Cherry Creek, CO March 2025 by City Lifestyle

5275 S. University Boulevard

GREENWOOD VILLAGE

NOT BORING.

WHEN YOU KNOW YOU KNOW.

Reflection Sky

Welcome to our HOME Issue

The closer I get to fifty, I’m finding that more and more, I just want to be home.

If you looked in our garage, you might think the opposite. The walls are lined with skis, bikes, motocross gear, and fly fishing accessories. I even have a special section just for the individual racks that carry all of the said gear. My wife loves to lament about my many hobbies, and she is indeed correct. Hey, we live in Colorado, so how could I pass up on enjoying it to the fullest? While I do love getting out in the mountains, rivers, and trails, what I crave most is being home with Katie and our kids. On any given week, I am looking to see what concerts are coming to the area, but by the time the weekend arrives, I usually pull a Homer Simpson and disappear into the bushes (or our couch).

The Home issue is always one we look forward to here at Cherry Creek Lifestyle. Our distribution focuses on single-family homeowners so that naturally lends itself to highlighting the incredible talents of the local design community. We are so honored to have the “best of the best” as advertising partners with us.

During COVID, we all had to “stay home,” which was fun for a while. We went stir crazy pretty quick, and the reaction that followed was everyone wanting to travel. Our family is now finding that balance of adventuring versus being content around a Monopoly board or Liberty Puzzle. Also, let’s be honest, we do it for the sake of our dogs' well-being. For anyone with an anxious dog, you can probably relate. There is nothing quite like the relaxed demeanor of a dog when the family is all safely settled on the couch together. Their hard work of protecting us all is finally done for the day.

We hope you enjoy the issue and thank you for reading!

ANDY MANZ, PUBLISHER @BOULDERLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER, SALES DIRECTOR

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington | chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katherine Owen, Linden Butrym, Meredith Rowe, Colin Gbolie, Avery Young, Tony Firestine

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Amanda Proudfit, Elliot Archuleta Photography, Syd Fuller Photography, Muntz Studios, Emily Trombly, Ryan Cox, Randy Malone, Stephan Werk March 2025

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

Architect: Surround Architecture General Contractor: Buildwell Builders Photographer: Dane Cronin

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Cherry Creek North celebrated their Winter Wanderland season with a collection of free outdoor events under the glow of one million dazzling lights.

Photography by Stephan Werk

business monthly

Deviree Vallejo & Liz Richards

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A ZH U ZH

HOW DISCOVERY, CREATIVITY, AND PURPOSE BLEND AT THE REFINERY IN BOULDER

ARTICLE BY LISA VAN HORNE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

When former fashion industry executive and entrepreneur Paula Minnis was seeking inspiration for the next chapter of her career after moving to Boulder with her family, she knew that unearthing a sense of purpose would be key to fully investing in a new venture.

“One of the many lessons that my experience in running a social enterprise taught me is the importance of finding meaning in your work,” says Paula.

“ lIevo c o m bining diferentstyles and eras. ”

“I’m all about the mix.”

With experience spanning fashion, retail, and brand development roles—as well as founding a lifestyle brand focused on providing sustainable employment opportunities for refugee women in Dallas—Paula hoped to discover a local need that aligned with her skills and background. She connected with friends and acquaintances—brainstorming ways to bring her love for interior design to purposeful use in her new community. When a local realtor friend mentioned the abundance of high-end furniture pieces that she often saw left behind when her clients downsized or made cross-country moves, an idea took root for Paula that immediately felt right.

Paula opened The Refinery in May 2024 as a furniture, art, and home consignment destination. Located on Prairie Avenue just of Pearl Parkway, it’s a business characterized by its distinct blend of styles, warm aura of welcome, and diverse mix of treasures sourced both locally and around the globe.

“I credit the incredibly cool, eclectic, and discerning style of Boulderites with what truly makes The Refinery special,” says Paula. “Boulder consignors have amazing taste, and our furniture collection is a reflection of that.”

Inspired by a daily sense of discovery and the beauty of imperfections, Paula works to help her customers find unexpected pieces to help foster a sense of home in their abodes. In addition to preloved pieces sourced from local consignors, Paula carefully curates additional items to complement this focal furniture. Purposefully seeking out ethically made and unique accessories—from artisan baskets to vintage textiles, quirky tchotchkes, and ceramics by local artists—Paula admits that it is also an opportunity for her to shamelessly indulge in seeking out fun home items to style and “zhuzh” throughout the store.

