Cherry Creek, CO July 2024

4140 E. Quincy Avenue

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

C U S T O M

L U X U R Y

H O M E

S P E C I A L I S T S

Summer in Paris

As summer rages on, park days, hiking trails and the Summer Olympics are upon us and I find myself feeling extra grateful to call this beautiful place home. Growing up, Colorado was our summer vacation go-to, and no summer felt complete without time spent here to get out into these Rocky Mountains and do some adventuring. Still to this day, that Colorado adventuring spirit feels at its max this time of year.

With the summer energy at its height and the days at their longest, it's time to get outside and enjoy that warm Colorado sun. Let’s appreciate all that this great state has to offer, whether that is packing up for a day at Cheesman Park with Spinelli's, heading to Red Rocks with your Sweep-inspired braids, or enjoying a show with the doors wide open at Two Moons.

This month we are celebrating all things summer that are loved by kids and adults alike. We are in a unique position when flipping on the Summer Olympics to see familiar faces and names right from our little corner of the world. These are people that inspire a whole new generation of Coloradans to hop on their bike, swim some laps, put on those climbing shoes, and dream up a future as the next Olympian. Let this be the summer full of dreams!

KELSEY HUFFER, EDITOR @CHERRYCREEKLIFESTYLE

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

INTERNS

Millie D'Souza | millie.dsouza@citylifestyle.com

Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Meredith Rowe, Millie D'Souza, Emily O'Brien, Linden Butrym, Abbi Sulaski

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Amanda Proudfit, Joseph Findeiss, Shake & Stehr, Astra Studios

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

GET OUTDOORS

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

increased demand in hand-made, high-quality custom men’s clothing options. Photography by

Movies at McGregor Square Returns This Summer with Screenings of Barbie, Star Wars, Top Gun & more

Head to LoDo’s McGregor Square this summer to enjoy Movies at McGregor, outdoor screenings of cinematic favorites and hot new releases. The 2024 schedule includes a  Top Gun double feature on July 4, a  Star Wars double feature on July 20,  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on Aug. 8 and  Barbie on Aug. 22. Free & open to all. Popcorn, cold beverages and more will be available for purchase.  McgregorSquare.com/Events

Photography by Ryan Cox

19 Denver Restaurants Vie for City’s Best Burger on August 1

Denver’s most anticipated all-you-can-eat and drink festival—Denver Burger Battle—returns on Thursday, August 1, pitting more than 19 area restaurants against each other to crown the best burger in Denver. Seven new restaurants will compete this year (compared to five new restaurants in 2023), including Blue Spruce Brewing Co., Ultreia and The W Denver. Denver Burger Battle, produced by Team Player Productions, will be held at the Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad (1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204) at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets at DenverBurgerBattle.com

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Natalie Spears Releases Hymn of Wild Things

It’s the quiet awe of wild places that most animates Natalie Spears’ music. Outside her home in the Roaring Fork Valley, she listens to the language of birds, notices patterns of migration and sees the cosmos in the countryside—like how the cedar waxwings harvest crab apples every February. Her new album,  Hymn of Wild Things, chronicles her experience of wonder, loss and metamorphosis. It's a collection of songs about the intimate corners of humanity, hers and ours alike.

COLORADO’S REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Live Music, Craft Cocktails and Comfy Vibes, Six Days a Week

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH ROWE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

Two Moons Meet Me at

You don’t usually put “club” and “comfort" into the same sentence, let alone the same space, but that’s exactly what Jake Soffes, Founder and Managing Partner of Pearl Street Hospitality, imagined for his latest venture, Two Moons Music Hall.

If the company name doesn’t ring a bell, the establishments certainly will. He and his team are responsible for some of Denver’s greatest hits: Hudson Hill, Lady Jane and The Wild. In imagining Two Moons, Soffes took a lot of the sensibility, thoughtfulness and midcentury design from each of those spaces and brought it to not only their first music venue but their first spot in the River North, (aka RiNo) neighborhood.

