Preheat oven to 350°.

Spray pan and line with store bought pie dough. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.

Thinly slice tomatoes and put on a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt. Top tomatoes with paper towels and let sit for about 10 minutes to leach out the water.

Mix together 2 eggs and 2 cups of cream.  You can use as much or as little of this as you want.  It binds your pie layers.

On the cooled dough, layer tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, parmesan cheese, and sprinkle pepper.

Brush with the egg/cream mix.

Repeat for a second and third layer.  On the fourth layer of tomatoes, omit the cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cut into squares and top with micro-greens.

So how do you do that with all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Follow something that I do year-round – schedule workouts in your calendar.  Take 15-30 minutes with your calendar before the holidays get into full swing and schedule workouts.  Make sure there is a fun factor to your workout. Especially this time of year, you need the fun and stress relief. Instead of a holiday coffee break, make a date with a friend to enjoy catching up over a walk or run. Check out new classes. First-time classes can be free. Some places will even offer a week of free classes, especially during the holidays.  By scheduling your workouts, you are already getting a jump on the usual New Year’s resolutions of loosing weight and being healthier.

Skiing using all of your muscles groups and you want to have the cardio endurance and strength to enjoy the bluebird sky powder days.

Phil McNichol, considered one of the most successful coach of the US Men’s Alpine Team, says, “The better your fitness level, the more you will enjoy your ski experience.”  He says there are three keys to your ski fitness success: Core strength, leg strength, and endurance. For core strength, focus on the mid-body. McNichol recommends “all kinds of sit-ups and lots of them.” For leg strength, it is old-school squats and lunges. “All types of squats and lunges are a skiers best friend,” says McNichol. For endurance, you have to do some distance training or simply logging the miles. McNichol says, “Elite skiing is similar to 400 meter sprinting, but skiing in general requires a fitness level which comes from medium distance running and biking.” It is okay if you are not a runner or biker. Log the miles walking.

Balance and flexibility work have huge pay offs. “Explore all aspects to build, challenge and develop your balance,” says McNichol.  Squats on a Bosu ball is one exercise that will help with strength and balance at the same time. Pilates and yoga will help get you ready for winter sports and are a holiday stress reliever. Even just a few minutes of stretches a couple of times a week, especially focusing on hip flexors, hamstrings, and back will help.

If you want to take your skiing to the next level, McNichol and his Point Zero 1 team of former Olympic and World Champion Skiers offer race clinics and camps.  ”Our race camps focus on using racing to teach you to be a better skier. If you are interested in becoming faster on a race course or if you have little interest in becoming a racer but want to be a great skier, try our race camps. Some of the best USA racers and coaches will share fantastic lessons proven to improve your skiing,” says McNichol.  The Colorado Race Camp is November 27-December 2 in Vail.

The performance clinics are similar to the race camps but without the race gate methods. McNichol says, “These clinics will put more time on enjoying the snow sport celebrity experience while exploring all the terrain the mountain has to offer.”  The Canyons Fantasy Ski Camps are offered at Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah January 11-13 and March 8-10.  For more information on camps, clinics, and to book a private session, visit www.pointzero1.com.

As with any fitness routine, nutrition plays a huge role.  McNichol says, “Avoid processed food. Eat as many vegetables and as much fruit as you can each day. Drink three times the amount of water you think is necessary, this is key when you jump up in elevation.”  To avoid altitude sickness you have to prep for the altitude change.  A good rule of thumb is to start upping your water intake two days before your trip and continue drinking more than you think you need throughout your trip. If you start to get even the slightest headache at a higher elevation, start downing the H2O.  If you can, get to a lower elevation.  Headache is the first sign of altitude sickness. It is also a little harder to sleep at higher at a higher elevation. So if you feel like you need a nap during your trip, you probably do.

The hard work you put in before your ski vacation, will pay off as you zoom down the slopes. Add in a little relaxation with a hot toddie or hot tub. You are burning twice the amount of calories in the cold compared to the heat. So it is okay to indulge…..a little.

Colorado Ski announced today a great deal for the 2012-2013 ski season.  The Colorado Gems Card gets you discounts at eight Colorado ski areas and it is only $10.

Colorado Gems Card holders get:

A free lift ticket at Monarch Mountain

Two-for-one lift tickets at three ski areas

Savings on lift ticket at the eight participating ski areas: Arapahoe Basin, Eldora, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Ski Granby Ranch, and Sunlight.

The eight ski areas also do flash deals during the season just for Colorado Gems Card holders.

Here are some of the 2012-2013 Colorado Gems Card Offers:

Arapahoe Basin

2-for-1 adult lift ticket Mon-Fri, same day use in Jan & Feb

$10 off adult full day

$5 off child/youth/senior full day lift ticket

Eldora

$10 off an adult full day lift ticket

Loveland

Adult 2-for-1 lift ticket Mon-Fri, same day use

$41 adult lift ticket

$19 child lift ticket

Monarch

$10 off adult full price lift ticket

$10 off teen/junior/senior full price lift ticket

Free lift ticket in April, valid once

Powderhorn

$10 off adult/preteen/youth lift ticket

Ski Cooper

$10 off adult full day lift ticket Mon-Fri

$8 off adult full day lift ticket Sat-Sun

$20 child lift ticket

Ski Granby Ranch

2-for-1 adult lift ticket, same day use

$15 off adult full day lift ticket

$10 off child/senior lift ticket

Sunlight Mountain

$15 off adult full day lift ticket

$10 off child/senior lift ticket

There are some blackout dates for all offers:

Dec. 24, 2012-Jan 2, 2013

Jan 19-21, 2013

Feb 16-18, 2013

March 9 – 24, 2013

Ski season is just around the corner so get your Colorado Gems Card so you can ski the deals!  I’m getting mine.

Breakwater Restaurant offers a contemporary approach to traditional Lowcountry cuisine.  It is no secret that I love great food.  One of my favorite styles is Lowcountry cooking with shrimp and grits being my one of my all-time favorite dishes.  So when I checked out the Breakwater’s website before my mom and I headed there Friday night, I was immediately drawn in by their descriptive line of “Younger, lighter and fresher than ‘old school’ Southern deep-fried fare.”  I didn’t get much beyond the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad listed on the menu, when I agreed with my mom to give the new spot a try.

Here are my tricks to indulging in Lowcountry cookin’ and not feeling guilty or like you have to run 10 miles after one meal: enjoy just a little of the biscuits and/or cornbread that will start your meal by savoring every small bite and let it melt in your mouth; if small plates are offered on the menu order from those; be selective on fried foods; and biggest trick is splitting everything with someone else, that way you get a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  My mom and I almost always split when we go out to eat and Breakwater was no different.

