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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters John Frank and Alayna Alvarez.

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Axios Denver

The cost of Super Bowl party staples in Denver has been steadily rising for years, per the latest Consumer Price Index data, Axios' Kavya Beheraj and Alex Fitzpatrick report.

Why it matters: As Denverites gear up for Sunday's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs (who we're all rooting against, right?) and the Philadelphia Eagles, their bank accounts are about to get sacked.

Details: We zoomed in on a handful of food categories commonly found at Super Bowl parties.

By the numbers: Items falling under "meat, fish and eggs" rose 6%, while "fruits and veggies" categories jumped 11% year-over-year as of December 2022.

Alcoholic drinks were up 7%, and non-alcoholic drinks spiked by double that, at 14%.

Zoom out: Nationally, products classified as "meat, fish and eggs" and "fruits and veggies" were both up 8%. 

The big picture: This is another, more focused way to look at the broader grocery price inflation crisis — which, as Axios has previously reported, has left some families struggling to put enough food on the table.

The good news: Wingheads across the country can breathe a sigh of relief.

The price of whole chicken wings was $2.65 per pound nationally as of early January, down from $3.38 during last year's Super Bowl, per U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Super Bowl parties in Denver are getting pricier

As Denverites gear up for Sunday's matchup, their bank accounts are about to get sacked.

The cost of Super Bowl party staples in Denver has been steadily rising for years, per the latest Consumer Price Index data, Axios&#x27; Kavya Beheraj and Alex Fitzpatrick <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/09/super-bowl-parties-inflation-cost" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/09/super-bowl-parties-inflation-cost" target="_self">report</a>.Why it matters: As Denverites gear up for Sunday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matchup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/07/arizona-super-bowl-phoenix-glendale-1996-2008-2015" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/07/arizona-super-bowl-phoenix-glendale-1996-2008-2015" target="_self">matchup</a> between the Kansas City Chiefs (who we&#x27;re all rooting against, right?) and the Philadelphia Eagles, their bank accounts are about to get sacked.

News

Business

Axios Denver, anchored by John Frank and Alayna Alvarez, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Here is a list of events happening around the area this weekend:

🍫 The Molly Brown Museum is hosting Chocolate, Cocktails and Corsets today for guests ages 21 and up. Meet new people and enjoy sweet treats and strong drinks. Tickets: $25.

🎭 "Hotter than Egypt" — a "dramedy" about a middle-aged American couple who travel to Egypt and put their relationship to the test — debuts at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Friday. The play runs through March 12. Tickets start at $25.

🛻 Monster Jam rolls through Ball Arena this Friday through Sunday for its annual massive truck extravaganza, including top competitors like El Toro Loco and Velociraptor. Tickets start at $23.

🤠 Head over to CSU Spur this Saturday for "2nd Saturdays," which offers free, family-friendly fun for visitors including hands-on activities, virtual reality experiences, art installations, up-close animal viewings and local food trucks.

👰 Brides and grooms are invited to the Denver Bridal & Wedding Expo on Sunday at the National Western Complex, featuring a fashion show and onsite wedding professionals to help you plan the big day. Tickets are free; registration required.

5 things to do this weekend in Denver | Feb. 9-12

Here a handful of events you won't want to miss this weekend.

Monster Jam at the LoanDepot Park in Miami. Photo: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

Here is a list of events happening around the area this weekend:🍫 The Molly Brown Museum is hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chocolate, Cocktails and Corsets" data-vars-click-url="https://historicdenver.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/historicdenver/eventRegistration.jsp?event=10345" data-vars-content-id="325fef4b-f11c-4360-9a40-2c19c2338772" data-vars-headline="5 things to do this weekend in Denver | Feb. 9-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicdenver.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/historicdenver/eventRegistration.jsp?event=10345" target="_blank">Chocolate, Cocktails and Corsets</a> today for guests ages 21 and up. Meet new people and enjoy sweet treats and strong drinks. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets: $25" data-vars-click-url="https://historicdenver.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/historicdenver/eventRegistration.jsp?event=10345" data-vars-content-id="325fef4b-f11c-4360-9a40-2c19c2338772" data-vars-headline="5 things to do this weekend in Denver | Feb. 9-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicdenver.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/historicdenver/eventRegistration.jsp?event=10345" target="_blank">Tickets: $25</a>.

