Mike Thom is a 59 year old chef hailing from Buffalo, New York. He grew up in Syracuse and lived there for 26 years. When we talked, Mike reminisced on his first time cooking in a real life kitchen.

“My grandmother was 100 percent Polish and her whole deal was that she cooked all the time,” said Thom. “She didn’t have a driver’s license, she didn’t go out, she didn’t really work. My experience was going to Buffalo and getting to cook with my grandmother. We made things like pierogies, cheesecakes, cookies. My favorite thing to cook and eat growing up were pierogies. They were farmer’s cheese in a doe dumpling. You boil them to cook them and then fry them in butter until they are crispy. They were usually served with sour cream and melted butter.”

Mike’s grandfather was a culinary enthusiast himself. “My grandfather loved to go out to restaurants. He knew all the restaurant owners, and they would let me go back into the kitchens as a kid. I thought it was the coolest thing. I thought about how much I would love to work in a kitchen one day and how I wanted to cook for a hundred people if I could. The kitchen felt like magic to me. You go in, everyone’s hustle and bustle, and then you watch all this food come out of a small window. It all happens so fast, how does that happen?”

As a teenager Mike was an aspiring artist. “I wanted to be an illustrator and do airbrush art. As a teen I airbrushed people’s cars and so I knew creative arts was something I wanted to do.”

He began to work in restaurants as an older teenager, slowly working his way up the culinary ladder. “My dad wasn’t able to pay for my college so I had to work to pay for it.” It didn’t take long for Mike to begin to crave a creative outlet again. “Cooking really became my outlet, I began to try to find ways to put painting on plates. If I was at home, I would make a plate that was what I deemed aesthetically pleasing.”

Mike became a sous-chef right out of high school and by the time he was 19 he was the executive chef at a fine dining Italian restaurant. But, as genius is wont, he began to look at bigger and better things. He worked at seven different restaurants as executive chef.

“I worked in a country club and within a year of working there I had already created a menu for them. Then it just kept going to higher volume places. It felt like every year I was going to a new place with a new cuisine. Whether it was a steak place, or a fine dining seafood house, and stuff like that. As soon as I got to the point where I wrote a restaurant a new menu, I wanted to move on and try a new cuisine.”

Mike eventually earned the opportunity to do table side service. He did table side service for icons like Frank Zappa, Frank Sanatra, and the mayor of Syracuse.

Later, he moved onto working with the CraftWorks restaurant franchise as a corporate chef. For those of you who don’t know, CraftWorks owns restaurants like Old Chicago, Rock Bottom Brewery, Gordon Beirche, and Chophouse. He wrote Old Chicago’s menu and began to develop the other restaurants’ brands. He worked with the company for 29 years and eventually ended his career there as senior director of culinary.

These days Mike is the head chef at The Corner Bar and Spruce Farm & Fish in the Boulderado Hotel, a classic and majestic local locale, with incredibly high regard. He also worked with Trattoria de Boulderado. Additionally, he has two ghost kitchens serving pizza and wings. Mike displays true Libra energy, balancing his workload scale with total ease.

The post Off Menu with… Mike Thom | Spruce Farm & Fish appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Meet Crumpet

Not yet the tradition A Christmas Story has become, SantaLand Diaries is no slouch. The uproarious Tony-winner from David Sedaris is a regional favorite every year. It centers on Sedaris’ experiences working as an elf in Macy’s SantaLand. In fact, the piece, originally an essay read on NPR in the ’90s, catapulted Sedaris into the national consciousness. This year’s Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company production takes residence at The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, Thursday–Saturday nights through Dec. 24. Tickets start at $15. Call 303.440.7826 for more information.

Party on Down

New Year’s Eve is typically a let down after a year of prepping and pondering how to close this particular chapter of your life. Because this is possibly the last year of our lives (unless the Mayans just ran out of numbers), expectations are higher. Enter Hotel Boulderado and its Masquerade Ball with two bands, a restaurant and two bars. You could do a lot worse than spending your last New Year’s Eve ever wearing a mask and partying here. Dec. 31. Tickets start at $50, Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St. Boulder, 303.442.4334.

Does a Body Good

There are few foods better than piping-hot oatmeal with maple and brown sugar on an icy-cold winter morning. It’s no wonder the Lafayette Quaker Oatmeal Festival is now celebrating its 14th year of combining this tasty breakfast food with its healthy living fair and a 5K fun-run. (Heads up, though, they’ll have no XL T-shirts this year. Yes, we were crushed, too). 7:30 am, 200 E. Baseline Rd., check out lafayettecolorado.com/oatmealfestival.html for more information.

