Category: 0 Colorado

K's Dairy Delite in Buena Vista, CO

2/18/2019

Fast Food in Colorado

I'm doing a little throwback blogging today. It's been over 2 years since Don and I drove through Buena Vista and spotted this neon sign.

It's a chilly February day today and I'm dreaming of that yummy summertime lunch.

Since 1955

This cute little roadside joint has been sitting here, since before I was born. (barely) Originally it was named Goldbrick and Jerry's Fountain Goodies. A woman named Kay, bought the place in 1968. New owners in 2000, kept the name.

Windows

We placed our order at the walk up window. They didn't ask for a name. They just gave us a name and that amused me very much.

Next, we walked past the decorated windows, to the side door. Inside, I looked around while waiting to hear my new name being announced.

Tiny Space

There was a tiny eating area, with some wall amusements. There were colorful shapes on the wall, with words of wisdom. "One who runs behind a car gets exhausted." There was also a "Dot Your Spot" map.

Shadow Boxes

A few displays on the wall needed a little help. This one included some buttons, a building block and an empty bottle of garlic seasoning... carefully displayed behind a sheet of plastic. I could have made a few display contributions, if I'd cleaned a drawer or two before our trip.

Meryl Streep!

It was exciting for a split second to think my favorite actress was waiting on her order. But when Meryl Streep was called to pick up her order, she was a man.

While I waited on our order, I made a quick dash to the teeny tiny restroom, between the half-door and the kitchen. Not only was the cute little room, the size of an airplane restroom... it even had the handy little "occupied/vacant" announcement above the doorknob!

Order Ready For Ariel The Mermaid!

Our order was ready and our special name was called. If it hadn't been so busy, I would have asked as few questions.
Who came up with this playful plan for calling out orders? Do you ever have a customer who complains about the given name? Do you have customers who don't hear their name being called, because they forgot their new name? Is there a system for this name given or is it random?

There was no time for questions. We just grabbed our bag and lots of napkins and headed to one of the picnic tables at the nearby park.

Yum

Don's sloppy cheeseburger was yummy enough to remind us of Steak-N-Shake burgers back home. My chili cheese dog was equally messy and unhealthy and tasty. The huge cup of fries was piping hot and enough to share.

All good and worth waiting for.

Between Mountains and River

We will remember our K's lunch for a few reasons. Our fast food feast was yummy. The little building with neon sign, was fun. We had a mountain view from our table. We ate our K's food, in a park with a river and "snowing" cottonwood trees. Memorable!

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Adrift - A Tiki Bar in Colorado

2/18/2019

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Denver's Only Tiki Bar

Don and I had a Denver Tiki Adventure, in June 2017. Maybe it was the powerful cocktail that made me forget to add Adrift to the tiki list!

This is what I saw from our Uber, when we pulled up to the little bar on South Broadway. The gray brick and spotlighted sign, had no Polynesian flair at all.

Entrance

However, the entrance welcomed us with two grand carvings!

The door was propped open and we headed right in!

Let There Be Light!

I was delighted right away, because the interior was nicely lit! Don and I have had some crazy moments in dark tiki bars. When entering from daylight, it takes my old eyes minutes to adjust. There was no stumbling and no need for cellphone guidance, at Adrift. We headed for a seat where we had a view of the island village mural.

Rounded Booth

We slid into our avocado green booth and sighed at our surroundings. There were lovely tropical plants that we could actually see. There were carved faces, staring down at us...

There were blowfish lamps and bamboo walls and a cocktail menu full of tropical cocktails, all made with hand-squeezed juices.

Drinks

I made sure to order a cocktail that looked extra fun. My Rum Punch came in a proper tiki mug, with a few fruit garnishes. Don's Mai Tai looked less festive, but worked well with his outfit.

Drinks with a View

Our table allowed us to keep an eye on the bamboo bar and the people coming and going. It was too early for any wild people watching. I took in a little more scenery when I ventured to the restroom. I peeked at the back patio, which had some fun murals. The restroom was the cleanest I've seen, of any tiki bar!

Cheers!

