Relévant Galleries is honored to be the premier representative of David Yarrow’s work worldwide.
Visit our galleries to explore the collection, or call/text us at 720-799-6604 to schedule a private appointment with one of our art consultants.
AWARD-WINNING AMENITIES
• 5-Star Spa and Fitness Center
• 2 Championship Golf Courses
• 3 Pools, including Seasonal Infinity Pool
• 5 Tennis Courts
• 3 Pickleball Courts
BOUNDLESS ADVENTURE
• The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
• The Broadmoor Seven Falls
• The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
• Falconry Academy at The Broadmoor
• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Fly Fishing
• On-Site Bowling Alley
AUTHENTIC, ALL-INCLUSIVE WILDERNESS PROPERTIES
• Cloud Camp
• The Ranch at Emerald Valley
• Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Camp
EXCEPTIONAL DINING & RETAIL
• An Abundance of Restaurants, Cafés and Lounges on Property
• 20 Unique Retail Outlets
EDITOR IN CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
BETSY MARR
PRESIDENT
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
KEVIN MARR
Copyright 2024 by Marr & Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Cherry Creek Magazine is published three times annually. Reproduction without permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Marr & Company, LLC and its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editor (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed companies and/or products that advertise in the publication or that are mentioned editorially. The Publisher assumes no responsibly for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Cherry Creek Magazine. Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser product, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher.
Whether you’re ready to build your family today or looking to preserve your fertility for tomorrow, CCRM is where to begin.
Our clinics, genetics labs and surgery centers are all on site, making the patient experience convenient and streamlined. And our world-class success rates are some of the highest in the world.
Call us or request an appointment online at: CCRMIVF.com/Colorado
Scan the QR code below to learn more:
Colorado Springs 6160 Tutt Boulevard, Suite 150 Colorado Springs, CO 80923 (303)-788-8310
hat a time to be alive. So much uncertainty and angst in the world today. It’s easy to go down the wrong road with all of this and lose the inherent survival skills and logical thinking that has gotten us all this far. Fortunately, we are truly fortunate. In Cherry Creek and the surrounding areas, there are endless examples of people forging ahead, pulling through, making the world work for them and making a difference at a time in history when it’s not that easy.
In our Fall Issue, we’ve spotlighted countless stories of success, satisfaction, love, life, and giving back. The result? Happy people. Not just the people producing these amazing services and projects, but the recipients as well. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
The list of all-stars in this issue is endless…Cherry Creek BID’s Kat Libby (Gal About Town, page 30) Barolo Grill’s Ryan Fletter (Man About Town, page 28), our new favorite to-die-for restaurant in He Said, She Said (page 32), the best drink you’ve never had from Eric Garcia at Toro (Bar Cart, page 34), artist Greg Creason of Masters Gallery (page 36), and a fascinating inside look and commentary about the world of watches by timepiece authority and aficionado Jeremy Oster of Cherry Creek’s Oster Jewelers (page 26). Or maybe it’s our exclusive interview with music legend and Elton John songwriter Bernie Taupin (page 53), who gave us everything and more in our interview from the Halcyon during an art exhibition stop at Fascination St. Fine Art.
Former Bronco Bobby Massie and his wife Angel have something cookin’, literally and figuratively with their new outdoor adventure tours (page 48), while some of the area’s best chefs and restaurants dish on what’s new with their menus in this issue’s dining guide (page 59).
And home always seems to be where the heart is whether it’s our list of best home furnishings (page 44) or the stunning property featured in Homecoming (page 24).
I guess beauty and happiness can always be located to make life better. You just need to know where to look. Fortunately, it seems abundant for us with the help of Cherry Creek, and, for that, we are grateful. We’re grateful for you too. Thank you so much and enjoy the pages ahead.
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Born, raised and educated in London, Jeremy Oster moved to the U.S. in the late 1980s, eventually landing in the storied town of Aspen, Colorado. It was there that he entered the jewelry business. After successfully establishing a reputation for expertise selling fine watches and jewelry from big-name brands at a leading store, Jeremy was recruited to manage and develop another store in town - Hochfield Jewelers - located in The Little Nell at the base of Aspen Mountain. During his tenure, Jeremy grew Hochfield into one of the most notable watch and jewelry boutiques in the country, where he was known for introducing many of the emerging independent watchmakers that today are the most highly sought-after amongst watch collectors and enthusiasts. While there, Jeremy also specialized in the rarest of vintage watches from the most famous manufacturers ranging from the 1890’s through 1960’s.
Ultimately, Jeremy’s time in Aspen led him to his eventual wife, Melissa. In 2002, the couple moved to Denver, where they founded their eponymous boutique, Oster Jewelers, in the heart of Cherry Creek North with the clear goal of bringing the very finest watches and jewelry to the Mile High City.
Today, Oster Jewelers is highly respected throughout the watch industry for leading the way, introducing many of the most exciting emerging independent watchmakers and jewelers to a global following. And while the brand’s clientele spans the globe, including Australia, China, Japan, Dubai, Monaco, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and the UK and throughout Europe, Oster Jewelers continues to offer Denver a window into the artisanal world of the finest craftsmen anywhere.
Additionally, Jeremy is the host of Oster Jewelers’ podcast, Keeping Time, which reaches a global audience within the industry as well as clients and collectors everywhere.
Read Jeremy’s extensive insight in Time Zone (page 26).
This season stay at Halcyon, a chic destination in Denver’s Cherry Creek, and instantly feel at
Experience our rooftop pool deck, a hidden oasis within this urban scene or dine at our neighborhood eatery, Local Jones, and elevate your stay with gear from our Gear Garage equipped with everything you need for your own Colorado adventure.
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1. Bordallo Pinheiro Espresso Cups, Set of 4, $80 White Peacock
2. Co Belted Double-Breasted Long Coat, $1,595 Neiman Marcus Denver
3. Hermès Les Necessaires d’Hermès Coffee Table, $17,700 Hermès Cherry Creek Shopping Center
4. Assouline Flowers Coffee Table Book, $105 Amazon Books
5. Hermès Collier de Chien 24 Bracelet, $910 Hermès Cherry Creek Shopping Center
6. Hermès Royal Loafer, $1,275 Hermès Cherry Creek Shopping Center
7. Fendi Acetate Sunglasses, $570 Neiman Marcus Denver
8. Tiffany & Co Ray of Light, Tiffany 2024 Blue Book Tiffany & Co Cherry Creek Shopping Center
9. Saint Laurent YSL Shoulder Bag in Patent Leather, $2,500 Neiman Marcus Denver
10. Dee Ocleppo Gina Heel, $296 Nordstrom Cherry Creek
11. Chanel
CHANEL 22 Mini Handbag, $5,500 Chanel Boutique at Neiman Marcus Denver
12. Creed Carmina Eau de Parfum (75ml), $292 Neiman Marcus Denver
13. Zac Posen Strapless A-Line Pleated Tulle Gown, $1,590 Neiman Marcus Denver
1. Isaia
Men’s Plaid Sport Coat, $5,500 Neiman Marcus Denver
2. Tom Ford
Men’s Woven Check Silk Tie, $270 Neiman Marcus Denver
3. Brunello Cucinelli
Men’s Large Paisley-Print Silk Pocket Square, $270 Neiman Marcus Denver
4. Tom Ford
Men’s T Line Croc-Effect Bifold Card Holder $570 Neiman Marcus Denver
5. Santoni
Double Buckle Inspired Sneaker, $650 Nordstrom Cherry Creek
6. Konstantino
Perseus Sterling Silver & Braided Bracelet, $260 Neiman Marcus Denver
7. AWAY
The Outdoor Duffle 70L, $100 awaytravel.com
8. Zegna
Men’s Cotton Jersey Pique Polo Shirt, $990 Neiman Marcus Denver
9. Diptyque Tubéreuse Candle, $110 Nordstrom Cherry Creek
10. Karl Lagerfeld
Leather Fringe Single Monk Strap Loafers, $395 Neiman Marcus Denver
11. Morris Grossmann
Tremblage Rose Gold Watch, $52,600 Oster Jewelers
And while her sales record speaks for itself, (Ann is recognized as one of Denver’s top producers and has been named to the Who’s Who of Luxury Real Estate) she’s anything but a salesperson, believing instead in the power of relationships. “I’m not very good at ‘selling’ per se – my view on brokerage is that my role is to help my client make the best buying or selling decision relying on my expertise, which may or may not result in a sale in the short term,” the long time Cherry Hills Village resident reveals. “I’m in it for the long haul and as a friend and neighbor to many of my clients, I value these personal relationships.” Indeed, her more than twenty-year tenure in the industry reflects the type of staying power that can only be achieved through honesty, integrity and unrelenting authenticity.
What’s more, when you hire Ann, you get Ann. “I answer phone calls and emails directly. It’s extremely important to me that I take responsibility for knowing every detail of every transaction,” she attests. A notion that may seem simple, but in a thriving market such as Denver’s, one that is far too often not the case. “There are so many ‘experts’ in the media providing misleading information which cannot be universally applied across the board to every home sale,” she explains. “A broker who has experience in your area and has been selling real estate through many market cycles can give the best advice on selling your home to the right buyer for the right price.”
It’s this type of honesty and expertise that has made Ann not only a real estate leader, but a community leader as well. In fact, she has served on countless boards and committees including the Cherry Hills Village Planning and Zoning Commission, The John Lynch Foundation, University of Oklahoma Alumni Association, Swim Across America, the Cherry Hills Village Elementary School Accountability Committee, the Colorado Lacrosse Foundation, US Lacrosse and the University of Denver Lacrosse, and the Denver Ballet Guild.
I’m in it for the long haul and as a friend and neighbor to many of my clients, I value these personal relationships.
Ann most definitely walks the walk, enlisting a wide variety of tools and programs for both buyers and sellers. “No two clients and no two homes are alike. I like to approach each listing from a fresh perspective, engaging my wide network of contacts and a wide variety of strategies – whether it’s a wine tasting event at a new listing or an article in a local publication – to sell a home.” This creativity, coupled with tried-and-true knowledge and a stellar reputation, serves her clients extremely well.
“To be successful in any kind of real estate market, you must start with the needs of your clients, always be committed to those needs and utilize your experience to the maximum,” she finishes.
