The Bolder Life: Fraternizing Food Trucks →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: September 12th, 2011

Love your local food trucks?

Wish they would all get together in one place to make it easier for you to compose a delicious meal concocted from each truck’s menu?

Then you need to skip the homemade meatloaf, frozen pizza or delivery dinner and visit Prospect Park every Monday night from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tasty offerings from Boulder County’s own: Comida, The Tasterie Truck, Fruta Juice, Rollin Greens, Top of the Hill Grill West and Seb’s Wood Fired Portable Cuisine are served with a hint of live music and the BYOB-everage of your choice.

Plenty of picnic tables and benches are available for you to sit and enjoy your meal, and the grassy center of the park offers a great place for conversations between new and old friends, dogs of all shapes and sizes to meet and greet and a place where kids of all ages can bring their hula hoops, bicycles, appetites and sweet teeth.

“Monday Nights in Prospect Park” are expected to continue (weather permitting) through the end of September with occasional stops through the spring. You can keep up with these mobile meal makers by following them on facebook and Twitter for up-to-date menus and the heads-up on their upcoming truck stops.

Comida Food Truck
Comida offers a variety of authentic Latin cuisine with a twist of modern Comida magic.
Price Point: $3-$8
Things You’ll Find on The Menu: Marinated fish taco, pork taco, slow-cooked mushroom tostada, the Mexi-Mess, chorizo, onion and three cheese quesadillas, black beans, and rice and chips with Comida guacamole and/or salsa.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10213618#!/eatcomida

http://twitter.com/#!/eatcomida

The Tasterie Truck
From cupcakes to croissants to cookies, The Tasterie Truck is baking everything from classic recipes to unique creations that are guaranteed to be the best dessert that you’ve ever purchased out of the window of a truck.
Price Point: $2-$3
Things You’ll Find on the Menu: Oatmeal bacon chocolate chip cookie, vanilla pomegranate cupcake, ham and cheese croissant, pumpkin and maple cream cheese whoopee pie and mini bunts.
http://www.facebook.com/TheTasterieTruck
http://twitter.com/#!/TasterieTruck

Fruta Juice
Fresh, nutritious fruit smoothies that are made from exotic fruits from South America. 
Price Point: $4
Things You’ll Find on the Menu: The Puro Lulo, the Berry Monkey, the Islander, the Jungle Juice, the Monkey Time and plenty of fresh fruit and vitamins A, B, C, E & K.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002548039802&sk=info

Rollin Greens
Locally harvested products make up the majority of the Rollin Greens gourmet menu which offers a healthy and organic take on “street food”. 
Price Point: $3-$10
Things You’ll Find on the Menu: Jalapeno poppers, beet basil salad, hot tuna melt, bulgogi beef rice bowl with kim chi, chicken and tempeh crispy soft tacos and a pablano & cheddar stuffed burger.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RollinGreensCO

Seb’s Portable Wood-Fired Cuisine
Wood-fired pizza without the restaurant wait! 
Price Point: $7-$9
Things You’ll Find on the Menu: Wood-fired pizzas topped with your choice of fresh mozzarella, homemade crème fraiche, goat cheese, fresh herbs, French brie, pesto sauce, fresh veggies, prosciutto, chicken, sausage and a mess of other delicious ingredients.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001576371266&sk=wall 

Top of the Hill Grill
Home-style barbeque. In Boulder County. That’s all you need to know. 
Price Point: $0-$10
Things You’ll Find on the Menu: Pulled pork, beef brisket, baby-back ribs, ½ chickens, fresh-cut fries, slaw and cornbread.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Top-of-the-Hill-Grill-West/172559929455495

The Bolder Life: There's a Farmers' Market in Erie?! →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: September 8th, 2011

You bet there is, and it’s the best market to get in, get some ridiculous deals on locally produced groceries, and get home in time to prep for that awesome barbecue/dinner you’re having.

Armed with some gifted “market bucks” (accepted at all vendors participating in the Erie, Lafayette and Niwot Farmers’ Markets), I visited the Erie Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning and was more than pleasantly surprised at the goodies that I came away with. In less than fifteen minutes, I managed to find nearly all of the ingredients that I needed to throw a killer dinner party.

With only a small sea of white tents visible from my parking spot, my first impression of this local grocery store wasn’t fantastic– but once I made my way into the center of the white tents, I was more than excited with my Farmers’ Market finds. With the sounds of an acoustic guitar serenading my shopping trip, I mentally planned out my dinner menu for the night, and what I came up with, was Food Network worthy.

First stop– was the main market booth, where I picked up a free eco-friendly bag to carry my finds in. Second stop was the delicious smelling bread booth where I purchased a loaf of jalapeno bread for under $5. Next booth was occupied by Miller Farms where I filled up ”half-a-bag” with potatoes, snap peas, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, green peppers and plenty of other fresh garden vegetables for– $5. Yes. I said $5.00. And if I would have opted to fill a full bag, I would have paid a mere $10 for a bag filled to the brim of locally grown produce. The next booth smelled like a delicious steak joint and handed out samples of freshly grilled (and home-grown), steak burgers and hot dogs. I’m not gonna lie… I’m not a huge fan of red meat, but the sample of the steak burger that I tried from the Snow Creek Ranchbooth melted in my mouth and warranted several “oohs” and “ahhs” from me and other members of the crowd. So I was sold. $9.00 got me a pound of steak burgers and a clear vision as to where my dinner party menu was going. After purchasing some edamame and honey at another booth, I had exactly $3 left out of my $25.oo in market bucks to buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers and bid farewell to the market with a giant bag full of food and the confidence to cook a pretty killer meal.

What did I end up making, you ask? Magic. I made magic in the form of a delicious, gourmet meal. I added some salt and pepper and a little garlic and soy sauce to the steak burgers (that were hands down the best burgers that I’ve ever had), and placed the grilled patties between two pieces of fresh, toasted jalapeno bread– topped with fresh-from-the-farm organic lettuce and tomatoes– a few slices of cheddar cheese and tiny bit of avocado.

