Yep, I have been slacking on my writing the last month or so, not for the lack of things to write about, just because I haven't gotten around to it. But alas I am back and am going to try to keep up with (and catch up on) my writing from now on :)
Like I said, I am behind on my writing, but about a month ago it was one of the first really nice weekends of the year and of course this means the first barbecue of the year and nothing says barbecue like burgers, right? Anyway, a few days before this I had made a little venture to Salida and went to Ploughboy Local Market to pick up a few things. Ploughboy is a cute little grocery store that specializes in local foods and I highly suggest that if you ever find yourself in Salida, CO or any surrounding areas that you stop by.
While I was getting some fresh chicken I saw ground Yak, which not only had I never tried but I had never seen it before, so in the spirit of being adventurous and trying new things I decided to give it a try.
And I also have to mention that not only are their products local Colorado products, they also specify where the products come from and how many miles away from the store it was made, that's just awesome. It even specifies that the Yak came from the Hey Hey Yak Ranch in Moffat, CO which I have driven past probably 100 or more times in my life.
Anyway, since nothing says summer like burgers and barbecue we decided that Yak burgers were the way to go for the first time trying it.
My take on Yak Burgers? It doesn't really taste that different than ground beef, it is a little bit leaner and gamier, but that is about it. It kind of tastes like a cross between Beef and Bison, which I guess makes sense because if you have ever seen a Yak, it looks a little like a cross between a cow and a buffalo. It's worth a try if you ever get a chance.
Now, for something new, a little Q&A...
I was recently asked a question on my facebook page
Buena Vista, obviously I'm going to say that since that's where I live. It is great for anyone who is into outdoorsy stuff, but there aren't a lot of amenities. We have City Market (Kroger) and a small natural grocer, everything besides the bars are closed by 10 (9 in the winter), shopping (with the exception of gift shops) is limited to Alco (very mini Wal-Mart type store) or Family Dollar - Wal-Mart is 1/2 an hour away and anything else is about an hour and a half or more away.
Salida, still great for outdoorsy stuff with a little bit more to do and a few more amenities. And they have some of the best summer festivals that I have ever gone to!
Glenwood Springs, one of my favorite places in the state. It still has the small town vibe, but also have pretty much every thing that you would need or want within a relatively close distance.
Gunnison, love this town! It's a small town, but it's also a college town so it has a decent amount of amenities for a town that size. And not that this is family friendly, but there is a gas station with a bar in it and a bar you can still smoke in, those are both just wins in my book!
Georgetown, tiny tiny town. I'm not even sure that there is a grocery store and I think that there is only one gas station. It's about 1/2 way between Summit County and Denver so you aren't horribly far from amenities. It just so happens to be one of the most gorgeous places in the state (I think).
Granby/Grand Lake/Fraser, I apparently am quite fond of Colorado towns that start with 'G'. Grand Lake is an adorably cute little town next to Rocky Mountain National Forrest, but it essentially shuts down in the winter. Granby and Fraser however are on the other side of the lake and just a few miles from Winter Park, so you have all the amenities and activities of being near Winter Park but with the small town vibe instead of the tourist trap vibe.
Like I said, I am behind on my writing, but about a month ago it was one of the first really nice weekends of the year and of course this means the first barbecue of the year and nothing says barbecue like burgers, right? Anyway, a few days before this I had made a little venture to Salida and went to Ploughboy Local Market to pick up a few things. Ploughboy is a cute little grocery store that specializes in local foods and I highly suggest that if you ever find yourself in Salida, CO or any surrounding areas that you stop by.
"We want to make fresh, local food as available as possible with the goals of helping farmers and producers grow, the economy thrive, consumers get real value for their food dollars and have you be able to enjoy food as fresh and great as your grandparents did." - from the Ploughboy website
While I was getting some fresh chicken I saw ground Yak, which not only had I never tried but I had never seen it before, so in the spirit of being adventurous and trying new things I decided to give it a try.
And I also have to mention that not only are their products local Colorado products, they also specify where the products come from and how many miles away from the store it was made, that's just awesome. It even specifies that the Yak came from the Hey Hey Yak Ranch in Moffat, CO which I have driven past probably 100 or more times in my life.
Anyway, since nothing says summer like burgers and barbecue we decided that Yak burgers were the way to go for the first time trying it.
My take on Yak Burgers? It doesn't really taste that different than ground beef, it is a little bit leaner and gamier, but that is about it. It kind of tastes like a cross between Beef and Bison, which I guess makes sense because if you have ever seen a Yak, it looks a little like a cross between a cow and a buffalo. It's worth a try if you ever get a chance.
Now, for something new, a little Q&A...
I was recently asked a question on my facebook page
"Where would one find a cute small town in Colorado to live a simple family life?"My answer it depends on how small you are looking for, but I will list a few of my favorites:
Buena Vista, obviously I'm going to say that since that's where I live. It is great for anyone who is into outdoorsy stuff, but there aren't a lot of amenities. We have City Market (Kroger) and a small natural grocer, everything besides the bars are closed by 10 (9 in the winter), shopping (with the exception of gift shops) is limited to Alco (very mini Wal-Mart type store) or Family Dollar - Wal-Mart is 1/2 an hour away and anything else is about an hour and a half or more away.
Salida, still great for outdoorsy stuff with a little bit more to do and a few more amenities. And they have some of the best summer festivals that I have ever gone to!
Glenwood Springs, one of my favorite places in the state. It still has the small town vibe, but also have pretty much every thing that you would need or want within a relatively close distance.
No Picture :(
Gunnison, love this town! It's a small town, but it's also a college town so it has a decent amount of amenities for a town that size. And not that this is family friendly, but there is a gas station with a bar in it and a bar you can still smoke in, those are both just wins in my book!
Georgetown, tiny tiny town. I'm not even sure that there is a grocery store and I think that there is only one gas station. It's about 1/2 way between Summit County and Denver so you aren't horribly far from amenities. It just so happens to be one of the most gorgeous places in the state (I think).
Granby/Grand Lake/Fraser, I apparently am quite fond of Colorado towns that start with 'G'. Grand Lake is an adorably cute little town next to Rocky Mountain National Forrest, but it essentially shuts down in the winter. Granby and Fraser however are on the other side of the lake and just a few miles from Winter Park, so you have all the amenities and activities of being near Winter Park but with the small town vibe instead of the tourist trap vibe.
Grand Lake, CO
Fraser, CO
If you actually read this far, congratulations and thank you! I know that it was long and maybe should have been cut into 2 posts, but oh well! And don't forget to like my facebook page :)