I knew we’d picked the right spot for a memorable meal from the moment I tasted the small cornbread squares and half-dollar size biscuits that were served with orange marmalade butter as a starter for our dinner.  Cornbread, biscuits, butter…..this is what Southern cooking is all about and 100% traditional. But that’s where just traditional stopped.  Everything else we ate was traditional but more contemporary, lighter, and blended into a new style of Southern cuisine.

Friday night we split the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad.  It was artisanal lettuce, lime-honey vinaigrette, spicy pecans, thinly sliced red and golden beets served with sweet grass dairy goat cheese.  This was so wonderful.  It’s light, bursting with flavors, and the lime-honey vinaigrette gives it a little umph. Even splitting, you get an ample amount of salad.

For entrees, my mom ordered the tapas size of the scallops and I was sold on the fresh halibut special.  The Carolina Coast halibut was pan seared, topped with gremolata (parsley, garlic, and lemon zest), and served with asparagus, zucchini, and squash.

The tapas dish of Cornmeal Dusted Diver Scallops has two scallops compared to the entree that has 4-5 scallops.  The pan seared scallops are served on a bed of this ridiculously out-of-this-world creamed corn risotto with a tabasco buerre blanc.

As we were mulling over the dessert menu and leaning toward the Basil Lemon Cornbread Puddling, our server John, surprised me with the homemade Beignets lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with chocolate sauce since we were celebrating my birthday.  Definitely a diet buster worthy dessert.  The beignets were light and fluffy.  Dipped in the chocolate sauce, they simply melt in your mouth.

Saturday afternoon my mom and I were trying to decide where to go for dinner.  We decided to go back to Breakwater.  Eating at the same restaurant two nights in a row is something we never do.  But those scallops were just so devine and there were a few other items we wanted to try.

We actually sat in Jon’s section again and he suggested ordering The Germain Cocktail.  He said it was refreshing.  That’s a perfect description and an excellent choice of drink on a hot summer evening.  It is St. Germain liqueur, sparkling wine, and club soda.

One of the items I was dying to try was the Napolean of Fried Green Tomato.  I’m not a huge fried food eater.  Given the choice between fried shrimp or grilled shrimp and I’m always going grilled.  But, fried green tomatoes just ooze of home and Southern cooking to me.  The best ones are lightly battered.  Normally they are served alone so I was certainly intrigued with the Napolean of Fried Green Tomato since it brings in another one of my favorite Southern food items – pimento cheese.  I can only describe this Southern combo as heavenly.  It is local tomatoes, pimento cheese, herbs, and chili oils.

My mom and I split the Napolean and then each ordered the tapas of the scallops.  We were trying to save room so we could split dessert.  While we were ordering, John said the halibut special was served with tomato pie.  If you’ve never had it, it is a Southern cooking standard.  If you are a big fans of tomatoes, then you’ll likely love tomato pie.  I usually have an issue with the mayo that the traditional tomato pie is made with, since I do not like mayonnaise.  Breakwater’s tomato pie has zero mayonnaise in it. Jon said we could order the tomato pie as a side.  Boy were we glad we did!

Executive Chef Beth Shaw
Photo Courtesy Breakwater Restaurant

Executive Chef Beth Shaw recently started messing with the traditional recipe and has come up with twist on the traditional that is outstanding.  I asked if she would share the recipe and she graciously agreed.

Here’s the key to making tomato pie – lay the thin tomato slices out on paper towels and cover with paper towels for 10 minutes to soak out the water.  That will keep you tomato pie from getting soggy.

Breakwater’s Tomato Pie (created by Executive Chef Beth Shaw)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spray pan and line with store bought pie dough. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.

Thinly slice tomatoes and put on a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt. Top tomatoes with paper towels and let sit for about 10 minutes to leach out the water.

Mix together 2 eggs and 2 cups of cream.  You can use as much or as little of this as you want.  It binds your pie layers.

On the cooled dough, layer tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, parmesan cheese, and sprinkle pepper.

Brush with the egg/cream mix.

Repeat for a second and third layer.  On the fourth layer of tomatoes, omit the cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cut into squares and top with micro-greens.

Oh and dessert?  We ordered the Basil Lemon Cornbread Pudding.  It is served with Charleston green tea infused ice cream.  The combination of basil and lemon with the cornbread pudding is different, light, and delicious.

I now understand just how fitting the name Breakwater is for the restaurant.  Just as the waves crash on the breakwater barrier, the flavors of Breakwater’s food burst in your mouth.  At the Breakwater the older, deeper portion of the wave hits the barrier, but the younger part of the wave survives despite the structure change of the wave.  That’s symbolic I guess of the traditional good ole Lowcountry cookin’ getting Breakwater’s contemporary twist.

Mini-Jimmy’s
Photo Courtesy: Jimmy’s An American Restaurant & Bar

There are very specific instructions on how to make a reservation for Mini-Jimmy’s The World’s Smallest Speakeasy this weekend.

Mini-Jimmy’s opens Friday night at 7 pm. The Door is Locked. Here’s how to open:

1. Reservations are available from 7 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Password is ‘Lucaman’

2. Reservations are for 20 minute periods on the hour, 20 and 40 minutes past the hour.

3. Reservation phone number: 970-948-4126

4. NO Text messages or Voice Mail, all reservations must be made with live reservationist.

5. Please show up early or on time. If you are 5 minutes late, your time slot will be given to wait list.

6. This is a hosted bar so you only need to provide consideration for your bartender.

7. Max number of people per reservation is 4 people unless a 5th person can fit under the seat in front of you or the overhead compartment.

8. Welcome to 45 sq. ft. of the most ridiculous awesomeness!!!

Drinks provided by Veuve Cliquot, Grand Marnier, Don Julio 1942 and Tanqueray 10.

My personal favorite is #8.  It is 45 sq. ft. of the most ridiculous awesomeness.  You wouldn’t expect anything less from Jimmy’s proprietors Jimmy Yeager and Grayson Stover.

If you can’t make it to Aspen this weekend, Jimmy’s also has new summertime cocktails.  Staying true to their reputation as some of the best cocktail creators in the country, there’s something for every cocktail connoisseur.  Of course, I had to try a few.

First up the Lillet Me Right.  With Lillet Rose, muddled strawberry, solerno, and lemon, this cocktail just oozes summertime.  It is a perfect cocktail to enjoy as sultry summer afternoon turns into a cool, crisp evening.

