Gather: a Spontaneous Intimate Dinner & a Beet Down {cocktail}

Posted on May 7, 2013 Written by 4 Comments
Gather {an intimate spontaneous dinner} | BoulderLocavore.com

Ordinarily when I attend a dinner that I know I’ll be sharing on my blog, I research first so I’m prepared.  This was not the case last week when heading to Denver for ‘Gather: a Spontaneous Intimate Dinner’ at the Denver Botanic Gardens featuring locally-heralded chef, Daniel Asher, from the hot spots Root Down and Linger.  Sheepishly I’ll admit I had not done my homework in this case, however had I there would not be much to find.  I had been invited with a very small group of media to participate in a dining experience developed by the Botanic Gardens and their catering partner, Catering by Design, about a year ago in which a local chef known to celebrate and feature local ingredients in their cuisine would develop a multicourse meal for a group of up to 75 dining … {continue reading}

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Salad Ole with Avocado-Tequila-Lime Dressing

Posted on May 5, 2013 Written by 4 Comments
Salad Ole BoulderLocavore 807-001

It’s a mistaken fact that Cinco de Mayo (‘the fifth of May’) signifies  Mexican Indepence Day.  Not so.  On May 5, 1862 at the battle of Puebla, Mexico overpowered the French army who were considered the worldwide dominating army of the time.  To commemorate this event the Mexican-Americans living in the American West called for celebration on May 5, hence founding the festivities we  know today. With Mexican culture being rooted in almost every region of the United States, the civic celebrations today will be numerous and vibrant.  There are many parades, dancing with colorful costume and of course the fantastic flavors of food and drink. As the weather warms I cannot get enough of salads.  My refrigerator is packed full with colorful vegetables and fruit edging … {continue reading}

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Cinco de Mayo Dipping: Chile con Queso & Roasted Jalapeno Salsa

Posted on May 3, 2013 Written by 13 Comments
Cinco de Mayo dips |BoulderLocavore .com

I remember the exact moment I fell in love with Mexican food.  I was in third grade and we’d just moved to a city in Northern Colorado.  We’d moved every few years prior due to jobs or the pursuit of educational degrees on the part of my parents.  I had no idea when landing in Colorado that it would form a foundation not only of my personae but set roots for what is undoubtedly some of my favorite ethnic food. We went to eat at one of two Mexican restaurants in town; El Burrito.  It was casual and authentic.  No muss or fuss, not what I’d call a ‘dive’ (which I love by the way) but not the dusted off steak house of the time with dimmed lights and salad dressing caddies on every table. As fitting with the name I had my first burrito and was instantly in heaven.  It … {continue reading}

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20 {Gluten-Free} Cinco de Mayo Food & Drink Recipes

Posted on May 1, 2013 Written by 8 Comments
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I cannot think of a cuisine in the United States that has a more broad appeal than Mexican food.  Granted my locality lends itself to an abundance of good Mexican food with influence from the Southwest as well.  I think for me discovering my love for the spicy, earthy flavors so young it’s my ‘go to’ for a festive mood with relaxed ease.  It is not fussy food to prepare or to eat.  Even when dining at the upscale Rick  Bayless Mexican restaurants in Chicago there was no pretense. Like St. Patrick’s Day, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo had been adopted by many as their own and as an opportunity to celebrate.  We have a special local Mexican restaurant with some divey overtones and an outdoor patio that can’t be beat.  It seems to change hands every few years but fortunately … {continue reading}

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Champagne Mango-Lime Agua Fresca

Posted on April 30, 2013 Written by 7 Comments
Champagne Mango-Lime Agua Fresco BoulderLocavore 754-001

With Cinco de Mayo approaching this weekend, all eyes are on the coveted Margarita!  However not everyone chooses to imbibe and mixing it up with a favorite non-alcoholic drink from Mexico is a sure win: Agua Fresca.  Literally translated to be ‘fresh water’, Agua Fresca is an indigenous drink of Mexico which blends fresh fruits, water and some sugar for a light, refreshing drink. The first time I tasted Agua Fresca was on my only trip to Mexico visiting friends in Puerto Vallarta.  It afforded my kind of travel; embedding locally and experiencing things as close to what the native residents do as possible.  I personally loved the watermelon Agua Fresca finding it completely thirst-quenching as well as reminding me of something similar made fresh when I lived in Singapore.  In … {continue reading}

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PLaYing at The Broadmoor & the Purple Pin {adult milkshake}

Posted on April 28, 2013 Written by 7 Comments
The Broadmoor's West Building, where we stayed and which houses The PLaY.

When driving  through Colorado Springs, usually en route to Santa Fe or Taos, I’ve thought I really should spend a weekend there knowing it has much exploration to offer.  It is a gorgeous setting nestled in the bosom of 14,000 foot Pikes Peak.   As work the wiles of serendipity, my family and I were invited to come to Colorado Springs to experience The Broadmoor hotel, an iconic Grande Dame sparkling every one of her well-deserved five stars in all aspects of her offerings.   One quickly feels the depth of the Broadmoor’s nearly 100 year history however it’s worn with a sense of approachable elegance not with pretense, nor is it ‘tired’ as some become bearing the weight of such age.  This was my first visit to the sunset-hued property, protected by towering mountains … {continue reading}

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