The Bolder Life: Heat Wave →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: June 26th, 2012

I don’t know about you, but temperatures in the triple digits really aren’t my thing.

Like, they really aren’t my thing.

Getting blasted by a wall of hot air every time I leave the house and having my face melted off before I even reach my car just isn’t my idea of a good time.

Above all, the worst thing to come out of this Colorado heat wave is the unbelievable damage being done to our scenic landscape. As of today, thirteen fires are burning in Colorado. Thirteen. There’s a fire ban covering most of the state and one look at the hazy and distorted backdrop to the west is enough of an advisory to adhere to the warnings and keep outdoor activities to a minimum.

So aside from getting your daily rain dance on outside, try mixing things up a little this week by keeping a low profile and checking out these indoor events that are not only friendly on your lungs… but equipped with air conditioning!

Climate Change on Earth and Other Planets – Featuring Bill Nye the Science Guy
Tuesday, June 26th | 8:00 p.m. | The Boulder Theater | $10
Admit it—you totally used to watch Bill Nye the Science Guy. You were super impressed by the egg in the bottle trick—I know. Mr. Nye will be giving the keynote tonight and will be speaking along with a handful of presenters about climate change on earth and other planets. Check out everyone’s favorite scientist, get yourself up to speed on this controversial topic and escape the heat wave at the Boulder Theater tonight!

Ash Ganley Live and Girls Night Out!
Wednesday, June 27th | 6-9 p.m. | Wine & Cheese
Ashy Ganley is kind of adorable, and the perfect local performer to play at a Ladies Night! Get your group of friends together, listen to Ash play a set list made up of his own songs along with other popular blues/rock music while you dine on (seriously) delicious cheese plates and sip on a refreshing glass of wine.

Garden Program With Ollin Farms
Friday, June 29th | 11:00 a.m. | WOW Children’s Museum
Ollin Farms is one of my favorite local farms. They are constantly getting involved in the community and holding events to help encourage gardening and farming through the county. This Friday, the folks from Ollin Farms will be tending to the garden at the Children’s Museum in Lafayette were they’ll be giving pointers on successfully growing a garden of your own.

Dark Star & Cold Brews Fundraiser
Friday, June 29th | 7-11:00 p.m. | Left Hand Brewing Tap House
If you’ve been feeling a little helpless lately due to the fact that there really isn’t much you can do to help extinguish the flames threatening so many different areas of Colorado, then I have the perfect event for you. Left Hand Brewing is throwing a fundraiser this Friday night to raise funds to support the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Red Cross and the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, both of which are experiencing depleted resources due to the High Park fire in Fort Collins. The popular Grateful Dead tribute band, the Dark Star Orchestra, will be rocking the house with live music, and proceeds collected from ticket, beer, food and merchandise sales will help benefit those affected by this fire.

The Bolder Life: Burning Can Is Back →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: June 8th, 2012

You heard me right—I said Burning Can, not Burning Man; and the action is all going down this weekend in my tiny hometown of Lyons, Colorado. Once again, Oskar Bluesand the Lyons Outdoor Games are teaming up to throw a weekend bash filled with action, sports, beer, competition and live music.

Imagine this: a quaint little town, filled with some of your favorite hiking trails and restaurants in Boulder County. Now imagine that little town filled to the brim with craft beer aficionados, professional mountain bikers and kayakers, and hundreds of people, just like you, watching competitions, attending clinics, carving things with chainsaws, listening to live music, drinking really good beer from over 30 craft breweries, and let’s be honest—probably kicking themselves for not putting on sunscreen.

Oh, and did I mention there’s a 5K happening? Why wouldn’t there be a 5K race during an event where over 30 craft breweries are pouring beer samples. Makes total sense. Like peanut butter and jelly sense.

So here’s the deal—cancel your Saturday plans, because this is what your Saturdayactually looks like.

Sleep in a little. You’re wise to rest up and it’s totally okay to grab a few more zzz’s.

If you’re one of those over achievers, you might want to stop by The Stone Cup and grab a light breakfast and a smoothie before you make your way over to Bohn Park for the Burning Can 5K run. Race starts at 11:30 a.m. and begins and ends right next to spot where the breweries have set up shop on. Register for the 5K race here.

If you’re not one of those people that have signed up and run every 5K within reasonable driving distance in the past four months, then you should grab some brunch, it’ll totally do the trick and set you up for success in your endeavors for the rest of the day. The Lyons Fork has quickly become everyone’s favorite spot to post up for some mid-morning grub—and since you’ll already be in Lyons, it just makes sense to give ‘em a try.

Now that you’re officially fueled—head on over to the St. Vrain River at noon and watch the Kayak Open Freestyle event. The Lyons Outdoor Games is a qualifying event for the U.S. Freestyle team, so you know the competitors are going to put on a show.

After checking out the kayaking action, head on over to Bohn Park around 1:00 p.m. and watch crazy people on BMX bikes do back-flips and defy gravity off of the dirt jumps at the Lyons Bike Park. This event is always a crowd favorite and runs until 4 p.m.

By this time, you’ve probably worked up a thirst, which means it’s time to head over to the Burning Can headquarters conveniently located in Bohn Park. Sample beers from a slew of local and out-of-state craft breweries and you’ll probably be hungry for a snack which isn’t a problem. Just grab a bite from one of the ten food trucks that will be hanging out at the event.

At this point, you’re having a blast. You’re probably dancing to some music by one of my favorite local bands, Interstate Stash Express, you still have a view of the crazy people jumping bikes over dirt hills, you just fell in love with beers from Golden Road Brewing from L.A. and Maui Brewing and you’ve visited the Upslope booth at least twice. It’s time to make a decision; either call it quits and head back to your camping spot in Meadow Park, or catch the free bus back to Boulder.

Or—keep the party going, and make your way to the Oskar Blues Party Barn (the original OB brewery), and catch some more live music, food and the Lyons Outdoor Awards ceremony.