Clayton Hotel & Members Club is adding some exciting new hospitality venues to its ground floor this fall. Cretans and Chez Roc are out. Amorina and The Sterling Denver are in. This is all courtesy of Juan Padro’s Culinary Creative Group.
Amorina, an Italian term of endearment meaning “little love,” will be an Italian cocktail bar and will take over the Cretans’ space at 231 Clayton Street. It will focus on house-made and hand-stretched mozzarella.
The Sterling Denver will be a lounge and nightclub, taking Chez Roc’s space at 229 Clayton Street. It is an expansion of The Sterling in Aspen. Culinary Creative chief culinary officer chef Max Mackissock will head up menu development while Nicole Lebedevitch, a partner with Culinary Creative and beverage director of Cherry Creek North’s Ay Papi and Forget Me Not, will lead the beverage program for both concepts.
+ more via claytondenver.com
“Cretans and Chez Roc are out. Amorina and The Sterling Denver are in...”
Two new hires to reshape The Jacquard Hotel’s signature restaurant, Narrative, have been announced with the appointments of new Executive Sous Chef Charles Albright and Kyle Odell as its new Director of Food and Beverage. Chef Albright shares, “This opportunity allows me to bring fresh perspectives and seasonal creativity to our menu, enhancing the overall dining experience for our guests. My goal is to craft dishes that reflect the vibrant Colorado weather and anticipate the future of Cherry Creek’s culinary landscape.” Meanwhile, Odell brings a wealth of experience from some of the most esteemed properties in the hospitality industry, including roles at The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Cavallo Point Lodge, Michelinstarred Commis, and The Historic Orcas Hotel. His extensive experience in Michelin kitchens, luxury hotel collections, and boutique historic properties on the West Coast provides him with a unique and sophisticated perspective. “I am thrilled to join The Jacquard Cherry Creek and immerse myself in this dynamic and creative community,” says Odell. “My goal is to blend my experience with the rich local culture to deliver exceptional dining experiences that our guests will cherish.”
Ambrosian Pantry opened a few months back and what a void it has filled in the neighborhood. The perfect destination for all things yummy whether it’s for a dinner party or just top shelf ingredients and brands for a Wednesday. Located at 263 Josephine Street in Cherry Creek, this specialty market runs the gamut with items including nuts and tahini, salsas, maple syrups, popcorn, pasta sauces, honey, chips and salty snacks, olives and tapenades, pickled goods, cured meats, jams, jellies, pastas, grains, cereals, crackers, cookies, biscotti, spices, salts, truffles, mushrooms, olive oils and other cooking oils, greeting cards, books, and even writing tools.
Owner Parker Pulin explains, “Greek mythology shares with us the enchantment of “ambrosia”, the undefined food of the Gods. Mortals who consumed this heavenly treat were rewarded with strength and immortality... as long as they kept eating it. The Ambrosian Pantry is our manifestation of the idea that if the gods of Mt. Olympus had a pantry, our store would serve as their chosen purveyor. While we can’t promise immortality, our shelves abound with a curated selection of the world’s finest foods, drinks, oils, spices, teas, & chocolates.”
Color of Fashion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion within the high fashion industry within Colorado, is excited to announce its annual four-day fashion event. This premier celebration will take place from September 26 to September 29, 2024, featuring a lineup of experiences and designers that honor the rich tapestry of talent and style.
The festivities will begin with an exclusive dinner hosted by Le French. This intimate gathering will bring together designers, the founders, and industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of Color of Fashion and discuss the future of diversity in fashion. Guests will indulge in a gourmet five-course meal expertly paired with fine wines selected by award-winning sommelier Maia Parish, accompanied by stimulating conversations. The second evening, with the nationally acclaimed brand OULA, will be a glamorous affair at Room & Board. Attendees will enjoy a red-carpet entrance and a showcase of exquisite African textures from the Ankara fabric. This event aims to highlight the elegance and beauty of inclusivity in high fashion.
On the third day, “Luxury Never Goes Out of Fashion” will feature curated collections from both emerging and established national and local designers, culminating in a spectacular runway show that epitomizes luxury and diversity. The event will take place at the iconic and historic El Jebel.
The final day, “Shop the Runway,” on The Terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Denver, offers fashion enthusiasts the unique opportunity to purchase pieces directly from the runway and indulge in well-crafted food and beverage offerings.
Add Mendocino Farms to the restaurant scene here in Cherry Creek North. The Southern California-based chain that began in 2005 is known for sandwiches, salads and soups, and will be residing in 3,000 square feet at 320 North Fillmore Street, the new four-story office building on the corner of East Third Avenue. The company uses earthgrown and nonmodified ingredients, sourcing them locally. CEO Kevin Miles stated, “We look forward to bringing our fresh, flavorful, chefdriven sandwiches, salads and more to the residents and visitors of this fantastic neighborhood.” While they constantly change their menu every six to eight weeks, popular items include:
“Not So Fried” Chicken, Chimichurri Steak & Bacon, Vegan Banh Mi, Pink Lady Beets & Goat Cheese Salad, Peruvian Steak, and a Chicken Parm Dip. A kid’s menu is also offered. Currently, there is no launch date for the opening of the new restaurant.
+ MORE VIA // mendocinofarms.com
We now have a face to the name for the much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Residences at the corner of N. Steele Street and E. Second Avenue. Renderings for the PMG development-led project reveals what to expect for the 172,000 square-foot luxury building with approximately 40 residential units across floors two through five, including seven penthouses on the top floor, six of which will have private rooftop terraces. The smallest units will be about 670 square feet, while the largest penthouse will span around 5,000 square feet. The roof will also include a common terrace space for residents, a bar, and a nearly 900-square-foot pool. Plans indicate that the ground level of the building will house over 9,200 square feet of restaurant space, along with about 2,200 square feet dedicated to a residential lobby and concierge area. Plans outline a proposed start date of Jan.1, 2025, with completion in 2026. “Cherry Creek has been a specifically targeted neighborhood for us,” said Ryan Shear, PMG managing partner. “We love Denver, we’ve built in Denver before, and our intent was to introduce a high-end condo project into the city. We aim to provide the best and most seamless addition to the neighborhood.” The architect for the project is Shears Adkins Rockmore.
Hyde Park Jewelers, now The 1916 Company, celebrates the opening of a new mono-brand TUDOR Boutique in Cherry Creek Shopping Center. In partnership with Swiss watchmaker TUDOR, the 500-square-foot environment reflects the brand’s signature red, black, and white aesthetic, “We are honored and excited to share the TUDOR experience with our growing community,” remarked Damon Gross, President of The 1916 Company. “TUDOR has been an important partner of ours since its return to the U.S. market over 10 years ago. Shy of bringing all of our clients and collectors to the manufacturer, a dedicated boutique is the best way to give the world of Tudor its own stage!” The TUDOR boutique offers all emblematic models of the brand, with an exceptional range of classic, sport, diving, and heritage-inspired watches, in addition to the boutique exclusive Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze.
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No matter your taste, Cherry Creek offers plenty of options when it comes to upping your interior ante. Here, we share our picks for the neighborhood’s best home decor and furnishings, in no particular order. -- Betsy Marr 2 2 3
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We’re longtime fans of Ballard Designs. So when the brand, known for its traditional-with-a-twist style sensibilities, opened its 4,800-square-foot Cherry Creek showroom last year, we did a happy dance. Featuring 13 fully decorated room vignettes the lightfilled showroom gives guests the opportunity to browse hundreds of stylish fabrics, and schedule a complimentary appointment with an expert Design Consultant who can help with everything from color selection and spaceplanning to decorating an entire home.
ballarddesigns.com
A touch of Paris in Cherry Creek, Roche Bobois is the best of the best when it comes to modern silhouettes. Working closely with renowned designers like Marcel Wanders, Kenzo Takada, Ora Ito, Cédric Ragot, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt and Stephen Burks and with haute couture fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni and Christian Lacroix Maison, the brand is beloved for its made-to-order designs, all of which are manufactured in small European workshops. Collections include sofas, armchairs, cocktail tables, dining chairs, sideboards, beds, wardrobes, storage and accessories including lighting, cushions and rugs.
rochebobois.com
A favorite amongst Denver’s most stylish homeowners since 1971, The Lark is a Country Club treasure that always has exactly what we’re looking for, and several things we weren’t. Blue and white accents, dreamy lamps, gorgeous gifts – the shop is brimming with character and charm. Lovers of traditional style clamor to The Lark for its streamlined furnishings, whimsical accessories and classic gifts that evoke a very east coast aesthetic. Housed in what used to be a neighborhood grocery store, The Lark has been a Denver staple for 43 years and is now on its third generation of ownership. In fact, proprietress Jill Livran knows most of her customers by name.
thelarkdenver.com
Perhaps the grand dame of Colorado décor destinations, HW Home is at the top of its class for all the right reasons. We love this locally grown company’s stylish take on interiors. Modern without being bland. Traditional without being buttoned up. HW Home strikes the perfect balance every single time. The design center/retailer hybrid offers great quality, great style and great service. Beyond its soft furnishings and case goods, HW Home is also ideal for chic gifts and accessories.
hwhome.com
Part gallery, part showroom, ELEMENT Home represents over 40 lines of home furnishings as well as original fine art from 25 local and nationally renowned artists - not big box/chain store furniture or decorative art. Locally owned and operated for more than 20 years, most of the furniture at ELEMENT is made to order with limitless custom options, while offering design services to create a very personalized plan for each client. Pieces lean towards the contemporary side, with luxury at its very core. We love the shop’s well curated selection of brands like Global Views, Bontempi, Robert Abbey, and more. element-home.com
The Brass Bed…oh how we love thee. One of the neighborhood’s longeststanding retailers, Rosella Louis and pals first opened their doors back in 1978. Today, her daughter Molly, and daughter-in-law, Olivia helm the chic Third Avenue shop. Indeed, The Brass Bed is the crème de la crème when it comes to home textiles and linens. Sheets, duvets, throws, towels –even shower curtains and robes – are all a part of the repertoire at the Cherry Creek staple where thread count is king.
brassbedfinelinens.com
whitepeacockdenver.com 7 6
White Peacock is, quite simply, a haven of good taste and dreamy design. Named for the rarest and most beautiful of birds, the store carries everything a modern host or hostess could want, from crystal Baccarat picture frames to hand-painted Anna Weatherly dinner plates. In fact, many of White Peacock’s vendors are exclusive to the shop in Denver, making their selections highly curated and truly unique. We love the shop’s vast selection of colorful yarn dyed table linens, all of which are arranged on a brightly beautiful wall.
