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S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

New Traditions

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

Over my last 15 years of living in Colorado, many of my Septembers have begun with the holiday weekend, taking in as many films as possible in Telluride for the Telluride Film Festival. While each year looks a little different, from the very first time traveling with my film class from Libby Hall at CU, to squeezing too many friends in a tiny Telluride Airbnb and seeing only the films and panels ‘free’ could get us, to volunteering for the special events with friends from those original Libby dorm days, the love of film and connecting with old friends in the San Juans was always the driving force. While the journey down is part of the experience, grabbing peaches on the way in Palisade (and maybe even on the way back) and blasting show tunes with said friends, every month learning more about Sundance coming to Boulder is making me more and more excited about getting to celebrate film twice each year and right in our backyard. I cannot wait to see what new traditions Sundance brings.

M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Chantel Ellerington | chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R , STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com SAL E S D I R E C TO R

Jennifer Behr | jennifer.behr@citylifestyle.com INTERN

Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jeff Schwing, Tony Firestine, Linden Butrym, Emily O'Brien C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Logan Manaker, Jeff Fierberg, Gina Dodge Studio, Amanda Proudfit, Luke Gottlieb

KELSEY HUFFER, EDITOR @BOULDERLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Cherry Creek Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cherry Creek area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

36 Featured

30 36

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Every Bottle Tells a Story

Bespoke Wine Journeys is Redefining Wine Education by Putting People, Places, and Storytelling at the Center of Each Experience

A Retreat in the Hills This Boulder Remodel Embraces Modern Minimalism

2026 Pasta Round-Up

My Five Favorite Pastas Right Now

On the Cover Month of Modern Returns with Human Scale Photography: Courtesy of Month of Modern and Modernism, Inc.

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Back Stage ENTERTAINMENT

Open House HOME + DESIGN

Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

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Landscape Architecture • Construction • Property Maintenance • Lighting • Pools & Spas • Hardscapes

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years

SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1-7: Larimer Square once again raised a glass on Saturday, July 25, to honor the amazing legacy of Dana Crawford. She passed away in January 2025 at the age of 93, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Denver’s historic preservation and urban revitalization. Crawford was an award-winning preservationist who pioneered the redevelopment of Denver’s original main street in the mid-1960s, transforming neglected buildings into what is now Larimer Square. The 2nd annual Dana Day celebration featured live jazz in the street by Denver’s Annie Booth Quartet and Keith Oxman Quartet and a complimentary champagne toast by Corridor 44. Photography by Larimer Square

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Designer Jewelry

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SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

An Emerging Voice In Indie Folk Blending weathered folk textures with stark, reflective songwriting, Randy Miles crafts intimate and anthemic songs that connect with the human experience while maintaining curiosity and humor—albeit sometimes dark. His debut album, Chaos & Commotion, explores the current state of the world, his upbringing, and his relationship with nature—pairing earthy instrumentation with lyrical imagery pulled from life in blue-collar, rural New England. Fans of Ben Howard and Gregory Alan Isakov should feel at home here.

CONTINUED >

GLOBAL Ambassador & Model Zaya Biel with Aunt & Award-Winning Actress Jessica Biel

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AGIC

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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business monthly CONTINUED

Chef Johnny Curiel's Tequilería Alteño now open Chef Johnny Curiel introduces Tequilería Alteño, a Mexican cantina and tequila bar pop-up experience at Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Cherry Creek, as an extension of Michelin-recommended Alteño. Curiel invites guests to experience the vibrant energy of Mexico's cantina culture, capturing the spirit of one of the country’s most enduring gathering traditions. Curiel’s travels through cantinas across Mexico inspire a menu of shareable small plates celebrating the depth, versatility, and heritage of masa.

Photography by Shawn Campbell

CONTINUED >

COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS WELCOMES

MONICA ERTEL, M.D., Ph.D.

Colorado Eye Consultants welcomes board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, Dr. Monica Ertel. Dr. Ertel specializes in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), cataract surgery, and comprehensive ophthalmic care. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

October 7, 2026 Boulder Theater

THE HUMAN ADVANTAGE SUMMIT CREATORS NOT CONSUMERS Featuring inspiring keynote speakers, the summit explores creativity not simply as artistic expression, but as the ways we shape our lives, our communities, and the stories we tell about ourselves and one another.