Wow. At this point you’re pretty tired. You should probably plan ahead and cancel your Sunday plans as well.

The Lyons Outdoor Games run from Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10th. Click herefor a full Lyons Outdoor Games schedule. All proceeds from Burning Can will benefit the Lyons Park and Recreation Department and the Colorado Brewers Guild.

The Bolder Life: Weekend Plans →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: June 1st, 2012

TGIF! Am I right? This week has been exceptionally long, and difficult. I’m so happy that’s it’s Friday and I’m counting down the minutes until I’m free for the weekend.

There’s a lot of awesome stuff going on this week. Like the Denver Chalk Art Festival going on June 2nd and June 3rd in and on Larimer Square. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, you can view artwork and stroll through a museum of chalk art created by over 200 artists. The artwork is absolutely phenomenal. It’ll make you want to run out and buy some chalk to start creating your own masterpieces on your driveway, or the sidewalk leading up to your house, or you neighbors house… This unique festival is definitely worth checking out. And did I mention it’s free? I didn’t? Oh, well this great festival is absolutely free of charge and worth twice as much.

If you’ve had just about enough of life the busy city life, then maybe you should slow things down a little with a day trip to Estes Park this weekend.  Bring your fishing pole, and your half-pints if you have any, because the Fishing Derby is open to fisherman of all ages, and the registration fee is only $4. Super cheap way to spend your Saturday. Registration starts on Saturday, June 2nd at 6 a.m. and the actual event begins at 8 a.m.  So nice, peaceful, and relaxing– and prizes are handed out to the fisherman that catches the biggest fish!

If you’re looking for some high energy action this weekend, then check out Quemando on the patio at Oskar Blues Homemade Liquids and Solids tonight from 8:00 to 11:30 p.m. This popular local band always brings the energy, and the dance party, and will be playing to a packed patio tonight—so be sure to get there early, or call ahead to reserve a table in advance. Bring your dancing shoes and kick off your weekend with some salsa dancing, some craft beer, and some classic southern food with a an Oskar Blues twist!

And if you’re really looking to get your art on, then make the drive to Lyons this week for the Lyons Art Walk that runs on the 2nd and 3rd of June. Tour artists’ studios and listen to live music and live readings down by the river. According to the folks behind the Lyons Art Walk, art, is the L.A.W.—which means you’re for a seriously good time.

It’s (almost) the freaking weekend people. Have fun. Get a little crazy. You’ve earned it.

The Bolder Life: A Little Louisville Loving →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: May 30th, 2012

I’m a sucker for a quaint main street, filled with cozy restaurants tucked inside remolded historic houses shaded by giant oak trees and surrounded with sidewalk patios.

I love spending the afternoon browsing in cutesy antique stores and inhaling the musty scent of a used bookstore followed by a refreshing adult beverage at a good beer bar with more than ten beers on draft.

I’m a huge fan of small town festivals—especially ones that shut down streets and intersections in downtown. The kind with plenty of live music and street food where you’re bound to run into a handful of your closest acquaintances.

In summary: I love Louisville.

Louisville truly embodies everything that is good about a small town. There is always a tremendous amount of community involvement and pride and it’s most apparent when you visit the downtown area.

Plus, there’s always something going on in downtown Louisville. There always seems to be an excuse to throw a big event to entice people to wander the streets of their charming community.

Downtown Louisville is full of great events this summer starting with some art-centric and dining-centric events coming up this weekend followed by the kick-off of theLouisville Street Faire on June 15th! If I were you I would totally take my advice and check out these events. Maybe grab a bite at Huckleberry, or a beer a Lucky Pie. Take a stroll over to Front Steet and check out the quirky, vintage-inspired furniture and household items in Old Friends—I hear they’re open on Sundays now…

A little downtown Louisville loving is good for the soul.

Friday, June 1st | First Friday Art Walk | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
First Friday Art Walk action is back in downtown Louisville and will feature artwork by several artists at the Creative Framing Art Gallery, Creations Gallery – Gifts and Fine Art, the Anthony Grant Studio as well as the grand opening of Bella Frieda, a store featuring “clothing and folk art de Mexico”. Enjoy refreshments at the Anthony Grant Gallery and listen to live music while helping Creations Gallery celebrate their 3rd birthday. Click here for more Art Walk info including a First Friday Art Walk map.

Saturday, June 2nd | Taste of Louisville & Taste of Louisville Half Marathon and 5K run | Running Events Begin at 8:00 a.m. & Taste of Pearl Begins at 10 a.m.
Why wouldn’t you throw a half marathon and a taste of the best dining in your town on the same day? It’s really a win-win for everyone. Gather a ton of people downtown, throw an event that’s sure to work up an appetite, plan out a race course that passes just close enough to see and smell all of the vendor booths that will be set up in the street. Genius. Well played, downtown Louisville! Enjoy food served by local restaurants, check out craft booths, keep the kids occupied with kid-specific events and listen to music by The Low Flying Knobs, Back Pocket, I’m on Fire, 2 Dog Tuesday, The Whiskey Bottles and Highway 50—a band made up of Al Laughlin from the Sables and Brian Nevin from Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Get more info:here.

Saturday, June 2nd |Opening Day of Louisville Farmers’ Market | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
As if there isn’t enough going on in downtown Louisville this weekend, why don’t we throw in the opening day of the Farmers’ Market! Located in the Steinbaugh Pavilion on Front Street, the Louisville Farmers’ Market features locally grown products and live music. Get inspired by the delicious food you sample at the Taste of Louisville, then head over to the Farmers’ Market and pick up some fresh food items to create a tasty meal of your own.

The Bolder Life: Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Colorado Urban Winefest →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: May 25th, 2012

Last month, at the DrinkLocalWine Conference in Denver, Local Winos Media debuted a fun video of Oskar Blues Brewing founder, Dale Katechis, comparing his canned craft beer revolution to the booming wine business in Colorado. Katechis noted that members of the craft beer industry thought that he was “bat s*** crazy” when he decided to put good beer in a can—the same thought that Katechis had when he heard that people were trying to make good wine in Colorado.

