entertainment/lifestyle

Another longtime Denver-area restaurant, this one in Englewood, is closing. The beloved Mexican food spot, El Tepehuan, plans to shutter on Dec. 31 as its owner, Graciela Corral, retires, according to an announcement shared by her son, Miguel Corral. The restaurant, endearingly called El Tep by locals, dates back to 1978 when immigrant Jose David Corral of Sinaloa, Mexico, used his hard-earned money to “achieve his dream to open his own business,” according to the restaurant’s website. He named it El Tepehuan as an homage…

Tom’s Starlight, a midcentury-style cocktail lounge that inhabits a former diner on Colfax Avenue, has closed barely a year after opening. Co-owner Tom Messina confirmed the closure via text Monday, stating that the space, which is a historic landmark, is still available for lease. Tom’s Starlight was listed for lease earlier this month. “We hope someone will come in and do right by the space. GBX, my partners and me are very proud of what we’ve done in preserving the building,” Messina said by text. “After 45 years in…

Need help with your holiday gift list? The big stuff is all on you, but we’ve got a few ideas for stocking stuffers, and many of them are local. You’re welcome. Oso Rojo Hot Sauce Grab a three-pack of delicious hot sauces from Denver’s Oso Rojo Hot Sauce, which you can build to your tastes from a selection of a six total. We recommend the Habanero Jellyfish, Habanero Mustard and Orange Ginger. $21 per three-pack. osorojohotsauce.com/s/order — Lily O’Neill (B Fresh Gear) B Fresh Gear Some of the freshest gear in Colorado…

Joyride Brewing, which has anchored the corner of 25th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard for the past ten years, said Friday that plans to file for bankruptcy protection. Brewery co-founder Dave Bergen said in a video on Facebook that he is making a very public announcement as a way to remain open and honest with customers. “Joyride will be filing for Chapter 11 reorganization due to suspected financial malfeasance from a former manager,” Joyride said in its statement. “This filing has nothing to do with Joyride’s ability to…

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spangalang Brewery was struggling. A tiny beer maker located in the former DMV office in Five Points Plaza, Spangalang had opened in 2015 and become a favorite for locals, but not the kind of regional draw that drives huge growth. So when brewery owners Darren Boyd and Taylor Rees got a major investment offer from their landlord, the Flyfisher Group, they planned to accept. Flyfisher, which owns or operates several properties and businesses in the neighborhood, would take a 40% share,…

Venerable cocktail bar Death & Co. , which started in New York City before expanding to Los Angeles, Denver and Washington, D.C., has earned a reputation for its artfully crafted drinks that honor the history of bartending while infusing originality into recipes. And soon, local fans of the brand will be able to try a new concept from its ownership group, Gin & Luck — if they’re willing to drive to a scenic Colorado mountain town. The MOLLIE Aspen, a new boutique hotel slated to open in mid-December, tapped Gin…

Dale Katechis is no stranger to turning his hobbies into businesses. The founder of Oskar Blues Brewery – and namesake of Dale’s Pale Ale – was already a restaurateur when he decided in 2002 to turn one of his favorite pastimes, homebrewing, into part of his business. The decision worked out, to put it mildly. Oskar Blues grew quickly, acquiring other beer makers and eventually becoming one of the largest craft brewers in the country, with production facilities in three states. Monster Energy bought the company in 2022.…

Holiday celebrations are fast approaching, which means you might be on a time crunch to purchase gifts for everyone on your list. Don’t fret: The Denver region is home to many holiday markets that include festive fun so shoppers can simultaneously knock out their to-do lists, get in the giving spirit and sip some spirits. Here are six seasonal shopping opportunities not to miss. Mile High Holiday Mart Dates: Nov. 10-12Location: Gates Field House at the University of Denver, 2201 E. Asbury Ave., Denver The Junior League of…