Who said fine dining can’t be fast and affordable?
Chef-crafted gourmet favorites. Delightful global influences. 100% from scratch with real, whole ingredients.
Whether it’s a corporate lunch, social reception or dinner party, we offer delivery, or book a private event in one of our beautiful spaces.
Does anyone think that 50 years from now your descendants will proudly show off the Apple Watch Series 9 or an iPhone 15 inherited from their grandpa? Not too likely
For nearly 300 years, the mechanical watch has represented the pinnacle of technology, prestige and utility. So, why are mechanical watches relevant today? After all, it is a relatively expensive instrument with only one primary purpose: to tell time. Is it tradition? Is it history? Is it more?
It’s today’s highly technological and disposable culture which makes an item such as a luxury wristwatch all the more desirable. As lives become more demanding and controlled by our devices, perhaps it is the simplicity and beauty of a mechanical watch ticking off each second which genuinely allows an appreciation of time – our most precious and rare commodity.
Why does time hold such power? Back in Europe in the 1500s, the only keepers of time in most villages would be the Church. Impressive tower clocks would dominate villages far and wide, chiming with a rhythm that symbolized order and instruction: when to go to work, when to stop working, when to go to church. Time symbolized power and control. Fast forward to the 1700s and spring-driven mechanical devices miniaturized to a point that they could be carried in a pocket or on military “campaigns.” Napoleon Bonaparte is recognized as the owner of the first “Carriage” clock, created by one of the most important watchmakers of all time, Abraham Louis Breguet (b. 1747 – d. 1843).
Go back just a couple of hundred years and, in addition to the Church, only Royalty and the world’s wealthiest, noble and most powerful could experience “keeping” one’s own time. Time has always been a symbol of power and control. Clocking in and out at work. Appointments. Dinner reservations. Time still very much controls the rhythm of our day. Today, though, we all have access to our own time. So why should we spend money on a luxury item that ultimately provides a service that we already possess?
The answer is simple. Beauty, longevity, individuality and prestige combined with the centuries-old understanding that time is power and money. A fine watch is created from know-how passed on for centuries and expressed through details and artistic expression. The “dial” (face) of a watch may take on a great many forms and showcase many aspects of the Art of Watchmaking. The movement, the ticking engine of your watch, is a micro-mechanical marvel that engages in a seemingly endless rhythm, like the beating of our hearts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for years at a time before requiring any sort of service.
Perhaps
it is the simplicity and beauty of a mechanical watch ticking off each second which genuinely allows an appreciation of time – our most precious and rare commodity.”
A mechanical watch may be the ultimate value in a luxury purchase today due to the longevity, significance, possible future value and, ultimately, daily pleasure that a fine watch conveys to its owner. A quick glance at your wrist is an enjoyable tactile experience and reminder of all that came before us and all the possibilities that are yet to be lived.
Jeremy Oster has been an authority on timepieces for over 30 years. He has traveled the globe purchasing and consulting on the world’s greatest watches. He and his wife Melissa have owned and operated Oster Jewelers in Cherry Creek North since 2002. Check out the podcast, “Keeping Time.” Available anywhere that you download podcasts.
What do like most about working in Cherry Creek? I grew up in Cherry Creek and it’s the place where I have spent the longest part of my life, it is very emotional for me.
Any favorite neighborhood haunts? The Artisan Center on 3rd and Detroit St. has always been such a unique and magical neighborhood store, it is truly special! And I love the Cherry Cricket, it’s one of the most epic favorite spots in Cherry Creek when burgers or a Greek salad are on the brain and in the blazing hot summertime.
Can you talk about The Rolling Stones joining you for dinner earlier this year? Several of the bandmates and crew just booked last minute and came in late for a nice meal. Mick Jagger’s personal assistant “loved the duck” and threatened to return another evening to have our signature dish. I will never forget the night Mick Jagger walked into the Barolo Grill back in 1994 and I served him fresh pasta with fresh ParmigianoReggiano cheese.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Regret for the things we have done can be tempered by time, it’s the regret for the things we did not do that are inconsolable……basically, just go do things!
What’s the last book that left an impression on you? The book Ikigai by Hector Garcia/Francesc Miralles. It’s the Japanese term used for defining the reason to live and the continuous pursuit of purpose, while making the very most out of our lives.
No one is busier than the man who oversees everything at the Michelin Guide-award winning Barolo Grill. The legendary restaurant that’s one of the best in Colorado has Ryan Fletter’s fingerprints all over it. The man has seen some things in the past thirty years, so it was a no brainer to sit down and learn more from our latest Man About Town.
What are three things you can’t live without? My wife, Extra virgin olive oil, Barolo wine
Who are your five dream guests to join you for dinner and what are you eating?
Steve Martin, Martin Short, Maya Angelou, Paul Rudd, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We are sipping Barolo wine and eating pasta with porcini mushrooms, fresh sliced heirloom tomatoes, grilled zucchini, cherry pie and vanilla gelato.
What’s something that most people don’t know when it comes to owning a restaurant like Barolo Grill? I must have a very high pain threshold as well as a high tolerance for strange behaviors by humans, therefore, I might be especially more able to weather some things that could bring others down to their knees.
The most fun you’ve had in a city is where? Rome. An amazingly fun city!
Currently, what’s your favorite menu item at Barolo Grill? Agnolotti del Plin, stuffed with mascarpone cheese and roasted corn...tiny little pillows of heaven!
What would you tell your 18-year-old self now? Have less worry and strive for more joy, we all have less time than we think and to fully embrace and connect is the real goal to strive for in life.
We’re convinced that Kat Libby could walk Cherry Creek North with her eyes closed, all the while telling you where she is, who works there, and what they offer to the neighborhood. It’s her job to know the fabric of this community and she does it to absolute perfection. Meet the Digital Marketing Manager for the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District (BID). She’s our Gal About Town.
How did you get into digital marketing? What inspires you with your role? I’m in spired by work that combines creativity and analytics. As a teenager, I designed, built and maintained a lifestyle and fashion blog! That led me to college double-majors in Computer Science and Journalism and a minor in Graphic Design. At Cherry Creek North, I am constantly surrounded by creative inspirations in the beauty, environment and warmth of the people and the neighborhood. There’s a reason “it just feels good here.” I’ve been here three years. I use technical skills to organize and optimize our projects so we can do more with less. I help create and manage marketing initiatives that are new and different, from Saturday Night Lights during the holidays to the Cherry Creek Concert Series in the summer. Growing up local helps me understand Cherry Creek, too, from playing Congress Park soccer, to lifeguarding at the Congress Park Pool and working holiday retail in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. I also love to travel and bring back ideas. Some of my favorite trips are visiting other nationally known destinations like Buckhead Village in Atlanta and Walnut Creek near San Francisco because they’ve led me to further inspiration for our destination.
What’s something about your industry that most people don’t know? Working for a Business Improvement District (BID) is a fascinating industry that not many people seem to know about. I certainly didn’t before I started working for one. The BID’s mission is to actively plan, manage and promote Cherry Creek North as a premier destination for shopping, dining, living, working and visiting. You might not know that the Cherry Creek North BID was established in 1989 as the very first Business Improvement District in Colorado.
What does the upcoming season look like for Cherry Creek North? The calendar on our website is consistently packed with events, so it’s about continuously working to communicate all the exciting stuff happening here and supporting our business community. The biggest part of my job is behind-the-scenes on digital projects, which you might see on your computer or phone. A big initiative for this year is the website redesign. We ran a study on user experience (UX) that help us un derstand what people search for, what they try and how they experience our neighborhood. While this type of work isn’t necessarily highlighted on social media or in our advertising, it certainly strengthens the digital presence and community engagement with Cherry Creek North.
We love the BID’s Instagram page. What goes into it from a production standpoint? I was behind the Cherry Creek North social media channels for two years. During that time, we more than doubled our Instagram following, from 7,000 to 15,000. I now exclusively manage the social media content, instead of creating it. A great digital marketing campaign on social media is a complicated, creative and technical job. For Cherry Creek North, our themes are “business categories” because of the density of businesses. From hotels to restaurants, home furnishing stores and galleries, clothing and accessory retailers as well as numerous spas, salons, gyms and specialized personal health services–there’s a lot to cover. Production and execution may involve me visiting a store, filming and editing, to hiring influencers, using professional videography and photography and editing a schedule of posts over multiple days. But it’s funny, one can never predict
what will catch people or what the algorithm will feed the viewer. Our most popular reel with 161K views was an unplanned video I filmed with a friend when we met after work at Ay Papi. To all the social media moguls out there, just keep posting and trying new ideas!
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day.
What are three things you can’t live without? My family (and our three Dalmatians), shopping for vintage fashion and good books on my Kindle.
What’s the last song you sang to in your car? Texas Hold ‘Em - Beyonce
What are your go-to Cherry Creek haunts? Oh, so many! In Cherry Creek North, I can mix-and-match based on who I’m with and what I’m doing. If I’m with a friend visiting Denver, then we go to Toro’s bottomless brunch Sunday and shop for permanent jewelry at Love Saro. If my mom and I are running errands, we stop at Die Die Must Try for some boba. If my friends want to dress up and go out dancing, Ay Papi and Forget Me Not are on the agenda. The same goes for gift shopping. I like giving fun finds like dehydrated skittles at The Ambrosian Pantry paired with a unique piece from Haven. Adding a gift certificate to a wellness spot like The NOW Massage always makes a present feel extra special.
What’s your favorite way to relax? In the winter, I unwind on a snowboard, and in the summer you can find me rollerblading or biking around Denver in a Paul Frank helmet (I also wear a helmet in the winter).
Who are your five dream dinner guests and what are you eating? Shaun White, Nikki Glaser, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce and Tiffany Haddish. I would probably work with a local chef, like Le Bilboquet’s executive chef, Sosthène Kaboré or private chef Zo Guignardi, to curate a coursed dinner. I love trying new things, so I would ask the chef to guide the menu. I would, of course, insist on sweet potatoes!
