's not pleasant to see people or bikes being run into. Be careful!

Smashburger Plops Onto the Mall!

Most of us Downtown can see suburbs from our offices and rooftop decks. That doesn't mean we ever go there. But, we know they are out there. After all, without the suburbs there would be NO traffic downtown.

But one Downtown-based company has decided that all of its suburban locations are too far away to keep a close eye on. So, Smashburger, the locally based national chain, is opening a restuarant they can see from their office windows. Company Headquarters is in Tower one of the 1515 Arapahoe building. The new Smashburger restaurant is on the Mall, right next to Ling & Louie's, which is right next to the Cheesecake Factory. (I think, also, that if we did not have the suburbs, we would not have a Cheesecake Factory.)

Most of us Downtown resident types may not be familiar with Smashburger. We did not grow up with them. We can't name their spokesclown. We might not be able to tell someone where one is. But, if we like it, we can all plan our travel dining around their places...in suburbs nationwide.

Smashburger is coming with Smashburgers, Smashchicken, Smashfries and Smashdogs (That last one doesn't sound quite as appealing.). The picture above is from their web-site where you can also peruse the menu...or buy a franchise. I will admit to having read very good things about the namesake offering. I'll have mine to go!

Beer by Horse and Wagon Starts Tomorrow!

Right here on the blog, we announced it on March 16. And, at about 7:00 p.m. Friday, the wagon rolls from the Wynkoop to make Beer Deliveries! First stop is the Wazee Lounge and Supper Club. Then, down the alley to Wines off Wynkoop, and then on to other downtown customers for Wynkoop drafts and Railyard Ale cans. This, finally, is a good use of our streets!

Doors Open to Feature the Light Art of LoDo Lights!

This week's Doors Open Denver will feature a special appearance in LoDo! Mike Rogers will lead the Denver After Dark Tour Saturday night for 30 lucky people. And, this year, that tour (a Doors Open hit) will visit LoDo Lights at Manny's Bridge. That, of course, is the public art project maintained by the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association...and it only works at night. It's on the pedestrian bridge over Cherry Creek at the end of Wynkoop Street.

The Doors Open Tour promises "a magical stroll through downtown Denver to take in the lights and sights of Denver at night. The tour will introduce attendees to many of Denver’s nighttime landmarks and will walk you through the art and technology of lighting in this vibrant urban landscape."

Watch for the crowd, or be in it, at about 8:15 Saturday evening!

Rockies Get 2010 LoDo Spring Off to Good Start!

Opening Day. Beautiful weather. And, this year, an absolutely terrific pitching performance to match it. The Rockies win their home opener 7-0, sandwiched between two fighter jets and the closing fusillade of blasts to celebrate. Does RockTober start now?

Spring Popping Up in Downtown!

Ahh, Spring! Plenty going on, so watch for more blogs over the next few days. The Big Game dashing to get open. Rockies Baseball home opener is this Friday! Lots of unused rail tracks to be removed over the next 30 days. Hole getting bigger every day for the underground bus station behind Union Station. DUSPA reports the valley is disappearing at the rate of 35-40 trucks a day!

And, how about the dock being removed at the Saddlery Building? Now, at least for a while, people won't think that it was just a raised sidewalk, getting to the Tattered Cover end only to climb down an awkward ladder. Almost as many people did that as drove down Wynkoop toward Manny's Bridge thinking they were going the right way. Which suburbs do they come from. Denver by the Slice will do a survey!

Bring on the Rockies, bring on the flowers, bring on the cold beer on the warm patios!

Believe It or Not! Iconic Kansas Eatery to Land in LoDo!

Just when every new restaurant opening seems to feature hamburgers, something new and wonderful, it’s own food group, is planned for the Union Station area of LoDo in Downtown Denver. Bring on the fried chicken!

The second location of Al’s Chickenette is coming soon! And, it will smell good!

