COLORADO: Telluride Reserve Food and Wine Celebration 2019

August 04, 2019 / Christina Barrueta

Join Telluride Reserve on August 15-18 for a special four-day event. The inaugural celebration will bring together emerging, diverse and award-winning chefs, winemakers, farmers, authors and culinary influencers to share with guests the cultures and vibrant stories of food and wine. To ensure an intimate experience and provide interaction with the chefs, winemakers, and producers, there will be a limited number of available credentials for Telluride Reserve.

Telluride Reserve Mountain Village Food & Wine Celebration offers interactive wine tasting sessions led by Master Sommeliers and wine professionals, and paired with award-winning chefs. Guests select eight sessions over four days, including two Taste & Terroir four-course lunches featuring rare and sought-after wines paired with the innovative cuisine of celebrated chefs. Visit this site for the full line-up of renowned talent. These sessions are hosted within the gorgeous homes and unique venues of Telluride’s Mountain Village.

Tickets for Telluride Reserve are limited to 500 guests to ensure the intimate tasting experience and interactions with the chefs, winemakers and producers.

The Mountain Village-centered event will showcase tastings in elegant homes, intimate venues, and locations that highlight exceptional views. At Table Winemaker Dinners, held Friday and Saturday night, will be hosted at fine dining restaurants in Telluride and Mountain Village.. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://telluridereserve.com

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JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING: Scenic Safaris Seven

May 08, 2017 / Christina Barrueta

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING (PRESS RELEASE) – Visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks can put the “Scenic Safaris Seven”—a lucky number of unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime sights—on their summer travel bucket lists. Scenic Safaris, operated by National Park Service concessionaire Forever Resorts, offers ATV, luxury van and hiking tours into the parks from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The company’s roster of half-day and full-day tours showcase not only the iconic landscapes, but also the many species of fauna that call the parks home.

The Scenic Safaris Seven unforgettable sights include:

Old Faithful – Arguably the famous cone geyser in America, Old Faithful was the first geyser in Yellowstone to be named back in 1870. Its highly predictable geothermal eruptions occur approximately every 90 minutes.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – The majestic 24-mile long canyon was carved by the Yellowstone River and is home to Yellowstone Falls. The canyon is believed to be carved from the earth by a combination of erosion, glaciers and volcanic activity. Geothermal activity is a constant reminder of hydrothermal geyser basin which has stained the walls of this Grand Canyon with iron compounds leaving the iconic site to be marveled today.
Grand Prismatic Spring – Vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, green and blue color the largest hot spring in the United States. Active Thermophiles and microscopic creatures found in Yellowstone give rise to the magnificent color pallet left in this thermal feature.
Mud Volcano Area – See a variety of interesting geothermal features marked by emissions of hydrogen sulfide gas, including Grizzly Fumarole, Sour Lake, Churning Caldron, Sizzling Basin and Cooking Hillside. A bubbling pot of muddy water containing acidic iron sulfide gas is emitted forming the furious sounds and smells of a truly amazing thermal feature. Once having extremely furious eruptions, it is now one of the few places in Yellowstone to view such an amazing illustration of Yellowstone’s past.
Dragon’s Mouth Spring – This feature of the Mud Volcano area was first named in 1912, due to the wave of water that frequently surges from the cave like the lashing of a dragon’s tongue.
Bridger Teton National Forest – Guided ATV rides offer the best way to get off the beaten path, away from the more popular public access areas—all while offering a chance to spot some of the area’s most amazing wildlife. In addition, riders can look forward to seeing extraordinary vistas of the Tetons while on this safari. Multiple departures are offered each day to accommodate even the busiest travelers.
America’s Big Six: Wolves, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Bison, Moose and Elk – Visitors have a chance of checking off six bucket-list sights for the price of one if they spot all six big game specimens during their tour.

