January 12th, 2013
Visiting Denver at the end of the summer was great. The weather was perfect and the City was so clean and accessible.
18 degrees in Denver? I think I like it like that….for the Ravens!! So, regardless of the outcome, if you are in Denver this week-end, a few places I have visited and thought you might be interested are:
Denver Convention Center – If you are visiting from the East Coast, you know how much we like boats, the water and all those water sports. Well, the Premier Boat show in the Rocky Mountain Region is at the Denver Convention Center until Sunday 1/13. The Convention Center was opened in 1990 and it is within walking distance to hotels, art museums, shops and restaurants.
 
It is so easy to find, located at 700 14th St. But, if you see the Big Blue Bear, then, you know you have reached your destination. This Big Blue Bear is peering inside the Denver Convention Center; almost like wanting to see what’s going on. It is 40 feet tall….”I See What You Mean”…More info? Please visit http://www.denverconventioncenter.com.
Denver Art Museum – The Museum is also in Downtown Denver, located at 100 W 14th St. It is a very friendly museum. There are so many exhibits taking place at the present time….and some very exciting ones coming up.
Until Sunday, 1/13: Dana Schutz: If The Face Had Wheels.
Mud to Masterpieces: Mexican Colonial Ceramics until 1/17
Becoming Van Gogh until 1/20.
More info? Please check http://www.denverartmuseum.org.
Looking for some Latin cuisine in Denver? Cuba Cuba has been hailed as one of the best, if not the best. It is located at 1173 Delaware St. Tel. 303-605-2822. Website? http://www.cubacubacafe.com. Cuba Cuba opened its doors in 2001.
Mojito Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. And, I do have to say that they offer gluten free options for those with gluten allergies and sensitivities.
So, if you are longing for some Mariquitas, Fried Yuca, and Ropa Vieja….then, by all means stop by.
 Mariquitas  Fried Yuca  Ropa Vieja
January 2nd, 2013
This post is for all of you that might be heading out west for a little skiing. It is that time of the year!!
I have finally started to enjoy my Botanical Pillar Candle. I chose the French Pine. The other day when it was cold and rainy, here at the Delaware Beaches….a little bit of Golden, Colorado, was very well received.
I bought this candle a few months ago when visiting my friend who lives on Lookout Mountain, outside of Denver. Marisa took Cindi and I to all of her favorite stomping grounds. Nature’s Gift was one of them.
I have gotten into candles this past year. I love the ones with true scents. This company delivers just that.
Nature’s Gift is located at 1208 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401. Tel. 303-278-1690. Website? http://www.naturesgiftcandles.com.
The store was full of candles. All through the store, you will be viewing beautiful botanical garden candles which have been inspired by the Rockies.
They are hand poured, then the real fruit is added, along with flowers and other botanicals to the outermost layer of wax.
Each is an original and I can attest that the scent is distinct, yet subtle, permeating through your home.
 
The candles can be purchased through the website.
But, if you happen to be going out west, the Historic Town of Golden is not far away from Denver. It is located in Jefferson County.
The town is small with gorgeous landscapes.
The Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden.
And, also Coors makes Golden its home.
Walking through Golden reminded me of our own towns in Southern Delaware. The town is being preserved, the river is enjoyed by so many. It is worth stopping by.
If you are arriving this week-end, then, check out Golden’s First Fridays where you will find specials, entertainment, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and artists’ signings. Check the new shops or enjoy your favorites.
Have a good one!!
September 29th, 2012
Happy National Coffee Day! Get your caffeine and celebrate!! Our favorite coffee shops are offering deals throughout the day; McDonalds, Dunkin’ Donuts, 7-Eleven, Krispy Kreme among the most popular.
If I had my choice I would go to the New Moon Bakery. Unfortunately, that is not going to be the case, since it is located in the town of Nederland, Colorado, which dates to the 1800’s. I am at the Delaware Beaches…too far!!
The town is located southwest of Boulder, near the Continental Divide and the Baker Meadow Reservoir.
 Eldora Ski Resort in the background It is also the closest town to the ski resort; Eldora.
When visiting Colorado in August with my friend, Cindi, we decided that this was the best coffee we had had in a long time.
We ordered the Breve. Breve is short for Espresso Breve. It is espresso with 1/2 & 1/2. The coffee and boiled milk; poured at the same time into a cup. A rich and bold cup of coffee is what it is!!
New Moon Bakery has been in Nederland since 2009, at 1 West 1st Street. Tel. 303-258-3569 Website? http://www.newmoonbakery.com.
Besides being a coffee and espresso bar, it offers plenty more. A wide assortment of gluten free baked goods are on the menu.
So…if you are visiting the city of Boulder, it will be worth it to stop in this quaint bakery where everything is homemade every day of the week.
Have a great day!!
August 15th, 2012
It was time to say “until next time” to Colorado. After coming down from Rocky Mountain National Park, we decided to stop by Cuba Cuba and have our last dinner in Downtown Denver. My friend, Marisa, knows the owner and she said that it was the best Latin restaurant with awesome Mojitos in Denver.
Cuba Cuba is located at 1173 Delaware St., Denver, CO 80204. Tel. 303-605-2822. Website? http://www.cubacubacafe.com.
When I saw that Cuba Cuba was located on Delaware St., I started to smile. Delaware is where I live. The restaurant is in 2 historic homes. So quaint and very tropical.
The walls show their Latin style.
 
