Why is Colorado cool?

I have always held a high respect for people living the high life. High altitude, that is- the mountain life... The place where earth tones and dread locks mark the free spirited hiking addict and being a part of this Colorado style is something Californians will never understand. Hiking clothes are haute couture here. Skiing is the elite- not education or money. Everyone on the chair lift is worth talking to. Where did all the douchebags go anyway??? While a lot of people from high school post pictures of themselves dressed to kill posing in a fancy night club on vacation- All of my Colorado friends are taking polaroids of that sweet ass camping spot really close to the secret path cutting through the brush to the lake. Don't get me wrong.... I love to dress up and eat a fancy dinner every now and then, but it doesn't define who I am. No matter the season, there is an intense call from nature to come join her and have fun. There's something about hot dogs cooked over a wood fire over looking the lake for breakfast that kicks a fancy night's butt! Moving to Colorado felt like moving home... The beauty of the Rocky Mountains is a scene I can not give justice to describing with words. It must be seen for itself. It's massive sprawl is something rarely seen in this magnitude.

Though I haven't had the chance to move as far west as I would like, I do thoroughly enjoy Denver. As the capitol of Colorado, it has major large city appeal, yet has not abandoned it's small town charm. Downtown Denver is about one and a half to two hours from some of the best skiing in the world. Keystone has the longest run in the state reaching 3.5 miles- Schoolmarm. And Vail is the most massive place I've ever skied.

You can always head up north for the famous BEER tours at Coor's, New Belgium, and your other favorite breweries. Head down south for Garden of the God's in Colorado Springs and even further south to mountain havens like Telluride. I frequent Red Rocks and it's definitely one of my favorite places to go shoot photos.

The mountain life is something I wish I could live every single day... and hey- someday maybe? The great thing about Denver, for me, is not only the quick mountain access, but the downtown life. I used to live across the street from Coor's Field and I really loved it there. I would bike all over downtown and took some really cool photos of this little downtown packed with big personality..

Parts of downtown including LoDo, were bulit in the late 1880's. I really like the combination of old mixed with modern. It is a downtown with such class and Colorado style. And not to mention- it's incredibly clean for a "big city".

I have spent so many days wondering around downtown taking pictures of buildings and pedestrians shuffling around the light rails and mall rides. I wish I could share them all with you!

Even though I would trade a day on the slopes any day over hoovin' around downtown, I must admit I am in love with my city and it's a pleasure to be here- rain or shine.

One of my favorite things about downtown is it's charm and richness of culture. I love the various art works displayed around the heart of the city. When I first came to Denver I was completely smitten with the "Your Keys to the City" public art program. The 16th Street mall is dotted with pianos decorated in local art for the public to enjoy. These pianos are displayed year around and I love hearing its wonderful music being played by mall goers as I meander around and shoot photos.

Sweet Treats

I have been baking a lot lately and wanted to share some of the yummies I have been tossing around in the kitchen.... First off, my homemade baklava. This is sort of silly, but for some reason people are typically always skeptical about how good my baklava really is. Then, once bitten, belief ensues. The secret is being part Greek, i swear! But, I must admit that Baklava is originally a Turkish treat. Bottom line. No arguments allowed. One of my best friend's, Ebru, is constantly lecturing me on the subject and so I have done thorough research on Baklava to try and argue with her, alas to no avail- she was right beyond measurable proportions. All in all, regardless of it's origins MY baklava is down right delish!

Another super deluxe treat I made- Caramel Apples with Puff Pastry Leaves....

Warm Caramel Apples with Creme Anglais and Puff Pastry Leaves.... Super simple, yet super decadent! Has major "wow" factor for entertaining dinner guests. It's a big hit with everyone- and did I mention how easy it is to make? no? -well, it is!

Sticky Rice for Round Eyes

When I lived in Japan I ate high on the hog, that's for sure! Well, what I consider to be, anyways. Fresh seaweed, fresh fish- like caught and killed right before you eat it. The fruit was like nothing I'd ever had and the rice- THE RICE! OMG! really!?!?! I love Japanese sticky rice and luckily mastered the technique while living in Okinawa.

So in Japanese, they playing call non-asians "round eyes". I always got such a kick out of that. So here is my tribute! First off, typically the rice that you will find at the grocery store is not worthy of being made into sticky rice. Medium grain is pushing it. What you want is short grain or glutinous rice. You can usually find short grain rice at your local Asian Supermarket.