Our tiki-time at Adrift didn't have any outlandish characters or creepy-crazy decor. We've had more memorable tiki bar experiences. But, this was probably the most relaxing, clean and comfortable of our tiki adventures. Cheers to that!

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Durango Diner

11/7/2018

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Colorado in July

Don and I opted out of our hotel's complimentary breakfast, to have a meal at an iconic diner on Main Street. The Durango Diner no longer has its fabulous old sign, but there was a smiling plate with egg-y eyes, smiling in the window!

The Window Table

If we'd had more than 2, we would have opted for the sunny spot in the window.

We were happy just to get a seat at all. The narrow diner was pretty packed at 8 am. The window table was full, a moment after I took the photo.

Debbie

Debbie was our cheery server. She asked if we'd eaten at the diner before and then warned us about the large servings.

She was the only server on duty when we first arrived and luckily others came on duty soon after... or Debbie wouldn't have had time for this photo.

Feast

Don ordered the corned beef hash with fried eggs, hash browns and sourdough toast. My giant blueberry pancake was jammed with juicy berries. I smothered it in warm syrup and even with Don's help couldn't eat half.

Wood

I was curious about the whole diner, starting with our funny table, built right into the wooden wall.

How Many Stools?

After working on my pancakes a while, I just had to get up and have a look around. I think I counted 20 stools.

Every stool was taken, as well as a couple of small tables in the back. I wandered behind the stools and studied the wall, filled with framed photos and articles.

The Wall

I liked the vintage booster seat resting on the coat rack. A man seated at the counter, noticed me snapping a photo and we began to talk.

Griddle View

I told the man that it looked like he had the best stool in the house, with a good view of the griddle. He laughed and said he'd been eating at that counter for 40 years and was getting some good cooking lessons. He pointed to the owner on the right and made some playful remarks.

Gary

Gary, the owner heard us gabbing and turned to chime in. I asked if I could take a picture of him and he answered with a firm, "No." I played along and apologized, until he laughed and posed. "You can tell I hate pictures..." he said as he gestured towards the wall of photos. There were quite a few John Waynes on that wall!

Good Bye Diner

When I returned to the table, Don was having a conversation with Debbie and another server, about the fires and mudslides that have harmed the town's economy. We chatted a bit longer then said good-bye before hitting the road.

We headed off feeling pretty delighted with our breakfast and with the people we'd met. Not all local diners welcome travelers as openly.

We hadn't gotten out of town before I realized I'd left my sweater. We turned and headed back to the diner. Debbie had rescued my sweater and hung it on a hook, right beneath the classic booster seat. "I was hoping you'd be back." She said.

That somehow made my day!

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Buckhorn Exchange in Denver

7/13/2017

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"Zietz Buckhorn Restaurant" since 1893

Don and I were curious about the Buckhorn Exchange, when we spotted it in an old cookbook. It had a different name in 1964, when the restaurant was run by the original owner's son.

Don and I tracked it down in Denver as soon as we arrived, this past June. At first we studied the area surrounding the corner restaurant and wondered how safe our suitcase loaded car would be. But there was a large fenced in parking lot and the awnings were bright and welcoming. And we were hungry and excited enough to risk it.

Image in My Cookbook

This is the book that lured us to the Buckhorn. We had spotted this write-up, with recipe, in our 1954 Ford Motor cookbook. We were excited to learn it was still open and going strong, since it was opened by Henry Zietz, 144 years ago! The recipe for Bean Soup sounded good and the illustration in the book promised an atmosphere filled with as many customers as stuffed critters!

Late Lunch

It was after the official "lunch hours", but Lynn greeted us with a smile and ushered us to a cute table with a checkered cloth.

This was the view I had from my comfy, wingback chair! Well worn wood floors, pressed tin ceiling and just a few of the 575 stuffed creatures, to help us feel less lonely!

Bread and Beer!

Don and I had been on the road a while, so we were happy to sit back and absorb our surroundings. Don sipped on a beer, while I devoured some pretty heavenly bread and butter. Lynn never made us feel like we'd come at an inconvenient time. She seemed delighted that we were so intrigued by the place.