What city in the world have you had the most fun in? Besides Denver, it would be Melbourne, Australia. I had the opportunity to study abroad in college and joined an independent program where I knew no one. A world away, Australia gave me the opportunity to be brave and get out of my comfort zone. I made so many great friends, and experienced different cities in and around Australia, as far as Bali. It was an incredible adventure and I’m excited to continue traveling and experiencing different cultures.
We’re married. We work together. We see each other all the time. So, what could we possibly talk about while out for dinner? In this case, food. And lots of it. Join us at A5 Steakhouse.
He: I’ve never been happier to get out for a night. The boys are driving me crazy. Speaking of crazy, I’m going loco over this Japanese Hamachi with Passionfruit ponzu, myoga, Asian pear, pickled fresno, and masago. I could eat this sauce like a soup. It’s phenomenal.
She: Counting down the days until school starts again. In the meantime, I could use a cocktail and this “Porch Pounder” is calling my name. Light and refreshing. I could drink several without flinching. I see where it gets its name.
He: I always have to get a wedge salad at a steakhouse. This one is top tier, and easily the biggest one I’ve ever had. I used to have a go-cart with wheels this size. And they blanched the tomatoes to look like flowers. I’ve never seen this before. True art all the way around.
She: There’s something about “pretty” food that makes it more fun to eat, isn’t there?
He: This Okonomiyaki is something I’ve never experienced before. I’m in. Crispy pork belly, bulldog sauce, kewpie, bonito, and pickled ginger on a big Japanese pancake. Unreal.
She: Anything with crispy pork belly in the description has me sold. This is a must try for anyone visiting A5. Or Denver for that matter.
He: After your first bite of the Japanese A5 Striploin, you reminded me of Meg Ryan in the diner scene in When Harry Met Sally. Safe to say you loved it?
She: The best steak I have had, possibly ever and certainly in recent memory. It essentially melts in your mouth but not before exploding with a menagerie of flavor. There’s a veal and onion ponzu that accompanies it, which is incredible. But in all honesty, I don’t even think it needs it. What a decadent dish.
He: You mentioned that there was a sign in the bathroom that read, “Let’s Get Weird.” How weird did it get in there?
She: Love a restaurant restroom with fun decor and of course A5 doesn’t disappoint there. The interior design here is great. Definitely not your traditional steakhouse. And yes, the neon “let’s get weird” sign definitely made for a good selfie moment.
He: A5 Steakhouse made the Michelin Guide’s Recommended List, so how do you think their mac n cheese is? Of course it’s to die for. These Mac & Cheese Croquettes are tremendous. Fontina, sharp cheddar, mozzarella and fried macaroni covered in seasoned breading that look like bars and served with nardello pepper jam – good Lord. Not to mention these Japanese Milk bread rolls…they are flawless accompaniments to the best, softest, meltin-your-mouth steak tenderloin that I’ll ever remember.
She: Let’s not forget the Yukon Gold whipped potatoes. I always order the whipped potatoes the first time I try a steakhouse. Some nail it, some botch it. A5 nailed it and then some.
He: Aesthetically, I’m distracted in a good way by the style and design of this place. Exposed brick wall. Stained glass windows. That art piece that reminds me of the water buffaloes in Sing 2. And it is BUSY. Hustlin’ on a Tuesday evening. Very popular. Not the least bit stuffy or pretentious like your stereotypical steakhouse setting. Brian, the GM, has this place running exceptionally well.
She: That’s exactly what I thought when I saw that painting! Boy, we really need to see a non-animated film, don’t we? Although Sing 2 rocks! Speaking of, I actually miss those little rugrats at home. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Kevin and Betsy Marr are “He” and ‘She.” They work and live in the Denver area, where they produce Cherry Creek Magazine and raise their four and six-year-old boys…all under one roof.
+ MORE VIA // a5denver.com
We’re your muse at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the Platte River, where you will discover world-class shopping, restorative stays, and transformational dining. Crafted for the explorer and the epicurean, moments at Hotel Clio always inspire.
How did you get into this industry and why?
The bar scene at Toro Latin Kitchen and Lounge is always a good time. The must-visit watering hole inside Hotel Clio transports you to a space with great music, dim lighting and a lively atmosphere perfect for date nights, guys’ nights, girls’ nights, special celebrations, or just an escape from a long day. So, who’s got you covered? Look no further than your host from behind the bar, Eric Garcia. He’s got the stories. He’s got the drinks. He’s got the ear to talk to if you’re looking to chat. He’s also this issue’s Bar Cart.
I fell into it by accident to be quite honest. I was referred by a family member and started off as a barista. Knowing very little about the hospitality field, I started off whipping up great coffee beverages and then ended up transforming it to an amazing espresso martini later in life. Little did I know that it was exactly where I was meant to be.
What’s the vibe at Toro? How is it different from other bars in the neighborhood? Our atmosphere gives luxurious yet modern Latin flare with ambient glow and the feeling of great warmth. It’s a staple in Cherry Creek and a feeling like no other.
What is something about bartending that most people don’t know? Learning the beverages is the easiest part, but you must want to be involved with people. Build relationships with strangers and gain trust. There’s a lot of personalities and energy that you have to confront and, even though not everyone will be the friendliest, you have to find your ground and make sure to defy it with a smile and empathy.
What’s the best drink we’ve never had? The Mercado Margarita takes the cake. It’s a beverage filled with different layers of flavor. You have the tartness of passionfruit, fresh squeezed lime, lingering heat of Serrano, and the perfect cloud of hibiscus rosemary foam. There’s nothing else like it out there.
What’s the most interesting comment you’ve overheard from guests while working behind the bar? It always takes me back to when individuals who I’m taking care of have careers in law, construction, medicine, and other industries. and they make comments like, “Wow I can’t imagine how you do your job, I could never have your skills.” Or “Man, you have such an awesome job!” And I do, but it’s such an honor to know that all walks of life appreciate every kind of skill and artistry. For that, I’m humble and know everyone has a part to play
What’s the oddest drink order you’ve ever received? We offer all kinds of juices when it comes to our bottomless mimosas, however when it comes to an odd drink, I have a regular who enjoys tomato juice more like a Bloody Mary mix with her Champagne. Still to this day, no one else will order a tomato over the orange but her.
Where do you get your inspiration? I’m a huge foodie and I enjoy traveling and experiencing different restaurants. Not to mention, Food Network is my favorite channel. So, I like to incorporate the same thing but using the bar as my kitchen.
Do you have a signature cocktail that you feature? A crowd pleaser? I’m one who loves to take your classic cocktail and switch it around with dif ferent spirits or even combine and build layers of flavors. Take your traditional margarita for instance. Reposado tequila, fresh juice and agave. Aggressively shaking, pour into a rock glass and top it off with a splash of Mezcal. This revamp of a margarita is crisp yet refreshing, giving you small hints of smoke and leather. Now is it for everyone? No, but give it a try before you turn your head.
What’s your idea of the perfect summer and fall cocktail? Stick to what is in season, the fresher the better. Summer beverages that I’m normally into are light, refreshing, bubbles, citrus and berries like a French 75 or Aperol Spritz. For the other half of the year, starting in the fall, I go towards more hot beverages or neat pours that are sippable spirits like a Hot Toddy or a great pour of Angels Envy rye neat. + MORE VIA torodenver.com
His work caught our eyes immediately. Popping with color. Whimsical. Alluring. Full of personality and character. A style all his own. Meet Greg Creason. Our artist in residence at Masters Gallery here in Cherry Creek.
How would you describe your art and style? My art is created using mixed media. As my portfolio shows, I paint mostly women and have done so for almost 35 years. They are my favorite subject. I do paint other subjects though and, in 2023, I painted more cars than ever before. My style for non-portrait-like pieces has been described as impressionistic. But, for my paintings of people, my style has been described more as realism.
As a kid, you’d put headphones on while drawing. Do you still listen to music when you’re working? What do you listen to? I definitely listen to music when I paint and create. Music takes me to another place in my mind. I still put on headphones and tune out the “outside” noise to get into my zone. The music I play really depends on what mood I am in. I have drawn a lot of creative energy from bands I have listened to since college, like Nine Inch Nails. Lately, I have been listening to EDM just for the pulse and energy.
You draw a lot of energy from New Orleans. Talk about the city’s impact on your work. When I first arrived in New Orleans, I was a little apprehensive about showing my work. It did not take long for me to understand that New Orleans welcomes art in all forms. It is one of the few cit ies in America that still values the arts to its core and is committed to the furtherance of the arts. New Orleans is all about color and personality. Anything can be viewed as a celebration there and, as a result, colors come into play a lot. On any given day, you might find a krewe of people parading through the French Quarter in the craziest outfits full of color and flair. New Orleans taught me to expand myself and be open to try new things when it came to creating my artwork.
What are your thoughts on the art scene in Cherry Creek? Cherry Creek is a great place! I don’t live here so I hope this doesn’t sound offensive, but it feels like a mixing of old and new. The new businesses and buildings I have seen since 2019 are adding an upscale feel and, yet, the neighborhood feels established and the galleries that are in Cherry Creek represent that well. When I was here before, Relevant Gallery had a great showing of David Yarrow’s work. That was fun to see. Masters Gallery, who represents me, has a great mix of traditional and contemporary. Woodrow Nash is one of my favorite sculptors, so it is always great to walk into Masters Gallery and see Nash’s pieces. Another great place we walked into was the Show of Hands. I think it was on Columbine Street previously, but we had some fun there.
Tell me something most people might not know about you. A lot of people don’t know that seven years ago, I quit drinking and found sobriety. Sobriety helped me with staying focused and really took me to another level as an artist.
What’s the most exhilarating experience you’ve had with a project? The first time that someone cried when they saw one of my paintings was an experience I will never forget. I recently completed a 100x50” commission for a lady here in Colorado. The experience of working so closely with the collector was an awesome experience. Also, I have provided paintings and sculptures for American Cruise Lines. One of the sculptures I created for them was a metal 16 foot cello, and getting that installed was such a great feeling.
What’s the most memorable sale you’ve had? The one that marked me most was the one mentioned above…a lady purchased my painting called “Convictions” and cried when she first saw it. The story behind her tears was so moving. I caught up with her a few years later and she told me that looking at that painting every day brought her to a new place of understanding what her life journey was about.
