The Fray saves the day.
Denver’s break-out rockers were headlining the Tempe (Ariz.) Music Festival on March 30-31 when they became crime stoppers.
According to The Arizona Republic, the guys were skedded to catch a private plane home to Denver at 12:45 a.m. April 1. But they were stalled in traffic as fans left the show – and they noticed two men taking a large flat-screen TV from the bushes and loading it into a van directly ahead of The Fray’s van. Thinking something was fishy, their escort called 911 as band members fed her a description of the crooks, the getaway van and its plates.
Seems the TV was stolen from a sports-bar tent set up inside the fest so people could watch basketball. The TV was recovered. The Fray’s next album: “How to Save a TV.”
Closure
Mel’s Bar & Grill shuts it down for good April 28, leaving Cherry Creek a little lonely for its good food, good spirits and good vibes – not to mention the hamburger.
“It really hasn’t hit me yet,” says owner/ operator Mel Master. “It’s sad, but it’s the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one.”
The new chapter includes the opening of two new restaurants in Greenwood Village at East Orchard Road and South Holly Street – Montecito (opening May 2) and Annabel’s (opening for lunch May 9, dinner May 16). (He also opened a Montecito on East Sixth Avenue in Denver.)
Of the 14 or so restaurants Master has opened, Jams in NYC and Mel’s in Denver were his favorites, he says – and Mel’s was the only eponymous endeavor.
On April 24, Mel’s hosts a farewell benefit dinner with some alumni chefs – Frank Bonanno of Mizuna, Goose Sorensen of Solera, Tyler Wiard and Corey Treadway of Elway’s, and current chef Chad Clevenger. Sorry, it’s sold out.
No deli for you
So a pal and his wife go out Easter Sunday for a downtown Jewish deli breakfast. She’s talking about the lox at Zaidy’s she’s going to get, he’s thinking about the knishes with the sautéed spinach and poached egg. And, of course, a toasted bagel with a schmear.
They walk to the door, and it’s closed. The sign says, “CLOSED FOR EASTER.”
Oy!
What’s next? – ask my pals. Chinese restaurants closing on Christmas Day?
Downtown Zaidy’s operator Jason Rudofsky writes me, “Sorry Bill, but downtown on holidays is usually quiet. … That will not happen again.”
City spirit
Laura Linney is vacationing in Colorado, locale unknown. … Who says giving has to hurt? Purple Martini launches its “The Cure” martini tonight; $1 goes to help breast-cancer patients. And on June 18, Massage Envy hands out free, one-hour massages; all donations go to Susan G. Komen Foundation. … CRL Associates lobbyist Gina London married her boyfriend, Scotty Walsh, last week – very spur of the moment at the Webb building. “Since Scotty is a professional trapeze artist, juggler and clown,” she writes, “I don’t have to run away to join the circus. It’s right here at home.” … Sez who: “Finally, you’re just with who you’re with.” Anne Tyler
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or bhusted@ denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at denverpostbloghouse.com/husted.
