“Bobo’s Oat Bars are very moist and delicious. When people hear that they are gluten free and vegan that do not expect to have such a tasty product. Most granola bars are crunchy, but not Bobo’s!” Organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and fit for athletes… ok Boulder people this one is definitely for you. This week’s budding Boulder business is Bobo’s Oat Bars. Actually Bobo’s is not so “budding” because they are currently ranked No. 2 in the United States behind Kind Bar, and are sold across the country, even into the far-off other country up north (Canada…). You... Read More

There’s a common misconception that tipping is a generous act and that 10% of the bill should suffice. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an economy that justifies that train of thought or math. As the battle for restaurant workers to earn a living wage continues, it’s crucial for American consumers to remember to tip food servers—and tip them well—every time they dine out or order in (you should tip delivery people too). Food service employees depend on tips for their livelihood and customers who think tipping is optional are either totally oblivious or just cheap. In some states,... Read More

While proper knowledge on which knives to buy is essential as there are so many choices in today’s society, knowledge of the food you are making whether it is at home or in the restaurant is easily of the utmost importance. A good portion of the list provided below is based on books I use at home and at work, and I have included a few suggestions by Chef Dylan Montanio and Jeremiah Gray; to make the list easier to follow I have broken it up into the following categories: Essential References- 4 books Alternative Cuisines- 2 books For The Advanced Cook- 3 books Others Worth Noting- 7 books The... Read More

There’s a saying about the cruel effect that money has on the quality of a product: “It eats quality and poops quantity”, William Burroughs. (Ok fine, he uses a different word for poop). For so many expanding businesses, this insight seems to be true. Quality of product is surrendered to the quantity produced, as companies’ main goals are to become as large as possible, while trading in the integrity of their original products. Newton Running Shoes and ROLL Recovery (in my last two posts) have proved to evade this sentence, succeeding based on their commitment to quality, rather than quantity,... Read More

The Denver magazine 5280 is highlighting the city’s ever-growing craft coffee culture in its latest issue. In addition to local cafe recommendations, the cover story also includes at-home brewing instructions and two glossary of terms for words you’re likely to find either on a bag of beans or on a coffeeshop menu. Not to self-promote conceitedly, but the magazine spread reads like a handy summary of my past posts here on this blog.  5280‘s list of recommendations ​is definitely worth ​reading, especially if you’re looking for a new spot to enjoy a cup of joe.... Read More

Shrub cocktails are all the rage in hipster cocktail bars and underground secret door speakeasies all around Denver.  A shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar and results in a sweet, acidic mixer that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of mixed drinks. Herbs and spices are also used to created interesting flavor combinations that tantalize the tongue.  Why not impress guests at your next dinner party with a homemade shrub that’s as easy and thrilling to prepare as it is to drink! I will never forget the complex flavors that I untangled with my tongue... Read More

   “Leave the research to us. We’ll leave the training to you.” Admit it. You’ve ordered something online for the sole purpose of getting to look forward to a package coming in the mail. It’s really not that sad or desperate. Getting something specifically sent to you feels awesome and let’s you know someone out there took the time to prepare the thing, send it, and now it’s here. Just for you. Runnerbox, the Boulder start-up founded in 2012 by marathoner and nurse, Staci Dietzel, harnesses a similar concept. Except ordering a Runnerbox requires even less deliberation... Read More

If I could host my own travel show, I’d drive across the United States visiting the best specialty coffeeshops and independent bookstores or public libraries that America’s cities have to offer. But since I don’t believe my tv dreams will come true, I’m going to share two wonderful spots in Downtown Denver instead, where you can pick up a book and head over to a nearby café to read it. Tattered Cover & Mercantile I don’t care how trendy or touristy it is, because Union Station is a beautiful place and I can’t fault its visiting crowds. If you go on a weekday, after Summer has ended,... Read More

With the recent opening of Ink! Coffee on Larimer and 28th, Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo) continues its food and coffee supremacy. RiNo, which is technically a part of the Five Points neighborhood, is already a nationally recognized food hub. The new location from the Aspen-based Ink!—one of Colorado’s biggest coffee chains—will most likely only fuel RiNo’s status as a popular culinary center. Ink! will be competing with two other coffee shops on Larimer Street—Huckleberry and Crema. On nearby Brighton Boulevard, coffee lovers will find two other options: Wystone’s at Industry... Read More

It’s my first look at Milk Market, a huge food hall with seating for 350 or more.  I can hear the alluring buzz even before the modernized liquor-friendly school yard comes into view. It’s a weeknight around 7pm and the place has a good buzz.  I am alone, without a friend, and it’s a bit like a school yard without a friend…but I quickly become enamored with the attractive and stimulating sights and tastes. What is the Denver Milk Market? The Denver Milk Market is a food hall by Denver Chef Frank Bonnano featuring 16 restaurants and bars.  It is part of the Dairy Block…a micro-district... Read More