July 6th, 2010

Boulder, Colorado, Boulder Theater, Pearl St., St. Julien Hotel & Spa

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…

May 11th, 2010

Jill’s Restaurant, Review, St. Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder, Colorado

I arrived in Boulder last Thursday, full of that East Coast “rush”.  I don’t know why. I felt like I was talking and walking a mile a minute. Crazy.

I know that in some of my posts I always say to the people visiting the Delaware and Maryland Beaches to “kick back and relax”.  Well, that is exactly what I did, even though it took me more than a few hours to get used to the altitude and the dry air.

Boulder is unique.  As you approach the city, the first thing that comes into view are the Flatirons, which are the background to this college town.

What a difference!! A few hours before, I was in Delaware, at sea level, and now I was 5,700 feet high.

No, my oxygen level was fine and I was not huffing and puffing as I made my way to Jill’s Restaurant for a drink and a couple of appetizers to tie my group over until dinner time.

Jill’s Restaurant is a modern bistro that encourages organic farming practices.  The restaurant showcases contemporary cuisine with a Mediterranean accent.

It seats 70, has a full bar, and a beautiful private room, called the Honey-Onyx Room.  You may dine outdoors, weather permitting overlooking the Flatiron Mountains.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We sat at the bar.  The restaurant was crowded since it was graduation week-end at University of Colorado, right in town. 

We just wanted a few drinks and a little something to eat.  We chose the Fat Tire Steamed Mussels, with roasted crostini.  They were delicious and the broth was to die for.  Fat Tire is an amber ale beer  brewed in Fort Collins, Colorado.  We also had the Veggie Spring Rolls with a Chili Ginger Sauce, which were very good, as well.  We chatted, relaxed and took notice of how pretty this bistro was.  The main dinning room had an open kitchen so you could appreciate the comings and goings of a busy restaurant.  The whole set up was very comfortable.

Jill’s Restaurant is located at 900 Walnut Street.  Tel. 720-406-7399.  The website is http://www.jillsdining.com. Please check out the website because there are different events coming up during the month of May and other pertinent information.

The restaurant is in the St. Julien Hotel & Spa.  This hotel is a sophisticated retreat.  It has a serene atmosphere accentuaded by the gorgeous mountain views.  Their tel. is 720-406-9696 or 720-406-8218.  Website is www.stjulien.com.

It is beautiful with an attentive staff.

Yes, that is how my stay in Boulder started…..talk to you later….