A Guide to Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in Boulder

April 27, 2014 by

A Guide to Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in Boulder

nutsLately, people are being diagnosed with more and more food allergies, from dairy and gluten to nuts and shellfish. Others have more rare allergies such as citrus foods. While not all restaurants cater to each allergy, there are a number of allergy-friendly restaurants in Boulder, serving up sensitive meals to folks from every walk of life.

Gluten/Wheat

Since a number of people are discovering an intolerance to wheat, gluten, or being diagnosed with Celiac’s disease, gluten-free restaurants in Boulder are fairly easy to find.

Not only is there a wealth of gluten-free beer options, many places offer an extensive menu free of gluten. This includes Boulder restaurants such as Native Foods Café, Modmarket, Tangerine, Yellowbelly and Zeal.  Another great food to eat when you’re avoiding gluten is pho. The noodles are rice noodles and most ingredients are fresh produce or meat. Just be sure to skip the soy sauce or ask for a gluten-free alternative.

Dairy

I love cheese more than just about anything, but the fact of the matter is that some people suffer from a dairy allergy. I weep for them. However, there are still some stellar Boulder restaurants for people who suffer from dairy allergies.

The best way to avoid dairy in a restaurant situation is to eat vegan and lucky for you, there are a plethora of vegan restaurants in Boulder. If you can’t go without meat, eating paleo is a great way to avoid dairy. Fresh Thymes and The Corneroffer delicious dairy-free, meat-friendly options.

Nuts

Unfortunately, there’s not really a “nut-free” restaurant in Boulder, but many restaurants are very careful not to include nuts if you specify that you have an allergy. Any of the restaurants mentioned above are sensitive to dietary restrictions and will happily make sure that your meal is nut-free if that’s how you request it — just ask!

Shellfish

While this can be a pretty scary allergy to have, luckily, it’s fairly easy to avoid shellfish as long as you … don’t order shellfish. Also, if you have your doubts about a menu item, ask your server. There are some broth-based foods made with a seafood-based broth (especially in Italian and Mediterranean restaurants), so keep in mind that a lack of actual shellfish in the dish might not mean a dish is shellfish free.

Boulder restaurants are very conscientious of diners with allergies and do their best to make sure their customers have a delicious meal, no matter what their dietary restrictions. The above is a solid guide for locals and visitors alike so you can enjoy your Boulder experience without any unpleasant side effects. Well, at least side effects from your food, that is.

 

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Bask in the Sun: Great Rooftop Bars in Boulder

April 26, 2014 by

Bask in the Sun: Great Rooftop Bars in Boulder

boulder rooftop

We’re smack dab in the middle of WinterSpring or SpringWinter or whatever you want to call that crazy unpredictable weather that engulfs Boulder during the Ides of March (which is tomorrow, in case you were wondering). This is the time when people, sick to death of being cooped up for several months, flood the parks, patios and any other open space outdoors any time there’s a sunny, warm day. You can actually hear the collective Ahhh of the city’s inhabitants when the temperatures hit 60 degrees.

My favorite way to soak in the Boulder Spring sunshine is on a rooftop. Preferably on said rooftop with a nice frosty drink in my hand or snacks in front of me. While most of the killer rooftop bars and restaurants in Boulder are in downtown Boulder, there are a few that step outside those boundaries. Read on to see if your favorites are included and maybe you can find a new rooftop bar in Boulder to catch some rays.

Rio Grande Restaurant

I can’t think of a better drink than a margarita to go with my sunshine. It’s sweet and refreshing, plus, with a limit of four margs per customer (they pack a punch), you’re not going to spend too much either. The Rio is located right downtown on Walnut and has been a fixture in Boulder for as long as I can remember.

Lazy Dog Sports Bar

Located on the corner of 14th and Pearl, this is the one place I’ve included that’s truly on the Pearl Street Mall. The Lazy Dog’s rooftop is impressive. It’s spacious with plenty of tables and some shaded spots for the fair-skinned bunch. The food here is acceptable, but I would suggest using this place as meeting point for friends to grab a pitcher of beer and soak up the sun before heading on to other venues as day turns into night. Or, just drink until the food is more sustenance than substance and catch a cab or walk back to your abode.

West End Tavern    

When I turned 21, this was my first choice for rooftop drinking and the West Endwill always hold a special place in my heart for that. Plus, with a menu that makes your mouth water, the West End rooftop is a great place for drinks and dinner (or lunch).