The Hays, Kansas landmark plans to land as soon as possible. According to PR maven, Ima Fulun, two sites are at the top of consideration. “We were sitting in Noel’s truck one day on Wynkoop Street, and we were amazed at all the people coming to the ballgame, or rushing to the trains. We’ve got to put our place here, we thought.”

Fulun says they are considering anchoring the new IMA “wing” building next to the station, or thinking it likely that one of the first floor restaurants in the Ice House will vacate soon. “Either will be a great spot, filling the neighborhood with the irresistible smell of fried!”

Al’s Chickenette, opened in Hays in 1949 by Al Bieker, serves fried chicken, fried steaks, fried potatoes and other fried items, parts and desserts. The homey atmosphere will add a throwback décor to the historic area that we haven’t seen in a while.

Al’s plans patio seating and a walk-up take-away window.

“The window will surely become an important stop for a lot of people,” said Fulun. “We’ll have a special ‘Bag-o-Rockies” for people to grab and take to the game. That’s fried giblets, livers and stuff, crispy things.”

“And, for commuters, we will have a special R-T-D Threepack, three of our ‘Really Tasty Drumsticks’. They can go on the train, the bus or to the office, solving a lot of fried cravings.” Fulun says their Three Legged Chickens are one of the most popular menu items in Kansas.

Al’s Chickenette LoDo has already arranged with the Wynkoop Brewery to have their own beer made for them. Called “The Chick-n-ator”, the brew promises to have wings. “Beer for fried chicken needs a clean palate to complement the chicken juices.”

Fulun said the location is perfect, because with it, they won’t have to change the masthead of their website where it says, “Just South of the Choo Choo Tracks.”

She declined to say why the announcement of the location was being made on April First, months, if not years, before anything will happen.

Special Announcement Tomorrow on the Slice!

Watch for tomorrow's Denver by the Slice Exclusive...yet another new LoDo restaurant!

The Wynkoop Plaza Area at Union Station…Denver’s Bosque Region

With construction getting under way on the Platte side of the station (see photo at right),  final planning of how the public areas will look continues. At a public meeting on Thursday, March 25, further recommendations were made for the public area in front of the station, on the Wynkoop Street side, between 16th and 18th Streets.


Landscape design is being directed by Hargreaves Associates, who presented renderings of the plan now evolved. (These renderings are to be posted week of 29 March at the DUSPA website.) The main features are trees and water.

There are two main areas of the Wynkoop Plaza, defined by the station, the street and the two “wing” buildings, one of which will begin construction later this year. The IMA Building will anchor the north end of the area. A yet to be finalized four story building will sit at the 16th and Wynkoop corner.

The resulting North Plaza area will feature a bosque in front of the station. A bousquet (the actual French word for this) is a formal planting of trees in set rows, popularized in early formal garden designs of the 17th century in Europe. The preliminary rendering shown last night had this area taking about half the space in the North Plaza. Linear seating planters are being proposed to be interspersed in the tree area. And, movable chairs will be a feature as well. Lighting and other necessary “furniture” are still being determined as are the types of trees to be planted.

The South Plaza area in front of the station will also have some trees, but will feature a multi-spray pattern programmable fountain. This is the sunnier side of the entire plaza. When the renderings are posted you should have a good idea of what the fountain entails.

Trees also will line the walk along Wynkoop, between 16th and 18th Streets.

Both wing buildings are being designed for street level retail, restaurants and such, with openings onto the plaza areas, tables and umbrellas. The plaza areas can be configured to accommodate festivals of different sizes, markets, functions, tents, games, ice skating, curling and even petanque.

Denver by the Slice has some concerns about the Plazas and will discuss them more as time and construction go by. But, basically, throughout the process, a major question is still unanswered. That is, “Who is the Steward of the Area?” In other words, who will take care of it, program the fountain, put out the tents, pick up the trash and so forth.

We believe that overall this is a good plan, and will be infinitely better than the parking lots in front of the station now. But, if you have seen the newly redone Writer Square streetscape, you can understand how an open urban area can look cluttered, even tacky. Be careful with the Union Station space, please.

