Rumor…

Heard on the street that Justin’s Nut Butters may be dropping their organic line and using only conventional or traditionally grown nuts.

Say it isn’t so, Justin!

But, truth be told, I’ll still ALWAYS keep a pack of your Almond Honey in my car for those low-blood sugar moments!

Vics Coffee has another new location!

Vic’s Coffee has opened another location in a 1,900-square-foot space at 1886 30th St., Unit B in Boulder. The space peviously was occupied by Java Hut.

Potatoes Anna

Ok, so this blog really isn’t about my favorite things to cook, but I did have to share this dish. Potatoes Anna is one of the most festive and tasty things I make in the winter. Just look  – isn’t that gorgeous? And, it tastes as good as it looks. I made it while sipping tea with a friend while our children played in the background. A few potatoes sliced in my food processor layered with a combination of butter and olive oil and sea salt…cooked for an hour produces succulent potatoes inside with an extra crunchy top and bottom. I love winter cooking…

Coctail Classes at Happy Noodle

Happy Noodle is offering coctail classes! Fun and Yum!

CLASS SCHEDULE:
classes include 2 cocktails, 3 recipes, & a gift from the bartenders
limited seats are available, call 303.442.3050 to reserve

NEXT CLASS: 12/5: Perfect Holiday Party Cocktails, 2-3pm
learn how to make large batches of cocktails for your holiday gathering
Holiday Pimm’s Cup // Tom & Jerry // Holiday Rum Punch
$25 per person, call 303.442.3050 to reserve your seat

Wall Street Journal plugs Boulder restaurants

I loved waking up on Saturday and seeing the Wall Street Journal give my favorite town about the nicest restaurant review I’ve read in an age. Not only did they feature the usuals – Frasca, Black Cat, The Kitchen, but also gave a nice boost to the newcomer, Salt. I don’t know who is behind all this feel-good Boulder press, but thank you! I have to say, they deserve it! Click for the article…

Arabesque

A new Mediterranean restaurant has opened in Boulder. It’s at the corner of 17th and Walnut. I haven’t been, but I’ve heard the baklava is amazing. I’m thrilled because I’m so not into Falafel King or Daphne’s. I’ll post a review once I actually eat here, but if anyone beats me to it, please let me know!

Biker Jim and Anthony Bourdain

I love Biker Jim. And, I think Anthony Bourdain is pretty damn obnoxious, but I do find him fairly irresistible. So, I was very pleased to hear that Bourdain found Biker Jim and sang his praises throughout Denver and  beyond. If you don’t know Biker Jim, he sells hot dogs, but not just any hot dogs – elk, reindeer, buffalo, wild boar dogs from a couple of carts down in Denver. Do check him out. It’s worth the trip.

Vail on Sale

I was talking with a coworker yesterday and told him my husband and I were going to Vail for the night to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. “Must be nice” said he in a bit of a snarky tone. Detecting this note, I told him we could do it because it was the Shoulder Season. “Huh?” said he. I was shocked that this man who has lived in Colorado for nearly 10 years had never heard of this blessed time that happens twice a year  – once in the spring before the summer season awakes and once in the fall just prior to ski season.

The deal is you call up any resort you want in Colorado in Oct/Nov and tell them you are a CO resident and then ask about their shoulder season deals. Voila – you will be rewarded with a wealth of options.

We paid $160 for a Junior Suite (got upgraded) in the Sonnenalp which included a gorgeous European-style breakfast (homemade museli, German cold cuts, pastries, fresh fruit, omelet bar, etc) and the best part – an indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub. During ski season this rate doubles.

But, if that’s too much you can also find great deals at www.vailonsale.com Most places seem to offer a $99/night rate. Parking in the Vail village is free in the main park structure, too.

And, did I mention that nearly every restaurant has 1/2 price entrees or takes a sizable portion off your total bill. Last night we had delicious wood-fired pizzas and our total bill was cut 30%! Shouler Season ends next week, but there is still time to find some incredible deals!

Sprouts Farmers Market

Although it opened on Oct 9, I’m still yakking about how much  I like Sprouts.

As the closest grocery store to our house, I’m so loving it. Safeway might be a little closer, but oh what a boring, expensive store that Safeway is.. But, that’s a whole other blog post.

No, Sprouts rocks. We love the sales, the produce selection and the great assortment of vitamins. Although my kids moan that they don’t have a “kids’ club” (Whole Foods’ cradle to grave marketing effort – which we also LOVE), they do love the fact that I usually get them a honey stick for sale at the checkout (yes, I’m a sucker).

What a joy to live in Boulder. Every day I truly give thanks that I get to live in a place that is not only gorgeous, but boasts more than a dozen grocery stores for a population of less than 140,000. Compared to Baltimore which had only 5 grocery stores with half a million residents and  no physical beauty to speak of (unless you count architecture) it is a joy to wake up here….and  grocery shop and eat here.

Olomomo Nut Company

I love these nuts. What I love about them is that they aren’t sickly sweet and that they have amazing flavor combinations like Chai Bliss, Mango Chipotle and Zippy Zen. I get sooooo tired of finding minimal protein-packed foods when I run into a coffee shop or am out and about and need a protein hit. As a vegetarian of 28 years (don’t bother doing the math – I’m 42), I’m finding that my protein needs are actually increasing as I age and finding things other than my favorite food group: English aged cheddar cheese, to eat on the go is increasingly challenging.

What I don’t love about these nuts is that I can’t find them everywhere. But, I have a feeling that will change as more people get to sample them. Whole Foods, Safeway, King Soopers, STARBUCKS…are you listening in? If so, grab a pack of these (Chai Bliss is my fave) and try them. You’ll love them.