Southern Sun Brewery

Located at Table Mesa and Broadway, the Southern Sun is in a completely different area and has a more mellow vibe from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The area is more family oriented and so you’ll likely find an older crowd here. The rooftop here gets full quickly so be sure to stake a claim early. Remember, none of the Mountain Sun businesses take credit, so be sure to bring your cash.

Drakes Haus

I haven’t had a chance to visit this place yet, but every time I look at their menu, I start to drool. This place has Merlot Burgers.  I’m not entirely sure what that means, but if it’s meat and wine, I fail to see how you can go wrong. Plus, they have a beautiful rooftop patio with some spectacular unobstructed views of the mountains and it’s also another bar off the downtown strip.

I’m sure I’ve missed some other great rooftops in Boulder, so if you have a recommendation, be sure to mention it in the comments. Perhaps you have a favorite park or secret spot that can’t be beat; if you feel like sharing, you can give us those details as well. Happy sunning!

 

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Asian Sensation: Best Asian Restaurants in Boulder

April 25, 2014 by

Asian Sensation: Best Asian Restaurants in Boulder

asianFoodThe category of Asian cuisine is probably one of the most varied of any type. From Thai to Japanese and Indian to Vietnamese, the menu items vary vastly and delight various regions of your taste buds.

As one of the foodiest towns in the country, Boulder definitely boasts some spectacular farm-to-table and upscale restaurants. They also play host to some fabulous cuisine from all over Asia. Here are just a handful of those offerings — and definitely let us know if you have additions to the best Asian restaurants in Boulder.

Chinese

The old standby. Chinese Food. Anytime I feel under the weather, I swear by a good Hot and Sour soup to make the world right again. Tsing Tao, located in the Table Mesa shopping center, has vegan Hot and Sour soup to die for. I’ve been going to this place since I attended Fairview High School and it never gets old.  On the other side of town in NoBo, China Gourmet serves happy customers seven days a week. Just be warned, it’s a cash only establishment, so hit the ATM before you go.

Japanese

When I say Japanese, most people think of one thing: sushi. Boulderites love themselves some sushi, so there are no shortage of sushi places in Boulder proper. Some of the most popular places include Amu, which is also a sake bar that offers guests up to 48 different types of sake; Sushi Tora, which is about as fresh as you can get outside of Tokyo (it’s flown in fresh daily); and Sushi Zanmai, which doubles as a karaoke bar on Saturday nights.

Thai

Boulder certainly has no shortage of great Thai food places. You probably have your own place that you frequent or order from on a weekly basis. Here are a few of the places that have received top nods from diners in Boulder: Thai Avenueserves Thai right on College Avenue and many folks rave about their Drunken Noodles and Pad Thai. Thai Kitchen, a little off the beaten path at 28th and Valmont, has a reputation for Thai with a kick. If you’re searching for a place that will finally satisfy your need for spicy food, order your dishes spicy.

Vietnamese

While there’s a wide variety of menu items that constitute a Vietnamese menu, ask any hungov – er, sick college student which menu item is a necessity and they will answer in chorus: Pho. Luckily, one of our other staffers has got you covered when it comes to finding the best pho restaurant in Boulder, so my work here is done.

Indian

Though this category is often thought of separately from other Asian restaurants, it is a member of the Asian food family and I can’t pass up an opportunity to take about good Indian food. Curry N Kebab is located out near Thai Kitchen on 28thand Valmont and it is worth the trip (even though it’s not that far in reality).  Fans of this place rave about nearly every item on their menu, so you can’t really go wrong with any choice. Tandoori Grill, in the Table Mesa shopping center, has an outstanding lunch buffet. If you have a free afternoon, go gorge yourself on Saag Paneer and naan and then promptly pass out when you get home.

Of course, as with any of these lists of recommendations, it’s nowhere near complete. There are so many amazing Asian restaurants in Boulder that I couldn’t possibly list them all here. So if you have a favorite that you don’t see here, by all means, please leave it in the comments.

 

 

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Ultimate Boulder Beer and Craft Brewery Guide

April 25, 2014 by

Ultimate Boulder Beer and Craft Brewery Guide

Boulder craft beer and breweries

In Boulder, you don’t have to wait for Colorado Craft Beer Week to have an excuse to go brewery hopping, it’s an every day event! Whether you just want to try a new beer or sit down and have a meal, we’ve got you covered. Below are some of the most popular Boulder beer purveyors, along with craft breweries for your hops-laden pleasure.

