The “Real World” house at 1920 Market St. in LoDo is coming along nicely. The windows are taped up, the outdoor courtyard is covered in blue tarps like a Katrina house. The seven cast members of MTV’s “Real World” should move into the pad later this month. But how real is life going to be there?
First there are the “house rules” in “Real World.” MTV would not comment, but through the Internet and talking to some insiders it looks like the rules will include: No physical violence. No illegal drugs. The kids must obey a 1:30 a.m. curfew. Only one guest will be allowed in the house per cast member. And the cast can go out at night anywhere they want – as long as they inform the house masters and it’s a place that has signed an extensive release form.
Frank Schultz, owner of the Tavern Downtown across the street, signed off happily. He was told that a crew of two or three (camera, light, sound) plus some security would accompany any cast members that visit his place. The camera crew has total access to the establishment 24/7 without giving any notice. Although this is fine for some bars, I hear some swank LoDo restaurants were balking, thinking they may not want “lights, camera, action” in the middle of a busy Saturday night with people seeking a calm dining experience. But it turns out no one can refuse the MTV offer.
Josh Wolkon at Vesta Dipping Grill thought long and hard before he signed off. His staff resisted it, and the show doesn’t exactly play to his demographic. “But from a business perspective, how can you turn down worldwide exposure?” he says. “We’ll let them in – and see how it works out.”
I hear it doesn’t always work out, that the Real Worlders can be a handful. We’ll see.
Hick & Helen
Helen Thorpe, wife of Hizzoner John Hickenlooper, has a story on married life and motherhood in the new 5280 magazine. I mentioned how I had enjoyed the article to Hick, who asked me if I had read the part about a big fight they had while driving around Ireland.
Sure, I said. It played a big part in the article.
“When do I get to tell my side of the story?” asked Hick.
“Tell me,” I said. “I’ll write about it.”
“Oh sure,” Hick said. “There goes the marriage.”
EATS!
Jim Sullivan’s Ocean restaurant, in the former Mao space, opens with a VIP party Thursday night. Guests should keep an eye out for a big painting of Sullivan as “Captain Sully,” complete with sword, parrot and wooden leg. The portrait will hang in the restaurant in the private dining room that once held the portrait of Chairman Mao Tse-tung.
Also coming your way: Kevin Taylor is set to open Prima Ristorante in Boulder this summer. With his five other operations, Taylor’s gonna have a very full plate.
Michel Wahaltere, formerly with Campo, Moda and 9th Door, opens seven eurobar on Pearl Street in Boulder with a party May 19.
City spirit
Meee-ouch! “Cats” is coming back to the Buell Sept. 5-10 … Film on the Rocks summer sked to include “Top Gun,” “Pink Floyd the Wall” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” … Sez who: “I was at this restaurant. The sign said ‘Breakfast Anytime.’ So I ordered French Toast in the Renaissance.” Steven Wright
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com.