Side dishes included homemade, baked french fries made out of the giant pototoes harvested at the Market, along with fresh snap peas sauteed in a little salt, pepper and butter. So delicious. My chef-worthy Farmers’ Market dinner pretty much launched my popularity points in the dinner party department. Dessert consisted of a quick trip toPiece, Love and Chocolate on the Pearl St. Mall in Boulder, where I snagged a few delicious white chocolate truffles and a salted-carmel chocolate cake that I’m told was pretty much to-die-for.

So the moral of this story is: pack up the family, take the back roads, and visit the Erie Farmers’ Market.

Make a meal out of it! And trust me, you’ll be far from disappointed!

The Erie Farmers’ Market is owned and operated by Nature’s Markets and is held every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm (through October 22nd) at 515 Briggs St., in Erie, CO.

The Bolder Life: Best of BoCo Winery Tour →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: September 7th, 2011

With so much attention going to the local beer scene in Colorado, I felt that it was time to check out the emerging and growing winery scene that is slowly spreading through Boulder County. I spent seven, pretty fantastic hours of my Saturday meandering from tasting room to tasting room, sampling some of the best locally produced wines, gaining some much needed knowledge on the wine front and putting together this list of the best of the best features that each of these wonderful local wineries has to offer:

Ciatano Winery                
16858 North St. Vrain Drive
Lyons, CO 80540

Tasting Room Hours
Open Year- Round | Friday – Monday | 11 am – 5 pm
Summer Hours | Open Daily through October 31st
Features:

• 5 Tastes for $5
• Shipping Available
• Spa On-Site
• Plenty of Seating in the Tasting Room and Around the Property
• Best Ambiance
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own food or create a mini picnic from a selection of cheese, fruit and smoked trout for sale in the tasting room
• On-Site Lodging (Click here for more info on the Rockin’ River Day Resort)
• Best Event Venue Rental (From weddings and rehearsal dinners to birthday and anniversary celebrations, Ciantano has a beautiful location to host your event at)

Summary:
Unless you live in the Lyons area, I would suggest making Ciatano the first stop on the tour. You’ll probably spend the most time here, wandering around the resort grounds that offer beautiful views, sounds of the nearby river, ponds filled with fish (note: fishing is allowed on the property, free of charge, unless you catch one of the monster trout and decide to take it home—in which case you’ll pay $1 per inch), and all of the makings for a romantic afternoon.

Boulder Creek Winery
6440 Odell Place
Boulder, CO 80301

Tasting Room Hours:
Open-Year Round
Thursday – Sunday | 1 – 5:30 pm
Features:

• 9 tastes for $3
• Informative Self-Guided Tours of the Facility
• Great Benefits for VIP Club Members (Including invites to winery parties, winemaker’s dinners, barrel tastings and more
• Event Venue Rental (Including Already Created Party Packages)
• Best Place to Purchase a Bottle

Summary:
Make this Gunbarrel Winery the 2nd stop on the tour. Boulder Creek has the best “tasting” price and very reasonable bottle prices. The tasting room doesn’t have seating available, but you’ll be on the move for the most part anyway as you take yourself on a self-guided tour of the winery. Of all of the wineries, Boulder Creek definitely has the best tour system in place with easy-to-follow arrows highlighting the wine making process and detailed and informative signage on every piece of equipment. Be sure to buy a bag of the chocolate covered espresso beans to fuel the next two stops on the tour.

Bookcliff Vineyards 
1501 Lee Hill Road, Unit #17
Boulder, CO 80304

Tasting Room Hours:
January – May | Friday – Sunday | 1 – 6 pm
June – December | Thursday – Sunday | 1 – 6 pm
Features:

• 5 tastes for $5
• Plenty of Seating in Tasting Room
• Wine Sold by the Glass and the Bottle (Bottle Prices Range from $10-$25)
• Wine Made In-House
• Knowledgeable Staff
• A Complete Online List of Restaurants, Bars and Liquor Stores Where Bookcliff Products are Sold
• Wine vs. Beer Dinners (with Upslope Brewing)
• Receives Scheduled Visits from the Comida Food Truck
• Best Tasting Room to Visit on FridaySummary:
  Plenty of seating in the tasting room makes Bookcliff the perfect place for the 3rdstop of the tour. Sit down in spacious tasting room and enjoy one of Bookcliff’s many award-winning wines. Winery tours are available on request and provide a great deal of knowledge on the wine making process and what really separates the reds from the whites.

Redstone Meadery
4700 Pearl St., Unit 2 A
Boulder, CO 80301

Tasting Room Hours:
Open Year-Round
Monday – Friday | noon- 6:30 pm
Saturday | noon – 5 pm
Features:

• Free Tastings
• Plenty of Seating in Tasting Room
• Gluten-Free Product
• Live Music Beginning in October
• Knowledgeable Staff
• Guided Tours
• Best Place Sit Down and have a Glass

Summary:
End your Boulder County Winery Tour at Redstone Meadery. The tasting room offers plenty of seating, a mellow vibe, an informative staff to educate you on the history of mead and take you on a tour of facility. Tastings are free, which is great, because Redstone offers a variety of flavors and delicious products. Be sure to try the Black Raspberry Nectar and save some extra cash because you’ll definitely want to bring a bottle home.

As always– have fun, be safe, and if you loved the wineries on your Boulder County Winery Tour, then be sure to check them out at the Colorado Mountain Winefest– September 15-18th in Palisade, CO.

The Bolder Life: Local Ways to Spend Your 3 Laborless Days →

 

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: September 2nd, 2011

Don’t let the recent heat wave in Colorado fool you—summer is officially on its last leg, and what better way to bid it farewell than a three-day weekend full of fun, sun, and time away from the office. For most, Labor Day Weekend offers the chance to take that last camping trip to the mountains or hit the beach with the kids one last time, but for many, Labor Day 2011 will be spent in their own backyards—grilling free-range, organic hamburgers served with produce grown in their own gardens.  If you’re planning on sticking close to home this weekend, here’s a list of fun, local ways to celebrate the end of summer without leaving the county.

Louisville’s 76th Annual Labor Day Parade (September 2-5th)

What’s more American than throwing an annual parade to say goodbye to summer and celebrate one of the most popular holidays in the United States ? The City of Louisville is throwing their 76th annual Labor Day Parade on Saturday morning which kicks off at 10 a.m. on the corner of Main and Lafayette streets. Other weekend activities include: a pancake breakfast, car show, horseshoe tournament, pie contest and dog show. Click here for more details and a complete list of events.

