Time to plan for throwing on your Mardi Gras beads and heading to Soda Springs Park, 35 Park Ave., Manitou Springs, for the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6. For a buck, you get two samples of gumbo from professional chefs and amateur cooks. Once you’ve tasted the gumbos, then cast a vote to help determine who has the best dish. The amateur and professional divisions will compete for first-, second- and third-place trophies as well as for cash prizes. There will also be an award for Best Showmanship and People’s Choice. The Mardi Gras parade rolls at 1 p.m. Details: 685-5089, manitou springs.org.

New eatery

Eric Brenne has opened Red Gravy, 23 S. Tejon St., which was Lucha Cantina that closed Jan. 1. When Brenner announced he would be taking over the restaurant space, he told us, “The concept is simply. We will offer upscale casual modern Italian (cuisine) that is fast, hot and a great value.”

He is highlighting some of his signature dishes like the tomato bisque.

“That was the dish I won ‘Guy’s Grocery Games’ television show with,” he said. “We will utilize the bakery to make our desserts, bread and hand-made pastas. I will use my experience to offer gluten-free options for our pizza dough, pasta and breads.”

Details: 635-7661, redgravyco.com.

Wine and dine

The Domaine Lafage wine dinner will be at Joseph’s Fine Dining, 1606 S. 8th St., at 7 p.m. Wednesday. For $70 per person, you get a four-course dinner paired with wine. Details: 630-3631, josephsdining.com.

Soups on

According to Natalie Johnson, executive director of the Manitou Art Center, 513 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, Adam’s Mountain Cafe has saved the day for Mabel’s Cafe, which is in the center.

“Now we offer two soups from Adam’s each day,” she said. “One meat and one vegan selection, which are usually gluten-free. Soups are available when we open until we run out.”

Cost is $2 for a cup and $4 for a bowl. Coffee, tea or soda is available for $1. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Details: 685-1861, facebook.com/firstratesoup.

Gardening class

Larry Stebbins, director of Pikes Peak Urban Gardens, will conduct his “A to Z Organic Gardening Class” at Horace Mann Middle School, 1001 E. Van Buren St., 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday; cost is $10 per person, pay at the door. Doors open at 9:15 a.m., so come early to have time to visit the garden vendors who will have displays. Details: 651-3416, ppugardens.org.

Kick-start Valentine’s Day

Want to impress your sweetie? Treat them to the “Chocolate & Champagne” culinary weekend at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., Feb. 5-6. Book by Friday for a 20 percent discount on package prices, which start at $725 per person and include:

– Classic guest room for two nights.

– Friday reception with guest speakers: Derek Poirier from Valrhona chocolate and Susie Mayr from House of Taittinger Champagne.

– Saturday: Champagne tasting class with Mayr; port, bourbon and chocolate-pairing class with Poirer; and a multicourse wine dinner and pairing in the Penrose Room.

– Sunday brunch: Lake Terrace Dining Room.

Details: 1-844-358-7309, broadmoor.com/moveablefeast.

‘KVOR Table Talk’

Saturday’s show is benched because of an Air Force Academy basketball game with Fresno State.

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Send tips about restaurant openings, closings and specials to teresa.farney@gazettedev.gazette.com, 636-0271, Twitter@tffoodie or Facebook Teresa Farney.