Turns out, everyone was wrong.

Katechis built a brewing empire out of putting good beer in a can, and Colorado wineries are pumping out more and more popular wine each year.

The 2nd Annual Colorado Urban Winefest is a celebration of the bat s*** crazy people and wineries that are behind the amazing wine coming from our fair state.

As part of Colorado Wine Week, the Colorado Urban Winefest runs from noon – 6 p.m. on June 9th at the Denver Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $51.90 per person and include wine tastings, food for purchase by a slew of local food trucks, educational seminars and much more.

If you haven’t already purchased your tickets for this event—I, because I care about you, have put together five reasons to encourage you to get it in gear and make your reservation for this event today!

5 Boulder County Wineries Will Be There

Five of BoCo’s very own wineries will be serving up tastings of their popular wines at the Urban Winefest. Now I’ve attempted to hit five Boulder County wineries in one day, which sounds fairly easy but is definitely a logistical challenge. So make it easy on yourself and try wines from Redstone Meadery, Augustina’s Winery, Bookcliff Vineyards, Boulder Creek Winery and Settembre Cellars all in the same venue, on the same day. You’ll be glad you did.

It’s for a Good Cause

I’m all about events that involve drinking for a good cause. Proceeds for this event support Colorado Winemakers and grape growers through education and research. Find out more about CAVE, the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology here.

Keeping it Local

Move over Napa Valley, Colorado’s coming in hot! More and more sections dedicated to Colorado wines are popping up in liquor stores, a sure sign that Colorado folks are doing their part to support local. Show up and show your support for local businesses—they’ll be very happy you did.

Unlimited Samples

Enough said.

It’ll Get You out of the Boulder County Bubble

Boulder County folks have all been guilty at one point or another of becoming too attached to the Boulder County bubble. Here’s your chance to venture into the big city and fill your quota for Denver trips for the month. That way, next time your Denver friends ask you to name the last time you actually made a trip to Denver, you’ll have an actual comeback.

Click here for a complete list of participating Colorado wineries.

The Bolder Life: Dining Under the Stars →


Tyra Sutak

Published on: May 14th, 2012




Photo by Jenifer Harrington

Summer is officially here, and aside from a little rain, it’s been blue skies and perfect hiking weather in Boulder County for the past few weeks. Farmers’ Markets have once again become the most popular place for weekly grocery shopping trips and the number of cyclists on the road has tripled in past month. Ski racks have been replaced with bike racks and storage racks to hold camping gear and winter-friendly events have been replaced with outdoor festivals and picnics.

It’s finally appropriate to wear half the amount of clothing that you usually do and to leave work at noon only to return three hours later in your hiking boots, sporting a little extra sweat on your brow.

When it boils down to it—summer is really about three things: soaking up as much sunshine in the great outdoors as possible, enjoying the company of good friends, and indulging in enough seasonal food items to propel your active lifestyle.

Aside from slaving away throwing your own event sunshine, friends and good food-filled event—the next best option is to visit the source—and by source, I mean farm. With a handful of farms dotting the Boulder County landscape, it isn’t tough to find a way to enjoy an authentic farm-to-table dinner.

My favorite local farms to enjoy an expertly prepared, fresh bite—are at the quaint Lyons Farmette and at Longmont’s Olin Farm. Both places also serve as a venue for weddings and other private events, so you know the atmosphere at each place is going to be exceptional.

Invite your friends, get outside, breathe in the fresh Colorado summer air and gaze at a sky full of stars as you dine on menu items harvested from the same patch of group it’s prepared and served on.

Pretty cool.

So give your kitchen the night off, call up your friends, and enjoy a relaxing evening supporting your local farms and noshing on a menu based on seasonal local ingredients and grown and prepared with love.

Olin Farms is located at 8627 North 95th Street. Farm-to-table dinners kick off of June 22nd and run through August. Guests are welcome to bring their own libations and encouraged to make their reservations online.

The Lyons Farmette is located at 4121 Ute Highway, and offers a slew of farm-to-table dinners through the fall. Check out their upcoming May 24th pizza dinner and check out their current calendar filled with dinners and classes at their gorgeous Lyons property.

The Bolder Life: Drink a beer, save the children →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: April 26th, 2012

It’s almost that simple. If you’re drinking a beer at the Chips 4 Kids benefit Saturday night, you’ve already done your part to save the children—and by children, I mean at-risk youth—and by saved, I mean given them the opportunity to expand their horizons by experiencing and learning about the “natural beauty of Colorado from the seat of a mountain bike”.

Pretty cool.

I’m (for the most part) an adult, but the inner kid in me can’t think of a better way to gain confidence, meet friends and learn about the environment than taking a little break from life and catching some fresh Colorado air on the seat of a mountain bike.

The folks at Trips for Kids (Denver/Boulder) are in the (non-profit) business of putting smiles on kids’ faces. This organization is comprised completely of volunteer community members that believe that one great way to give back is to offer kids a whole new world and new appreciation for Mother Nature. Trips for Kids has over seventy chapters nationwide all which help at-risk kids by combining lessons in confidence building, achievement and environmental awareness through the development of practical skills, and the simple act of having fun.

So here’s the skinny:

Date: Saturday, April 28th
Place: Boulder Indoor Cycling
Time: Doors open at 7:00 p.m. | Tables open ‘til 11:00 p.m.

So what exactly is the deal?

This event is jam-packed with fun things—like casino games—and the chance to win an awesome mountain bike. A $40 donation gets you into the event where you’ll enjoy pints of Boulder Beer and Avery Brewing beer, complimentary tastings from theLeopold Brothers Distillery, (fake) gambling at free tables with professional dealers, live jazz/swing music, live bike races on the Velodrome, a silent auction (see silent auction items here) and the chance to win some really fun prizes.

So throw on some nice threads, open your hearts and your wallets, and don’t miss this opportunity to put a smile on kids face while having some fun yourself!