The first step to preparing your rice is to clean and polish it. And I'm not joking. If there's anything that I learned in Japan, it's that the Japanese that pride in all they do and rice is no exception. Place your rice in a large bowl and rinse in cold water until the water comes clean. Next simply rub the rice between your hands and replace water as its turns white. I let me rice soak for at least an hour, but for extra chewy tender rice you can soak up to 4 hours. Then pop your rice and h2o into your steamer and PRESTO!!! PERFECT and I mean PERFECT, sticky icky rice!!!
楽しむ

Candied Rind Lemonade Syrup

One of my most favorite beverages is lemonade. Organic. Lemon. Sugar. Water. That's how I like it! I hate buying lemonade and it tastes like lemon scented toilet cleaner smells. ECK!!!! Tonight, I made my hubby some candied rind lemonade. It's super easy and possibly the best tasting lemonade EVER! Don't worry about the white of the lemon rind making the syrup bitter. Cooking it down with mellow the bitterness and give an added element of flavor with a carmelized, deep, lemon undertone to contrast the acidity of the fresh citrus and sweetness of the sugar.

The best thing about summer, would be the abundance of fresh produce, fruits and veg, that are widely available and bursting with flavor during their natural season. I love lemonade anytime and it's a bummer when my FAVORITE season (winter) hits. This recipe is such a life saver in that regard! It's syrup! ...hello... Every glass made is fresh, crisp, and mixed to perfection. I jarred my syrup in an old Thomy Senf jar. Isn't it pretty??? And boy is it- YUM!

To start you will need-
1. 6 large washed lemons
2. 2 cups white sugar
3. zester
4. sauce pan
5. TBS of h2o

First, cut 5 lemons in half.....

Second, squeeze, and strain lemon juice into bowl.

Then cut the remaining lemon into thin slices.

Turn burner on medium low heat and arrange slice neatly in pan. Sprinkle 1 TBS of sugar over the slices to add carmelization. Then add half the lemon juice and reduce.

Since we still want the acidity of the lemons to shine through in our lemonade, we don't want to cook all of the juice. Cooking it, simply removes all acid. Once the mixture has reduced, add the remaining juice and incorporate thoroughly.

to serve-
Combine syrup and water to your liking. (I'm 1 to 4 ratio kinda gal).Then drop a few rinds in a glass with some ice and add your beverage after a quick shake or two. You can also add some VODKA or sparkling white wine for a crisp and delicious adult beverage. Shoot- try coconut milk, a splash of lime and ginger beer and a zest of ginger for a coconut mint fizzy. Get crazy with it... It's all in good taste.

Elway's at The Ritz-Carlton Denver

Typically I end up blogging about the most amazing dining experiences that really leave me with wanting more. This post is no exception. There's a bit of back story I must divulge before I begin my review. I had dined at Elway's Downtown for my birthday. Long story short- bad service- poor food quality, just an overall bummer. I emailed the manager and was enticed into returning to Elway's for a chance at redemption. I took a leap of faith dining last night for my husband's birthday. But thankfully, I have nothing but rave things to say about my most recent dining experience. I'm very pleased to say the least! http://www.elways.com/Downtown/

For appetizers I noshed on west coast Kumamoto Oysters & a California Roll and, my husband indulged in his favorite of all pub foods- Beer Battered Onion Rings.

The west coast oysters were fresh, with a meaty texture, nuttiness in flavor, with a burst of salt water ocean flavor. The Bollinger Special Cuvee Champagne coupled with these mollusks produced great personality. The floral crispness of the Bollinger gave great balance to the nuttiness of the shellfish and the flavors really played on their contrasts.

The Onion Rings were perfection. I prefer my onion cooked and my batter light and crisp. Both accomplished here! The rings were lightly crusted with coarse salt and rosemary, which gave a flavor enhancing boost to the onion. I believe my husband used the phrase "best I ever had". Yes, that good.


The California Roll was fresh and delicious. The use of short grain or Glutonous rice really made a difference in the texture of the sticky rice. One thing that really stood out to me was the roe sprinkled atop the roll. Deluxe flying fish roe with the rubiest of red hues gave a slight crunch and pinch of salt needed to really being the roll together.

For main course entree I ate a 8oz Filet paired with lobster tail and my husband had his favorite- Sea Scallops. For sides, we enjoyed mac n cheese and Porcini Mushrooms.