Rudi’s Organic—Boulder Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay & 10 K (September 5th)

So you’re the responsible, athletic type—and do things like run marathons in your spare time. If this sounds like you, then you need to hurry and register for one of the races being held on Monday at the Boulder Reservoir. Full marathon, half marathon, 10 k… pick your poison and enjoy 85 degree weather as you spend your Labor Day giving your running shoes a mini tour of Boulder County.  Click here for race details and registration info.

Fishing

No need to wait for hours in backed-up traffic to find the great outdoors—just visit one of the many lakes and rivers in Boulder County to get your wilderness fix in. Check out the Front Range Anglers website for updates and tips on recommendations on flies and places to fish. Boulder Creek, Clear Creek and McCall Lake… grab your rod and reel, take the family, and make a day of it.

Labor Day Celebration at Nissi’s (September 4th)

Do you usually skip Sunday night music in an effort to successfully tackle your Monday morning obligations? Well it’s a good thing that you have Monday off, because Nissi’s in Lafayette has invited AOA- Arrive on Arrival out for a big Labor Day Celebration! Tickets are only $5.00 which means you’ll have more to spend on Nissi’s extensive and delicious food menu. Visit Nissi’s website for my info on the band. 

Boulder Creek Hometown Fair (September 3-5th)

Close out a fantastic summer events season in Boulder with the 13th Annual Hometown Fair, located in Central Park and the Boulder Public Library Lawn. This fair will feature over 100 arts and crafts exhibits along with a food court, beer garden, live music, chili inferno cook-off and The Great Zucchini Race in which kids get to decorate giant zucchinis, add wheels to them, and race them down the Great Zucchini Ramp. (Sadly, I’m too old to compete in this event, so zucchini racing will have to be a spectator sport for me this Labor Day…). This event runs all weekend and has a little something for everyone.

And if you have your heart set on leaving town…

Check the CDOT website for a breakdown of current travel conditions along with tips for making it a safe holiday weekend on the road. Traffic between the hours of noon-8 p.m. typically tends to be the worst on Friday and Monday, so plan accordingly, drive safely, and have a great Labor Day Weekend!!

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: September 2nd, 2011

Don’t let the recent heat wave in Colorado fool you—summer is officially on its last leg, and what better way to bid it farewell than a three-day weekend full of fun, sun, and time away from the office. For most, Labor Day Weekend offers the chance to take that last camping trip to the mountains or hit the beach with the kids one last time, but for many, Labor Day 2011 will be spent in their own backyards—grilling free-range, organic hamburgers served with produce grown in their own gardens.  If you’re planning on sticking close to home this weekend, here’s a list of fun, local ways to celebrate the end of summer without leaving the county.

Louisville’s 76th Annual Labor Day Parade (September 2-5th)

What’s more American than throwing an annual parade to say goodbye to summer and celebrate one of the most popular holidays in the United States ? The City of Louisville is throwing their 76th annual Labor Day Parade on Saturday morning which kicks off at 10 a.m. on the corner of Main and Lafayette streets. Other weekend activities include: a pancake breakfast, car show, horseshoe tournament, pie contest and dog show. Click here for more details and a complete list of events.

Rudi’s Organic—Boulder Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay & 10 K (September 5th)

So you’re the responsible, athletic type—and do things like run marathons in your spare time. If this sounds like you, then you need to hurry and register for one of the races being held on Monday at the Boulder Reservoir. Full marathon, half marathon, 10 k… pick your poison and enjoy 85 degree weather as you spend your Labor Day giving your running shoes a mini tour of Boulder County.  Click here for race details and registration info.

Fishing

No need to wait for hours in backed-up traffic to find the great outdoors—just visit one of the many lakes and rivers in Boulder County to get your wilderness fix in. Check out the Front Range Anglers website for updates and tips on recommendations on flies and places to fish. Boulder Creek, Clear Creek and McCall Lake… grab your rod and reel, take the family, and make a day of it.

Labor Day Celebration at Nissi’s (September 4th)

Do you usually skip Sunday night music in an effort to successfully tackle your Monday morning obligations? Well it’s a good thing that you have Monday off, because Nissi’s in Lafayette has invited AOA- Arrive on Arrival out for a big Labor Day Celebration! Tickets are only $5.00 which means you’ll have more to spend on Nissi’s extensive and delicious food menu. Visit Nissi’s website for my info on the band. 

Boulder Creek Hometown Fair (September 3-5th)

Close out a fantastic summer events season in Boulder with the 13th Annual Hometown Fair, located in Central Park and the Boulder Public Library Lawn. This fair will feature over 100 arts and crafts exhibits along with a food court, beer garden, live music, chili inferno cook-off and The Great Zucchini Race in which kids get to decorate giant zucchinis, add wheels to them, and race them down the Great Zucchini Ramp. (Sadly, I’m too old to compete in this event, so zucchini racing will have to be a spectator sport for me this Labor Day…). This event runs all weekend and has a little something for everyone.

And if you have your heart set on leaving town…

Check the CDOT website for a breakdown of current travel conditions along with tips for making it a safe holiday weekend on the road. Traffic between the hours of noon-8 p.m. typically tends to be the worst on Friday and Monday, so plan accordingly, drive safely, and have a great Labor Day Weekend!!

The Bolder Life: Weep No More, Boulder →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 28th, 2011

Have you ever been to a show at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium tucked beneath the base of one of the most popular hiking destinations in Boulder? I hadn’t, until an opportunity finally arose and I got the chance to cross “See Concert at Chautauqua” off of my super long Colorado Bucket List. I was not disappointed. In fact, Boulder showed me a pretty good evening on Saturday night, starting with happy hour at theBoulder Café (which included half-priced café plates and fondue along with a huge selection of half-priced wine and beer. B. Café offers their popular happy hour from 3PM to close, every day of the week).

The night got ten times better when my group discovered that the concert goers commuting to Chautauqua for the show could ride the Boulder Hop bus up to and from the venue for free– coincidentally, one of the bus stops happened to be located just steps away from the front doors of the Boulder Café, on 13th and Pearl.