“I’ve been so touched by everyone’s warmth, support and enthusiasm.”

“I’m all about the mix,” says Paula. “I love combining diferent styles and eras, like an antique chest with a midcentury modern chair, an art deco mirror, and a vintage Moroccan rug. I also love a little quirk. Every home should have at least one funky piece that makes people do a double take.”

The joy that Paula feels in the design aspect of her work is matched by her enthusiasm for encouraging people to be mindful of how they furnish their homes.

“I hope to discourage the mindset that furniture is disposable,” says Paula. “Instead, we should try to continue to keep it in circulation for others to enjoy. It’s just about being intentional in what you buy, taking good care of it, then finding it a new loving home when it’s time to move on.”

As Paula looks forward to celebrating The Refinery’s one-year anniversary, she notes that she has been inspired by the many designers, artists, businesswomen, and leaders in the

community that she has met along her path. She aspires for The Refinery to become further engrained in the fabric of Boulder—giving back through an expanded partnership with HomeAhead, a local furniture bank that helps furnish apartments for people transitioning out of homelessness while continuing to build her own community as well.

“I’ve been so touched by everyone’s warmth, support, and enthusiasm,” says Paula. “It lifts me up every day.”

To learn more, visit RefineryBoulder.com.

Something Blue

Efortless layering, warmth, and a blending of eras are what interior designers Natasia Smith and Sandy Baisley bring to clients of their Boulder firm, Re-Find. Working with their in-house contractor, Tight Lines Construction, they start each project by addressing the history of a space and what a client needs from it. They also consider clients’ heirlooms and keepsakes to incorporate into every design. “We don't want them to have a space that feels impersonal,” Natasia says. When her husband, a billiards enthusiast, wanted a place where he could not only play pool but also entertain, work, and spend time with the couple’s three children, she and Sandy instantly started gathering inspiration.

For This Unique Billiard Parlor, Designers Took Cues from Classic and Contemporary Aesthetics

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYD FULLER PHOTOGRAPHY

MIXING MODERN AND VINTAGE

Located on the first floor of a 1920s addition to the client’s 1893 Boulder home, this space was part of a dated mother-in-law suite with a mountain wallpaper mural discovered during renovations. Its transformation began with a custom cofered ceiling in walnut and striking paint in Farrow and Ball’s Hague Blue. Moody yet inviting, this new vibe set the stage for furnishings and decor. Sandy and Natasia sourced an 1800s bench, a European leather sofa, mid-century chairs, and a 1970s-style tulip table. An oversized, 19th-century Turkish rug is unfurled beneath the room’s pièce de resistance: a Diamond Professional pool table, its original blue felt re-covered in a tan hue to better complement the room.

At the bar, intricate veins in the quartzite countertops play nicely against the copper sink. A freezer, refrigerator, and dishwasher have high-sheen cabinet fronts in the same color as the walls, with a mix of nickel and copper hardware. To preserve the room’s history, Natasia and Sandy kept the original fireplace brick after adding a Victorian-inspired gas insert; door hardware and the radiator are also original. Artwork throughout the room

ranges from commissioned pieces to family mementos to Facebook Marketplace finds. “We’re always traveling, searching and collecting,” Sandy says. “We have an inventory of beautiful things that we pull from.”

BUILT FOR STRENGTH AND BEAUTY

The most important focus of the billiard room was ensuring adequate space around the professional-sized pool table. Tight Lines Construction “spent a lot of time working with the client to make sure he had enough room to play pool without any interference from the walls or furniture,” Sandy says. “He needed an unobstructed playing field.” The builders also strengthened support beneath the room to hold the heavy table. During the renovation, Tight Lines aspired to achieve Re-Find’s vision—the team installed a large piece of glass over the bar that typically would be cut into two pieces with a seam—and pay homage to the character of the space with details like molding that was custom milled to match what existed. “When you walk in here, you can tell it's been refreshed, but it doesn't feel like an odd, brand-new room,” Natasia says. “Tight Lines did a wonderful job honoring the history.”

“We’re

always traveling, searching, and collecting,” Sandy says. “We have an inventory of beautiful things that we pull from.”

