Travel + Leisure has placed Aspen at No. 18 in its Top 21 list of the world's best cities for romance. Here's what the magazine wrote:

"From its snowcapped peaks to its Victorian-era main street, this Old West mountain town lures outdoors lovers with classic Rocky Mountain ambience all year round. Lovebirds can schuss down Buttermilk Mountain in winter, hike wildflower fields in spring, or take in a bevy of festivals from music to world politics all summer long. It's rightly famous social scene? That's available any time of year.

"Don't Miss: Snowcatting to 10,900 feet for an Alps-inspired menu and high-octane views at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, one of America's most romantic restaurants (December-April)."

See the entire list at www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-best-cities-for-romance-2014.

Coohill owner-chef heads to Iceland

Tom Coohill, chef/owner of Coohills, 1400 Wewatta St. in Denver, has been invited to compete in Iceland's Food and Fun Festival. He has accepted and will attend.

The festival takes place in Reykjavik from Feb. 26 through March 2, and includes 13 guest chefs and finest restaurants.

Coohill is paired with Rub 23, a restaurant that specializes in ingredients from Icelandic fishermen and farmers and serves a wide selection of sushi.

The other food element of the festival is the chef competition, which takes place on the last day. The chefs compete by creating three courses from Icelandic-only ingredients.

Fellow chef, Jennifer Jasinski, a "Top Chef Masters" contender and chef/owner of Rioja (1431 Larimer St.) and other restaurants, will be serving as a judge at the festival, adding another Denver connection to the event.

Zengo celebrates 10th anniversary

Zengo, the Richard Sandoval Asian fusion restaurant at 1610 Little Raven St. in Denver, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

In honor of the milestone, chef Clint Wagneses and Sandoval will prepare a four-course prix fixe dinner with optional beverage pairings on March 5. The celebration dinner is $65 per person and reservations are necessary for this event.

On March 6-9, Zengo will feature a Zen for $10 feature menu where items from the current menu and past menu, will be featured at dinner for $10, as an additional menu item. A photo contest also kicks off on Feb. 24 and runs through March 9 where guests can submit a photo on Zengo's Facebook of what Zengo has meant to them and enter for a chance to win a trip to Cancun.

For reservations and information, go to www.richardsandoval.com/zengodenver.

Liz Murray to speak at fundraiser

The first year fundraiser for Warren Village, a troubled girls sanctuary in Aurora, will be an All-Star Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Liz Murray, who will share her story "From Homeless to Harvard."

Murray has certainly had to overcome adversity and has had a journey similar to many residents of Warren Village.

The breakfast fundraiser begins at 7:30 a.m. March 13 at the Marriott Denver City Center, 1701 California St. Radio super star Gloria Neal will emcee. (Love my Glo!).

Sponsorships are still available for this most important fundraiser in support of Warren Village. Successfully breaking the cycle of homelessness for single parent families, Warren Village will celebrate its 40th Anniversary Sept. 13. Details to come.

To become a sponsor, contact:  Keisha Myco at kmyco@warrenvillage.org.

Seen and heard

Eavesdropping on two people:  "Oh so you like jazz? Name three of your favorites." "That's easy, Miles Davis, Lance Armstrong and The Loneliest Monk." "You mean Lance 'Satchmo' Armstrong?" "Well duh!" "And the Loneliest Monk, you mean Thelonious Monk?" "No, he goes by the Loneliest Monk."

Penny Parker's "Mile High Life" column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303-619-5209.