Column & Photos by

J. L. Schultheis Price

 

Openings

         Phat Thai has landed in Cherry Creek North (CCN) at 2900 E. 2nd at Fillmore. This is a cousin to the Carbondale eatery of the same name.

         Owner Mark Fischer had originally planned to open in October. That changed to November-ish and the end result was a Dec. 21 opening.

         The Denver location sticks pretty close to the original concept that has worked so well in the mountains, but adds lunch to the plan. Fischer describes it as “Where ‘hole-in-the-wall noodle joint’ meets casual neighborhood restaurant and lounge meets something a little more sophisticated.”

         “The decor is an urban design of reclaimed woods, including beetle-kill pine, architectural metals and glass walls that define the space for a menu inspired by our travels to Southeast Asia,” Fischer said.

         The address had originally housed the long-gone Wolfgang Puck, then Paradise Bakery & Cafe.

         “(The space) kind of found us. We were approached probably four years ago about assuming the lease,” said Fischer.

 

‘PHAT THAI’ OFFERS A VARIETY atmospheres & cuisines at 2nd & Fillmore, with a spacious bar, counter seating, an upstairs dining room & cozy booths.
 

         His venture into Thai cuisine began with a phone call from his wife years ago, surprising him with the news that she’d bought the assets and lease of a struggling Carbondale restaurant.

         “I happened to be reading a Thai cookbook at the time. It’s been remarkably successful,” said Fischer, who still cooks there once or twice a week “for fun.”

         The CCN location seats 180 with two levels for dining, a spacious center bar, intimate booths and a huge eating bar that overlooks the open kitchen. In summer there will be a patio too, overlooking the renovated Fillmore Plaza.

         The name Phat was just for fun, I’m told. Many dishes are served family style for sharing.

         “It’s really good social food in the sense that most dishes can be shared,” he said.

         Green curry, drunken noodles with seafood and garlic, and cilantro steamed crab are a few of the menu specials. All curry pastes are made in-house.

         “I’d like to think we focus first on hospitality. Our approach to Thai food is trying to be as authentic as possible,” he said.

         The number’s 303-388-7428 and phatthaidenver.com is their web address. Hours are seven days a week from 11 am until folks don’t seem hungry anymore.

         For months I’ve been debating with my friends about the new business slated for 3000 E. 3rd at Milwaukee in CCN. The banner simply said “Sugarlicious coming soon.” Was it a candy store or a place for sweet fashion?

         The answer is now in. Sugarlicious is all about all things edible, with a bunch of gift items thrown into the mix.

 

A TOP DRAW AT ‘SUGARLICIOUS,’ 3000 E. 3rd at Milwaukee, is its 250 bins for bulk candy, one or more of which is certain to hit your sweet spot.
 

         Owner Jill Landman Alfond said, “I’ve been wanting to open a candy store for about 30 years.”

         Honestly, Alfond doesn’t look much older than 30, so we can assume it’s been a life-long aspiration. While she checked numerous locations, this was the first she visited and the one she chose.

         There are 250 bins for bulk candy. Wow! Another unique feature is a wide selection of Swedish candy. Alfond says that someone comes in almost daily seeking authentic Swedish sweets.

         This is the place for the Pez lover in your life, and for old-time SkyBars and wax candy bottles.          Gifts include gummy bear boxers, chutney, beer bread mix and a number of other great hostess gifts or presents for your favorite candy fan. Many are from Colorado makers.

         In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, Sugarlicious can also host your special event, or craft custom wedding or party favors.

         “If there’s a candy we don’t have, we’ll get it in,” Alfond promised.

         Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am-7 pm and Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Sugarlicious
candy.com is the website and 303-388-8650 is the number.

         Jeona is the name for a new women’s clothing store right next to Sugarlicious. It’s the brainchild of Jeona Lee, who once worked as a jewelry designer for Saks Fifth Avenue in CCN.

         “When Saks closed, I decided to do my own store. It’s half jewelry and half clothing. Most of the jewelry is handmade,” said Lee, who describes her offerings as “edgy, fine, unique things that appeal to people looking for something different.”

         There’s a wide range of prices and an effort to cater to all ages. Jewelry items start under $20, but there’s high-end stuff too. Most days, you’ll find Lee behind the counter crafting her next unique jewelry design.

 

THE UNUSUAL WARES AT ‘JEONA,’ 3rd & Milwaukee, offer a blend of unique fashions & handcrafted jewels designed by owner Jeona Lee, a former jewelry designer for Saks Fifth Avenue.
 

         “A lot of people have said ‘This is really unique.’ That was my goal,” she said.