LIVED-IN LUXURY

Facing a firm deadline (the client was set to host the Boulder Historical Society’s annual gala), Re-Find and Tight Lines completed the billiard parlor within six months. From the dinette to the plush couch to the twin barstools, each nook invites family and friends to get comfortable while the pool table serves as the eye-catching anchor. It’s a luxurious room, to be sure—one that guests can’t help gravitating towards during dinner parties—but it’s also user-friendly. “We want our projects to be livable places,” Natasia says. “This is a joint entertaining space that’s enjoyed all the time.”

To learn more, visit Re-findSpaces.com and Tightlines.construction

PROJECT CREDITS

Interior design: Re-Find

Contractor: Tight Lines Construction

Billiard table: Secondhand from Diamond Professional

Lighting: Vintage, Rejuvenation

Local furnishings: Mikya Wodya

Home, Modern Nomad Home

Rug: Etsy

Countertops: Honed blue

lava quartzite from The Stone

Collection in Denver

Sink: Copper Hoods

Art consultant: Kate Meyers

“We want our projects to be livable places. This is a joint entertaining space that’s enjoyed all the time.”

6397

• BITE Studios • Brunello Cucinelli • Caruso • Ciizens of Humanity

Common Projects Corridor Dries Van Noten Eleventy Herno High Sport Incotex James Perse Khaite Lisa Yang Luciano Barbera Marco Pescarolo Mason’s Nili Lotan Plan C RRL The Row The Woods TWP Ulla Johnson

ARTICLE BY AVERY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MUNTZ STUDIOS

HOPE IS A POWERFUL THING

THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO’S 2025 DENVER PURPLE GALA

The Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado’s sixth annual Denver Purple Gala is returning this May. The event’s focus is to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and raise funds in support of finding a cure. The event is chaired by Libby Weaver, Rosalina Diecidue, and Annabel Bowlen. The sentimentality behind the Purple Gala hits close to home for Weaver, Diecidue, and Bowlen; these women have dealt with the heartbreak of losing a loved one to the disease.

Bowlen’s mother is also currently fighting the disease. Weaver explains, “It’s one of the most heartfelt events I’ve ever been a part of and all of us on the committee have very personal reasons for being involved! In fact, I would venture to say everyone is touched by this disease in one way or another. Whether it is Alzheimer's or dementia, I think everyone can relate and knows someone a fected! The goal is to raise awareness and money to end this horrible disease.” This statement rings true–according to the Alzheimer’s Association, almost 7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States. By 2050, that projection is expected to nearly double. I lost my grandma, Patricia, in 2018 to dementia and Parkinson’s disease. As the diseases progressed and my grandma slowly disappeared, I desperately clung to the memories I had of her when she was healthy and her. You see the ones you love, the ones who raised you, even taught you to read, fade away. The mind is a powerful thing.

Weaver describes her mom as “the matriarch of [her] family, having raised four children on her own. She was smart, healthy, and exercised regularly.” Weaver adds how it was “a big shock” when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The disease can creep up on you. Today, however, signs can be identified as early as 10-15 years prior to the onset of symptoms. “There is now so much hope...where there didn't used to be. There are more ways to diagnose the disease and treat

the disease. In addition to doubling the number of drugs on the market last year, there are many new and different types of treatment options that appear to have great hope,” acknowledges Weaver.

The results of the anticipated U.S. POINTER study are expected to be announced this year at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. This study centered on how lifestyle choices impacted brain and body health in older adult volunteers living with a higher risk for dementia. Findings will help specialists and everyday people alike better understand the disease. Hope increases with each new study, method, conversation, legislative bill, test, and treatment that becomes available. Hope is in the miracles, the courage, and the love encompassing each individual a fected.

Weaver clarifies that her “number one reason for getting involved...[is] to spread the awareness.”

In 2024, the Alzheimer’s Association raised $100 million dollars. Weaver remarks: “In fact, the Alzheimer's Association is the global leader in medical research today... They are also advocates at the federal level.” Oftentimes, individuals administering care for those dealing with cognitive impairments are uncompensated for their work. “The Alzheimer's

Association Colorado Chapter ofers critical help and support locally for those going through the disease and their caretakers,” says Weaver. In reference to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 11 million Americans deliver unpaid care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This staggering statistic is another example of how many people are truly touched by memory diseases. But, in the shadows of the unknown exists a glimmer of hope, and hope is a powerful thing.

