Spinelli’s new sauces (and a party): The 13-year-old Park Hill market is now selling its Creamy Tomato Vodka Sauce, Classic Marinara and Caesar Dressing in jars. Jerry Spinelii and chef Chris Rogers spent a year translating their small-batch recipes to formulas that would retain the same taste in large quantities. The 26-ounce pasta sauces are $6.99, and the 12-ounce dressing is $5.99. Find them at Spinelli’s; Curt’s Old Country Store, Crestone; Marczyk Fine Foods, Denver; Simple Foods Market, Salida and north Denver; and Vinnola’s Bakery and Market, Wheat Ridge. This Friday, the Spinellis will celebrate the market’s 13th anniversary from 6-9 p.m., with their annual neighborhood potluck in Ferguson Park (southeast corner of East 23rd Avenue and Dexter Street). | 4621 E. 23rd Ave., 303-329-8143 | Kristen Browning-Blas
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs: Summer’s almost over, so gather your franks while ye may. Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs has some of the city’s best, and they’re all trans-fat-free. (Not feelin’ the dog? Have a Frito pie instead.) Snag an order of tasty fries on the side, and wash it all down with an awesome root beer float. | 3525 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; 303-333-SNAP | Tucker Shaw
VIP Harbor: Had enough of the same old Chinese restaurant fare – sesame chicken and sweet-and-sour shrimp? Head over to the new VIP Harbor for the good stuff: jellyfish, abalone and pig intestine. This large, brightly lit restaurant has tables big enough for parties of a dozen. (And for the abalone-averse, there’s tasty Mongolian beef, salt and pepper chicken, and plenty of dim sum on the menu.) | 2917 W. Mississippi Ave., Denver; 303-937-3928 | Tucker Shaw