It’s kind of hard to beat a dinner bill cut in half and free ride to the show.

After weaving through neighborhoods occupied by some of Boulder’s most coveted addresses, the bus arrived at Chautauqua and dropped our group off in time to trek it up the hill to will-call, pick up our tickets, and catch the last song by show opener, Catie Curtis.

Once inside of the auditorium, built in 1898, I took my beautifully crafted seat, carved of wood along with the rest of the audience that had packed themselves into the old building, with its naked rafters exposing over a century of diligent upkeep on the barn-like building that has been voted in the “top ten places that artists like to play” because of the intimate feel and superior acoustic settings of the venue.

Large open doors let the cool summer breeze in, and an attentive Chautauqua staff escorted ticket holders to their specific seats. In time, The Weepies took the stage which was adorned with a whimsical display of glittery cardboard cut-out stars and moons. The stage decorations were similiar to those found in a 4th grade play, but the music being delivered by the two artists that make up the popular indie-folk band, and their traveling bass player, was definitely mainstream caliber. Haunting vocals, emotive lyrics, and the story of a husband/wife team achieving years of success through their onstage collaboration had the crowd bobbing their heads, calling out songs, and singing along. The mellow music echoed perfectly off of the auditorium walls that have heard the sounds of all types of musicians including John Phillip Sousa and more recently, the Indigo Girls.

Whether you’re having a night out with the girls, out on a date night, or just taking your mom out on an I.O.U. present from her last birthday—check out the rest of the monthly fall music offerings at Chautauqua, and be sure to grab dinner and a drink at the Chautauqua Dining Hall before the show.

And if you’re trying to conserve funds—don’t worry. Just grab your favorite lawn chair and post up outside of the open doors of the building. No charge, great music, a sky full of stars and some fresh Chautauqua air.

Thanks, Boulder. It’s been fun. Let’s do it again sometime.

The Bolder Life: An Evening Under the Stars →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 26th, 2011

Last weekend marked the 21st time that the fine folks of Planet Bluegrass hosted the annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival which is currently being held on the musically sacred grounds of Planet Bluegrass in my tiny hometown of Lyons. Having not bought passes for any of the 2011 Planet Bluegrass festival offerings this year, I might have been a little more than absolutely excited when I friend called with a lead on an extra pass for Sunday night. Along with hundreds of other music lovers—most lacking footwear and more than half carrying a compostable New Belgium cup filled to the brim with one of the popular brewery’s offerings—I posted up on a friend’s blanket near the old Silo on the grounds, and watched as crowd favorite, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, brought the crowd to their unadorned feet with the energetic sounds of a combination of strings, vocals and beat boxing. Missy Higgins took the stage next and offered a mix of upbeat, mellow, and beautifully performed songs (some of which are currently receiving some mainstream radio love)—and then it happened.

With the lights from the stage dancing around the surrounding red rock cliffs, underneath the kind of star-filled sky that can only be found away from the city lights—whistles and cheers erupted as music legend Jackson Browne took the stage. Only sharing the spotlight with his ten guitars, the singer/songwriter performed a set of self-written songs sung with a voice that would make even the crankiest, crying newborn baby stop and listen. The night concluded with the sounds of campers packing up their tiny square plots of land, marked with tarps and blankets—and a very mellow exodus to the Planet Bluegrass exit.

Although the festival season is over for festival director Craig Ferguson and the rest of the Planet Bluegrass staff, the fall concert series is just beginning. September 9th kicks of the first concert of the Wildflower Concert Series, and it is definitely not one to be missed! With doors opening at 7 pm and music starting at 8 pm, local bands, bands with Grammy winning musicians and bands with all around masters of the professional jam session will be performing a tribute to the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe,  in the 4800 square-foot pavilion on the Planet Bluegrass grounds. As always, beer, wine and popcorn are served from the indoor bar, all ages are welcome, and entry into the show is a fraction of what most pay for a show at Planet Bluegrass.

The Bolder Life: A Sea of Black and Gold →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 22nd, 2011

For Boulder residents just getting used to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere that exists during the blissful months of summer—I hope you savored the moment. Boulder is a buzz again and if you’re brave enough to venture near campus, you’ll quickly be engulfed in a sea of gold shirts worn by wide-eyed, energetic freshman—soaking up what can be considered their first and last weekend of freedom. With the last wave of new students settling into their assigned dorm rooms, the activities and Welcome Back events begin.

Friday morning, adorned in matching “shoulder to shoulder” buffalo-gold T-shirts, incoming freshman sat together inside of the Coors Event Center for an official 45 minute welcome to the University of Colorado followed by one giant party at Farrand Field. Global Jam, as it’s known, is basically a giant mixer for new students to meet new people, eat free food and listen to live music. The event celebrates many different cultures and transforms Farrand Field into a large festival for most of the afternoon.

Other events put on by the university this weekend include a multi-day Welcome Fest at the University Memorial Center—complete with salsa dancing, henna tattoos, crafts, live music, food and giveaways.

Local businesses welcome the students back with open arms and local bars that felt a little deserted for the past few months, are excited to have their bar stools and cash registers full once again. Specials and discounts are being offered by the majority of retail stores in the area—which are happy to see the students back, but even more excited to see their parents…

If school spirit isn’t really your thing, and you cringe at the thought of thousands of students descending on Boulder again, here’s some words of advice.

Avoid student hotspots such as the Hill, campus, any bar with a stuffed buffalo head on the inside and the Target located off of 28th and Pearl. Trust me. You’ll thank me in the long run.

Welcome Class of 2015. While the majority of you still look like 12-year-olds, we all have faith that you will grow into your bodies and go on to become successful engineers, artists, actors, chemists, lawyers, businessmen and one day, start contributing to society as CU Boulder alum. Best of luck, and keep in mind—that keeping up with your school work is kind of important, bicycles and skateboards should be used with caution on campus and when you get a place of your own, remember that although you might not have to work at 8am, your neighbor probably does.

Go Buffs!

The Bolder Life: Music Notes and Tap Room Quotes →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 16th, 2011

It’s official. Delicious microbrews aren’t the only things on tap in local tap rooms anymore.