What’s something about the art industry that most of us aren’t aware of? My first job out of college was being the very first apprentice for the painter Thomas Kinkade. I spent 12 years working with Kinkade and I thought I learned everything about the art world through that lens. After leaving the art world for five years and coming back as an artist only (not working for a famous artist), I learned how much competition there is in the art world. Social media influence is huge, and I’ve had to learn to navigate this. And a lot of artists don’t realize that there is a business side of the art world. To be successful, you have to understand that art is a business.
What types of things or people inspire you with your work? I am very inspired by women, as you can probably see. My piece “Tattered Queen” exemplifies how I feel about women, especially my wife, Lisa. Women are constantly multi-tasking. Most women I know have been through “stuff” and yet, they are still queens in my eyes no matter what.
Come visit our happy place for unique colorful gifts!
Colorado and regionally-made art Greeting cards, from sassy to classy One-of-a-kind, handmade gifts Judaica section with creative, whimsical treasures
Children’s plush animals, puzzles, books and more
Let us bring happiness to your home! Mon-Sat (10-6pm); Sunday (11-4pm) FREE 1-hour parking next to the store!
200 Fillmore St. #101 303-399-0201
www.showofhandsdenver.com
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is challenging visitors to Saddle Up. Curated by Visit Cheyenne, the firstof-its-kind Saddle Up Pass has wrangled top cowboy-inspired experiences and local retailers to come together to offer a transformative immersion into western culture. Priced at $125, the Saddle Up Pass will provide all preparation needed for city slickers to go from yellow-belly to yee-haw. Saddle Up pass holders will receive discounts to local shops along the painted facades of Main Street, including The Wrangler, Wild J Trading and Alexis Drake, known for handcrafted, custom leather products; a custom bandana, designed to look the part; a 60-minute horseback ride and roping lesson at Terry Bison Ranch, known for scenic trails, gentle horses and 2,500 roaming American bison; admission to the 90-minute “Wild West Tour” on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley to learn about the city’s most interesting sites and historic buildings; passes to museums including the Cowgirls of the West and the Cheyenne Depot Museum, and a photoshoot at from Emma’s Old Time Photos with a complimentary 8x10 print souvenir. The “Magic City of the Plains” offers a robust list of annual events and festivals all year round that evoke the cowboy spirit.
+ MORE VIA // cheyenne.org
Local party pro Bria Blair has been styling Denver’s most opulent events for years – her exquisite tablescapes and over-the-top balloon displays becoming the hallmark of the town’s poshest parties. Now, the luxury event stylist is bringing the party to you by way of a new brick and mortar retail location in the Streets at Southglenn. Bria Blair Creative Party Studio will open this fall, and will be a hybrid bou tique and event locale where the party powerhouse will showcase the latest tabletop trends, host small get-togethers, and retail unique party supplies, luxe gifts, holiday décor and more. The space will also host collabs between Blair and other event industry superstars, like a cookie class with HGTV’s Sugar Bloom. Shoppers will also be able to stop in and grab DIY balloon supplies, balloon arrangements, custom jumbos, and more.
+ MORE VIA // briablaircreative.com
Elway’s Cherry Creek will be closing for several years until the completion of the Cherry Creek West development, and with that, a once buzzing locale for haute happy hours and celebratory dinners is gone…for now. Fortunately, the homegrown steakhouse’s downtown Denver iteration just got a makeover, and is ready for its close up.
The renovation of Elway’s, housed in the tony Ritz-Carlton Denver, brings an opulent, contemporary look to the restaurant and bar. Guests can expect a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating, stylish lighting, and tasteful décor that reflects the essence of its locale. Led by Design One Studio, the interiors pay homage to the steakhouse’s eponymous NFL legend owner John Elway. A subtle weave of Broncos blue and orange, textured leathers, and curated memorabilia artfully chronicle his storied career. Guests can also indulge in daily happy hour from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., featuring specialty drinks, wines, craft beers and appetizers.
In addition to the new interiors, Elway’s has unveiled a menu inspired by the finest local ingredients and the rich flavors of Colorado cuisine. The new Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver David Schaumburger, has curated a selection of standout dishes include Lamb Chop Fondue, Short Rib “Off The Bone,” Dashi Braised Chilean Sea Bass, hand-cut USDA prime steaks and a variety of sides including Thai Basil Brussels Sprouts, Au Gratin Potatoes and more.
The homegrown steakhouse’s downtown Denver iteration just got a makeover, and is ready for its close up.”
Hotel Cala di Volpe, the iconic Sardinian hotel tucked inside the timelessly glamorous Costa Smeralda, has been partnering with couture fashion house Dolce&Gabbana for several years. The latest iteration, however, has our hearts skipping a beat. A complete creative take-over ‘DG Resort’, brings the unmistakable style of the brand to the exclusive beach club. Dolce&Gabbana customized the entire pool area of the property - one of the largest saltwater pools in Europe. Guests can immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere, where Dolce&Gabbana’s distinctive style has transformed every detail: from the soft cotton beach towels to the hand-painted vases, to the brightly patterned upholstery. In fact, the entire poolside experience was reinterpreted by the Italian brand’s creativity.
High praise from the high country has landed on a new list from USA TODAY, ranking the best spas across the country. Coming in as the second-best spa on the list is Spa Monarch at the Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk.
“Don’t miss the Laconium Relaxation Lounge that features heated, contoured seating and warm floors. Other spa amenities include the Brine Inhalation-Light Therapy Lounge, a Mountain Stonebath experience, and herbal steam rooms,” the publication said.
Monarch Spa is no stranger to the national limelight, placing fourth best on the same list last year. Open seven days a week, the spa runs the gamut of amenities including massage, body treatments, facial services and nail services.
+ MORE VIA // monarchblackhawk.com/wellness/spa/spa-monarch
Don’t miss the Laconium Relaxation Lounge that features heated, contoured seating and warm floors.”
No longer a game for grandmas, Mahjong has taken the city by storm. And longtime friends Shaw Morris and Kelly Warren are sharing their love for the centuries-old tile game by way of Mahj Squad, their Denver-based Mahjong lessons and events collective.
Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned pro seeking to sharper your skills, the duo’s expert lessons are tailored to meet your needs. Plus, Morris and Warren bring the Mahjong experience directly to you by way of in-home lessons and events.
“The Mahj Squad is more than just lessons - it’s a celebration of friendship and fun! We are your go-to destination for Mahjong parties, events and family to corporate team-building events,” the pair explains.
+ MORE VIA // mahjsquad.com
The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop, in the heart of Cherry Creek, is the perfect spot for you to relax and renew. In-room amenities like elegant linens, comfy robes, soft towels, and custom-designed furnishings help deliver a truly restful stay.
Get a jump on your holiday shopping with our Altogether Cherry Creek Shopping Package. This package includes:
• $100 Visa Gift Card for Shopping in Cherry Creek North or Cherry Creek Shopping Center
• Welcome Bottle of Bubbles
• Complimentary Valet Parking Visit www.thejacquard.com/packages to book now. www.narrativecherrycreek.com
BY BETSY MARR |
When designer Jess Knauf first saw the Mediterranean-style estate belonging to a very active family of six (plus five bulldogs!), she was immediately inspired. A Pasadena, California native, Knauf grew up surrounded by some of the most prolific Mediterranean architecture in the country. “Many of my favorite properties were designed by greats like Wallace Neff and Myron Hunt, so finding a gem like this in the heart of Cherry Hills Village was a thrill,” the designer explains. And while the home’s interiors were bulky, dark and dated, it indeed had great bones. “The property had gorgeous interior masonry, solid stone floors, and impressive vaulted ceilings. We were lucky to be starting from a good place.”
With that, Knauf worked alongside the homeowners to thoughtfully update the interior finishes. “We wanted to align with the architecture and reflect the client’s layered, colorful aesthetic,” she says. Knauf stayed true to the home’s Mediterranean roots but focused on lightening up each space and making it more current. The designer complemented the architecture with an eclectic selection of fabrics and custom furnishings. “I love how we used color, texture and layering to bring depth to every room. This family is incredibly fun and unique, they were not looking for cookie cutter,” she continues.
Indeed, to describe this family as active is an understatement. “They have four boys, who at the time of construction ranged from elementary school to college, not to mention five bulldogs,” Knauf exclaims. As such, the home needed to be both beautiful and highly functional. Being close in proximity, the kitchen and adjacent great room serve as the hub of family life. Knauf opted for colorful, statement-making art and furnishings, while walls and cabinetry remained neutral, classic and refined in their approach. Instead of replacing the kitchen’s travertine floors, Knauf and the homeowners opted to revive them with a thorough steam cleaning and matte-finish seal, completely changing the look. The wood flooring throughout the house was sanded and stained a more contemporary shade, the five fireplace surrounds were restored, and the ceiling beams were lightened with a unique lime-wash treatment.
SHOWN HERE: Designer Jess Knauf worked with Aspen Leaf Kitchens to create a mix of neutral and white-oak cabinets. For the faces, a mix of wood, glass, and wire fronts gave the kitchen a classic yet elevated aesthetic. Leathered quartzite countertops and Urban Electric Co. fixtures lightened the once-bulky aesthetic.
BELOW: In the catering kitchen, there’s a space for everyone - including the five family bulldogs. Under-counter custom dog beds were made in a playful turquoise performance fabric.
“I love how we used color, texture and layering to bring depth to every room. This family is incredibly fun and unique. They were not looking for cookie cutter.”
-JESS KNAUF
What’s more, the homeowners are avid entertainers who take advantage of all that the house has to offer. Because of this, Knauf wanted to create spaces and details that would be conducive to gathering, celebrating and enjoying life together. Spaces like a bar and prep area were added to the main kitchen, while a separate catering kitchen was reimagined to include plenty of storage. “There is room for everyone, including the dogs, who have their own under counter lounge,” Knauf laughs. A proper wet bar was added, with café style shelving and sleek yet decidedly playful finishes to add to the home’s character and charm.
