Today: Squeaky Bean celebrates its first birthday with a block party

Squeaky Bean opened a year ago this weekend at 3301 Tejon Street, and against all odds in the twelve months since, this little restaurant with the much littler kitchen has managed to turn out big meals and attract big crowds.

There should be as big crowd today, when the Squeaky Bean will host a block party to celebrate its first birthday and make some money for Work Options for Women. "We can't believe it's been a year," says owner Johnny Ballen, "and we thank you all for your support." And how will he give thanks? By dressing Ben parsons of the Infinite Monkey Theorem as Mr. Bean. And by dunking many of this town's top chefs in a "snazzy dunktank."

First up to go down in the tank: Juston Brunson of the nearby Masterpiece Delicatessan; then Oscar Aguirre, whose family owns Rosa Linda's Mexican Cafe, the Bean's next-door neighbor and landlord; then Troy Guard of TAG at noon, and so on, culminating with Bean chef Max Mackissock at 7 p.m.

Mackissock will also be cooking up Carolina-style bbq, which will be served with beer from Deschutes brewery and Bull & Bush. Beer only is $10; the complete feed is $15. The party, which starts at 11 a.m., will run until dark or ???, Ballen says.

Even if you can't make today's party, Squeaky Bean, which won the Best Neighborhood Restaurant award in this year's Best of Denver, is worth a visit. Or ten. For more information, call 303-284-0053.