by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Uncategorized
A Smart Upgrade For Campers, Tailgaters, And Backyard Grillers
by Mark Smiley
The Ignik Gas Growler keeps a portable propane supply safely off the table and on the ground, connecting to camp stoves and tabletop grills with a flexible hose.
If you’ve ever packed a cooler, camping gear, and a portable grill, only to discover several green one-pound propane bottles rolling around in the back of your vehicle, the Ignik Gas Growler offers a much better solution.
The refillable propane system replaces disposable propane cylinders with a compact, refillable tank that is easier to transport, less wasteful, and more economical over the long run. After spending time with the Growler, it’s easy to see why it has developed such a loyal following among campers, tailgaters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Ignik Gas Growler is available in several sizes, but the five-pound model is the sweet spot for most users. It provides enough fuel for multiple weekends of camping while remaining light enough to carry with one hand. The rugged protective sleeve includes padded handles, a sturdy base, and a high-quality hose that connects directly to most portable propane grills, camp stoves ,and fire pits.
One of my favorite features is also one of the simplest. Because the Growler connects with a flexible hose, the propane tank can remain safely on the ground while your portable grill sits on a picnic table or folding table. Anyone who has struggled to balance a one-pound propane bottle underneath a tabletop grill will immediately appreciate the convenience. It creates a much more stable cooking setup, keeps the heavier tank off the table, and frees up valuable workspace.
Another major advantage is cost. Disposable propane bottles have become increasingly expensive, often costing several dollars each. Refilling a five-pound propane tank costs considerably less on a per pound basis. Frequent campers and tailgaters can recover t
The Ignik Gas Growler replaces disposable one pound propane cylinders with a durable, refillable five pound tank housed in a rugged protective sleeve.
he initial investment surprisingly quickly.
The environmental benefits are equally appealing. Millions of disposable propane cylinders are thrown away every year. By switching to one refillable tank, outdoor enthusiasts can significantly reduce waste while enjoying the same convenience.
The build quality is excellent. The protective sleeve feels durable enough to withstand years of camping trips, and the hose and fittings inspire confidence. Nothing about the Growler feels cheap or poorly designed. Instead, it has the feel of a premium product built for regular outdoor use.
With the premium feel, comes a premium price. The Ignik Gas Growler retails for $149.95 so it is significantly more expensive than buying a handful of disposable propane bottles. You’ll also need to refill the tank at a propane filling station rather than simply purchasing a replacement cylinder at the grocery store. Fortunately, propane refill stations are readily available at many hardware stores, RV dealers, and propane suppliers.
For anyone who enjoys camping, tailgating, overlanding, RV travel, or even grilling at the neighborhood park, the Ignik Gas Growler is an outstanding investment. The convenience of a refillable system, the lower long term operating cost and the ability to place the tank safely on the ground while cooking make it one of those products you quickly wonder how you lived without.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Editorials
Best in the World: Bull & Bush Brewery team members celebrate their award-winning performance at the 2026 World Beer Cup in Philadelphia, along with David Lin, owner of Comrade Brewing (second from left). The Glendale brewery earned a gold medal for Ghoul Fuel: Rum Diaries Edition and a silver medal for Kauai Pie, adding two more international honors to Colorado’s rich brewing legacy.
Bull & Bush Brewery is celebrating 55 years of serving award-winning craft beer, classic pub fare, and unforgettable memories with a full day of festivities on Saturday, August 8. The anniversary celebration will feature exclusive beer releases, special whiskey selections, brunch with DJ High Deaf, an evening performance by Colorado favorite DeVotchKa, and commemorative merchandise honoring Glendale’s most beloved family-owned brewpubs.
Bull & Bush Brewery, one of Colorado’s most iconic family-owned brewpubs, is proud to celebrate its 55th Anniversary, marking more than five decades of serving exceptional handcrafted beer, classic pub fare, and elevated hospitality located in the heart of Glendale.
The 55th Anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, featuring a full day of festivities, including an evening celebration with live music from Colorado’s very own DeVotchKa.
