Underscoring the University of Denver’s impact on the Mile High City, Westword’s 2012 Best of Denver Awards, which were announced Wednesday, boast multiple DU connections.
The award for Best Annual Festival went to the Denver County Fair, co-created by alumna Dana Cain (BA ’81). Returning Aug. 10–12 at the National Western complex, the event puts a hipster spin on the traditional county fair, mixing such staples as animal exhibitions and pie-baking contests with a bicycle rodeo and a drag-queen competition.
Awarding it Best Snapshot of an Art Scene, Westword gave high praise to the Faculty Triennial art show that ran this spring in the Myhren Gallery on campus and featured the work of faculty members, adjuncts and other affiliated artists.
In the world of sports, Westword named hockey coach George Gwozdecky Best College Coach, adding that “although they exited after the first round, DU has won two national titles with Gwozdecky at the helm, and this year he juggled three capable goalies, each of whom started at least 10 games.”
Restaurants owned by DU alums also scored big in the Best of Denver: Frank Bonnano (BSBA ’90) nabbed Best Manhattan for the cocktail served at his Larimer Square speakeasy, Green Russell; Best Hip Noodle Bar for his restaurant Bones; and Best Specialty Pizza for the pies served at Osteria Marco.
Barolo Grill, owned by Blair Taylor (BSBA ’74), got the Best Return to Glory award for a recent remodel and an updated menu.
The Denver Bicycle Café, co-owned by Jessica Caouette (BSBA ’10) was named Best New Coffeehouse for its innovative combination of a coffeehouse, a bar and a bike repair shop.
And the Bull & Bush Pub & Brewery, founded in 1971 by Dale Peterson (BSBA ’61) and his twin brother, Dean, took home two awards: Best New Beer Idea, for its Whole Hop Infusions; and Best Sports Bar for Watching Games due to its dim atmosphere and 20 flat-screen TVs.
Did we miss any DU connections in the Best of Denver? Let us know in the comments below.