JOIN US

humanadvantagesummit.org

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Celebrate Fall Festivities at Cherry Creektoberfest Get ready for Cherry Creektoberfest, coming to Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North on September 19 & 20! This vibrant, two-day festival will offer an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience. They’re teaming up with the German American Chamber of Commerce to bring authentic German flavor to Cherry Creek. Enjoy mouthwatering German food and beer, explore vendors in traditional wooden chalets, and dance to live music all weekend long. Let Cherry Creektoberfest be your new fall tradition!

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EVENT SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER, 2026 | BOULDER, COLORADO

Cocktails & Conversations: Designing the Human Experience

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Caffeinated Mornings with Jay Ferracane

Start your morning with coffee, conversation, and creativity. Hosted by Jay Ferracane, this intimate discussion with musician Kevin Hart explores the creative process and the ideas behind meaningful work.

FRI

Night: 15 Movie Modernism, Inc. Screening & Discussion

TUE

Enjoy a screening of Modernism, Inc., a documentary exploring architect Eliot Noyes and the rise of modern design in corporate America, followed by a discussion with architect and preservationist Leonard Segel.

& Conversations: 17 Cocktails Allow Me to Waste Your Time

THUR Inspired by Martin Brodsky’s Allow Me to Waste Your

9:00 AM– 10:30 AM

7:00 PM– 9:30 PM

5:30 PM– 8:30 PM

Time, this intimate evening invites guests to unplug, slow down, and connect through cocktails, conversation, and shared curiosity. 21+

Wrap Party 22 2026 Celebrate the close of Month of Modern with cocktails, TUE

7:00 PM– 10:00 PM

food, music, captivating dance performances, and great company. It's the perfect finale to a month of architecture, design, and creative inspiration.

Design Within Reach Grand Opening FREE 25 Celebrate the opening of Design Within Reach's new FRI

Boulder store. Explore an inspiring modern space and enjoy a panel discussion on sustainable design, materials, and the future of modern living.

6:00 PM– 9:00 PM

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!

monthofmodern.com

EVERY BOTTLE TELLS A STORY.

Bespoke Wine Journeys is Redefining Wine Education by Putting People, Places, and Storytelling at the Center of Each Experience ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

For many people, wine falls into one of two categories: intimidating or inaccessible. Tastings can feel like exams in disguise, complete with unfamiliar terminology and unspoken expectations, while more casual events often skim the surface, leaving guests entertained but not necessarily enlightened. Molly Montgomery believes there's a better way. As founder of Bespoke Wine Journeys, she has built a business around the idea that wine is less about memorizing tasting notes and more about understanding the stories behind the glass. Through curated tastings, immersive events, and thoughtfully designed travel experiences, she invites guests to explore wine through history, culture, literature, and human connection. "I kept running into the same two extremes," Molly says. "Wine events that felt like a test, and wine events that never went past 'this one's fruity.' I wanted to build something in between, where you could actually learn something and still feel completely at ease." That philosophy is woven throughout every Bespoke Wine Journeys experience. Rather than leading with technical information about acidity or tannins, Molly starts somewhere far more relatable. "I always start with the story, not the spec sheet," she says. CONTINUED >

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"Who made this wine, what was happening in their world at the time, why it matters. Once you care about the story, the technical side just makes sense on its own." The result is an experience that feels as much like a conversation as a class, welcoming everyone from curious beginners to seasoned wine enthusiasts. That approach resonates particularly well in Colorado. Molly sees the Denver area as a community filled with people eager to explore without pretense. "What I love about this community is that people are genuinely curious without being hesitant about it," she says. "They're not looking for someone to tell them what to like…They want to understand it for themselves." While iconic wine regions like Napa and Bordeaux remain popular destinations, Bespoke Wine Journeys often shines a spotlight on places that receive far less attention. Montgomery is passionate about introducing travelers to regions whose stories deserve a larger audience. "The Republic of Georgia is the one I keep coming back to," she says. "It's the birthplace of winemaking...and they're still making wine in clay vessels the same way they always have." She also points to destinations like New York's Finger Lakes, Colorado wine country, Uruguay, and Slovenia as regions that demonstrate how wine is shaped by local people and traditions long before international acclaim arrives. One of Bespoke's most memorable events, The Haunted Library: Summerween Wine Salon, paired wine with books, local authors, and a neighborhood bookstore in a celebration of storytelling. The evening exemplified Molly's belief that wine is often the thread connecting broader cultural experiences. "It brought together a local author, a bookshop, and wine," she says. "Story and community first, wine as the way into the story." That emphasis on meaningful experiences extends beyond the event itself. Molly hopes guests remember more than what they tasted. "I want people to leave with a story stuck in their head, not just tasting notes," she says. "If they leave more curious

