I believe the term refreshment was born on warm day, uttered from the lips of a man who just gulped the first swig of a cold pint of beer. The carbonation swelled and burst, like music in perfect timing with the hops, a percussive symphony on his taste-buds and he thought, perfect. He searched for a word, a measure of his overwhelming joy. He felt reborn, but in the sensory respect. The word, like poetry unraveled from his mouth: refreshment.

This was the day man first loved beer, at least, that’s how I picture the definition forming.

The truth is that the term refreshment came about sometime in the mid 15th century. It was used to describe food and drink, non-alcoholic drink, to be precise.

How short-sighted of our ancestors to exclude beer from the definition.

The good news is that somewhere along the line, the non-alcoholic rule got tossed and now we are free to refer to anything as “refreshing.” The extremely good news is that as a humble dweller of Denver, you have access to some of the most tasty brews the world has to offer. To celebrate this fact, every month of the year the Mellow Mushroom of Downtown will be featuring a new “Brewery of the Month.” On May 1st, members of the Odell Brewing Team will be at Mellow Mushroom Downtown (Tabor Center) doing beer tastings from 5-7, giveaways and 3$ Odell beers. 4$ pints will be available for the rest of the month of May. As an added bouns, Odell will be featuring a special batch for the occasion, an Oatmeal Coffee Amber. When it is time for June, you need not despair, for a new brewery will be featured. So if beer is something you find as refreshing as a great deal, cruise down to the Mellow Mushroom on May 1st and enjoy some,

Cheers!

Construction has begun on the new DIA light rail station. If the CBS Story “DIA Construction Will Cause Parking Problems For Years” sounds like a cynical headline to you then consider yourself an urban optimist.

Sure, car commuters are going to be inconvenienced with some traffic pains for the next few years. The goal isn’t to make the car travelers happy anyway. It’s to provide car free travel from the heart of Denver to Denver International Airport.

These years of construction will contribute to what I consider a HUGE asset for Denver Urbanites. With a target completion date of 2016 Denver Residents are just years away from a line direct from Union Station to DIA. No driving, no parking, no fuss, and no muss.

So let’s toast the construction, the parking mess, and all the pains that go along with progress!

Something new is coming to Denver… Follow on Facebook to learn about the launch of Denver Urban!

“Denver’s Next Improv Star: Season 3” kicked off with lightning, and hurricanes, and monsoons, to name a few.

Everyone was feeling a little bit under the weather for the first half of “Denver’s Next Improv Star.” No, they weren’t feeling ill, they were literally instructed to let the weather affect their characters and their scene in a theatrical fashion. The caveat? They were disallowed from mentioning the weather phenomenon directly.

Daniel Horsey was the guest judge on opening night, last Saturday, and is a professional mime and owner of 3 story stage—which teaches social responsibility through story and improvisation—Daniel was looking for great investment in improvised environments and a sense of social justice throughout the scenes.

The Cast of "Denver's Next Improv Star"

Contestants had to deal with everything from a hurricane to a drought, and many possible variants in between. One group was facing a heat wave so severe, they were without water. When the farm wife (Natalie Kilkenny) continually spilled the only remaining water down the front of her shirt, her frustrated husband (Nick Trotter) spit into the glass and handed it to her to drink, which she comically did.

All of the first challenge scenes were exceptional, from an adventurous trip through hail, to a depression era scene, fittingly set in contemporary times, where an effeminate man, or manly woman (Jon Jon Lannen) laid a big kiss on her/his tuxedo-shoe wearing wife (Kate Noonan). The judges appreciated the realism, and combination of two related and disparate worlds.

The first half ended with Natalie Kilkenny winning immunity and tickets to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret. Which left Jon Jon Lannen, Jerry-Benson Montgomery, and Natalie safe from elimination from the show.

Going into the second half the groups were split into two groups, and instructed to play freeze tag with long invested scenes. The first group jumped in with gusto. So much gusto, that they were asked to stop and let the scenes play out longer.

A number of short punchy scenes were played out, usually involving a one-two hit and a joke. A line that really stood out was “Stop pulling those dead fish out of the ocean!” and an absurdly satisfying scene commenced where it was decided that dead fish should stay in the ocean, because that’s where they want to be.

