⭐ What’s the real price of a Michelin star?

🤦🏻‍♀️ Lauren Boebert At It Again

Colorado’s ever-controversial Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert was escorted from a performance of “Beetlejuice” the musical at DCPA last Sunday. She and a companion were reportedly given a warning, then asked to leave after multiple complaints from fellow show-goers. Boerbert was vaping, singing, recording the show, and generally “causing a disturbance.” Denver Arts & Venues released security video footage from the incident. [Denver Post🔒; 9News]

💰 The Price of Johnston’s Housing Plan

Mayor Mike Johnston has shared a projected price tag for his plan to get 1,000 unhoused Denverites off the streets by the end of the year — and it’s a whopping $48.6 million. But Johnston assures his constituents that the plan is already “fully paid for,” with funds largely coming from the city’s existing housing budget, as well as leftover COVID relief money. [Westword]

• Related: The city’s affordable housing lottery is taking place Sept. 21-22. Learn more and see if you qualify to apply. [Denverite]

🚦 No Right Turns on Red

Mayor Johnston is considering a recommendation to ban right turns at red lights. The commonplace traffic practice originated in the energy crisis of the early 1970s as a method of conserving fuel during the national oil embargo. Advocates say banning right-on-red would reduce traffic accidents. Even if Johnston goes for it, City Council would have to sign off as well. [Axios Denver]

⭐ What’s the Real Cost of a Michelin Star?

This week, five Colorado restaurants received the prestige of a single Michelin star. It’s an honor that many Denverites believe our dining scene has long deserved — but at what cost? They say you can’t buy this kind of status, but a new report from the New York Times implies otherwise — and maybe not in the way you think. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Washington Virginia Vale is one of southeast Denver’s most overlooked neighborhoods. Developer Marcus Bogue built the 550-home neighborhood in the area after WWII, and he named it for his wife Virginia — just like he named nearby Virginia Village for her when he built that neighborhood a few years prior. As for the “Washington” part, your guess is as good as ours. Comprising mostly subdivisions built in the 50s and 60s, WVV is hiding plenty of secrets behind that mouthful of a name.

🧆 Mordy’s Falafel

There’s a rumor that this bright blue food truck parked in a lot outside George Washington High School serves up the best falafel in town — you just have to nail down their constantly shifting hours of operation.

⛲ Garland Park

A highly underrated park, kids and adults alike will enjoy running around Lollipop Lake. The city even recently rebuilt a whole section of the shore, so there’s some nice big rocks to sit on and take in a sunset.

🥏 Hidden Disc Golf

You won’t find this on any map, but some generous disc golfer set up a few baskets in the green space behind the condos off Oneida Street and Louisiana Avenue. Thanks, mystery dude!

🌿 Golden Meds

This is not the best dispensary in town, but it’s definitely among the cheapest. They typically also have shake available, if you’re making homemade edibles.

🕍 Mizel Museum

Just a few blocks down from the Jewish Community Center (another major WVV landmark), this neighborhood museum is dedicated to addressing social justice issues through the lens of Jewish history and culture.

Today’s Neighborhood Guide was written by City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi.

🧵 Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival | Thursday-Saturday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sewers, crafters, and quilters — come find your people at this three-day festival at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. [Aurora; $10]

🎤 Free Comedy Show | Friday | 8 p.m.

Ben Roy from Comedy Central, Just For Laughs, and The Grawlix headline this monthly show at Oasis Brewing. [Highland; Free]

🎶 Live Music in the Alley | Friday | 5-7 p.m.

Check out tunes from local folk-rock duo Many Mountains in the Dairy Block’s ‘gramworthy alleyway. [Union Station; Free]

✡️ Rosh Hashanah | Friday + Saturday | Times Vary

Judaism Your Way is celebrating the High Holiday with song and poetry at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Festivities continue with services, yoga, and meditation on Saturday. [Cheesman Park / Virtual; Free]

What Did CO’s New Michelin Stars Really Cost? Plus, Mountaintop Arby’s

Colorado is now home to five restaurants that can boast a prestigious Michelin star. Today on the podcast, I’m chatting with producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to dish on the lucky winners, the biggest snubs, and the real story about why the Michelin inspectors came to Colorado in the first place. Plus, our best recs for your weekend.