Food for a cause…Tonight, July 26, Mao Asian Bistro hosts a charity dinner for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Order off the menu—from apps to entrées—and 20 percent of your food sale goes to support the foundation, the goal of which is to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Now that’s something to celebrate. For more information about the foundation, check out www.matthewshepard.org. 201 Columbine St., 303-377-5350.

Adding to the empire…Brothers BBQ opened another outpost at Kipling and Morrison Road in Lakewood. Now there are five spots to seek refuge in our favorite Brothers’ eats: the smoking good hot links and spicy baked beans. 2589A S. Lewis Way, Lakewood, 303-989-9595, brothers-bbq.com.

Sweet treat…A stroll down South Pearl Street isn’t complete without popping into the Gelato Spot for a scoop of chocolate (or hazlenut, dulce de leche, or passion fruit…). Local pastry chef John Hinman (formerly of LoLa) handmakes the gelato every day before opening the shop at 4 p.m. Get your favorite flavor to go or settle in on the garden patio. Coming soon: A pastry case showcasing Hinman and other local pastry chefs’ delectable creations. 1439 S. Pearl St., 720-934-5539.

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.