by Valley Gadfly | Apr 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
“It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display.” Yes, this ditty from the 1960 Broadway musical Camelot, written by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe, celebrates the spring in our… steps!
New month, new day, new date, new chapter, new page, new wishes. The month of May is the essence of spring: Flowers are in full bloom, summer is near, making everyone motivated.
Come what “may,” here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as we close out the first two quarters of the year and look forward to a long, and relaxing summer:
Sprint into the month by attending the Denver Mini Derby at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus May 4, beginning at 1 p.m. Kentucky Derby party has a mini horse race, live band, open bar, and a BBQ. Information: 303-656-9595.
Be certain to hear Yo-Yo-Ma perform Elgar’s Cello Concert with the Symphony playing at Boettcher Concert Hall May 5, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy Australian blues rock band The Teskey Brothers from Melbourne, as they entertain at the Mission Ballroom May 11, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
See designers, local boutiques, national brands, hairstylist, makeup artists, and models during Denver Fashion Week May 11-19. Information: 303-888-5455.
For the Love of Spring, swing to Colorado Gold Mart at 1124 S. Colorado Blvd. to sell, or pawn items of value. Best prices for gold, jewelry, watches, diamonds, more! Cash you need at the best possible value. Information: 303-955-5821.
Spoil Mom, the kids, grandkids, and extended family at the Monaco Inn Restaurant on Mother’s Day. Full, regular menu, plus specials sure to please everyone! Serving from noon until 8 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
See the 18-year-old British musician George van den Broek, known as Yellow Days playing the Bluebird Theatre May 12, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Don’t miss “Bad to the Bone” singer George Thorogood and The Destroyers at the Paramount Theatre on May 14, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Enjoy band playing Ellington, Goodman, and Count Basie swing music and beyond at the Arvada Center May 18, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
Catch the Celtic Women’s 20th Anniversary Tour of traditional & modern music singiing at the Paramount Theatre May 26, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Don’t miss the country duo of Brooks & Dunn as they play the Ball Arena with guest David Lee Murphy & Ernest, May 31, 7 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
For food, drinks and loads of great company, make plans to attend the Harm Reduction Action Center’s annual Spring Fundraiser at the Space Gallery 400 Santa Fe Dr., May 23, 5:30 p.m. Drug Policy Alliance’s Dr. Sheila P. Vakharia speaks. She also signs her new book, with proceeds going directly to the Harm Reduction Action Center. Staff and volunteers for HRAC have cleaned-up over 100 drug areas, and guided and assisted residents. Information: 303-572-7800.
May brightens the Cherry Creek Valley with its sunny skies and colorful flowers. Plus, the minute we can break out those spring clothes, makes us feel that we can conquer the world.
Spring is the season for getting lost in daydreams. How can anyone not expect to gaze longing out the window at the warm, welcoming weather? Spring has officially sprung.
All things seem possible in May. This month, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel totally alive. What did the tree say to heaven-sent spring? What a re-leaf.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 18, 2024 | Main Articles
Audit Finds City’s Public Courses Still Aren’t Up To Par; Parks & Recreation Cutbacks Increase Chances For Closures
by Glen Richardson
Wellshire Golf Clinic: Jack Nicklaus held a golf clinic on Wellshire’s driving range in 1977 in connection with Golf Digest Magazine.
Challenging Course: Kennedy Golf Course offers terrific views and challenging play at every skill level. Fairways and greens are difficult yet friendly.
Donald Ross Design: Wellshire Golf Course is the only public course West of the Mississippi that is a Donald Ross design.
Denver’s public golf courses’ distinctive locations — particularly the Wellshire Golf Course on S. Colorado Blvd. and the Kennedy Golf Course on E. Hampden Ave. — have made the Mile High City an all-seasons, outdoor-lover’s playground, and golf one of the city’s best ways to enjoy the outdoors.
In recent years, however, Denver Parks & Recreation — that runs the local courses — has become the number one enemy of the Valley’s local players, always a putt short of doing their job. Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, who has tried to caddie the staff managing local courses, again reports Denver’s public courses aren’t up to par.
Declining to improve customer experience for golfers, instead simply manipulating amenities and services to an ever-declining revenue stream, is threating to spiral local courses out of solvency.
Ignoring Action Plan
This year O’Brien’s approach shot has never been stronger: “I remain concerned about the future of city golf courses,” Auditor O’Brien declares.
To provide a better customer experience for golfers, Denver Golf — what O’Brien terms the Park & Rec group managing public courses — “should improve customer service, maximize revenue, update strategy documentation, improve its capital planning and financial monitoring.”