The Bolder Life: Beer, Please →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: April 24th, 2012

My ego, my calves and my liver are still a little sore from the beating I took this past weekend during the 6th Annual Boulder Beer Pearl Street Scavenger Hunt. Aside from a tummy full of beer, other things I took away from this highly sought after event (tickets sold out in 8 minutes!) included: an appreciation for those used concert tickets that always end up in your wallet, a renewed love for the locals of the fair city of Boulder that spend more time eating in restaurants on Pearl Street than in their own dining rooms and come in handy when scavenging artwork from the inside of restaurant walls—and an appreciation for the awesome awkwardness that is the Pearl Street Mall.

If you’ve never participated in the Boulder Beer Scavenger Hunt, I highly recommend you look into it next year. Although my team, Team BFF (Beer Friends Forever), didn’t take away the grand prize of beer of a year, and lost out to team Purple Rain in the costume contest, I still had a blast running around downtown Boulder– playing games like corn hole, Pictionary and Memory at different bars and restaurants, and collecting awkward items… like rubber babies, golf tees and colored paper clips.

Although you’ll have to wait until next year for this beer-lover’s event to come around again, here’s a list of upcoming beer-centric events that should tide you over for a while.

2012 Samael’s Release and Vertical Tasting
Thursday, April 26th | 6:30 p.m. | Avery Brewing Barrel Aging Cellar
I spent some time in the Avery Brewing Barrel Aging Cellar last week, and let me tell you, these guys take their aged beers seriously! Samael’s Oak Aged Ale is part of the “Demons of Ale” series and promises to demonize your pallet! $20 gets you: in the door, a vertical tasting of Samael’s paired with some tasty desserts.

Microbreweries for the Environment
Friday, April 27th | 8:00 p.m. | The Boulder Theater
This much-loved Boulder event is back again, and ready to serve up craft beers from 20 Colorado microbreweries! Tickets are $25.75 in advance plus an additional $12 for unlimited tastings or $2 per pint of beer. Proceeds from this benefit will be awarded to a slew of local non-profit organizations and the who’s who of the local music scene will provide the entertainment for the evening.

Oskar Blues/Upslope Brewing Beer Dinner
Thursday, May 10th | Time TBD | Oskar Blues Homemade Liquids & Solids
Oskar Blues and Upslope Brewing will be kicking off Craft Beer week on Thursday, May 10th with a collaboration beer dinner held at Oskar Blues Liquids and Solids in Longmont. Food by OB, with Upslope Beer pairings sounds like the makings of one delicious beer dinner. Time and price are still TBD. Keep an eye on the Oblongbar Twitter page for more info.

Chocolate Lab for Lovers… of Craft Beer
Wednesday, May 16th | 7:00 p.m. | Piece, Love & Chocolate
Beer and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly—and the chocolatiers at Piece, Love & Chocolate are holding a tasting class to show you why. Join “Madame Chocolat”, Chef Sarah Amorese and Jeff Mendel of Left Hand Brewing as they guide you on your way to a new appreciation for fine chocolate and craft beer—together as one. Tickets are $45 per person. Register here.

The Bolder Life: Perfect Pairings 2.0 →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: April 12th, 2012

Turns out, there are a lot of people in Boulder County that not only dig eating food, but also enjoying pairing their favorite menu items with tasty beverages. With a healthy population of breweries, distilleries and wineries in the area, there always seems to be an excuse to throw some sort of event to showcase how well popular local libations go with the culinary delights coming out of Boulder County’s restaurants.

The next few weeks are full of exciting collaborations by the best of the best of the local food and drink scene. Clear your busy schedules and make your reservations! You’ll be so happy you did.

Centro/Upslope Brewing Beer Dinner @ Upslope Brewing
Sunday, April 15th | 5:30 p.m. | $50 per person
As of late, Upslope Brewing has been pounding the promotional pavement extremely hard with a slew of beer dinners at local restaurants including a special collaboration beer dinner with Boulder’s Centro Latin Kitchen and Refreshment Place to be held at the Upslope Brewery. If you’ve never experienced a beer dinner held in a brewery or a brewery tap room, then you definitely need to check this out. Fresh beer right from the source, great food, and the rustic aroma of craft beer beginnings—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Snout to Tail Dinner @ SALT the Bistro 
Monday, April 16th | 6:00 p.m. | $88 per person
SALT has been hogging the limelight lately with the introduction of their $9 Farm to Table Lunches and bar manager, Adrian Sutevski’s, big win at this year’s Boulder’s Best Mixology competition—which means locals have been chomping at the bit to get in on the unique food-focused dinner using several different parts of the pig. 8 courses. You heard me right—I said 8 courses, paired with 8 different beers. You should probably make your reservations now and fast until Monday.

Community Beer Social @ Terrior
Wednesday, April 18th | 6:30 p.m. | $30 per person
I don’t make it to Longmont much, but I’ve been dying to check out some of the many community-involved events that happen at Terrior on a regular basis. Most importantly—events centered around beer. Terrior likes serving good beer, and even better, they like pairing it with delicious food and serving it to you. This month’s Community Beer Social features 3 beers from Schmaltz Brewing Co. in New York, paired with 3 delicious Terrior dishes. Only 15 seats are available for the event so make your reservation today!

Left Hand Brewing Beer Dinner @ Old Chicago Longmont
Thursday, April 19th | 6:30 p.m. | $35 per person
Seriously?! This is happening. This event seemed a little odd to me at first, but it’s Longmont on Longmont action happening and it sounds like it’s going to be a pretty good time. $35 is a steal for anything paired with Left Hand beers; and—Bubba Love will be there. Bubba Love is hilarious. I promise you’ll leave this event with a stomach ache, and not from the food or beer. Bubba will keep you laughing all night with his many stories, and his passion and knowledge of craft beer will give you some homebrewed warm and fuzzies.