Of all the property’s stunning spaces, however, Knauf notes the woman of the house’s primary bath as a favorite.“It really is a dream. A mom of four boys needs a feminine refuge, and a really lovely soaking tub,” she attests. “The custom Spanish floor tile is so elegant and pretty, and I love the subtle celadon color, which is echoed in the vanity sconces. I also love how we customized the layered mirror above the vanity, and the little nickel feet at the vanity base.”
OPPOSITE PAGE: The kitchen’s bar and prep area makes a big impact with white oak cabinetry and custom polished silver hardware. The crowning jewel, however is the Palm Orleans Palmetto Stripe grasscloth wallpaper.
TOP RIGHT AND BELOW: A true sanctuary, the primary bath is a feminine escape for the mother of four boys. Sconces form Visual Comfort pair perfectly with the custom Tabarka Studio and Pratt & Larson floor tile combination. A decadent claw foot soaking tub is the ideal touch, with art (“Emma in Blush”) from Josh Young Design House is the finishing touch.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Who says laundry rooms have to be ho-hum? This space is cheerful and stunning, with bold wallpaper from Peter Dunham and graphic cement floor tile by Pasha. A rug from Artisan Rugs rounds out the space, while a scalloped pendant light from Visual Comfort adds texture and interest.
“When we were kids outside climbing trees, running in the grass, and playing in the dirt, the only thing that was on our mind was where you were going to get something to drink and when food was going to be ready.”
Bobby Massie is still a kid. Don’t let his size fool you. Although Massie is massive.
The 6’6, 325 pound former 10-year NFL offensive tackle who played for the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Denver Broncos, now has a new work address…the rivers, trails, and picturesque beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Growing up in the small Virginia town of Lynchburg, Massie’s way of life centered on the outdoors. Whether it was football, fishing, hunting, camping or cooking and grilling, outside was the preferred side. So, it was a no brainer when he and his wife and longtime journalist, Angel, decided that life after the NFL was to be headquartered into the great wide open with their luxury outfitter, Wanderland Outdoors. From mid-May through October, guests can enjoy the gold-medal standard of guided fly fishing trips, mindful hiking experiences, yoga classes, trail rides, and unforgettable gourmet dining excursions.
“When you’re spending premium money on something like this, things are supposed to be a certain way with levels of service and expectations,” Bobby begins, sprawled in a patio chair at a Lone Tree coffeehouse. “Angel loves to travel. I don’t, so the way to get me to travel is to go fishing. I’ve fished every coast. Up North. Down South. She and I compiled all the trips we’ve been on, watched the video, ran the data back, and addressed everything we would want to have with outfitters and experience on guided trips.”
“We’re for everybody, just like the outdoors is for everybody. As adults, sometimes we forget about just being free. That’s what Wanderland is all about.”
While Angel is a certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide who oversees the mindful meditative walks, you can find Bobby once it’s time to eat. Wanderland’s “Food x Fire” experience is anchored by the former right tackle who’s now protecting appetites instead of quarterbacks, “Cooking has always been a part of my life,” he says with a big grin. “My grandma used to run a restaurant. I’m always cooking for people. We’d host the Broncos’ offensive line over at the house for meals, so, if I can cook for 16 guys who weigh over 300 pounds, then I can cook for 30-to-40 people.”
The menu from Wanderland reads like a dream. Smoked Rainbow Trout Mezze with Crudite. Charred Sourdough Bread with Bone Marrow. Grilled Wagyu Tomahawk. Four-hour Hung Chicken with Creole Spices and Smoked Rosemary Salt. Lump Blue Crab with Old Bay Honey and Aged Cheddar. Bourbon Maple Pears with Brown Sugar Crumble and Smoked Pineapple with Dolce de Leche.
The Michelin Guide needs to know about this.
Massie explains, “You see the food being prepared and cooked. You smell the smoke and flavors. You see the flames. It’s a whole experience for the senses with a beautiful backdrop instead of just eating at a restaurant or at home. I’m there preparing everything from the menu that you select. I’m a big foodie. I love to eat good food and I love to entertain.”
The experiences that will make you hungry include backcountry fly-fishing tours to some of Wanderland’s exclusive, 33 miles of private, gold-medal waters; horseback trail rides through Jefferson County in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, wrangling by Brown Family Ranch; and guided hikes through Rocky Mountain National Park, focusing on mindful movement, breathwork and meditation, culminating with a tea ceremony by fire.
Through 2024, excursions will feature Colorado’s vistas as their backdrop, but expect new voyages to the wilds of Montana and beyond in coming seasons.
It's all a very special outfit for all the aforementioned reasons, and one that the Massies take a lot of pride in assembling, “We’re a black-owned business and we employ a lot of minorities, but that’s not our only demographic. That’s not the case at all.” Bobby points out. “That’s just who we are. We’re for everybody, just like the outdoors is for everybody. As adults, sometimes we forget about just being free. That’s what Wanderland is all about. We want people to feel how we feel about Colorado. My wife and I aren’t from here, we’re not natives, but we’re going to die here and we’re raising our kids here. We just want to provide a little of what this great state provides in a nutshell.”
Sounds like a touchdown from a proven NFL player and journalist who have seen their fair share of scores.
Of course we’re going to talk football with Bobby Massie…
ARE YOU STILL FOLLOWING FOOTBALL? I can’t not follow football. With the Broncos, I’ve been in that building. I was there. I’ll always watch them. I know guys there and I played with 40 percent of the current team. I follow them. They don’t want to use the word “rebuild,” but that’s what it is. Russell Wilson walked with that huge cap chunk, so it’ll be interesting to see how they put things together. I think the strong part of the offense is the offensive line. They’ve built a good unit up front. If running back Javonte Williams looks like the player who I played with before his injury then they’ll be solid. They have some exciting receivers too. Making the playoffs this season would be a dream, but when they do get everything in order, Denver is a championship organization. I also follow CU. I remember the days of Kordell Stewart there. Deion is trying to turn things around and it’ll be fun to see what he does. It all starts in the trenches with those offensive and defensive lines. I’ll be watching that and to see how they flip things from last season with a lot of new players and new coaches.
WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST NFL MEMORIES? The camaraderie with the guys. The brotherhood every day and grinding it out for a common goal. The blood, sweat, and tears no matter what. I loved the competition and preparing all week to kick a guy’s ass, knowing he’s training to do the same thing. Then you meet on that day of battle, and you’ve got that back-and-forth to see your hard work pay off.
WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE PLAY THAT YOU’VE EVER BEEN A PART OF? It was the 2015 playoff game between the Cardinals and the Packers. It was a back-and-forth shootout. It went to overtime. I was blocking Green Bay’s defensive end and the play is extended. My quarterback Carson Palmer is buying time, and the defensive end spins inside, I’m turning, and now I’m looking right at Carson. He bumps into me. I move him out of the way. He rolls out and connects with Larry Fitzgerald who zigs and zags down to the four-yard line, setting up the game-winning touchdown. We went on to the NFC Championship game. (You can watch the play on YouTube titled “Fitzgerald Sends Cardinals to NFC Championship. Massie is #70 playing right tackle for Arizona). I’ve also been a part of games blocking for 200 yard rushers and
400 yard passers as well as 40 and 50 point games on offense that are not easy to do in the NFL. I’ve also had seasons where I’ve only given up one or two sacks. To go that many snaps without giving up a sack is also very memorable. If your name isn’t getting called, you’re doing your job.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT BE ING AN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN IN THE NFL? It sucks. You’re in the trenches banging your face in every single day. Day in and day out. However, it’s also beau- tiful. You’re like the blue-collar worker in the football world. You’re not the flashy skill player, the pretty boy quarterback, or the superstar defensive lineman. Nobody knows you unless you make a mistake. We’re the unsung heroes of football. It’s fun to manhandle and ragdoll other players.
WHO ARE THE BEST PLAYERS YOU PLAYED AGAINST IN YOUR 10-YEAR CAREER? Hall-of-Famer Julius Peppers was very good. The guy who gave me the most trouble was when I was in Arizona and playing against Cliff Avril of the Seattle Seahawks, He was part of that “Legion of Boom’ defense. Michael Bennett was on that team, and he was tough too. The way Avril could jump the snap was like nobody I’ve ever faced. He was a monster.
DID YOU MODEL YOUR GAME AFTER ANY PARTICULAR PLAYER? LeCharles Bentley (former NFL player) trained me my entire career. He turned me into the player that I was. He was a phenomenal offensive line guru.
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BERNIE TAUPIN TOLD THE STORIES AND WROTE THE SONGS FOR ELTON JOHN.
NOW, AFTER AN EXHIBIT IN CHERRY CREEK NORTH, IT’S HIS ARTWORK THAT HAS FANS SINGING ALONG.
words by kevin marr
“I don’t just write stuff and send it to him.”
Bernie Taupin seems a tad annoyed.
And he should be.
I had just asked him if what I had read about his writing strategy with Elton being somewhat uncommunicative and more of a hand off was accurate. It was not. Full on urban myth.
“I think people minimized it too much,” he begins. “They look at a less-than-aesthetic sort of sensibility because there’s much more to it than that, and much more discussion involved. I’ll talk to him about what I’ve written, and it’s not about him wanting to understand what something is about. It’s more about how he sees that particular song.”
This is why I ask. Let’s flush out the misinformed reporting and lazy journalism from the past that may have become a fly in the ointment in covering this guy’s life. I’ve got the man right next me. At the bar. In the Halcyon. Mid-day on a glorious weather-gifted Saturday in May. So, I’m asking and he’s answering. By the way, for formality’s sake, the aforementioned “Elton” is Elton John. But you knew that.
And without the British-born bloke sitting to my right in black-rimmed glasses and clad in a black cap, dark denim button-down, grey t-shirt, and khaki trousers, Sir Elton might still be Reggie Dwight. You see, Elton couldn’t write lyrics, and Bernie…well, Bernie Taupin is a living legend on the subject.
“When we go to make a record, which we made last October and it’s going to come out this October, we have a discussion about things, and we talk about the kind of record we want to make. There is a lot of interconnection.”
Sipping ice water from a cocktail tumbler, the man who has spanned the globe repeatedly now explains what has brought his travels to Cherry Creek. Fascination St. Fine Art has featured Taupin’s latest work, and to say the project has been well received by collectors and longtime admirers would be a drastic miscalculation in the art of understatements.