         The web address is short and sweet: jeona.com (under construction as of deadline). Hours are Monday through Saturday 11 am-5 pm. The number is 303-306-8839.

         Cuppy Cakes of Cherry Creek is now open at 2615 E. 3rd at Elizabeth. Therese Yaqoob is delighted to be working on her own venture, but she’s no stranger to CCN. She has helped her husband run Design Textures on Clayton for many years. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about this new jewel box of a business.

         “If I’m still working I want to feel good about what I’m doing,” she said. “Good energy, good surroundings. (This place) just makes you feel good.”

         “The original cupcakes were from England. They were called Fairy Cakes,” said Yaqoob. Her approach is small-scale. No huge globs of icing, with realistic sizes I could finish in one sitting.

         All cakes run $2.85. Yaqoob hopes that will appeal to parents from the nearby Bromwell Elementary school and patrons of Cherry Creek Dance next door.

 

THE VINTAGE BUILDING THAT HOUSES ‘CUPPY CAKES OF CHERRY CREEK,’ 2615 E. 3rd at Elizabeth, is as dainty & charming as the delicate cakes to be sampled inside.
 

         There is a wide array of gift items to appeal to cupcake addicts too, including cupcake ornaments and other housewares. In addition to cakes, the shop will serve hot herbal teas and tea sandwiches. The number’s 303-955-5127.

         Act II Consignment is now open on the southwest corner of Colfax & Lafayette. The street address is 1244 E. Colfax.

         Owner Gail Kincade said, “I’ve had a store in Littleton (for four years) and when it came time for a second store I fell in love with this area. I would consider usan ‘urban chic’ type store. Fun clothes for fun girls. We carry women’s clothing, purses, shoes, jewelry, accessories and home decor items.”

         In trying economic times Kincade believes shoppers need venues where they can “ have fun again.” She’s hired local staff familiar with the Hill to make this expansion work well and work fast.

         If you’re a seller instead of a buyer, consignments are considered without an appointment, but items should be washed, pressed and on hangers. I’m told Kincade is known for her $2 sale rack, too.

         Consigned items get eight weeks in the store to sell and then may be picked up or donated to a number of Colfax charities.

         The web address is myact2.com and the number’s 303-832-0783. Store Hours are seven days a week 11 am-7 pm.

         Congress Park has a new real estate office at 2625 E. 12th at Elizabeth. The building recently housed Assist-2-Sell realty and is once again being leased after a liquor store application could not get the nod. It’s a move from the 8th & Albion area for Showcase Properties Unlimited. Gordon Christensen is the owner and managing broker.

         “We actually relocated because the opportunity to own this building came up. This location just has a ton of walking traffic,” he said.

 

ACT II CONSIGNMENTS KEEPS THE CONCEPT of recycled clothing alive on the Hill at 1244 E. Colfax at Lafayette, offering ‘urban chic’ styles & ‘fun clothes for fun girls.’

 

         The number is 303-399-5777 and spurealty.com is their web address.

         Susie’s Organic Skin Care is now operating at 250 Steele above Continental Deli. Owner Susie Ardabili is a 20-year veteran aesthetician and she’s lending her name to the business and her expertise to a team of “holistic beautifiers.”

         The focus is on natural, chemical-free treatments. One signature facial called “C the Difference” is built on a concoction of antioxidant-rich vitamin C. The use of ultrasound in combination helps fight the daily damage skin endures.

         The operation also offers special treatments for dull complexions prone to breakouts, a triple-peel facial and more.

         Susieorganicskincare.com is the web address and 720-287-4243 is the phone number. The shop also sells a line of mineral-based makeup.

         Thrive Counseling, a counseling center located next to Alamo Placita Park, 825 E. Speer near Emerson (Suite 203), opened for business in November. Services include individual psychotherapy, free initial consultations, and various workshops for the community.

         “I’ve been in practicing psychotherapy for a number of years,” said founder Erin Fleischer, LCSW. “I’m excited to open this new office to serve clients in the area.”

         Thrive has a special interest in helping people struggling with anxiety, eating issues, and those who have suffered trauma in their lives.

         “It’s important to find a therapist who has experience with the issue you want help with. That’s why I say right on my website what my specialties are, and how I go about helping with these issues,” said Fleischer.

         The firm offers a free initial consultation to see if there’s a good fit between client and therapist. Some services are offered on a sliding scale. The web address is thrivecounselingdenver.com and the number is 720-295-7801.

         Beaming White Teeth Whitening has opened at 535 16th near Glenarm. The owners are familiar to Capitol Hill folk. Jeff Hammerberg was a realtor in the area for years and Merlin Parker once operated a vintage furniture store on 19th.