The second group, played out longer more involved scenes, closer to what the judges were requesting, but with so many people on stage playing a game of freeze-tag really requires some deference in order to let scenes develop; deference is hard to maintain when there is only so much time to get on stage.

In the end Maggie Whittum was crowned victorious, and won a year’s subscription to 5280 magazine, and is now one step closer to the SkyVenture Colorado indoor skydiving adventure catered by Jason’s Deli.

“Denver’s Next Improv Star: Season 3”
Plays Saturday Nights at 8:00 P.M.
At Bovine Metropolis Theater
Price: $16, Eligible for Limited Groupon Reservations

I love walking.  I love biking.  I love trains and light rail.

I hate driving.

So I was pleased as heck to see the New York Times Article “Denver is urged to hit the sidewalk“.  Can a walkable city be designed from the ground up?

I prefer to think it can be encouraged through urban planning and, more importantly, making it painful to park and drive.

I would rather see funds directed to public transportation, but that’s just my perspective.

And please don’t get me started on our lame attempts to provide transportation relief to the mountains.   Guess what folks, metering doesn’t work.  You will never build enough lanes of traffic.  When will we realize a train is the best option?

Next time you spend 6 hours going one way to Vail or Summit think about it.

Zengo, my favorite Asian Latin Fusion spot is dishing up some new things.

Zengo is one of our neighborhood favorites.  They whip up what I consider to be the best Tuna entree in town, offer one of the best patio’s for late summertime dining, and more than a few of my friends consider their Mojito the ultimate Denver drink.  They also do something all of us in the neighborhood by offering some locals deals for those of us who share an address in Riverfront Park.

Cheers Zengo, we love that too.

So I was pleased to get a chance to sample some of their new menu offerings at a press dinner last night.     Here’s that menu in case you want to duplicate it for yourself and try all the new dishes…

Welcome Cocktail
Pomegranate Kumquat Caipirinha
Leblon Cachaca / Muddled Kumquats / Pomegranate / Ginger

First Course
Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings
Pork / Crab / Linguica Sausage / Green Onion / Jalapeno Ginger Black Vinegar

Second Course
Crispy Shanghai Spring Roll
Chicken / Shrimp / Tempura Baiano Bamboo / Carrot / Mushroom / Won Bok Sichuan-Acai Berry-Giner Dipping Sauce

Third Course
Coconut Crusted Bholino De Bacalhau (our favorite)
Coconut / Salt Cod / Potato / Serrano Green Onion / Cachaca-Soy Hot Mustard Sweet and Sour Sauce

Paired With

Coconut Batida Cocktail
Fresh Coconut Water / Boca Loca Cachaca / Muddled Lime

Fourth Course
Picahna Steak & XO Style King Crab
Dry Aged Top Sirloin / King Crab / Hot Bean Paste / Broccolini / Black Bean Ginger Sauce

Paired With

Szechuan-Tini
Gin / Junmai Sake / Muddled Cucumber / Szechuan Peppercorn

Dessert
Coconut Tapioca
Mango-Kumquat Gelee / Lychee Sorbet / Schiso

Paired With

Spiked Acai Tea
Green Tea Vodka / Acai Liqueur / Acai Berry Juice / Lychee

The menu started today so you don’t have to wait to give it a try.

Now you might think this is the something new I wanted to share.  In a way it is.  All the dishes were delicious.  Denver can always use some good soup dumplings (Lao Wang Noodles on Federal is still my favorite) and Zengo delivers as it always does across the board.  The Picahna Steak was amazing.  I still don’t think anything will sway me away from my adoration of their tuna as my Zengo top pick, but this comes close.

And of course XO sauce on anything will be a success.  Have you had their XO Edamame?  If not forget everything else and start with these delicious spicy green delights.

But I digress… the big news is that Zengo is opening a wine bar.  Yes folks, add another addition to the plaza when Zengo blows through the adjoining wall to create their own new wine bar space I believe is going to be called “Al Lado” (means next door).  The chef kindly shared the name but I didn’t ask the spelling.

