Chocolate is a decadent gift at any time of year, but during the holidays you want the confection to look as good as it tastes. After all, it’s got to keep up with a seasonal focus on appearance and be every bit as good as packages wrapped and ribboned to sparkly perfection, outdoor lighting displays that are the pride of a neighborhood, and the outfit carefully chosen for a holiday party.

Three local chocolatiers have this covered. Though each has a different take on their approach to chocolate and none could be mistaken for any other. All are visually stunning and perfect for hostess and teacher gifts,adding sparkle to a dessert tray, or a treat after a long day of holiday shopping and errands.

Robin’s Chocolates

Robin Autorino found her love of chocolate as she studied patisserie in France and worked at Flagstaff House, Brown Palace Hotel, and the Dushanbe Tea House. Chocolate-making was not her first choice of a career. In fact, for many years she believed she was allergic to it. Eventually, she learned she could tolerate most varieties of higher-grade, cleaner versions. That discovery fueled one of the basic premises of how she works today  – using the best ingredients possible including French Valrohna chocolate.

Today, she operates Robin’s Chocolates out of a kitchen and retail space on Airport Road in Longmont. Her classical training works with her choice of ingredients to ensure a strong, rich flavor profile such as holiday selection of figgy pudding or hot buttered rum. “If you bite into the Raspberry heart, you know it’s raspberry. That’s always been my emphasis for all of my flavors. You know what they are,” she said.

Autorino also takes her time to be sure that the look of each chocolate is exactly how she envisions it. Often, this requires what she describes as painstaking airbrushing. It’s not easy, but she feels it’s worth it to achieve the right presentation to go along with her flavors.

Stam Chocolate. Photo: Deborah Cameron

Stam Chocolate

At this time of year, stepping into Stam Chocolate’s retail space on Lafayette’s S. Public Road is like entering a holiday special. An array of chocolates in a case span two-thirds of the length of the retailer’s showroom and towers of multi-sized foil-wrapped Santas, advent calendars, and chocolate reindeer complete the look and make for one of a kind holiday gifts.

These chocolates can be purchased in Colorado, but they come from Belgium, where they’re shipped to the location. The same family has been making milk and dark chocolate confections for more than two centuries in a traditional Belgian style.

As Matthew Brundridge, owner of Stam’s Colorado location said, “Today, the great, great, great, great, great grandson of Jacobus Stam makes our chocolate. Through depressions, recessions, world wars, and global pandemics, we have an uninterrupted line of confectioners doing what they can to make the world a sweeter place.”

Piece, Love and Chocolate. Photo: Deborah Cameron

Piece, Love and Chocolate

This Pearl Street destination offers a chocolate-themed refuge from the rigors of holiday shopping and events. It also offers a wide range of things chocolate – from a gift-worthy cake that’s sold whole or by the slice, to a range of drinks.

“Everything we make must speak chocolate first,” said owner Greg Amorese. “We produce somewhere around 50 different types of truffles and take extreme care with them. For example, with our Mayan spice truffle, we roast our own blend of three types of chilis, or for our port and fig truffle we make a ‘pate fruit’ that’s layered into the truffle.”

But the flavors of its chocolates are matched by their distinct representations of Boulder — there are chocolates that show off the Avery Brewing A and the CU Buffalo, for instance. That’s what earned it a spot on its list.

The post Chocolate Holiday Gifts 101: Three Chefs Make Chocolates that Look as Good as Everything Else Does this Season | Foodie appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

We stumbled into Piece, Love and Chocolate, the cocoa oasis at the west end of Pearl Street, this weekend. And being the political junkies that we are, we couldn’t help but admire these seasonal truffles: Among the dark chocolate salted liquid caramels and the heavenly hazelnut truffles sit little chocolate donkeys and elephants. These little partisan treats are made by Moonstruck Chocolate. Both are filled with dark chocolate and enrobbed in white chocolate.

Politics now seems more digestible, right?

