Fall is a strange season for nightlife. It’s cold by cocktail hour, dark by dinnertime and the thin weekday crowds who gather at once-popular drinking spots are proof that most of us are in holiday-prep homebody mode.
But though it may be a slow time for happy hour, the fall charity parties are in full swing – and some of these are known to be a bit wilder than your average fundraiser.
One to consider: Chillin’ Black Tie takes over the JW Marriott (150 Clayton Lane) in Cherry Creek on Saturday, Nov. 18. Mirepoix Restaurant becomes the VIP room, and the lobby bar and heated outdoor pavilion will offer separate dining, conversation, and entertainment areas. (Tables in the VIP room are already sold out, but plenty of VIP tickets and regular tickets are available.)
Organizer Dave Hieb throws a monthly series of Chillin’ parties around town, where stylish young professionals meet to drink, date, and dish. A similar crowd should show up for this event, an annual fundraiser which will benefit Hieb’s When I Grow Up Foundation, a career mentoring program for metro area kids.
Aside from the usual charity ball accoutrements – formal attire, food, and cocktails – this event includes a few unusual additions. Boulder’s AffiliateDance Crew will be on hand to show off their break dancing moves, and a strolling magician will make the rounds with his bag of tricks.
“I saw him at another event and it’s really a nice way to help get the word out about When I Grow Up,” said Hieb.
Tickets and details at www.blacktie.chillintime.com.
RJD2 at Cervantes
This party is custom made for the easily understimulated. Bring your short attention span over to Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom (2637 Welton St.) tonight, where DJ RJD2 anchors a multimedia event that offers plenty of options for audio and visual activities. The Columbus, Ohio-based RJD2 will perform his blend of underground hip-hop and dance beats live on four turntables, along with locals DJ Idiom, Drop Logik, and Makyo. To keep you visually entertained, the indie filmmakers of an-ism will be mixing live video on three screens, break dance crews will perform throughout the night, and local artists will set up shop for live painting experiences. 9 p.m., $20, 21+.
Haute toddies
Looking for eye candy of a different variety? Friday night at 5 Degrees (1475 Market St.), models will display the latest looks from Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Rock & Republic, and more at a fashion show presented by two of Cherry Creek’s hottest new boutiques. Euro Moda and Cool Waves will show men’s and women’s fashions from Europe, NYC and LA during a runway show kicking off at 9 p.m. Get there early to snag a good seat, and you can sip on complimentary “haute toddies” from 8 to 9 p.m.
Late eats
It’s after midnight. You’re suddenly starving, and hitting the usual fast food drive-through just won’t do. What’s a hungry night owl to do? Head to Sputnik (7 S. Broadway) where the new menu has regulars raving and is attracting an entirely new crowd into the lounge.
Vegetarian options such as the arépes (spicy Ecuadorian corn cakes with queso blanco, avocado, and guava jam), and the Vietnamese sandwich satisfy veggie lovers, and the Cuban pork sandwich and steaming bowl of ramen noodles (veggie or pork, filled with kim chee, scallions, seaweed and sesame) have garnered a loyal following.
Fans of the sweet potato fries will be happy to hear that the always-popular nibbles are still available, and the entire menu is served from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Sputnik recently started opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends for coffee service, and as of Nov. 21 they’ll add a weekday lunch and weekend “hangover brunch” to handle your cravings.
Kat Valentine writes about nightlife Fridays in 7Days. Reach her at kat@kingproduction.com or call 303-954-1568.
