Hush Pop-Up Dinners; Boulder's Best Mixologist

DENVER— USA Today notes that pop-up dinners are hot, especially in Denver. Hush Concepts founder Phil Armstrong says it's all about showing Denver new food. "We wanted to give rising chefs a culinary playground, where they didn't have to cook within the parameters set by an executive chef. And we wanted to give the diners something totally non-traditional." [USAT]

BOULDER— Love a good bartender showdown? We sure do, especially when bartenders from Boulder restaurants like SALT, The Kitchen, Aji, RIFFS, Oak at Fourteenth, West End Tavern and Hapa are showing up. Boulder's Best Mixologist tickets are now on sale for the March 11 competition. You won't find official judges here because you, the attendee, will decide who makes the best cocktail. [DB]

PUEBLO— Mama Ianne’s Bistro and Prime Steak House and Mama’s Italian Kitchen recently opened at 2930 N. Elizabeth St. Owners say that there's more Mama's to come for Pueblo and Colorado Springs with planned expansions. [Pueblo Chieftain]