Next I tried the Dulce Caliente.  It’s Don Julio Blanco, St. Germain, lime, cucumber, and jalapeno.  Like the name insinuates, it’s got a hot kick yet refreshing at the same time.

One of Colorado’s wines is part of the next cocktail I tried.  Monkey Business is Infininte Monkey Theorem Back Alley White poured over fresh fruit and ice.

Executive Chef Robert McCormick
Photo Courtesy: The Little Nell

But the swagger starts with executive chef Robert McCormick.  His culinary pedigree includes stints at Daniel Boulud Brasserie at the Wynn Las Vegas, Citronelle with Michelle Richard in Washington, DC, three years with Guenter Seeger of Ritz-Carlton fame, and time in the northern lake region of Italy.

In his cooking, Robert is local, yet global. Heavily relying on the local Colorado farming community for items such as sustainable fish, organic vegetables, and artisan cheeses, Robert uses his worldly and diverse training to create some incredible culinary creations.

Last Friday when I arrived at The Little Nell, I headed out for a drink on the patio with a friend.  Robert joined us for a quick chat then was off to the kitchen to surprise us with a few delicious dishes to try.

I kicked off the weekend with The Little Nell’s most popular cocktail.  The Little Nell Lemonade is made with Belvedere vodka, raspberries, blueberries, and San Pellegrino Limonata.

The first dish Robert brought out was the Grilled Octopus.  It is served with castlevetrano, chorizo, and lemon.

Foie Gras Torchon with strawberry, pickled rhubarb, and black pepper brioche.

Braised Pig Trotter with house pickled beech mushrooms, pickled shallots, frisee, and herbs from The Little Nell garden.

Pastry Chef Danielle Riesz was busy prepping for the night and several weddings that were at The Little Nell last weekend.  But she did send out with Robert delectable dessert that was oh so yummy.  The Chocolate Dipped Caramel Corn with manjari mousse, marcona’s, and saffron.

During our chat, Robert was telling me about some of his local suppliers, including one that specializes in high altitude honey.  That beekeeper also supplies some bees to The Little Nell to help pollinate the flowers surrounding the patio area.  When you are on the patio, look closely at the plants and flowers around you.  Many of them are herbs, edible flowers, and greens that are used in dishes and as garnish.  Don’t be surprised if you see someone come out, snip a few herbs, and head back to the kitchen.

While we were devouring the dessert, Robert came back out with a bag for me.  In it he had put a bottle of the local alpine honey for me to take home, macaroons to try, a brioche for breakfast, and caramel popcorn pretzel mix in case I need a midnight snack.  Such a sweet surprise!

My dog Peeka even got to enjoy happy hour with a dogtini, otherwise known as a water bowl, and an entree off of the pet menu.  The Little Nell is 100% pet-friendly.  Off of the pet menu, I ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast with carrots and brown rice.

You can tell by Peeka’s face that it is a doggone delicious dish!

Here’s Robert describing each dish as I did a film-on-the-fly.

Saturday two friends joined me at The Little Nell so they could experience the happy hour, well let’s just say the happiness, that I raved about.  I ordered the Cucumber Gin Fizz with Hendricks, muddled cucumber and lemon, and fever tree bitter lemon.  It is the quintessential summer drink.

My friend Melissa ordered the Deviled Eggs with steelhead roe, paprika, and scallions.  Her husband Carl laughed….until he tasted one.  They are simply delicious.

In the fall, Montagna is undergoing a major renovation and menu change.  The new yet-to-be-named restaurant will feature many more shared plates and exquisite tapas that I’m sure will have Robert’s global twist on local ingredients.  I can’t wait to see what kind of culinary journey Robert is about to take The Little Nell on.

As you enter the lobby, you enter a world of ultimate luxury.

During my stay at the Beverly Wilshire, which is a Four Seasons hotel, I felt like I was their most important guest with VIP treatment from check-in to brunch at The Blvd to even simply asking the concierge for directions.  I made a quick weekend trip to Los Angeles and arrived at the hotel late that Friday evening.  To my delight , when I walked into my suite, I was welcomed with chocolate and cupcakes.  After a very long, exhausting day, it just made me smile.

My 725 square foot Deluxe Beverly Suite is modern yet welcoming.  It has separate living, working, and sleeping.  My suite also had a balcony overlooking the city.  It’s spacious with 10 foot ceilings and filled with special luxuries like Dean & Deluca goodies in the mini-bar.

Here’s a look at my Deluxe Beverly Suite at the Beverly Wilshire.

After a fabulous night’s sleep, that Saturday morning I woke up to coffee and the newspaper delivered to my room before I headed down to The Blvd. for breakfast.  As someone who is constantly on the go, a few minutes to sip coffee and read a newspaper is simply a shear luxury.

On they way down to the restaurant, I thought how the newspapers hanging in simple black bags on the door knobs was a much classier way to leave the paper than on the floor in front of each door.

One word sums up my breakfast at The Blvd – scrumptious.  Delicious, fantastic, and incredible are a couple of other descriptive words that easily describe the breakfast.

From the whimsical menu cover to the outstanding service to an incredible meal, it wasn’t just breakfast, it was an experience that I wrote about in my blog Breakfast at The Blvd.  Recipes for The Blvd French Toast and The Blvd Japanese Bloody Mary are in that blog!

After that meal I spent a fabulous day shopping in Beverly Hills, working out in the hotel’s gym, and then off to a movie screening in Malibu that evening.  Talk about feeling like a movie star.  At least for a weekend, staying in the classiest hotel in Beverly Hills, I certainly did.

During the week, the Beverly Wilshire is an excellent hotel for the business traveler.  I suggest extending your trip over a weekend to experience luxury and relaxation in 5-star style.

With the hustle and bustle, glitz and glam of LA, there are so many options of where to go, what to do, and where to see and be seen.

So I asked Brandon Perkins, Concierge at the Beverly Wilshire, what are the top things to do in LA. And yes, they can arrange any and all of it for you.  Here’s my “Conversation with Concierge.”

How would you spend a Saturday never leaving the Beverly Wilshire?

Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at our main restaurant, The Blvd, featuring Seasonal American cuisine, a stylishly sophisticated ambiance and a great patio overlooking Rodeo Drive. Boost your morning with one of our juices; perhaps a simple “White Peach,” or a blended “Purple Power,” made with acai, apple, banana, plum and grapes. Enjoy the Blvd Omelet made with wild mushroom and black truffle or the Crispy Belgian Waffle with fresh berries and Vermont maple syrup.