Buckhorn Specialty

Don was very pleased with his salmon and baked beans. I chose Gramma Fannie's Pot Roast Sandwich on Pumpernickel. It's been a specialty since 1893. The slow cooked Colorado beef brisket and pan gravy, was actually a lot yummier than "pot roast". I had a cup of the famous bean soup that was featured in the book. Very yummy!

Beasts and Critters

The whole downstairs was jammed with Mr. Zietz' collection of Taxidermy Friends. Hunting was obviously a passion of the original owner. But, long before opening the saloon, Mr. Zietz spent time as a member of Buffalo Bill's "hard-riding and straight-shooting band of Scouts". By the time Zietz opened his saloon, he was the perfect host to the cattlemen, miners, railroad workers, Indian chiefs, silver barons and gamblers!

Lynn and the Book

I was glad we were dining at an off-time, since Lynn was free to laugh over the book with me. Lynn studied the featured page with a huge grin. Then she went directly to a painting on the wall. She recognized the watercolor illustration in the book. They had the original, framed on the wall.

Lynn was happy to pose with the cookbook... which is always part of the cookbook adventure. We posed in front of an elk that Henry Zietz shot years ago.

"He thought it was dead!" Lynn, laughed. "But it wasn't." Evidently, Henry moved in closer to get a better look and the angry beast kicked out some teeth!

Old Tables

Lynn said she had been working at the Buckhorn for 30 years and her husband, Bill, for 40. I was impressed with Lynn's enthusiasm after so many years. She clearly did not tire of sharing stories and information. She pointed out the 160- year-old poker tables, that now serve as dining tables. I can't remember what the little nooks were for, but they were odd little spaces under the tablecloth.

Were Ladies Allowed?

I kind of loved the Ladies Room upstairs, with the porcelain sinks and antique dresser.

I doubt they had bathrooms at all when the Buckhorn opened in 1893. There probably weren't any ladies either, unless they were the Ladies of the Night variety.

Celebs Over the Years

On the wall spaces, which weren't covered in furry friends, there were photos of celebrity friends. Long before the Hollywood stars came to call, there were the Western ones like Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull. Then Teddy Roosevelt stopped for a visit, in 1905. Since those early years, there have been 5 presidents and at least one princess... Princess Anne. There have been plenty of stars from Bob Hope to Garth Brooks. Lynn said she had lots of stories from her 30 years. She thought Tommy Smothers was pretty amusing.

Upstairs

Lynn invited us to have a look upstairs. She pointed out the wedding dress that had belonged to Sitting Bull's niece. Sitting Bull was the one who nicknamed Henry Zietz, Shortie Scout.

The White Oak Bar

Lynn sent us upstairs to see the impressive front and back bar from 1857, that Zietz had shipped from Germany. She had to get back to work but made sure we stuck our heads in the office to show the cookbook to her husband, Bill. Bill was a tall friendly, character. Even though his clothes weren't western, he seemed to fit the atmosphere well. He took time to point out some of the second story highlights. Like Lynn, he was full of information, but equally interested in us, asking questions about our travels.

The Roofgarten

Before taking off, Don and I took a peek at the latest room addition, with a couple of stuffed bears and an authentic covered wagon. I wish we could have come back to see what the evening atmosphere was like, with live music, a weekend crowd... and so many wild animals!

Off We Go

There was a little police action going on (with an intoxicated man) across the street, when we left. Let's just say, it added to the old west feel experience!

I'm just so pleased we were able to chat with Lynn and Bill. It must be an exhausting business, yet, both were generous with their time and sincerely proud of this unique, historic place!

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Stagecoach Inn - Manitou Springs

7/10/2017

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A Food-less Adventure in Colorado

Once again, one of our trusty, vintage cookbooks took us to a place we might never have discovered.

In June one of our stops on a 3-week trip, was Manitou Springs. I peeked in our 1950 cookbook to see if there were any featured restaurants from the area. I was pretty thrilled to spot the curious little Stagecoach Inn.

About the Cookbook

I love flipping through the 67-year-old cookbook, which features restaurants and recipes across the United States. When I found the illustration for this cozy little place, I had 2 questions and checked the internet to answer the first. Yes, the "inn" was still open after all these years! The second question was, "Do they serve cherry pie?" I got that answer from my friend Christy, who remembered eating some delicious cherry pie when she visited... 30+ years ago.