Samples from Scenic Safaris’ tour collection:
Grand Teton Sunset Tour
Audience: Romantics, wildlife lovers, landscape photographers, foodies.
Highlights: Sightings of bison, moose and antelope; glimpse of Jackson Hole’s early settlement life at the Shane Cabins.
WOW! moment: Watching the sun setting over the Grand Teton Range, while enjoying dinner on Jackson Lake.
Menu: Dinner included at award-winning Signal Mountain Lodge Peaks Restaurant, overlooking spectacular view of the Teton’s Mount Moran and Jackson Lake. (Alcohol not included.)
Duration: Four hours departing late afternoon.
Price: $150 per adult, $125 per child.

Grand Teton Half-Day Wildlife Tour
Audience: Early birds, wildlife lovers, landscape photographers.
Highlights: Sightings of eagles, bison, elk, moose, antelope and other wildlife.
WOW! Moment: The singular tranquility of sunrise illuminating the rugged contours of the Grand Teton Range.
Menu: Breakfast and refreshments included.
Duration: Four hours departing in the early morning, returning by midday.
Price: $125 per adult; $95 per child.

Yellowstone Lower Loop Full Day Tour
Audience: Bucket-list makers, wildlife lovers, visitors on a time crunch.
Highlights: Teton Range bathed in morning light; Fountain Paint Pots; Grand Canyon of Yellowstone; “wildlife paradise” of Hayden Valley, home to elk, bison, wolves, grizzlies, Canada geese, pelicans and more.
WOW! Moment: Catching Old Faithful’s eruption.
Menu: Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments included.
Duration: 12 hours departing around 7:30 a.m.
Price: $285 per adult; $195 per child.

All tours may be booked online at scenic-safaris.com or by calling (307) 734-8898.

Note: Park entry fees and guide gratuities are not included in tour prices. A 15 percent gratuity will be automatically added upon reservation for private and group bookings. All tours are subject to change due to weather and snow conditions.

ABOUT SCENIC SAFARIS
Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Scenic Safaris offers summer and winter tours in the majestic Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Summer tour options include guided backcountry ATV/UTV tours, street legal UTV rentals, hiking, and luxury wildlife-viewing tours. In the winter, Scenic Safaris offers guided tours aboard its state-of-the-art snowcoaches and quiet, fuel-efficient snowmobiles. All equipment utilized meets the National Park Service’s newest noise and emission requirements. To ensure each guest is offered the most informative and enjoyable experience possible, all Scenic Safaris’ tour guides are certified by the National Association for Interpretation and are Wilderness First Responders. For more information on all tour options available, go to www.Scenic-Safaris.com, find us on Facebook or call (307) 734-8898. To make a reservation inquiry, send an E-mail to reservations@scenic-safaris.com.

ABOUT FOREVER RESORTS
Forever Resorts is an exceptional collection of destinations providing hospitality services throughout the world. The company focuses on properties with access to nature and one-of-a-kind surroundings for vacations, including houseboating adventures. For more information, go to www.ForeverResorts.com, www.Facebook.com/ForeverResorts or follow on Twitter: @ForeverResorts.

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BOULDER, COLORADO: Frasca Food and Wine

July 06, 2015 / Christina Barrueta

When my husband told me he had a business trip to Denver, Colorado, the first thing I said was, "you have to make us a reservation at Frasca!" This award-winning Italian restaurant specializing in the food of the Friuli region, specifically, Friuli-Venezia Giulian cuisine, had long been on my radar. He didn't quite understand my excitement, but said he would make the call the next day. When he did, he was told there were no reservations available except for a table in the kitchen. He'd rather sit in the dining room, but told the nice young lady, "my wife will love that, so I'll book it." Well, after a spectacular meal, stellar wine pairings, phenomenal service, and wonderful pre- and post-dinner drinks with bartender Allison, he tells everyone it is the best table in the house at one of his favorite restaurants in the country. I agree.

(Click here for photos of Frasca's Chef's and Master Sommelier's visit to Phoenix for a Scarpetta wine dinner in March 2015).

A traditional tajut of complimentary Friuli white wine and fresh chips

Salumi - Prosciutto di San Daniele riserva, speck Alto Adige, Fra'Mani salame toscano, rafano (horseradish creme fraiche), and grissini.

