Iris Fine Art Gallery – Littleton, Colorado
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Category Archives: Travel
National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo – Denver, Colorado
The Latest from New York Times Bestseller Author
C.J. Box – Wyoming Writer
The latest thriller novel from C.J. Box hit bookshelves January 6. Box says, “This is a very dark story, very dark.” The book is set in Denver, Colorado, a departure for Box. Three Weeks to Say Goodbye takes the reader through a heart-wrenching tale – a sinister struggle between adoptive parents and teenager birth father and grandfather, a powerful, intimidating Federal judge. Real events involving friends of Box form the basis of the story.
Seven Joe Pickett books demonstrate Box’s ability to build suspenseful plots. Pickett is a Wyoming Game Warden pitted against evil and violence. Box has crafted a protagonist with strength and sensitivity – not an easy task. I love Box’s ability to create a very real sense of place, skillfully transcending imagination to reality. As I’ve read the Pickett series there’s often that “ah-ha” moment of knowing I’ve been in exactly that location, whether it’s a lonely Wyoming back road or a steaming Yellowstone fumarole. A gentleman at the book signing tonight commented to a friend, “When I read his books I want to get in the car and drive to Wyoming.”
Box’s last stand-alone novel, Blue Heaven, was a New York Times bestseller. Retired LA cops and missing children in the woods of Northern Idaho – the spellbinding story has been optioned for a film. Blue Heaven has recently been released in paperback.
After initial signings in Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming, Box came to Denver to introduce Three Weeks to Say Goodbye. A Western book swing will take him through Texas, Arizona, California, Montana and Wyoming. We saw him at Murder By the Book on South Pearl in Denver before he appeared at Tattered Cover. Guess what my next read will be.
OOPS! – Vail, Colorado
Bottoms Up!
Vail Ski Resort has trademarked the slogan, “Like Nothing on Earth.” After last week’s chairlift misadventure perhaps they should add, “… or in the Air.” Today’s much viewed web photos include the unfortunate skier who slipped through a Vail chairlift and hung suspended by his pants for 7 minutes until lift operators came to the “rescue.” Apparently the seat wasn’t properly in place when he boarded. Besides going through the ordeal, now the victim finds his bare buns spread across computer and television screens and a hot topic for comedians.
An overlooked part of the story is the child that boarded the same chair. In some of the photos you can see the youngster still on the chairlift. I think this kid should get some kind of reward for not panicking. Wonder how he/she feels about chairlifts today.
The photographer that took the picture is in trouble with his employer. What about a couple of lift operators?
If you have not seen the photos and feel the need, http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0106091vail5.html.
Mosaic Restaurant – Suburban Denver
Sweet Potato Fries – Oh My!
The sign says, “Mosaic, Unique Cuisine.” The menu says, “American cuisine with global influences.” I say, “Delightful” – especially the sweet potato fries. Lunch at Mosaic restaurant offers a new twist to a favorite side dish. The rich orange fries glisten with a coating of “secret” glaze. Our waitress could tell us there was honey, cinnamon and red pepper involved but said they kept the rest of the recipe a secret. I’m guessing there’s some citrus involved, perhaps juice of an orange. Even with honey the fries are not overly sweet. Skip the sandwich just bring me the fries. If you have an aversion to sweet potatoes there is a choice of regular fries.
I selected the Wild Prawn Po-Boy enhanced with Cajun mango mayo, butter lettuce & grilled Roma tomato on focaccia bread. The Cajun mango mayo added just the right amount of zip. Bob started with a bowl of tomato basil soup with wasabi cream before the Peppered 
Turkey and Bacon Panini served with basil avocado pesto and melted Gouda cheese on focaccia bread. Attention to detail is evident in the presentation of all dishes. For my next luncheon visit I want to try the Shrimp Lollipop and Eastern Style Lobster Roll.
I’m certainly enticed by the Chipolte Lobster Macaroni and Cheese on the dinner menu described as, “Orange scented lobster tail sauteed with cavatappi pasta & lobster meat, topped with parsley infused oil & lobster chipotle cheese sauce.” The listing of Small Plates also tempts with unique preparations from flat bread to scallops. An extensive wine list ensures a good match with your chosen entrees.
Mosaic is a stand alone building on the southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and South Oswego, three stoplights east of I-25. The interior pleases with an unusual gas fireplace, nicely spaced tables and colorful place settings. A see-through aquarium separates the bar and dining room. Service was attentive and friendly without being in your face.
Try Mosaic’s sweet potato fries, if you find better anywhere else let me know. I’ll be glad to put them to the test.
When You Go: Mosaic is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Call 720-308-0994 for reservations. Directions, online reservations, menus and additional information on their website.