I’m guessing a spring time opening but only time will tell when this new treat will open.  I asked about their ability to get some outdoor seating as that spot (previous offices) doesn’t have any currently and it sounds like the answer is…. maybe.

New menu, new wine bar… sounds like just one more reason to love living downtown.  And the trend is to break down a wall.

Z-Cusine broke down their wall to add the À Côté wine bar.  Colt and Grey is breaking down a wall (and adding a basement) to create Saint Ellies… now it’s Zengo‘s turn.

Zengo’s new menu additions are a special Shanghai-Sao Paulo tasting available until March 31st so don’t put it off.

Happy 2012 to you and yours from New Era Realty!

A New Year brings much optimism to the real estate market based on recent and longer term trends.  As we saw throughout most of 2011, the inventory of available Denver condos and homes dropped substantially throughout the year and December was no exception.  With the inventory of available properties down almost 40% from the same period in 2010, Denver reached a 12 year low of inventory on the market!  We have to go clear back to 1999 when we had a month with only 11,000 active listings on the market.  And what followed?  Properties appreciated 8% until the inventory reached 27,000 active listings in 2007.   Only when the housing supply reached the then, current demand, did prices begin to level out.  The question we must ask is whether we are on the verge of home values rising again?

December 2011 saw many positive trends that lead us to believe prices are ultimately going to rise this year, barring any major setbacks in the financial markets or the overall health of the Colorado and U.S. economy.  The number of under contract and sold homes and condos were up 5% and 4% respectively from the previous year.  The average days on market for all properties fell nearly 7%, with condos fairing much better at a near 20% drop in days on market!  In fact, the inventory of Denver lofts and condos in the Metro area fell nearly 50% from the same time last year.  This reflects the trend of “affordable housing” selling quickly in the current market (recall that the average condo is selling for $166,000).  The average value of homes and condos was flat from December 2010 at an average sales price of $254,000.  This is really nothing to complain about compared to the national housing trends.  And again, as supply continues falling while demand increases, prices should rise!

If you or someone you know is searching for a home or condo right now, and depending on your/their budget, you are likely experiencing the lack of inventory first-hand.  As a buyer, you need to understand the market segment you are shopping in and the potential challenges you face.  In the past 12 months the price of homes under $85K has risen a massive 19% (think competitive offers are the norm and bidding ABOVE list prices is very common).  Homes between $85K and $135K are up 10% (still very competitive for any buyer in this segment).  Homes from $135K – $210K are up 6% (and guess what, the new listings that hit the market that are priced and show well in this segment sell in days, not months!).  At all of these lower priced segments, owner occupant buyers are also competing with investors (many of them cash buyers) who see the opportunity to purchase income producing rentals.  It’s only when you hit prices above $300K that prices are still falling (down 13% for homes priced above $460K for instance).

If you are considering selling your home under $315K and can price it according to current market value, NOW is the time to list it.  If you are over $315K, depending on where you live the current market may still be beneficial to you (especially if you own a home in Central Denver).   If you are considering buying a home under $315K, be prepared to compete with numerous buyers for the same home, be willing to pay at or above list price and make sure you work with a buyer’s agent who is actively and aggressively finding properties for you as they hit the market.  If you are buying a home over $315K, you will still have some negotiation room and more inventory to choose from, but your days may be numbered given current trends!  In the past few months we sold several higher priced listings near or at list price.

As always, we are up-to-date on the latest market happenings.  Please don’t hesitate to contact New Era Realty whenever you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home!

Being on the cutting edge of improvisation is like trying to run a 400 meter race against a cheetah. You probably won’t make it to the finish line. But every once in a while something happens that is so far ahead of the curve it is beyond it. The use of improvisational games in performance are an example. The Nutrino project instant movie was another.

Similar to evolution, improvisation has these moments of monumental leap that can change the playing field forever. The difficulty with these leaps is that those making them can’t see beyond where they currently are, and much like improvisation they won’t know until it’s over if what they have done is a monument or simply another block on top of the pyramid of improv.
I personally think “Like This Show” at Bovine Metropolis Theater could be monumental. When we get to the other side, we’ll have to see if there is a pyramid or simply a cornerstone piece, either way, it is monumental fun putting this show together and a challenge, and after all isn’t that the point?

