by Mark Smiley | Aug 28, 2023 | Travel
Founder: Adam Avery started Avery Brewing with his dad in 1993 and built it into one of the largest breweries in Colorado.
30th Anniversary: The Avery Invitational featured a curated list of invited breweries based on Avery’s employees favorites. There were 58 breweries from 14 states and five countries in attendance.
The Avery 30th Anniversary Invitational was held on July 29, 2023, at Avery’s 67,000 square foot brewery campus. To celebrate 30 years of brewing beer, Avery Brewing Company hosted an Invitational Beer Festival which brought together all of the beers and breweries that have inspired and worked with them throughout the past 30 years.
“It’s a celebration of beer,” said Adam Avery, founder of Avery Brewing Company. “I’m not a beer snob. I want the beers that my employees and co-workers want to have here. I want to have the best beers at the festival. It doesn’t matter if it is craft or 100 million barrels.”
The event featured live music and food trucks. The main attractions were the 58 breweries from 14 states and five countries pouring their beers. Additionally, Avery Brewing Company released an Anniversary Barrel-Aged Strong Ale, which is a blend of several styles and brewing techniques, representing the culmination of 30 years of brewing experience.
Adam Avery started the brewery in 1993 with his dad’s retirement nest egg of $90,000 and a dream. Along the way, Avery gives credit to his dad for believing in him and another few hundred people who helped him succeed. “How do you succeed in business?” Avery asked. “You don’t give up. My high school mascot was the bulldog and that is what I consider myself.”
After starting the business in a 2,000 square foot facility in 1993, Avery and his father did not pay themselves for over three years. “My dad has always pushed me and believed in me,” said Avery. The most gratifying part of the last 30 years is that he hasn’t once woken up and dreaded to go to work. “I feel like I haven’t done a day’s worth of work. It’s just my life. I am grateful to the people who have gotten me here. You don’t get here by yourself.”
Avery celebrates good beer no matter who brews it. He wishes there was less competition with so many breweries existing but he credits those who care about their craft. “There is no better time in the history of the planet to be a beer drinker than today,” said Avery. “It’s only going to get better. I feel super lucky that some people say Avery is on my list.”
You may ask what is on Adam Avery’s list or in his fridge. He always has Pacifico, Guinness, and Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale in stock. He also recognizes Vinnie Cilurzo from Russian River Brewing as the best brewer in the country and admits the bar is set by him.
Avery Brewing is located at 4910 Nautilus Ct. in Boulder. You can find their beers in liquor stores throughout the state and 39 other states. Visit www.averybrewing.com for more information.
by Glendale Sports Center | Aug 28, 2023 | Glendale City News
Photo: Courtesy of the YMCA of Metro Denver
by Angelica Rodriguez Luna, Marketing Manager, YMCA of Metro Denver
Are you a parent of a teenager looking for a program that challenges your child, gives them a chance to grow as a leader, builds friendships, and makes an impact your community? Look no further than our YMCA Service Project program!
What does your teen gain from the program?
- Develop Leadership Skills: Through the Y Service Project, teens gain invaluable leadership skills that will benefit them in all aspects of life. Whether it’s project planning, effective communication, team collaboration, or problem-solving, the program provides a hands-on learning experience!
- Make Positive Change: By being actively involved in planning and executing a service project, kids can address issues that matter to them and witness the positive impact of their efforts firsthand.
- Build Lasting Friendships: The Y Service Project is not just about community service; it’s also about building a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference. Teens forge bonds with other teens (often from different schools and communities), share experiences, and create memories.
- Earn Community Service Hours: As if all the personal growth and rewarding experiences weren’t enough, the Y Service Project also allows teens to earn community service hours for school or other organizations.
“Be courageous, be respectful” is what one teen had to say about her involvement in the YMCA Service Project program.
What kind of projects will teens take part in?
Teens can do anything, from assisting with the YMCA’s Beyond Hunger Food Pantry Program, to volunteering at a shelter/kitchen, to supporting a community garden. So, consider empowering your teen to lead the way and join like-minded students in the YMCA’s program this fall. Also, learn more about the Youth in Government program offered by the YMCA. Get the details at https://denverymca.org/teen-programs.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2023 | Travel
Old Hickory Steakhouse Now Open For Lunch
by Mark Smiley
Exterior Enhancements: A $22 million exterior enhancement project was completed in April 2023 at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.