Cured-Boxcar-Pizzaria Basta-The Pinyon-Growe Foundation Pop-Up Dinner @ Cured
Monday, April 23rd | 5:30 p.m. | $100 per person
Let’s see a raise of hands—who didn’t shed at least one tiny tear when Chef/Owner, Theo Adely, announced that the most popular place to find the best friend chicken in Boulder was jumping ship and looking for a Denver address. I know, right? A shame—but luckily for the Pinyon’s aficionados, Chef Theo is participating in a “Pop-Up Dinner” that includes a collaborative menu featuring food prepared by Chef Theo, Chef Kelly Whitaker of Pizzeria Basta, Chef Nathan Miller of the Tasterie Truck and of course, yummy items from the folks at Cured. The event is in support of the Growe Foundation and will also feature beer and wine pairings.

Bookcliff Vineyards Annual Spring Barrel Tasting featuring Erik Skokan of Black Cat Bistro
Friday, May 4th & Saturday May 5th | 6:30 p.m. |$70 per person
Many moons ago—okay—last summer, I took a trip to the Bookcliff Vineyard tasting room located in the same neighborhood as Upslope Brewing and Bradford Heap’s soon-to-be distillery venture. Chatting with the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and of course, sampling the delicious wine that is coming out of this place made me an instant fan. Bookcliff always has some sort of an event going on, but their upcoming Annual Spring Barrel Tasting is one that is not to be missed! Sample emerging wines in the winery followed by a 5 course dinner featuring cuisine by Erik Skokan of the Black Cat Bistro.

Odell Beer Dinner at Lucky Pie Louisville
Wednesday, April 25th | 6:30 p.m. |$55 per person
I love Lucky Pie. It’s not a secret. But I’ve also been digging on the Odell Myrcenary IPA which is included as one of the beer pairings in this delicious-sounding beer dinner. Crab fitters, pork loin carpaccio, and espresso panna cotta are just a few of the menu items you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy if you snag tickets to this beer dinner!

The Bolder Life: Variety is the Spice of Life →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: April 10th, 2012

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from living in as unique a place as Boulder—it’s that everybody is different. From the crazy clothes we wear, to the culinary delights that make our taste buds shimmy and shake, to the ways in which we seek out good health.

We’re all different.

I’m currently finishing up a mid-calf boot phase right now, but I’m still not sure how I feel about those awkward-looking barefoot running shoes. I can’t stand the taste or smell of chocolate, but I could eat an entire bag of black licorice. (Nom, nom, nom). Bikes make me happy, but yoga petrifies me.

Aside from fashion, one of the biggest avenues on which our personal taste shines through is in the tasty world of food and beverage. Some of us can name all of the ingredients used to make our favorite beers and some of us can pronounce (correctly) every menu item on Pizzeria Locale’s Italian inspired menu. Some of us are picky eaters and some of us prefer a cold PBR over a locally produced beer. (If this is you, I want you to know that I did just judge you a little. But only little, and I’m sorry).

It’s cool. Variety really is the spice of life.

Although I can’t name all of the ingredients in all of my favorite food and drink items, and prefer to point to things that I can’t pronounce in an attempt to stall until the waiter does the dirty work for me—I can tell you what makes my taste buds and my tummy happy.

Here’s what I’m digging on lately.

A cold Kinda Blue, straight from the source at Boulder Beer

Summer might be the only time that I can make decisions in a timely manner when it comes to ordering beer. I love the subtle wheat taste of this beer topped off with just the perfect hint of blueberry flavor. At a low 5.2% ABV, it’s the perfect beer for this half pint to enjoy a full pint and still be able to hold conversations with strangers at the bar. I’m warning you though, this is just a seasonal. I can’t be responsible for the heartbreak that you’re going to feel when you find out for the first time in the fall that there’s no more.

The Karen’s Special with Two Scoops of Turkey Salad and Extra Pickles at Café Food

 

In my opinion, Café Food is one of the most underrated lunch stops in Boulder. Tucked in that weird shopping center on the east side of Target, this “hole in the wall” is pumping out killer sandwiches, truly amazing soups, (you have to try the clam chowder), huge, freshly baked rolls that are served on the side of just about everything, and my favorite—the turkey salad with pickles. Chunks of turkey breast, roasted in house, and snuggled in mayonnaise and topped with diced up pickles. It’s so good—and it’s served with a side salad so it makes you feel pretty good about yourself. If you haven’t been, I highly suggest that you check this place out.

The Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Bagel at Big Daddy’s Bagels

It’s not a secret that I’m not much of a morning person. I loathe mornings. If for by some reason I have to wake up while it’s still dark out—you better hope you don’t have to see me until after noon. Like, that bad. But I’ll pull myself together pretty quickly if there’s something good in it for me. As of late, that something good has been the toasty, gooey, slightly greasy Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Bagel at Big Daddy’s. Be sure to wash it down with a strawberry and apple juice smoothie with a scoop of protein powder– it’ll make you feel better about the little drops of grease running down your chin.

Bhakti Chai (Usually consumed at Ozo Coffee house when I can find a seat!)
I promised someone last week that I would give up coffee. I’m a total liar. I’m laughing right at how ridiculous the very thought of giving up my favorite drink is to me. I gave it the ol’ college try and decided that I’m so much more fun and productive when I have a cup of caffeine in my hand. On my hour long hiatus from lattes, I got bold and curious and decided to order a Bhakti Chai. It was a good a decision. The spicy flavor surprised my taste buds so much that they melted under the pressure and gave up on boycotting anti-coffee drinks.

The Bolder Life: Tickets on Sale Now! →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: April 4th, 2012

Events are always sneaking up on me—like tiny ninjas, dressed in all black, creeping around in shadows and stuff. This is a shame, because some of the best, can’t-be-missed events sell out pretty far in advance. So in an effort to help you be proactive about your social life, I’ve put together a list of upcoming events that should seriously be on your radar. You should probably pull out your credit card right now and purchase tickets to at least one, if not all of these events—right… now.