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

than when they walked in, that's the whole point of what I do." As Bespoke Wine Journeys continues to evolve, Molly is expanding that philosophy into new ventures. Guestwork Consulting will help businesses design memorable hospitality experiences, while Read Between the Vines will blend literary retreats with wine education in immersive destinations. The formats may change, but the mission remains remarkably consistent: create experiences where wine becomes a gateway to deeper conversations, richer travel, and lasting memories. In the end, Bespoke Wine Journeys isn't about wine alone. It's about the people who make it, the places that shape it, and the stories that connect us to what goes into the glass. To learn more, go to BespokeWineJourneys.com or follow on Instagram at @bespokewinejourneys.

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YOUR undance S A QUICK GUIDE TO ATTENDING THE 2027 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

For more than four decades, the Sundance Film Festival has been a cornerstone of independent cinema culture, fostering a community of storytellers and cinephiles. Each year, thousands of attendees gather for a mix of film premieres and episodic screenings, talks, and events. Senior Programmer and Director of Strategic Initiatives John Nein explains that there are many types of movie-going behaviors and says that passes are structured to appeal to a wide variety of

GAME ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN ILLUSTRATION BY GINA DODGE STUDIO

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

individuals. “You can decide based on your lifestyle how many films you plan to watch,” he says. Even those on the extremely enthusiastic end. “The first year that I went to Sundance, I watched 23 movies in five days,” he says. “I don't know how many people actually do that. But there's a pass or package for that.” For attendees, the first step is selecting a pass, ticket package, or single ticket.

A PASS FOR EVERY PACE

Passes and ticket packages go on sale in mid-October. The Full Festival Ticket Package provides unlimited access to screenings and priority entry. For those who’d rather bypass the fulfillment process and see a film whenever they want, the Second Half Express Pass grants access to all screenings, no advance selection required. In mid-December, program announcements and schedules become available, with ticket package fulfillment (when you select the exact films you want to see) opening in January. Package holders have priority selection over Single Film Ticket holders. “Tickets do go quickly. It's probably good to note that those fulfillment windows are real, and you have to put them on your calendar,” John says. For people who are curious about films but don’t feel the need to be in the first screening, this year brings a new option. “The Encore Ticket Package is where you can get tickets for everything except the first screening of a film,” John says. And if you’re just looking to pick a specific film or two, there’s also a set time when individual tickets go on sale. “What’s important to know is that all packages have an earlier fulfillment window before that,” John says. “During this period, package holders can choose their films in advance. So if you’re set on seeing something

and don’t want to risk it selling out, a package gives you that earlier access.” For individuals with more free time during weekdays, John points to another new option this year, the Matinee Package, which runs Monday through Friday for any film that starts before 5 p.m. For moviegoers who might have a hard time making the festival in person, there are several online options to choose from. Students, aged 18–25, can purchase the Ignite Ticket Package, a more affordable option built for their budgets, to work in screenings when their schedules allow.

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE FESTIVAL

When choosing movie times, you’ll want to factor in travel time between venues. “People are going to feel how much closer things are to one another,” John says, noting that the pedestrian footprint is one of the draws of hosting the festival in Boulder. And for locals, the festival brings a fresh lens to even the most well-known spaces. “I kind of love the idea of a place that might seem familiar actually being new in a certain way to people who come to visit,” John says about certain renovations.