O’Brien says he is disappointed Denver Golf has chosen to disagree with strategy and action plan recommendations that would increase transparency, hold the Denver Golf enterprise more accountable to the city and public, and improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness, O’Brien explains.
Problems Persist
The auditor does say some Denver golf courses are looking better since the last time auditors assessed them, but the city still lacks a long-term plan to fix problems proactively and effectively. That’s according to a follow-up report released by Auditor O’Brien, showing partial improvement to golf course aesthetics and safety, but limited big-picture improvement due to managers’ disagreements with audit recommendations.
“Some of the rusty nails are gone, but the bigger problem remains,” Auditor O’Brien says. “I hope new leadership in the parks department will reconsider the value of making a plan for maintaining the city’s public golf courses for the benefit of all players.”
Our 2021 audit found safety and aesthetic issues at several city golf courses, such as exposed rusty nails and graffiti. We also found issues with the credit card system. We recommended managers take a big-picture look at addressing issues over time, rather than an ad-hoc response to maintenance and planning. “Unfortunately, they disagreed with all of our recommendations for a strategic plan. They called goals and timelines an unnecessary hinderance,” he relates.
Cool Complex: Kennedy Golf Course in Southeast Denver offers something for everyone, from a round of golf, to a range practice, or a game of putt-putt.
Only Applied Three
“Making a strategic plan and setting goals is management 101,” Auditor O’Brien notes. “It is both helpful and necessary if you want to use resources effectively and avoid leaving graffiti and safety hazards to sit for years at a time.”
Denver Golf managers fully implemented just three of our recommendations, partially implemented one, and did not implement five more. They disagreed with four others and took no action — those were related to strategic planning and documentation related to priorities and goals.
Notable improvements included several repairs at the Kennedy Golf Course: the clubhouse has been repainted and its molding fixed; dangerous storm shelters have been removed; the restaurant’s walls have been patched; old tables and rusting railings have been replaced; the damaged branch of a cottonwood tree on Hole 6 has been removed; cart paths have been repaved; and starter desks have been replaced. However, other issues Golf could have worked on include repairs at the Wellshire golf courses, which are still incomplete after three years. At Wellshire, we noted the bar and restroom near Hole 5 was not painted and now shows signs of possible structural damage.
Long Term Planning
Wellshire Attraction: In recent years many say Wellshire’s Event Center has become a bigger attraction than golf.
“Strategic long-term planning could help address lengthy turnaround for important maintenance projects,” Auditor O’Brien believes. Denver Golf’s lack of a strategic plan and documented organizational priorities and goals may prevent it from proactively shaping the future of its operations and addressing challenges before they arise. “With a big-picture plan, managers could create timelines and schedules for course maintenance and avoid three-year waits for repairs.”
Golf managers did make some notable updates to their technology, improving golfer experience for bookings and check-in. By implementing some of our recommendations, Denver Golf made its member check-in and cashiering process quicker and easier for its customers. Denver Golf successfully eliminated duplicate accounts in the golfer loyalty database. It also integrated credit cards into its point-of-sale system and is now working with a new vendor.
Due to factors outside of its control, Golf still is not charging nonrefundable prebooking fees, possibly missing out on revenue when golfers do not show up for their tee times. But once issues with data protection for credit card transactions over the phone are resolved, we expect Golf to implement this recommended improvement.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 18, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Playing practical jokes on the first day — April Fools’ Day — showers the start of a month known for lovely weather, blossoming gardens, and springtime bliss, as days get longer, brighter.
“April Come She Will,” by the music duo Simon & Garfunkel, signaled that it’s a time of year for change and new beginnings, a time for outdoor adventures, and joyous feelings.
Here are our green traffic light choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as April is a reminder that something better is around the corner and the Valley shouts, “Go!”:
Experience the multi-instrumentalists blending of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Indie Rock as the Colorado Symphony presents Elephant Revival with Bonnie Paine doing vocals at Boettcher April 3, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Don’t miss the warm and funny River City Musical “The Music Man” playing at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 5-7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Snag seats to grasp the spirit that shot Michael Jackson to fame at the Colorado premiere of MJ at the Buell Theatre, April 10-28. Information: 720-865-4220.
Let the big, and beautiful sound of the city’s giant organs wrap around you again by taking the Organ Crawl Bus Tour on Aug. 12. Information: 303-447-8679.
