Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The Mayan Theater - Take in a Piece of Denver History and a Movie Too!



The Mayan Theater on South Broadway has been a Denver landmark for me as long as I can remember and it is probably one of the more sought out historical landmarks of the area.The timeless Mayan prince starring down on pedestrians, cars and even at one point, trolleys has seen a lot since 1930. The Mayan has been around 80+ years, but it's steadfastness wasn't always so secure as it is today. In 1984 the theatre had been declared a blight to the neighborhood and was slated to be torn down. Luckily a group called, 'Friends of the Mayan', petitioned to have the theatre saved and have it granted historical status. With close to 2 million in renovations the theater changed hands a few more times, eventually becoming part of the Landmark family of theaters. Which personally I am grateful for, due to The Landmark's carefully curated selection of films. The Mayan is one of a few theaters left in the country in the Art Deco Mayan Revival Style. The interior of the theater continues the theme.

The Mayan Theater only has three screens; one large one downstairs and two smaller theaters upstairs. The snack bar, in addition to popcorn and other movie snake fare, also has beer and wine that you can take into the theater. The programming at the Theater is almost exclusively independent and foreign titles. This is actually a great reason to visit, because you get to watch unique films in a one-of-a-kind theater.  http://www.landmarktheatres.com/denver/mayan-theatre/





http://www.landmarktheatres.com/denver/mayan-theatre/info

Sunday, November 23, 2014

For Love of Annie's Cafe - Denver Favorite


Hanging out in the lobby of Annie's Cafe,  I briefly wait for the hostess to say goodbye to a few regulars. I see a display case showing candy favorites from my childhood - Saltwater taffy, chocolate malt balls and gummy worms. The hostess has wrapped up with her customers and  is now leading me and my friends back to a wooden slat booth, reminiscent of a park bench (sounds uncomfortable, but really isn't). The decor is whimsical and retro with classic metal lunch boxes stringed across the restaurant and the TVs are playing The Wizard of OZ.
annies-logo

Sitting with the likes of Knight Rider and Pac Man, I can't help but wonder why more people don't know about the place. By people, I mean people that I know. Specifically, I was at The Bluebird Theater (a block away) and I mentioned that I wanted to go to Annie's, to a group of friends, for some green chili fries and they had no idea... this annoys me slightly, but only to the point I take my unsuspecting friend for an amazing spiked milkshake. I am a Denver native, but have only learned of this local treasure a couple of years ago and they have been in business since 1981. This amazes me because the service, food and atmosphere are great! Annie's is a diner, specializing in REALLY good comfort dishes and spins on the classics. For example, they have all the traditional omelettes, but then they also have a  Mac n' Cheese Omelette.

Originally drawn in by promises of pie, I have since discovered so much more than pie. Some of my favorites include:

  •  The House Green Chile - I like smothered on fries with cheese OR as a side with the house made chips. You can get the chips smothered, but I like them crunchy. 
  • The Hopscotch - Delicious on a cold day... it's hard to go wrong with hot chocolate and butterscotch schnapps.
  • Fried Pickes - Yummmmm!
  • Pie - Pick any one; they are all delicious. 
The Deal - Annie's Cafe and Bar has Happy Hour every day from 3-6 and has nightly food specials Wednesday - Sunday 

Annie's Cafe and Bar
3100 E. Colfax ave
303-355-8197
M-F 7am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am - 8pm 










Sunday, November 2, 2014

Lose Twice as Much Weight - Fitness Trackers Keep you on Track

I'm a big fan of information. The more informed that I have, the better able I am to make informed decisions. The same is true for diet and exercise. In fact if you are trying to lose weight, tracking what you eat can double the amount of weight that you lose. Kaiser put on a 20 week study of both men and women; 1,600+ participants. The entire group was on a reduced calorie diet, however some people tracked what they ate while others did not. The surprise result of the study was that the people who tracked what they ate lost twice as much as those who didn't keep track of what they ate. Read more about this study here.

Successful programs such as Weight Watchers are founded on the principle of tracking. The good news is that you don't need to join a program with monthly membership dues to take full advantage of  the benefits of tracking. Personally I have journaled, tracked points, and worn a pedometer, but my favorite trackers thus far have been the app plus wearable tracker combo. The major players in this category are Fitbit, Jawbone UP, and Nike Fuel. I have not used Fitbit or Fuel, but I can speak to the Jawbone UP.

The Jawbone Up system is the tracker system that I have been using the past two years. It does a lot of things, but the short version is that it has the ability to track both calories expended through activity, calories eaten, and your sleep cycle. My favorite feature is that you can set it to vibrate if you have been idle for certain periods of time. Also you can give it a window for when you want to wake up. Then when you are in a lighter sleep cycle it vibrates to wake you up.

Why am I posting this on The Denver Deal? Because I use my UP every day and I paid around $130 for mine. Browsing the deals today, I came accross the exact version that I use and it's on sale through Groupon for $49.99 ...what! The next lowest cost I could find for this is at Best Buy for $65.