Fireplace: A fireplace with an 8-foot-wide hearth is the focal point on Old Hickory Steakhouse’s new terrace. Guests of the resort and residents are welcome to dine at Old Hickory Steakhouse. Parking is validated by spending at least $50.
Event Space: The addition of an event lawn with 10,000-square-feet of artificial turf area, four fire pits, and two natural boulder fire features were part of a $22 million exterior enhancement project. Adjacent to the Grand Lodge lawn is a games lawn featuring artificial turf, family-friendly games such as bocce ball, corn hole, and giant chess, as well as three firepits where guests can roast s’mores.
Phase one of a $22 million exterior enhancement project was completed in April 2023 at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in time for the summer months. With the indoor water park being closed for improvements, the outdoor development became increasingly more important. Ryman Hospitality Properties, which owns Gaylord Rockies Resort, purchased the adjacent 130 acres of land in 2021 and began planning for how to best utilize.
The project features an elevated arrival experience, a new games lawn complete with corn hole, bocce ball, and giant chess, expansion of the Grand Lodge lawn, new fire pits suitable for roasting marshmallows, and the addition of terraces to Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar. The project also features more than 1,500 native and adaptive trees, 40,000 shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, and five acres of low water-use native grass mixes.
New Terrace: Old Hickory Steakhouse Terrace added an additional 96 seats to the restaurant by adding an outdoor terrace. They are now open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The enhancements layer in a richness to the resort and create a more genuine lodge experience for our guests,” said Suzy Hart, General Manager of the 1,501-room resort. “While we are focused on the exterior enhancements and the new dining terraces, there are plans for future development of the 130 acres that surround the resort. We are currently in the design phase on what those 130 acres will look like, but it will complement the community and the resort with retail, dining, entertainment venues, and open spaces that bring people tog
ether,” she added.
The Old Hickory Steakhouse Terrace added an additional 96 seats to the restaurant by adding an outdoor terrace. A fireplace with an 8-foot-wide hearth is the centerpiece to the 2,600 square foot space. Now open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests of the resort or residents who want to visit, can enjoy a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Parking is validated with a $50 spend at Old Hickory Steakhouse or when a spa treatment is booked.
“Gaylord Hotels are known for their exceptional facilities including spectacularly designed environments, spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas, and creative food and beverage concepts, and we believe this is the perfect time to enhance what the hotel already has to offer,” said Colin V. Reed, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “These current enhancements, combined with future development of the resort and surrounding area, will position Gaylord Rockies as a true leader in the market for both leisure and group travel,” he added.
Phase two will include a new Mountain View Pavilion for weddings and special events. More coverage on what phase two will offer will be covered in a future edition. The Gaylord Rockies Resort is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard. For more information about the resort or to make a reservation, visit www.gaylordrockies.com.
by Glendale Sports Center | Jul 20, 2023 | Glendale City News
Discovering Life Lessons Through The Lens Of Fitness
by Claudia Morlan, YMCA of Metro Denver
Cycling class at the Arvada YMCA.
When Victoria Cardenas came to Denver from Mexico City in 1997, there were two things she wanted to learn how to do. The first was to ride a bike, which she learned from her husband Francisco Cardenas. The second was how to swim, a skill she gained through swim lessons at her local YMCA.
More than two decades later, Victoria is still using and enjoying both activities. She runs, bikes, and swims in triathlons, thanks to the same two people who encouraged her in the first place: Francisco and Elizabeth “Liz” Bravman, nutritionist and cycling instructor at the Arvada YMCA.
Every Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m., there’s a good chance you’ll find Victoria and Francisco pedaling in Liz’s cycling class, getting both sweaty and inspired. Francisco and Victoria have been members of the Y since 2001, and it was at the downtown Denver YMCA where Victoria learned to swim. Today, they frequent the Arvada-Ducan Y just a few minutes from their home.
“I went back to cycling about six months ago after I had gained some weight, and Liz Bravman at the Y has made all the difference,” said Francisco. “Liz is kind, giving, supportive and knowledgeable.”