The mission that drives Soffes and his team is simple but compelling: create the modern neighborhood bar. Each property in their group matches the neighborhood, taking their needs into account for each concept.

When his team found an opportunity to open up shop in RiNo, they knew it was a neighborhood they wanted to join—and it also happened to be the perfect place to truly branch out into music. Music was already very much a part of the culture for Pearl Street Hospitality, with Lady Jane spinning records every night from its very own vinyl collection.

Soffes had already been working on a business plan to open a music venue when the RiNo opportunity presented itself. To him, nothing sounds better than a nice bar and a free show. So when the landlord for their current space called with the offer, he knew it was time to jump—and to learn more about the music business and technical requirements while they remodeled the space and got it ready to open.

Now, Two Moons has live music six days a week, spanning across all different genres. The space transforms from a jazz bar to a honky tonk and everything in between, all while uplifting and celebrating Denver’s local artists. They’ve created a space that provides small, up-and-coming artists and local legends alike with an opportunity for plenty of exposure—with no barrier to entry.

CONTINUED >

“Two Moons has created a space where people feel comfortable reciprocating that same unique, eclectic energy.”

Their compensation structure differs from artist to artist, but their goal is always to pay slightly above the industry standard. Another goal for the venture is for artists to love playing the room as much as guests love hanging out. Since opening back in April, Soffes seems to be far exceeding that goal.

DJ Simone Says said, “I play very open-format sets that span many genres, and I feel like Two Moons has created a space where people feel comfortable reciprocating that same unique, eclectic energy.”

Eric Benny Bloom of Honkytonk Express and Lettuce said, “Two Moons is one of the most beautiful venues in Denver. The sound system is literally top-notch (using) Meyer Sound and the staff treats the musicians like VIPs.”

Both commented on the sheer variety of people they see in the venue, from couples enjoying a casual date night to fans who will dance in front of the stage all night to people who decided to pop in for a cocktail after leaving a gala.

Because the area is so popular, their shows often get walk-ins, which creates new fans and helps the quoted artists bring a fresh vibe to their shows. Both artists are on the schedule this month, and you can make reservations on the Two Moons website.

The venue is coming to be known for more than just music. The Two Moons space also gives the whole team an even bigger opportunity to put on larger events, fundraisers and more alongside their neighbors along Larimer Street. Most of their events have an aspect of giving back, and they use door and bar sales to raise money for non-profits and partners.

In all parts of the business, Soffes strives to create something exceptional. Booking talented acts is just one part of what makes for a great night. Since opening, he’s been making upgrades to the sound and audio engineering, working to make sure artists sound incredible in the space.

The team also designed the menu so that the cocktails can come out in less than five minutes, and they have light bites for latenight snacking.

Every location, not just Two Moons, has N/A options, including cocktails, beer and

Photo by JOSEPH FINDEISS

wine. Soffes has recently had more patrons asking for the option, and he’s been happy to see more N/A products hitting the market to fill that need that also happen to taste really good.

Each of these choices ensures that every guest feels comfortable and has a great time. When asked about his year one goals, Soffes said he wants people to leave with a smile on their faces—and to come back next week!

To learn more about Two Moons Music Hall and the upcoming shows, visit  TwoMoonsMusic.com CONTINUED >

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CARB 2 Compliant // Zero VOC finishes

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The Epitome of MileHigh Modern Living

A PENTHOUSE BRIMMING WITH LUXURY IS NOW ON THE MARKET

An exclusive penthouse unit at The Laurel in Cherry Creek, one of the area's top residences, has just hit the market.

As part of an exclusive collection of 71 high-rise condos in energetic Cherry Creek North, the building is known for its designer interiors, private rooftop pool, sweeping views of the Rockies and personalized homeowner services. Unit 1212 is a 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom penthouse that spans approximately 3,400 square feet and combines sophisticated taste with contemporary design.

In a sanctuary where luxury meets functionality, every corner resonates with poise and character. It’s a mix of light and space, where each detail is meticulously crafted to elevate the homeowner’s lifestyle. The open floor plan, 11-foot ceilings and expansive windows paint a canvas of serenity.