The post Partisan Chocolate appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Reader’s Picks

Overall Restaurant

East County: Colterra

There are dishes that make the clouds part and the sun shine down. Right then and there, you understand the amazingness of food. For me, that happened at Niwot’s Colterra with a plate of wild boar short ribs served with veggies and crispy polenta. It was a hearty dish with a whirlwind of savory favors, locally influenced and beautifully inspired. It was love on
a plate.

Boulder: The Med

Year after year, The Mediterranean beats out all the hot-shot newcomer restaurants for readers’ votes. And why is that? Because The Med is not a flash-in-the-pan sort of joint. It’s enduring. Heck, The Med could be considered a brick in the foundation on which the Boulder food scene was built. Oh yeah, and you’ll get some killer food and drinks there.

Contemporary

East County: Sugarbeet

The moment you walk into Longmont’s Sugarbeet you know you are in for something special. The food is never contrived or cliché—from short ribs to baskets of yucca chips with house-made salsas to pork saltimbocca with speck and a caper-mustard cream. And while it’s often a surprise to see what they have to offer, it’s
always good.

Boulder: The Kitchen

There are too many things about The Kitchen to note here: the social consciousness, the rapidly expanding brand, the sustainable aforethought to ingredients. But it’s the pure deliciousness of their food that makes us respect and adore their presence in this city. Here’s to delicious food.

Cheap Eats

East County: Martino’s Pizzeria

There is a sense of humor at Martino’s in Lafayette. Heck, they have a bacon cheeseburger pizza that comes with Ketchup, mustard and pickles. But when it comes to the eats, it’s seriously good and seriously affordable. Two slices and a large drink for $5.99? That’s not even funny.

Boulder: Snarf’s

It’s rare that you can stuff yourself silly for under $12 in Boulder. At Snarf’s, the largest sandwiches you can order will keep you full for the rest of the day and they cost less than a trip to Starbucks.

Bakery

East County: Indulge Bakery

We’ve decided the verb “to indulge” should only be used when consuming food from Indulge in Lafayette: croissants, bacon, chive and cheddar scones or chocolate truffle torte. That way, your indulgences are always gratifying and soul-satisfying.

Boulder: Spruce Confections

At Spruce, there are cookies and muffins and croissants, even salads and sandwiches, but it’s the scones that have made these little Boulder bakeries renowned. We suggest the cream cheese and peaches scone.

Bagel

East County: Big Daddy Bagels

In concept, bagels are a fairly simple thing. But when you serve up 15 different kinds of bagels and 17 different kinds of cream cheese as well as sandwiches—and you do it all well, as does Big Daddy and his crew—that’s a feat.

Boulder: Moe’s Broadway Bagel

Moe’s isn’t just about bagels—though they serve mighty fine bagels. It’s a community and a culture unto itself. Regulars are common, and the family grows with each bagel served.

BBQ

East County: Lulu’s BBQ

I’ve pretty much worked my way through Lulu’s menu, and the only thing I can say is: It doesn’t really matter what you order, it will be smoky and juicy and tender and wonderful.

Boulder: Rib House

The ribs served up at the Rib House are heaven sent: fall-off-the-bone delicious, meaty and hickory-smoked. The meat gods shine down on Boulder County.

Burger

East County: Smashburger

You gotta respect a home-grown business that is built to be a national brand. But your respect grows even more when you bite into a bulky, smashed burger or avocado club chicken sandwich and Smash fries.

Boulder: Larkburger

For those folks who don’t like Boulder and who must drive into Boulder to get their Larkburger fix (with truffle, Parmesan fries on the side), there is what we might call “a hint of jealousy.” They might not admit it, but if Larkburger suddenly seceded from the Republic, they’d be cool with it.

Chinese

East County: Lui’s

What the residents of Erie know, they usually like to keep secret. So, it’s only an act of philanthropy that they spread the love that is Lui’s. Try the pork dim sum, gwin jin and the Szechuan, and you’ll have a secret too.

Boulder: China Gourmet

The fans of China Gourmet will wax poetic about this place: the crispiness of the chicken wings, the tang of the tangerine prawns, the deliciousness of the sautéed spicy Chinese eggplant. Poetry on a plate.

