A few years ago, several independent restaurants banded together to create the Independent Restaurant Cooperative. The idea was to support one another by sharing the cost of advertising and bulk food purchases. They also had rotating monthly wine dinners. Six members will be gearing up for dinners starting in February. Visit www.cosirc.com.

A group of chefs and restaurateurs has started a spinoff in Old Colorado City. The plan was hatched when three eateries on West Colorado Avenue put their heads together for a progressive dinner last spring. Diners started at Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, 2802 W. Colorado Ave. Then they ate at Jake & Telly’s, 2616 W. Colorado Ave., and then Gertrude’s, 2625 W. Colorado Ave.

When the group sent an e-mail to customers about a similar dinner a couple of weeks ago, the 50 spaces filled in three hours. The four restaurant owners (this time Pizzeria Rustica, 2527 W. Colorado Ave., got in on the action) added a second night, which also filled up quickly.

I learned at the second dinner that in addition to the four eateries hosting that dinner, there are seven more Old Colorado City restaurants in the coalition. Visit DineOldColo radoCity.com to see restaurants involved and upcoming events, such as another progressive dinner.

Students cooking

Paragon Culinary School, 3125 Sinton Road, is offering Sunday Night Student Run Dining at the school. For $29.95 per person you get a four-course dinner. Call 351-3333 for reservations.

Winter break

Pizzeria Rustica will be closed until dinner, 5 p.m., Feb. 10. It will resume lunch hours, noon to 2 p.m., Feb. 13. During February, tap into “Takeout Tuesdays”; order four takeout pizzas and get a free pizza-stone set with cutter and rack; 632-8121.

Marley bash

Jose Muldoon’s, 222 N. Tejon St., is the place to be for the Bob Marley Birthday Bash on Feb. 6. Red Stripe Jamaican beer for $3 is perfect with half-price Jamaican Jerk Wings, 7 p.m. to close.

Free lunch

At L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, 5850 Barnes Road, purchase a regular-size chicken katsu or kalua and large drink, and the cashier will enter you in a drawing to win a free lunch (up to $10) once a week for a year. The drawing is at 6 p.m. Feb. 14. You will be notified if you win – the owners ask that you not call.

Tips for cupids

Here are more places with special menus planned for Valentine’s Day. Call for details:

• Joseph’s, 1606 S. Eighth St.; 630-3631.• The Stagecoach Inn, 702 Manitou Ave. in Manitou Springs; 685-9400.• Pizzeria Rustica, 2527 W. Colorado Ave. in Old Colorado City; 632-8121.

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CONTACT US: Send tips about restaurant openings, closings, menu changes and food specials to teresa.farney@gazettedev.gazette.com or call 636-0271. Do you manage a restaurant? Send us your e-mail address so we can keep in touch.

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