Shut Up and Eat

What do we all have in common? We like to eat. Food crosses every line, sociopolitical or otherwise, uniting the disparate over gently salted slices of fresh-picked tomato, good beer and your mama’s lasagna. Or whatever rocks your tastebuds. So it makes perfect sense for us at this fair rag to get behind the great common denominator by hosting the Dish — Westword Menu Affair, an annual food fest that discerns, but not too much, while serving food proffered by a diverse roster of favorite Denver eateries, from Biker Jim’s (exotic hot dogs, anyone?) to the ritzier yet equally homey Second Home.

A highlight at this year’s eat fest will be the annual chef competition, which pits talked-about local toques Sergio Romero of Argyll and Jay Spickelmier of Jing in a fierce cookoff, with commentary by none other than pastry chef and Food Network personality extraordinaire Keegan Gerhard of D Bar Desserts. And to keep things lively, the Informants will provide live music as a backdrop to food of every stripe and cuisine under the sun. Double yum.

Wear loose clothing: The Menu Affair, a 21-and-over event, goes from 7 to 10:30 p.m. tonight at the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson Street; admission is $20 in advance or $30 at the door and benefits Food Bank of the Rockies. Go to westword.com for tickets and information.
Wed., Sept. 23, 7-10:30 p.m., 2009