Coffeeshop

East County: Brewing Market

Brewing Market becomes a part of your daily life. It’s your routine: shower, dress, brush your teeth, comb your hair, grab your keys, pull into Brewing Market, order Americano and breakfast burrito, consume, work. Plus, the locally owned chain has five locations, so there’s never an excuse.

Boulder: Ozo’s

No matter when you visit Ozo Coffee, it’s packed. Either the place is great or no one works in this town. We’ll vote for the former: The employees here see their job as a craft and passion. Try the Ozo blend…at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday.

Gluten Free

East County: Martino’s

Rare is a restaurant that can make every dish on the menu gluten free. But at Martino’s Pizzeria, every pizza and every sandwich can be made with gluten free crust or bread. And don’t forget the gluten-free cookie for dessert.

Boulder: Turley’s

Tired of ordering salads? Turley’s has an entire menu dedicated to its gluten-free dishes—with everything from burgers with rice buns to pancakes.

Breakfast

East County: The Huckleberry

Breakfast is a sacred meal—often claimed to be the best meal. So, it’s a big deal to win this category. But The Huckleberry does have it going on: with a country-cool style that carries from the menu to the decor. Try the mixed berry crepe, and you’ll see why.

Boulder: Lucille’s

It all comes back to the biscuit. There are so many good things about Lucille’s breakfasts. The chicory coffee, hearty dishes like the eggs Jennifer or the Carlin County, or maybe even a spiked orange juice. And then, the biscuit just becomes this fluffy, luscious cherry on top.

Breakfast Burrito

East County and Boulder: Santiago’s

I once purchased 10 Santiago’s burritos to bring to the office during a rough deadline. It was as though I had brought each and every staff member a special little gift. There was gasping, moments of silence followed by low moans of happiness. You are welcome.

Brunch

East County: The Huckleberry

If you’re eating brunch, it pretty much means you can’t get up in time for breakfast (that’s just a theory), but you still want to have the option of eating breakfast. So, at The Huckleberry, you’ll be pleased to know that the wild blueberry flapjacks, potato latkes and the chicken fried steak are served until 3 p.m.

Boulder: Greenbriar

It’s almost noon, and we’ve eaten our weight in Caesar salad, prime rib, eggs Benedict, bacon, baked chicken and so many other dishes I can no longer remember. Our server is still filling my Champagne glass, but I can never say no to Champagne. And I slowly realize that this is the best Sunday ever.

Dessert

East County: Eats and Sweets

With a name like this, Eats and Sweets can’t be denied this title. Serving Boulder Ice Cream along side homemade brownies, cookies, cupcakes and pies, it’s more than a name.

Boulder: Piece, Love and Chocolate

Truffles may just be the most perfect bite of food possible, and at Piece, Love and Chocolate, the truffle is done with skill, love and a limitless creative freedom (porcini cream, anyone?)

Chain

Chipotle

When Chipotle founder Steve Ells appeared on America’s Next Great Restaurant, he did Colorado proud. This is a state where dreams come true…and burritos are yummy.

Green Chili

East County: Santiago’s

The green chili served at Santiago’s can be ingested in all sorts of ways. We love it as a condiment…the world’s best condiment. Put it on your burritos, your carne asada or even your shoe. It’s thick and spicy (order it as you like it), full of chunks of pork and perfect to decorate any dish.

Boulder: Efrain’s

Efrain’s green chili is not a side dish or, god forbid, a dip. It’s a main course, like a soup, served with tortillas. But before you dive in, beware, it’s spicy. Like, tears-in-your-napkin-sweat-on-your-brow-lips-bloated-and-red spicy…and yet delectable.

Indian

East County: Flavor of India

Longmont, thank your lucky stars that you have Flavor of India. This downtown restaurant is a local favorite, serving up sensational Indian dishes, like chicken tikka or lamb curry.