Mid-Morning Pampering

Next, why not enjoy a little pampering at our luxurious Spa, where you’ll enjoy an aromatherapy crystal steam room, ice fountain, experience shower and several incredible treatments to choose from. Try “The Ten Carat” facial, which incorporates real diamond dust or “The Aromatic Journey” massage, which uses floral soaked sachets and marble stones for the ultimate relaxation.

Lunch

With all that pampering you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Head just a few steps to our beautiful Mediterranean style pool for an afternoon cocktail and casual lunch. For some sweet bubbly, try the “Rodeo Drive,” which includes vodka, raspberry, lemonade and prosecco; and for a light bite, maybe a delicious mezze plate or shrimp ceviche.

Mid-Afternoon Pampering

If you can bear to leave our pool, you may want to consider a stop at our gorgeous new Nail Bar for a “Coconut Pearl Deluxe” mani and pedi. While you’re there, treat yourself to a few mini cupcakes and a glass of champagne.

Dinner

For pre-dinner drinks, make a stop at Sidebar –our intimate lounge featuring several unique cocktails and delicious little bites. Try the “Aviation Violette,” made with Hendrick’s Gin, Luxardo Maraschino and Pages Violette. Or, perhaps go classic with a “Quintessential Old Fashioned;” made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Druken Brook Cherries. Hopefully you’re hungry, because now you’ll get to enjoy one of the top steakhouses in the country: CUT by Wolfgang Puck. This Michelin star, contemporary restaurant features a twist on the traditional steakhouse. Start with the decedent Bone Marrow Flan or Maple Glazed Pork Belly. For the main event, perhaps enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth cut of Australian 100% Wagu Beef or the U.S.D.A PRIME 35 Day Dry Aged New York Sirloin. If you’ve saved enough room for dessert, the Banana Cream Pie and Valrhona Chocolate Souffle are musts!

What are your top five things to do within walking distance of the Beverly Wilshire?

• The Golden Triangle: Start the day off with a warm coffee and pastry at one of our city’s fabulous bakeries or coffee shops. There’s Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery charmingly located in the beautiful Beverly Canon Gardens, or the South Beverly Drive hot spots, Urth Caffe or Momed. Next, head to Rodeo Drive for some serious shopping. With over a hundred shops to choose from, including Prada, Cartier, Bijan, Tom Ford and Salvatore Ferragamo, it’s truly a shopper’s paradise. Now that it’s lunchtime, consider the lovely patio at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago or go for top-notch Italian cuisine at local favorite, E Baldi –there’s no shortage of dining options within the triangle! After lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth at the bakery that started a worldwide cupcake frenzy, Sprinkles –stand in line or order from their new cupcake ATM. Of course, there’s more than just shopping and food. If you’re a television buff, stop in the Paley Center for Media to explore the television archives and enjoy their latest exhibit. If art is more your thing, pop in the Gegosian Gallery to see the great works on display. Or, if you want a little Beverly Hills history, hop on the Beverly Hills Trolley tour for a brief ride around the triangle and beautiful surrounding neighborhoods. A perfect day in Beverly Hills!

• Music & Martinis: The Peninsula Hotel is lucky to have one my favorite pianists in the entire city, Antonio Castillo de la Gala. With over 2000 songs committed to memory, he dazzles local patrons nightly in the Peninsula’s elegant lobby lounge. Sit by the fireplace, sip a martini and listen to Antonio play the night away. A true treasure of Beverly Hills!

• Visit the Neighbors: Just a mile east from the Beverly Wilshire, you’ll find a small neighborhood of several sky-rise buildings which people call, Century City. Here you’ll find a couple gems including the Annenberg Space for Photography, which features fascinating digital and print photography exhibitions, and the Westfield Century City –an all outdoor, modern shopping center which showcases a nice mix luxury and family friendly shopping, as well as the closet movie theatre to Beverly Hills: the state of the art AMC/IMAX Century City 15. For a little nibble, take a little jaunt across the street to experience one of LA’s best to-die-for bakeries, Clemintine.

• Rooftop Sunset: There are few places to catch an eye-popping sunset in Beverly Hills and The Thompson boasts the best. Take a five-minute walk to this stylishly sleek hotel and take the elevator up to the rooftop level. Nine floors above the city, you’ll enjoy a sexy pool deck, delicious drinks and a view that will knock your socks off.

• Peruse the Farmers’ Market: Every Sunday, Beverly Hills hosts a fabulously festive Farmers’ Market. Filling several blocks of Civic Center Drive, the market features over 60 California farmers and vendors each week, selling a wide variety of delicious organically grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as other unique specialty food items. Make sure to pick up some berries from Harry’s Berries, sample a pretzel roll from Rockenwagner Bakery, visit the cheese stand by Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, and of course, bring home a bundle of fresh flowers. There are often activities for the kids too, including biweekly pony rides and petting zoo.

What are your top five things to do in LA on a Saturday?

• Cruise to “The Bu”: Rent a car (convertible suggested!) and take a scenic drive through the Westside to Malibu, or as many call it, “The Bu.” Cruise along the famed PCH (Highway 1) experiencing 26 miles of costal beauty. Stop by the quaint Malibu Country Mart, where you’ll find high end boutiques such as John Varvatos, Planet Blue, and Ron Herman or the contemporary Malibu Lumber Yard featuring Maxfield, La Perla and Intermix. If you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to dine at the always relaxing, Geoffrey’s, where you’ll enjoy an incredible ocean view at this quintessential Malibu hot spot. A perfect way to spend a relaxing Saturday.

• Music & Stars: Experience world-class entertainment at the largest outdoor amphitheater in the country – the Hollywood Bowl. The Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra reside at the Bowl from June through October, presenting the best in jazz, classical, Broadway, world music, interactive sing-a-longs and fireworks. The major headliners and shows almost always fall on a Saturday. Add to that, the lack of traffic and the usual good weather, and what you have is a perfect Saturday night out. Make sure to bring a picnic basket, grab your favorite bottle of wine, wrap a blanket around you and enjoy entertainment under the stars!

• Hollywood Night Out: Saturday is perfect for a night on the town, and there’s no better place to dine with the scenesters and party the night away than in Hollywood. Try Cleo, the modern Mediterranean hot spot at the uber sexy Redbury Hotel or enjoy sushi at the ever-trendy Katsuya across the street. Afterwards, why not sample some of Hollywood’s hottest nightclubs. For off-the-wall entertainment, try the wacky and wild Beacher’s Madhouse at the famed Roosevelt Hotel. For a cool speakeasy lounge and funky live music, make sure to visit The Sayer’s Club. If you love house music and want to dance, don’t miss the modern and chic, Supperclub, where some of the industry’s hottest Dj’s perform. When the party ends, make sure to stop in to Fuku Burger or In-N-Out –many claim these two late night burger joints to be hangover preventers.