Michelle Chrisman – Taos Plein Air Artist
Painting Blumenschein’s Garden
The artist capturing the summer garden at the Blumenschein House and Museum is Michelle Chrisman. I love her use of vibrant colors. Michelle describes herself as an Impressionist and Expressionist working in oils and loves to paint en plein air. She has been featured in Southwest Art Magazine, in 2005 as an “Artist to Watch” and in June 2008 in a feature article on “Plein Air Painting.”
Michelle lives in the historic village of Ranchos de Taos. She is represented by galleries in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. Visit her website to view available works, a schedule of exhibitions, events and workshops.
If you’re planning a trip to Taos Michelle has an adobe cottage she rents for short term stays during the summer. The casita sleeps two, has a fully equipped kitchen and full bath. Call 575-613-0443 for reservations.
Blumenschein Home Museum – Taos
Peeking into a Creative Past
Ernest L. Blumenschein
Two blocks south of Taos Plaza the home of Ernest Blumenschein (1874-1960) preserves a look into the creative life of one of Taos’ most famous artists. A founder of the original Taos Society of Artists, Blumenschein was drawn to the Northern New Mexico region after his first visit in 1898. With wife Mary Greene Blumenschein, an artist in her own right, and daughter Helen the family purchased the home on Ledoux Street in 1919. Portions of the adobe structure date to 1797.
The interior remains much as it was when the family lived, painted and entertained in the 13-room rambling structure. Entering the kitchen with its ice box, California cooler and combination wood/electric stove sets the stage for a step back in time. One can imagine the list of luminaries who gathered in dining room 
during the first half of the 20th century. The home is furnished with the family’s original belongings of European and Spanish Colonial style antiques and a lifetime of personal possessions. Walls filled with the family’s art collection include works by other Taos artists, Mary and Helen. Many of Blumenschein’s own works hang in his former studio.
In summer the home’s courtyard fills with colorful blooms. A sky blue bench entices visitors to sit among the hollyhocks and let their mind wander back a few decades. Twenty-first century artists frequently work at easels in courtyard corners, capturing their vision of the Taos landmark.
When You go: Blumenschein Home and Museum, 222 Ledoux Street, Taos, New Mexico. Open daily in summer, check the website for hours and admission fees. Call, 575-758-0505, for winter hours. Browse the gift shop for unique New Mexican items and books.
Museum Association of Taos
Save Money at Taos Museums
Rich in arts, history and culture a visit to Taos, New Mexico usually includes stops at several members of the Museum Association of Taos. Save money by buying a Combination Ticket for $25. The ticket allows one admission to each of the association members – Blumenschein Home & Museum, Harwood Museum of Art, La Hacienda de los Martinez, Millicent Rogers Museum and Taos Art Museum. Tickets are good for one full year from date of purchase and are transferable. If you don’t make it to all five facilities pass it on to a friend for their Taos visit.
Ernest Blumenschein Exhibit – Denver Art Museum
In Contemporary Rhythm
The Art of Ernest L. Blumenschein
This exhibition will next be shown at the Phoenix Art Museum, March 15 – June 14, 2009.
Dietrich’s Chocolates & Espresso – Denver
Chocolate Shop Breakfast
What’s not to love about breakfast in a chocolate shop? Joined by friend Dianne, Dietrich’s Chocolates & Espresso was today’s breakfast destination. Dianne introduced me to Dietrich’s because it reminds her of the chocolate shop in her neighborhood when she lived in Belgium. After breakfast here I always wonder why we don’t go more often. The unassuming shop almost gets lost in the row of businesses with gaudy signage on East Evans near the University of Denver. Dietrich’s shouldn’t be overlooked.
Erich Dietrich apprenticed for 3 1/2 years under a master chocolatier in his native Germany. In 1978 he opened his business in Denver, keeping chocoholics swooning over his smooth, rich creations.
Among the cases and racks of handmade candies, six tables await fortunate foodies arriving for breakfast. The menu is simple but when everything is perfectly prepared simple is all we need. I always order the American Breakfast of two eggs (any style), potatoes, fruit, croissant, preserves and butter. Cost is just $6.25. and, every breakfast comes with a Dietrich chocolate. The large croissants are fresh from Trompeau Bakery right across the street. Don’t want a full breakfast? How about a totally decadent croissant with melted dark chocolate and cappusino!
With so few tables one sometimes has to wait anxiously for a table. I suggest going on a snowy Sunday when slugs are tempted to stay home. It’s hard to leave without picking out a treat to take home or to the office.
When You Go: Dietrich’s Chocolates & Espresso, 1734 E. Evans Avenue, Denver, 303-777-3358. Open Tuesday – Friday 8am – 6pm, Saturdays 8am – 4pm and Sundays 8am – 2pm, closed Mondays. Breakfast is served until 1pm on weekdays, 2pm on weekends. A lunch menu of brats and a few sandwiches is available all day.
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