Ripplicious

New kid on the block in Boulder is Ripple Frozen Yogurt and boy did they figure out the right mixture for success.  When first walking into the store we were a little overwhelmed, but luckily Drew and I were greeted by the owner that showed us how to Ripple.  One wall of the store is taken over by different flavored frozen yogurts and then there is a never ending toppings bar!  The first time Drew and I went to Ripple was to meet my awesome future roommate and her boyfriend, Hayley and Jason; we tasted every flavor for about twenty minutes before we could make a decision.  Oh my gosh, this place is awesome!

The flavor combinations are endless, and in my opinion you can never go wrong.  I usually go for one of two things and add a little variation each time.  If you want fruity, I suggest trying the tart and raspberry lemonade sherbet  with all sorts of fresh fruit toppings OR even better is peanut butter mixed with cookies and cream.  I will top the second mixture with marshmallow cream, MUDDIE BUDDIES!, Oreo pieces, and then top it off with a few miniature gummy bears!  Yumm’O!  Drew goes more funky with his flavor combinations, but they always seems to work out well.

If you live in Boulder and haven’t checked this place out, GO NOW!  You are missing out more than you know.

Thank you  to the amazing Jason and Hayley for introducing us to this place!

You can follow Ripple at @rippleyogurt and or on Facebook!

Jordan Estates

I recently went to Sonoma for a weekend with my AMAZING Nana (grandma) for a girls weekend and to celebrate my birthday, and let me say if you enjoy wine you have to find yourself tasting the day away at Jordan.  Our first stop on day number two was at Jordan Estates – this was the most breath taking Estate I had ever visited.

Our visit to the Estate started with a tour of the property to look out along the endless rolling hills covered in vines.  It was beautiful, I didn’t ever want to leave.  I wouldn’t mind plopping myself down on a chair and watching the seasons change right from that very spot.

After getting the opportunity to see the property we went inside for the first tasting of the afternoon, a 2008 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley.  This Chardonnay was fantastic and when paired with the Hamachi Sashimi and Black Caviar with Daikon Radishes the wine really came to life.  The wine by itself was delicious, perfectly light with a crisp scent of apple and pear, exactly what I want from a Chardonnay.

The barrel room was attached to the first tasting room and was amazing in it grander.  Once walking into the room you are seduced by a delicious smell of oak… a blend of French and American oak.  Traditionally the barrels will last for about 5 years before they become neutral, but Jordan Estates only uses theirs for two to three years.  Only the best!

After we spend some time in the barrel room we went back into the main portion of the Estate for our second pairing in the library.  The pairing was of a 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley and New Zealand Venison on a rye tostini with an aioli sauce.  I would not mind dedicating an entire afternoon to tasting and paring these two things together over and over.

 

After this we discover there is a “secret room” connected to the library where are able to enjoy two more fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon’s.  The first, and my favorite, was the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley.  It was well-balanced and beautifully paired with a plate of cheeses.  We had a trio of cheeses, the first being a Mt. Tam Triple Cream (great in a dried fruit tostini), then a Loma Alta “Black Mountain” Swiss style cheese and a Flagship Reserve Truckle Swiss Cheese.  This was a beautiful mix of cheeses that also paired wonderfully with the last wine, a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley.  Being able to taste the three different years and experience how the wines changed over time was a treat.  Wine has a fantastic way of changing and growing over time.

 

My visit to Jordan Estate was amazing, I felt like I was visiting a French Chateau without the jet lag.  The Estate really was a magical place and the wine and food pairings made it become something else entirely.  I left with a great bottle of the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and Perfect Pairings, a cookbook by Evan Goldstein to continue enjoying what I love so much, food and wine.

I would also like to thank my amazing tour guide, Pete, it was a pleasure exploring the Estate and discovering Jordan wines with you.  I can not wait to visit again and treat myself to all the beauty that is Jordan Estate.  Thank you!

Walnut Cafe

Today is my girl Amanda’s 21st birthday, so what better way to start the day than with an amazing meal?  For someone who loves to eat, there is no better way.  We decided to go to the Walnut Cafe on 30th and Walnut in Boulder – great choice.

The place was packed when we got there, only seating outside.  If it were April it would have been perfect, but it January and I am not that crazy.  We waited for a bit and the hostess told us the next table was ours – she spaced it and sat a group of four guys.  When she walked over she remembered and immediately went over to ask the guys to move, but Amanda and I weren’t in any rush, so we told the guys to sit back down and enjoy their breakfast.  (This may seem irrelevant, but they come back into the story later).

Amanda and I ordered the same thing: Southside omelet with pancakes and breakfast potatoes.  Let me just quote Rachael Ray and say, “yummo!”  The omelet could not have been any better and was well worth the wait.  It was filled to the brim with green chillies, cheddar cheese – that added the perfect amount of creaminess- and cilantro.  I would also suggest asking for a side of salsa with the omelet, they will charge you for it, but it adds an extra little kick!

But the omelet wasn’t the only good thing – those breakfast potatoes where just what you imagine them to be.  Perfect amount of spice, a touch greasy and packed full of flavor.  And if your are a pancake person you will enjoy.  There wasn’t anything added to make them over the top, but they were fluffy and buttery!  Really all you need from pancakes.

As we finish up our breakfast the guys who we gave our table to came over and insisted on chipping in for our meal.  Karma and good food were coming in full force this morning!

I can’t wait to head back and try one of their specials that change everyday, or even as you are sitting there.  Once the fresh ingredients are out, there is a new substitutions.  But I don’t know if “substitution” is the right word as it would imply it is not as delicious as the original, and I bet it is.

Try it out and get out there to enjoy some good food – I know I will!