Riverfront Wine & Fashion A Hit

What do you do when you hit it out of the park? Do it again, of course. And that's exactly what we're up to with the 2006 season of the Riverfront Wine & Fashion Series, after a very successful 2005 season.

The first event of 2006 on Thursday, June 22 was a smashing success with upwards of 250 people in attendance. The fashion, wine, music and mingling could not have been better. Moreover, a camera crew from the Beauty & Fashion Channel made an appearance. By the looks of it, everyone had a nice time.

For the uninitiated, fashion shows are an all-hands-on-deck proposition. The success of the June 22^nd show was the result of a handful of hardworking people who pitched in their energy, time, and creativity to create a spunky show with artistry. We'd like to thank:

Wine: Little Raven Vineyards
Fashion: brandis b
Jewelry: Gnat Original Design
Music: DJ Smyl:E
Hair & Makeup: Rita B Downtown
Styling: Tobie Orr
Models: Donna Baldwin Talent
Cuisine: Gourmet Fine Catering
Event Production: Caroline Ellett & Kevin Joseph

The 2006 season also serves another purpose, other than fun and entertainment. All proceeds go to the Railyard Dogs, a non-profit organization working hard to raise money for a much needed downtown off-leash dog park.

Why a dog park? Over 60% of downtown Denver residents own dogs. With no off-leash dog parks within walking distance where dogs can run free and tumble, many people have to get in their car and drive to a place where furry friends can fraternize. Moreover, one of the perks of living in Riverfront Park is being able to access open space, easily, with or without a dog, and certainly without a car.

If you missed the first show of 2006, no worries. We are hosting three more shows this season. Be sure to check the website for dates and ticketing options.

Walk the Walk

The Museum of Contemporary Art - Denver is sponsoring a free art walk, picnic and performance on Saturday, July 8^th from 5-9pm. The walk begins at the Gates Sculpture Triangle- which was recently refreshed with new art from MCA, at 16^th and Delgany Streets. The tour covers public art exhibits from Delgany Street to the Cherry Creek, down the creek path to Confluence Park.

At Confluence Park, hang around for a picnic and performance of River at dusk by Eiko & Koma. Of course, you'll need to bring food, beverages and blankets to really make the most of it.

5pm Walking tour of public art
6pm Picnic at Confluence Park
8pm River performance

This is the first of many MCA events to center in and around Riverfront Park. We look forward to more cutting edge arts in the neighborhood. To learn more about MCA-Denver or to become a member, visit www.mcartdenver.org.

When the Moon Hits Your Eye

Pizza is one of those things in Denver. By most accounts (mostly from pie-pretentious East Coasters), the pizza in Denver, um, bites. The dough isn't right. The sauce strikes out. And really, the foundation of pizza-dom in Denver just never came to be. (Burritos on the other hand are one of Denver's crowning achievements, but that's for another time).

Now, when I say pizza I do not mean Papa John's. And I certainly do not mean Nick-n-Willy's. And for the love of Pete, I don't mean Tombstone. What I mean is real, salt of the earth, fold it in half and slice it like it's hot, New York pizza.

Proto's on Platte Street, a cozy little neighborhood haven, doesn't come close to my dream of a NY pie served Mile High. But, where Proto's shines is in its Neapolitan approach. Very fresh dough. Super thin crust. Crispy bottomed. Fire roasted. You can even drizzle your delicate little wedges with fruity olive oil or balsamic, if you like. And I like.

But, what's fantastic about Proto's, other than the location, is that the food is simply prepared and unfussed over. Favorites include The Atomica Pie, The Ruby Pie, and The Goombah. And if you can't decide, order two or three 7-inch pizzas and split with your friends.

If you like to pair your dough with greens, then don't miss the salads at Proto's - lightly dressed field greens (no iceberg here) with a flavorful vinaigrette, tossed to perfection so that each leaf in the bowl gets a little glistening love.

And speaking of leaves...

One suggestion for Proto's, as pointed out by my friend Matt, is to bump up the basil on the caprese. Thick tomato slices and fat knobs of fresh mozzarella atop a glossy plate of olive oil and balsamic reduction will usually send me into orbit. But, when Matt and I laid eyes Proto's caprese we were faced with the pangs of basil deprivation . In a last ditch attempt to save what is normally perfection on a plate, we decided to slice our leaf- yes, a single leaf two inches long- in half in order to capture but a fleeting moment of basil goodness.

Other than the basil scrimping, Proto's is a delight. So head over. It's just a short, but lovely, walk through Commons Park to Platte Street. You'll like it. The atmosphere is casual. The pizza is tasty (a perfect substitute for my much-missed NY slices). And the people are nice. Just throw in a glass of red, and call it a night.

Visit Proto's online at www.protospizza.com

Thursday, July 6
Confluence Concerts - Dotsero
6:30-8pm
www.greenwayfoundation.org/gw_events.html

July 13 - 16, 2006
Dew Action Sports Tour & The Pepsi Center
www.dewactionsportstour.com

Thursday, July 20
Riverfront Wine & Fashion Series
5:30-9pm
www.riverfrontfashion.com