Boulder: Tandoori Grill

The naan says a lot of about an Indian restaurant, and here, it’s freshly baked, slightly chewy and full of yeasty goodness. At Tandoori Grill, you’ll also find delicious curries, crispy fennel flat bread and saag.

Italian

East County: Pinocchio’s

There is a timeless, classic feel to Pinocchio’s in Lafayette: Casual, comfortable and all red sauce and red wine. Try the spinach salad and the radiatorre.

Boulder: Laudisio

We love a commitment to using local products, but even more, we love when local restaurants make delicious food out of local products. Laudisio does just that—with an Italian twist. Order the Long Farm pork loin scaloppini to see for yourself.

Mexican

Boulder and East County: Efrain’s

Efrain’s has its quirks (in Lafayette, there are fake poinsettia plants in the rafters), but when all is said and done, the food is spectacular. From the beautiful hue of the chili Colorado to the breath-taking spice of the chili verde to the richness of the mondongo, it’s a Mexican dream served up on a plate.

Patio

East County: Martini’s

The patio at Longmont’s Martini’s is really an extension of the restaurant’s shabby-chic-hip vibe. The gorgeous old Victorian home spills out on to the yard come summer—with tables, couches and fire places. Just like inside, it’s warm, cool and comfortable.

Boulder: The Rio

In Kansas, a rooftop patio would be a moot point. But in Boulder, where the view is the instigator of all good things that happen, a rooftop patio is heaven sent. Add a margarita and a quesadilla, we are happy.

Lunch

East County: Sun Rose Café

Tucked away inside a downtown Longmont storefront, Sun Rose is a big, airy space filled with diners looking for a little satisfaction. Here, the soups, sandwiches and salads pack a lot of flavor and are whole-heartedly satisfying.

Boulder: Foolish Craig’s

There is nothing foolish about the food coming out of the Foolish Craig’s kitchen. The Southwest black bean burger? Brilliant! The BLT guacamole sandwich? So smart! The Spinach Bleu Cheese Salad? Both sharp and bright!

Salad

East County: Lucky Pie

Lucky Pie not only serves up some lovely pizza, but they know their way around a salad spinner as well. We adore the spicy Caesar and the kale salad.

Boulder: Mad Greens

Mad Greens is the Starbucks of all things green and leafy. Here, the world is your salad. Pick and choose your own toppings and dressing or have one of the expertly fashioned creations.

Seafood

East County: Jax

This contemporary take on a classic seafood joint has been a Boulder favorite for years. While the seafood is tremendous, don’t forget to order dessert.

Boulder: Tortuga’s

People continuously talk about Tortuga’s as “Longmont’s best-kept secret.” Well, we are unkeeping that secret here and now. Tortuga’s is not only East County’s best seafood spot (the fish here is lovely), but it’s one of Longmont’s best restaurants.

Sandwich

East County: Eats and Sweets

“Eats” is a pretty general term, but at Eats and Sweets, it includes some really tasty sandwiches. Pick from 53 different ingredients, and enjoy the results.

Boulder: Snarf’s

Snarf’s is just Snarf’s. You could never confuse a Snarf’s sandwich for something else. From the so yummy bread to the crazy creations to the endless amount of options, it’s just Snarf’s. If you eat there, you get it.

Pizza

East County: Martino’s

When the trend toward wood-fired Naples-style pizza becomes overwhelming, it’s refreshing to break through the noise with a good ol’ American pie. Here, they do it up right with the most fun, tasty takes on pizza topping.

Boulder: Pizzeria Basta

Before all the others joined its ranks, Pizzeria Basta was this artisan pizza shop in Boulder, serving up innovative wood-fired pizzas that taste like nothing else. Time and trends have proved them right.

Steak

East County: Colorado Coal Company

While our editor opts for the fried pickles, our designers dig the calamari and our sales people go for the booze, the residents of Erie flock en masse to Colorado Coal Company for the perfectly cooked steaks: top sirloin, ribeye, the bone-in buffalo ribeye or the New York strip.

Boulder: Boulder Chop House

This high-end joint goes all traditional when it comes to steaks: enjoy the filet mignon or the porterhouse with a baked potato and cabernet thyme jus.