The Denver Purple Gala will be held on May 31 at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Buy your tickets online at the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado’s website, AlzGalaCo.org

“We just completed a new build with Haley, and can’t recommend them enough. Their overall build process along with a dedicated site manager & project manager help ensure things go smoothly. The close coordination between the architect, builder, and subs allowed for an efficient build which took a lot of stress off my wife and I. As issues arose during construction they were handled quickly and fairly to keep things on track, and Dan and team continue to help resolve the inevitable remaining tweaks after move in. Would hire Haley again in a second!”

Nathan Lowe

MUCH MORE THAN SITTING AND WATCHING, THIS FESTIVAL IS A CELEBRATION OF KINSHIP AND HUMANITY

SILVER SCREEN SISTERS

ARTICLE BY COLIN GBOLIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDY MALONE OR COURTESY OF BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Standing as a staple in the area and a testament to the importance of investing in tradition/creative spirits, the Boulder International Film Fest gears up to add another notch to its over two-decades-long run. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Kathy Beeck, co-founder of BIFF, for a colorful recanting of the festival’s history and ethos that provides the backbone for the celebration.

Kathy and her sister Robin have a long history with the art form, stemming from their early years in Boulder. “We grew up working in theaters, which really cultivated our love of the craft.” That initial love sparked many journeys through the years, traveling the world, making their own films, and attending various film festivals. Through this process, a nagging thought began to recur with increasing frequency: why didn't Boulder, vibrant as it is, have its own festival?

They waited and waited until they had the epiphany that it was they themselves who had the tools, experience, and passion necessary to bring the celebration of film to Boulder. Though they’d never done their own before, their amassed festival experience left them with a basis of ingredients they could distill, keeping the best factors and implementing that which they wished to have seen in other fests.

After pitching to the community and getting mass positive support, the first BIFF was launched, bringing the sister’s vision to life and creating the institution that is now 20 years old and running. Today, though the crowd is larger, the buzz is bigger, and the star power greater, the core of the festival remains the same: sharing human experiences in longform, unfurling, intimate nuances ofered through the abstraction gifted to us while viewing the world through another’s perspective is what keeps the sisters, the vibrant festival sta f, and volunteers joyously returning year after year.

CONTINUED >

HERE IS SOME OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE THIS YEAR ACROSS THE FESTIVAL:

MARCH 13

CineCHEF | Rembrandt Yard

In 2025, BIFF celebrates 10 years of CineCHEF, its much-anticipated culinary extravaganza. Come meet some of the visionary chefs who have solidified Boulder’s reputation as Bon Appétit's Foodiest Town. Eight of the region’s top talents will create film-inspired dishes for attendees to try before voting for their favorite. Paired wines, local beers, craft whiskey cocktails, and live music round out this not-to-be-missed event. Cheers to 10 Years of CineCHEF!

MARCH 14

Opening Night Gala and Film Parties at Hotel Boulderado and Rembrandt Yard Opening Night Screening of The Friend at the Boulder Theater

Opening night includes two gala pre-film parties at the Hotel Boulderado and Rembrandt Yard. Attendees will enjoy delicious food and drink, live music, and specialty cocktails. Postparties, a “second-line” style band, will lead everyone to the historic Boulder Theater to enjoy our Opening Night screening of the new film, The Friend .

In The Friend , writer and teacher Iris (Naomi Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray) dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death. Yet, as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the animal, she begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life. Starring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Ann Dowd and Constance Wu.

MARCH 13 AND 15

Singer-Songwriter Showcase

6-9:30 pm, The Velvet Elk Lounge

With the help of their partners at Roots Music Project, whose mission is to foster a vibrant local music scene for artists, fans and venues, BIFF will present two nights of live music, free and open to the public. An amazing lineup of Colorado musicians, four acts each night, will perform at our downtown Filmmakers Lounge and music venue, the Velvet Elk. All are welcome – come enjoy!