How Old?

We found the barn-like restaurant, just a walk from our hotel. Although there was a newer addition to the right, the building looked very similar to the old illustration. I know from the cookbook that the restaurant was popular in the fifties, but I read that it had been here since 1900.

Stagecoach Stop

An authentic stagecoach was on display, as a reminder that this was once a stagecoach stop in 1881. The carriage in my photo, blocks a house-like wooden structure that now holds the restaurant bar. The two buildings were connected by the 1-story addition. The whole rambling complex had a touch of hillbilly flair going on. It reminded me of my trips to the Missouri Ozarks as a kid.

Early Evening

It wasn't exactly mealtime when we arrived, but I was determined to have some kind of "dining adventure" anyway. Don and I took a seat at the bar, even though the outside deck overlooking the creek, looked very inviting.

Happy Hour Exploring

Don and I wanted to be inside where we could learn a little something about the place. The young staff made me realize I might have to do some history figuring on my own. I peeked at the old fireplace across from the bar. I found some framed photos on the wall opposite the fireplace.

What were they before?

It looked like the Stagecoach restaurant, (featured in the book) once held the Manitou Springs Journal. The other building, (where the bar was housed) looked more like a home. The diamond design windows were the same ones I saw next to the fireplace.

Asking Moxie

Our young bartender, Moxie was pretty upbeat and enthused, even though she was working a double shift, training a new bartender and a little short staffed. She also happened to remind us of Brittney Spears.

Moxie wasn't too busy to answer our question about the staircase nearby. She said the stairs in the house-like building had once lead to a brothel. That gave us something to think about. I waited for another break, when Moxie wasn't being bombarded with orders or silly customer questions, then I flashed the cherry pie recipe at her. She looked twice and laughed at the retro book. She said they still served cherry pie, but added, "You can be sure it's nothing like that recipe!" I'm not sure what that meant.

Renovations

Most guests were eating on outside patios, so the dining room in the main building was empty. The fireplace and the front bay window were the only indications that we were in an old building. The fresh paint and artwork were added with new ownership a couple years ago. I would have loved to have seen the interior in the fifties.

What About Food?

Since we weren't experiencing a meal, we made sure to order a piece of cherry pie to go. Moxie was right, it didn't look quite like the recipe. The crust didn't appear to have been made from scratch. But we took it back to our hotel fridge.

I got sick that night and skipped dinner. (We at least can't blame it on food poisoning from Stagecoach) In the morning we packed up and forgot our pie.

So, no notes on the food. But I'm glad we experienced the atmosphere and some conversation at the Stagecoach Inn!

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Dining Surprises at The Brown Palace

7/5/2017

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Palace Arms, in Denver

I have always been intrigued by images I've seen of the historic Brown Palace, in Denver. Unfortunately, the hotel was out of our price range during our recent Colorado road trip. Even a meal at the hotel's Palace Arms seemed to be over budget. Don and I settled for a drink at the Churchill Bar.

Entrance to Palace Arms & Churchill Bar

Just stepping through the doorway from the hotel's grand atrium/lobby was a thrill. I stole a glance into the dining room, before we turned right, into the classy cigar bar. We skipped the cigars, but ordered some very festive martinis.

Traveling With a Cookbook

It was killing me to be so close to the Palace Arms dining room, without experiencing a meal. Don and I were traveling with our vintage, Ford (motor company) Cookbook and we had spotted the Palace Arms in the Colorado section. When the book was printed in 1954, The Palace Arms was a new addition to the (then) 62 year old hotel. I was curious to compare the Napoleonic decor of the illustration, to the dining room today. I pretty much doubted they still served French Pancakes!

Sneaking a Longer Peek

It was getting late, so I figured I'd dash over (with my book) to the dining room for a better look. The host welcomed me in, but he was way too young to be amused by the old cookbook. I noticed a woman, who was just getting ready to leave. She'd been dining alone, so I caught her eye and asked about her meal. "Did you have French Pancakes?" I added with a chuckle, as I pointed to the recipe in the book. She was my age, which was probably why she was intrigued by the cookbook. We chatted more and I learned that her son happened to be the executive chef.