Guests attending the anniversary celebration can look forward to:
- Exclusive 55th Anniversary beer releases
- Special anniversary whiskey selections
- Brunch with DJ High Deaf
- Evening live music with DeVotchKa
- Commemorative merchandise
“For 55 years, Bull & Bush Brewery has been more than a restaurant or brewery hub where friendships are made, milestones are celebrated, and traditions are passed from one generation to the next,” said Erik Peterson, Minister of Progress at Bull & Bush Brewery. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the community that has made it all possible.”
Since adding its brewery in 1996, Bull & Bush Brewery has earned numerous awards at prestigious competitions, most recently:
- Gold Medal, 2 Silver Medals, and 3 Bronze Medals 2026 US Open Beer Championship
- Gold Award and Silver Award 2026 World Beer Cup
- Gold Medal 2025 Great American Beer Festival
- 2025 Grand National Champion and Brewery of the Year at the US Open Beer Championship
Bull and Bush Brewery is located at 4700 Cherry Creek Drive South in Glendale. For more information, visit www.bullandbush.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Leadership: Emagine Entertainment’s leadership team celebrates the opening of Emagine Parker, the company’s first Colorado theater and first location west of the Mississippi River. Pictured (left to right) are Chris Becker, Chief of Staff and Finance; Lauren Goldstein, Owner/Bookings; Jon Goldstein, Partner/Owner; and Melissa Boudreau, Chief Experience Officer. Photo courtesy of Emagine Entertainment
Emagine: Emagine Parker, located at 18625 Stage Run in Parker, is Emagine Entertainment’s first Colorado theater. The fully renovated, 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination features 10 auditoriums, including two premium large-format EMX theaters, luxury heated recliner seating, a full-service bar, expanded dining options, and state-of-the-art 4K projection with Dolby Atmos sound.
After more than 40 years of vacationing in Colorado, Jon Goldstein has finally brought a piece of his family’s business here.
The CEO of Northwoods Theater Group, an affiliate of Emagine Entertainment, recently opened Emagine Parker, the company’s first Colorado location and its first theater west of the Mississippi River. The former AMC theater at 18625 Stage Run has been transformed into a completely reimagined, 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination featuring luxury heated recliners, premium large-format EMX auditoriums, Dolby Atmos sound, 4K laser projection, a full-service bar, expanded food offerings and the company’s first self-ordering concession kiosks.
For Goldstein, opening in Colorado is more than a business decision. “I’ve been coming to Colorado since I was 16 years old,” said Goldstein. “My parents decided they were skiers, and they came out here one time. They came home and said, ‘We’re never going to Vermont again.’”
His family eventually bought a mountain getaway, his brother now lives in Edwards, and his daughter recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder. “We love the mountains,” Goldstein said.
The Parker theater had also been on his radar for years. Goldstein first considered purchasing the building in 2012 while AMC still operated the location. At the time, he wasn’t convinced his growing company had the infrastructure to operate another theater if necessary. After expanding through the acquisition of eight Minneapolis-area theaters in 2016, Emagine had the leadership team and operational experience to take on larger projects.
When the Parker property became available again about 18 months ago, Goldstein didn’t hesitate. “They asked me if I would do it, and I said yes, and that’s how I got here,” he said. Rather than simply reopening the theater, Emagine invested heavily in creating an experience that Goldstein believes today’s audiences are looking for.
“I don’t really compete with Netflix and HBO Max,” he said. “They’re in the home entertainment business. I compete with the Rockies or the Avalanche or going to Red Rocks or even just going to a restaurant.”
Luxury Seating: Every auditorium at Emagine Parker features luxury heated recliner seating, including spacious front-row recliners, along with immersive Dolby Atmos sound and state-of-the-art 4K projection. The theater’s redesigned interiors are intended to create a premium moviegoing experience that rivals any home theater.
Goldstein believes movie theaters must offer something people cannot get in their living rooms. “You have to upgrade the experience for people to make it great,” he said. “If you don’t make it great, they have other options, and they’re going to vote with their wallet.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout Emagine Parker. Every auditorium features heated luxury recliners, while guests can enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine from a full-service bar, an expanded food menu, and enhanced gathering spaces before and after the movie. The theater also serves as the launch site for Emagine’s first self-ordering kiosk system, designed to reduce concession wait times and improve the guest experience.