STAY IN THE LOOP

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The Builder Behind Denver’s Next Generation of High-Performance Leaders Joy Avedesian, a seasoned and tenacious sales development leader, has worked with top-tier producers and teams with innovation, energy, and unwavering commitment in her two decades of sales leadership.

oday, she combines wealth management, leadership development, and business-scaling strategies to help ambitious professionals level up their financial goals. In a city full of entrepreneurs, executives, and those with the drive to do better, Joy Avedesian has solidified her reputation by helping people think bigger. As Managing Partner of The Stellarix Group, Joy leads with a direct, disciplined approach shaped by years of building teams, developing financial advisors, and transforming business cultures. She’s known as a leader who sets clear expectations, creates structure, and helps growth-minded professionals turn ambition into action. But Joy’s power goes beyond financial services. As a former NCAA Division I athlete, community leader, motivational speaker, and advocate for athletes and their mental health, she brings a wider perspective to what it means to build something that lasts. For clients, that means guidance designed around more than a portfolio. For financial advisors and business leaders, it means a standard of leadership rooted in accountability and meaningful growth. Because building wealth is one thing. Building the confidence, culture, and vision to carry it forward is something else entirely.

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A Retreat in 30

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

i lls H e h

This Boulder Remodel Embraces Modern Minimalism

For their clients, a pair of empty nesters in Boulder, the team behind Factor Design Build was tasked with transforming a nondescript home stuck in the 1990s into a minimalist modern residence that mirrors the beauty of its surroundings. Originally constructed by a commercial builder, the Sunshine Canyon property lacked much character. Dated features like a closed-off stairwell and large, diagonally laid beige porcelain tile also took away from the luxury feel the homeowners desired. Upon completion, the remodel seamlessly connected the indoors and outdoors with clean lines, abundant natural materials, and soft lighting that complements the contemporary design. From a must-have coffee bar to the integrated quartzite kitchen island and walnut table, elevated details are found in every room. Together, Factor lead designer Robin Bryant and David Bell, director of business development, share more about the thoughtfully redesigned project.

HOW DID THE SITE'S TOPOGRAPHY SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO THE REMODEL?

The house is built into a cliff with Flatiron views. The rock feature in the backyard is completely natural. The sauna and cold plunge deck were built off the cliff and around the side of the house to create a secluded, private space. You can see the airport on a clear day. We wanted the interior

spaces to be clean and calm, so the views and outdoor features took center stage.

DESCRIBE THE NATURAL MATERIALS YOU SELECTED, AND WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THEY FEEL CONNECTED TO THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE.

The house is set back into the mountains. It was extremely important that nothing felt artificial. Soft and inviting natural materials create a Japandi and Wabi-Sabi vibe. Flooring throughout is concrete-inspired large-format tiles, as well as the white oak platform in the entry under the stairs. In the bathrooms, wall tile is natural white Zellige; floor tile is micro mosaic with broken edges; and concrete vanities have integrated sinks. In the kitchen, blue marine quartzite countertops complement white oak cabinetry and the walnut table. A living room fireplace features textured limestone tiles over a white oak hearth.

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN MANAKER

WHAT DETAILS HELPED BALANCE SIMPLICITY WITH COMFORT AND LIVABILITY?

The combined island and kitchen table allows people to eat in a relaxed setting while adding more circulation space to the kitchen. We combined those features to create more space without losing functionality. Paneled appliances create a uniform backdrop, allowing the quartzite to stand out. The induction cooktop and workstation sink make for easy cleanup. CONTINUED >

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“We wanted the interior spaces to be clean and calm, so the views and outdoor features took center stage.”

HOW WAS THE LIGHTING STRATEGY DEVELOPED TO ENHANCE BOTH THE ARCHITECTURE AND THE EXPERIENCE OF THE SPACE FROM DAY TO NIGHT?

The house is so open and bright that the goal for night was actually the opposite: not dull, but strategically placed lighting to create a warm vibe. We used a Moooi stairwell pendant, In Common With bathroom sconces, and Foscarini bathroom pendants.

WHAT SURPRISES DID YOU ENCOUNTER DURING THE RENOVATION?

Removing old tile from the floor without damaging the old radiant system took a lot of time and care. We overcame this by slowing down and making sure to do it right to save our client the possible change in cost.

HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INFLUENCE THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT?

The people building the project are in the room with the clients during the design phase, which allows us in the construction phase to know their intentions and values because we know them intimately by then. Decisions and circumstances change, so the ability to pivot without starting over smooths things out.

WHAT DID YOU HOPE YOUR CLIENTS FELT THE MOMENT THEY STEPPED INSIDE THE FINISHED HOME?

Warmth and an inviting feel—like they could have one hundred of their friends over, or just their immediate family, and feel like there was plenty of space and intimacy in either situation. To learn more, visit FactorDesignBuild.com

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

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6 2 0 2 a t s a P p U d n u Ro My Five Favorite Pastas Right Now ARTICLE BY JEFF SCHWING ILLUSTRATION BY GINA DODGE STUDIO

H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVERAGE

Let’s talk about pasta. Over the past few weeks, I have thought a lot about my favorite pasta dishes in Denver and the lovely chefs who cook them for us. Pasta comes in so many shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors that it has been a challenge to narrow down my favorites to five. It is time now for a Denver pasta roundup. After eating more pasta over the last few weeks than I would like to admit and narrowing down some of my personal favorites, my overall conclusion is that there is so much good Italian food in our city. These five are just a taste of what Denver has to offer, and I would encourage you to get out there and eat some pasta. So grab a glass of wine, tuck a napkin into the front of your shirt, pop a Tums, and let’s eat. My list of five is in no particular order. I have chosen two new favorites, two old favorites, and a final pick that is the best pasta dish I have had all year. It might have been the wine or the company, but I haven’t enjoyed eating Italian food this much in a long time. As our city continues to grow, so does our food scene and the number of chefs who want to be a part of it.

Photo by Amanda Proudfit

Photo by Luke Gottlieb

Johnny Bechamel’s

Pappardelle

The first pasta dish on my list comes from the new-ish restaurant from Mama’s and Papa’s Hospitality Group, Johnny Bechamel’s. Although it might not be the old-school pasta house Denver loves, Johnny Bechamel’s brings a fresh look to Italian food in south Denver. The pasta that swept me off my feet was the pappardelle. Although this dish has seen a few iterations, the particular version I enjoyed so much was made with smoked pork shoulder ragu, Palisade peaches, pickled mustard seeds, and ricotta salata. This dish gave me everything I want in a hot-weather classic: sweet and tart peaches, fatty pork shoulder, and the occasional pop of acidic mustard seed. Although this dish is far from your grandfather’s pappardelle with ragu, it offers a sophisticated take on a classic and is a must-try before the season ends. Along with amazing pasta, Johnny Bechamel’s offers fantastic small plates to share, light and flaky pizza, and, of course, cold drinks to wash it all down. CONTINUED >

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Second on my list comes from a Denver staple and a restaurant I have been visiting since I was a kid. The carbonara from Carmine’s on Penn, located just north of Wash Park on South Penn and East Bayaud, is about as classic as it gets. Although seemingly simple, carbonara is all about technique. Unlike other pasta dishes, where the sauce is made in advance and combined with the pasta on the plate, carbonara is made fresh in a pan every time an order is placed. Butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks combine with old-world magic to create a velvety, rich sauce. Carmine’s takes this tradition seriously and does not disappoint with its homage to the old country.

Carmine’s on Penn’s

Carbonara If you have yet to try this lovely pasta dish, or visit Carmine’s at all, make an effort to go. It will become a fast favorite. Carmine’s on Penn offers a large menu of Italian classics, a robust wine list, and pairings for any outing.

Photo by Jeff Fierberg

Florence Supper Club’s

Orecchiette The third pasta to make my list comes from another new addition to Denver’s culinary scene. The orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe from Florence Supper Club, located three blocks south of Carmine’s, is simply damn good. For me, this is nearly a perfect dish for summer. Spicy sausage and broccoli rabe are a match made in heaven, and tossed together with bite-sized orecchiette, they make for a fun take on classic Italian cuisine. The fantastic chefs behind Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza have come through again with an instant classic. It was very difficult to choose between all the amazing offerings from this team. Four months from now, I probably would have picked the spicy rigatoni alla vodka, but during these dog days of summer, the light, vegetable-based pasta hit the spot. The small but very thoughtfully planned menu offers classic Italian flavors, making it difficult to pick just one or two favorites. Take your friends and family down to Florence Supper Club and make your way through their fantastic menu. Also, the escarole and white beans were a table favorite. Just order the whole menu and thank me later.

