Spilling the beans
By Cara DeGette
GPHN Editor
So Dave Grohl rickrolls into this bar… Well, not really.
Actually, it was more, so Dave Grohl saunters into the Cherry Tomato…
Chef/Owner Tom Felese had no idea that the founder and frontman of the rock band Foo Fighters (and former drummer for Nirvana) was coming over for dinner. But one night in August, Grohl walked into the Park Hill institution at 23rd Street and Dahlia,
Grohl’s visit to the Cherry Tomato happened before the now-infamous late August Foo Fighters rickrolling of the hate-mongering Westboro Baptist Church, which was protesting outside of their Aug. 24 show in Kansas City Missouri. (Rickrolling, for the uninitiated, is an Internet meme that incorporates the music video for the 1987 Rick Astley song, “Never Gonna Give You Up.”)
The week before, the Foo Fighters were in Denver and played Fiddlers Green on Aug. 15-16. Here’s how Felese describes dinner with Grohl, who came in one night with a group of hungry customers:
“They ordered dinner and enjoyed it very much. Dave ordered the Veal Saltimbocca. For dessert they shared toffee mousse and chocolate cake.
“After they were done, Dave was very gracious to allow pictures with my daughters (big, big fans) and other employees. He also signed some autographs.
“It was a great night. I was able to sit down and have some wine and great conversation with a truly great musician, songwriter, narrator, etc. He is just a normal man, but absolutely amazing. We got to talk about how music is so important in everyone’s lives. He was very impressed that I do the thing that I love (cook for 18 years). And it’s the same with him with music. His influence in the music world is astonishing. His documentary, Foo Fighters Sonic Highway on HBO is so amazing, I strongly suggest anyone that loves music watch this gem of the music world.
“It was great having Dave Grohl at The Cherry Tomato. It was truly a special night for everyone. What a great night to cook dinner for one of the nicest rock stars. He also said he would back next year. Hopefully on my PATIO!!!”
Editor’s note: Not every business owner can expect Dave Grohl to walk in and order the veal saltimbocca, but exciting changes regularly occur at businesses all over Park Hill. Do you have some news about a Park Hill business that you’d like to share? Has ownership changed hands? Has a local shop recently opened? Unexpectedly shuttered their doors? Retired after decades in business? Won an award? Had a visit from a VIP or celebrity? Gotten rickrolled? Send your business news tips to editor@greaterparkhill.org for consideration in our new monthly business news section.