Groupon - Jawbone $49.99 - $69.99


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Phish Fans - Free Live Streaming Event! 11/2/14 - 1up Colfax

Phish Fans - Free Live Streaming Viewing Party! 11/2/14

Phish will be playing the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on November 2nd. Can't make it to Vegas? Not to worry, 1 Up Colfax is having a FREE viewing party starting at 8:30pm, Sunday 11/2. The live stream event will be shown on 1up's big screen. Invite your Phish friends, play some games and have a good time! 

The 1up - Colfax
717 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO, 80203





  

Monday, October 13, 2014

Best Concert Bets 10/13 -10/19, Big Freedia, Lakes, Skrillex, Sondre Lerche, Love Inks, Bonobo, Covenhoven, and Delta Spirit

October Shows That you will Want to See 10/13 - 10/19


The music picks this week range from New Orleans 'bouncing' to Americana and a bunch of stuff in-between. Ticket prices for these events are from $8 and up.


Tuesday 14 October 2014


Big Freedia - $25+ 
Kitty Crimes 

Venue 
3117 E. Colfax Ave


Big Freedia

Wednesday 15 October 2014


Lakes - $8
Anthony Ruptak, and The Query 

Venue 
3602 E. Colfax


Lakes


Skrillex - $40+ 
Nadastorm, and Alesia

Venue
Balch Fieldhouse
CU Boulder

Purchase Event Tickets
Skrillex


Sondre Lerche - $21+

Venue 
3117 E. Colfax Ave



Sondre Lerche

Thursday 16 October 2014

Love Inks - $10 
Church Fire 

Venue 
3131 Walnut Room, 
Denver



Friday 17 October 2014

Bonobo (DJ set) - $23+ 
Jeremy Sole

Venue 
935 E. Colfax ave 

Purchase Event Tickets Bonobo


Covenhoven - $10 
Josh Dillard


Venue 
3131 Walnut Room, 
Denver

Purchase Tickets for Covenhoven
Covenhoven


Saturday 18 October 2014

Delta Spirit - $18
Sacco 

Venue 
1128 13th St 
Boulder

Delta Spirit



Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Hoodie Season is Here! 6 Fun Hoodies

We are now reaching a point in fall, where layers are pretty much required. I have a thing for well designed t-shirts that carries over well to hoodies. I have been browsing and thought I would share a few sweatshirts that I am thinking about getting myself. I have included both national and local designs... Any votes?

Threadless Hoodie - I Met a Robot - $49


Threadless Hoodie - Across The Street - $24.95

Threadless | Tees, hoodies, and more designed by amazing artists from all over the world.

Alternate Decision Clothing - $50

http://alternatedecision.storenvy.com/collections/49866-all-products/products/1089683-a-d-colorado-hoodie

6 Dollar Shirts.com - Adventure Time Lord 1977 - $18.95
Adventure Time Lord 1977 Hoodie
http://6dollarshirts.com/t-shirts/Adventure-Time-Lord-1977-Hoodie-p-12306.html 

Funny T-Shirts Only $6 You will never find another deal like this. Any 10 for only $50!

Etsy - High Low Dress Hoodie - $99
Dress / High Low Dress / Low High Dress / Hoodies for Women /Hoodies  / Grey Dress / Lace Up Dress / Casual Dresses
https://www.etsy.com/listing/156772726/dress-high-low-dress-low-high-dress?ref=br_feed_9&br_feed_tlp=women 

Etsy - Colorado BEERfection - $41.99

Colorado BEERfection! Show your love for beer and Colorado with a rad HOODIE! "Beer Was Invented in the Old World but Perfected in Colorado"

https://www.etsy.com/listing/196786078/colorado-beerfection-show-your-love-for?ref=br_feed_51&br_feed_tlp=women


Monday, October 6, 2014

October Shows You Won't Want to Miss! 10/6 -10/12 of Montreal, Josh Ritter, Bishop Allen, and War on Drugs


Wednesday 08 October 2014

of Montreal

Venue

Bluebird Theater3317 E. Colfax Ave (at Adams)80206Denver, CO, US
  • Line up
  • of Montreal
  • Pillar Point
Of Montreal can be a little on the psychedelic side, but some of the more recent releases have been more accessible. I haven't seen of Montreal yet, but I hear that they put on a crazy show! Pillar Point has great beats and I can't wait to see them live.



