City Cast Denver

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Everything We Learned From the Casa Bonita Documentary Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Casa Bonita finally opens reservations to the public — no special invitation needed — this month! But before the new chapter begins, we’re revisiting the whole CB saga with the new documentary “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” From the cliff divers’ death trap and a rooftop graveyard full of murdered pigeons to an ancient and dangerous HVAC system and the health department nightmare that was Casa’s kitchen, the doc exposes just why, exactly, Matt Stone and Trey Parker had to dump $40 million into the strip mall restaurant to save it. Producer Paul Karolyi and Host Bree Davies are joined by City Cast Denver regular and CB entertainer Joshua Emerson to dig into the surprising story of one of the greatest second acts in Colorado history.

¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! is showing at the Alamo Drafthouse locations all across the metro area and is coming to Paramount+ later this fall.

Did you see ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!? We want to know what you think! How many sopaipillas would you give it out of 5? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Who Just Won a Michelin Star? (And Who Got Snubbed?) Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

Exactly one year after giving out its first stars to Colorado restaurants, the Michelin Guide is back with an updated guide to our local restaurant scene in 2024. So we’re skipping our usual Tuesday news round-up, and Westword food editor Molly Martin is joining producer Paul Karolyi to dish on the most surprising winners, biggest snubs, and what Monday's announcement means for Denver chefs, restaurateurs and eaters.

Molly has a list of all the new winners, and the article she wrote last week with her predictions. We also discussed Jake Browne’s hilarious review of Brutø and our conversation with Jake about it on the podcast last week.

What do you think about the new winners this year? Do you have a fave that got snubbed? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your take on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode:

Levitt Pavilion
Life Surge
Arvada Center
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What Are CO Politicians Doing Behind Closed Doors? Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

In the past few weeks, we’ve heard concerns over Governor Polis’s property tax deal being done “behind closed doors.” We watched as the GOP barred the press from covering controversial leadership votes. And now some Democratic lawmakers who were accused of shutting out reporters are simultaneously being honored as “defenders of the free press.” What is going on with Colorado politicians and transparency — or a lack thereof? Colorado Politics reporters Marianne Goodland and Ernest Luning join host Bree Davies to talk about what local elected officials are keeping from the press and why voters should care.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver

What do you think about transparency in our politics? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Levitt Pavilion
Life Surge
Arvada Center
YMCA of Denver - Sign up for a free 7 day trial membership

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Downtown's New Hope, 600 Noise Complaints, and Grocery Price Gouging Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the news of the week! First, Denver Police are banning food trucks in LoDo on the weekends in an effort to curb late-night violence, and the mayor has a new $500-million plan to fix downtown. But will these moves make the city center any better? Then, the brand new Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs just opened in August, and the noise complaints are piling up — is the venue exceeding decibel limits or are the neighbors just grouchy? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by former journalist and local history aficionado David Gilbert to discuss these topics plus the downfall of the Brown Palace, the city’s top sandwich artists, and more wins and fails of the week.

We talked about an excellent piece on the past and present of downtown by Robert Sanchez for 5280 Magazine. David mentioned a talk he’s doing next year for the Englewood Historical Society.

How do you feel about downtown? Are you hopeful? Do you like the mayor’s plans? We want to hear your stories and hot takes! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 6th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Colfax Ave BID - Get your tickets to the Colfax Crawl!
YMCA of Denver - Sign up for a free 7-day trial membership
All American Reptile and Plant Expo - Use code City for 10% off
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $75 off your first delivery

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Michelin Star Hype, BRUTØ Gets Dragged, and High-Dollar Dining Tourism Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

The Michelin Guide returns to Colorado next week to award its highly-anticipated stars to local restaurants with the right kind of high-end culinary chops. So, who will make the cut? Can last year’s winners retain their glory? And what does it all mean for Denver’s dining scene anyway? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by writer and former fine-dining server Jake Browne to dig into the Mile High’s more recent foray into the world of Michelin glory and what Colorado has to gain from rockstar chefs and big-ticket culinary tourism.

We discussed Jake’s review of BRUTØ for Westword. Paul mentioned this great article from The New York Times about how the Michelin Guide has changed and why Michelin came to Colorado last year.

What do you think about the Michelin Guide on its first anniversary in Colorado? We want to hear your predictions, hot takes, and feelings about food media! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 5th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Colfax Bid - Get your tickets to the Colfax Crawl!
YMCA of Denver - Sign up for a free 7 day trial membership
All American Reptile and Plant Expo - Use code City for 10% off

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Casa Bonita’s Grand Opening, Aurora’s 'Gang Takeover,' and the Worst Street Art Ever Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

It’s Wednesday, and we’re talking about the biggest news of the week. First, no more waiting for that elusive email invite — starting September 16, Casa Bonita will be open to anyone who wants to make a reservation. But old school CB fans are in store for some big changes with even bigger implications for the workers. What does it mean for the longevity of the Pink Palace? Then, the alleged takeover of some poorly managed apartment buildings in Aurora by the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela made national news, but there’s a lot of confusion over what’s really going on. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus those racist signs that appeared around Denver over the weekend.