“This residence offers a combination of refined elegance and modern conveniences,” says Josh Behr, principal broker of the Behr Team. “It appeals to individuals who value privacy, high-end finishes and proximity to upscale amenities. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant urban

environment, with over 320 galleries, coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, etc. within walking distance.”

INDOOR-OUTDOOR BLISS

By folding and sliding the innovative floor-to-ceiling NanaWall system, it opens up the main area, making it easy to embrace seamless indoor-outdoor living. One can effortlessly flow from the family room, kitchen and dining space to the extensive balcony or simply experience a breath of crisp, fresh air while relaxing on the couch.

A VERSATILE HAVEN OF LUXURY

The floor plan is thoughtfully curated to cater to every need. Whether that’s seeking a private sanctuary for work or play, the flexible spaces offer endless possibilities. Bask in the glow of natural light that floods through the multitude of floor-to-ceiling windows, which help to inspire creativity and tranquility. The private wing houses three spacious bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms.

CONTINUED >

“In a sanctuary where luxury meets functionality, every corner resonates with poise and character.”

GOURMET DESIGNED KITCHEN

Between the high-end Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele appliances, a quartz-covered breakfast bar and a built-in beverage bar with a wine fridge, it’s an entertainer’s dream. “The space is designed with large windows that provide panoramic views of both the city and the mountains, enhancing the cooking and dining experience with a stunning visual backdrop,” Josh says.

THE ULTIMATE RETREAT

The primary suite was created to stand as the pinnacle of luxury. It features dual walk-in closets with a lavish bathroom adorned with

marble walls, a sleek floating vanity and a sculptural, freestanding, deep soaking tub. It’s an exquisite symphony of opulence, comfort and privacy, meticulously orchestrated to exceed the homeowner’s expectations.

SEAMLESS MAGNIFICENCE, EVERY DAY

Here, convenience and luxury merge. Josh says the building’s comprehensive private concierge service enhances the living experience.

“This service includes a front desk concierge for guest check-in, package receiving and coordination of dry cleaning pick-up and delivery. The building also features a rooftop deck

with a community lounge, saltwater pool, private cabanas and an outdoor dining area with a pizza oven and natural gas grills. This concierge service ensures that residents' needs are met efficiently and conveniently, contributing to a high standard of living.”

Whether exploring the local scene or enjoying the peacefulness of this luxurious abode, residents experience a balance of urban excitement and serene retreat. A true urban escape, this sanctuary offers an array of walkable amenities, farmers markets and outdoor festivals throughout the year. It’s currently listed at $6.85 million and includes four exclusive parking spaces.

HOW TO

THE PARK PICNIC IN

Spinelli’s Market Gives a Lesson in Packing the Perfect Basket

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

Summertime in Denver is synonymous with crisp, cool mornings that slowly transition into breezy afternoons splashed with sunshine. Our city is dotted with lush parks, meaning there’s an array of green spaces where you can soak in the warm rays before fluffing out a blanket and artfully arranging the contents of your picnic basket for an alfresco lunch. Sure, grabbing a bite on a picturesque patio is delightful, but we prefer the nostalgic vibe of picnicking in the park, too. At a loss for what to pack? We consulted Spinelli’s Market, a Park Hill staple since 1994 when Jerry and Mary Ellen Spinelli opened the Italian deli to serve hearty, homemade sandwiches. In 2014, the couple sold the business to brothers John and Ted Moutzouris, who last year opened a second Spinelli’s in Congress Park in partnership with Denver hospitality duo Jake Riederer and Cecelia Jones. Just last month, the team debuted a third on The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Each location offers the original sandwich recipes plus an assortment of cheeses, spreads, chips and prepared meals like chicken parmesan. Many ingredients and goods are local, including baguettes from Boulder’s Breadworks Bakery, raw meats

from neighborhood shops Tonali’s Meats and Polidori Sausage, salmon brought in daily from Town & Country Market on Colfax, and deli meats and cheeses from Denver’s Western Deli and Rocky Mountain Provisions.