http://www.axs.com/events/251231/of-montreal-tickets?aff=usaffsongkick 

of Montreal
Pillar Point

Thursday 09 October 2014

King Washington - $10 

King Washington

Venue

The Walnut Room - Walnut St.3131 Walnut St.80205Denver, CO, US

Line-up

  • King Washington
  • Anthony Ruptak & His Midnight Friends
  • Seth Evans




http://www.ticketfly.com/ King Washington


Friday 10 October 2014

The War On Drugs $20 -$59

Venue

Ogden Theatre935 East Colfax Avenue80218Denver, CO, US

Line-up

  • The War On Drugs
  • The Barr Brothers



The War on Drugs

Friday 10 October 2014

Bishop Allen - $10

Venue

Hi-Dive7 South Broadway80223Denver, CO, US

Line-up

  • Bishop Allen
  • Trummors
  • The Jekylls

















Bishop Allen
Bishop Allen Tickets


Friday 10 October 2014

Horse Thief and Ages and Ages - $8

Venue

The Savoy at Curtis Park2700 Arapahoe80205Denver, CO, US

Line-up

  • Horse Thief
  • Ages and Ages
  • Poet's Row


















Horse Thief
Horse Thief Tickets

Saturday 11 October 2014

Josh Ritter - $62+

Paramount Theatre1621 Glenarm Place80202Denver, CO, US

Line-up

  • Josh Ritter
  • Brett Dennen





Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter Tickets


Saturday 11 October 2014

St. Lucia

Venue

Fox Theatre1135 13th Street80302Boulder, CO, US

Line-up

  • St. Lucia
  • ROSE QUARTZ


http://www.axs.com/events/252609/st-lucia-tickets?skin=gothictheatre
St. Lucia


Saturday 11 October 2014

Kissing Party - $8

Hi-Dive7 South Broadway80223Denver, CO, US

Line-up

  • Kissing Party


Kissing Party - King Graves Rd. from Lee on Vimeo.

http://www.ticketfly.com - Kissing Party

Kissing Party

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Alamo Movie Tickets - $5 Bucks!

Alamo Movie Tickets Over 50% Off!

I love the Alamo Drafthouse Movie Theater because they make going to the movies special again. Not only do you get to enjoy a movie, but so much more. The pre-show alone is enough for me to drive past two other movie theaters to get to this one. When I saw Guardians of the Galaxy, the pre-show featured obscure raccoon shorts, that pretty much made me want a pet raccoon... anyway the food is also really good too. Most items are made in-house including the hamburger buns. In addition to all this, you can also reserve your seats online before you ever leave your house. Soooo whenever I see I deal on Groupon for $5 dollar tickets, you better believe I stock up.   

$5 Alamo Movie Tickets at Groupon

Monday, September 29, 2014

Denver Day Trip #3 - Linger Brunch, Highland Farmers Market, and Confluence Park

The 15th and Platte neighborhood offers a number of treats for those perusing its streets. The lower Highlands area features local restaurants, shops, breweries, and parks... just to name a few of the of the attractions. I have put together an itinerary designed to be used on a Saturday, due to brunch and the Highlands Farmers Market, however several of the items could be done any day of the week.

Linger Brunch - 10 am 




Brunch at Linger is a terrific experience. Wide open windows on a cloud-dotted, sunny day allow a perfectly soft breeze to blow through the two floors of busily socializing customers. A delicious menu of inspired street-foods from around the world awaits you. Choose from items such as the 'Breakfast Dosa', an East-Indian crepe rolled around Western ingredients or the the not-too-heavy-or-sweet ‘Donut Holes’. The staff at Linger are knowledgeable about Linger’s offerings and professionally attentive. Who would have thought a meal so pleasant and dynamic would have come from what was a mortuary in a previous life?

As a side note, I'd like to say that it was an exceptional choice by the restaurant’s developers for keeping the references to the building being a former death house to a minimum. Kitsch can only take a customer’s experience so far and Linger, aside from the sign outside and a few stylishly clever winking nods, avoids that shallow trap.

Helpful Hints:
·         Try the food mentioned above if it is still available. It is amazing.
·         Linger has three levels of seating during temperate days; main dining room on the first floor, lounge on the second, and an open patio on the roof. If you are wanting a seat during busy times, like weekend brunch or dinner, a reservation might save you some hunger pangs.
·         If you are hanging out or on your way to the bathroom, take a look around. Linger is chocked full of interesting accents.
·         Right next door sits Little Man Ice Cream, so if you are feeling the need for the cold stuff, head over to what many in the Highlands consider the best in town.

Custom Water Karafs 
The second floor lounge at Linger on a bustling brunch 


Yummy Donut-Holes with Nutella Dipping Sauce







Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad







Breakfast Dosa 
Main Dining Room at Linger


Outside view of Linger and Little Man Ice Cream


































The Highland's Farmer's Market 11am

After brunch walk over to Boulder St, between 15th and 16th ave, for the Highland Farmers Market. The market takes place every Saturday May 31st - October 11th, 9am-1pm. In addition to amazing produce, you can find baked goods, chocolates, pickles, starter plants and much more. 
Busy Saturday at the Highland Farmers Market
Highland Farmer's Market Flyer
Golden Acre Farm at Highland Farmers Market

Confluence Park - 12pm 

What can I say, Confluence Park is a great park for people watching, tubing in the summer, public art and a segway lesson, if you so desire. The urban Confluence Park is located where the Platte River and Cherry Creek mirge. There are miles of paved trails sprinkled with walker, runners, and bikers that take you along either river. 

Park goers enjoying the sun and tubing across the Highland Bridge
Confluence Park 

Confluent People 
    
Hot dog stand along Platte River. REI in the backgr