Bree talked about past guest Alfonso Espino’s interviews with renters at one of the buildings allegedly “taken over” by Tren de Aragua and her interview with “professor of fun” David Thomas on what makes Casa Bonita textbook fun. We also talked about an interview Mayor Mike Coffman and Mayor Mike Johnston did with Kyle Clark on 9News.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

What do you think about tipping at Casa Bonita? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Colfax Ave BID - Get your tickets to the Colfax Crawl!
YMCA of Denver - Sign up for a free 7 day trial membership
All American Reptile and Plant Expo - Use code City for 10% off

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Your Guide to September in Denver Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community.

Welcome to September, our gateway month to the fall season full of opportunities to see beauty in Colorado! We’re taking you through some of our best picks of stuff to do, see, eat, and drink this month — like a hot new “carbon positive” bar opening with a killer view of the city, a quirky miniatures show, the best spot for leaf-peeping, and more.

For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month.

City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Colfax Ave BID, PineMelon, Babbel, YMCA of Metro Denver, and the All American Reptile and Plant Expo!

And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver.

Member ticket giveaway! If you are a member and you want a chance to win two free tickets to the Shake and Break Showdown cocktail competition at Denver Food + Wine Fest this weekend, fill out this form!

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise.

Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at denver@citycast.fm

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Is Englewood the New Denver? Plus, Crazy Squirrels and the NYT’s Updated Guide to the Mile High Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday and we’re talking about the biggest stories of the week. First, is the big exodus of businesses from South Broadway really that bad for Denver and good for Englewood? Times are always changing in the Mile High City, but the vibe shift is real. Then, the New York Times took another stab at its visitor’s guide to “36 Hours in Denver,” and we have thoughts. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Westword staff writer and returning fave Catie Cheshire to dig into these stories — plus our wins and fails of the week.

Paul talked about the time he accidentally almost joined the Clayton Members Club; he also mentioned some hope for downtown, and an AI true crime story. Bree talked about Westword’s profile of an unhoused handyman who died by suicide, country music star Scott McCreery, and local author Manuel Aragon’s stunning photos of Lakeside. Catie mentioned the power outages along Broadway.

Denver Food + Wine Fest ticket giveaway! If you are a member and you want a chance to win two free tickets to the Shake and Brake Showdown cocktail competition this weekend, fill out this form. We’re also giving away a pair of tickets to new members who join before Sept. 4. So if you want ad-free listening, a weekly members-only events newsletter, and the chance to win two tickets, become a member today!

What do you think about Englewood? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 30th episode:

Denver Health
PineMelon - Use promo code LABORDAY for $100 off your first delivery
“Colfax Crawl” with the Colfax Ave BID
All American Reptile and Plant Expo

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Crazy Fun Facts About Our Famous Chiles, Peaches, Melons, and Corn Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

It’s the most delicious time of year here in Colorado. The farmers markets are buzzing, the roadside chile stands are roasting, and the locally grown produce is overflowing from grocery store shelves all across the metro area. So we got our whole team together to do some research and swap crazy, fun facts about Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, Olathe sweet corn, and of course Pueblo chiles.

Olivia would like to let you know that there’s a big truckload sweet corn sale coming up on September 7 at Mile High Thrift.

Do you know any crazy fun facts about peaches, chiles, melons or corn? We’d love to hear them! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Recommended Reading

Paul learned about Pueblo chiles and Dr. Michael Bartolo from these articles by Colorado Country Life and History Colorado. Olivia discussed “professor corn,” the cornsilk earworm, the correct pronunciation of Olathe, and the economics of sweet corn. Peyton shared highlights from the history of Palisade peaches, and previewed the 2024 Palisade Peach Festival. Bree looked to the City of Rocky Ford for historical facts, and gleaned a lot of great info from the Rocky Ford Growers Association as well as a story in The Gazette by Teresa Farney.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 29th episode:

Denver Health

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Which Novels Tell Denver's Story Best? Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Which novels would you recommend to give someone an honest view of what Denver is really all about? Because this sure ain’t the dusty cowtown of Louis L’Amour’s dime store Westerns, and it’s not just a way point for another adventure in the wilderness either. One of Denver’s most acclaimed novelists, Peter Heller, has a new book out this month, and he recently wrote a “literary road guide” to Denver for The New York Times, featuring a wide range of novels about our city. So we brought him back on the show to talk through his list and give us a preview of his new book “Burn.”

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

What are your favorite books about Denver? We want your help putting together the definitive literary guide to the Mile High. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode:

Denver Health

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

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