And, water features bring people…and kids…and that is good. But, is there a chance this could look like the sandy “beach” area at Confluence Park on a summer weekend? At least the water at Union Station should be cleaner. Watch out for wet seats on the Mall Shuttles.

With all of the Union Station re-development, we are promised lots of “street level retail.” A lot of the space that has been created is still just space. Vacant. Unrealized. More efforts have to go into finding tenants and the neighborhood will have to support them.

To their credit, if budgets hold and design clears, the trees will be great! The design firm states they have a commitment to plant more mature trees to shorten the growing-in period. Bring on our Bosquet!

Personal Acquaintance of Morimoto to Open Lodo Bistro!

Now, we're cookin'! Tony New York chef Lon Symensma is set to open Cholon Bistro in the Sugar Cube Building this fall. It is reported in Westword that this will be a "Modern Asian Bistro". He, reportedly, has wanted his own place and chose us! From Buddakan to LoDo. Round up your traveling friends with expense accounts and try it out!

Here's a link where you can also see a picture of a guy, a truck, a motorcyle and a building...somewhere.

Judge Won't Block Union Station Construction Start

And, more news on Union Station re-development as a testy law suit was settled today in Denver. Read about it here, at this link, http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/03/15/daily50.html in the article from the Denver Business Journal.

Now, let the real digging begin!

Friday, April 16...Beer by Horse!

Here's a fresh item from Westword. The Wynkoop Brewery will start to deliver beer by horse and wagon. As good beer should be! Read about it here!

These deliveries should become a fun part of the Spring and Summer Downtown.

Things to Know Today! The Friday Slice Bulletin!

It is unlikely that you will find any limes this weekend. Guenther and BJ from Bouquets cornered the lime market the other day to make centerpieces for the LoDo Limelight Awards Dinner. They used 400 of them. Beautifully. But that won't help your weekend tequila begging for a squirt.

And, hurry out tonight if you are a true beer afficionado. If you like your Guiness...poured correctly... into a GLASS, get it today. Because with the parade on Saturday, and likely through Wednesday, quick pours into plastic cups just won't do!

We have to wonder, as well, if there is any music whatsoever in Ireland at this time of year. Every Denver bar and club is promoting bands this week from, yes, Ireland. How many could there be? Do all of our DJ's go there? Weigh in with your comments.

Easy Being Green! A Night at the LoDo Limelight Awards!

The Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a classic and beautiful room for a party. The room, the lighting, the access and the view make for special events here.

This was the scene last night for the Limelight Awards, presnted on the occasion of the 20th year of LoDo District Inc. As they say in their program, they are "the leading advocate for the economic growth and revitalization of the historic Lower Downtown Denver district. The mix of people attending the party and awards presentation reflected those efforts and the broad enthusiasm for the cause.

If you read the Denver Post on Thursday morning, you know who the award winners were but not much else. In each of four categories, though, there were three nominees, all worthy of recognition. And, the centerpieces, alone, deserved their own award. They were provided by Bouquets, a neighborhood treasure.

Here's what else you should know. For the Cares Award (Philanthropy), Jim Theyes of Kentwood City Properties won as leader of the LoDo Cares program. Also nominated were Chipotle Mexican Grill for numerous local event participation, and The Denver Rescue Mission for helping to rebuild lives.

The Legacy Award (Historical Integrity) went to Chris Shears of Shears/Adkins Architects. Also nominated were The Oxford Hotel and Union Station Advocates.

The Spotlight Award (Marketing) went to Samantha Martel, publisher of the Downtown Denver News. Also nominated were Havey Productions (documentarians) and Senior Housing Options (Barth Hotel).

And, the Service Award (Volunteerism to the Organization) went to Laurie Helmick of Luxe Salon. Also nominated were Kynton Chan of MetLife and Amy Evans of McCormick's Fish House.

Worthy nominees all. And, active participants in Living in Downtown Denver.

