Play Food

This morning when I went to open the blinds of my apartment's windows, all I saw was the color gray. And I'm not talking about the sky. There was a giant gray tarp hanging from the roof down and across the courtyard below, leaving not a lick of sunlight or grass visible. There was a bit of murmuring from men hidden out of sight and suddenly all remaining silence was drowned by the calamity of a gritty sandblaster scrapping rust from metal. I was contently drinking coffee and checking email when I heard a quick few knocks on my door. It was a man in a yellow hard hat telling me I needed to remain indoors until 11:00 AM and if I leave at that point I can't access my apartment again until after 2:00 PM.  At the same time, my window was being covered with a plywood board and as I shut my door, my apartment was now completely dark!  Seeing that I have not left my apartment at the 11:00 AM opportunity, I want to take this time to reminisce about some fun times that Joe and I have shared outside of this apartment! 

The Esquire Theatre

Joe and I skipped away one afternoon to this neighborhood theatre to catch a matinee movie showing. Being early birds, our afternoon of fun-for-two was only $15. That said, we skipped the popcorn that was starting at $8 for a small size. Who in the world would spend that much on a few handfuls of popcorn? Apparently many would, as we were serenaded to our seats by the munching of popcorn snackers!  The film we watched was, "Senna," a documentary about a famous Formula One champion from Brazil.  I can't say that I'm much of a car enthusiast but I give this picture two thumbs up! It was a humbling and inspiring story about a man chasing his life's passion, and in the end, suffering the ultimate sacrifice for it.  Following the film we retreated to our rooftop patio for a simple happy hour before heating up some Italian leftovers.

Ever since investing in Netflix, seeing a
movie in a theatre seems like a rare occurrence.
What a treat!

This theatre is within walking distance from our apartment,
at the intersection of Downing and East 6th Streets, Denver.

Ski Movie Premiere

Something you may not know about my husband: he loves skiing.  This means strapping on two sticks to his feet and slicing up water and snow. However, as our time here in Colorado continues, so has his fascination with alpine skiing. This means studying up on the season's most "gnarly" gear, the most talked about local "sick" slopes, and streaming videos of professional athletes being lifted to untamed mountains by helicopter to catch the best "pow." So what could be more exciting than seeing the world premiere of this year's biggest ski movie? At the Boulder Theatre?! Nothing. Joe purchased a ticket for both of us and we traveled to the wonderful hippie town for a local brew and an exciting first viewing of "Attack of La Nina: The b**** is back!"  

Trying to stomach his excitement.
What Joe is tasting: Ja Mon Ginger Beer. 

A packed house at the Mountain Sun Brewery,
originating in Boulder, CO.

We waited over two hours to see the start of the movie,
first waiting in line and then waiting for the pre-movie
party to settle down.  Red Bull had one of their DJs
there and they were handing out prizes left and right.
We got a Crested Butte hat thrown at our faces! 

Fruition Restaurant

Picking a celebratory birthday dinner destination is never an easy decision for me, especially after moving to a new city with hundreds, if not thousands, of uncharted food territories! All of my planning literally came to fruition after a few friends of ours could not stop raving about a small, intimate and absolutely delicious restaurant on 6th Street. The locals know best. Fruition Restaurant it was! Joe called to make reservation arrangements nearly a week in advance, and even at that point, they were completely booked until Tuesday, Sept. 20th with the earliest time available at 7:45 PM.  No wonder, since there are only 50 seats available! Besides, throughout our busy years in academia, it has become quite unusual to be able to celebrate a holiday or birthday on the actual day. What a night it was! We got dressed up and strolled through quiet Capital Hill neighborhoods to the welcoming doors of this fine-dining restaurant. Upon entering, we were immediately enveloped in smells of garlic and sourdough, murmurs of laughter, and the golden warmth of dancing candle flames.  

We were seated in the back of the restaurant and cozied up against crimson and cherry wood walls before ordering and slowly enjoying the following foods over the next few hours:

Funwerks, Saison Ale, 750 ml bottle (shared)

Lemon Cured Salmon Carpaccio (shared)

Ran Roasted New Zealand Bass (Joe)

Pan Roasted Diver Scallops (me)

Mas Carlot "Les Enfants Terribles," Mourvedre/Syrah, France (split glass)

Gorgonzola Dolce (shared)

Every menu item that was brought to our table was as visually beautiful and enticing as it was to taste. The appetizer salmon was sliced paper thin in a perfect rectangle and topped with red onion bagel chips, toasted buckwheat, a dot of creme friache and spritzed with a cucumber vinaigrette. Our main courses were served in large, white bowls and filled with the freshest, most loved food I have eaten in a long time. My scallops sat in a perfect circle on top of a corn and golden potato chowder, surrounding a hill of marinated crispy clams, pickled red onion, and finally topped with notes of charred limes. Joe equally enjoyed his elegant bass steak atop truffled cannelini beans, tomato braised artichokes and a chanterelle mushroom vinaigrette. We had to keep reminding each other not to eat too fast or it will be gone all too soon!  Still, we ordered the gorgonzola dessert, complete with black mission figs, pickled red onions and olive oil cake croutons. The spiced, Colorado saison beer paired perfectly with our dinner and the waiter convinced us to split a glass of a fruity red wine to complement our dessert. I have to say, cheese as soft and rich as that gorgonzola could easily compete with any chocolate delicacy.  Best birthday gift a girl could ask for:  grand food, atmosphere, and most of all, company.