MARCH 14-16

Adventure Film Screenings at Grace Commons

MARCH 14

9pm-Midnight Adventure Film Party at The Velvet Elk Lounge

BIFF Adventure Film Program

Boulder has long been a mecca for some of the world’s top adventurers, along with writers and filmmakers such as Warren Miller, Jon Krakauer, James Balog, Conrad Anker, Lynn Hill, and many others. The BIFF Adventure Film Program is a “festival within a festival” – a dedicated screening venue with three days of the very best of the world’s adventure and outdoor films, plus discussions with world-class filmmakers, explorers, athletes, and environmentalists. An Adventure Film Pass or ticket stub grants entry into the Friday night Adventure Film party, with one comped drink, free late-night snacks, and raffle prizes from our sponsors.

CALL2ACTION TALKBACKS

For 15 years, the Boulder International Film Festival has built their signature Call2Action program—where they invite the public to speak with filmmakers and community organizations and learn concrete ways to translate energy into action on topics presented via our films. “You’ve been moved, now get moving” is the mantra, and over the past decade and a half, BIFF is proud to have partnered with dozens of local non-profits—bringing attention to their work addressing a broad range of issues.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Each year BIFF presents several free film screenings for youth 18 and under, often including appearances by the filmmakers or film subjects. A peer-judged Teen Short Film Competition culminates at BIFF with a gala awards night celebrating the winners. BIFF 2025 will also feature youth workshops, including “How to Watch a Film” by Jack Hanley and an adventure film how-to from local Emmy-winning athlete and filmmaker Michael Brown. Oscar-winning producers Olivia Ahnemann and Daniel Wright will present an intro to documentary producing, discussing development, distribution, production and post-production.

CELEBRITIES AND SPECIAL GUESTS

Special guests BIFF has hosted over the years include Javier Bardem, Shirley MacLaine, Jesse Eisenberg, Laura Linney, Martin Sheen, Alan Arkin, Oliver Stone, Bruce Dern, James Franco, Peter Fonda, William H. Macy, Emilio Estevez, Maria Bello and many more. Bardem, F. Murray Abraham, and Tony Goldwyn sat down with The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg for live recordings of his Awards Chatter podcast on the Boulder Theater stage. Discussions with these notables, as well as astronauts, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, music legends, Olympic athletes, and countless emerging filmmakers and creative visionaries, are what make the film festival experience truly unique.

MUSIC FILMS

Music films are always festival favorites, and BIFF 2025 features an especially rich assortment, including One to One: John & Yoko, Devo, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, Viva Verde!, Diane Warren: Relentless, and Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity. Join us for a compelling look “behind the music.”

“WE GREW UP WORKING IN THEATERS WHICH REALLY CULTIVATED OUR LOVE OF THE CRAFT.”

MARCH 13-16

DON’T MISS BIFF’S CineCHEF FOODIE EVENT. TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FILM FOOD MUSIC PARTIES MORE

Photo by Poppy + Co.

LARGER THAN LIFE

At His Sprawling Studio in Gunbarrel, Boulder

Artist Serge Goldberg Is Making Massive Masterpieces—and Exploring Even Bigger Ideas

ARTICLE BY KATHERINE OWEN

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF STUDIO

SIXTY-FIVE NINETY-FIVE

Inside Serge Goldberg’s sunlit, 3,000-square-foot studio, notably large swaths of canvas cover the walls. Many are over seven feet wide and six feet tall. They’re covered in fervent brushstrokes in pleasing hues—some in vivid palettes of pinks and purples, others in subdued earth tones.

In particular, on the wall immediately to the right of the door, a fresh piece of canvas is stapled up, covered in brushstrokes in greens, browns, and many tints in between—for now, at least. He has just returned from a trip to England, he explains, where he volunteered on an archeological dig excavating a 2,000-year-old Roman fort.

“The initial marks on this piece, to me, evoke the feeling of that excavation … These are some of the colors that are left over in my mind from that experience,” Serge explains. “I thought, ‘Well, wouldn’t it

be kind of cool to start a painting with the feeling of the grass on the surface and then dig into diferent layers of the earth?’”

For Serge, inspiration may originate in travel, like recent trips to England or India or Ecuador, or it may be sourced from muses as simple as “the cold,” but he doesn’t feel the need for the viewer to know that—or even see it for that matter. Serge’s work is typically meant to be non-representational; if abstract art is an interpretation of something real—albeit obscured–non-representational art does not reference anything at all. It merely is.

“One of the things that interests me is creating an image that doesn’t have to associate with anything other than itself,” Serge explains. “I just want to create a composition that makes some sort of visual sense all by itself and doesn’t have to be described as something that we know of.”