Then, there were funny short speeches, good music, good food, the occasional slip-up and dancing sans slip-ups. Last night, being green was easy!

Saturday the 13th - Your Lucky Day?

Well, it had to come around again. One of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the world belongs to Denver. And, like it or not, a few hundred thousand people will be swarming around LoDo this Saturday...looking green, acting green, feigning Irishness, and looking for restrooms.

This year's parade features a whole Irish band as the Grand Marshall, a Queen, 230 units of all manner of animals, clowns, dancers and more clowns driving small vehicles. It is sponsored by a credit union and three radio stations. 200,000 spectators are expected along the route beginning at 27th and Blake. The parade marches ever so slowly down Blake to 17th, then to Wynkoop, then kind of disappears at 19th. But the party goes on, and on, and on.

All of this started in Denver in 1961, according to the parade website. What you may not be aware of is the fact that each year has its own catchy theme. This year's theme is "Shamrockin' 2010." That certainly beats out last year's "Irish with Attitude." But, really, who can forget the theme from 1982 - "Denver Energy Capital of the World"? Granted, that was the first year they had a theme, so we'll cut them some slack for catchy theme creation.

If you live Downtown, emerge from your homes carefully on Saturday. It may be a little crazy, but don't worry, the fun just keeps on keeping on.

Sunday, the annual Runnin' of the Green 7K Irish Jog takes place. A few thousand more people start this at 10:15, and the party in the street immediately after. (Although, most would contend the party actually starts before.) A pipe band sends the runners off.

And, pipe bands continue to show up throughout Downtown for several days, right through the ACTUAL St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday. Of course, we know the saying, "Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day." But, after five days of this, will you still claim it?

Civil War Guerrilla Fighters Have Sandwich Named After Them at New Wazee Eatery!

Starting in early April, you can get an Avalanche, a Fourteener, a Dolomite, a Trailhead, or a Bushwhacker all to go. That's from the new Backcountry Provisions specialty sandwich shop/deli sliding into the former William Matthews Gallery space near 16th and Wazee in LoDo. Let's hope they keep the outside wall mural.

This small group of shops is based in Steamboat Springs and has stores in Ft. Collins and Jackson Hole as well. Many LoDo residents have thought having more sandwiches nearby was a good idea. So, undoubtedly, these will find their way to lofts, offices, the ballpark and the Ski Train. (Wishful thinking!) Prices posted in the window while work goes on are nearly all lower than $8.00. And, in case you are wondering, the Bushwhacker sandwich consists of Curry Chicken Salad with almonds, Granny Smith apples, smoked gouda and romaine. Don't fight over it!

Our Very Own Bridge to...Somewhere!

Another portal to the Union Station area opened today. The new Union Gateway Bridge takes pedestrians over the rail lines and into the Riverfront Park area at 18th Street. For right now, there is a bit more there there than on the downtown side, but of course that will change. Do not confuse this with that famous far north "Bridge to Nowhere", as our Somewhere is well under way!

And, speaking of bridges, traffic and development news, DUSPA announced two more developments in the construction process. Auto traffic on Wewatta between 16th and 19th is shifted to the north side, and is one lane in each direction beginning today, March 5. All of you drivers should enjoy that for the next two years, according to DUSPA.

And, walking to the Millenium Bridge from the station will shift to the south side of the light rail tracks for the next two years, as the main walk will be closed. That will start the week of March 15th. Watch out for the trains!

Slice Art Flash! Could this be the Next LoDo Lights?

March has come to Downtown Denver like a lamb. So, Denver by the Slice, seeing this video, thinks we may be on to a good idea for the next LoDo Lights installation. What do you think? Take a look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

Panzano Does Denver Restaurant Week the Right Way!

Halfway through the 2-week long Denver Restaurant Week, Panzano was running as efficiently as a Swiss railroad on a very busy Friday night. And, it really was a good deal!

