The Blue Moon Controversy?!?!?

I read something once that called Blue Moon 'the most controversial beer in America' (http://blog.beeriety.com/2010/03/18/blue-moon-the-most-controversial-beer-in-america/) and maybe it is. I know, I know, Blue Moon has been largely responsible for getting people interested in craft beer, but much like it's compatriot AC Golden Brewing Company (which I wrote about here) Blue Moon Brewing & Sandlot Brewing Company (the Blue Moon Brewery at Coors Field) is in fact owned by MillerCoors (aka one of the, if not THE biggest brewer in the country). I guess that's why the Blue Moon Brewery is in Coors Field, right?!?!?

Really the only problem that I have with these beers is that they try so hard to keep themselves from being connected to the MillerCoors name, it kinda makes it seem like a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'.

That being said, from time to time I really do enjoy a Blue Moon with a slice of orange.

Can't you tell by the way I cut an Orange that I used to be a bartender, 

I never met someone who wasn't a bartender who cut fruit like that 

(gotta cut it that way to put it on a glass)

I have to admit that even I didn't know that Blue Moon made more than just their standard Belgian White (which is what I got today), but one of the cashiers at my favorite little home town liquor store knows all about my beeriosity (beer + curiosity) and mentioned that they were now carrying a few other of Blue Moon's brews. They also carry the Agave Nectar Ale, Farmhouse Red Ale and Rounder Belgian Style Pale. So in the interest of expanding my beerizons (beer horizons) I am planning on picking up another Blue Moon brew for my usual Friday evening boozestravaganza.

And because Blue Moon always makes me think of this song (yep, I grew up listening to oldies), here is a little tune.

Buy Local Mondays - CCFA (Buena Vista Farmers Market)

CCFA (Central Colorado Foodshed Alliance) lists their mission as:

"The Central Colorado Foodshed Alliance (CCFA) is a cooperative organization created to stimulate and support the local food economy in our foodshed, defined as the area within 100 miles of Salida, Colorado.

Within the foodshed the CCFA works to unite local producers and consumers, provide education about the value of local food, and foster a vibrant local economy while promoting productive open space and sustainability. 

The CCFA provides many resources, for the benefit of the membership, to reach these goals. The Salida Farmers Market, the Guide to Local Food, and an active website facilitate the building of relationships between those who produce food and those who eat food. Community workshops, the film series, and Foodshed Education sponsored events provide exposure to local and global food issues.

Shedfest, a harvest season celebration, and the annual membership meeting are venues to highlight the vibrancy of our community and inspire new ideas.  Individuals, businesses, producers or consumers; everyone has a role to play in the local food economy and therefore, also has a place in the CCFA."

One of my favorite things about summer has to be fresh produce and my weekly trip to the farmers market. On my last trip I picked up a couple of types of locally grown lettuce and tomatoes, from Weathervane Farms (because salad is definitely a staple in the summer) as well as some fresh baked from Styria Bakery.

Buy Local Mondays - Nature's Pantry

Nature's Pantry, is my local natural/organic/health food store, when you live in the middle of nowhere, there are no Wild Oats or Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottages. We have City Market (Kroger) or Nature's Pantry.

I know with all drinking that I do, it's hard to believe, but I really really do care about what I eat...

I saw this tent at a brewery festival I went to a few summers ago, and that pretty accurately sums up how I feel. I think that if you're going to drink like I do, it's probably a good idea to eat healthy food (gotta keep your body guessing). As I've mentioned before I like to stick with locally produced food as much as I can and if I can't get it locally, I at least try to eat organic. While, yes the regular grocery store does have some local produce and organic items, it's not like a bigger city where they have a large selection...

So, off I went today to Nature's Pantry in search of some local produce and GMO free tortilla chips (and to support a small local business).

and because every now and then I forget to take pictures, 

this one came from the Nature's Pantry Facebook Page

 I found lots of yummy, tasty, healthy things on my little outing, including some GMO free blue corn tortilla chips and locally grown eggplant, yay and NOMS!!!

So, ,while not everything is local here are a few super yummy and healthy meal ideas:

A super HUGE salad made with all Colorado grown veggies (Romaine Lettuce, Mushrooms, Tomato, Cucumber) and GMO free Ranch Dressing (and a little cheese that I'm not sure where it was made). And a Gin and Tonic with a slice of organic lime!

Soft tacos made with GMO free tortillas, local ground beef (from Scanga Meat Company) and locally grown lettuce and tomato. (and Tapatio Hot Sauce, gotta have my Tapatio).

Yes, it may be a little more pricey, but as I've mentioned before I think it's worth it! And supporting the local economy is good for everyone!