 

Brewery Restaurants/Pubs

If you are in the mood for a sit down restaurant or pub with some Boulder beer, then the places below should be just your speed.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Even though it’s a national chain, and doesn’t have the best reviews, BJ’s still has a nice size following in Boulder. If you’re looking for a typical American sit-down restaurant that makes its own brew, then this is your spot. Maybe a good place to take the parents while in from out of town if they’re craving something more “chain restaurant.”

Boulder Beer Brewery – As Colorado’s first microbrewery, Boulder Beer has been supplying the thirsty of people of Boulder with craft beer since 1979. Since then, it has grown into a full-fledged restaurant and bar with abundant indoor and gorgeous outdoor patio seating. If it’s your first time there, make sure to try their famous Hazed & Infused and Buffalo Gold brews.

Bru – Located right in the heart of the “Brewmuda Triangle”, Bru has perfected the art of craft beer and food pairing. Not only do they brew their own beer, but they also have plenty of unique food options that pair together perfectly. If you’re up for a nice surprise, check out their Citrum IPA or Loch Wee Heavy Scotch Ale.

FATE Brewing Company – With handcrafted microbrews and chef-inspired eats, FATE is quickly becoming one of the most popular brewery/restaurants in Boulder. Not only can they brag about being the first brew-bistro in town, they have over 30 beers on tap and an extensive food menu that offers options for the whole family.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery – This is a true craft brew and restaurant staple here in Boulder. With two daily happy hours and friendly low-key vibes, you can see why Mountain Sun is one of the most popular places for the locals to enjoy some good food and local beer. If you happen to be in South Boulder, make sure to check out their sister restaurant, Southern Sun Pub & Brewery. No matter which one you go to, just remember to bring cash since they don’t except credit cards. There’s an ATM in the back of both locations if you forget!

Walnut Brewery – With two Great American Beer Festival winning beers, the St. James Irish Red Ale and the Old Elk Brown Ale, it’s not hard to see why Walnut Brewery has been a downtown Boulder brewery restaurant staple for years.

West Flanders Brewing Company – Located right in the middle of Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, West Flanders is a great place to have nice pint of craft beer and a bite to eat. It can get pretty crowded on the weekends, but that never stops people from dropping in and enjoying a delicious brew burger and a Trippel Lutz or Angry Monk with friends.

Straight-Up Breweries

Even though most of the places listed below do have food, they offer more of a brewery-type atmosphere than their restaurant/pub counterparts like those listed above.

Asher Brewing Company – For those interested in sustainability and organic ingredients, Asher takes the cake. Their brewery and tasting room is 100% wind powered and their beer ingredients are USDA Certified Organic. For those who don’t care about any of that and just want to drink some good craft beer, try their Green Lantern Organic Kolsch and Tree Hugger Organic Amber.

Avery Brewing – Nestled in quiet location in East Boulder, Avery is one of the most popular breweries in Boulder, and rightly so. With over 20 craft brews on tap, daily tours, and awesome finger food to keep you going, Avery Brewing has definitely earned its stripes as not only one of the best breweries in Boulder, but in the country.

J Wells Brewery – Is the smallest nanobrewery in Boulder. The owner, Jamie Wells, was strongly influenced by the IPA beers of the West Coast and the malty beers of England. J Wells also specializes in serving some standout IPA, Pale Ale, and British bitter craft beers.

Sanitas Brewing Co. – This growing brewery is quickly becoming a household name here in Boulder. They have a large 3-season outdoor patio and brewery tours are available upon request. Also, in an act of friendly competition and neighborly love, they recently teamed up with Boulder Beer Brewery to create a new and unique brew. Dubbed the Boulder Common, this new brew blends together original American style beer with modern India Pale Ale to create a great easy going beer.

The Kettle and Stone Brewing Company – When the founders of a place bring 15 years of experience working at breweries such as Mountain Sun and Oskar Blues, you know you have a winner on your hands. When you stop by, make sure to check out their Freedom Stout and Momentum IPA. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try their famous Ginger Ale.

Twisted Pine Brewing Company – Even though I would categorize Twisted Pine as more of a brewery than a restaurant, this place has enough craft beer and food for everyone. With beer names like Hoppy Boy IPA and Ghost Face Killah, it’s no wonder why Twisted Pine is a favorite with the locals. If you’re up for spice, grab a Billy’s Chilies (whoa).

Upslope Brewing Company – Orange can, anyone? Upslope has made a huge splash to the Boulder brewery scene since they first opened their doors in back in 2008. A splash so big, in fact, that they recently opened a huge new taproom in East Boulder in addition to their flagship North Boulder location. They hand craft all of their brews in small batches and is one of the only breweries that use true authentic Patagonian hops.