“Liz is amazing. Go take a class with her and you’ll see how motivating and supportive she is,” echoed Victoria. “In class, Liz instructs us to set goals for ourselves and then gives us the motivation and encouragement to reach those goals. This is a great lesson to apply to my day-to-day schedule — set simple, achievable goals, and then enjoy the satisfaction of achieving them.”
As she sets goals for her students, Liz draws upon her own experience as a former Y student.
“Before I became a Y cycling instructor and nutritionist, I belonged to the Y, using my membership for its fantastic childcare and to improve my health,” recalled Liz.
As a mother of three, the Y became a “third place” for Liz, a bridge between home and her children’s school for workouts, stress relief, and opportunities to connect with others socially.
Now that she is an instructor, Liz’s approach is to “let [my students] know they are in control of everything in cycling class, including their goals, effort, and attitude. I always encourage people to find a small challenge for each day and try meet those challenges.”
“Our fellow students are awesome too,” Victoria added. “There’s no judgement, and we are supportive of each other — it’s not like a recreation center or fitness club where people just look down while they exercise and try to get out without interacting with another person.”
Francisco also noted the class camaraderie and support. “Liz sets an environment where everyone is welcome regardless of ability. She plays a killer variety of music including hip hop, classic rock, and even a little country. I work out harder in a group environment, and because cycling is a low-impact exercise, I don’t have any issues with my joints or ligaments, like I did when I ran.”
According to Francisco and Victoria, classes with Liz are not just about fitness. They are about taking the lessons and motivation from the exercise classroom and applying them to life.
“Both Victoria and I have gained so many benefits from Liz’s cycling class — physically, emotionally. When we go to the Y, we eat better, our days are better, we smile more, and I’m a kinder person,” said Francisco.
Liz sees these lessons as key motivations and benefits of cycling. “Cycling class is a metaphor for life: How we push ourselves inside and outside of class. Cycling transcends physical and mental challenges. I’s very empowering to move your body. Everybody should try it. It’s low impact and good on the joints, and you’re never too young or too old to cycle. You can push yourself as hard as you want.”
Indoor cycling is available at the Arvada, Aurora, Littleton, Southwest, and University Hills YMCAs. Learn more about the YMCA’s cycling and other exercise offerings at den verymca.org or the Meet & Cycle classes at the Glendale Sports Center at Infinity Park at sportscenterglendale.com.
by Charles Bonniwell | Jul 20, 2023 | Editorials
Mike Johnston is sworn in as the 46th Mayor of Denver on July 17, 2023.
Although the Biden Administration may dispute it, most people would view seven million people illegally crossing the United States southern border in the last several years as a financial disaster. That does not mean that there is not a lot of money to be made from it. Certainly, the Mexican drug cartel bringing fentanyl and other drugs, the coyotes smuggling in illegal immigrants, the nonprofit groups sheltering the immigrants once they cross, and the federal contracts paid to disburse them throughout the country; all are doing very well indeed.
Denver has absorbed only a small fraction of the recent immigrants with Denver officials estimating approximately 1,200 at any one time with the cost estimated to be up to $1,000 per immigrant per week (an estimated $17 million total). The immigrants have been housed in recreation centers and anywhere else space could be found.
The Hancock Administration in its final days wanted to burden the new Johnston administration with a one-year contract with GardaWorld Federal Services to operate a single 1,000-person shelter with intake services, food, and transportation for $40 million.
Denver’s nonprofit world went bonkers. They screamed about the city of Denver hiring a Canadian detention company with an awful record of waste and abuse when they could provide an equal amount of waste and abuse with money staying right here in Denver. Sometimes people fail to comprehend that “nonprofit” is simply a federal tax status and the people running them are every bit as rapacious and money hungry as their counterparts in the for-profit world.
At $40,000 per immigrant, per year, there is plenty of gravy to go around, especially considering that many more shelters will probably be needed and for an indefinite period of time. Moreover, the educational and health needs of every immigrant will also need to be provided.
Luckily, our new mayor Mike Johnston has indicted that he can solve all these problems, as well as the indigenous homeless quagmire, all in a single year with his tiny homes and other programs. Previous mayor, now Senator, John Hickenlooper had promised he would end homelessness in a decade, but later said that was just sales puffery for the always gullible Denver residents.