Stories With Mom and Chef

Chef Kasper came out of the kitchen while we were chatting. His mom, Teresa introduced us, which meant I of course, had to share the book. He laughed at the recipe for French Pancakes. We talked about his culinary career, which was mighty impressive for such a young man. We chatted ourselves right into the Independence Dining Room with the historic mural/wallpaper. Kasper laughed at his memory of decorating the elegant room with dinosaurs, once. It was for a little boy's Make-A-Wish celebration.

Photo Time

Before heading back to Churchill's, I offered to use Teresa's cell phone to take her picture with Kasper. (We moms like pics with our sons) I wished her a safe trip back to Kansas and told her she should be incredibly proud of that boy of hers. Then both mom and son were kind enough to do the cookbook pose for my camera. They stood by the flag collection, which is shown in the book illustration.

Surprise at the Bar

Don had wondered why I'd been gone so long. Not long after I finished explaining my disappearance, Chef Kasper and few assistants, swooped in and surrounded us with some specially prepared dishes.

Surprise Feast!

Kasper lingered briefly as he explained the dishes he'd created. Before darting back to the kitchen, he poured warm syrup on his spontaneous creation of French Pancakes, with feta and cherries with a flan-like lid! I was too stunned to absorb all his words! But the flavors were unforgettable! Garden fresh, cucumber and caviar salad... delightfully rich lamb with peas and mushrooms... I think! I so wish I could have recorded his descriptions!

Days Later

The next day, I emailed photos to Kasper and thanked him for the amazing food experience. He encouraged us to return for a full meal the next time we passed through. He also mentioned that he could help us with hotel rates, if we did find ourselves back in Denver.

Long story short, Don and I altered our road trip. A week later, we returned to Denver and this time we stayed at The Brown, thanks to Chef Kasper!

Another Surprise

Shortly after checking into our hotel room, we answered the door to room service. Once again, I found myself feeling sort of speechless. Champagne, fruits, sweets, bread and cheese? Luckily our dinner reservations were on the late side!

Working Up An Appetite

Just steps from our room, we could see when the afternoon tea ended and the evening jazz quartet arrived. It was a lively Friday night and we were able to enjoy the festive atmosphere before heading to the Palace Arms, for some serious dining!

Getting Started

Don and I felt like V.I.P.s when the hostess ushered us to our comfy table by the stained glass window. Our gracious waiter, Harrison flawlessly served us... when Chef Kasper wasn't serving us, himself.

Harrison offered a menu, but he gave us another option and we chose it. We decided we were game for being served the Chef's Choice. Harrison told us with a smile, "We'll just keep bringing food until you've had enough!"

We started with a tomato and Feta salad, served on a salt block. The chilled block kept the veggies crisp and cold, only melting enough to add a bit of salty flavor! I might add, the bread that came before, was mouth watering. It was hard to hold back.

More and More and More!

The timing of our dishes added to the decadent experience. Four more courses came before dessert. Nothing felt hurried or overdone or uncomfortably formal. Kasper slipped out each time to squat down by the table and explain each dish. He and Harrison never intruded or lingered too long. We seemed to have enough time between courses to miraculously work up an appetite for the next. Everything from the food on the plates to the timing of the service, was totally balanced.

4 More Dishes

Each dish arrived with surprises! Once again, I found myself unable to remember all the details! There were so many new flavors and surprising combinations. There was buttery salmon with caviar and mouthwatering greens. The crispy pork medallions sat on a heavenly hominy sauce, with a surprise of baby corn... which was really a custard, shaped like corn! My favorite was the beef filet with mushrooms. When the glass covers were lifted from our plates, we were hit with a poof of aroma... smoked beef and mushroom! Yum!

To the Finish

I still can't figure out what Kasper did, that created a sizzling excitement when he poured our tea! The dessert of rhubarb and pine berries, also had a story I can't explain. Mostly the balance of sweet and sour brought back my own childhood stories, of eating crunchy rhubarb, dipped in sugar, as a child! (Kasper's is much better!)

