Conquering Colorado

I ventured out last weekend to the wild lands of Denver, Colorado. Upon pulling up to the train station, I saddled up and rode into town ready to conquer a new city. Ok, that's not entirely true. I have been to Denver before but it was quite a long time ago. Whilst there I tasted the most delicious yogurt my taste buds have ever been exposed to. My cousin, friend, and I were at a farmers market when they both encourages me to taste this 'Noosa'. I yelled out my customary 'sweet potatoes!' when I tried it, which stopped a woman who inquired if the yogurt had sweet potatoes in it. I had to inform her, no it did not. I have written to Noosa to try and get them to the East coast. I may start going to stores here, like Whole Foods and inquiring about it. Noosa will find it's way East!

Two tours were completed on this jaunt which included the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory Tour and the Coors Beer Factory Tour. At Celestial Seasonings in Boulder I stocked up on tea taking home Coconut Chai Tea, Blackberry Pomegranate Green Tea, Safari Spice Red Tea, Sleepytime Vanilla, and Honey Vanilla Chamomile. And a travel mug.Meanwhile in Golden I just got drunk on the tour because of the high altitude and dropped my audio guide sending it crashing to the floor.

Next up, the two best food places we went to. After climbing the Flatirons outside of Boulder my friend and I were exhausted (at least I was, hey, it's the high altitude!). So we grabbed some Thai (Pad Thai, duh). And then we went to d Bar Desserts where we ordered 3 cake and shake's: 3-layer choc cake ∙ manjari frosting ∙ vanilla or choc milk shake or malt. I whispered with great shame and awe that this chocolate cake might be better then Wegmans' Ultimate Chocolate Cake. Then she slapped me and yelled, "Lies!".

The second restaurant that we dined at was Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. It was 8am and I was tired. I was thinking about my flight and sad about leaving and the overcast day. Then I entered this warm cocoon of breakfast love. Our waiter realized that it was early so he spoke in a calm voice, even sitting down at the table with K and myself. He informed us that we could do half portions with the menu. My day was made. I drank Chamomile Tea and K had the Chocolate Milk. Now, the only reason I had this dish was for the one ingredients I mentioned at the beginning of this entry: Blueberry Lemon Bar Pancakes Our legendary buttermilk pancakes griddled with fresh blueberries and oatmeal, topped with Noosa honey yogurt sauce and whipped lemon butter AND Sticky Bun French Toast Udi’s French bread battered and covered with gooey, nutty goodness and topped with cream cheese icing. Ahhh let the angels sing out in praise! K had something healthy and not involving as much sugar as mine. Our waiter pointed out that I would slip into a carb-coma after this meal on my flight. Excellent.

Thank you Colorado!

A Day in Food

When the parents come to town it is ALL ABOUT FOOD. Oh wait, it always is but it's just multiplied by three people who love their grub. Here's the run down of where we went today:


Smorgasburg


Brooklyn Brewery
- We partook in the pilsner, oktoberfest, pumpkin beer, wheat...and one that tasted like as my mother described 'mercury...very medicinal'. I agreed with her. 

Five Leave
Ah back for the third time. Love it. 
- Devils on Horseback: medjool dates wrapped in bacon served w/dijon mustard
- House made Ricotta: w/figs, fresh thyme, honeycomb, maldon sea salt & fruit-nut bread
- Watermelon & Basil drink: gin, St.Germain, watermelon, opel Basil & Peychaud's Bitters

Bare Burger
- Avocado California Burger: raw milk cheddar, hass avocado, romaine lettuce, tomato, raw red onion and cilantro lime dressing

Omonia
Dessert.

I'm full just thinking about this. Too much.

Emack and Bolios

M and I went to a spa / salon night. As we walked home feeling all pampered and pretty we walked past Emack and Bolios. M exclaimed that their ice cream is delicious. And I questioned why we would pass the chance to try delicious ice cream. I indulged in Chocolate and Peaunut Butter Cup while M had Cake Batter. All was right in the world.

Cupcakes.

My dad sent me this link and it must be shared: Dessert Stalking

Do it.