H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVERAGE

Fourth up on this pasta roundup is, without a doubt, the most elegant and sexy restaurant on my list. Located a few blocks northeast of downtown, Dear Emilia is a modern and elegant addition to Denver’s Italian restaurant family. The menu can seem slightly overwhelming at first, but after spending some time with it, I found myself getting lost in it like an art piece. My featured dish from the menu is the campanelle pasta with sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Campanelle is a beautiful little pasta that always reminds me of jellyfish. Its small folds make it perfect for capturing sauce. This pasta dish was a perfect reflection of summer flavors. Deep, rich, creamy corn paired with acidic tomatoes had me savoring every bite. I would highly recommend making the journey downtown to visit this hidden gem.

Dear Emilia’s

Campanelle Last but certainly not least is a family favorite. My dad would probably threaten never to speak to me again if I did not mention his favorite restaurant in town, which offers the quintessential pasta dish. When I walk through the doors of Gaetano’s in north Denver, I instantly feel like a kid again. A classic red-sauce joint, Gaetano’s

Gaetano’s

has exactly what you want from a classic, family-owned Italian restaurant. From lasagna to spumoni ice cream, the team up north never disappoints. I always try to order something new from the menu I have been reading my whole life, but on most visits, I have no need to even look. I’ll take the spaghetti and meatballs. No self-respecting pasta list would be complete without the king of all pasta dishes, and the spaghetti and meatballs from Gaetano’s are about as classic as it gets. Paired with a bottle of Chianti and my closest family and friends, there are few places closer to my heart than Gaetano’s, and few places where I can eat more pasta than I probably should.

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Although this list could go on and on, I have to wrap up this roundup at five. Summer is coming to an end, so before we bust out the snow tires, get out there and eat some pasta. Go visit my friends at all five of these amazing restaurants and then continue to explore. Denver is full of so many amazing places for pasta. Which five are your favorites?

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H E R RYC R E E K

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Month of Returns With Human Scale:

Modern

Modern Design Made Personal ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA DOANE PHOTOGRAPHY

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Kickoff – Cocktails & Conversations: Designing the Human Experience September 3 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. Visual Comfort Showroom The month begins with an interactive evening exploring how thoughtful design shapes daily life. Guests rotate through intimate conversations led by regional design professionals discussing lighting, architecture, interiors, materials, and craftsmanship. Rather than traditional presentations, the event encourages dialogue and meaningful connections over cocktails.

Caffeinated Mornings with Jay Ferracane featuring Kevin Hart of Public Opinion

Returning for its 13th year, Month of Modern (MoM) celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and conversations that shape Boulder's design community. This year's theme, Human Scale: Modern Design, Made Personal, explores how architecture, interiors, art, and design enrich everyday life. "Design is ultimately about people," says Stephanie Bingham, MoM Director and Marketing Lead at HMH Architecture + Interiors. "The spaces we create should reflect the lives of the people who experience them—how they gather, how they connect, and what makes them feel at home." Whether you're passionate about architecture, enjoy discovering local creative talent, or are simply curious, Month of Modern offers events designed to inspire.

September 4 | 9:00 a.m. | 1301 Walnut Street Coffee and creativity take center stage as host Jay Ferracane welcomes Kevin Hart, frontman of Denver punk band Public Opinion. Their conversation explores music, artistic process, and finding a creative voice, offering inspiration for designers, artists, and anyone interested in the creative journey.

CONTINUED >

Photo Courtesy of Modernism, Inc. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H E R RYC R E E K

Movie Night + Talk Back September 15 | 7:00–9:30 p.m. | Boedecker Theater Film lovers and design enthusiasts alike can enjoy a screening of Modernism, Inc., a documentary examining architect and designer Eliot Noyes and his influence on postwar corporate design. Following the film, architect and preservationist Leonard Segel leads a discussion exploring the intersection of architecture, technology, and culture.