• Visit The Getty: There is so much amazing art to experience in this city but The Getty Center Museum has it all. Situated in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center Museum features a vast collection of Impressionist paintings, European drawings, contemporary photography and more. Not only that, but the museum boasts beautiful botanical gardens, stunning architecture and breathtaking views of Los Angeles. While you’re there, be sure to dine in the lovely restaurant. It offers floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the view, and quite possibly, the best Cobb Salad in LA.

• Brunch: One of my favorite things about Saturdays in LA: brunch! There’s nothing like spending a beautiful relaxing Saturday afternoon on the terrace of a fantastic restaurant, enjoying delicious food and drink with friends, family or loved one. Try the hip and rustic patio at Gjelina in Venice, the stylish sun-lit atrium at Tavern in Brentwood, or the casual beach side restaurant, Coast, at Shutters on the Beach Hotel in Santa Monica. Bloody Mary’s mandatory.

What are the top five things for a family to do in Los Angeles? 

• Experience Movie Making Magic: Go behind the scenes of one of LA’s most famous tourist attractions – Universal Studios Hollywood. Families will enjoy the VIP Experience tour where they’ll receive an in-depth look at some of their favorite movies and television shows. In addition, they’ll zip past the lines in the amusement park and enjoy the many movie-themed rides and attractions. Valet parking, VIP lounge and gourmet lunch provided too.

• Get Cultured: LA has museums galore, many of which that offer several exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. There’s the Skirball Cultural Center which features dynamic exhibits, music, theatre, film and their most popular attraction: Noah’s Ark –a fabulous interactive experience for children and families. Fossil fanatics and animal lovers will love the Natural History Musuem and the Page Museum which showcases an incredible collection of dinosaur fossils and other mammals, habitat dioramas, insect exhibits and so much more. Especially curious kids will be thrilled by the Kidspace Museum, which gives families a chance to play, explore, create and learn together in this interactive children’s museum.

• Have a Beach Day: Parents and children love Santa Moinca! There is truly something for everyone. Active families will enjoy a bike ride along the boardwalk to Venice Beach for some one-of-a-kind people watching and nice ocean views. Thrill seekers should not miss the famed Santa Monica Pier for a classic ride on the carousel, a few loops on the Ferris wheel, or trapeze lessons from a trained professional. Shoppers and gawkers will love the Third Street Promenade, where they’ll enjoy street entertainers, movie theatres, family friendly shopping and a plethora of casual eateries and restaurants to choose from.

• Tour the City: Navigating through LA’s traffic filled streets can be challenging, to say the least. Forgo the rental car and take the family on a tailor-made, private tour with one of our favorites, Tour du Jour. It’s a perfect way to kick off a trip and a super efficient (and fun!) way to check all the must-sees of the list.

• See Cirque: Take the family to Ciruqe Du Soleil’s stunning new show, Iris. Exclusive to LA, Iris takes audiences on an eye-popping journey through the world of cinema, featuring over 72 performers and a beautiful score by legendary film composer, Danny Elfman. It combines amazing dance, acrobatics, live video, film footage and interactive projections to create one of Cirque’s most visually stunning productions. Families love it!

What are the best restaurants in LA to take a business client?

LA is full of high-powered power business lunches. Here are some spots where the big wigs nosh and major deals are made:

The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Craft in Century City, The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, Cecconi’s in West Hollywood, The Ivy on Robertson Blvd, Spago in Beverly Hills, Culina at the Four Seasons Los Angeles, and of course, The Blvd at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

What are the best restaurants in LA to rub shoulders with celebrities?

The celebs that like to be seen usually frequent newer hot spot restaurants, such as Ink, Fig & Olive, and SoHo House, as well as many of the standards that have stood the test of time. These include, Chateau Marmont, Mr. Chow, The Polo Lounge, Madeo, Dan Tana’s, The Ivy, Mozza, Giorgio Baldi, and our steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck.

Best spot for a romantic dinner? 

• The Little Door: This charming little French hideaway on Third Street has an oh-so romantic courtyard featuring a quaint garden, trickling fountain and plenty of candlelight.

• WP24: High above downtown LA sits Wolfgang Puck’s award-winning modern Chinese restaurant atop the Ritz Carlton. The gorgeous dining room features cozy booths, hanging lanterns and panoramic views of LA.

• Il Covo: The rustic patio at this Italian Third Street hot spot has it all: crackling fireplace, cozy candlelight and hanging lanterns strewn amongst the trees.

• Asia de Cuba: It’s all about the view here at this sexy Asian fusion restaurant at the Mondrian Hotel. Dine under an archway of fichus on their quite, candle lit patio and enjoy the breathtaking view of the twinkling city lights.

• Wolfgang Puck: Enter through the lush gardens, over the bridge, past the frolicking swans and you’ll instantly feel the romance at the newly opened Hotel Bel Air. Add to that, Puck’s decadent California cuisine and a beautifully landscaped candlelit courtyard, and what you have is perhaps LA’s most romantic restaurant.

I met some friends early on a beautiful Sunday morning to hike up to the Royal Arch.  It’s 3.2 miles round trip and is a good, let’s just say, butt kick.  It is just over 1,200 feet gain in elevation, and just over 1,400 feet elevation change round trip when count the down and up you have to do just before the final ascent to the arch.

So my friends Suzanna, Adam, Amanda, Pete, and Amanda and Pete’s three dogs head off on the trail with me.

It starts in a meadow with a gradual incline.

But quickly turns into a weaving trail through the trees and becomes more rocky.

Just after a big rock pile area,  the trail gets steeper.

And the rock formations get more impressive.

About 20 minutes from the top, we went through the steepest part of the trail.  On the way to the Arch, you get a downhill, but that also means a steep uphill at the end.

The nice downhill…which means uphill on return.

Looking back up what we just climbed down. We’ll have to climb back up that when we head back.

Last break before climbing to the Royal Arch.

The Royal Arch was formed by wind, water, and mechanical erosion. It is a fragment of the Fountain Formation. The mineral rich sand eroded from the ancestral Rocky Mountains uplift 300 million years ago. From the ebb and flow of inland oceans, the sediments were compressed into a layer of sandstone then thrusted upward by the same tectonic force that created the present day Rocky Mountains.