These days, you can find anything from poker nights to Skee Ball, Schulbok tournaments to local food trucks, becoming unique venues to host special events. Perhaps the second best thing coming out of these popular watering holes (aside from all of the nationally acclaimed brews) are the sounds of live performances by the cream-of-the-crop of the local music scene. And while you might pay anywhere from $5-$30 to catch some of these popular acts in person, you can catch them live, for free, on different nights throughout the week at local breweries—the only catch is that you have to be committed to drinking good beer, and you have to dig the intimate music setting that comes along with playing live music inside of a brewery.

Last weekend, I caught the sweet sounds of local bluegrass/country and pop infused folk band, Idlewhile, at the Left Hand Brewing Tap Room—which paired with a Sawtooth Ale, straight from the source, made for an excellent start to my Saturday evening.

Here’s a list of other tap rooms that you can visit to fill your night with the smell of fresh hops and the sounds of free music notes:

Oskar Blues Brewery – Tasty Weasel Tap Room
1800 Pike Rd, Unit B
Longmont
Check out live music in this ever-expanding brewery every Saturday from 4:30-6:30pm. as well as an open bluegrass pick every first Wednesday and an open stage mic night every second and fourthMonday from 6:30-8:30pm. Upcoming shows include the Strangebyrds from Boulder and Lyons favorite Aaron McCloskey.

Left Hand Brewing Company
1265 Boston Ave.
Longmont
Whether you’re on the patio, in the back room or eating pretzels at the bar, the sounds of live music will find you in Left Hand’s always-jamming tap room. Check here to find out which local bands are on tap for the month of August and be sure to check outLeft-a-Polooza on Aug. 21. Catch live performances by The Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, Cat Jerky, Squid and a slew of other oddly named local bands. This event is not free, but entry fees collected will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Boulder Beer Tap House
5757 Arapahoe Ave., Suite A1
Boulder
Adding Boulder Beer to this list of tap rooms might be cheating a little since the taphouse is more than just a brewery that offers brewery tours and bar snacks: Boulder  Beer is actually a full-service restaurant with a huge patio perfect for live music every Thursday night and Saturday afternoons. Check out their events calendar, and grab a seat outside next to fresh hop plants from some dinner and some free tunes.

Upslope Brewing Company
1501 Lee Hill Dr., # 20
Boulder
Local legend John McKay of Leftover Salmon fame recently played in the Upslope tap room, and the only thing that could make watching a gig like this any better would be enjoying it along with a ridiculously delicious meal made by Comida’s Rayme Rossello and crew and served fresh out of a hot-pink food truck named Tina. Follow Upslope on Twitter and Facebook for tips on upcoming shows.

Asher Brewing
4699 Nautilus Ct., Suite 104
Boulder
When this organically focused brewery isn’t busy putting on poker nights, they keep the place full by playing hosts to local musicians putting on free shows. Check out Asher’s Facebook page for upcoming music information and be sure to contact the fine folks at Asher if you and your band are looking for your next gig. You’ll be sure to be a hit as long as the fresh beer is flowing and the sounds of free music notes are rolling.

The Bolder Life: Going, Going, Gone… →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 10th, 2011

With summer’s end rapidly approaching, it’s time for everyone to start the annual scramble to cram in all of the fun, outdoor activities that they’ve actively been putting off since last year. Last minute camping and hiking trips are being arranged, picnics and barbeques are being planned, gardens are being tended to and outdoor patios are getting full use in these last few, sun-filled weeks of August. The forecast for this weekend calls for temperatures in the perfect 80’s and mostly sunny skies—so enjoy summer before it’s gone, and be sure to save room in your busy schedule to add in these upcoming, local events.

Thursday, Aug. 11 – City of Boulder Tulip Bulb Giveaway
Got Tulips? The city of Boulder does, and they’ll be handing them out to the public at 11am on Thursday morning on the 1300 block of Pearl St. Each year, the city of Boulder plants 15,000 new tulips (imported from Holland in a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s), on the Pearl Street Mal—redesigning the picturesque, postcard-worthy landscape that has become the emblem of Boulder’s unique outdoor mall. As with other events that usually require attendees to wait in line—tulip bulbs will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis—so be sure to get there early.

Thursday, Aug. 11- Lafayette Farmers’ Market
Chances are, you’ve probably already been to the Boulder Farmers’ Market, and probably the Longmont Farmers’ Market too—which means it’s probably time to venture outside of your neighborhood  and check out everything that the Thursday night version of the Lafayette Farmers’ Market has to offer. Stop by and pick up all of the fixings that you’ll need to throw the perfect weekend barbeque.

Friday, Aug. 12 – Louisville Street Faire
The weekly summer Street Faire series in Louisville promises: excellent food, magical music, cold drinks (with or without booze), activities for the kids and quality arts crafts and sundries… and I believe them. Friday’s band features the musical talents of crowd favorite, Marcia Ball and her Smokin’ band. This event runs from 5–10pm. Music starts at 6:30pm.

Saturday, Aug. 12 – Volunteer Day at the Lyons Farmette
Looking for new ideas and fresh tips to improve your garden? What better way to grow your garden knowledge than to learn from the experts at the Lyons Farmette. Get your hands dirty, get hands on and see what farm life is really all about while you volunteer you services as an extra farm hand for the day. The Farmette will provide lunch, music and lots of fresh tips for making your garden the envy of all of your friends. Click here for more details.

Saturday, Aug. 13–Sept. 2 – Annual Left Handers Day Celebration
Less than 10 percent of the population is left handed, and the town of Niwot is gracious enough to celebrate those few people for an entire day this upcoming Saturday. Shops throughout Niwot will be offering special discounts, there’s a Lobster Bash complete with live music and last but not least—there’s a can’t-be-missed collaboration beer dinner going on with a menu by Niwot Tavern paired with award winning brews from Lefthand Brewery. The eccentric face of Lefthand Brewery, Bubba Love, will be on hand to walk guests through one of the most energetic and delicious beer dinners ever to hit the streets of Niwot. For a list of Lefthanders Day Activities, click here.