Wild Woods Brewery – With wooden tables and tree branches as their décor, Wild Woods’s handcrafted beer is truly inspired by the outdoors. They’re a snappy small-batch local brewery with great tasting beer. Make sure to try their Ponderosa Porter and Smores Stout.

Boulder’s craft brewery scene continues to grow and offer more amazing beer options for craft beer lovers everywhere. Make sure to vote on your favorites and offer any new suggestions in comment section below.

 

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
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MexiQuest: The Search for Authentic Mexican Food in Boulder

April 24, 2014 by

MexiQuest: The Search for Authentic Mexican Food in Boulder

burritoBoulder has no shortage of unbelievable cuisine. From farm to table faire to fusion everything, Boulder chefs are culinary geniuses in the kitchen. For this, we are grateful.

Sometimes, however, you just want a heaping plate of cheese, meat, beans, tortilla, sour cream and lettuce (avocados optional). There are days when nothing but authentic Mexican food will sate the hunger growing in your belly.

This is one area, however, where Boulder is lacking. Where do you go to find authentic Mexican food in Boulder?

Sure, there are great modern places like T|aco (which I only recently discovered is pronounced “Tee-aco”; here I was calling it “T-bar-aco”) and Centro that serve modern twists on the classics. But I’m talking, hole-in-the-wall, telenovelas blaring on the TV, Mexican Coke in glass bottles Mexican food.

This article is dedicated to those sorts of establishments. It doesn’t mean I don’t think that Agave, Tahona and Rio Grande aren’t fantastic eating establishments; they just don’t fit the qualities that I’m looking for in this piece.

Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Long celebrated as some of the best Mexican food in Boulder, Efrain’s is a little bit of a drive to the outskirts of Boulder, but fans say it’s worth it. There is typically a bit of a wait due to its notoriety, but once you get a taste of their food, the wait will have been worth it. It’s also recommended that you try the Pink Cadillac Margarita.

Restaurante 100% Mexicano

Nestled in next to the DMV on the Diagonal Parkway, 100% Mexicano pretty much describes exactly what you’re going to get. This place features a wide variety of Mexican favorites that are fresh and fantastic. The gorditas are not what Taco Bell would have you believe they are. It’s actually made with a masa cake, not unlike an arepa.

La Choza

If you’re dining at La Choza, bring extra napkins and get ready for some in car dining. You see, this tiny little shack, also just off the Diagonal, only has room for a kitchen and a cashier. It’s located right next to a gas station, but people line up for breakfast and lunch here every day. The tacos and burritos are delicious and affordable (even by non-Boulder standards). Be sure to try one of their most popular items, the Jambo burrito.

Casa Alvarez

Another Boulder staple that’s been around for years, this has been the quintessential Mexican restaurant since 1994. It’s a great place to grab a burrito or taco and enjoy free serving of chips and salsa before the meal arrives. Extra bonus: they also deliver, so you can satisfy your MexiCraving without leaving home.

Pica’s

In East Boulder, right around 55th and Arapahoe, buried in a shopping center (beware the parking situation in this lot, it is apparently a beast of a chore), liesPica’s, which serves up fresh, healthy tacos with heaping helpings of ingredients. Many patrons swear by the shrimp tacos, so you’d be wise to make that selection.

The entire premise of hole-in-the-wall Mexican joints makes them harder to find than many other restaurants, so if you’ve got another favorite, by all means, add it to this list in the comments.

Now go enjoy some complimentary chips and salsa, drink a margarita and enjoy a meal that will leave you full and happy. There’s a bit more authentic (or bordering on authentic) Mexican food in Boulder than you might have imagined!

 

 

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John Marcotte
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Boulder Dining Guide: The “Can’t Miss” Restaurants

April 23, 2014 by

Boulder Colorado Dining Guide

How do you condense the best restaurants in Boulder into one concise dining guide? Well it isn’t easy and we know we’ve missed a few.

Why? Because Boulder has some of the most diverse and well established restaurants in Colorado. From pizza to Mexican fare (along with great rooftop dining)

So whether you are new in town, just visiting, or even a local who is looking for a great bite to eat and don’t know where to go, I’ve compiled a list of some of the top restaurants in Boulder based on regional style and price. Bon appétit — here’s your Boulder Dining Guide (and so let us know if we happened to have missed one of your favorites).