“Hosting Bernie Taupin was an extraordinary experience, evidenced by the dozens of collectors who flew in from across the country,” Fascination St. owner Sean Moore explains. “Witnessing them moved to tears upon meeting Bernie and acquiring his artwork is a testament to the profound impact he’s had on so many lives.”
Reflections Redux is a collection of lyrics in stencil form and prints on lithographs that celebrates Taupin’s and John’s most iconic verses. Tiny Dancer.
The Bitch is Back. Rocket Man. Bennie and the Jets. Crocodile Rock. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Bernie shares that the concept, innocent and fun in nature, was the result of he and his wife Heather delving into all of the iconic lines that people really relate to, and then creating something around that.
At Fascination St., he was the life of a two-day party. Signing his work for buyers. Taking countless pictures. Sharing stories. Laughing and socializing with attendees who were there solely to see him. And throughout it all, including our chat at the bar, he unwittingly confirmed yet another misnomer I had read about him that turned out to be low grade fertilizer. Bernie is NOT shy. Far from it in my estimation.
“No. That’s bullsh*t,” he says without pause. “I think the ‘shy’ reference comes from when I was starting out. I was young and I was learning from people who knew more than I did, so I was just a quiet kid taking it all in. I wouldn’t call it ‘shy,’ I’d call it ‘reticent.’ I’m not good in crowds and it’s not because I’m shy, but because I don’t feel I know how to be accessible to everybody who wants to be in my space…if that makes sense.”
It makes perfect sense. Taupin and Elton took the world by musical storm back in 1970. Since then, everyone and their grandmother have wanted access to this duo of storytelling superheroes whose music, to this day, continues its magnificent parade of timelessness and incomparable narratives.
This legendary union originated in 1967 when both men answered the same job ad. Music producer and publisher Ray Williams would end up handing Elton an envelope of unknown song writing after John admitted he couldn’t write song lyrics. The envelope contained Bernie’s submitted work. It would serendipitously fuse the future of two unsuspecting superstars.
As excited as he is for this Denver leg of Reflections Redux, Taupin will soon have eyes for another port of call. Mind you, he arrived a day earlier in Colorado after a speaking engagement in front of 3,000 people in London. Tomorrow will find him home in the Santa Ynez Valley outside of Santa Barbara. It’s been his sanctuary since 1994. When he first arrived, Bernie was cowboying it up on his ranch, raising horses, and was a non pro cutter and roper for 10 years. “It’s something I always wanted to do. I’m one of those people that if you want to live your dream then you’ve got to go out and do it. If you fall flat on your face, at least no one can say you didn’t try, right?”
Over 20 years ago, Bernie married Heather. Two daughters would follow. Now, his perfect day isn’t painting the town red in Paris or being honored with an award in Lake Como. It’s being with his family in
“He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas Day When The New York Times said, ‘God is dead And the war’s begun’ Oh, Alvin Tostig has a son today”
-LEVON
California where they’re cooking, and he’s got his dogs around while all sorts of creative ideas swirl in his head. He absolutely adores his small circle of friends and family, all of whom provide him a different kind of rejuvenation.
“I started creating art back in the late 90s. You have to understand that it’s something I always wanted to do but, up to that point when I bought the ranch in ’94, I’d lived a rather transient lifestyle. I travelled the world and then I got to the point where I didn’t want to travel the world anymore. I wanted to settle down in one place. I wanted to find a big enough space to create art because I knew when I did start that I wasn’t going to sit on the side of the road with an easel and paint pictures of mountains and flowers. I knew I wanted to go in and get nasty with it and throw sh*t around. That’s what I was able to do at the ranch. That’s when I started creating.
Bernie impresses the crucial importance for artists to find their own voice. He likens it to his and Elton’s experience writing songs. Back in the late 60s, when they first got together, they were emulating what was currently in vogue, but it was only when they found their own voice and created something original that things started to take off. And that translates to art as well. Originally, Taupin was a little gun-shy about doing anything that had a musical connotation to it with his art because he didn’t want people to think that he’s in the music world and he’s now taking that over to the art world. Then he became more confident and thought, ‘Well, yeah. Why not?”
Taupin explains that there are three different Bernie personas in the art world. The first is what he calls “fan art,” which he’s proud of as a gift to people who love the music. However, it’s not his real art. Does he feel embarrassed by it? Absolutely not because people are getting a certain amount of enjoyment and pleasure out of it.
His second identity is as the artist who has collaborated with the late legendary photographer and dear friend, Terry O’Neill. He loves this work and wants to continue to do another series.
The third Bernie is the creator of the three-dimensional assembles and collage work that he’s had featured in museums. It is in this capacity where he’d like to change things up for something new. The problem? At the moment, the 74-year-old is unsure what that looks like, “Funnily enough, as we sit here today, I think I’m at the point now where I’m in flux about what I want to do next. This is where I’m looking for a new voice in myself. I want to do something different now, but I don’t know what it is. I’m in a quandary because I don’t have studio right now. The studio I had got sold. As we speak, I’m looking for a new creative avenue and a new creative space.”
When he’s creating art, he’s usually blasting music. So, what kind of music is Bernie Taupin rattling the walls with and listening to these days? “I’m a jazz nut.
It’s all I listen to. Paul Desmond. Cannonball Adderley. Duke Ellington. (Count) Basie. I love Coleman Hawkins. In my estimation, Louis Armstrong is the greatest musician of the 20th century. I’ve always said that when I’m on my deathbed, I want them to be playing My Favorite Things by John Coltrane. I don’t listen to pop music, and I don’t listen to much classic rock, but I love traditional country and rural blues. Chicago blues. Hill country blues.”
So, there you go. You’ll marry a music man. If you’re with Bernie, expect to be chillin’ out to some jazz. But when he’s writing, it’s a completely different scene, “When I’m creating a lyrical body of work, it’s very quiet because it’s all coming from inside and it’s my own space and I’m messing around on a guitar getting ideas. It all comes from the imagination and it’s very simple. You wake up and you have an idea. In my memoir, I said that there are thousands of words that have been written about Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings. You know what? The guy just woke up one morning and said, ‘I’ve got a good idea.’ And that’s it. He just said, ‘F*@k yeah. What if I just get cans of paint and do this?’ You can explain it until you have a hole in your head, but that’s what happened.”
Then Taupin adds, “The unfortunate thing for me is that I never really sleep because my mind never turns off. I dream concurrently all night, you know? I’m always thinking, and my mind is overloaded and I’m always looking for that same idea that Jackson Pollock had or anyone of that era. It’s like Warhol. He was great. He was such a dim bulb, but he had such a great concept and idea of things. I love the fact that when people asked Andy Warhol, ‘What are you trying to say here?’ he’d reply, ‘What does it mean to you?’ That’s what art is all about. It’s not about your idea. It’s how people imagine it should be, and that’s much more interesting to me. I don’t want to spend my life explaining my work. I want people to go to school on it and use their imagination.”
Cameron Crowe’s beautiful film, Almost Famous, featured a high school boy in the early 1970s who’s been tasked with writing an article for Rolling Stone Magazine on an up-and-coming rock band. In arguably the movie’s most unforgettable scene, hard feelings on the band’s bus were squashed when everyone spontaneously joined in on a sing-along to Tiny Dancer. It has become an indelible, heartwarming moment in cinematic history and the star of it is the hit song from 1971. Bernie and Elton’s music has been peppering the industry for decades and Bernie, for one, couldn’t be prouder.
“I am not precious about the way our music is treated or created in different environments,” he admits, while an assortment of bracelets hangs from his right wrist holding his glass of water. “When you write a song, it’s like giving birth to a child, but you have to eventually let that child go. I love the fact that our music is generational and that it goes on and on while finding new perpetrators to work it into some-
thing new. I’m very proud of that. I think our songs are kind of like the great American song book, which people keep reinterpreting. Why? Because they’re great songs.”
And then, for good measure, Bernie shares, “As I’ve always said, I don’t like being termed a songwriter because ‘songwriter’ is 100 percent. It’s music and lyrics and I don’t do that. I’m half a songwriter. I call myself a writer, but my favorite terminology for myself is a storyteller, and that translates to the art too.”
As Jessica by The Allman Brothers Band jams lightly through the speakers above us, I put Bernie on the spot, “Could you write a song right now about sitting here with me for this interview? What would the song be about?”
With a grin and a sudden assignment, he dives in, “It would be about those three women over there,” as he motions with his head to the trio across the bar from us. “These women are longtime friends, I’m sure. I’d write about the attitude of the bartender and that little white dog out on the patio. It’s like that whole concept of those giant turntables at parties where they take pictures of people standing on them as they go around.”
Taupin continues with the kind of genuine thoughts that I find absolutely fascinating to hear, while also feeling a bit privileged that he’s sharing them, “I have such a fanatical interest in what people look like, what they’re doing, and where I think they’re from. When I go to the airport and sit in the departure lounge, I’m the only person who’s not looking at their phone because I’m looking at them looking at their phone. I’ll see some guy walk by and there’s something about him that’s a little bit different. He’ll be wearing appalling clothing and looks tired and worn out while dragging his whole life along with him. These are the people who fascinate the hell out of me.”
He then admits, “It’s really easy for me to do…and that lady is coming around here now.” Wait. What? Bernie called it. One of the three women from across the bar has walked over to us and is now standing in front of him.
Bernie: “Hello. We were just talking about you.”
Woman: “You were? I know I’m going to get in trouble for this. Are you Bernie Taupin?
Bernie: “Yes I am, ma’am.”
Woman: “Oh my God. My girlfriends are going to die.”
Bernie: “You’re very sweet. Thank you.”
He would take pictures with her and her friends and, after they left, Taupin asked the bartender if they’d paid their bill yet. They had not, so Bernie picked up their tab.
From walking me through the elements of the song that I asked him to create out of thin air, to his interaction with some starry-eyed, day drinking admirers from across the bar, consider my mind blown. It was like watching Arnold Palmer mix lemonade and iced tea right in front of you.
“Dang! That’s a long car!” Bernie’s attention has shifted to a white stretch limo that has stopped in front of the hotel. “I didn’t think they made those anymore,” he says with a laugh.
He and Elton in a limo must have been a sight to be seen. I start to wonder how many limos Taupin has been in. I have no idea. But one thing I am certain about is that, while they still make limousines, they sure as hell don’t make Bernie Taupins anymore.