The 6th Annual Boulder Beer Scavenger Hunt
Tickets on Sale: April 6th | Actual Event: April 21st | Pearl Street Mall
Free beer for a year. That’s probably all that you really need to know to sell you on this annual, ridiculous event. Participants are encouraged to dress up for the costume contest, which was apparently won last year by team, “Go Home and Touch Yourself”—the crazier the costume, the better, and the more you’ll fit right in on the infamous Pearl Street Mall where you’ll search for items on this wacky scavenger hunt in hopes of winning the grand prize of beer for a year!

Taste of Pearl
Tickets on Sale: Now | Actual Event: April 22nd | Pearl Street Mall
This event gives me the warm and fuzzies, and not just because there’s a lot of wine involved—there’s food from lots of amazing Boulder restaurants as well! Stroll in and out of participating shops on Pearl Street Mall where you’ll sample wine from 15 local wineries as well and food prepared by 15 of Boulder’s most beloved restaurants on this walking culinary tour. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Boulder’s own, Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), which means you’ll also being doing something good for your community. (Warm and fuzzies, right?!)

Microbreweries for the Environment
Tickets on Sale: Now | Actual Event: April 27th | Boulder Theater
I still have my cutesy, powder blue t-shirt that I was given several years ago during my first Microbreweries for the Environment event. Although the overall event has changed a little over the years, the premise is still the same. Go to the Boulder Theater, drink craft beer from over 20 local breweries, support the environmental initiatives of six local non-profits, listen to some live music, collect a commemorative glass and do it all again next year. Great event for locals interested in sustainability and craft beer. Click here for pricing and more info.

The Bolder Life: Adventures in Huckleberry Dining →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: March 29th, 2012

I live in Boulder, so naturally I’ve spent many summer days enjoying some of Colorado’s beautiful sunshine and the sound of the nearby creek on the patio at theDunshanbe Teahouse. I’ve savored platefuls of colorful ceviche and refreshing mojitos at Aji. I’ve contemplated going strictly vegetarian while at Leaf. I’m like a regular on the Three Leaf Concepts circuit. But my mind, (and taste buds), were officially blown on my first visit Huckleberry—Three Leaf’s tiny gem of an eatery located in Old Town Louisville.

Nestled on the south end of Main Street in a historic, old home, Huckleberry pretty much embodies the word “quaint”. The restaurant/bakery’s interior looks and feels like I’d imagine my grandmother’s house would look like if my grandma lived on a farm, painted her dining room in beautiful pastel hues and hung homey folk art on the walls. It doesn’t hurt that you’re immediately greeted by delicious smells and a display cooler filled with some of the most inviting sweet treats I’ve ever seen.

Now I’ve heard phenomenal things about their breakfast and brunch service—but at seven o’clock at night, a girl needs dinner; and after consuming some not-so-delicious meals this week, my stomach needed some reassurance that good food still exists. Of course I didn’t dine at this Louisville treasure alone—ordering a variety of entrees as a party for one looks incredibly awkward. So I dragged my sister and her fiancé along so I could sample their dishes too.

After some serious decision making, I decided to go with the Trout Almondine topped with a luxurious lemon-amaretto cream sauce and served with roasted potatoes and green beans. This dish restored my faith in food giving me a rich meal with a lightness that left my stomach feeling the right amount of full. My sister, after initially having her on the sold-out Butter Nut Squash Ravioli decided to go with the Polenta Zucchini Parmesan. I’ve had some pretty good polenta in my time, but the flavor that Huckleberry packed into this perfectly cut circle of polenta was outstanding. When I asked my sister how her meal was, I was met with only silence—which the universal language for “sooo good”. My soon-to-be brother-in-law went with the classic comfort food, Chicken Pot Pie, baked and served in soft and flaky shell served with warm salad of greens on the side to add the health factor to the dish.

Our laid-back but attentive waiter offered us a selection of wonderful sounding desserts, which includes everything from old fashioned soda shop staples of Sundaes, Milkshakes and Root Beer Floats to a Strawberry Layer Cream Cake, a Triple Chocolate Layer Cake, a Lemon Curd Cake a variety of other baked goods made in-house.

I’m so glad I ventured east of 55th street this evening. I’m counting down the days until I get to visit Huckleberry again. I’m planning on bringing several more guests next time because there’s no way that I’m going to be able to limit myself when it comes to sampling the breakfast/brunch menu at the Louisville restaurant that was voted “Best Brunch”… in Boulder.

Huckleberry is open seven days a week and is part of Three Leaf Concepts Restaurants that includes The Boulder Dunshanbe Teahouse, Aji Latin American Restaurant, Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant and Zucca Italian Ristorante. Three Leaf Concepts also runs the Three Leaf Farm in Louisville where they grow organic produce to supply their restaurants with.

The Bolder Life: The White Buffalo Plays the Fox →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: March 22nd, 2012

A bear walks into a bar and sits down.
He calls the bartender over and says, “I’d like a jack …………… and coke.”
The bartender says, “okay, but why the big pause?”
The bear looks down and says, “I dunno, I was born with them!”

This is the joke that I told my friend on one of the beautiful trails that weaves its way up Pikes Peak just after we’d discovered that we’d been separated from our group and had just spent the last hour hiking two miles in the wrong direction.

The group that we’d lost were participants in one of Love Hope Strength’sfundraising musical pilgrimages in which people get together to conquer massive mountains (literally), listen to some live music and raise awareness for cancer research. (Love Hope Strength is an amazing charity that is based out of Denver. Click here for more info about LHS and ways that you can offer your support).

On this crazy day, halfway to the top of Pikes Peak, I was introduced to one of my favorite musicians whose tunes can be found on pretty much every iPod playlist I’ve ever created.

