Stephon Black and business partner Susan Gates have amassed an impressive line of eateries and lounges, including Bloom Ultra Lounge, Lazy Susan’s, Samich Shack and Black Coffee.

Most recently the duo has turned their attention to their newest concept: Counterfeit Cowboy, 28 S. Tejon St. Unit A, which is anticipated to open early this month. Here’s what we saw on a sneak peek of the shotgun-style hallway, which joins the wall to Urban Egg’s north wall. The space was the former Slayton’s Bar-B-Que & Frozen Custard emporium.

Recalling some of the remnants from the long-ago barbecue shack, Black has kept the wood paneling on the wall facing the impressively long bar. And the semi-circle hanging light fixture over the bar remains. Other than that, the interior is tripped out in country-style memorabilia.

“We want people to have fun in a clean and safe environment that isn’t expensive,” Black said. “Look how we’re going to serve a six-pack of cold beer,” he said while holding a small red and white ice caddy with a flip lid.

No matter where you look, there’s something fun and unexpected. It’s a mix of rustic Western nostalgia and modern farmhouse polish right down to the bathrooms. White walls are written on in pinkish, lipstick-style lettering, begging for gal friends to take selfies or add a comment or two of their own.

“Oh, we covered the walls in a washable clear finish,” he said, in case there is a temptation to add the decorations.

Black has given the golden days of Slayton’s a nod with the menu, which will offer hearty BBQ favorites such as smoked brisket, pulled pork and hot dogs paired with mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans and coleslaw.

The bottom line is that the place is a fun, casual place to hang out and feel like an urban cowboy. It will give good meaning to the greeting on the entry way, from Daryle Singletary’s country song “Too Much Fun.”

Hours will be 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Details: 719-244-2274, counterfeitcowboycos.com.

From espresso to elegance

The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., has unveiled its spring lineup for the popular Meet the Maker dinner series, with all events set in The Penrose Room. The iconic dining room reopened recently following renovations that enhance its signature elegance while honoring its storied past.

The March 19 dinner begins at 6 p.m. and features Chateau Ste. Michelle and its vice president of winemaking, Katie Nelson. According to press materials, Nelson’s passion for food and wine took shape around her Italian grandparents’ kitchen table.

“I noticed how wine brought people together with plenty of laughter and good food to go around for everyone,” Nelson said. “I loved how vibrant life felt in those moments.”

The evening starts with a welcome reception featuring passed canapés paired with Chateau Ste. Michelle wines and cocktails, followed by a thoughtfully crafted multi-course dinner showcasing the winery’s iconic pours. Tickets are $200 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and are available through OpenTable. Visit broadmoor.com for the full schedule.

Cultivating community through food

The Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts offers year-round educational programs, including hands-on cooking classes at Smokebrush Farm, 328 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs. The farm centers on a historic home with a commercial kitchen, where Aimee Morrow, owner of Nourish Culinary Arts and Soulever Chocolates, serves as culinary director.

Along with catered dinners and events, Morrow leads small classes such as a winter soup workshop held in late January. Participants prepared two hearty, farm-driven soups and a vinaigrette, then shared lunch. While soups simmered, Morrow guided a tour of the orchard, chicken coop and farm stand, which sells seasonal produce, eggs, honey, teas,and dried herbs.

Her next class — chocolate ganache — is March 14, with pasta and pesto planned for late spring or early summer. Learn more at smokebrush.square.site.