The Bar is popular. Cuba Cuba has an extensive offering of Rums. They also have Rum Flights. Martinis like the Cafe con Leche Martini and the Cafetini are also on the drink menu.
Mojito Happy Hour is Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. My friends, Cindi and Marisa, decided to start with one of those Mojitos. They both agreed that they were delicious.
We were seated in their outdoor patio, which was shielded by a canopy. Perfect for dinner on a summer Colorado evening. There is indoor dining available, as well. A few tables are also set up at the bar.
The appetizers we ordered were:
Yuca Frita, which were hand cut cassava fries tossed in garlic mojo. Yuca is a root vegetable. It is starchy so you have to be careful how too cook it so it does not become too dry. I found this particular one a little to dry for my taste. I could not find the garlic mojo in them.
Mariquitas Cubanas. These were plantain chips with avocado mash and house mojos (garlic, mango/citrus). They were good and the mojos were delicious. I borrowed some of their mojos for the Yuca Frita.
My friend Marisa loves Ropa Vieja. She kept calling it Ropa Sucia. Too funny. She had had this entree at Cuba Cuba plenty of times so she was confident it was going to be sooooo good. The Ropa Vieja had shredded beef sauteed in tomato creole sauce, served with white rice, black beans and tostones. You could tell Marisa did not like it. First she likes her Ropa Vieja with ground beef. Secondly, she usually has had it served over the rice, and the tostones were too thick. I took a taste of the Ropa Vieja; not much flavor.
Latin food is one of the most flavorful; definitely there was a lot missing. It looked good but it left her disappointed.
I decided to order the Paella with calamari, mussels, mahi mahi and chicken. It also had Spanish chorizo. It was prepared with sofrito, saffron and Valencia rice. Bland and more bland. More saffron was needed, garlic, and possibly more sofrito. Paellas are also full of flavor. Sorry to say, this was, definitely, lacking flavor. You could have called this dish seafood, chicken and rice. But, not a paella.
When my friend was asked by our server how the dinner was, she decided to tell her. I chose not to say anything. I was enjoying my dinner with friends and that’s all I cared about.
Our server mentioned that there was a new chef. She also wanted to hear the comments.
Cindi, was totally happy with her Camarones al Coco. They were pan seared shrimp, sauteed with garlic, tomatoes, ginger, coconut milk and peppers, served over a potato mash.
For our sweet ending we ordered a Tres Leches to share. This dessert was excellent. Tres Leches is a cake, filling and topping, using 3 milks; whole milk, condensed milk and evaporated milk.
A decaf espresso, was the perfect ending to our meal.
After some time, and with the help of those mojitos……one might try to play bongos.
It was time to go home and pack; but not before we took pictures of others we met who were enjoying an evening with friends, as well.
Then, they took our pictures too. That’s what you do when on vacation….
Talk to you later…
Note: Cuba Cuba offers catering and has plenty of space for private parties.
August 15th, 2012
Monday was one of those days you do not want it to end. Still visiting my friend, Marisa in Colorado with my other friend, Cindi, we decide to take off for Fort Collins to experience an afternoon of whitewater rafting. It turned out to be an exhilarating time, which I will tell you on another post.
From Fort Collins we continued to Estes Park, which is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Village is quaint, full of shops and eateries. It is a destination for those who love the outdoors.
We were entering Roosevelt National Forest when the drive started to get even more gorgeous than before.
I was wondering if we would see any wildlife. Marisa was telling us about the Big Horn Sheep. She had only seen them one other time.
When I saw the sign describing the Big Horn Sheep, I took a picture thinking that’s all I would get to see.
Surprise, surprise. As we came up the road we saw the people just braking to a stop. Getting out with cameras on hand. Bikers stopping, as well.
There they were. Some by the road and some in much higher rocks.
 
The Big Horn Sheep has been Colorado’s State Symbol. The Rocky Mountain Bighorns are found only in the Rockies, above the timberline, in extremely rugged terrain.
They are known for their agility and perfect balance.
They are social; separated in 2 groups. The mature in one and the ewes, lambs, and young rams in another.
This particular herd we saw did just that. They were not very old. Only one seem to be more of a leader.
Social status is established by body and horn size.
Just beautiful and the perfect ending to a day full of excitement.
Tuesday was another day of exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park. I hoped to see more wildlife.
The Park was full of visitors on a beautiful day. As we were coming down the Park, the most magnificent Elk was there; almost like waiting for us. We all stopped to take pictures of this elegant and majestic animal who in some way knew he owned the Park.
   