Oh So Lemony

Ever go to a concert featuring your favorite band from college that never tours only to have them refuse to play any beloved hits and instead focus on material from a soon-to-be-released car commercial album? Well, that’s not this. The Lemonheads is on tour once again, and this time, Evan Dando is focusing on music from It’s a Shame About Ray, the 1992 hit Rhino Records reissued in ’08. If you’re a fan, this concert’s for you. At the Fox Theatre, Feb. 3, 8 pm, $15+. 1135 13th St., Boulder, 303.443.3399

Sure it’s New Year’s Eve. But check out all these other awesome things that happened on Dec. 31…

1) 1781: The first U.S. Bank opens, called the Bank of North America

2) 1879: Thomas Edison unveils his light bulb

3) 1923: The first time a voice is broadcast over the radio across the Atlantic

4) 1945: United Nations charter is ratified

5) 1961: The Beach Boys play their first concert

The post Editor’s Picks: Dec. ’11 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Out with the old, in with the new: If the New Year’s Eve of yore has taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing worse than spending the holiday at home with Ryan Seacrest and leftover Christmas cookies. While the hype can often overshadow the reality of counting down the New Year, Yellow Scene wants to ensure your last moments of 2010 are as spectacular as possible.

Here, 11 ways to spend Dec. 31, 2010:

Count down & Boogie Down

Sure, you could drive down to Denver, battling traffic and crowds and over-priced hotels. Or you can just stay in town and celebrate like a local: Try out Hotel Boulderado’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party. An optional dinner buffet will be followed by two live bands—Dressed in Black, featuring Mark Diamond on bass, will rock from 8:30pm–12:30am and ?Funkiphino will play from 9pm to 1am. There’s also open access to Q’s Restaurant, the Corner Bar and Catacomb’s—plenty of space for dancing the rest of the year away.

Where: Hotel Boulderado 2115 13th St., Boulder

Details: Tickets required. Before Dec. 27: $40 entry/$75 entry and dinner buffet, $60/$85 after

10. Party Hard

Calling all Boulder County electronic hipsters: if you don’t have $67 to spare, be prepared to be disappointed. If you can’t afford the hefty price tag to see Crystal Castles, an experimental duo from Canada, you’re probably gonna have to settle for watching their videos on YouTube. But there’s still hope! If you don’t blow all your Christmas bank on obscure vinyl, malt whiskey and vintage horn-rimmed glasses before then, you still have a chance. And it’s worth it: Crystal Castles is known for their high-powered live performances, so it’ll likely knock your Converse off.

Where: Boulder Theater 2032 14th St.,
Boulder

Details: 9pm, all ages

9. be Cultured … & Then Party

Sophistication. Eccentricity. Berets. Mmmmm, contemporary art. The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art will throw down this New Year’s Eve, fulfilling all traditional expectations (food, champagne toast, dancing) with a side of post-modernism. The beautiful downtown-Boulder building—galleries are filled with work from local, national and international artists—will most definitely appease those who truly want to countdown in style.

Where: Bmoca, 1750 13th St., Boulder

Details: 8pm-2am, $20 advance/$30 at
the door

Stay Home

OK, so you want to stay in but you still want to celebrate like a socially capable adult. Invite some friends over—make it a potluck—and you serve the drinks. For something different than your usual bottle of vodka and bucket of ice, we asked mixologist Brad Cobb at Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace for a cocktail that would impress your friends and family and give the evening an incendiary vibe. For non-alcoholic drinkers, visit tinyurl.com/26xrjlx for ideas.

Citrus Fizz Punch
Serves 6-8
• 9 oz. Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
• 4 oz. Lemon Juice
• 4 1/2 oz. Clement Orange Liqueur
• 4 1/2 oz. Cinnamon Honey Syrup
• 9 oz. Sparkling Wine
• Top with Soda water
• 2 cinnamon sticks, reserve for garnish
• 1/2 lemon, sliced into lemon wheels, garnish
• 3 star anise, garnish

Mix all ingredients in a punch bowl, float garnish of cinnamon sticks, lemon wheels and star anise. Serve in rocks glasses with ice. 

For Honey-Cinnamon Syrup:
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Crush cinnamon sticks with a rolling pin and add to honey and water. Marinate for 12 hours, then strain. Remaining syrup can be saved in refrigerator for later use, good for at least one week. 
—Courtesy of mixologist Brad Cobb, Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace

Ski by night-light

It’s one of those things that you can only experience in Colorado: A glowstick-lit ski run. Several of the state’s best ski resorts entertain visitors with music and fireworks on the eve of the new year as well as a glowworm of skiers moving down the mountain slope and into town; you’ll want to register ahead of time. It’s a beautiful sight and an unforgettable experience.

Where: Beaver Creek Village

Details: Registration starts at 6pm, free

6. Quatro, Tres, Dois, Um…

Ring in 2011 with Brazilian roots music? A little nontraditional? Yes, but not to be written off. Sambadende, a lively local band, has inspired quite a hometown following and gives a wickedly good show with street beats and Latin rhythm. Last year’s show sold out, so don’t leave this one up to chance if your hips can’t refuse an opportunity to salsa.

