Things are shaking on the 1100 block of Lincoln Street.
To the north of Donkey Den, the controversial upscale Mexican cantina, former Campo de Fiori GM Sebastian Grazzini is opening Gavi, an Italian/Spanish restaurant that will also reflect his Argentinian roots. The space will be rustic with a decidedly sophisticated punch, a street-side patio, lotsa candles and custom lighting that’ll remind you of Gaudi. Grazzini, who is partners with Donkey Den’s owner Tosh Berman, says a late-night dessert bar will be Gavi’s signature setting. They plan to open this place within the next month, serving dinner every night, and eventually adding a daily lunch.
North of Gavi will be Grenade, a huge new nightclub/lounge/pool-room with plenty of high-end features. Eight pool tables fill the main room, along with various games, plasma TVs, a video jukebox, upscale graffiti art. Against the back wall are three elevated private video lounges each outfitted with an oversized leather couch, a 71-inch plasma screen and interactive Xbox; you can play games with slackers around the world while enjoying bottle service. Or you can watch football, or a movie – or anything you want.
Berman says he’s looking for a young professional crowd. “And this place is going to be big with the NBA and NHL players,” he says.
He hopes to open Grenade any day now. So rack ’em up.
Beddy bye
Wanna go to bed with a Bronco? And have pictures to prove it? Here’s your chance.
Wide receiver Ashley Lelie will be at Park Meadows Shopping Center 1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 15 lying on a Sleep Number bed. For $2 (he’s a cheap date), which will go the the Ronald McDonald House, he’ll pose for a picture with you on the bed. No questions asked.
EATS!
Denver gets a nod in the new Food & Wine magazine with a hit from 5280 writer Amanda Faison. She names Black Pearl as Denver’s new Hot Spot for its “polished yet playful cuisine.” She also recommends The Oven, Somethin’ Else, Rioja – and the much anticipated Summit at the Broadmoor, an Adam Tihany-designed restaurant that’ll open this fall.
Enough?
The theme for a bachelor/bachelorette auction 6-10 tonight at Mile High Station is “8 Is Enough.” The three men and five women on the block are all good looking (Michelle Beisner, Ashley McGhee, Darian Boyle) – but the gang could be more diverse.
It’s a good cause – for newgenesis, a transitional shelter for the homeless.
City spirit
Natalie Cole will sing at the Heart of Hearts gala Nov. 19 at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum … Avalanche fans would have been happy to pass Via restaurant Monday afternoon. The entire team and coaching staff took over the swank joint for a few hours to welcome back hockey … “My Way,” the Frank Sinatra musical at Garner Galleria Theatre, closes Nov. 6 after 190 performances … Corridor 44 now open with plenty of champagne next to Rioja on Larimer Square … Sez who: “Whenever a friend succeeds, a little something in me dies.” Gore Vidal
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears on Fox 31 News. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com.