The White Buffalo captures the essence of everything that is revered about a true musician and songwriter that creates and performs his own lyrics. Years after listening to him perform live for the first time the sound of his voice and his music still gives me the chills. A combination of songs from the heart sung with the perfect amount of power and soul to completely silence an entire venue. The White Buffalo represents a dying breed of musicians with livers of steel that live and die by the road and continuously produce underground music with a cult following of true fans that have had the pleasure of hearing the authentic tunes live.

This Saturday, The White Buffalo will pay a visit to the Fox Theatre in Boulder.

Show kicks off at 9:00 p.m. with some tunes by Danny Shafer and Christopher  Hawley followed by The White Buffalo’s seamless blend of old-school country with a touch of folk and rock n’ roll.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the door which is a steal for the killer show you’re going to see!

Not convinced yet? Then check out The White Buffalo’s YouTube channel and let his music speak for itself.

The Bolder Life: 3 Things You Probably Aren’t, But Should Be Using Pintrest For →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: March 20th, 2012

You’ve seen the buttons with that cute, little red P on some of your favorite websites. You’re constantly viewing images of things that your friends have “pinned” running through their Facebook and Twitter feeds. You’ve thought about signing up, but you’re still not really sure what Pintrest is all about.

That’s okay. A lot of people still have no idea how to really utilize this photo-sharing website.

I like Pintrest. I’m a huge procrastinator, so websites that are frequently updated with pictures of food, pretty flowers, and shiny DIY projects definitely give me the platform that I need to maximize my procrastination.

Most of the time, I feel pretty inadequate while scrolling through the Pintrest reel. I mean, I don’t own a crockpot, I have no idea how to crochet, and the last time I was looking for a wedding dress I was five, and looking for some trouble in my mother’s closet. For those of you Pintrest users, you can see how this affects how I feel about the website.

So—even though some of my crafty and cutesy pinboards might be struggling, I’ve found some new ways to play with Pintrest that don’t involve any skill, yarn, high tech cooking gadgets or a wedding in the near future.

Tracking/Sharing Food & Libation Items from Your Favorite Dining Hubs
You Yelp, share food pics on Forkly and inform the world which craft beers you’re currently drinking and digging on Untapped. So why not share pictures and reviews of must-try menu items or beverages from your favorite local spots? You’re in the know, so let your friends know which meals and beverages that shouldn’t be missing out on next time they’re out on the town. Also, this is a great way to keep expanding your foodie, craft beer-nerd status as you can track which places/items you’ve already tried.

Create and Event Calendar
So you can never remember exactly which month Frozen Dead Guy Days is held, or whether Rocky Grass falls at the beginning of the summer or at the end. That’s okay. Create an Events Calendar board and start pinning website links of your must-see list of concerts, festivals and public shindigs going on in your ‘hood. I constantly come across events that I’m dying to check out, but with so many fun things happening locally, it’s hard to remember them all! Downtown Boulder, the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau and Colorado Tourism are a step above the rest in creating Pintrest pages that highlight local events, restaurants and things to do in the area.

Get More Out of Your Local Retail Shops
Ever wonder where your favorite local retail stores get their inspiration? Follow them on Pintrest to find out which other local retail stores that dig on and what inspires them to make awesome products for you. If you’re an athletic lady, definitely follow Skirt Sports. They’re a local company pumping out feminine workout clothes for the serious athlete who still likes to keep it a little on the sassy (yet on practical side). Skirt Sports isn’t only pinning pictures of their apparel, if you follow them, you’ll also get in the know about their favorite places to work out along with workout plans images of things that keep them motivated. Pretty cool. Utilize the Pintrest search button and search for your favorite people/businesses.

The Bolder Life: Some Good Old Fashioned R&R →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: March 16th, 2012

Although spring has just begun, I’m already feeling pretty exhausted by all of the awesomeness that this time of year has to offer.

Can we please talk about this 70-degree weather!

Amazing.

So amazing that I’ve spent every free hour of daylight soaking up the sunshine—hiking, biking taking up space on my favorite restaurant’s patios. It’s been a rough go. I struggled through my epic twenty-seventh birthday weekend. I’ve raced out of work to sneak in some time on my favorite trails. I came down with a case of spring fever. I ate my way through Denver Restaurant Week and now I’ve completely immersed myself in March Madness. (Go Buffs!) Sounds pretty rough, I know.

What I need is some good old fashioned R&R. I might even turn off my cell phone this weekend. (Yeah right). I’ll probably fall asleep at 9 o’clock every night and only eat frozen food from a box. (I can’t even be bothered to cook or clean this weekend—way too difficult).

When I need to rest and recharge, I usually pay a visit to three places—I highly recommend that you check them out:

Wonderland Lake Trailhead
This is my favorite place to go to get a little fresh air, some good scenery and a little peace of mind when a good 5-mile hike just isn’t in the cards. There’s no better place to relax and take in a deep breath than at this North Boulder trail. I typically park at the Foothills Trailhead and make my way around the 1.5 mile Wonderland Lake loop. The view of the Flatirons is absolutely stunning and I’m a pretty big fan of trails with lakes. Plus, this trail is a quick five minute drive to the Upslope Brewing Tap Room… I’m just saying.

Boulder Community Acupuncture
If I had a nickel for every time someone told me to “just relax”, I could buy my own acupuncture clinic. But since that’s not how the world works, I still leave my stress-relief in the more than capable hands of the ladies at Boulder Community Acupuncture. I always feel refreshed, relaxed and sometimes a little intoxicated after leaving an appointment. Plus, their sliding scale payment plan means that you pay what you can afford leaving your wallet relaxed and refreshed as well.

Itsera Martial Arts and Family Fitness
I can’t say enough good things about this little gym in Niwot. I started taking kickboxing classes here last month, and I’m kind of obsessed. There’s no better feeling than leaving a workout tired, sweaty and super relaxed. Itsera offers Kickboxing classes, Muay Thai classes and Boot Camp classes. The instructors are fantastic and you’re encouraged to go at your own pace. Plus, each class ends with a little meditation and a positive message for the week.