The lobster tail was one of the best I've ever had. Very dense, fluffy meat that was very succulent and sweet. The filet, prepared medium, had a warm red center and was very tender and had wonderful marbling and a nice crunch to its crust.

The Scallops were tender, sweet, and perfectly luscious. The seared edges gave great contrast to it's soft delicate meat.

The Porcini's were sauteed in garlic with a pinch of parsley. Extremely flavorful and a wonderful accompaniment to the mac n cheese.

The mac n cheese was a decadent play on mom's homemade baked mac n cheese. Rich and wonderfully cheesy with a great crispiness added by the bread crumb topping. Divine!







All in all I think that Elway's has won their redemption and it was well deserved. The managers, Thomas and Samantha made every effort to ensure our dining experience was nothing less than exceptional. And it truly was. Elway's is known in Colorado for good great steaks. Maybe the BEST steaks. And I think they proved themselves with a spot on performance. CHEERS!

City Park Farmer's Market

One of my favorites things to do on the weekend is go to the City Park Farmer's Market, here in Denver. I love it's location! Down the street from my digs in Congress Park, on Colfax, in the round-about at East High School. The statues, water fountain, and scenic traditional Denver High School architecture in the backgrounds, gives it a truly awesome and unique decor.

This is my favorite Farmer's Market because, not only is it the most beautiful, but it's over-all the best selection & quality of food and products in the entire state that I have seen. Famous food trucks like Waffleganger and roasted pasilla chiles made fresh as you shop. The aromas are so wonderful and you can enjoy a cooler version of your hot summer day as mist is blown from water fountain to cool your skin

The produce is always fresher and more tasty and ripe, as opposed to it's wicked step sister- The Cherry Creek Farmers Market. I dislike the CC Farmer's Market for this simple reason- over priced stale fruits and vegetables. The food trucks and stands are some of the best in all Denver and possibly the state, but the produce is AWFUL and double the price at City Park.

Another great reason to head on down to City Park Fresh Market on you Sunday morning,is not only the fact that there's plenty of parking and grassy shade areas to relax and hang out, but the group of people that know about this gem are such beautiful souls with shinning personalities that exude kindness & happiness

I love CP Farmer's Market and am happy to show it to unknowing fan's of the great market that is City Park FARMERS!!!!

ROOTDOWN DENVER

Today we had lunch at Root Down. A totally hip sustainable style small plate restaurant. From the moment you step inside- you're hit. The energy is lively and talkable. The infectious aroma instantly waters the mouth. Smiling faces greet you with a personable down-to-earth, yet naturally upbeat attitude. It gets you excited and almost pumped up for the treat to come. Root Down is located in a up-&-comin' neighborhood in the trendy Highland's area off of Park Ave. Justin, the owner has set out such a cool concept & approach at RD, I just had to share.
www.rootdowndenver.com

"Root Down aims to connect the neighborhood to a dining experience in the same way ingredients are connected to food. There should be a seamless bond between the elements and experience, which stimulates the senses and draws people in."-rd

I love what Justin, the owner/chef and his team has done with his idea for food and atmosphere.Not only have they transformed into a great place for RD to connect locally with Colorado products, but also showcases a broad culinary personality.

The food is unpretentious and unassuming. Fresh, delightful, with a creative eclectic play on cuisine.
At brunch we noshed on

• the beet salad - Arugula, Canna de Oveja cheese, toasted hazel nuts, beet sunflower seed pesto, Baslamic reduc & Basil vin
• Veggie Burger Sliders -jalapeno jam & dijon, on a brioche with sprout salad, served with sweet potato fries & curry lime dipping sauce
• Colorado Lamb Sliders - aged cheddar, Harrisa Aioli, arugula on a brioche,mint-garlic yogurt sauce
• Lemon Ricotta and Poppyseed Pancakes -served with spiced rhubarb syrup
• Banana Bread French Toast -chicory sour cream, candied walnuts, banana, butter & Agave Maple

Yes we ate all of it!!! It's fun to get several small plates and share wonderful tastes in between great conversation with family.


My favorite by far was the Beet Salad and the Colorado Lamb Sliders. It was so amazing! And a great combo for a palate like mine. Divine!

The Banana Bread French Toast was perfectly dense, like all good banana bread should be. Fried to a crunchy crisp, topped with a tangy combo of dairy, banana, nuts, and sweetness from the agave. I loved it!!!!!