More Talk and Surprises

Don and I had more questions while we finished up our dessert. Since we were the last diners, Kasper pulled up a chair to chat. We sipped tea and Kasper guzzled some water, refilled by Harrison a couple times. We asked about how Kasper got interested in cooking, as a young boy.

We talked about the places he has lived and we even talked about his dog. But mostly we talked about food and restaurants. My biggest surprise was learning that all the dishes he'd served us, he was trying for the first time! Kasper has a passion for creating and presenting food. He seems incredibly serious for such a young man. And he was incredibly generous when he sent us off with a bag full of jams, sauces and breads.

Thanks!

Once again, Don and I were full of huge thank-yous! Our special hotel rate, helped us go ahead and splurge on a special dinner. I'm very sure our bill didn't reflect all we ate. And I know for sure, we ended up with a whole lot more than a good meal. We have a memory now, of being treated like a King and Queen, at the Palace Arms. That may be as close as I ever get to being treated Royally anywhere!

It's been nearly 2 weeks since our feast and I'm still trying to process how it all fell into place. We're back home in Texas now, but I'm about ready to go back and figure it all out!

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Lodge Dining in the Rockies

10/2/2015

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Raining in the Rockies

Last month Don and I drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. We got out a couple times, but there was nothing to see. It was a good day to enjoy some lodges!

The Historic Rapids Lodge

This rustic lodge was built by the Ish family in 1915. J. Lapsley Ish had a funny name, but he was a hardworking man from Missouri. It seemed like a place we should check out.

Dining In or Out?

There was a nice view of the creek from the dining room, but where was everyone? Most were seated on the patio, because the rain had stopped.

By the Creek

Don and I grabbed a table near a lovely pot of flowers, with a view of the boulder-filled creek.

We shared a salad and a cup of potato soup, which was perfect for Texans with thin blood on a chilly day in Colorado. Nobody else looked a bit cold.

We were almost able to finish the grilled chicken sandwich on pretzel bun... but it started raining. Time to move on down the road.

Grand Lake Lodge

We had just eaten, so we didn't enjoy a meal at this lake view lodge with old cars. We put it on our "next time" list and headed into the National Park.

Still Pretty

Sometimes we could see mountains and sometimes we saw nothing... and hoped for the best. After a somewhat harrowing drive, I begged Don to stop at one more lodge.

The Baldpate Inn

We found the nearly 100-year old place at the end of a muddy, dirt road. It wasn't mealtime, but I just had to have a "dining adventure" even if it involved no food.

Why?

I'm sort of addicted to a few of these old cookbooks put out by Ford Motor Company in the '50's and '60's to spotlight eateries around the country. Most of the restaurants and hotels are gone, but when I find one that's still in business, I have to make a call!

The Inn's Second Owner

Since the Mace Family built the inn in 1917, it has been run only by 2 families. I was lucky enough to meet Lois Smith, who bought the hotel in 1986. She was pretty tickled by the recipe. They only serve breakfast, dessert and salad bar at the inn's restaurant, but she laughed that tuna salad is often on the buffet.

Dining

If we hadn't been racing to get to our hotel, we could have at least stopped for some pie! The view was lovely even on a damp day.

Salad in a Tub

And to think I'd ordered soup and salad a couple hours earlier. Here, I could have dug my own lettuce right out of the bathtub! (It actually looked very tasty) And there was a nice collection of framed photos that I wanted time for. Evidently the Mace family had a photographer or two.

And the Keys!

All I initially knew about this place was that it once served tuna noodle casserole. I was pretty excited to learn how it got its Baldpate name and why there were 20,000 keys hanging from the beams!

After the Mace's opened their inn, novelist Earl D. Biggers came to stay. He claimed the Mace's inn matched the description of the hotel in his mystery novel, "Seven Keys to Baldpate". The inn name was changed and guests have been contributing to the hotel key collection for nearly 100 years.

Next Time?

It was tough leaving when we hadn't had a meal or an overnight. What a perfect contribution to my Dining or 90-Nights blog! The inn closes for the season in a few days and it kind of looks like one of those places that just might decide against ever opening again. Hopefully not. One more to add to my "next time" list!