It’s a great spot to relax, picnic, and of course take pictures.

That’s my friend Pete out on the ledge taking that picture of me. Check out the view!

After hiking back down we headed over to brunch at chef/owner Bradford Heap’s SALT The Bistro on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder.  The restaurant’s motto is: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with Salt.”

I had just seen SALT beverage manager/mixologist/sommelier Evan Faber at a Drink Local Conference the day before in Denver.  After hearing him talk on a panel, I was dying to try this restaurant that boosts the largest selection in the state of Colorado wine.  SALT is in what used to be Tom’s Tavern, which was the burger place in Boulder for years.  They’ve kept some of the history of Tom’s and the building, while adding unusual touches like the mermaid over the bar.

I love the SALT wine menu.  You simply pick the flavor profile like spicy or fruity then grape variety of either red or white.  It helps narrow down choices to help you find what you like and perhaps try something new.  Couple of my recommendations of Colorado wines that you can generally only find at the winery or in select restaurants:  Settembre Riesling, Guy Drew Chardonnay, and Ruby Trust “The Smuggler” Cabernet Franc.

For brunch, our group was immediately hooked on the “Make-Me-a-Mimosa” kit.  It’s a bottle of bubbles served with your choice of 3 juices and served tableside in a very cool way.  The bubbly bottle and juice holder was a skateboard.  We went for Prosecco with orange, pomegranate, and cranberry juices.

We were also drawn to the Bloody’s.  With names like Bacon Bourbon Bloody Mary and Unholy Guacamole Mary, how could you not try one!  I went for the Bistro Bloody Mary with Absolute Vodka, SALT’s Bloody Mary mix, topped off with beer and garnished with black pepper.

If you want more of a kick then go for the Unholy Guacamole Mary with Absolute Peppar, SALT’s Bloody Mary mix, cholula, and garnished with avocado and serrano pepper.

My friend Suzanna created a Gin Lavender Fizz from SALT’s The Cocktail Element.

It’s Mix + Match = Make Merry.  Evan created a personalized flavor formulation that’s designed for you to select, sip, and smile.  Here’s how it works:  Select your alcohol base and size.   Then select a flavor like strawberry/basil, chipolte, or cilantro to go with tequila.  With the gin, Suzanna had a choice of blackberry, lavender, or strawberry/basil.  Then you get to select style like fizz with lime juice and club soda.  In a sense, you get to be your own mixologist.

The biggest indulgence of the day was starting with an array of fresh housemade pastries of glazed and cinnamon doughnuts with spiced chocolate sauce and lemon curd, beignets with local honey, and a giant cinnamon roll with cream cheese glaze.  Yes we split amongst the table!  These were sinfully delicious.  I don’t do a lot of pastries.  But when I do I want them to be really, really good.  These were divine.

Once I saw Shrimp & Grits on the menu, I was sold.  Being from South Carolina, Shrimp & Grits is one of my favorite meals, hands down.  These Shrimp & Grits had a twist with chii butter, seared poblano chili, and mizuna.  Talk about mouthwatering good!

Most of the group went for the Duck Confit & Hazel Dell Mushroom Omelette with Haystack Mountain chevre and scallions.  If the Shrimp & Grits wouldn’t have been on the menu, I would have gone for the omelette.  I did get a taste and yes, it is excellent.

The other fantastic entree ordered was the Smoked Salmon Benedict with sweet herb hollandaise, lyonnaise potatoes, and local mizuna salad. All three different entrees were beyond expections.

After a quick cappuccino break, it was time for delectable desserts.

A unique sweet treat that I love is the “Tiny Treat of the Day.”  These are just a sweet nibble and only $2.  Ours was a blueberry tart and it was yummy.

We went for a sampling of desserts.

The Chilled Strawberry Soup with warm goat cheese fritters, almond biscotti, and fresh fruit was refreshing and different.

For an absolute decadent delight was the Dark Chocolate Caramel Salt Tart with coffee cocoa nib ice cream.  If you are a chocolate fan, order this dessert.

One of the biggest surprises to me was the Spiced Chai “Salt Shaker” made with Dancing Pines Chai Liqueur. It was wonderful!

After such a wonderful experience at brunch, I must say I’m a huge Bradford Heap fan.  Being so intrigued with Evan’s cocktails, I asked if he would share a recipe.  Here’s the recipe for Dancing in the Pines.

Courtesy SALT

“Dancing in the Pines”

2 oz Dancing Pines White Rum

3/4 oz Falernum

1/2 oz lime juice

2 dashes of peach bitters

Method:

Shake and enjoy!

Evan Faber Photo Courtesy SALT

Evan said: “I created this drink at the Dancing Pines Distillery, when I was there for a recent visit. One of the benefits of “drinking local” is that you get to meet the wonderful people who actually make what you imbibe. Case in point- the amazing people at Dancing Pines distillery!”

Cheers!  And remember, ”Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with Salt.”

Courtesy SALT

Palmyra Peak

But during the summer, this Alps of the Rockies turns into a land of waterfalls and unique festivals.  Tucked in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, Telluride is a golfer’s paradise, adventurer’s haven, outdoor enthusiatist’s heaven, and relaxation seeker’s outdoor spa.

Courtesy Telluride Ski Resort

Some of the area’s earliest settlers, the Ute Indians, called Telluride and surrounding area “The Land of Waterfalls.”

Bridal Veil Falls Courtesy visittelluride.com

There’s a reason stars flock to Telluride.  You can truly escape to a special place on Earth that is in a box canyon, surrounded by mountains, and filled with an eclectic group of people from the tent sleeping hippies to the uber rich vacationing in ultimate luxury melding together in the town known as Telluride.  The summer festival line-up is as eclectic as the people.

The summer festival season in Telluride kicks off this weekend with Mountainfilm. It is a gathering of scientists, artists, adventurers, film makers, and film lovers during the festival centered on outdoor adventure films and issue based documentaries.  There are more than 10 premieres this year during the May 25-28 festival.  The goal of Mountainfilm is to inspire you with films that focus on issues that matter and will get you talking.

Courtesy Melissa Plantz

June kicks off with balloons filling the sky over Tellluride.  The 29th Annual Telluride Balloon Festival is June 1-3. It is a chance to see hot air balloon wrangling over the box canyon.

Courtesy Telluride Balloon Festival

Some superpickers and some of the biggest names in bluegrass like Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas and Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers are headlining Telluride’s best known summer festival.  So popular, it is already sold out this year.  The 39th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival is June 21-24, coinciding with the summer solstice.