Cocktails & Conversations with Martin Brodsky: Allow Me to Waste Your Time September 22 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | The Refinery Inspired by Martin Brodsky's Allow Me to Waste Your Time, this unique evening invites guests to unplug and embrace curiosity. Through readings, guided prompts, cocktails, and small-group discussions, participants will explore design, culture, and the overlooked moments that often spark creativity.

Wrap Party + Awards

September 25 | 7:00–10:00 p.m. | East & Co. Boulder's design event of the year is here—and everyone's invited. Celebrate the close of Month of Modern with an evening where creativity, community, and design come together in true MoM style. Enjoy delicious bites, craft cocktails, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect with Boulder's architecture, design, and creative community. Whether you've been part of MoM all month or are joining for the first time, the Wrap Party is a chance to celebrate the ideas, people, and places shaping Boulder's vibrant design culture.

Design Within Reach Grand Opening September 30 | 6:00–9:00 p.m. | DWR Boulder Month of Modern concludes with the grand opening of Design Within Reach's new Boulder store. Designed with locally inspired materials—including rammed earth walls, larch wood, polished concrete, and limewash finishes—the space reflects Colorado's natural landscape while showcasing modern furnishings. The evening includes a panel discussion on sustainable design and the role of responsible materials in shaping the future of modern living. For more than a decade, Month of Modern has celebrated Boulder’s unique relationship with design—a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, and thoughtful collaboration. This year, MoM26 explores the many ways design shapes our everyday lives—through the spaces we inhabit, the objects we interact with, and the experiences we share. The spaces we create are more than structures; they are the settings for our stories, relationships, and everyday experiences. In September, Boulder comes together to explore architecture, interiors, art, film, and the people behind it all. Whether you come to learn, connect, or simply experience something new, Month of Modern 2026 invites you to discover modern design at a human scale. For tickets, schedules, and more event information, visit MonthofModern.com. CONTINUED >

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Photo Courtesy of Modernism, Inc. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H E R RYC R E E K

Beyond the Aesthetic: What Is Modern Design? When people hear the word modern, they often think of a certain aesthetic—clean lines, minimal forms, or a particular architectural style. But modern is more than a look. It is a way of thinking: responding to how we live today, embracing innovation, exploring new ideas, and creating spaces and experiences that are thoughtful, relevant, and personal. That belief is at the heart of Month of Modern, Boulder’s annual celebration of modern design, architecture, art, and creative disciplines. Since its founding in 2014, Month of Modern has explored the many ways design shapes our lives—from the homes we inhabit and objects we surround ourselves with to the places where we gather and the creative expressions that inspire us. This year’s theme, Human Scale: Modern Design, Made Personal, explores a simple idea: the most meaningful design begins with people. Modern design is a collaboration between architects, designers, artists, makers, technologists, and creative thinkers—all working together to shape the way we experience the world around us.

M U ST SE E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

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Around Town September Saturdays in September

12th

19th - 20th

FALL COLORADO WINE WALK

Sample wines from across the state during the 2026 Fall Colorado Wine Walk at Dairy Block. For more information and tickets, visit ColoradoWineWalk.com

CHERRY CREEK FRESH MARKET

18th - 20th & 25th - 27th

Shop fresh produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and other local finds at the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, located on the east side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center. For more information, visit ColoradoFreshMarkets.com.

12th SUNNYSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Enjoy a free, family-friendly day of live music and neighborhood festivities at Chaffee Park. For more information, visit SunnysideMusicFest.org.

LOCA LS ON LY | ENTERTA IN ME N T

CHERRY CREEKTOBERFEST

DENVER OKTOBERFEST

Celebrate two weekends of Oktoberfest on Larimer Street with live music, stein-hoisting, keg bowling, costume contests and German-inspired festivities. For more information, visit TheDenverOktoberfest.com.

Celebrate Oktoberfest on Fillmore Plaza with German food and beer, live music, traditional entertainment, vendors, and festive contests. Admission is free. For more information, visit CherryCreektoberfest.com.

VENETIAN PRINCESS PIROUETTE