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Burro and Moose Cafes in Colorado

7/8/2013

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Brown Burro Cafe in Fairplay

This café was a motel in the 1930's. They even had stalls for burros. Burros were a big part of mining life in this area of Colorado, so I guess that came in handy!

Cozy and Friendly

The interior was very comfy with lots of wood and colorful pepper lights.

Log Booth

You have to love the log bench! Maybe not too comfortable, but very sturdy!

Table Top Art

Our table had the word BURRO spelled out in pennies! How fun is that?

This was also a very good test to find out how old this place was. Looks like this table is not all that old since there were some pennies from the 1980's. The restaurant as it turns out wasn't created until the 1980's using a few of the motel rooms.

Fun Stuff

Tucked on shelves here and there, I found many burros. The pins and map idea was pretty fun, too. They had a world map as well. (a lot of world travelers have visited Brown Burro Café!) As for food...I have no pictures, but it was tasty and cheap. And the owners were very chatty, despite the busy atmosphere! I give 15 points!

Moose Café in Kremmling

This café sits right on the highway that goes through Kremmling. Western Bob's Motel is right next door. I know there's got to be a great history to this place but the young waitresses were clueless. They also were very slow!

Ranchers and Cowboys

There were a lot of boots and hats in our café. I was a little surprised at how patient the locals seemed to be with the slow service. I guess they're used to it. Or maybe they just read the sign on the door before entering. "If you are in a hurry, go down to the deli for food."

Moose!

You can see Don is waiting for his food. When it finally arrived I wasn't sure it was worth it. Our burger, soup and salad was pretty basic. But we did have a moose above our heads and the people watching was pretty entertaining. Too bad we didn't get to enjoy the lounge in the front of the restaurant...or the ice-cream and coffee bar in the back.

I'll give 10 points to Moose Café.

I love cafes with an animal focus!

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Saloon Adventures in Colorado

7/7/2013

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Saloons in the West!

My husband, Don and I just returned from a trip to Colorado where we sampled food and drink in about 12 different towns and cities. My most memorable dining experiences seem to involve saloons. They have a lot of saloons in Colorado!

I will compare 6 others...besides this 1879, Leadville beauty pictured left.

1- J-Bar in the Hotel Jerome in Aspen

I will give 10 points for The J-Bar, which was the most un-saloonish and least memorable of all the saloons. Even though the seating was luxurious and the people watching was entertaining, we didn't stay long. The prices were high and vibe was too cool.

History?

There's a great history behind this hotel bar, but the fresh paint, glaring flat screen and dressed down wealthy made it hard for me to envision that past. Our middle aged server saved her chit chat for the locals and seemed pleased to give us the bill before we asked.

2- Gold Pan in Breckenridge

Yes, there's a fresh coat of paint and plastic chairs on the outside of Gold Pan, but the warped floors and wooden bar stools inside feel nice and old.

I give 25 points to Gold Pan for making us feel welcome and for taking us back in time. There's quite a history to this saloon that was also erected around 1879, in the very spot where Long's Saloon first sold whiskey from a tented structure.

Memorable People Encounter

Unlike our eye-rolling server at the J-Bar, Keith was full of smiles and relaxed conversation. Keith told us some good stories, but my favorite was about his name. Shortly before Keith was born, his parents attended a 1986 World Series game. While stressing over the outcome, his parents pronounced they would name their child Keith if Hernandez would just get a hit! I guess he did.

3 - Quarter House Saloon in Kremmling

As you move away from the Aspens and Breckenridges you get a taste of saloon atmosphere created for small town locals. The Quarter House gets 30 points for having a curious, worn-out comfy feel and some darn good food that was practically free!

It is what it is.

It's a little more 1970's than 1870's, but that works for me. I love coming in from a morning hike and sitting down to a vinyl table cloth with a colorful veggie print! That got me hungry for a grilled cheese stuffed with piping hot cheddar and grilled onions and peppers. The side salad came with fresh avocado and cheese. Less than $5.00 for both! Don's burger and fries were just as tasty and well-priced.

Who is your audience?

You have to love the decorated walls with deer heads, rodeo posters and framed photos of children with their prize pigs. The bar top had a nice thick clear coating over a snazzy collage of bar photos...locals I'm guessing. I think it's clear who this bar/restaurant is catering to.