Although Emagine has grown into a regional chain, Goldstein said the company still thinks like a family-owned business. “We like to think of ourselves as a mom-and-pop company,” he said. “I still read every customer email for every single one of our theaters.”
His attention to detail extends even to popcorn containers. While many theaters use paper bags, Emagine serves popcorn in sturdy tubs to prevent butter from soaking through. “It’s just part of the experience,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein believes customers are willing to pay for quality if they receive value in return. “People nowadays are going to pay for whatever, as long as you deliver to them something that’s worth the price,” he said. “It’s about value more than anything.”
Despite years of predictions that streaming services would replace movie theaters, Goldstein never believed the industry was dying. “I’ve been in this business 25 years, and I’ve been told I’m going out of business for 25 years,” he said.
He believes the communal experience of watching a film together remains something streaming cannot replicate. “I always say the best effect of a movie is an audience,” Goldstein said. “You can share a laugh or a horror scene or a drama and cry. People like to do that with other people.”
Emagine officially opened to the public on July 1, after hosting a private preview benefiting HopeKids Colorado, raising support for families with children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Looking ahead, the company plans a second phase of development that will add a dedicated venue for local live music and performances, further expanding the theater’s role as a year-round entertainment destination.
Goldstein hopes movie lovers from across the Denver metro area will make the drive to Parker. “I hope they’ll come and check us out,” he said. “I think that we provide the best experience. We differentiate ourselves from the other theaters in town, and we just hope people appreciate that and will support us so that we can keep supporting the community.”
For more information, visit www.emagine-entertainment.com.
by Amber Wyatt | Jul 23, 2026 | General Featured
by Amber Wyatt
The family’s latest location and a Virginia Village staple in Monaco Square, at 962 S. Monaco St. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80224.
Nestled in the heart of Virginia Village, Denver’s newest Italian standout, Pomodoro Pizza Pasta, isn’t just another neighborhood trattoria, it’s a warm and loving ode to family, from the owners to the tables they welcome.
The dream behind Pomodoro began in New York City, where the founding family, New York City immigrants in the early 1980s, worked in restaurants where they crafted an idea rooted in what they value most, teamwork and camaraderie. Their first restaurant, located in Aurora, aimed to serve a diverse range of quality Italian fare, catering to Coloradans of finer tastes.
Founders Luis and Gloria Enriquez, along with Gloria’s cousin, Jesus, combined decades of experience in both the front and back of house to create something truly special. Together, they form the restaurant’s heart and soul: Luis and Jesus crafting fresh dishes and signature sauces with remarkable precision, while Gloria welcomes guests with the warmth and hospitality that have become synonymous with the restaurant itself.
What makes this team exceptional goes beyond the food. Gloria is more than a founder, she is the face of the restaurant and the reason so many customers feel like family. She greets regulars with warm hugs, remembers names and favorite orders, and makes every guest feel seen. She never forgets a face, and it’s not uncommon for her to remember the smallest details about you, like serving my ice water with two lemons without ever being asked.
In the kitchen, Luis and Jesus move with the rhythm and confidence that comes only from years of experience. Every dish is prepared with care, consistency, and pride. Together, the Enriquez family has built more than a successful restaurant; they have cultivated a community. Their dedication to authentic Hispanic hospitality, hard work, and genuine human connection has helped redefine the dining experience in Southeast Denver, bringing warmth and heart to an area that was longing for both.
Shrimp Arrabiata (with a spice).
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, while the Enriquez family found stability in the glow of the New York City lights, Denver became home to growing communities of immigrants from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other former Soviet republics. Many settled in southeast Denver and nearby Aurora because of affordable apartments and access to public transportation. As those communities grew, businesses followed and over time, Monaco Square, home to the latest Pomodoro location, became one of the area’s informal cultural hubs.
Its current identity developed organically as southeast Denver became one of the city’s largest centers of immigrant communities, which not only created demand for specialty eateries but a warm and inviting rustic culture of connection that still gives the area its distinctive character today. The reality of immigrant families landing here was never part of the mission but a beautiful, well fitting irony, especially for the owners of Pomodoro.