The Bolder Life: Luck of the Irish →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: March 13th, 2012

Oh Saint Patrick—most people have no idea why they drink Guinness, wear green, eat corned beef and cabbage and celebrate you every year on March 17th, but they always do!

I love Saint Patrick’s Day. The holiday falls a week after my birthday which naturally means that I spent my first Irish holiday of legal drinking age attempting to consume a green beer or a shot of Irish whiskey at every bar on the south side of Pearl St. from the West End Tavern to Conor O’Neills. Needless to say, I failed. My endeavors were short lived and Irish whiskey and anything colored with green food coloring are still a touchy subject to this day!

There are plenty of shenanigans happening locally this weekend to help you celebrateSt. Patty’s day in a much less ridiculous manner. Find out which of your favorite local spots are throwing green-inspired celebrations this Saturday.

If you’re a die-hard when it comes to celebrating the holiday, then you should definitely spend your day at Conor O’Neills. The popular Irish pub kicks off an all day celebration with performances by Irish Dancers and bagpipers starting at 10:00 a.m. Obviously, Conor’s will be cooking up some killer Irish fare and offering drink specials on the best alcoholic beverages to come out of Ireland. Also—be sure to check out their website for their recipes for Irish Bread, Guinness Beer Bread and Stout Brownies.

Craving some Shepard’s Pie? How about some Corned Buffalo and Cabbage? The Old Louisville Inn is serving up some Irish grub with a twist at their 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. No cover. Tunes by Pat O’Kelly and the Highland Bagpipers, an Irish Sing-A-Long and a chance to win a 2012 Beach Cruiser! Enjoy drink specials on the patio and find out why OLI is a leader in local St. Patty’s Day celebrations!

If you haven’t discovered the Niwot Tavern yet then St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to check out this small town gem. $12 gets you a heaping plate of Corned Beef and Cabbage, Red Potatoes and Irish Soda Bread. Wash down Chef Dave’s expertly prepared Irish cuisine with specially priced Jameson shots, Boulevard Brewing Irish Ales and tasty Irish coffee.

Mike O’Shays in Longmont offers a traditional Irish menu all year long, but they’re serving up Corned Beef and Cabbage this Saturday along with Guinness Tenderloin Tips, Shepard’s Pie and Bangers and Mash. Also enjoy a selection of Irish beers along with some live tunes from the Fort Collins Pipe Band.

And if you’re a glutton for punishment, then start of your St. Patrick’s Day festivities a day early with “The Eve of Destruction Tour” on Friday presented byLeft Hand Brewing. Hosted by favorite local brewery rep, Bubba Love, and his team of merry “blackberries in a jar” this event will definitely get you into the spirit of the Irish!Follow Bubba Love as he promotes the Nitro Milk Stout at nine different beer joints in Boulder County. Bubba also promises to serenade you with his favorite Irish drinking songs which I’m sure would even make Saint Patrick proud!

With all of the crazy St. Patty’s Day events going on this weekend, I sure hope the luck of the Irish is on your side when you wake up on Sunday morning!

“May the winds of fortune sail you,
May you sail a gentle sea.
May it always be the other guy
who says, “this drink’s on me.”

The Bolder Life: Bikes, Brews and Barbeques →

 

Tyra Sutak

Published on: March 9th, 2012

This weekend marks the second anniversary of my twenty-fifth birthday and what better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than with a few of my favorite things.

Bikes, delicious craft beer and some warm weather barbequing. Throw in one awesome best friend (also celebrating a birthday), a slew of other bike-riding, beer-drinking folks and a good old fashioned barbeque and I truly do have the makings of a pretty awesome birthday.

I’m pretty excited, and I never get excited about birthdays.

It all started on the day of my tenth birthday party when my parents drove away from the Roller Rink, leaving me in the bathroom until they realized their error and came tearing back into the parking lot. They didn’t even have the decency to leave some of my birthday presents for me to play with to pass the time. I know, right? Pretty scarring. Then there was the time I got a triple chocolate, fudge-filled, oreo cake with chocolate ice cream for my birthday. Sounds delicious–for people that actually like chocolate.

So here I am. Giving the whole birthday shenanigans business another shot. I mean, you only turn twenty-five a handful of times!

Here are some of my tips for throwing a bikes, brews and barbeque shindig of your own:

Recon and Taste Testing

Luckily for me, I live within a quick bike ride to Avery Brewing, Boulder Beer Co.,Redstone Meadery, and the wildcard stop on the tour—303 Vodka. Because I’m a really good person, care about others and want my friends to have a good time at my birthday shenanigans, I’ve done quite a bit of taste testing and spent my share of time scoping out the best local tasting rooms to stop at on the tour. Seriously—I’m a giver.

Two Wheels

My bike’s name is Lilly. We spend a lot of time together, so naturally I wanted to include her in my birthday festivities. However, I understand that not everyone has a working bike—or a bike period. Don’t let that deter you. If your friends can’t get in on the best and most responsible part of the action, then have them check out this site.B-Cycle exists in Boulder and Denver and offers the bike-less the chance to jump on two wheels for the day. The concept is so simple: sign up online, choose a bike from one of the conveniently placed B-Stations, participate in shenanigans, return the bike. Great idea and very reasonably priced.

Barbeque Dos

The hardest part about throwing a barbeque isn’t figuring out how to light the grill—it’s finding the right combination of alcoholic beverages to please each of your particular guests. Shake things up a bit by asking each of your guests to bring a six-pack of their favorite beer, or bottle of their favorite wine to share. Everyone gets a tasty beverage and a little variety– a win-win for all. And be sure to get all of your food prepping done earlier in the day. Marinate some chicken, prep your burger patties, cook up some cold pasta salad, a little strawberry spinach salad action, slice up some potato wedges for some grilling, whip up some yummy cupcakes—and you’re all set!

So happy biking, beer-drinking and barbequing to you, and happy birthday to me!

With blue skies and 60-degree weather, this weekend is the perfect time to get a little recon and taste tasting done for some of your upcoming celebration shenanigans!