Paul F. Tompkins plays the Oriental Theater on March 21.

Like buckets of other comedians, Paul F. Tompkins is most recognizable from a razor-thin TV show (in this case, VH1’s “Best Week Ever”) that only barely scratches the surface of his considerable talents. But hey, at least people recognize him.

Comedy nerds will also recognize Tompkins from the brilliant, relatively short-lived HBO sketch series “Mr. Show,” which helped launch co-stars Bob Odenkirk, David Cross and Brian Posehn, bit players like Sarah Silverman, Jack Black and others into the larger showbiz pool. We spoke with the Tompkins shortly after he returned from the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas earlier this week in advance of his stand-up appearance March 21 at the Oriental Theater…

(more…)

Coral Room offers bottomless mimosas and a bustling patio in warm weather.

When talk turns to brunch — as it inevitably does among my friends — it’s easy to call out people’s agendas. While one buddy favors the Sloan’s Lake joint with the killer eggs Bennies, another friend will not let me forget the perfect French toast at that cozy spot in Uptown.

My brunch indulgence: bottomless mimosas.

Is there a more perfect idea? Is there a more nuanced accessory to that fluffy quiche? Is there a better way to recover from the night before?

(more…)

This guy. On a hill. No more.

Raise your rock fists, Denver music fans: This weekend is probably your last chance to check out live tunes at Cricket on the Hill, a Mile High City standby that’s going by the wayside. The 13th and Downing institution/darkened bar will shut down after Saturday, partly due to the fact that owner Chris Rawles is dealing with cancer.

They’ll send the place off in righteous style with loads of local acts. Here’s the breakdown, straight from the owners:
(more…)

United Chinese has two locations, although the one in Thornton sports a bit more ambiance.

The pleasure of going out for Chinese food often lies in its comforting predictability — the menu will generally have your old stand-by favorite Chinese dishes and it won’t take a huge toll on your bank account.

United Chinese, which has locations in Broomfield and in Thornton, fulfills those expectations and offers a couple of surprises. Both locations are in suburban areas and are nice enough for a regular night out for dinner, but the Thornton location offers a bit more ambiance, including a fountain at the entrance and a sushi bar.

(more…)

A flier for — you guessed it — the Punk Rock Flea Market.

While the subject line of this post may imply some sort of craft fair that devolves into an unmitigated beer brawl, this Saturday’s Punk Rock Flea Market — the sixth so far — is actually an all-ages, free, artist-friendly affair that features a wide variety of wares and live music in a relaxed (albeit rock-approved) environment.

Helmed by Suburban Home Records honcho Virgil Dickerson, the event unites local artists and musicians for a day of selling, drinking and tunes. I spoke with Dickerson earlier this week about the history, composition and mission of this unique, homegrown event that takes place each month at 3 Kings Tavern.

(more…)