That mission: good food and real people, followed them west in 2024. Where they opened their second Italian joint in Virginia Village, at the infamous Monaco Square plaza, it instantly blew up. The 750 sq ft space could not contain all of the foodies flooding in to try their menu. When the opportunity arose to open a second Pomodoro in Denver, they seized it, as the Aurora location, loved for its intimate atmosphere, simply couldn’t contain all of the Colorado love it was receiving. What makes this new spot special isn’t just the red sauce or the freshly-made pastas though, it’s the family behind the stove.
Sebastian, Nicolas, and Angel – Pomodoro’s specialty pizzas.
Pomodoro is a family affair: from behind-the-scenes prep to front-of-house smiles, everyone shares an important role and a promise. A restaurant regular I caught on his way out, reflected on the origin story, recalling the family’s New York dream as driven by “an immigrant’s desire to make delicious and affordable Italian food for the working people of Denver.” That mindset didn’t fade and they’ve carried it into every corner of the Denver space.
Look around the dining room and you’ll catch genuine moments: the matriarch and owner Gloria checking each table’s satisfaction, the youngest member skipping between stations with a cheeky grin, and diners greeted not as customers, but as part of the weekly feast. Regulars already describe the scene as “like visiting an aunt’s house”, where hugs replace handshakes, and unfinished wine glasses are refilled before they have to ask.
The Menu:
Hearty, Homemade, Heartfelt
While the ambiance exudes familial comfort, the kitchen’s offerings shine with rustic simplicity and fresh quality ingredients. Expect all the classics done right:
- Cheese Tortellini Carbonara – A love letter to the restaurant’s ethos, this salt-cured pork belly in a creamy guanciale sauce envelops perfectly al dente rounds, with a sprinkle of parmigiano-reggiano.
- Penne Alla Vodka – From their custom menu, and my personal favorite, this creamy, with a hint of spice, dish reflects the “freshest and finest ingredients” philosophy that the family lives by.
- Famous Pizzas – A humble marriage of savory, each named in honor of the founding family’s grandchildren.
– Sebastian’s Pizza – Pizza with penne, vodka sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes
– Nicolas’ Pizza – Pizza with fresh chicken caesar salad topped with parmesan
– Angel’s Pizza – Pizza with an alfredo sauce base, topped with a medley of bacon, meatballs, and onions
Community, One Meal At A Time
The Virginia Village location hosts a full service bar in the warm and charming ambiance.
Pomodoro’s appeal lies in more than just delicious fare, it’s the simple but powerful way the owners forge connection. They greet newcomers like old friends and catch familiar faces by name. One Denver foodie remarked over their opening weekend, “This feels less like a dinner out and more like coming home.” That connection reminds us that food doesn’t just fill us; it roots us.
Under their roof, tables aren’t just seats, they’re places where conversations happen, stories are shared, and strangers leave feeling part of something warm. The founders remember replicating this vibe in Aurora, saying early on that “every customer gets to leave with memories curated in the pride of a homestyle atmosphere.” Now in Virginia Village, that signature consistency and haven of familiarity is fully intact.
Pomodoro nails the tactile, sensory markers of Italian comfort:
- Checkerboard tablecloths – a visual throwback to family-run pizzerie of the 1950s.
- Evening candlelight and soft jazz – just enough to lean in and laugh with your dining companion over the soothing flicker of natural light.
- Fresh floral centerpieces – echoing those old NYC trattorias full of calming aromas.
It’s here you’ll toast a “salute” to family.
Why It Matters
In a neighborhood rich with independent immigrant-owned eateries, Pomodoro stands out by rewriting what it means to treat customers like kin. You don’t just dine here, you belong. Their secret isn’t in an ingredient list either, it’s in the sum of all parts: heartfelt hospitality, traditions rooted in New York immigrant drive, and food cooked with open hands and open hearts.
For Denver diners craving authenticity, simplicity, and a sense of belonging, Pomodoro is more than another pasta stop, it’s your extended family’s kitchen away from home.
Stop in for a plate of rigatoni, leave carrying a food wallop and a memory. As the family behind Pomodoro would say: Everyone’s welcome, come as you are.