American Food

The Kitchen Group ($$-$$$): Is definitely one of the more unique groups of restaurants in the Boulder dining scene. They have three locations in downtown Boulder and they all have their own twist of culture and fare. The Kitchen is the more upscale restaurant of the three with amazing traditional American food. The Kitchen Next Door (which is right next door to The Kitchen) has a more laid-back atmosphere with great comfort food and drink prices. The Kitchen Upstairs (you guessed it — just up the stairs from The Kitchen and The Kitchen Next Door) is designed for more of the premium drinks and finger-food crowd. Either way you go, you’re in for some really great food right on downtown Pearl Street.

Riffs Urban Fare ($$): One of my personal favorites. This newer style American restaurant is located on the Pearl Street Mall in the heart of downtown Boulder. They do a lot of great twists to some more traditional American dishes at very reasonable prices.

Flagstaff House ($$$$): With its long history, extensive wine list, and almost perfect rating on Yelp, Flagstaff House has definitely earned its reputation as one of the best and most upscale American restaurants in the Boulder dining landscape.

OAK At Fourteenth ($$$): I don’t know what it is about Pearl Street that attracts top-notch American style restaurants. Whatever it is, OAK at fourteenth is up there with the rest of them. With their relaxed professional atmosphere, in-house bottled sodas, and new-style American fare, OAK at fourteenth is a great neighborhood restaurant and perfect for a night out.

The Buff Restaurant ($$): If you’re looking for one of the best brunch restaurants in Boulder, then look no further. This place gets packed quick, so make sure you stop by early to grab a table (and they recently moved so make sure your visit their new location).

If you’re a big fan of the brunch, make sure to check out our list of other great brunch restaurants in Boulder.

Asian Food

There are so many different types and styles of food from our friends on the other side of the Pacific that our very own Kelly Tidd put together a list of the best Asian restaurants in Boulder, listed by type and country of origin.

Boulder also has some amazing Pho restaurants around town. Make sure to check out our list of the best Pho restaurants in Boulder if you’re looking to dive in to some great soup.

Indian Food

Even though India is technically in Asia, it is so unique in taste (and smell) that I felt like it needed its own category. See below for some great local Indian restaurants right here in the Boulder dining mecca.

Curry N Kebob ($): Don’t be fooled by the price tags at this place, this authentic Indian/Halal restaurant is as good as it gets. Make sure to check out the daily featured combo.

Tandoori Grill ($$): As a lunch buffet by day, and a more upscale, sit down restaurant at night, Tandoori Grill is quickly becoming one of the best go-to Indian restaurants in Boulder.

Gurkhas on the Hill ($): Though technically an Indian restaurant, Gurkhas also serves some of the best authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine around.

Italian Food:

Frasca Food and Wine ($$$$): With their exquisitely prepared Italian fare and a comprehensive wine list with over 200 varieties, Frasca has not only put their Friuli-Venezia Giulia style cuisine (Northern Italy) on the map here in Boulder, they are renowned all over the country for their authentic italian food.

Il Pastaio ($$): This place might seem like a hidden gem if it’s your first time passing by, but this place is one of the most popular and authentic Italian restaurants in town. The owner is old-school Italian and makes the pasta and sauces fresh daily. The place itself is pretty small so make sure to call ahead before the tables run out.

Arugula Bar E Ristorante ($$): Nestled in a nice quiet shopping center in North Boulder, Arugula has everything you’d expect from an authentic Italian restaurant. Their chef was born and raised in New York City so you will see a lot of traditional Italian dishes and recipes. They are in Boulder however, so their menu has plenty of new takes and gluten-free options as well.

Pizzeria Locale ($$): Located right next door to Frasca Food and Wine (same owners) on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder, this place is an excellent contemporary Italian restaurant and pizzeria inspired by the traditional cuisine of Naples, Italy.

Boulder Pizza: If you’re looking for the best slice of Pizza in town, make sure to check out our local Boulder Pizza Guide to find the best spots near you.

Mexican Food

Zolo Southwestern Grill ($$): Zolo is not your typical Mexican restaurant (more like New Mexican). They make everything from scratch and are very accommodating with their entrées. So if you’re allergic to typical ingredients found in Mexican food (such as onions in guacamole) or are a picky eater, stop by Zolo for a quick bite, drinks, or a full meal.

Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant ($): An authentic Mexican restaurant that won’t break the bank – needless to say, this is not a fancy place for a first date. It is a bit of the drive to the outskirts of Boulder, but many locals give it a thumbs up. Fans recommend the The Efrain Burrito.

Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace ($$): This Latin gem is located right in the heart of downtown Boulder. They serve out some great Mezcal and tequila margaritas and offer attractive happy hour prices.