The Bolder Life: Fresh From the Garden →

 

Spotlight on Ollin Farms Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 5th, 2011

More than 30 local farms call Boulder County their home, making the area one big, organic grocery store—much to the delight of local residents seeking fresh farm-to-table ingredients for their own kitchen tables. For several months out of the year, local farmers are hard at work cultivating and growing everything from the usual vegetable garden suspects to honey to free-range cattle—all of which they package up and sell to the public every Wednesday and Saturday at the Boulder County Farmer’s Markets.

With so many vendors showcasing their fresh from the garden products each week at the farmer’s markets, it’s hard to pay a visit to each individual stand, which is why Longmont’s own Ollin Farms conveniently operates an on-site farm stand seven days a week; and they don’t stop there. This small, sustainable farm offers everything from farm dinners—in which they invite guests to visit the farm and dine on a four-course menu designed and prepared by local chef, Dale Lamb, using fresh ingredients picked straight from the farm—to weddings that offer couples that are ready-to-tie-the-knot, a scenic landscape setting along Lefthand Creek complete with shading by clusters of large cottonwood trees and the chance to serve their guests a gourmet meal made with ingredients grown from the same ground that they celebrate on.

For Ollin Farms owner Mark Guttridge, farming runs in the family. Mark, a Colorado native, grew up on a farm and maintained his own vegetable garden as a kid, and as he got older, he began to research organic farming and in 2007 opened Ollin Farms with his wife Kena, with the intention of creating a source of local food, and an awareness in the community of the different economical, ecological and nutritional benefits of supporting local farms.

This month, Mark and his family literally have their hands full preparing for their big summer Open House/Annual Tomato Festival in which they invite the public to check out this season’s most popular garden item. The farm grows more than 20 varieties of tomatoes and recently dominated the tomato competition at the Boulder County Fair by winning blue ribbons for best cherry tomato, best pear/plum tomato and best slicing tomato. Mark is a firm believer that tomatoes bought at the grocery store can’t compete with a tomato picked fresh off of the farm. With a mere two-day shelf life, tomatoes lose flavor and nutrition in the packaging and transportation process to commercial grocery stores and customers aren’t able to truly appreciate the fresh from the vine taste created from a ripe tomato grown in healthy, natural soil.

You can find Ollin Farms at the Longmont Farmer’s Market on Saturday afternoons and the Boulder Farmer’s Market on Wednesday nights. Be sure to visit the farm on Sunday, Aug. 14 from noon-5pm for tours of the farm, tomato sampling, live music, tips on canning and how to make the most out of garden vegetables and tons of fun activities for the kids. Also be sure to reserve your seat at the next Farm Dinner and enjoy a delicious meal full of freshly harvested produce, straight off the farm along with other locally sourced food all served to you on the rustic confines of the farm grounds.

Click here for more information on other upcoming events at Ollin Farms , and be sure to stop in and pick up some fresh tomatoes from the Ollin Farms farm stand and check out these 10 tasty ideas for preparing those tomatoes once you get them home!

The Bolder Life: Oh the Places You'll Go Part I →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: August 2nd, 2011

Midway through the month of July, outdoor lovers and athletes alike, start to feel thereal heat of summer. Overworked muscles start to ache a little, the arches of the feet become more resistant to the idea of becoming one with whatever hiking, biking or climbing shoe that covers them. That pre-existing knee or shoulder injury starts to flare up again, and that trail run and canyon bike ride start to seem a little more daunting and a little less fun than outdoorsy workouts executed in the spring.

After months of outdoor cycling, nightly runs and weekend hikes, my body is starting to complain a little, and an old knee injury is busy doing the talking. In an effort to still get out and soak up some Vitamin D, I’ve put together a list of my favorite “R&R” walks that I use to give my body the rest that it needs, while still enjoying the great outdoors. Relax and Recover along the following low-key trails that will give you the breath of fresh air that every outdoor enthusiast craves and leave your body feeling, well, manageable when it all comes to an end.

Pella Crossing (Hygiene)
This scenic cluster of ponds boasts 3.7 miles of trails for your walking pleasure. Beautiful views of snowcapped mountains can be seen around every turn, and clear, blue ponds offer a nice peaceful place to take a load off and relax during your workout. Dogs are allowed and fishing is permitted at Pella Crossing, so bring your four-legged or your two-legged friends, and burn some calories while resting your muscles and relaxing your mind.

Wonderland Lake Trail (North Boulder)
Tucked at the base of the foothills in the highly active North Boulder area, Wonderland Lake Trail is a great place to take a walk if you’re dealing with injuries on the lower half of your body. A fairly flat dirt trail winds its way around Wonderland Lake and in and out of local neighborhoods. If you’re feeling strong at the end of your workout, test the waters and strengthen your leg muscles by hitting some of the trails that make their way up into the mountainside. This path stays pretty busy with a mix of walkers, joggers, runners and bikers—so bring your walking shoes and step up your work out just enough to sweat a little, while keeping it low-key enough to keep all ligaments and muscles intact.

Night Hawk Trail at Hall Ranch (Lyons)
Hall Ranch attracts a mix of nature enthusiasts and dedicated athletes to its many miles of trails each day. While most athletes opt to test their strength and endurance on the difficult Bitter Brush Trail, those seeking a moderate, quiet workout take the path less traveled and burn their calories on the Night Hawk Trail. This 4.7 mile (one way) hike has a strict “no bikes allowed” policy and gives walkers a steady mix of moderate inclines and declines to keep calf muscles toned.

Bobo Link Trail (Baseline & Cherryvale Road, Boulder)
And last but not least, grab a friend and a cup of coffee and hit the very easy Bobo Link trail that winds along a riverbed shaded with trees and adorned with beautiful flowers. Give your body the day off and take this 1.5 mile stretch of flat land perfect for an afternoon stroll and optimal for soaking up some good ol’ Vitamin D.

Enjoy taking the path less traveled, and stay tuned for Part II of this series, dedicated to the local trails that will get your butt in gear… and in ridiculously good shape!