Our fantastic table in the kitchen

Gamberetti with Laughing Bird shrimp

Frico caldo (crispy onion and potato cake with Montasio cheese and cilantro vinaigrette)

Arancino with saffron and mozzarella.

Appetizers paired with Adami Prosecco Bosco di Gica for me, and a Grüner Veltliner for Ernesto

Foie gras terrine, torchon, and shavings.

Pain au lait

Cotechino with frisee and black lentils

Antico Broilo Schioppettino di Prepotto from Friuli.

Pairings in addition to the red, including a tokaji and a Roncus Vecchie Vigne bianco (Friuli).

Stradette con Porri with melted leeks and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Bigoli with red wine duck ragu

Stuffed poularde, one of my favorite dishes of the night.

Sturgeon with octopus

Panna cotta with passionfruit curd and banana-macadamia biscotto

Gelati e sorbetti - hazelnut, coconut, banana

After-dinner Espresso Flip

Amari

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categories / Colorado Travel
tags / Frasca, food and wine, Friuli, Boulder, Colorado

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Cocktails and a Food Truck

May 28, 2015 / Christina Barrueta

On my January trip to Austin, one downtown highlight was visiting a popular food truck and enjoying expertly crafted cocktails guided by my friend Cristi, who lives in the city. Paul Qui's East Side King Thai-Kun is parked behind Whisler's and open 7 days a week, 4 pm to 1:45 am. Qui, who has also spent time at Uchi and Uchiko, has 4 East Side King food trucks and a legion of fans. With Chef Thai Changthong in charge, Thai-Kun is more Thai focused (other ESK locations may find you dining on pork belly buns, octopus tacos, fried kimchi, or ramen).

I wanted one of everything after seeing the menu, but we finally decided on 3 dishes. There are picnic tables set up to eat al fresco, but we took a seat at Whisler's bar, sipping on excellent Old Fashioneds stirred up by Brett (who formerly lived in Arizona and worked at the Jade Bar) as we waited for our dishes to be delivered.

The menu had me wanting one of everything, but we finally narrowed it down to three dishes. There are picnic tables set up to eat al fresco, but as we waited, we bellied up to the bar at Whisler's bar, sipping on excellent Old Fashioneds stirred up by Brett (who used to shake things up at Arizona’s Jade Bar at Sanctuary resort).

This was street food at its finest. Thai-Kun wasn’t afraid to bring the heat, and we were all in. The crunchy grilled baguette with peanut curry sauce was fantastic, as was Khao Man Gai, comfort on a plate with tender steamed chicken over luscious chicken-fat rice, with chicken jus and soybean sauce. And the Isaan sausage special? A garlicky, fermented pork sausage studded with rice, grilled to perfectionm, and served with fresh herbs and crisp cabbage. Every bite was a knockout.

Afterwards, at Brett's suggestion, we headed over to Firehouse Lounge & Hostel, a craft cocktail lounge with an entrance hidden behind a bookcase in the hostel lobby. Our evening ended with excellent service and libations (try a Quill or Familia Real) from Carolyn, and a complimentary round of Bee's Knees shots. It was a perfect last night in Austin before heading back home.

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categories / Texas Travel
tags / Austin, Texas, East Side King, Thai-Kun, Whisler's, cocktails, thai food

San Diego: Top of the Market

April 17, 2015 / Christina Barrueta

Update 08/07/2015: Chef Ivan Flowers has left Top of the Market

Top of the Market is one of the special spots we return to each year on our annual trip to San Diego and the Del Mar races. Chef Ivan Flowers is one of my favorite chefs, passionate and talented. Perched above the Fish Market, with a gorgeous view of San Diego Bay, it's the perfect setting for his delicious menu.

Chef's delicious dip with parmesan and balsamic to accompany warm slices of bread

Rosé with a view

Ahi with mango salsa, avocado, wasabi aioli; hamachi sashimi with jalapeno pepper jam and limoncello vinegar; Lobster bisque with porcini infusion topped with a Malpeque oyster and sriracha granita;