         Located across from the new H&M clothing store on the mall, Beaming White focuses on teeth whitening treatments of 15 minutes for $99.

 

‘SHOWCASE PROPERTIES UNLIMITED,’ 2625 E. 12th at Elizabeth, relocated to the Congress Park location because the block ‘has a ton of walking traffic.’
 

         “Eighty-five percent of people say a beautiful smile is the first thing they notice,” said Hammerberg. “We felt there was a niche for a new cosmetic teeth whitening concept outside of the dental office (that could offer) convenience with immediate results, without wearing trays for days, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional dentist.”

         Hammerberg said the results are dramatic, safe and affordable. You can learn more atdowntownteethwhitening.com or by calling 303-534-1988. Schedule an appointment or just walk in.

         The Clinic, which bills itself as Colorado’s premier medical marijuana center, has now opened a fourth location at 745 E. 6th at Washington.

         The venue was recently a plumbing store but most Hill residents will recall it as a former gas station. Thecliniccolorado.com is the dispensary’s web address.

 

What’s New?

         The unexpected death of Noel Cunningham, owner of Strings, 17th & Humboldt, in early December shocked both culinary and philanthropical circles, evidenced by the thousands who mourned his passing during services at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral. Word has it that Noel’s wife Tammy will keep the remarkable restaurant open. Noel’s heart, humor and generosity will be long remembered.

         It’s been “on again, off again” for Wild Catch, the new fish spot at 17th & Downing that opened in the fall.

         In mid-November the eatery abruptly shut after several key players quit the venture. Since then Daniel Kulhman, who operated Tastes Wine Bar in the same space before helping to launch Catch, has taken the reins once more and is reworking the concept.

         Catch remains open during the transition, but expect a name change later this month. The number for the eatery is still 720-382-2935. They’re currently open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday.

         Lots of folks make New Year’s resolutions, but not all are as intriguing and promising as those of Gary Sumihiro, owner of the recently opened Charcoal Restaurant in the Golden Triangle at 9th & Acoma.

         Sumihiro launched his eatery in late October and the past three months have been a whirlwind. Judging by the crowds, it’s been a successful one.

 

IN JUST THREE MONTHS CHARCOAL RESTAURANT, 9th & Acoma, has gathered a clientele enamored of the unique dishes crafted by executive chef Patrik Landberg, left.

 

         Swedes from all over the world seem to be finding his door. Avalanche star Peter Forsberg held his retirement party here, this is where the Swedish Chamber of Commerce holds events, and the occasional Nobel Laureate has been seen crossing the threshold, too. Not bad for three months in business.

         Here’s what Sumihiro has in mind for 2012: more events to include major wineries, scotch-, beer- or tequila-focused dinners, and the official start of Ladies Monday, when gals get a complimentary chef’s choice small plate.

         “We also will do more ‘Tasting Tuesdays’ when we will offer a fixed-price weekly chef’s selection of gourmet dishes,” he said.

         I’m told the price for that spread will probably be around $25 per person. To date, that’s the top of the Charcoal price structure and a welcome treat for diners.

         “We have (already) had a number of very successful wine pairings, including the most recent evening with Ben Parsons of Infinite Monkey,” said Sumihiro.

         Other plans call for starting their own garden to grow key ingredients, and the start of mind-dining.com, which will offer free lectures on a wide range of topics.

         Charcoaldining.com is their web address. The number’s 303-454-0000. Charcoal serves lunch during the week 11 am-2 pm. Dinner is served seven days a week beginning at 5 pm. Weekends, there’s brunch too.

         Jil Cappucio One-of-A-Kinds, Limited Lines on Ogden near Colfax is relocating to 18 S. Broadway.

         The biz is getting a new moniker too: Sewn. Cappucio has a passion for sewing and designing her own goods. She’s also taking on a partner, Kirsten of Pearl Clothing.

         The new phone number when available will be displayed at sewndenver.com. Hours are tentatively slated to be 11 am-6 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Look for them to be open toward the end of this month.

         “Foot traffic here has never been gangbuster. With real business hours and a partner, we’re going to be adding furniture. Space was at a premium here for carrying that,” Cappucio explained.

         The company’s new home is in the old Fancy Tiger space. Fancy Tiger and its sister store are moving into the old Woolworth’s/JC Penney store on south Broadway along with Buffalo Exchange.

         Design Textures is moving from its latest location near 2nd & Clayton. At press time, the owners didn’t know exactly where they would land, but several CCN locations are under consideration. Details next month.