The Bolder Life: The Dos and Don'ts of Rocky Grass →

 

Tyra Sutak Photo by Andra Coberly

Published on: July 28th, 2011

As a long-time resident of Lyons, I could write for days on all of the RockyGrass Festival “experiences” that I’ve seen and had myself. As a kid, (in a time long, long ago), I used to play hide-and-seek in the old silo and attended some of the best, most scarring, haunted houses in the other ancient buildings that dot the now Planet Bluegrass property. Every year, festival season sends a spark through the town ofLyons, transforming the small mountain community into one of the most sought-after places to be for three days in July.  By day, it’s filled with tourists, strolling in and out of the antique stores and artsy shops on Main Street, but by night, the town comes alive with the sounds of floating music notes, dripping in twang and bouncing around the sandstone cliffs that call Lyons home. Sporadic dancing, lots of picking and more straw hats take over Lyons for one musically inclined weekend of the summer. As a previous survivor of festival season, I’d like to share some Do’s and Don’ts with you to help you survive this year’s RockyGrass Festival as well:

Don’t seek parking in random neighborhoods. The people who live in those neighborhoods will not like you if you do. They might even call the one tow truck that works in town and have your car removed. Pay close attention to parking signs throughout town—they’ll save you some trouble in the long run. You can easily and affordably find parking at Bohn Park, which has buses right up to the Planet.

Do avoid Main Street and take Hwy 7 if you’re just passing through town this weekend. RockyGrass brings in throngs of traveling bluegrass enthusiasts to town. Though, they do come in peace, some of the attendees don’t come with manners, and driving through town can be a bit challenging. (And by a bit challenging, I mean ridiculously challenging and incredibly time consuming).

Don’t miss the “contests.” Every year, RockyGrass brings in the cream of the crop of well-known bluegrass artists (Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs have performed on the main stage at Planet Bluegrass). Obviously, everyone wants to check out the headliners of each festival, but be sure to catch the rising artists that battle it out for recognition and the opportunity to move on up to the main stages of bluegrass.

Do be a smart festivarian and keep yourself well-feed and hydrated throughout the weekend. Stop by the Barking Dog Café for a honey vanilla latte, grab a breggo at the Stone Cup, and pick up all of the water/snack provisions that you need to survive a hot, festival weekend, at the St. Vrain Market.

Don’t walk by the Lyons Fork Restaurant without stopping in for a margarita and some of the best food in Lyons. The restaurant and Beer Union is located on the northwest end of Main Street and owners Wayne and Debbie Anderson will be waiting for you with a giant smile and a margarita that will melt the summer heat away.

Do get inspired and sign up for Planet Bluegrass’ Song School. Watching live shows creates the nostalgic need in people to revisit their childhood dreams of becoming a rock star. Tune up your own set of pipes and explore the creative world of songwriting at the only kind of “summer school” that students aren’t forced to attend.

Don’t be sad if you couldn’t get tickets to RockyGrass this year. Oskar Blues’music lineup is jam packed with popular bluegrass bands—that along with a steady flow of beer, sporadic dancing and lots of picking and straw hats will make you feel like you didn’t miss a thing.

Do have a fabulous, fun-filled time, don’t get too crazy and do be safe this weekend. Jam on BoCo, jam on.

The Bolder Life: Pinkies Up! →

 

Tyra Sutak Photo by Steve Z

Published on: July 25th, 2011

As an avid coffee addict, I found myself a little out of place this weekend at the 12th Annual Rocky Mountain Tea Festivalhosted by the Dushanbe Teahouse in beautiful Downtown Boulder.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—“There’s a Tea Festival in Boulder?”—and the answer is yes. Yes, there is. And this weekend couldn’t have provided more beautiful weather for sitting on the outside patio of one of the most beautiful buildings in Boulder, listening to the sounds of the nearby Farmer’s Market, a stray harmonica and the consistent rings of bicycle bells floating over a nearby bridge. Inside, the Teahouse was busier than ever, but outside on the southwest deck, white tents dotted the space between the beautifully hand-crafted exterior tiles of the building (built in Tajikistan in the late 1980’s and gifted to Boulder by its sister city, Dushanbe) and a steady stream that appeared to have lost its way from the mighty Boulder Creek. Curious people dressed in Keen sandals and hemp fabric strolled from tent to tent, sampling tea from local vendors. Tea workshops, readings and demonstrations were held on Saturday and Sunday, and eager tea-enthusiasts learned how to cook with tea, read their fortune in tea and blend tea. A Children’s Teddy Bear Tea Party was also held on Sunday, giving quarter-pint tea aficionados the chance to dress up in their best party attire, bring their favorite plus-one teddy bear and enjoy a little afternoon sippin’.

The most tea-tastic part of my festival experience came at the hands of Boulder’s own Herbalist Extraordinaire, Brigitte Mars—a local author, instructor and fierce protector of the dandelions. Brigitte served us a special tea blend that she had created specifically for the Dushanbe Teahouse, and in an hour, walked us through the benefits and physical traits of the herbs that were used in the tea along with some of her other favorite garden staples. Throughout tea time, I picked up a common theme about the herbs on hand and discovered that my findings might be beneficial to people currently out on the dating scene. Here is what I learned:

1.)   Fennel helps women find dates by giving them fresh breath and by stabilizing their blood sugar, which keeps them skinny.

2.)   Day Lilies are good for those dating on a budget because not only are they a pretty flower to give your date, but you can save money by adding this edible flower into the salad course at dinner. (They only live for a day, so you should get your money’s worth).

3.)   Mint tea makes you kissable.

4.)   Rose petals open the heart centers and evoke feelings of empathy and love.

5.)   Lavender should not be used as an aphrodisiac because chances are, it will remind your date of her grandma’s linen closet.

6.)   Hawthorne soothes an emotional heart break.

7.)   Stinging nettle can be used as a weapon to inflict pain on the jerk that caused No. 6.

8.)   Lemon balm maketh the sad heart merry.

9.)   And raspberry leaf makes labor easier. (From what I’ve heard, nothing makes labor easier, but maybe this is worth a shot).

Sadly, the Tea Festival is over, but be sure to check out other upcoming Boulder festivals that are currently flying under the radar, such as—The 13th Annual Aerial Dance Festival, the Boulder Asian Festival, the Boulder International Fringe Festival andthe 64th Annual Chautauqua Barbershoppers Harmony Festival.