The Queens Kickshaw

Astoria was S's and mine next destination for one of our famous dinner jaunts. We went to The Queens Kickshaw. Of course there was only one other table occupied upon our entering so we had a choice of where to sit. Sitting next to a huge communal table we selected a high top in the back under a dim light.

For our drinks S stayed with water while this little alchy wanted a beer. Kickshaw has a great beer list. At first I thought I wanted a flight to try 4 of the beers that are accompanied with great descriptions. When I inquired with our waiter as to what I should try he blandly pointed to the menu and said 'this one and this one'. So that helped a lot. Because of his great assistance I decided to go with a glass of Stoudts Pilsner which is described as 'Effervescent, crisp, bone dry, light sweet biscuits.' Anything with the phrase 'light sweet biscuits' has got my attention. We then indulged in the white bean and beer stew. Warm and 'beany' it was the perfect dish to start our meal with in this turning weather.

For mains S went with the Gruyere with pickled and caramelized onions on Rye with Napa cabbage-caraway slaw. It was a quaint little sandwich with a nice toasty look. I had Fontina Val d'Acosta with marinated mushrooms and basil pesto open face on foccaia with green salad with pine nuts. It was very bready. I wish the toppings would have been on the inside of the bread rather then topped on the crust and falling off every time I took a bite.

For dessert I indulged in a delicious bread pudding with a custard brioche and orange caramel. Delicious. I love bread pudding.

Good to know that this place does not accept cards - surprise. We think our waited was an anomaly. It's not fair to attack a person but I am surprised that this hip, new restaurant did not have a hip, happy person helping me with my beer, up-selling more, and making it a more enjoyable experience. 

Yorkville Creperie

2 high school friends and myself met for dinner as the weather turned in one day from hot and humid to windy and cool. This restaurant was the perfect place to sit and relax after a long day of working and walking. Yorkville Creperie offers a wide selection of crepes and panini's both savory and sweet. Lucky for us Thursday and Friday evening's there is a $5 wine special which we were sure to indulge in.

I've probably mentioned this before but there is a certain restaurant food law that is enacted upon my entering of an establishment. A restaurant shall not have my first choice 80% of the time for at least one desired item. All who have dined with me can attest to this law. I kid you not. Right away the merlot that I so wanted was not available. Upon hearing this I threw a fit and ordered a Cab instead. After explaining the law of dining with me to our waiter he informed me that they were out of mushrooms for my crepe. When he saw me grab for my butter knife he assured me he was joking.

Here is what we had:

Me: FUNGI - Sautéed Mushroom, Spinach, Ricotta, Caramelized Onion and Mozzarella (House Favorite)
J: ROMA - Chicken, Mozzarella and Tomato Bruschetta
K: PICNIC - Turkey, Sliced Apple, Caramelized Onion and Brie, with Balsamic

AND of course this lady had to get a sweet crepe. So our good-humoured waiter didn't think I was a fatty I placed the dish in the center of the table 'sharing' with my lady-friends. 'We' indulged in the U.E.S with Brownie, Nutella, Banana, Ice Cream and Whipped Cream. Delicious.

Ovelia

J and I met for brunch at Ovelia this past Sunday. She properly described it as a place that could not decide on the theme. The decorations spanned from artificial legs on the back wall to absurd plant life overtaking the wall we sat next to. I received a few recommendations from my dining partner - The Tiropita Toast, The Stuffed French Toast and the Corn Flapjacks. Always up for as many carbs as possible I selected the Corn Flapjacks. They arrived topped with walnuts and ricotta cheese and filled with corn flour, polenta and corn. And because I want to clog my heart that much fast I added a little sweet with some syrup. J selected the Tiropita Toast with cream cheese, apple slices, and bacon. Normally I don't like bacon (gasp) but in this case the combination of the tasty bread and the ingredients I would consider selecting this dish on my next trip to this bustling cafe. Don't get the orange juice, it was watered down and tasted like some other fruit. Next time you have been out on the town and need a good meal to fill you up the next day definitely consider Ovelia.