“While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers Turn around and say good morning to the night For unless they see the sky But they can’t and that is why They know not if it’s dark outside or light” -mona lisas and maD hatters
With the always-anticipated fall menu, we’ve got a fun combo of seasons to feature with our latest dining guide edition. Some of the best chefs and restaurants in the area share what to look forward to from now through November.
NARRATIVE
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB Executive Chef John Kramer & Executive Sous Chef Efe Taslik That time period is the best with the tail end of summer and the start of fall produce. In my opinion, fall is the best season for food, long braises, pasta dishes, soups and hardier dishes. People tend to go out to eat more, everything taste better – even wine.
HAPA SUSHI CHERRY CREEK Chef de Cuisine Scott Nakasone As part of our upcoming menu change, we are introducing more traditional vegetables such as Ube, Kabocha, and Shishitos, along with a variety of miso-inspired dishes. Some of my favorites are our Gochujang shishito peppers and our Kale Salad with Kombu and Ube Chips.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD Executive Sous Chef Charles Albright I’m thrilled to showcase some of Colorado’s beloved local favorites this season. We’ll be featuring tender Colorado lamb and juicy Palisade peaches, which perfectly capture the essence of our region’s rich flavors.
OLIVE & FINCH Executive Chef & Owner Mary Nguyen We’re excited to highlight comforting items that capture the cozy spirit of the season. With kids back to school and families busy with activities, we’re dedicated to providing a welcoming spot where everyone can enjoy convenient meals that are both nutritious and delicious. From our warm soups to hearty sandwiches, every dish is designed to nourish and delight.
MISTER OSO & SENOR BEAR Executive Chef Blake Edmunds: It’s the best time in Colorado’s growing season! We’re utilizing all of the local produce we can get our hands on. Everything from peaches and melons from the Western Slope to sweet corn and the vast array of heirloom tomato varieties grown here on the Front Range.
LOCAL JONES Executive Chef Daniel Young: Our heirloom Colorado tomato and Palisade Peach side and our pan roasted Verlasso salmon with roasted eggplant and snap peas.
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB Our rooftop pool opening and designing a menu that matches what guests want for light and bright poolside fare.
HAPA SUSHI CHERRY CREEK In the final weeks of 2023, we relocated our Pearl Street location in Boulder, where we had been for 23 years, to a block further west. The beginning of 2024 was dedicated to settling into our new space and welcoming both our regulars and newcomers to the new location. Since Boulder is where Hapa began, this was a particularly memorable time for us. We truly appreciate everyone’s support and are thrilled to be in a larger space that can better serve the Boulder community and beyond. Our renovations to our Landmark location are nearly complete, and we are excited about our new bar area and many new updates.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD The transformation of our holiday celebrations. We’ve seen a significant increase in overall sales, guest satisfaction, and the number of both new and returning patrons. These improvements have been driven by our efforts to make dining more accessible by reducing menu costs, allowing more guests to enjoy special meals with us.
OLIVE & FINCH Witnessing the incredible diversity and community spirit within the restaurant. It’s been heartwarming to see our neighbors and the community so excited about our new menu and extended hours. From social lunch groups, to families, yoga enthusiasts, students, artists, couples and retirees – we see it all, and everyone feels at home.
LOCAL JONES: Hosting 40 guests for a tasting dinner with High West Bourbon. We served four courses paired with their bourbons, and finished the meal off with a fantastic apple gateau from our pastry chef, Saura Kline.
MISTER OSO: Given that there are two Mister Oso’s that have their own unique characteristics, the most memorable thing for me so far is the growth and development of my leadership team. They’re really doing a wonderful job cultivating a fun and memorable space, that really fits into our neighborhoods.
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB Sumac. It’s a super versatile spice that really brightens up a dish. Both with flavor and its color. It has peppery notes that finish acidic, almost lemony and its color is a deep purple/ burgundy.
HAPA SUSHI CHERRY CREEK Rice is a staple on our menu, featured in everything from sushi rolls and nigiri to many of our entrées. So simple, but rice is the foundation of sushi.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD Nutmeg is a staple in my kitchen. It holds a special place in my heart because I was born in the fall, and this spice evokes fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen and the changing leaves. It’s an essential ingredient that I always keep on hand.
OLIVE & FINCH Great olive oil. High-quality olive oil enhances the flavors of any dish and adds a touch of richness. Its versatility and health benefits make it an essential staple for cooking and finishing meals.
LOCAL JONES: Freshly squeezed lemon juice. It helps balance a lot of our food here. Even when you don’t want something to taste like lemon, a splash helps bring out all the other flavors in a dish.
MISTER OSO & SENOR BEAR: Hot sauce. Everything from the vinegar infused pique of Puerto Rico, to ripping hot Colfax Killer from local hot sauce maker Sauce Leopard. It’s the ubiquitous ingredient I can’t go without.
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB Start with Blistered Shishitos with Tahina, Sumac and Charred Lemon, followed by our Grilled Escarole Salad with Roasted Grapes, Goat Cheese, currants, Pinen Nuts and Citrus Vinaigrette. For the entrée, enjoy the grilled salmon with toasted farro, Esoterra Greens, Seasonal shaved vegetables over a carrot-ginger puree; and wrap things up with a warm classic chocolate chip cookie (we make ours with milk and dark chocolate).
HAPA SUSHI CHERRY CREEK To start, I recommend the Truffle Tuna Sashimi and Wagyu Bone Marrow Tartare—both are bright and exciting new appetizers. For the main course, I suggest our Whole Fish. This dish, perfect for two, features a Striped Bass seared with chili oil and topped with Fresno pepper, ginger, and cilantro. To end the meal, you must try our Ube Creme Brulee. This fun twist on the traditional dessert uses ube, highlighting sweet and nutty flavors with hints of vanilla.
NARRATIVE AT THE JACQUARD For a memorable full-course experience, I recommend starting with our tuna poke, served with housemade furikake rice crackers. Follow this with our 8oz slow-roasted pork shoulder, served on a bed of spätzle and topped with a sweet bourbon maple glaze. Finish with a light and airy pavlova, generously topped with a fresh berry compote. This combination always delivers a satisfying culinary experience and leaves me in a delightful food coma.
OLIVE & FINCH Start with the Grilled Artichoke, Tuna Tiradito or our Land & Sea Board paired with a Pink Cucumber cocktail or a Ryokan Mojito. As an entrée, enjoy the succulent bone-in Garlic Roasted Chicken or the juicy O&F Burger. Finish with a Matcha Milk Cake or Lemon Meringue Tart paired with the Vietnamese Coffee Martini, also known as Hanoi Dreams. On Wednesdays, take advantage of half-off wine!
LOCAL JONES: Start with a LJ Party Tray. It’s kind of our version of a charcuterie board. It includes pimento cheese, homemade charcuterie, deviled eggs, marinated olives, crackers, and pickled vegetables. Your entrée is our lemon pepper pan roasted half chicken with spinach, cream, and red skin potatoes; with dessert in the form of Saura’s Mile High Chocolate Cake - it’s a 24-layer chocolate on chocolate masterpiece!
MISTER OSO: We do a really fun family style offering called the “Bear Basket.” Adopted from big brother restaurant Señor Bear, our version of the experience starts out with fun snacks, salads, and ceviches. Following the first round up, we do our full smoked meat bbq taco platters accompanied by our award-winning coconut rice and house frijoles. The taco offerings change with the season but might include our coconut braised pork with mojo salsa, short rib quesabirrias, and smoked summer squash with grilled corn and sikil pak. For dessert, it’s our classic churros with vanilla lime sugar and brown butter caramel sauce and home-made ice creams like cotija with goats milk caramel.
A5 STEAKHOUSE
1600 15TH STREET
303.623.0534 / A5DENVER.COM
ASH’KARA
2005 W 33RD AVENUE
303.537.4407 / ASHKARADENVER.COM
AVIANO COFFEE ON 2ND
215 ST PAUL ST. SUITE 180
720.389.9948 / AVIANOCOFFEE.COM
AY PAPI
248 DETROIT STREET AYPAPIDENVER.COM
BAR DOUGH
2227 W 32ND AVENUE
720.668.8506 / BARDOUGHDENVER.COM
CLAYTON HOTEL & MEMBERS CLUB
233 CLAYTON STREET
303.551.1600 / CLAYTONDENVER.COM
FORGET ME NOT
227 CLAYTON STREET
720.259.5369 / FORGETMENOTDENVER.COM
FOX AND THE HEN
2257 W 32ND AVENUE
303.862.6795 / FOXANDTHEHEN.COM
HAPA SUSHI
3030 E SECOND AVENUE
303.322.9554 / HAPASUSHI.COM
KUMOYA
2400 W 32ND AVENUE
303.862.6664 / KUMOYADENVER.COM
LOCAL JONES
249 COLUMBINE STREET
720.772.5022 / HALCYONHOTELCHERRYCREEK.COM
MISTER OSO
103 S OGDEN STREET
303.955.0352 / MISTEROSODENVER.COM
NARRATIVE
222 MILWAUKEE STREET, IN THE JACQUARD
720.571.8080 / NARRATIVECHERRYCREEK.COM
OLIVE & FINCH
3390 E 1ST AVE
303.955.0545 /OLIVEANDFINCH.COM
RED TOPS RENDEZVOUS
2917 W 25TH AVENUE
303.955.5752 / REDTOPRENDEZVOUS.COM
SENOR BEAR
3301 TEJON STREET
720.572.5997 / SENORBEARDENVER.COM
TAP & BURGER
2219 W 32ND AVENUE
720.287.4493 / TAPANDBURGER.COM
look
PICTURED HERE: David S. Walker, vice president of Baur’s of Denver, takes a sighting at the ground breaking for the firm’s new store in the original Cherry Creek shopping center. Looking on (from left) are contractor Roger Mead, Baur’s president Gerald P. Peters, developer Temple Buell and Miss Callae Buell.
Credit: Denver Post (Denver Post via Getty Images, Circa August 1954)
Step into our new Cherry Creek showroom, where luxury pieces are not just in stock—they’re perfectly tailored to your taste. Ready to ship, ready to inspire. Our expert design services and personalized touches create spaces that are uniquely yours, with a flair for timeless elegance only we can deliver.