“We also have imported items through the support of companies like La Mozzarella, Gourmet Foods and European Imports,” says Kardi Constance, manager of Spinelli’s for the past four years (and an avid picnicker). “We are very lucky to have such great vendors who provide the freshest quality items.” As we reach the peak of summer, Kardi shares what she brings to an afternoon picnic, and the reasons why locals have remained loyal to Spinelli’s for three decades.

THE TOP THREE THINGS TO PACK FOR THE PERFECT PICNIC

Besides a sandwich, my perfect picnic basket would include a hard crusty bread like Breadworks’ seeded baguette. I’d keep it simple by spreading some Tomasoni's Pecorino Spalmabile cheese (imported weekly). Jerry's cracked Sicilian olives would go awesomely with this combo.

“WE ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH GREAT VENDORS WHO PROVIDE THE FRESHEST QUALITY ITEMS.”

YOUR

FAVORITE

GOODS FROM SPINELLI’S

The Mexican lasagna is my favorite take-home meal. Pour on our housemade salsa, and pick up a Modelo (with freshly squeezed lime, of course) from Spinelli's Beer Wine & Spirits [next door to the Park Hill market]. If we’re talking a deli item, it’s the turkey curry, though the Waldorf chicken salad is a close runner-up. For sandwiches, it’s the sweet and savory delight that is the #4 turkey cranberry gouda.

WHY COLORADANS LOVE THE MARKET

For us, it’s about creating an experience or a memory— taking care of a person from the time they set foot through the door until they’re seated in their car preparing to drive off. We are a small store in a city inundated with grocery stores. It's important that your sandwich be the best sandwich, and everything you have been craving all day.

THIS INTERIOR DESIGNER CREATES BESPOKE SPACES THAT MARRY BEAUTY AND LIVABILITY

WRIGHT WAY

“Putting together a room isn’t very different than putting together an outfit,” says interior designer Mary Wright, who worked in fashion for more than a decade before starting her own interior design and furnishings business nearly 25 years ago. “You have basic pieces, like a sofa and armchairs, and then you layer in lighting and accessories, like pillows and throws.”

Since 2017, Mary’s showroom Design Wright Studios ( DesignWrightStudios.com) has been a mainstay of Denver’s River North enclave. When culling furniture and decor for any project, she often begins with a rug as the foundational piece, using its colors as inspiration for fabrics and finishes, or choosing one based on a client’s art collection. After considering a client’s style, she focuses on comfort and well-being. For example, a sofa’s seat depth depending on a person’s height, performance fabrics for pets and children, and how a space really makes someone feel. “Some people want to come into their home and feel energized,” Mary says. “Others want it to be quiet and serene. The furnishings and design should create a space that's unique and suited for whoever is going to live there.”

In her showroom, Mary represents 40 lines of high-end and exclusive artisan furniture, lighting and accessories in addition to her private upholstery label, DWS Upholstery. Her portfolio includes residences and commercial spaces throughout Denver, across the Front Range and in mountain resort towns. She’s furnished everything from single rooms to large residences with eight bedrooms. Mary appreciates quality and advocates for repurposing items, advising that “fast furniture” is akin to fast fashion. Both practices encourage wastefulness and cause significant harm to the environment. “I’ll always encourage someone to refinish or paint a nice piece of furniture instead of throwing it out," Mary says. For a women’s locker room in a country club outside Denver, she

reupholstered 20 chairs and refinished several tables, which gave the space an entirely new look without exceeding the budget or creating excessive waste.

As an established name in the interiors world, Mary has recently shifted her attention to supporting emerging designers in Colorado. A few years ago, she assisted a designer working on a three-bedroom Aspen townhome that was part of a larger collection about to hit the market. It was the first one sold, and the designer in turn earned additional work.