Chef Elise Wiggins knew they would be busy, having served over 3700 meals during the event last year. We would guess she is on her way to a new record this year. Every space taken, only running a few minutes late, but adding a layer of quality and efficiency every Denver diner should strive to experience. Panzano didn't bother with pared down portions, or even a special menu for Restaurant Week. They simply put some of their best regular items, along with the regular prices showing, for a FOUR course meal that was memorable.

If you wanted to add up the real prices and compare what you paid ($26.40 for one, $52.80 for two) you would easily see you were eating for about half-price!

Here's one combination that worked: Crespelle ai Funghi, Insalata Mista, Gamberi Griglia and Pumpkin Canoli. And, here's another: Anatra Mousse con Zeppole, Zuppa, Pappardelle alla Bolognese and Sorbetti. That's what I'm talkin' about!

Service from our waiter Dumitri was precise and perfectly paced. Not too fast, not too slow. You could take a sip or two of wine between courses, but not get overly anxious for the next. Pacing is critical to a good dining experience. Dumitri is a professional, and even though he was lamenting having a few "inexperienced" new team members for the promotional rush, you would not know it from the service level and quality.

There's just a few days left. See if you can get in here. Some restaurants either really stretch to offer a meal worth $26.40, or they just go through the paces hoping the two weeks go by fast.

Panzano will get our return visit. You just know when everything has gone right! And, did I mention that this is a really good deal?

Big Game to be Played on Wazee Street! Hmmm...

Those of us living downtown have figured out by now that something was finally going on in the space formerly occupied by Il Fornaio, 1631 Wazee. This big, beautiful, warm and inviting room of a restaurant has been sitting empty and mostly dark for well over two years. I think we have all missed it. But, recently there have been signs of life, and yesterday in The Denver Post, Penny Parker broke the Big Game open.

In late March, or early April, the Big Game Restaurant and Lounge will open there. And, we know this to be true, as this morning a beer truck driver confirmed that delivery schedules were in the works. We hope they have some good local beers delivered as well! The people playing the Big Game have reportedly worked on the concept for about a year and a half. The Chodorow group of Texas is opening this, their second restaurant in a new venture called the TurnTable Restaurant Group.

Very recently, they opened a restaurant in Miami's tony South Beach area called the El Scorpion Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar. Early reviews speak well, mentioning good guacamole's, food, decor, interesting drinks, loud music and a bar full of 20-something's sipping their trendy South Beach beverages.

We get the Big Game. Many of the fixtures from Il Fornaio remain. The new menu is not set yet, but may include some game meat items (I trust they know that Buffalo is not really game any more) and they plan a Giant TV Screen which can show up to 12 sporting events at the same time. I believe that would be like watching a digital quilt that your grandmother would have made crossing the prairie if she could have at the time.

Now, of course, this is not the first Big Game in LoDo in recent years. Every year we get the Longhorn Steers in the Stock Show Parade. That probably doesn't count. But, a couple of years ago, a very large Black Bear was parked on 17th Street by McCormick's for an event. And, one Sunday night in the fall of 2004, the Ringling Brothers' Circus had to move from the Pepsi Center to the Denver Coliseum. The elephants marched in perfect elephant formation right down the street below our window, sounding like big guys shuffling along in house slippers. And, don't forget the Gorilla Run!

So, get ready for the Big Game on Wazee. Let's see who shows up to play!

"Watch the Parkin' Meters..."

"They are A-Changin'"! Thank you, Bob Dylan, for two totally unconnected lines. But, those Smart Meters are starting to show up in LoDo. Saw them today along 15th Street, and along Wazee. We wrote about them on February 3 in Denver by the Slice. Check that blog, "Just How Smart are these Meters, Anyway?"

Now we'll get to find out. Visa, Mastercard, coins including dollar coins, but no parking keys. Testing tonight in LoDo! Did you know that parking meters were invented in Oklahoma City? Neither did I.

Lodo's Limelight Awards Banquet Next Week!