Things to Do

If you thought Denver's January temperatures felt unusually frigid, you were right.

What's happening: Meteorologists say a recent series of Pacific storm systems and Arctic blasts moving across the state brought heavier snow and bitterly cold temperatures.

By the numbers: The average Denver temperature last month was 25°F, 6.5°F below normal, according to new data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

And so much for dry January — last month was the eighth-wettest one in Denver history, with 1.25 inches of precipitation, per a report released Friday from the National Weather Service.

It also marked the third consecutive month with below-normal temperatures and above-normal snowfall.

Of note: Of the 26 cities where Axios obtained NOAA data, Denver and Phoenix were the only two in which average temperatures dropped below the 30-year baseline between 1991 and 2020.

Yes, but: Historically speaking, January's weather was mostly a fluke.

The big picture, via Axios' Andrew Freedman: With human-caused climate change, winters are warming faster than summers in much of the U.S., including Colorado.

The Centennial State has grown "substantially" warmer in the last three decades, and even more when looking at the last 50 years, according to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

🥶 1 fun fact to go: The coldest January on record in Denver was in 1930, when the average temperature was 16.8°F.

Denver records coldest, wettest January in years

The average Denver temperature last month was 25°F, 6.5°F below normal, according to new NOAA data.

If you thought Denver&#x27;s January temperatures felt unusually frigid, you were right.What&#x27;s happening: Meteorologists say a recent series of Pacific storm systems and Arctic blasts moving across the state brought heavier snow and bitterly cold temperatures.

I want to tell you about the coolest thing I've done so far this year.

Details: The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, about 20 minutes north of Denver, offers "Rainforest Yoga" classes most Saturday mornings. You're surrounded by exotic plants and beautiful butterflies.

The Wings of the Tropics conservatory houses roughly 1,800 butterflies representing 80 different species, spokesperson Jennifer Quermann tells Axios Denver.

Fun fact: Butterflies love sweat — so be prepared for them to land on you.

The yoga instructors are well-trained to assist any winged friends who linger a little too long, which inevitably results in giggles throughout the 30-person class. It's all really fun.

Of note: Keep an ear out for a sweet melody from Larry, a Eurasian collared dove who has lived in the conservatory for over two decades.

He eats seeds — not butterflies — "so he's a good friend to all our rainforest critters," Quermann says.

My thought bubble: As a nature lover, the whole experience was magical and honestly made me a little teary. I can't wait to go back.

Be smart: The one-hour class runs from 8-9am and is $10 for non-Pavilion members. Yogis of all skill levels are welcome, and pre-registration for classes is required.

Practice yoga with butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion

Surround yourself with exotic plants and beautiful butterflies during this nature-centric experience.

Photo: Courtesy of the Butterfly Pavilion 

I want to tell you about the coolest thing I&#x27;ve done so far this year.Details: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Butterfly Pavilion" data-vars-click-url="https://butterflies.org/" data-vars-content-id="46136c04-2c2e-40bc-9b97-994a96dd2813" data-vars-headline="Practice yoga with butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://butterflies.org/" target="_blank">Butterfly Pavilion</a> in Westminster, about 20 minutes north of Denver, offers &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rainforest Yoga" data-vars-click-url="https://butterflies.org/event/rainforest-yoga/" data-vars-content-id="46136c04-2c2e-40bc-9b97-994a96dd2813" data-vars-headline="Practice yoga with butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://butterflies.org/event/rainforest-yoga/" target="_blank">Rainforest Yoga</a>&quot; classes most Saturday mornings. You&#x27;re surrounded by exotic plants and beautiful butterflies.<ul><li>The Wings of the Tropics conservatory houses roughly 1,800 butterflies representing 80 different species, spokesperson Jennifer Quermann tells Axios Denver.</li></ul>

At a time when Denver's dining scene is distinguishing itself with James Beard award nods and plenty of other national accolades, the hype for this year's Restaurant Week is warranted.