History Out Back

I do love getting the inside scoop and our young waitress had a few tidbits for us. The saloon once had a brothel upstairs. (that's actually not surprising) She also pointed out back to what she said had been a slaughter house. We got curious and wandered down the alley later. At the end of the red building was an open window with fluttering curtains. We heard the sounds of a TV and an electric fan ...making us realize someone was living in that old slaughterhouse!

4- Pastime Saloon in Leadville

Leadville caters to some tourists, but not like Aspen. We spent almost 24 hours in Leadville, trying to figure out what this town was all about. We sampled 2 saloons, a Mexican restaurant and a diner specializing in cookies and we still weren't sure. But we did give Pastime Saloon our vote for most memorable. 40 points to Pastime for being a part of Leadville History and allowing us a people encounter with a Leadville native.

History Highlight: Pastime is off the main street, on what was once State Street...the Red Light District...where there were once 64 saloons!

Lorinda

Lorinda grew up in Leadville. That was exciting news to learn, because during our 10 days in Colorado I asked about 25 locals where they were from and not one was originally from the town we were in. Lorinda grew up around this saloon. Her grandfather cooked there as a young man and bought the business in 1938. Her parents own the saloon now and she pointed out their portraits above the unusual bamboo bar. She told us the odd bamboo piece came from a bar that had once served the residents in a nearby Chinese community. "The Chinese who came to work on the railroads had to live in their own area." Lorinda informed us. That got me pretty curious about the story behind the Chinese immigrants. I was also a little curious about the odd malt shop style bar stools. But I didn't ask.

Smile...Click

I had promised Don I wouldn't get silly with the camera before we entered Pastime. We heard this was a local hangout, that could be a little rough. (There was a stabbing a few months earlier) It was still early that Friday, so we braved it. Don agreed to this photo when we decided the place seemed very friendly.
And what are those things on the ceiling behind Don's head?

Money?

I still don't get it. Lorinda said something about the Superbowl and people using tacs and a powerful arm to shoot these folded bills up to the ceiling.

5- Saloon at Old Western Hotel in Ouray

I give this crazy place 50 points for being the most unique, authentic and friendly of all the saloons. And the food was pretty amazing.

Ouray was our last night in Colorado and we spent it well. We wandered the cozy little town nestled into the San Juans, then checked into our Blue Room at the hotel. At 8:00 we took a seat at the ornate bar beside the stained glass windows and took a look at the menu.

There's quite a history of Ma Flor, the proprietor and cook who took care of miners as well as high paying guests during the richest days of the silver boom. She was known for using her shotgun to handle unruly guests!

Stories

There are lots of stories, like the one about this painting on the floor. Years ago, an artist named Herndon stopped by the Saloon and painted this image of his beloved Juniata on the floor...for some beer.

More Women

I can't remember the story about the woman behind this painting at the other end of the bar. It's not Juanita, though.

I don't have a photo of Rosemarie either. She is the woman who cooked our incredible meal. She was far too busy to trouble for a photograph.

Rosemarie's Cooking

This really was amazing food to be eating at a bar. I had the spicy elk burger with grilled peppers and monster fries. Don had trout amandine with Beurre Blanc sauce. As surprising as the food, was the story of our cook. Rosemarie and her husband have owned this hotel and restaurant for 10 years. She grew up in the Netherlands where her father made Gouda cheese. She began cooking for her family when she was 12 and went on to become an award winning chef.

Talking with People

Sometimes the people you meet on dining adventures are as memorable as the food. While Don and I devoured our meal we chatted with a few others at the bar. One couple was so intrigued that we were staying at this funny hotel with its original wallpaper and tales of haunting that we finally invited them upstairs to just peek at our scary room.

In the morning we met Gregg, Rosemarie's husband. He was from Iowa which made me instantly adore him. (I grew up in Grinnell) Gregg filled our brains with about 10 more incredible stories about the saloon and hotel. His giddy enthusiasm made us eager to get back and have another meal and one of his private jeep tours in the future!

Hooray for Colorado Saloons!

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