Where: Xanadu Ballroom, Hotel St. Julien 900 Walnut St., Boulder

Details: 9pm, $30–35

5. Cheer with Beer

2010 could be considered the year of Oskar Blues: Named a top brand by Advertising Age and receiving praise from Bon Appetit, Beer Traveler and Playboy, Oskar Blues was on top this year. So, it seems fitting to do our counting down with the Colorado brewer. Catch the Spring Creek Bluegrass Band at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew or She Groovez Band at Home Made Liquids & Solids. Beyond the musical entertainment, if their beer made the rigid and upright at the Wall Street Journal “swoon,” just imagine what it could do to you.

Where: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew 303 Main St., Lyons; Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids 1555 S. Hover Rd., Longmont

Details: 9pm–12:30am

4. Kick it old School

Over the mountain and through the woods, you’ll find the historically hip Gold Hill Inn. Here, the beauty of the Rockies and the 50-year-old comfort of the inn meet, as well as a dinner buffet, dancing and music by Halden Wofford & the Hi-Beams, one of the best honky tonk bands to call Northern Colorado home, and Mary Russell Band. Go forward by going back to Colorado’s historic roots in the beautifully rustic mountain setting.

Where: Gold Hill Inn, 401 Main St., Gold Hill

Details: 7pm

3. Party, and Then Party

Nissi’s will pack a punch this New Year’s Eve with two seatings (that means two separate opportunities to party…) and the old schools stylings of the Vintage Rock & Soul Band. Food, music and champagne will be included in the price to rock the night away. It’s definitely an affair for the more time-constrained crowd that wants to rock out responsibly, and you can have the best of both worlds if you catch the early seating (7-9pm) and be home in time to watch the ball drop in Times Square.

Where: Nissi’s 2675 N. Park Dr., Lafayette

Details: First seating is 7–9pm, includes four-course dinner and complimentary glass of champagne, $60. Second seating is 10pm–12:30am, appetizer buffet and champagne toast, $75.

2. Countdown with the Kiddos

The little ones are often forgotten during this disreputable holiday. But don’t let the kiddies worry: There’s more than one way to celebrate the New Year. Kiddies can countdown to the strike of noon at WOW! Children’s Museum in Lafayette during their annual bash. Tucker ‘em out here with crafts, refreshments and live music so you can celebrate the parents’ version later.

Where: WOW! Children’s Museum 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette

Details: 10am, admission included in
ticket price

Can’t make the noon countdown in Lafayette? Head down to Denver where the Children’s Museum drops their glittery ball every hour on the hour between 10am and 3pm—during which kids jump on giant sheets of bubble wrap to create the sound of fireworks and rainbows of confetti shower the partiers. Tons of music and activities before and after the countdowns.

Where: Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver

Details: 9am–4pm, activities are included with museum admission price

Take the Plunge: Head to Denver

We are usually the last people to suggest heading into the big, bad city for any occasion, but when it comes to New Year’s Eve, a metropolitan field trip might be in order. There’s plenty to do, and if all else fails, stand back and watch the fireworks light up the sky (shows at 9pm and midnight) or head to the Denver Botanic Gardens for the Blossoms of Light display. If you’re in the mood for something more stirring, read on:

2ND Annual Champagne Hotel

They are promising every “time of your life” cliché, but this massive party sets itself apart with the midnight balloon drop. Not sold yet? $2,000 in cash will be stuffed inside those magical plastic orbs and dropped from the ceiling. (Designated drivers, you have to have the advantage here…get on it).

Where: Marriot Denver Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse St., Denver

Details: Tickets required, $49–$250, dress code enforced

Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party

Open bar, free food, champagne toast…blah blah blah. Here’s what sets this one apart: party hats, multiple balloon drops, casino night and Denver’s best dueling piano bar (along with two other music areas).

Where: Grand Hyatt Denver, 1750 Welton St., Denver

Details: Tickets required, $109

9th Annual White Rose Gala NYE

For the posh crowd (it is a gala, folks), this Egyptian-themed party is sure to excite anyone lucky enough to have Dolce or Gabbana hanging in their closet. The entire hotel is at the disposal for patrons who wish to ring in the New Year with a touch of class and plenty of champagne, music and theatrics.

Where: Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver

Details: Tickets required, $59–$250, dress code enforced

New Year’s Eve Party featuring Hazel Miller Band

Glide into 2011 with the Hazel Miller Band, Colorado’s most beloved music group (3OH!3 who?). Tickets include a dessert buffet, a champagne toast and an unforgettable night at the architecturally stunning Sherman Event Center.

Where: Sherman Street Event Center 1770 Sherman St., Denver

Details: 8pm, $55

Dinner Detective New Year’s Eve Show

When your friends complain about the mediocre party they went to and the horrible hangover they’re suffering from, you can say you helped catch a killer.

Where: Embassy Suites Hotel, 7525 E. Hapden Ave., Denver

Details: Arrive at 6:15pm, show starts at 6:30pm. Kids, 8-12, $44.85; general admission $77.78. Dressy casual dress code.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The post 11 ways to count down to 2011 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.