Courtesy Telluride Bluegrass Festival

The KOTO Doo-Dah is July 8th.  The one day musical festival features Ziggy Marley this year.   It is a fundraiser for KOTO, Telluride’s public radio station.

If you are searching for balance, relaxation, and enlightenment, then head to the Telluride Yoga Festival July 12-15. World-class instructors will lead you through a weekend centered on you and your yoga practice. Namaste.

Courtesy Telluride Yoga Festival

If you want to rock it out in the box canyon, brand new this year is The Ride – Telluride’s Rock Festival August 25-26.  Headliners include Ben Harper and the Relentless 7, Los Lobos, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

The 38th Annual Telluride Film Festival is a celebration of the best in film over Labor Day Weekend, September 2-5.  For films to be considered for festival, they must make their North American premiere at the festival.  This has allowed attendees to be some of the first to see such films as “The Descendants,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Juno,” and “Brokeback Mountain.”  This festival is unique from other film festivals because the movies premiering are kept secret until opening day.

Courtesy Pamela Gentile

It’s all about music and beer during the 19th Telluride Blues and Brews September 14-16.  The B-52s, Gov’t Mule, and Phil Lesh are some of the headliners this year.  Beer takes the center stage during the Grand Tasting on Saturday.  It features with over 50 microbreweries, over 50% from Colorado, and 150 different beers.

Courtesy Barry Brecheisen

There’s also the Telluride Heritage Festival June 8-10, Telluride Wine Festival June 27-July 1, Telluride Jazz Festival August 3-5, Telluride Mushroom Festival August 16-19, and Telluride Festival of the Arts August 17-19.  On August 20th, Telluride is the stage one finish of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.  Olympians, World Champions, and Tour de France podium winners will race 683 miles in 7 days, including going over 12,000 feet in elevation three times.

Here’s my “Explore Colorado” segment previewing Telluride’s summer festivals that aired on Good Day Colorado on Fox 31 Denver.

The perfect place to stay for any and all of the summer festivals is The Hotel Telluride.  With the hotel in the heart of Telluride, you literally are just steps away from the festivities.

The Hotel Telluride is a boutique hotel with oversized accommodations. It is luxurious yet cozy.  With the oversized rooms, it’s a great hotel for your ski vacation too.  The Hotel Telluride Select is the standard room featuring a king bed or two double beds, overstuffed chairs & ottomans, antique writing desk, and private balcony.

The Hotel Telluride Deluxe gives you a little more space than the Select with a double pull out sleeper sofa and sitting area.  The Hotel Telluride Junior Suite has a separate area from entertaining with a full living area with comfortable double pull out sofa, two overstuffed chairs and ottomans, an armoire, and carved wooden coffee table. The Junior Suite also has a dining alcove with seating for four and an oversized private balcony with two wooden lounge chairs and side table.  The most exclusive hotel accommodation is The Hotel Telluride Suite. A large, well lit foyer welcomes you into the on-bedroom hotel suite. The master bedroom includes a king bed, full-sized sleeper sofa, sitting area, private full bath jacuzzi tub, and private balcony. On the balcony you get spectacular views down the box canyon towards Bridal Veil Falls.

The rustic elegance of the Suite extends into the oversized living area decorated with Telluride-inspired furnishings combining western with class in a cowboy chic motif. There is a second oversized balcony so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the box canyon with friends and family.

You’ll get a fantastic night’s sleep in the “Incredible Bed” with down bedding and 250 thread count sheets.

The rooms feature ammenities like a 37″ flat screen tv with full cable, refrigerator, microwave-toaster oven, coffee maker with Starbucks coffee, plush terry robe and slippers, and a spacious bathrooms with marble bathtubs and AVEDA bath products.

The Nook is The Hotel Telluride’s in-house dining.  Get your day started with their wonderful breakfast buffet served daily 7-10am.  You’ll enjoy such breakfast delights as omelets made to order, pancakes, and assorted pastries for a hearty breakfast to start off your day of outdoor adventure or festival activities.  Dinner is served 4:30-9pm daily.  It’s perfect for a cozy casual dinner or enjoy a drink and appetizers for happy hour then head out on the town.  The Nook is also a perfect spot for that nightcap and dessert before retiring to your room for the night.

If you just need to relax, soak up the sun and scenery while soaking in the outdoor hot tubs, drift off into an afternoon snooze in the sun on your private deck, or treat yourself to a spa experience like the Gemstone Balancing Massage.  In this aroma-therapeutic massage, herbal infused healing gemstone serums and oils are used with heated basalt & gemstones to help re-center and rejuvenate the body.

You can take your pooch along too! The Hotel Telluride is pet-friendly, which is nice since Telluride is an ultra pet-friendly town.

Peeka was a pampered pooch at The Hotel Telluride!

Here’s a tour of my room and more at The Hotel Telluride.

While visiting Telluride for one or more of the summer festivals, you definitely want to fuel up for summer outdoor adventures like hiking to waterfalls, ATVing, golfing, and horseback riding. Telluride is quite the foodie town with some incredible restaurants. For breakfast or lunch, try The Butcher & The Baker Cafe.  Flora Dora Saloon is perfect for a low key dinner. If you want something a little more upscale (jeans are acceptable attire everywhere in Telluride) then try the Chop House at the New Sheridan Hotel or Allred’s on the mountain.

So escape to Telluride and make it a festivals of fun this summer!

While Ed’s Cantina is always going to be a must stop for me (great margaritas and guacamole – I know, not your typical mountain food but those mean vacation to me), each time I go to the town, I love exploring the Estes Park dining scene.

So I went on with some friends what I’ll call an explore galore of spots you should check out for lunch or dinner in Estes Park.

Our first stop for lunch was Nepal’s Cafe, a local’s favorite for when you craving Nepales and Indian Food.  It’s right along the Big Thompson River.  Owners Hem and Durga wanted us to try it all so they did a smorgasbord of some of their best dishes.

We started with papad dom which is flat bread with sweet sauces.

Then tried Kothe Momo.  It’s fried dumplings filled with ground chicken and mixed vegetables.

Next the Chat Samosas that is a crisp pastry stuffed with seasoned potatoes, peas with yogurt and fresh vegetables.

Here’s the Lamb Korma.  It is lamb cooked with yogurt see Ted spices, herb and mild cream sauce.  I have to admit that I’m not a lamb eater so I didn’t try this dish.