         Salon Tres Chi has relocated from their spot near 3rd & Columbine to the 200 block of Steele in the former Raoul Salon spot.

         The shop’s number is 303-388-8580. Hours are weekdays 10 am-8 pm and Saturday 9 am-5 pm.Salontreschi.com is the web address for a complete list of salon services.

         Vine Street Pub at 17 & Vine has been creating a new facility to allow brewing on-site. Look for that to be operational sometime early this year. It’s part of the Mountain Sun brew family.

The pub’s number is 303-388-2337 and hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11 am-1 am and Mondays 4 pm-1 am.

         A lot has changed atThe Vineyard wine shop in CCN. Owner Clif Louis has orchestrated a major renovation of the business that has been located at 261 Fillmore since 1971.

         “We look like a different store when you come in the front now,” said Louis. “It was mostly internal, but very obviously changed.”

         September marked the Vineyard’s 40th year in business. Louis bought the operation from Robie Wilson when Louis was about 28 years old. Wilson died several months ago at the age of 95.

 

SCOOTER LIQUORS AT COLFAX & PARK recently saw a change in ownership, but the little yellow scooter on its marquis sign is still the company image after 30+ years of business.

 

         The wine shop has done both interior and exterior renovations and is planning a Grand Re-Opening gala for sometime this month, but at deadline the date had not yet been set. Call 303-355-8324 or see vineyardwineshop.com for the scoop.

         Hours are 9:30 am-6 pm Monday to Saturday and 10:30 am-4 pm Sunday.

         L’AsieFusion Bistro at 603 E. 6th at Pearl is under new management. So far that is the only detail I’ve been able to confirm.

         While the website indicates the eatery closed in early October, what’s really underway is a change of ownership and name. The place is still open. I hear the menu will stay the same but I’ve had trouble pinning down the details.

         A new name is also reportedly in the works, possibly Odyssey Asian Bistro & Sushi. The number is 303-318-0102 and lasiedenver.com is the current web address. More details in February.

         The Denver Tea Room has expanded into a second area within the Holiday Chalet at 1820 E. Colfax at High. This new space seats an additional 12 tea fans.

         The tea room has been quite popular but owner Margo Seymour has had limited seating to offer customers.

         Service is available Tuesday to Saturday 11 am-5 pm and Sunday 11 am-4 pm. Reservations are required. Call 303-550-4377 or reserve online at thedenvertearoom.com. The website also offers a tour of the tea shop’s gift and personal indulgence items.

         November 20 marked the first anniversary for X Bar at 629 E. Colfax at Pearl. X is one of Denver’s newest alternative lifestyle bars.

         Owners Steven Alix and Jorge Pesqueira have spent their first year trying to bring a new, fresh feel to the Denver nightclub scene by utilizing creative theme nights and some great prices.

         Local artists play a featured role here. X Bar also offers cozy seating areas for intimate conversations and a dance floor that I keep hearing folks talk up.

         Weekend brunch is a special time at X. Call 303-832-2687 or visit xbardenver.com for details about each weekend’s entertainment and food delights.

         Tom’s Diner at the corner of Colfax & Pearl just erected a big, bright new sign out front. It’s tall and nice, a real eye-catcher and a welcome splash of color at the intersection.

         My how that corner has changed in the past decade. The number for Tom’s is 303-861-7493.

         Scooter Liquors at Colfax & Park/Franklin has changed owners. In mid-December Miae Son and her husband Scott took over the business.

         Scooter’s was first launched in 1981 by Stu and Virginia MacPhail. Once upon a time, they were the owners of LIFE, too.

         Stu first tried to sell scooters from the address. He was way ahead of the curve with that concept. Eventually that brainstorm folded and the venue became a liquor store. Only a solitary scooter remains perched high atop the business’ main sign as testament to the origins of the business’ name.

         Scooter’s exact address is 1515 E. Colfax and the number’s 303-830-1406.

 

Closings

         Tokyo San Bowl in the 700 block of Colorado is closing. The owners of India Express next door bought it many months ago and are planning to open a new pizza place.

         Lauren Diamonds at 1320 E. 17th at Humboldt has closed after roughly a year at the location. The building was sold. They are still operating at 8535 W. Colfax near Wadsworth. Their number is 303-623-7977 and diamondsofdenver.com is their website.

         The sleek Italian kitchen design operation called Pedini at 2930 E. 6th has closed. It’s relocating to Kitchens at the Denver on Kalamath. The number remains 303-302-0013. Pediniusa.com shows the depth of the kitchen styles offered.

         The company is owned by Thurston’s next door. Thurston’s wants LIFE readers to know they’re not going anywhere!

 

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