Host jaw-dropping events for 12 or 1200 your guests will never forget at Infinity Park Event Center. Pick from 8,600-sq.-ft. ballroom, an outside stadium, or small spaces. Unforgettable concerts, festivals. Information: 303-248-7100.
Treat the family to over 100 restaurants featuring more than 20 international cuisines along On Havana Street in Aurora from 6th Ave. to Dartmouth. Select from a range of casual to fine dining spots. Information: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Swing over to the sprawling Topgolf entertainment venue with the family to enjoy the Shalom Park Fundraiser April 17, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-400-2219.
Catch the Takt Trio — trio for violin, horn, and piano, alongside Brahm’s horn trio – at the Newman Center April 19, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hatsune Miku sings at Mission Ballroom’s Miku Concert & Expo, plus enjoy Japanese-local artist workshop April 22, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
You’ll love Ballet Ariel’s Silver Anniversary Dance Collection at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 27-28, 7:30 p.m., 28th 1 p.m. Information: 303-945-4388.
Join this year’s “Minds Matter” as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary serving Colorado students. This year’s extra special fundraiser is at Glendale’s Infinity Park Event Center April 27, 6 p.m. You’ll be inspired by the students and their stories while enjoying a crafted dinner and cocktails. Denver-based “Minds Matter” helps high school students from low-income families succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Information: 720-663-7297.
April is really when the stunning, invigorating season starts to feel like it’s happening. Barren trees burst into tiny blossoms, and we can count on a handful of long, perfect days.
The climate is generally warm, creating a season of bliss, of blooming gardens, and a time for romance. The changing nature of the season is a metaphor for changing moods.
April rain is not a cause to complain; it’s busy preparing the terrain for spring to sustain. When April Fools’ Day arrives, believe nothing, trust no one, just like any other day.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Main Articles
District’s First Ever Data Driven Study Of BID’s Growth Exposes Rising Congestion, Slowing Business, And Declining Quality Of Life
by Glen Richardson
Creek Car Congestion: District’s growth has had biggest impact at 1st Ave. & University. New Cherry Creek West project will worsen traffic problem, BID’s data analysis forewarns. Photo by Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
One of the most dynamic business and residential areas in the Mile High City, development in Cherry Creek North has exceeded the 10-year forecast. The attraction of businesses and their office space needs, moreover, is accelerating the desire of certain businesses to relocate to the district from other areas of the city.
With the impressive growth has come traffic congestion, parking, and transportation problems. The first ever data driven analysis of the Business Improvement District’s (BID) actual growth and development since 2012 has just been released. Study is being distributed to various RNO’s, neighborhood organizations, plus city agencies. Those with comments and concerns should contact their city councilman.
The analysis is the mastermind of retired longtime Cherry Creek resident volunteers David Steel, former President of Western Development Group; and Wayne New, former Denver District 10 City Councilman. The pair piloted the study because they care about the community and want to maintain the quality of life and success that all businesses and residents now enjoy. Furthermore, the business-residential leaders have more than 40 years of real estate experience in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Creek Data Analysis
Cherry Creek North’s growth has had the greatest traffic effect on 1st Ave., University, and surrounding neighborhood streets. The
Steel-New data analysis of the district emphasizes that fact and is key to recommendations they are making. Bottom line: The more difficult it becomes to move around the district, the less appealing it will become.
Albeit the pending Cherry Creek West development is planned on Cherry Creek Shopping Center property, it will have a significant impact on 1st Ave. traffic and its efficient movement through Cherry Creek.
The proposed 1,918,170-sq.-ft. development will create the highest grouping of high-rise buildings in the Cherry Creek area. More important to 1st Ave., the seven-building development will create 1,922 vehicle trips during the evening (PM) peak hour. That’s at an intersection that has already reached its maximum vehicle capacity according to traffic standards.
Building Toward Gridlock
West End Traffic Trap: Despite being on Cherry Creek Shopping Center property, massive Cherry Creek West project will add to gridlock at the 1st Ave. & University intersection.
Cherry Creek West development vehicle trips will only add to the present 1st Ave. traffic movement problems. In addition, the East West Partner’s Large Development framework document estimates that 3,000 new jobs will be added, increasing the vehicle trip counts.
Using the 2013 national standard ratios to calculate Cherry Creek West vehicle trips per evening (PM) peak hour, the number of vehicle trips was determined to be 1,922 trips for all three building uses.
Three of the seven proposed buildings will be devoted to residential use and will be required to abide by the City’s affordable housing requirements, which would reserve 10% of the units for low to moderate income households. The framework description lists the residential buildings as having 598 units.