Before any oil paint touches the surface, Serge cuts the raw canvas and meticulously prepares it. Once the painting is completed, he eventually stretches it onto a backup frame that he has built himself. “By the time I staple that raw canvas to the wall, it’s got my fingerprints all over it,” he says. “I like the idea of working through the entire process — all of it originating from me.”

The paintings take such large form so Serge can immerse himself in the work, he explains. “I can use my whole body and range

“I just want to create a composition that makes some sort of visual sense all by itself and doesn't have to be described as something that we know of.”

of motion in these works. I’ve also got plenty of space in this studio to back up or get close and really look at what I’m doing.”

The large scale of the paintings was the genesis for finding the warehouse space, which he remodeled extensively into its current studio layout. He calls the space Studio Sixty-Five NinetyFive (Studio6595.com). He often works with other artists at the studio and occasionally conducts painting workshops. Currently, his work is on display in an exhibit at the Museum of Boulder ( MuseumOfBoulder.org) titled “Complementary Visions,” which began November 1 and runs through February 10.

Serge is also part of a larger body of artists in Boulder, pushing the bounds of residents’ and visitors’ understanding and expectations of the city’s art scene. Known as the Boulder Contemporary Group ( BoulderContemporaryGroup.com), the seven-artist collective collaborates on marketing e forts and events, like studio tours—a particular interest of Serge’s.

“I love having guests come to the studio—showing people around, learning about their interests, pulling paintings of the racks, talking about the space, and just showing them what I do. It’s always exciting when a guest finds a painting they’d like to have for their own collection. But even if I never sold another painting, I’d still be doing this because it’s just so engaging … [Painting is] a very therapeutic kind of activity. But it’s good therapy when somebody buys a painting, too,” he laughs.

See more of Serge’s work on Instagram at @studio.6595, or contact Serge via Studio6595.com to arrange a studio visit.

Photo by Poppy + Co.

A S h ared

E xperience

Ollie and Parks Brings Tapas and Togetherness to Denver’s Uptown

ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE

Ollie and Parks, a modern American tapas restaurant nestled between North Capitol Hill and City Park West, enriches the shared dining experience in Denver. Opened in September 2024 by proprietors Jason Alfonso and Halie Thomas, this vibrant eatery brings innovative small plates, a vibrant happy hour, and an inviting atmosphere to the city’s culinary scene. With a refined but accessible menu, Ollie and Parks is the kind of place where diners can indulge in a feast of flavors or enjoy a simple plate of meatballs and a beer at the bar.

Jason, the executive chef, and Halie, a certified sommelier, have a passion for hospitality that began in Vero Beach, Florida, where they opened their first restaurant. Their latest venture is named after their children, Oliver and Parker, reflecting the warm, familial spirit of the establishment. In addition to Ollie and Parks, they also own Odyssey Italian Restaurant in Denver, which they purchased in 2021.

Managing partner Ned Nichols, who met Jason and Halie in the industry 20 years ago, emphasizes the restaurant's communal

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIOT ARCHULETA PHOTOGRAPHY

approach to dining: "It really is meant to be shared. Everybody pick one, try a round, do another round." The tapas menu boasts around 40 thoughtfully crafted items, with only two priced above $20, ensuring a high-value experience without compromising on quality.

Chef de Cuisine Marcus Herrera brings his own touch to the menu, which blends quality ingredients and bold flavors. Brunch at Ollie and Parks is a welcome addition to the neighborhood on the weekend and an experience in itself. The Breakfast Charcuterie board is a beautifully composed spread of flaky croissants, smoky ham, fresh fruits, house-made jam and mustard, creamy pimento cheese, and tangy house pickles—perfect for a leisurely morning with mimosas and friends. The Fried Green Tomato Benedict ofers a delightful Southern twist on a classic, layering crispy fried green tomatoes atop a toasted English muffin, topped with perfectly poached eggs and velvety hollandaise. The eclectic tapas menu, available for both the lunch and dinner hour, is where Ollie and Parks truly shines. The Baby Blue Salad is a refreshing mix of crisp apple, red onion, candied pistachios, and tangy blue cheese, ofering a perfect balance of rich and crisp. Seafood lovers will be drawn to the Scallops, slightly blackened with a mélange of spices and served atop a silky parsnip puree that enhances their natural sweetness. The Shrimp Gnocchi, featuring soft pillows in a bright pea puree with lemon beurre blanc, is the perfect harmony of satisfying and elegant.