There are a few tickets left for this spectacular celebration of achievement, but you'll have to hurry. The Limelight Awards will be announced at a gala dinner party on Wednesday, March 10 at the Seawell Ballroom of the DCPA. Tickets are just $117 for members of the LoDo District, and $130 for non-members.

Formed in 1989, LoDo District Inc. is a membership organization supporting Lower Downtown's unique historical, cultural and retail neighborhood.

The 20th Annual Limelight Awards honor the businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the community over the past year through their work in community service, building development and preservation, marketing, or service to the LoDo District, Inc. organization.

Cocktails at 5:30. Dinner, very brief business session and awards ceremony, with jazz and dancing into the night. 9 News Meteorologist Ashton Altieri mc's this gala. Honor the winners! Enjoy the venue! Party down!

RSVP by March 1! Buy your tickets at http://www.lodo.org/ or call 303-628-5428 for more information.

More Window Work at the Saddlery Every Day!

More on the remake of the Colorado Saddlery building at 15th and Wynkoop. This article from yesterday's Denver Post, link here: http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_14451347

Just a Few More Days...

...to participate in Denver Restaurant Week. It ends on Friday. Even though you can't get to all 76 Downtown participants for the $52.80 dinner for two specials, chances are there are still spots at a couple of great places you haven't tried yet. See the list and the menus at www.denver.org/denverrestaurant.

...to watch the Winter Olympics from Vancouver, British Columbia. There are just enough glimpses of the surroundings to remind us what a beautiful part of North America the Vancouver area is. Now, if we just had an ocean! Closing this weekend.

...Until this month's Denver Mandolin Orchestra Free Concert at the
Wynkoop. Sunday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. On tap, The Panache Ensemble for your monthly mandolin fix. And, some very good beer as well!

Our 40th Post! Celebrating Favorite Shapes in Downtown!

It won't be long unitl Doors Open Denver makes its 6th appearance on the Spring Must List. This year, the chance to visit over 80 locations you probably don't know much about is Saturday and Sunday, April 17th and 18th. And, the theme this year is "Denver Redux/Denver Re-Do", new uses for old spaces. Doors Open Denver is presented by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and The Denver Architectural Foundation.

That got us to thinking. What are some of our (and send us yours) favorite shapes of Downtown Denver. Great spaces and buildings. Here are just a handfull, six actually. We'll get back to Doors Open with more closer to the event.

1. The Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by David Adjaye. You can spend plenty of time looking at the fine installations here, but you can spend just as much time admiring the piece of art that is the buidling itself. Every space has its detail, its view. The building is as open and light and large in feeling for the footprint as one could be. And, the feeling, design and views from the rooftop cafe are a perfect way to pass a Saturday afternoon. Not to mention the fascinating drawings by A.G. Rizzoli which are part of the current exhibition there.

2. A space created to hold together the several buildings of the Denver Center for Performing Arts is a beautiful and alive people space. The Galleria is the center feature of this, the second largest performing arts complex in the country. Walk through every chance you get.

3. The D & F Tower. This is a fixture everybody would miss if it was suddenly not there. And, that almost happened years ago in the misguided days of DURA. But, we are lucky, and for those of us who don't like watches, it keeps perfect time.

4. The 56-story Republic Plaza building is iconic in its own way. Views of Downtown always seem to focus there, especially when, on special occasions they play with the lights to spell out messages in the windows!

5. The Red House, on Wazee Street. This modernist residence is a more-than-compatible addition to the historic buildings in the LoDo neighborhood. Jim Olson, of Olson Kundig, Seattle, designed this home for the Mayers. Olson's firm specializes in new construction in historic areas. The building is striking and pleasant to look at from the outside. If Jan Mayer ever invites you to see the inside of this residence/gallery, don't miss it. It is truly a privilege. And, she is a most gracious hostess.

6. And, of course, Union Station. Check our previous posts for links to all the news about the re-development project, bound to get under way any day!

In the Cafe atop the Museum of Contemporary Art:, photo by Diane Huntress

Change is Coming to the 16th Street Mall. Read All About It!