Driving the news: Menus are now live for the culinary celebration, which runs March 3-12 and features roughly 180 restaurants.

Each eatery has created a special, multi-course meal with price tags ranging from $25-$45.

The Axios Denver team rounded up some recommendations to help you narrow the lengthy list.

Alayna's pick: Bang Up to the Elephant. Cold weather calls for curry — which is why I'm eyeing the creamy coconut curry at this vegan, Caribbean-inspired restaurant. Its tropical atmosphere also makes for a great escape from the snow. 

Esteban's pick: Blanco Cocina + Cantina. This place is very chill, and I think the braised chicken burrito would go really well with the Paloma rose cocktail. Also: You gotta try the flan.

John's pick: Culinary Dropout. I'm eager to try this relatively new spot, and its comfort food menu, in the revitalized Ninth and Co. development.

Alayna's pick: Ace Eat Serve. As a pescatarian, the seafood panzanella sold me. The crispy red lentil cakes and Mandarin orange chocolate crémeux sound scrumptious too.

Esteban's pick: Maine Shack. A Connecticut lobster roll this far from Long Island Sound? Yes, please.

John's pick: Cattivella. The wood-fired Italian is an easy draw, and the roasted butternut squash gnocchi and classic porchetta hit the seasonal spot.

Alayna's pick: The Greenwich. This lively spot is one of my go-tos — and the pan-roasted monkfish with melted leeks is just another reason I'll be returning.  

Esteban's pick: El Five. I've had friends recommend this place so many times after I mention how much I like tapas. Now might be the time to finally give it a go.

John's pick: Apple Blossom. This top Denver restaurant is on my must-visit list, and the creative bite of duck gumbo on the menu looks like a tasty introduction.

Denver Restaurant Week menus unveiled. Here are our picks.

At a time when Denver's dining scene is distinguishing itself with James Beard award nods, the hype for this year's Restaurant Week is warranted.

At a time when Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dining scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/03/new-denver-restaurants-2023" data-vars-content-id="adcfa84f-4fcd-4284-99d9-6a369bfc77af" data-vars-headline="Denver Restaurant Week menus unveiled. Here are our picks." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/03/new-denver-restaurants-2023" target="_self">dining scene</a> is distinguishing itself with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard award nods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/26/james-beard-nominations-colorado-2023" data-vars-content-id="adcfa84f-4fcd-4284-99d9-6a369bfc77af" data-vars-headline="Denver Restaurant Week menus unveiled. Here are our picks." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/26/james-beard-nominations-colorado-2023" target="_self">James Beard award nods</a> and plenty of other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national accolades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/07/14/20-denver-culinary-leaders-rising-stars" data-vars-content-id="adcfa84f-4fcd-4284-99d9-6a369bfc77af" data-vars-headline="Denver Restaurant Week menus unveiled. Here are our picks." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/07/14/20-denver-culinary-leaders-rising-stars" target="_self">national accolades</a>, the hype for this year&#x27;s Restaurant Week is warranted.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Menus are now live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denver.org/denver-restaurant-week/restaurant-menus/" data-vars-content-id="adcfa84f-4fcd-4284-99d9-6a369bfc77af" data-vars-headline="Denver Restaurant Week menus unveiled. Here are our picks." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denver.org/denver-restaurant-week/restaurant-menus/" target="_blank">Menus are now live</a> for the culinary celebration, which runs March 3-12 and features roughly 180 restaurants.<ul><li>Each eatery has created a special, multi-course meal with price tags ranging from $25-$45.</li></ul>

Alayna Alvarez

Featured stories

Super Bowl parties in Denver are getting pricier

5 things to do this weekend in Denver | Feb. 9-12

Practice yoga with butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion

Denver Restaurant Week menus unveiled. Here are our picks.

Denver records coldest, wettest January in years