Project Cutback Proposed
To reduce the traffic impact from Cherry Creek West, the study recommends the following changes to the development plans:
Reduce the building heights from the proposed 12-13-stories to 8-stories, which would be consistent with Cherry Creek BID Zoning. Change the numbers of proposed office buildings from four to three, and change the number of proposed residential buildings from three to four.
Since community residential space is needed more due to the number of existing and new office space developments, new mixed-use development should emphasize residential use. Increasing the residential square-footage will have a dramatic reduction in traffic volumes generated by the project. The vehicle trip standard for office use is approximately three-times the standard for residential use, and the standard for retail use is five-times the level of residential traffic trips. An estimated 713 traffic trips per evening (PM) peak hour should assist in lessening the traffic impact on 1st Ave. and University.
Parking-Valet Service
Additionally, the study urges the continued support of Cherry Creek North’s BID Zoning. The pair say the 2014 rezoning process was a productive, cooperative process that greatly enhanced the previous BID zoning to allow and promote greater development within its boundaries. They emphasize, however, that it is important to recognize the rezoning requirement be maintained in order to minimize future growth and mobility problems.
Short term, the value of a BID Parking Benefit District should be studied. Such a district would tie the economic benefits of performance parking directly to improving the quality of life in the immediate area. Residents and businesses are more receptive to such a district as the revenues are reinvested in the neighborhood. Additionally, the value of a Parking Benefit District should be considered. They reduce traffic congestion while increasing local sales tax revenue.
With parking difficulties identified in Denver Moves Cherry Creek as a major problem, Steel and New also suggest a centralized BID area for a paid valet service should be organized and tested. It would provide a convenient one-stop spot for customers and residents using cars to park and shop in Cherry Creek. They also believe the 2013 Development & Traffic Study be maintained on a timely basis to project future growth and needs accurately. Lastly, they urge a professional planner-traffic engineer be engaged by BID to update the study.
Clayton-Sears Site
District Data Duo: First ever data driven analysis of BID’s growth was created by longtime resident volunteers. They are from left, David Steel, former President of Western Development Group, and Wayne New, former Denver District 10 City Councilman.
The Clayton-Sears development — the other Cherry Creek west-end development about to begin construction — is also expected to impact 1st Ave. traffic.
The site will feature 126,000-sq.-ft. of new four-story buildings plus ground floor retail space. An 867,000-sq.-ft. eight-story apartment building with 25 residential condominiums is planned above the existing Clayton parking garage.
Vehicle trip counts and traffic flow for the Clayton-Sears development will also have impact on 1st Ave. traffic flow. The project, moreover, will impact traffic on 2nd Ave., Columbine Street, and Clayton Lane. Fortunately, a large percentage of the project is devoted to residential use which produces fewer vehicle trips than retail uses.
Intersection Gridlock
How busy is the University Blvd. and 1st Ave. intersection? The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) says it averages more than 50,000 vehicles every day. Moreover, DRCOG says the stretch of University Blvd. just south of 1st Ave. tallies more than 45,000 cars daily.
Overwhelmed by the traffic, commuters driving through the intersection contacted Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber in Sept. of 2023. The intersection traffic was “driving them crazy,” they told the reporter who has been with Denver7 since 2006 and reported traffic for KOA Radio prior to that.
The intersection supports cars traveling in multiple directions, Luber was told by the Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI). Cars going through the intersection are turning in multiple directions and must also provide time for people to safely cross on foot, all in about the span of two minutes. Moreover, they emphasized the two minutes is divvied up between all the different movements at the intersection. The morning light timing, the city told Luber, is designed to allow for more traffic to flow heading into downtown and prevent backups on University Blvd. and Speer Blvd. It is just the opposite in the afternoons, with more time allotted for eastbound traffic out of downtown.
Link Provided To View BID’s First Ever Data Driven Analysis
The Chronicle has provided a link to the full data driven analysis of BID’s actual growth and development since 2012. Titled “Reinvesting in the Future,” it is a progress Report and Analysis on Cherry Creek Growth, Development, Traffic, and Impacts on 1st Ave. View the study at: glendalecherrycreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cherry-Creek-Analy sis-1-8-24.pdf.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Travel
Shamrocks & Shenanigans Set To Color Denver Green; Then Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Make Us Good Eggs
by Glen Richardson
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, the Mile High City is again Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ to Dublin Day in Denver.
Always celebrated with enthusiasm, with a bit of Irish blarney and a touch of magic too, St. Patrick’s Day begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the U.S.