Go to this article to read about the proposed changes to the 16th Street Mall, and the Public Hearings where you can voice your opinion. The Mall needs help. Here are the proposals being considered.

From the February 16 Denver Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/02/15/daily13.html

Ground Floor Retail We Can Sink Our Teeth Into!

Many new, or re-developed buildings in Downtown strive to add “Ground Floor Retail” to whatever is on the upper floors. In fact, often this is required. In LoDo, we have some excellent examples of what should not be encountering the pedestrian, vacant spaces. And, most of those vacant spaces all have the same commercial leasing agent’s name on them.

The EPA building has been open a few years now, and space is still available. Plenty of it. Sure, it has what seems to be the obligatory bank filling one space. The only other leased space is a pizza place that never appears to be very appetizing. The Opus-built structure at 140O Wewatta has only a bank. On the Wynkoop side of that building, the only occupied street level space is the fitness facility for building employees.

The new IMA building that will occupy the north end of the Union Station development promises Ground Floor Retail, perhaps a large restaurant. Okay, but will that restaurant be the kind of neighborhood contributor that Ground Floor Retail seems to be promising? How many branch banks do we need? Where are the deli’s, the convenience shops, the retailers who we would support? How about a Tabak?

Yes, the economy certainly plays a role in some of the current vacancies. But, somewhere along the line, the builders and developers need to do more to actually secure some of the promised street-level benefit. It seems rather gratuitous to simply add “Ground Floor Retail” to the renderings to get approvals. Their revenue comes from above the first floor.

Now, though, we are happy to tout the opening of a good example of Ground Floor Retail. Owner Pete Pflum and Executive Chef Ian Kleinman have combined to bring H Burger Co. to life in the Sugar Cube building, on the Mall, between Blake and Wazee. Fine looking place, fine looking menu. They opened last Saturday, February 13, featuring, of course, Burgers (your choice of Angus Beef, Lamb, “Eden” or Portobello Mushroom). And, who will resist one of their New Age Milk Shakes, chilled with Liquid Nitrogen. (Is that safe?)

Any new restaurant that quotes Calvin Trillin and Dave Barry in their marketing efforts gets my visit very soon!

“Mother Nature clearly intended for us to get our food from the ‘Patty’ group.” – Dave Barry

And, it takes a good sense of humor to keep looking into all that other empty Ground Floor Retail space in nearby blocks.
http://www.hburgerco.com/

Filling that Occasional Need...to Drive Somewhere!

There is car sharing in Denver. One of its providers is Occasional Car, a business based in Evergreen, but operating in Capitol Hill and in LoDo. Occasional Car makes it possible to rent a car for brief periods at very low rates that include gas and insurance. This is a very good idea!

It works this way. You sign up for a membership level that reflects your anticipated frequency of usage. For instance, there is the Occasionally "Trendy" Plan that charges a low annual fee of $50, but no monthly fee and rental rates as low as $7.99 per hour. The "Hip" Plan has no annual fee, but a monthly fee of about $10 and rental rates as low as $5.95 per hour. And, with the "Hot" Plan, you can rent for as low as $3.49 per hour with a $30 monthly fee. Hourly rates vary by time of day and weekends. Daily rates are available as well.

And, now in February, there is a special promotion of free membership and a free rental hour. You can find out more at the link below, or at 720-259-7809.

The LoDo Occasional Car is parked behind the Barclay at 16th and Larimer. Members have a special key fob which opens the car and allows it to start. Reservations are, of course, necessary for rental periods, and billing is automatic through your account. The owners told me they have never had any problems or vandalism with their car parked downtown. And, they are looking for a second LoDo parking spot, well located and easily accessible, to add another car.

Check this out at their web-site, upon every page of which there is a cool speeding car sound. I believe the car is the Honda, not the Toyota. If you have to drive, and most of us eventually have to, this is a great solution. And, we have it in Downtown Denver!

http://www.occasionalcar.com/