Agave Mexico Bistro & Tequila House ($$): With plenty of gluten-free vegetarian options and delectable coin margaritas, this place epitomizes what a Mexican restaurant should be. They also have a great upstairs space, pool table, and tequila bar.

If you really want to feel like you’re South of the border, make sure to check out our list of the best authentic Mexican food restaurants in Boulder.

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7 Great Alternative Sports for Women in Boulder

April 22, 2014 by

7 Great Alternative Sports for Women in Boulder

womenathletesLet’s face it; Boulder is a mecca of sorts for those of us who love to be active. We’ve got amazing rock climbing within minutes, gorgeous trails all over the city and we’re only a couple hours away from epic skiing or snowboarding. Fromt he dudes to all the women in Boulder, everyone gets out — it’s kind of hard not to!

Women in Boulder have lot of options for activities. You can run, hike, bike, climb and yoga your way all over this town. But haven’t you ever wanted to try something a little different? Something that piques your interest not only as an athlete, but as a woman as well? Well, here are a few great ideas for activities and sports that are either designed for women or an empowering sport for women to learn.

Show off your dance moves. You really don’t have to save your sweet dance moves for “da club” anymore. Dance classes are a great way to get your heart pumping, increase coordination and learn something new all at once. For a variety of dance classes, try Alchemy of Movement. They’ve got classes for soul, funk, hip-hop, world and modern dance; whatever moves you.

Get a little naughty. Ladies, this one is just for you. Or is it?  Pole dancing isn’t exactly a new activity. It’s been going on behind the closed doors of seedy nightclubs for year. It’s only just recently that the health benefits of the actual act are being utilized in gym rooms around the country. All jokes about dollar bills aside, pole dancing is a spectacular way to tone your core and develop some killer muscles in both your arms and legs. To try some pole dancing classes in Boulder, head over to Boulder Spirals. And, yes, they do also teach lap dancing classes. You’re welcome, significant others.

Kick some ass. There are so many ways to beat the living snot out of people, however, there are few martial arts designed to give the “little guy” a leg up like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This style of martial arts is great for women, as it focuses strongly on core movements and using an opponent’s momentum against them, making it a tremendous form of self-defense. Also, speaking from experience, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu folks are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. There are two places to give BJJ a try in Boulder: 10th Planet Brazilian Jiu Jitsu andEaston Training Center, which also offers classes in Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

Get your feet wet. Just because we’re land locked does not mean you can’t learn to dive to the ocean depths. In fact, Colorado is a pretty popular place for scuba divers, making it a great place for you to learn. While this may not be the most intense workout you ever have, scuba diving can be a very relaxing activity that still keeps you moving. A great scuba center in Boulder, Ocean First Divers, also have wonderful conservation classes as well as couple’s night classes.

Go jump out of a plane. There is almost nothing in this world that will get your heart racing quite like skydiving. Luckily, there are several sky diving facilities located right in Boulder! Folks new to the sport will begin jumping in tandem with a professional, but if you find yourself hooked, you can always work yourself up to solo skydiving. Take the leap today at Mile Hi Skydiving.

Lift off with aerial. This sport is becoming more and more popular since you can pair an unbelievable workout with the ability to wear fun costumes. From trapeze to ropes and curtains, aerial is a full body workout like no other and results in a rock hard core and ripped arms and legs. It’s also beautiful to watch, so you have the opportunity to show off in front of your friends. Local company, Frequent Flyers, offers classes to folks ages six and up, so there’s really no excuse to give it a try.

Be hell on wheels. Did you know that Colorado is second only to Texas for the number of roller derby leagues in the state? It’s true. Colorado has a kick ass derby scene and several national equipment and retail companies have their roots right in Colorado, so finding gear and mentors is easy peasy. Boulder also has their owner roller derby league: the Boulder County Bombers, so women in Boulder can give this hard hitting, endurance sport a try.

Now, I’m not saying that men can’t participate in most of these sports (maybe leave the pole dancing alone), and many do participate. I just see an added benefit for our hard-core, fun-loving women in Boulder to give these particular alternatives to the norm a try.

 

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
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Boulder Fast Casual: Convenient Food That’s Anything but Junk

April 21, 2014 by

Boulder Fast Casual: Convenient Food That’s Anything but Junk

Fast Casual Food in BoulderIt’s Boulder — where do you eat (and fast) when you’re in a rush? You want to skip the fake food-in-a-box places but you’re willing to get out of the car and sit if it means healthy, delicious, AND fast. Well, it’s time for a Boulder fast casual joint.