Photo courtesy of Steve Z at SteveZPhotography.com

The Bolder Life: Grab a Pint Glass Because this Post is Soaked with Beer! →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: July 22nd, 2011

I think by now we’re all aware that words like “local,” “micro-brew” and “delicious” are pretty synonymous ‘round these parts. With some of the nation’s most respected and successful breweries located in Boulder County, it’s pretty easy to become a little snobbish and geeky about the beer that you drink.

I, like beer, as I imagine that many of you do too. So in honor of this common bond that I’ve discovered between us, I’ve written this entire post on the upcoming happenings in the Boulder County Beer scene. If you can’t find something awesome and beer related to do after reading this post, then I might have to quit writing and find another job—like bounty hunting or sweeping chimneys… you get the point. So here it is.

You better grab a pint glass because this blog post is so beer soaked that you’ll be drinking for weeks.

Kyle’s Brewfest—Saturday, July 23 @ Boulder Beer Brewery
Just because the Great American Beer Festival sold out of tickets in seven days, doesn’t mean that you can’t still get your beer festival fix in for the summer. Kyle Hollingsworth, of some serious String Cheese Incident fame, is hosting a brewfest in conjunction with Boulder Beer and Odell Brewing. The festival will be hosted at the Boulder Beer Brewery and will feature more than 25 breweries, including seven of BoCo’s own: Click here for more details. More than 50 craft beers will be served, including the Hoopla Pale Ale, which was created and brewed by Kyle Hollingsworth himself. Hop to it and buy your tickets today.

Tapping of Brewer’s Association/Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Earth Day EPA, Collaboration Brew—Saturday, July 23 @ Oskar Blues Homemade Liquids and Solids
In 1978, two beer enthusiasts formed the American Homebrewers Association in Boulder—33 years later, nearly 40 of the most passionate people in beer are employed with this organization and they’ve teamed up with the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company to create the “Earth Day EPA”—an “earthy” brew with a medium body and loads of flavors from an unusual mix of hops. Tapping is at 11am at Oskar Blues Homemade Liquids and Solids, so stop by for lunch and get a taste of this unique brew.

Asher Brewing Beer Dinner—Thursday, July 28 @ Café Aion
Café Aion, in Boulder, is the brain-child of a team of great friends and very talented chefs. Next week, they’ll be pairing their delicious food with the organic brews of the very popular makers of the vegan-friendly, Tree Hugger Organic Amber Ale. This isCafé Aion’s first beer dinner and it’s sure to winner.

Avery Brewing Anniversary Party—Sunday, Aug. 7 @ Avery Brewing
Avery is celebrating “18 years of aggressive, challenging beer” with an anniversary party featuring a slew of Avery beers, all-you-can-eat barbecue and live music from local Boulder bands. I can attest to the aggressive and challenging part of their statement because after intentionally consuming an entire Hog Heaven once, I felt a little “challenged” and was “aggressively” hitting the patron sitting next to me in the tasting room. Be sure to bike over, as parking is limited—and check here for pricing and more details about the event.

And there you have it. The best upcoming, local events in the beer scene. And if you’re feeling a little intimidated or feel like you need to brush up on your beer geek status, check out the brewery tours at Oskar Blues Brewery beginning this afternoon. Tours are offered at 2, 3, 4 and 5pm and are run by the ridiculously knowledgeable, mostly funny, King of the Beer Geeks, Nathan Levi. Gain all of the beer knowledge that you need to fit in at these upcoming beer events, and sample some OB brews while you’re at it.

Happy Beer Season-ing, BoCo!

The Bolder Life: An Introduction, Happy Chicken Style →

Tyra Sutak

Published on: July 20th, 2011

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a soon-to-be-ongoing blog called The Bolder Life, in which writer Tyra Sutak will chronicle her adventures in Boulder County. You can read Ms. Sutak’s work twice a week at yellowscene.com.

Throughout life, we are often presented with the very important, age-old question: What came first? The chicken or the egg?

While we may never really know the correct answer to this dilemma, we do know what the chicken did next. She spent a few years tucked under mama’s feathers, eating some of the best-cracked corn in the yard. The little chick spent 12 more years getting egg-ducated in the public school system, where she would make lots of chicken little—I mean, little chicken friends—and live in the confines of one of the safest chicken coops in the area. Until one day, she was all grown up, packed and ready for the next four years of her college life.

After that, it’s a little sketchy again. Should the chicken flee the coop and move to the big city? Or maybe join a traveling stock show or rodeo and see the world? Or should she set up a home at a neighboring farm where she could host Sunday dinners with her mama and papa and chicken sisters?

Growing up and making this decision is tough for all chickens, but for the chickens who were lucky enough to grow up on a farm with the Colorado foothills as their compass and a babbling brook singing them to sleep, fleeing the coop requires a lot more thought than most important decisions on leaving home.

As a native of Boulder County, I faced the tough decision of fleeing the coop or making a local nest, and this chick feels like she made the right decision every day she walks out of her modest two-bedroom, one bath nest tucked in the heart of the community that she grew up in. To live in a place that boasts several local farmers’ markets to go “grocery shopping” at, along with plenty of biking and hiking trails on which to burn off the minimum calories to stay enough in shape to contribute to the numerous “fit” accolades that the Boulder County is constantly receiving, is not terrible.  My weekend mornings consist of catching fresh trout from a local lake and my weekend nights consist of cooking that fresh trout along with fresh produce for dinner. I shop local every chance I get, and I am most certainly a fan of the successful small business model and any local coffee shop that artistically paints pretty leafs on the top of my morning vanilla lattes. Although I have more than 20 years of native knowledge, and at least five people a day commenting on their surprise at my local status, I still haven’t seen it all.

Stick with me while I test the waters and see the vast opportunities that Boulder County really has to offer. Whether it’s following me on my first, epic and probably painful mountain biking ride or experiencing the best that Main St. U.S.A. has to offer first hand, I’ll keep you posted on what Boulder County living is really all about.

Stay in touch, beloved BoCo, we have a lot to catch up on.

Tyra Sutak grew up in Lyons and currently lives in Boulder. She is not really a chicken. You can read her blog, A Bolder Life, twice a week at yellowscene.com.