“ Genuine care, a genuine thank you.”

“I look for people with empathy more than skills,” says Ned.

For heartier fare, the Short Rib Tacos are pure comfort food, reminiscent of a slow-braised pot roast, with tender beef bathed in a rich Parmesan broth and topped with crispy fried greens and fresh tomato. For vegetarian fare, the Roasted Carrots with quinoa, dates, and carrot jus bring earthy, caramelized flavors to the table, while the Vegetable Risotto is a vibrant medley of red onion, artichokes, bell pepper, asparagus, and lemon, finished with a luscious Parmesan broth. And, of course, the Scalloped Potatoes, enveloped in a signature fourcheese sauce, provide the ultimate indulgence.

Ollie and Parks’ drink program is as carefully curated as its food menu. Bar Manager Evan Fischbach curates an inspired drink program, crafting both cocktails and mocktails with house-made mixers and syrups. As Ned notes, "Everything is 100%

fresh, you know, from our mixes to our syrups to our bitters. He’s making them all." The Winged Wheel, made with reposado tequila, passionfruit, amaro, and yuzu, offers a bold yet refreshing citrus-kissed sip. The View from Fuji, blending Japanese whiskey, guava, lemon, and house cherry bitters, is a smooth and subtly tropical delight.

For those opting for non-alcoholic options, the Mint Lavender Lemonade is an herbal and citrusy refresher. At the same time, the Basil Pineapple Spritz provides a sweet and slightly spiced alternative with a hint of cinnamon.

Beyond the food and drinks, Ollie and Parks is about heartfelt service. "I look for people with empathy more than skills," says Ned. "Genuine care, a genuine thank you." This philosophy is evident in every interaction, making the dining experience not just about great food but also about feeling truly welcomed.

With its knowledgeable staf, inviting atmosphere, and thoughtfully crafted menu, Ollie and Parks has quickly become a standout in Denver’s dining scene. Whether stopping by for a quick happy hour drink or settling in for an evening of shared plates, guests can expect an experience that is both elevated and approachable—just as their team intended.

To learn more about Ollie and Parks or make a reservation, visit OllieParks.com.

$950 | ALL INCLUSIVE

PRIVATE CONSULT WITH ALEJANDRO GAETA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SKETCH | IMPORTED SILK FABRIC FROM ITALY ALL FITTINGS AND ALTERATIONS

March Around Town

1st

MILE HIGH BEER FESTIVAL

Raise a glass to local craft beer at the Mile High Beer Fest! This beloved event showcases some of the best breweries in Colorado, ofering unlimited tastings of unique brews. Whether you’re a hop-head or just love a cold one, this festival is a must for beer lovers. For tickets and more information, go to MileHighBeerFest.com

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON - IN CONCERT

Experience How to Train Your Dragon like never before! Watch the beloved animated adventure on the big screen while a live orchestra brings its powerful score to life. Perfect for families and film lovers alike. For more information, go to Tickets.ColoradoSymphony.org

7th & 8th

NO MANS LAND FILM FESTIVAL | 10TH ANNUAL FLAGSHIP FESTIVAL

Marking a decade of amplifying underrepresented voices in adventure films,

No Man’s Land Film Festival returns for its 10th anniversary. What started as a push for more women in outdoor media has become a global movement for equity and advocacy. This year’s festival features exclusive premieres, live performances, and inspiring conversations—all celebrating bold storytelling and breaking barriers. For tickets, go to NoMansLandFiilmFestival.org

15th

BOULDER OLD TIME JAM AT TRIDENT

A Denver tradition since 1962, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival brings festive floats, Irish dancers, and bagpipers to the streets of downtown. Organized by over 300 volunteers, this celebration of Irish heritage continues with live music, great food, and family-friendly fun!

22nd - 23rd

BOULDER OLD TIME JAM AT TRIDENT

Celebrate Denver’s music and arts scene with live indie, electronic, and hip-hop acts—plus electrifying drag performances. Explore local vendors, immersive art, and a high-energy festival experience you won’t want to miss!

Photo Credit: Emily Trombly

Photo Credit: Ryan Cox