With Hapa Sushi announcing that they have plans to open up a fast-casual sushi joint called Motomaki at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall this summer, Boulder adds another gourmet restaurant to its fast-casual repertoire.

For so long, people associated fast-casual food with convenient, but not quite healthy food options. Places like Chipotle, Noodles, and Buffalo Wild Wings sprout up all over the country and, well, we love them because they give us pretty good food for a decent price and we don’t have to wait for it. And waiting for food is the worst thing ever.

However, there’s a delightful new trend in Boulder that makes fast-casual a less gluttonous experience. Food that doesn’t dent your wallet, but also doesn’t cause your cholesterol count to sky rocket. Here are some healthy fast-casual food options you can find in Boulder.

Modmarket

This relatively new chain claims several locations around Colorado including one in Boulder. Customers can enjoy farm fresh food and unique menu items, plus they offer food to fit just about any restrictive diet, be it vegan, dairy-free or paleo. In addition, the décor at Modmarket certainly beats eating at one of the tables in Whole Foods.

Native Foods

Delicious vegan fast-casual. You can include that on a list of things that I never thought I’d write in my lifetime. Native Foods has places all over the West Coast and Chicago and their menu has earned them the praise of vegans around town. Their location at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall, along with Modmarket, makes this location a sort of fast-casual mecca for vegans looking for a quick fix.

Curry-N-Kebob

Let’s give this list a little bit of international flavor because there are a wide variety of fast-casual places that offer up sweet and savory ethnic food. Among them isCurry-N-Kebob, which offers Indian food at reasonable prices (and it’s pretty damn good too).

Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria

As their website says, “Eat Cuban!” I couldn’t agree more. Cubans know how to do a sandwich right! Now, this probably doesn’t fit into the “healthy, light” food category (roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese on the Cuban sandwich alone), but screw it; it’s not everywhere in Colorado that you can find good Cuban food on the fly.

Zoe Ma Ma

You can’t have a fast-casual food list without some Chinese food in the mix andZoe Ma Ma is the perfect Boulder fit. Get your comfort foods such as dumplings (they’re vegan) or hot and sour soup, but with a Boulder twist: everything is made with high quality ingredients like cage-free eggs and all-natural meat. Plus, the organic noodles are made in-house.

Boulder has got some pretty unconventional options when it comes to fast-casual dining, so take that, Qdoba! What are some of your favorite places in Boulder where you can get a quick meal for a great price?

 

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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Spend a Day in Old Town Louisville: Boulder County’s Hidden Gem

April 20, 2014 by

Spend a Day in Old Town Louisville: Boulder County’s Hidden Gem

The Empire RestaurantJust a ten minute drive from Boulder proper, is a little town that’s been rated America’s Best Place to Live by CNN Money for two of the last three years; last year they placed second. In fact, they aren’t the only major site to be singing this historic mining town’s praises. Louisville has received an abundance of accolades in the past five years. If you think you know Louisville as a sleepy little suburb of Boulder, think again.

Old Town Louisville, or Historic Louisville, on Main Street has a bustling retail and restaurant scene and if you haven’t been yet, I encourage you to hop in your car or take the Dash and spend a day in Downtown Louisville. You’ll barely have to walk more than six blocks the entire day, but you won’t be at a shortage for sights worth seeing.

All of the restaurants and retail spaces I’m about to mention are located on a two block rectangle, from Main and Pine to Main and Walnut, and back around to Front and Walnut to Front and Walnut.

Breakfast/Brunch

For some delicious morning sustenance and a healthy dose of caffeine, head toBittersweet; their pastries and coffee will bring you into the land of the living. For a slightly more formal (but not too formal) breakfast or brunch, grab a table at The Huckleberry. If you’d like a little booze with your brunch, head over to the Waterloo, which is a restaurant and hopping bar by night, but offers some tasty mimosas and bloody marys on the weekends.

Brew

Right on Main Street, there’s a little brewery tucked in between a few restaurants.12 Degrees Brewing, which specializes in Belgian-inspired ales. They also have some fantastic guest taps for other Belgians, Saisons and Sours from around the country.

Louisville Rex

Lunch

For lunch, there are several tummy-pleasing options (many of which also serve dinner, so you can go at any point during the day), including the Louisville Rex, with its iconic marquis sign or LuLu’s andLa Rev with a gloriously large shared patio for spring and summer sunning. If you’re feeling more like some Chinese or Vietnamese, Double Happy ought to do the trick. For a sweet treat, stop intoSweet Cow ice cream and lounge on their astro turf patio.