“Ladies and gentleman please turn on your cellphone, the show is about to begin.” This unexpected call to action is how “Like This Show” begins. This new social media/improv show at the Bovine Metropolis Theater combines the instant funniness of improv with the collaborative power of social media.

“Like This Show” is an improv show that utilizes social media in a way that it’s never been used before,” said Artistic Director, Eric Farone. “Usually with theater, the audience is asked to turn off their cell phones and not be active participants in the show. This show will ask people to tweet, and text, and update and become active participants in the show.”

“I think it will add another layer of interaction that the audience hasn’t seen before,” said Managing Director Kent Welborn. “It will make the audience even more part of the show.”Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Linked In, tools that have become so prevalent in our society, that they have in some ways replaced the normal communication “Like This Show” is a way to embrace the existence of social media with traditional human interaction.

“It changes social media by making it more social,” said Farone. “It allows the audience to interact with the players onstage, and with other members of the audience.“

The virtual becomes real again, The framework of this show allows a real-time interaction with social media onstage, and with some of the groups exploring new ways to use social media in their improvisation, they will be creating something of the moment, not only on stage, but globally, and instantly published to the community and world.

“Like This Show” combines so many elements of what theater can be, it blends concept art, the well-made play, audience participation, and creates something that hasn’t been seen before, and will no doubt be hilarious.

“I am excited to see how it turns out,” said Managing Director, Kent Welborn with a smile. “I’m excited to see how the social integration gets socially integrated.”

When asked about the limits of improvisation that are being pushed with this show, Eric Farone paused reflectively.
“I think it’s improv with an extensive social media influence,” he said. “It might have the potential to become an entirely new form of improvisation.”

“Like This Show”
Plays Friday Nights at 8:00 P.M.
At Bovine Metropolis Theater
Price: $16, Eligible for Groupon Reservations

Gotta admit it’s pretty funny… and that the game winning throw is the topic of late night television is a sign we are doing something amazing.

The Union Station Neighborhood is growing up.

The dust has settled on the Historic Union Station debate leaving plans underway for a new hotel. The arguments for the hotel involved financial models and a world of NPV’s and IRRs (I imagine, that’s what I’d look at) but what I prefer to talk about urban planning elements.

I’ve listened to a number of my friends share their hopes for the project including a few architects and planners. For those who love the hotel solution it means a 24 X 7 influx of energy and activity.

I remember roughly 6 years ago the topic was how to make Downtown Denver more of a 24 X 7 city. Why, you might ask? Have you ever visited a city that clears out when the offices empty out. You may have visited one of those cities on a business trip or vacation. Perhaps that’s the city you moved from. You know what I mean… by 6:30 the city is a ghost town.

I’m not a fan of those cities.

I like cities where the streets are filled with foot traffic. I like eyes on the street for crime prevention. I remember reading a simply story written (I think by an Urban Planner) that talked about the 24 hour city where the streets were always alive. By the time the entertainment, bars and late night diners were closing down the early morning bakers and vendor were starting up their storefronts or kitchens.

The hopes for the hotel are to help contribute to a 24 X 7 city. It must be a good idea, because I hear rumors of another hotel in Union Station as well. Add in the new King Sooper (at least that’s the brand in the rendering) at 20th and Chestnut and the new Union Station Neighborhood is rocking.

Need a little more… how about more bodies with the Manhattans new phase of it’s Apartment Building on Bassett and 18th. More? How about the sale of land at 20th and Little Raven to AMLI, a Chicago Developer planning a 242 residence apartment complex. And the new grocery store will have 307 apartment units above it per designs at the Architect Mulhern Group Website.

Hotels, Apartments, Grocery Store…. sounds like a lot of bodies are going to keep those streets alive.

Cheers Denver!

Happy Thanksgiving Denver!

Today I just thought I’d share a little video about some great wine pairings and since the topic around the table consistently includes sharing whatever great wines we have found around town.

So… one thing led to another and the idea for a Denver Wine Talk Forum came up. Let’s hear your favorites around town and which little wine nook you found it at. Cheers!