Working with Mary can be like working with a close friend. Just last month, she loaned her own dining table to a client when the delivery of a table they ordered was delayed by a week. “They were having a party at home with 200 guests,” Mary shares. “I knew the size [the client] ordered, and I knew that I had a similar one. I try and do what I can to fill a need or find a solution.” Like most local businesses owned and operated by smaller teams, her goal is to consistently provide superior service. “I believe that the energy of the people who make a product is in that product,” Mary says. “The sacredness of home is everything to me. People who believe that are my kind of people.”

To learn more, visit designwrightstudios.com CONTINUED >

“I’LL ALWAYS ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO REFINISH OR PAINT A NICE PIECE OF FURNITURE INSTEAD OF THROWING IT OUT.”

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SWEEP’S

Braids to Keep You Cool and Chic All Season Long

BRAID

As temperatures hit an all-time high for the year, July calls for getting creative while getting that hair off of your shoulders. Here is Sweep’s step-by-step guide of braids for all of your summer needs, from the hiking trail to the summer festival grounds.

French Braid in a Pony Tail Bandana Braids

For those warm summer hikes, this is an easy, but impactful style! Part a mohawk section of hair down the center of the head. Create a French braid down the middle. For a thicker-looking braid, gently pull on the strands working your way up and down the braid. Pull it back into a ponytail for a simple and trendy look!

Get your festival on with this cute hairdo! Place a bandana on the forehead and tie it in back. Create as many braids as desired in the back of the head, teasing the ends to avoid using elastics.

Reverse Fishtail Braids

For all of your patio needs, all of the girls at lunch will love this style. Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!

Simple Braided Updo

For your Saturday wandering the farmer’s market, this will be a great go-to. Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch. One of our favorites is the Mesa Brass Hair Pin from Cedar and Hyde.

Pull-Through Braid with Space Buns

Red Rocks evenings are in full swing, and we know just the hairstyle! Part hair down the center. Create pull-through braids on each side of the head. Tie elastic at the end of the braids to create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. For extra volume in the buns, tease the hair in the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with hair pins and... Voilà!

Presented by Gina Lorenzen and Kara Couzens

156 South Locust

Around Town

July 5 - 7

CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL

July 5 - 7

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival features 250 artists, free live music, eats, drinks and more, from July 5-7 in Cherry Creek North! CherryArts.org

July 14

BASTILLE DAY AT LE BILBOQUET

July 14

On Sunday, July 14, Le Bilboquet is celebrating Bastille Day with live music and special offerings. Known for its timeless French fare, the restaurant provides a convivial, welcoming atmosphere with excellent service and elevated bistro classics. Starting at 4 pm, patrons can enjoy Parisian celebrations in the heart of Cherry Creek with a live DJ, plenty of refreshing French rosé and dinner specials. Learn more at LeBilboquetDenver.com.

July 17 - 20

TASTE OF INDIA

July 17 - 20

Fireside at Five and Denver Sister Cities International will host Taste of India on July 17-20, featuring an extensive schedule of cultural activities, including live music, a celebrity chef dinner with Chef Dave Hadley, a yoga class, a Bharatanatyam dance lesson, Sounds of India Luncheon and more. FiresideAtFive.com/Taste-Of-India

July 18

THE BIG EAT

July 18

The Big Eat, presented by and benefiting EatDenver, is a summer food festival celebrating the region’s independent food and beverage community through unlimited bites and sips from 70+ vendors, live music and more. All in one place and all for one ticket at the openair Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The event is 21+. Full lineup and tickets at EatDenver.com/The-Big-Eat

July 19

NO SIGNAL LIVE AT THE MERCURY CAFE IN DENVER

July 19

Catch the electrifying energy of No Signal as they perform live at the Mercury Cafe in Denver on July 19, 2024. This dynamic trio will be showcasing tracks from their critically acclaimed LP “Distorted Reality.” Don’t miss the chance to experience their powerful sound and unforgettable performance. The show starts at 8 PM and is open to all ages. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Mark your calendars and get ready for a night of incredible music! For tickets, NoSignal.com

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