Shop

If you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket, there are a couple of places to spend it in Old Town Louisville. The Book Cellar, The Singing Cook and Wildwood Guitars (which Premiere Guitar ranked as one of the 20 best guitar stores in the U.S.) all offer specialty goods that will have you browsing for hours. If you’re looking for some ladies’ fashion, look no further than Switch or Eleanor on opposite ends of the predefined boundary.

If you’re in the market for some quirky home décor finds, check out Little Horse, a cute little nook that sells used books, vinyl, and décor.  For more traditional style, check out The Fuzzy Antler. If you’re looking for small gifts or cards, check outAssorted Goods & Candy or Old Friends, which are located right next to each other on Front Street.

Feeling tense? Visit the Seagrape Day Spa on Main Street for a massage or mani/pedi. If you’d rather spend some quiet time alone with books, the Louisville Public Library is a wonderful place to spend a few hours in peace.

Dinner

You’ve probably worked up an appetite after all that shopping, but not to worry, there are plenty of options literally right around the corner. Fond of fondue? Have dinner at The Melting Pot. For Italian cuisine, get a table at Zucca. If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering American fare, try The Empire (you can’t miss the sign) or Lucky Pie.

Drinks

If the night is still young and you’re not ready to call it a night, La Rev, Waterloo, the Rex and Lucky Pie are all open until 10 and offer a vast selection of beer, wine and cocktails. If it’s after 10, there’s one destination on this strip: Henry’s. The quintessential dive bar, Henry’s keeps the lights up and the drinks strong. Head over to play a game of pool or darts.

As I stated before, this is all within two square blocks of Downtown Louisville. There are far more highly rated restaurants, bars, and stores outside of this area, but still all within walking distance.

Louisville is definitely a family town (as evidenced by most places shutting down at 10 pm), but the young families that have moved there over the past five years or so have injected a fun, playful vibe around town that caters to parents of young children who aren’t quite ready to settle down yet, making it an appealing place for folks without children as well.

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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Boulder BBQ: Finger Lickin’ Good

April 19, 2014 by

Boulder BBQ: Finger Lickin’ Good

BBQ in BoulderY’all love it when we talk food here, so we decided to revisit the Boulder BBQ scene — prime spring and summer fare. Summer means more outdoor activities in Boulder. More hiking, climbing, camping, and get togethers in backyards.

One of the quintessential foods of summer (for me, at least) is barbecue. However, I typically don’t have the patience to slow cook pork all day nor do I have a smoker to make the perfect brisket. Hence, I must rely on others to supply me with mouth-watering barbecue goodness. Here’s a gander at some of the Boulder BBQ joints I’ve taken a fancy to — and maybe they’re among your favorites as well.

Moe’s BBQ: Voted one of the top ten barbecue joints in the country, Moe’s BBQhas fronts in a few cities around Colorado, including the Boulder BBQ favorite on 30th Street. I’ll admit that, while I knew about the two places in Denver, I didn’t realize that this place was somewhat of a chain restaurant with places all over the country. I guess that means they’re doing something right. Plus, for those of you abstaining from animal flesh, they have a couple veggie options with tofu or tempeh.

KT’s BBQ: As long as I’ve lived in Boulder, there’s been a KT’s on Arapahoe Road — a mainstay in the Boulder BBQ scene — and now they’ve expanded with a location on 13th Street as well. KT’s BBQ specializes in Memphis-style barbecue, which isn’t quite as sweet as say, Kansas City style ‘cue (my favorite), but it’s still tasty. If you go, make sure to keep space in your stomach for their key lime pie. It’s a religious experience.

The Rib House: With an entire house dedicated to ribs, this place could either be the site of a horror movie or a place that serves up some mean barbecued ribs. Fortunately for us, it’s the latter and The Rib House goes so far as to serve up Tracy’s Illegal Babyback Ribs. While I’m not sure if you’ll get arrested for eating them, they do also feature prehistoric foul on their menu: Pterodactyl Wings!

Wayne’s Smoke Shack: For fans of true Texas BBQ, take a little jaunt just outside of Boulder to Wayne’s Smoke Shack in Superior and get a mouthful of downhome flavor. While it may be on the outskirts of Boulder, it’s still part of the Boulder BBQ culture and has quickly become a favorite for Southern-style BBQ devotees in the area. Please take note that this is a lunch only restaurant and they only stay open for as long as they have meat. Once they sell out of BBQ, they close their doors for the day.

 

 

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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