Mile High in Colorado

Greetings from the Rockies! I’m here is beautiful Colorado visiting and old friend and her adorable family.

Arriving solo, I spent the majority of my first day hitting the thrifts and of course, eating. In fact, stepping into my rental Prius from Denver’s airport, I immediately programmed my lunch destination in and hit the road. I was the model of efficiency in my hybrid vehicle heading to WaterCourse Foods. {The restaurant recycles its fryer oil into bio-diesel and offers bikers a 10% discount– not to mention serving up the most delicious sounding vegetarian comfort food, based on my perusing their menu.} I was not disappointed to be served a massive buffalo tofu sandwich, complete with two sides (I chose mashed potatoes and gravy & seasonal vegetables). The slab of breaded tofu between a hearty sourdough bun was awe-inspiring, measuring at least 2 inches in thickness alone! But this tofu did not squeeze out a drop of excess moisture; it was, quite frankly, perfect. I learned after stuffing myself silly that their bakery, which includes their famed sweet potato cinnamon rolls and “Ho Ho” cupcakes, was all vegan. There’s always tomorrow! So feast your eyes on that hearty bite above.

OK, Colorado’s vegan food is knocking my socks off. But I was now hungry for a slightly more upscale veg representation. In the foothills of the Rocky mountains lies the gorgeous city of Boulder. And within Boulder’s darling downtown is Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant. I made a mid-day trip from Denver with its scrumptious menu fresh in my mind. My choice, known well in advance: the vegan french toast: soy and flaxseed custard, foccacia bread, pear and strawberry compote, vegan butter and maple syrup and a banana-berry smoothie. It was absolutely dreamy!