South Pearl St.’s commercial district has unexpectedly found itself in the role of one of Denver’s hottest commercial addresses.

The latest restaurateur hoping to jump into the fray is the Tavern Hospitality Group, who, as The Profile went to press, was under contract for purchase of the vacant building at 1475 S. Pearl St. (most recently home to India’s Pearl, according to THG big dog, Frank Schultz.

THG currently operates a gaggle of  popular Denver dining and entertainment hot spots, including Tavern locations in Wash Park (1066 S. Gaylord St.), downtown, Denver Tech Center, Uptown, Lowry and Littleton; as well as the Cowboy Lounge downtown and the Soiled Dove music room beneath the Lowry Tavern.

Schultz told The Profile that THG’s purchase is contingent on approval of the liquor license transfer. Due to physical upgrades planned for the property, a hearing is held as a matter of course to ensure that the alterations do not run afoul of liquor code dictates.

“I’ve met with the neighborhood group – 3PA – the merchants association and the neighbors across the alley. We’re going to make adjustments to delivery hours, dumpster service and such. We run neighborhood taverns, and do whatever we can to be good neighbors,” he stated. Schultz said live entertainment would not be a part of the S. Pearl St. menu.

For information, call 303-226-1555 or visit tavernhg.com.

Congratulations to Steve Whited and the staff at Black Pearl, 1529 S. Pearl St., on the occasion of their 7th anniversary on the Pearl St. strip.

Whited, a licensed sommelier and graduate of the University of Denver, brought his upscale take on contemporary American cuisine back to Denver after a stay on Nantucket Island as co-proprietor of the well-regarded Summer House.

The Black Pearl menu, currently in the hands of executive chef Mitch Mayers, focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and thus changes seasonally to take advantage of the changing harvest. Mayers tempts the palate with carefully crafted creations like wild boar spare ribs, a “simple” cedar plank salmon, stuffed pequillo pepper, halibut & shrimp ceviche and the like. Whited’s wine list is worthy of a visit all on its own.

Black Pearl is open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch served on Sundays. For information, call 303-777-0500 or visit blackpearldenver.com.

While you can never have too many great restaurants to choose from, one cannot live on food alone. Fortunately, local tastemakers Katie Agron and Molly Simons are stepping in to help bolster your options if home decor fills that portion of your inner appetite that food and drink just don’t satisfy. The duo is pleased to announce the launch of MK Style, opening June 8 at 1882 S. Pearl St.

Brimming with vintage treasures, authentic antiques and modern accessories, MK Style offers a fresh take on old favorites. Agron and Simons have handpicked an inventory of furniture, colorful accessories, classic gifts, swanky décor and elegant linens. The store offers a mix of high style, from mid-century modern to East Coast preppy with a contemporary twist.

What’s more, the shop boasts a comprehensive gift registry program, whereby anyone can create a wish list, be it for a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday or simply just because.

MK Style will open Tues.-Sat., 10a.m.-5p.m. and Sun., 11a.m.-5p.m.. Info: call 303-722-1178 or visit shopmkstyle.com.

PJ Griswold has been doing her part to keep Pearl St. denizens in style for five years now.  PJ’s Boutique, 1509 S. Pearl St., marks the half-decade point on June 8, with a celebration being planned for sometime later this summer.

PJ’s racks are abundantly filled with “dresses, dresses, dresses” along with the complete roster of clothing and accoutrement needed for a youthful, age-appropriate, contemporary look, regardless of your current place on the chronological timeline. Whether you’re looking for more retro styling, or a simple sophisticated chic, Griswold can help you get your wardrobe in order.

For information, call 303-777-8912 or visit pjsboutique.net.

Pearl Street’s ever-growing healthcare network will welcome a new addition next month when The Dentists On Pearl begin seeing clients at 1905 S. Pearl St., diagonally across from Park Burger and the above mentioned newbie to the block, MK Style.

Drs. Cynthia Wright and Stephanie Stratil are Seattle transplants looking for bright skies in the Mile High City. They plan a full service general dentistry practice, including cosmetic dentistry and limited orthodontia.

“One of our missions is to be an eco-friendly practice,” said Dr. Stratil. Toward that end, the pair plans to employ digital x-ray technology, eliminating film and processing materials; composite, mercury-free fillings; electronic record-keeping; and reuse of materials wherever possible and appropriate.

Renovations were under way at press time, with opening day aimed at “mid-July.” To keep up on the latest, call 303-498-9207 or visit dentistsonpearl.com.