Denver Life Magazine – March 2026 – Denver Life Magazine

Classic bones, playful twists, and plenty of reasons for another round. Italian-American classics, reworked with confidence, crisp edges, and real-deal dough. $ JOHNNY BECHAMEL’S | 81 S. Pennsylvania St. | johnnybechamels.com enver has many talents. We had the green chile and the IPA loyalty, but when it came to truly crave-worthy pizza, expectations were modest. That began to change when Mamas & Papas Hospitality Group showed up with Redeemer Pizza and Little Johnny B’s, proving that this city was ready to take dough seriously.

Their latest, Johnny Bechamel’s, feels like the moment they decided to lean all the way in. If you’ve ever said “let’s keep it casual” and meant the opposite, this is your place. It works just as well for a week- night pizza as it does a celebratory dinner.

The room is lively and communal. A corner booth feels pulled from an old Italian-American supper club, while mismatched plates and an antique hutch give grandma vibes. “We wanted people to feel like they just had dinner at a friend’s house, if that friend happened to be an incredible cook with great taste in wine,” says Lulu Chair, Mamas & Papas’ director of operations.

“All of these little touches add warmth and character. And that directly influences how we think about the food,” adds chef Spencer White. “We want the dishes to have that same energy. Comforting, nostalgic, but with a sense of fun and personality.” Italian and Italian-American classics anchor the menu. Béchamel, of course, plays a starring role.

“It’s one of the French mother sauces,” Spencer says. “It’s rich and silky and it brings everything together.” You’ll find it in the lasagnette, a reinvention of lasagna where sheets of fresh pasta are baked until crisp and golden. “It’s a fun riff on something everyone knows and loves,” he adds. That’s the story. “Honoring technique and tradition, but giving ourselves permission to play,” Spencer explains. The pappardelle transforms chicken cacciatore into handmade pasta with a rich, comforting ragù that’s familiar and re- fined.

The chicken meatballs nod to classic comfort before veering off-script with lemony broth, dill oil, and pickled celery, while the pizzas deliver the same confidence across the board. “We want every bite to make you feel comfort- ed, but curious,” he adds. “Like you recognize it, but it still surprises you.” That balance carries into the way the restaurant fits into daily life.

Anthony Kiendl is the Mu- seum of Contemporary Art Denver’s new art director. page 40 INSIDE THE ORIGINALS My Brother’s Bar pours 150 years of downtown Denver’s history. page 92 CHARACTER LIVES HERE KTHOM galerie curates soulful, patina-filled pieces rooted in intentional living. Reasons We Love It Here For the state’s sesquicentennial, we’ve expanded our annual Best Places list into a love letter for the state we’re proud to call home.

CALLING HOME Best of real estate. page 75 A southern land company community PRICES & FEATURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. OFFER VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. BROKER COOPERATION WELCOMED. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Welcome to the Front Porch of the Front Range. DISCOVER DENVER’S COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR PREMIER HOMEBUILDERS | INSPIRING AMENITIES | FUTURE TOWN CENTER New Homes, Townhomes & Villas from the $500s to $1.5 Million | WesterlyColorado.com This is an exciting time to discover Westerly, Denver’s Community of the Year, where thoughtful design and curated lifestyle events create the backdrop for real connection.

Here, mountain views frame tree-lined streets, open parks, and welcoming gathering places. Architectural excellence meets everyday life, turning beautiful houses into cherished homes and neighbors into lifelong friends. Imagine front porch conversations on summer evenings and social gatherings on Saturday mornings. A place where inspired amenities and genuine community spirit come together naturally. This is Westerly—honoring the Front Range life you want to live. 4 denverlifemagazine.com | MARCH 2026 03.26 feature ON THE COVER: 150 reasons why we love it here.

Photo Illustration by Jeff Nelson 53 ANNUAL BEST PLACES To celebrate the state’s sesquicentennial, 150 reasons why we love calling Colorado home. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JONATHAN PHILLIPS High above Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp off ers an exclusive retreat surrounded by stunning vistas and fresh mountain air. Whether taking the time to reconnect with a partner or yourself, every moment allows the opportunity to slow down and savor nature’s peace. Experience an unrivaled, all-inclusive getaway that includes luxurious accommodations, seamless transportation, gourmet meals, unlimited beverages, exciting daily activities, and exclusive amenities—at one exceptional rate.

Whenever you stay, time spent at Cloud Camp will inspire lasting memories that linger long after you return to the world below. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR WILDERNESS GETAWAY, VISIT BROADMOOR.COM OR CALL 855.477.4285. A Peak All-Inclusive Retreat Where Adventure Awaits THE SKY’S THE LIMIT CLOUD CAMP AT THE BROADMOOR 8 denverlifemagazine.com | MARCH 2026 departments contents 03.26 14 EDITOR’S NOTE 19 CLICK!

22 CALENDAR 104 FROM THE ARCHIVE PHOTOGRAPHY: ON THE JOB, KATE ROLSTON; HOME, LISA ROMEREIN; DINING OUT, CONNOR STEHR; MOTION, MERCEDES living p. 25 26 ON THE JOB Welcoming Anthony Kiendl as the Museum of Contem- porary Art Denver’s new art director. 28 GIVING Lucky Bikes Re-Cyclery builds confidence, one ride at a time.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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