Sushi

East County: 95a

When Magnolia became 95a last year, we feared the worst. But the new owners knew that you shouldn’t mess with a good thing. Keeping the half steakhouse, half sushi bar concept, diners can luckily still enjoy the ruby red roll or the annihilator roll.

Boulder: Sushi Zanmai

Sushi Zanmai is a local’s favorite (duh), which means it’s almost always packed and it’s noisy and fun and full of personality. But it all starts with the food: We recommend the fried avocado and the house specialty, the Z #9 roll.

Thai

East County: Thai Kitchen

Now with three locations, Thai Kitchen is never far away. And that’s such a good thing. Here, all the curries are delectable, the spicy jungle noodles are so tasty and the soups are something to seek out.

Boulder: Khow Thai

One of our staffers is a Khow Thai super fan. I recently asked him to elaborate on the Boulder Thai spot. And this is what he said, “Khow Thai is the shizzz, not only because they have the most amazing Thai food in Colorado, but the husband-wife tag-team owners are some of the nicest people around. My favorite dishes are Masaman Curry and Pad Thai, not to mention their Thai iced tea and mango with sticky rice dessert are bombbbbbbb!” Did I mention he’s 23?

Healthy

East County: Morning Glory Café

On the menu, you’ll find hormone-free meat, organic veggies and free-range eggs in dishes like whole grain pancakes, beet carpaccio, stuffed squash and a black bean, tempeh burger. Bonus: it’s delicious.

Boulder: Leaf

Meat-eaters beware, you’ll enjoy this place. The folks behind Leaf know their veggies: making vegetarian food as good as it possibly can be. They are expanding horizons, and breaking culinary boundaries.

Overall bar

East County: Waterloo

It all begins with the atmosphere: low lighting, brick walls and the bar as the centerpiece of the room. As you enter, you already know this night at Waterloo will be a good one. And then a beer appears in front of you and the band plays.

Boulder: Tahona Tequila Bistro

There are three requirements for a bar: booze, munchies and deals. Right in the heart of Boulder, Tahona serves nearly 20 types of margaritas along with a menu of high-end snacks, including duck nachos. Don’t forget happy hour seven days a week. Check, check and check.

Dive Bar

East County: Henry’s

Cheap beer, darts, pool tables and a jukebox. What else do you need? Nothing, Henry’s in Louisville has everything you could ask for in a dive bar.

Boulder: Sundown Saloon

You’ve got friends at the Sundown Saloon. This classic Boulder basement bar has friendly bartenders and an interesting mixture of people who are ready to make your acquaintance. Oh, and cheap drinks!

Brewery

Left Hand Brewing Co.

There are breweries purely for tours, sampling and buying T-shirts (ahem, New Belgium). At Left Hand, it’s as much a local watering hole as any bar in Longmont—a gathering place for locals who want a beer and some good conversation.

Beer

Sawtooth Ale, Left Hand

Sawtooth is Left Hand’s flagship beer: It’s an easy-drinking amber ale with tons of flavor and complexity. We could shower you with terms like “malty chewiness,” but we know that it’s just good beer.

Bloody Mary

East County: Waterloo

Served in a pint glass and topped with a pepperoncini and limes, Waterloo’s bloody Mary is well balanced and full of all the right flavors. It’s a hearty bloody Mary, perfect for the times when you really need a bloody Mary.

Boulder: Snooze

When all else fails, go spicy. Especially in the morning, when coffee isn’t enough, and you’ve spent an hour waiting for a seat, opt for Snooze’s bloody Mary with pepper-infused vodka.

Happy Hour

East County: Empire Lounge

Happy hour should make you happy, and at Empire, you’ll find $3 munchies and discounted drinks, which is just pure glee.

Boulder: Boulder Café

Happy hour at the Boulder Café is actually happy hours: everyday from 3 p.m. to close, the top shelf happy hour offers up half-price appetizers and half-price beer, glasses of wine and you-call-it cocktails.

