Making Gnocchi with Chef Rahm Fama at The Wildflower, The Lodge at Vail



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Four-course wine pairing luncheon at Spago with Master Sommelier Sean Razee and Chef Mark Ferguson for the Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival.

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Fly Fishing on the Eagle River, Colorado with Sergio Lopez, Chef de Cuisine of Beacon Restaurant & Bar -New York City

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I’m thinking coffee. I don’t think there is room in my stomach for much else right now. The dinner & drinks at Terra Bistro at Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa was spectacular. Everything, honestly EVERYTHING I tasted last night consistently just melted in my mouth. Starting with the “Moonflower” cocktail (Dragon Fruit, Vanilla Vodka, Muddled Strawberry, Ginger Beer). I’m a sucker for artfully plated food but that was just the beginning of the exploration of Chef Kevin Nelson’s unique combinations and ingredients such as Fried Avocado and Posole Verde Tomatillos Salsa, Coriander Crema, Pepitas or the Toasted Coriander Ahi, Crisp Edamame Cake, Asian Cabbage Greens, Tamari Vinaigrette. Each bite throughout the night ended in a different place than it started. We sat a nice large round table that we managed to fill with colorful appetizers, entrees and sharing plates, so many that at times I felt like I was playing musical chairs just trying to find a place to set down my wine glass. As I glance at the menu again this morning I am reminded of how many things I still want to try and I am still impressed with how easy their menu is to read for those wanting to avoid gluten, nuts or garlic or simply just trying to find a vegetarian selection.

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I was sitting there looking forward, directly at the blank white canvas of the seat in front of me as I felt myself leaning more and more towards the window as the elbow of the man sitting next to me bumped me as he adjusted his seatbelt, turned the page of his book, well basically every time he moved. It made me begin to ponder about a can of sardines and that old saying. Since my body was already leaning towards the wall I decided to lean my head up against the window and before I knew it I was dosing off to sleep. I welcomed the peaceful thoughts as I rested and allowed my mind to think about something other than comparing this airplane to a tin can.
That squished feeling soon faded into a memory as I opened the door to this suite where I was staying at the Vail Plaza Hotel and I quickly allowed myself to settle into it’s pure luxury.

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When I awoke this morning I was overjoyed by the low clouds and moisture that had settled in overnight. My cup of coffee felt even warmer in my hands and tasted even richer as I held it tightly and quickly sifted and responded to the emails that were patiently waiting for me this morning. Several hours had passed and before I knew it is was time for me to head into town to photograph Idaho’s Bounty’s new farm Stand in Ketchum. The moisture in the air and the peaceful setting that Julie created made such a welcoming environment for me to settle into too. To share the enjoyment of my day I have posted a few photos for you to enjoy the day the way I did.

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