With Mike Johnston being sworn in on July 17, 2023, it is exciting to know that all these problems, some of which have plagued mankind since civilization began, will be solved in less than one year. In the meantime, don’t you be handing out any lucrative contracts. Keep the largesse right here in Denver, on the off chance that the problems might go on slightly past July 16th of 2024.
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Jun 23, 2023 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Local Favorite: Bonnie Hammontree, left, and Mickey Telles, General Manager Smōk Denver, served Asian pork belly burnt ends and their famous banana pudding at the 2023 Denver BBQ Fest.
The Denver BBQ Fest held its annual event over Memorial Day weekend this year as thousands of BBQ enthusiasts came to enjoy BBQ from pitmasters from around the world at Empower Field. This year’s event shifted to a ticketed venue making the crowd more manageable and allowed the pitmasters to prepare for a more precise amount.
Some of the returning pitmasters included Pappy’s Smokehouse, Ubons Barbecue, Black’s BBQ, and hometown favorites GQue BBQ and Sugarfire Smokehouse. New local restaurants were also on hand to dish out their well-known dishes including Smōk Denver which is located at The Source Hotel & Markethall.
Smōk Denver will celebrate its 5th anniversary in August 2023. They served Asian pork belly burnt ends and their famous banana pudding in the booth next to Black’s Barbecue, a renowned BBQ from Central Texas. Smōk Denver features a hybrid of Kansas City and Texas style barbecue with Kansas City style rubs and Texas style smokes. Smōk Denver uses a post oak wood to give it the Texas style smoke which is a cleaner and lighter smoke so they can add what they want to it and not overpower the meat. “We want the meat to talk for itself rather than what we have going on underneath it,” said Mickey Telles, General Manager Smōk Denver. “We want the flavor to be set there but we want you to feel that meat.”
The flavor was front and center at the fest and introduced attendees who may not have normally been familiar to their BBQ. This was Smōk Denver’s first BBQ Fest and the largest event they have ever done as a team. “It’s been great,” said Telles. “It’s been an incredible amount of fun and the staff here has been fantastic at taking the anxiety of setting everything up away. It has been smooth sailing.”
In addition to serving their popular dishes, they learned a little from other pitmasters along the way. “It’s nice to meet people and see how they’re doing it,” said Telles. “BBQ is cooked meat but everyone does it differently. Any slight change anybody puts on that creates a different product. It’s interesting to see how everyone else does it.”
Smōk Denver was started by Bill Espiricueta who was born in Austin, Texas, and has enjoyed BBQ from an early age. “Our pitmaster Bill [Espiricueta] is the reason all of us are here,” said Telles. “He has been around the food industry for quite awhile and came from Kansas City. We found a really good spot up in the Source Market and thought that was a really good spot to go for it. We have been chugging along ever since.”
Smōk Denver is located at The Source Hotel & Markethall at 3330 Brighton Blvd. in Denver. Visit www.denversmok.com for more information. Mention this article and receive a 20% discount on your order.
Pitmasters: Shane McBride, Pig Beach BBQ; Erin Campbell, Ubons Barbecue; Jason Ganahl, GQue BBQ; and Leslie Roark Scott, Ubons Barbecue, celebrate another successful BBQ Fest in the mile high city.
The Denver BBQ Fest is not about winning awards or competition. It is about serving great BBQ in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. Six days prior to the fest, Shane McBride, Pitmaster, Pig Beach BBQ from New York and Florida, won an important competition in Memphis.
Ribdiculous Bar-B-Krew earned the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest on May 20, 2023. It was the first time in 21 years that a rib team had won. They received a rare perfect score in the preliminary round. “I cried for hours,” said McBride. “Any picture you see, I have tears in my eyes.”
McBride started making BBQ professionally in 2008 and has enjoyed running his business, Pig Beach, in New York and Florida ever since. He enjoys coming to Denver and was in a relaxed mood after winning the Grand Championship. “It’s a great festival [Denver BBQ Fest],” said McBride. “To sit and cook BBQ steps away from a beautiful football stadium in a legendary football town, it’s pretty awesome.”
Baby Back: Joebaby Michaels, Bent River Records, left, and James Boatright, Boatright’s BBQ, show off the baby back ribs served in the VIP area that had guests smacking their lips.