Margarita

East County: Si Senor Real Mexican

Along with real Mexican food, Si Senor serves up very real margaritas. And you can order them in 16-, 32- or 64-ounce servings. We suggest the organic margarita with blue agave tequila, agave nectar and fresh lime juice…and make it a large.

Boulder: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

You’re officially a local if you have a story that begins with, “And then, after my third Rio margarita…” Where that story goes—dancing on a bar, sleeping in your car, etc.—is up to you, but know this, all good stories begin with a Rio margarita.

Wine List

East County: Zucca

The new kid on the block brings in a win with a list of Italian wines that’s diverse and well balanced. These glasses and bottles fit perfectly with the dishes of broad Italian influence.

Boulder: Frasca Food and Wine

Once again, Frasca co-owner and master sommelier Bobby Stuckey has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation for exceptional wine service. It’s not really a surprise: Stuckey has compiled a well-rounded, courageous list of wines.

Go to Critics’ Picks for Food and Wine

The post Best of the West: Food and Drink appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Valentine’s Day is coming up. I know, I know—I’m not a fan of Cupid and his half-naked, chubby backside either, but this sugar-filled February holiday is kind of hard to avoid. Right this second, love birds from all over are finalizing their orders with the florist, confirming dinner reservations for two at expensive restaurants and trolling liquor store isles for the perfect bottle of bubbly.

To each their own.

But if you really want to get your sweetheart something special this year, consider showing your love by ordering some sweet treats from one of the three local specialty dessert companies below. Give the gift of a beautifully decorated, tasty treat made with love, for the ones you love. (Insert ridiculously corny ‘awww-ing’ sounds here).

Place your sweet treats orders today!

Piece Love and Chocolate
805 Pearl St. | Boulder | 303.449.4804
I’ve never really been much of a sweets person, but on the occasion that a sugar craving sneaks up on me, one dessert always comes to mind: A gluten-free, mouse-filled, vanilla cupcake from Piece, Love and Chocolate. I’ve been known to drive at least thirty minutes out of my way for a taste of this delicious cupcake. And let’s be real, who doesn’t like cupcakes. And since I lack a lot of self-control, I usually end up leaving this sweet-smelling chocolate shop with a bag filled with white chocolate truffles and other assorted desserts as well. To. Die. For. And right now Piece, Love and Chocolate’s display cases are filled with the colors of love and edible hearts. Fantastic place to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

The Tasterie Truck
Mobile Food Truck | Boulder County | 303.550.6111
One of the best cupcakes that I’ve ever tried came from a food truck. Sometimes I dream about their melt-in-your-mouth pomegranate frosting and white cake cupcake. So yummy—and the Tasterie Truck is offering a special Valentine Day menu to help you find the perfect treat for the one you love. Pay $16/half-dozen or $28/dozen and choose from one of these heart-melting flavors: Strawberries and Champagne, Stuffed Triple Chocolate, Red Velvet and more! And this eatery on wheels also has the hook up on chocolate-covered strawberries…  So place your order today. And if you’re having trouble deciding which cupcakes to order, then follow the Tasterie Truck on Facebook and Twitter and sample their goodies at a BoCo location near you!

The Daily Cake
Web-Based | Longmont | 303.250.1752 or 303.946.3256
This up-and-coming, local cupcakery is quickly gaining fans by making craft beer a popular ingredient in their unique and tasty cupcakes. Try a Chocolate (Left Hand Brewing) Milk Stout Cake topped with a Salted Butter Cream, or create your own cupcake and craft beer infusion using one of the award-winning brews from Oskar Blues Brewery. Call or order online today to customize your own cupcake from their extensive list of flavors and frostings— or order a dozen of their specialty seasonal cupcakes! Either way, The Daily Cake is the one-stop-shop to find a Valentine’s gift for the craft beer lover and the sugar addict in your life!

The post The Bolder Life: Sweet Treats for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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 Ranch booth 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 to Piece, 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 post The Bolder Life: There’s a Farmers’ Market in Erie?! appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.