The Denver Divas, a social and networking group for young professional women in Denver, held their monthly “meeting” Tuesday evening at Mao Asian Bistro in Cherry Creek North.

A few confused businessmen sat in the corner of the bar looking bewildered — and maybe a bit pleased — as 90 or so Denver Divas took over the bar. Mao turns into more of a lounge than a restaurant on Tuesdays, with a DJ and lots of complimentary cocktail samples being passed around — so it was a perfect setting for lots of girl talk.

What was discussed? Lots of serious stuff.

Several women debated the pineapple martini samples: Is pineapple juice appropriate for fall, or isn’t that a summer drink? Others wondered if Mao’s $15 signature “Maotini” could possibly be good enough to warrant its price tag. And where did you get that perfume you’re wearing? Organizer Wendy Morris worked the crowd as fluidly as ever spreading the word about Kroenke’s new Altitude Sports network programming, while Divas hostess Leigh Sullivan looked for advice on how to take her newly brunette tresses back to blonde. Holly Kylberg displayed her medal from running in the NYC marathon, and Paulina Szafranski shared flyers for her next fashion event at Lotus. All the while, business cards were swapped, stylists recommended, and lunch dates set — well in advance of course. These are busy women.

The Denver Divas meet on the second Tuesday of each month at different hotspots around town. Want to join the ranks of divas? E-mail Wendy Morris to be added to the list.