Through my stay in Colorado I have taken so many pictures. Post are yet to be written…soon though.
Talk to you later.
August 12th, 2012
“In times past, markets were the centers of towns and villages, the place people gathered to buy or barter goods and services and to catch up on village news.”
In some ways that is true today, as the resurgence of farmers markets are taking towns by storm.
Local agriculture and family farms are an important part of our past, present, and future.
It had been 2 years since I stopped in Boulder. This city is one of the healthiest and fittest in the country.
The scenery is gorgeous; the Flat Irons on the background, watching over Boulder.
The Farmers’ Market in Boulder is one that is supported by the community and visitors. It is huge. 150 vendors. The Market is located at 13th St., between Arapahoe and Canyon; next to Central Park in Downtown Boulder. Website? http://www.boulderfarmers.org
It began in 1987, and it is a Colorado non-profit corporation, established to provide an outlet for local agricultural producers to sell their products directly to the public.
The producers participating in the Market range from professional farmers, to week-end growers with small acreage, backyard gardeners and hobbysts.
Local food establishments, musicians, and monthly art shows are selected to appear at the Market.
Some of the produce has been grown conventionally; all certified organic has been certified as organic by the state of Colorado.
 
When it comes to food, Boulder is very progressive. The Market offers so many gluten free products; the food establishments do so, as well.
It was so funny, when we stopped at Boulder Granola I thought I would get some gluten free granola. I was telling the lady that I was from Delaware. She asked, Rehoboth Beach? She grew up in Rehoboth and even went to school there. Her name was Anne. Small world.
Strolling through the market with my friend, Cindi….buying wine, cheese, and taking it all in.
Talk to you later….
August 10th, 2012
My blog is my diary and it is taking me from the Delaware Beaches, at sea level, to Colorado, to much higher levels. Definitely, a change of scenery.
Visiting my good friends, that live in Lookout Moutain in Colden, Colorado.
Golden is located on the Colorado Front Range with easy access to Denver. Buffalo Bill’s grave is in Historic Golden.
Lookout Mountain is one of the larger foothills which overlooks Golden.
My friends’ home reflect the Bolivian influence. This is also where Joan Baez used to live. Our guest house was their transmitting station for the music of the times.
  
The scenery is beautiful. The caretaker, Wendell, has his own place which is a conversation piece in itself.
  
Leroy is the dog always watching for deer, elk, and bears.
Denver looked beautiful at night.
Our evening was one of laughter and catching up as we ate crabcakes. Yes, I brought crab meat from Jimmy Lynn’s.
My posts may be a little erratic but they will be here or there during these 6 days.
Talk to you later….
July 6th, 2010
I am writing this post with a little bit of sadness because this was probably my last visit to Boulder for some time. Yes, he did graduate and all packages have been mailed back east.
Nevertheless, Boulder is so unique; it is a people’s town. No high rises, just the mountains. Every time I have visited I could not help to notice how everyone is outdoors enjoying what nature has to offer. It is contagious and all of a sudden you want to go hicking, tubing, rock climbing (well, not me), walking or just sitting outside in one of the many outdoor cafes.
Boulder is known to have 300 sunny days per year. The town has about 1,000 businesses and the best part is that they are 85% locally owned.
“The community is a paradoxically mix of left-leaning politically-correct environmentalism and yuppiedom.”
Part of enjoying the outdoors in Boulder is walking around Pearl Street Mall, Pearl Street’s East End, The West End or anywhere in between.
Pearl Street is a 4 block pedestrian mall, right in the middle of Boulder; outdoors, of course. It is also the place to be at night. Restaurants, street performers, musicians, fountains, sculptures, and flowers are everywhere.
Last Wednesday, we were on our way to the Boulder Theater to see Jesse Cook. He is a Canadian guitarist whose music is a mixture of Rumba, Flamenco Music, Latin and a little bit of French and Moroccan. It was fantastic and if you get a chance check him out at www.jessecook.com.
The Boulder Theater has been an independent theater since 1935. It opened in 1906 and in 1927 the first talkie “The Jazz Singer” was presented.
At the present time, the theater is primarily an entertainment venue. The Boulder Theater is versatile, perfect for events ranging from meetings to conferences and live theater, private parties and concerts. In a way it reminded me a lot of the Milton Theater in Milton Delaware. They are gems.
Boulder Theater is located at 2032 14th St. Tel. 303-786-7030 and the website is www.bouldertheater.com. Please check the website for a complete schedule of events.
7/6 – A Movie: The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom
7/7 – An Evening with Hapa
7/9 – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
The hotel I chose to stay on this visit was the St. Julien. It is located on 900 Walnut St. telephones 720-406-9696 and 877-303-0900. Website www.stjulien.com.
I have been wanting to try the St. Julien because it was within walking distance to everywhere that interested me. The hotel is very service oriented. The valet guys were great. The staff wanted to make sure that your expectations were met.
The hotel was busy and at night the back terrace was crowded and music was in the air.
What else can I say? It was great!!
Yes, that was my last post for Boulder for the time being…..talk to you later…
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