He has advice for the backyard enthusiast. “The number one thing about BBQ is patience,” said McBride. “It’s not something you can rush. Whether you’re cooking a chicken to a whole hog, it’s patience. You also have to rest your meat. It’s all about time management, patience, and resting.”
Advice also rolled in from James Boatright, Pitmaster of Boatright’s BBQ, St. Louis, Missouri. “A lot of pitmasters put information out on Youtube,” said Boatright. “I would say don’t be intimidated by that. More than anything, keep it simple and pay attention to time and temperature. A lot of people get in a rush and want to make it look like Boatright’s BBQ. Take your time and make simple BBQ and enjoy your family and friends.”
Boatright’s served Beef short ribs in the VIP area of the festival. Boatright joked, “Nothing against the other pitmasters, they’re great. But they [guests] said I was the best so far. When the people speak, you listen.”
The people definitely spoke and enjoyed Boatright’s attention to seasoning and flavor. He prides himself on doing things just a little bit differently. “Anything you do, you can’t be one dimensional,” said Boatright. You have to think outside the box and I believe in challenging myself with flavor profiles and building layers. I like to keep it simple and have people’s tastebuds happy. Keep it real and put some love into it, you can’t go wrong.”
Caribbean Flavors: Johann Callender, Pitmaster, Barbados Smokehouse, was the first International pitmaster invited to BBQ Fest.
Boatright has been a fan of BBQ his entire life. “I have been doing this since I was knee high to a grasshopper,” said Boatright. “My first memory of BBQ was watching my dad dig a hole in the ground. I was about five years old and he put the whole hog in the
Happy Attendees: Denver BBQ Fest was a ticketed event this year and held over Memorial Day weekend.
ground and I was blown away with it. Ever since, I have been fascinated with it.”
Boatright started his professional career in 2015. Readers may remember him from the popular Netflix show, Barbecue Showdown. Follow Boatright on Facebook and Instagram @boatrightsbbq He is also a singer and his latest song called “I Can Take You Further” can be found on Spotify and other platforms.
Johann Callender, Pitmaster, Barbados Smokehouse, came the furthest to participate in this festival. Callender has been a pitmaster for four years and last year, he was here on a program in conjunction with the U.S. State Department. He was invited this year to be the first International pitmaster at Denver BBQ Fest. There are not many options for BBQ in Barbados so Callender started out catering small events and took off from there.
They served Smoked Flash Fried Chicken with a Caribbean twist and pimento wood smoked jerk lamb at his tent. “We wanted to bring a very Caribbean known dish,” said Callender. “We used a lot of pimento, cilantro, green onion, and garlic. Everyone seems to be super happy with the food. We have smoked over 600 pounds of lamb this weekend.”
Follow them on Instagram @barbadossmokehouse and be sure to visit if you travel to the island.
Woodhill Small Batch BBQ, another local participant who runs a food truck and catering business, served brisket, macaroni salad, and Woodhill twinkies this year. “The twinkies this year came about because the first year that we did this, I was doing the twinkies and serving them out the back door for the super special people,” said Jodi Segura, owner of Woodhill Small Batch BBQ. “That was a massive hit and I think because it was such a hit, they had me do them for everyone this year. I did over 1,400 of them the last two days.”
Family Owned: Keith and Jodi Segura, Woodhill Small Batch BBQ, are available to book for weddings, events, and catering. They are a local and family owned and operated business serving BBQ that rivals any from Texas, Kansas City, or St. Louis.
Woodhill Small Batch BBQ is family owned and operated by Keith and Jodi Segura. They won best BBQ restaurant back-to-back years in Castle Rock as well as best food truck in Castle Rock last year and Lone Tree this year. They pride themselves on a family first approach and although they are available to cater your event, they do not sacrifice being a part of their high school son’s activities.
That family first approach resonates with the food they prepare and the price point in which they charge for it. “I want people to understand we are a local company where families can come eat at our trailer at a reasonable price and have a great enjoyable meal,” said Segura. “I want people to realize that BBQ is great here in Colorado. It isn’t just St. Louis and Texas. We are trying to make a name for BBQ and make BBQ great in Colorado.”
Visit www.woodhillbbq.com for more information, where to find their truck or to book for your next event or catering.
BBQ Fest will return in 2024. For more information and updates, visit www.qbbqdenver.com.