The Shrimp Chilis is hot and spicy sauté shrimp fresh chili, onion, green and red bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro.

Of course we had to have naan and tried the Garlic naan, tandoor bread made of flour with garlic and butter, and the Nepal’s naan, tandoori bread made with sesame and hot spices with butter.

And lastly we tried the Chicken Tandoori that is chicken in spiced yogurt with herbs and spices baked in clay oven served on bed of onion, green, and red bell peppers.

After that lunch, we needed to work off some calories.  So my friends, who are Estes Park locals, took me to their favorite hike.  Gem Lake is a local’s favorite.  It was late afternoon when we arrive and perfect for catching some great views and scenery.

The Lumpy Ridge Trailhead is north of Estes Park off of Devil’s Gulch Road. From US 36 in downtown Estes Park, drive north on MacGregor Avenue. Shortly after crossing US Highway 34, MacGregor Avenue turns into Devil’s Gulch Road. Continue on bypassing the gateway to MacGregor Ranch area. Less than a mile away, you’ll see the trailhead marked with an NPS sign.

It’s a fun family hike with a wide path and gentle incline to start, but as you wind through the trees the path narrows and the steps get bigger.  Kids will loving looking for wildlife and the unique rock formations along the trail.

One of the biggest surprises to me along the trail is that there is a privy, or bathroom, that is about 10-15 minutes from the top.

It is a good break spot before you tackle the toughest part of the hike.  The big stone steps are definitely the thigh burner part of the hike.

Gem Lake is shallow.  It is a granite bowl that captures rain water. The granite is 1.8 billion years old and has been sculpted by wind and chemical erosion.  There is a sandy area at the lake that locals call “The Beach.”

I was fascinated with the trees.  They are weathered too so you’ll find some unusual twisted and braided tree formation.

The hike is 1.8 miles from parking lot to Gem Lake. Round trip it is 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 910 feet. It is free access to Gem Lake but it is part of Rocky Mountain National Park so no dogs are allowed.  As with any hike, go prepared.  You’ll want hiking shoes or tennis shoes.  Definitely take along water and even some snacks for kids.  You might want to take a jacket too as temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly, even in the middle of summer.  Make sure you stop and have a few moments to soak up the view.

Take the Gem Lake hike with me in my “Explore Colorado” segment that aired on Good Day Colorado on Fox 31 Denver.

I guess you can say we worked off the great food from Nepal’s Cafe and worked up an appetite for dinner at Nicky’s Steakhouse.  It’s on the river and has been open since 1967.  They have great steaks and seafood including Colorado trout, along with an extensive menu of Italian and Greek cuisine.  There were four of us and we definitely splurged!

We started with the Escargot in Mushroom Caps that were definitely not low-calorie but they were divinely delicious.

Since Nicky’s is known for Greek food I had to try the Greek salad and Spanakopita, which is spinach and feta pie.

For my entree I wanted to try their Italian cuisine but didn’t want anything heavy or a huge plate.  So they made a special small plate of pasta with feta for me.  That also allowed me to taste everyone else’s entrees.

Including Nicky’s Shrimp Scampi, Prime Rib, and Dolmades, which are grape leaves stuffed with rice and mild spices and topped with egg and lemon sauce.

Somehow we saved room for dessert and tried three different ones.  Of course the Baklava was tops on list.  We also had the German Chocolate Layer Cake and Caramel Apple Granny.

After a fun day of food and hiking, I hit the hay at Timber Creek Chalets. I adored my cabin. It’s definitely mountain rustic and just a few minutes away from Elkhorn, the main street in Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.  The cabins and chalets are perfect for families or groups and are very affordable.  It is pet friendly and I loved the added touch of an overflowing welcome basket.  You escape to nature at Timber Creek Chalets.

Here’s a tour of my cabin at Timber Creek Chalets.

After a great night’s sleep, I headed over to run on the Lake Estes Trail. In a matter of minutes I saw elk on the trail, including one that was not so happy that I was there. I actually didn’t get that close and there was a railing between him and me, but the elk charged me until I was out of his territory. The elk in Estes Park are incredible to see but just don’t get too close.

With the steam coming off the lake it was a peaceful, beautiful morning going around the lake.

I loved seeing two guys in a row boat too.

It was time for post workout breakfast so we headed to Mountain Home Cafe.

As soon as I saw Huevos Rancheros on the menu, I was sold. I was in breakfast heaven with that dish!

Some of the other dishes were the Veggie Omelette

Corn Beef Hash

Swedish Roll Up Crepes

And they are known for their Baked Oatmeal.

I did take a bite of each one. I love it when friends share so we can all sample different dishes. All of it was delicious.

We headed over to Elkhorn to catch the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival parade. It was such a well organized parade with Scottish and Irish clans, dogs, military, and bands. It was incredible to see the patriotism. Every time military passed by there was a standing ovation. My eyes weld up every time.

Then off to festival to catch some Celtic music, games, food and fun. The first band we saw was Albannach. Yes that’s me with Jamesie, the wildly entertaining drummer.

We headed over to the highland games to catch some of the boulder throwing, sheth toss (toss bale of hay with pitch fork), and hammer toss then caught a few rounds of jousting.

The Scottish Irish Festival is September 6th through 9th. You’ll see plenty of Men In Kilts like I blogged about.

We ended the Saturday with a great dinner at Orlando’s Steakhouse.

Their homemade bread was so good that you have to be careful not to stuff yourself on the bread.  We ordered the sauteed mushrooms as an appetizer.  They were a perfect compliment to the bread.

For my entree I had the 4oz Filet Mignon with polenta.  Each entree is served with a salad.

It’s a steakhouse, specializing in steaks, but they do have chicken and fish options.

Of course we couldn’t pass up dessert, especially since we were celebrating a birthday.

My last stop of a weekend eating my way through Estes Park was for Sunday breakfast.   We headed to another mom and pop breakfast spot, Notchtop Bakery & Cafe. It’s the only cafe in Estes Park that has an in-house bakery producing chemical free baked goods. Their motto is “honest food for honest prices.”

I had the Veggie Burrito with two eggs, bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, and black beans on veggie red chili. It’s $7.95 and a fantastic way to start the day.

Breakfast dishes range from $3.95-$7.95, which is so nice to find wonderful healthy and yummy food that is not expensive.

You do have to try one of their treats.  There’s a plethera of delicious goodies to choose from, including gluten free options.

The Lemon Poppyseed Muffin, Strawberry Rhubarb Scone, and Cinnamon Roll are sweet bites of heaven.

See you soon Estes Park!