With an Irish kiss, plus a snog o’ bliss, this month is egg-stra special with Easter falling on March 31. Hallelujah! Denver ends the month bringing baskets full of spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting.
Mile High March: The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River steps off at 9:30 a.m. on March 16.
Magic Irish March
The parade will start on Wynkoop St. at 19th Ave., turn southeast down 17th Ave. before turning northeast on Blake St. — renamed Tooley St. for St. Paddy’s Day — then continue on Blake St. until 27th Ave. For a good viewing spot, people begin arriving at 6 a.m.
As in previous years, the parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators. It will feature 10,000 plus participants, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
The Mile High version is renowned, drawing nearly half a million people downtown on parade day. The St. Paddy’s Day crowd is believed to be Colorado’s largest single gathering in one place.
Pub Grub
Cherry Cricket Ballpark. Both the Cherry Creek and Blake St. locations offer deals in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but the downtown space offers close access to the parade. Enjoy beer specials all weekend — including green Coors pours — plus Irish dishes such as Irish beef stew. Information: 303-297-3644.
The Irish Rover. This S. Broadway pub with a long lineup of Celtic brews, plus outdoor and rooftop seating, is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day spot. Try the Corned Beef Reuben & Fries, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. There’s a Tent party on the 17th, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 303-282-4643.
Corned Beef & Cabbage: Slice of Irish- American culture is no longer served in Denver except at Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s. Enjoy for lunch and dinner on Monday March 18.
Monaco Inn Restaurant. Corned Beef & Cabbage originated as part of Irish-American culture, but is no longer served in Denver. A dozen years ago this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started serving the dish as the Saint Patrick’s Day special. Restaurant is closed on Sunday, but is serving on Monday, March 18, for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s. Rustic knickknack- filled Irish bar and beer garden on Larimer St. serves up suds, Scotch & snacks, plus live music. Kitchen serves a few Irish mainstays like Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Information: 303-291-6992.
Easter Ends March
Worship Services
Easter Sunrise Service: Easter begins early with the Colorado Council of Churches’ 77th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 5:30 a.m. on March 31. Gates open for services in a dramatic and spectacular setting at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship service music begins at 5:30 a.m., with services starting at 6 a.m.
Free and open to the public, seating and parking are on a first-come basis. Reserved parking-seating is sold out. The event is not collecting food donations this year.
Stunning Sunrise: The 77th Easer Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater is March 31, 5:30 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship music begins at 5:30 a.m.
The Blood Brothers — a six-piece band that plays rock, folk, country, blues, and worship music — will entertain. Additional details were not available as the Chronicle went to press. Information: 303-825-4910.
Cathedral Basilica: Holy week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral: Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Easter Services are at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children following the 9 a.m. services on the East Lawn. Information: 303-831-1350.
Egg Hunts
Celtic Charm: This rare variation of the three-leaf clover, according to Irish tradition represents luck, love, faith, and hope.
Infinity Park: Get the kids excited about Easter early by taking them to the Glendale Easter Eggstravaganza at Infinity Park’s Turf Field on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. There are three age group hunts: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7 to 12. Only one parent is allowed in egg hunts for children under the age of seven. No parents are allowed with children age 7+. Parking is in P1, located on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park: One of the Valley’s biggest and far from conventional Easter Egg Hunts is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park March 30, with events at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event includes a search for golden eggs, each concealing special prizes.
This year the park has crafted three distinct egg scrambles catering to kids of all ages. The youngest — aged four and under — can partake in a hunt in the kiddie corral. Meanwhile, older kids — aged five-nine and up — can engage in two separate hunts.
Post-hunt includes photos with the Easter bunny, and spring-themed crafts. A kid-friendly concert by Animal Farm features Inspector Magic. There’s also a Victorian Egg Rolling contest plus Magical Egg Chairs. Delectable snacks are available from food trucks, plus shopping at the Spring Marketplace. For adults, the Four Mile Bar features mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and a fully stocked bar. Information: 720-865-0800.
Egg-citing Eating
Egg-citing Egg Hunt: Four Mile Historic Park hosts one of the Valley’s biggest Easter Egg Hunts on March 30, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
Edge Restaurant: Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown for their annual Easter brunch. A raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station are usually offered. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s: Celebrate the holiday with breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices usually include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, other choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant: Experience brunch at the indoor-outdoor Easter setting in the ART Hotel on Broadway. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones: For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful. Information: 720-772-5022.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Presenting annual Easter special from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurant is serving Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava for dessert. Information: 303-320-1104.
