Do you eat dessert first, take a chance on something new, or make a beeline to a restaurant that’s been a longtime favorite?
Great Chefs of the West provides such a delicious dilemma, and take it from me: It’s not too early to start mapping a strategy for 2008. The 26th edition of this benefit for the National Kidney Foundation of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming is Feb. 19 at the Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown and organizers are promising a wowzer.
“It’ll be a gourmet’s paradise that includes delectables from Opus, Mel’s, Avenue Grill, Great Northern Tavern, Jax Fish House and Catering by Design, to name a few,” says Judy Norman, the foundation’s executive director. And, she adds, the “largest group ever” of celebrity judges will be on hand to award prizes for the best appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared that night.
The lineup includes Denver Bronco Mike Bell; Fox-31 anchorwoman Shaul Turner; former heavyweight boxer DaVarryl Williamson; former Denver Nugget Mark Randall and Jackie Selby from Martini on the Rockies. Len Martinez will emcee.
Tickets are $150, dress is black- tie-optional and festivities begin with cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m. Call 720-748-9991.
Everything’s good
If reading the above has made you hungry, check out Wednesday night’s grand opening of the new Baur’s Ristorante, 1512 Curtis St. Owner Jimmy Lambatos and partner Rachel Schultz will be welcoming the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation for a tasting party that begins at 5:30 p.m. Chef Corey Cunningham is preparing hors d’oeuvres, tapas, seafood and other treats for the $50-a-ticket event. Call 720-865-2051 . . . A Feb. 1 reception at the Warwick Hotel is the occasion for the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to welcome its new board chair, attorney Denise Maes. She succeeds Luis Colon . . . The Carson J. Spencer Foundation, which uses the arts to help heal individuals who are coping with mental health and suicide issues, is having a benefit dinner Feb. 8 at Access Gallery, 909 Santa Fe Drive. The $50 admission includes a catered dinner, a first look at the Mirrors and Metaphors exhibit, and remarks by nature photographer John Fielder, who lost his son, J.T., to suicide in 2006. Tickets are available through blacktie-colorado.com . . . Dancer Marceline Freeman, who lost her sight following an illness several years ago, will be honored at the first Eye Ball Masquerade. It’s a benefit for the American Council of the Blind and the Denver Lions Vision Program and takes place at the Marriott City Center. Visit .
