Winter Park Resort: Fourth Best Ski Cafeteria Food

Moffat Market at Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort just seems to be racking up the awards of late.  Skiing magazine just named Winter Park’s Moffat Market as the fourth best Ski-Resort Cafeteria.  That is not bad as the building it operates in is quite old compared to the others on Skiing Magazines top ten list.

The Moffat Market was the highest ranked Colorado ski cafeteria and Vail’s Two Elks Lodge was the only other Colorado cafeteria ranked and they came in at number six.

Here is what Skiing Magazine had to say about the Winter Park Moffat Market:

Moffat Market, a railroad-themed food court (named after the Moffat Tunnel, a 6.2.-mile-long railroad tunnel that has its west end at Winter Park ski resort), offers food from around the world. There’s New York-style pizza at Grand Central Station, Tex-Mex at Santa Fe Station, and Asian noodle bowls at the Umami Station. We recently tried a veggie coconut curry bowl with rice noodles here—and were blown away by how spicy and delicious it was.

We recently had a chicken burrito at the Moffat Market and I have to say it was a huge burrito and very tasty.  Cost was a little pricey but food at ski resorts is never cheap.

Serving breakfast and lunch, the Moffat Market food court has a railroad theme and offers fresh cuisine and specialties that reflect the different regions of the country and the world. Storefronts and names identify the different food stations with options such as: New York-style pizza at Grand Central Station; Tex-Mex at the Santa Fe Station; enjoy Asian noodle bowls at our newly revamped “Umami” station; and hearty soups at the Shortline. Moffat Market also features an Einstein’s Bagels kiosk for fresh breakfast bagels, and lunch specialties. New this season is a totally revamped breakfast menu at the Moffat Market. Stop by for their specialty, “Eggs Delphia.”

Of course, you go to a ski resort for the good snow and terrain. But you’ve got to eat while you’re there, right? Skiing Magazine has done their research—eating at ski areas all over the country—and have selected the 10 best on-mountain restaurants in ski country.  And to call the Moffat Market a cafeteria simply doesn’t do it justice.

Java Mic Night at the Mountain Grind in Winter Park

Mardi Gras Blues Show in Winter Park!

We may be 9,000 feet above sea level and 1,400 miles from New Orleans, but that’s not going o stop us from celebrating Mardi Gras. The Grand County Blues Society, always good to us here in Winter Park, is presenting us with a trio of wildly talented blues musicians this Tuesdsay at Smokin’ Moes Saloon.

First up, Trampled Underfoot! This remarkable band is comprised of Nick, Kris, and Danielle Schnebelen, each of whom are very accomplished on their respective instruments: Nick jamming on the guitar, Kris hammering on the drums, and Danielle rockin’ the bass. All three siblings sing the blues like they were born to do it, probably a lot of the reason they took home the gold at the 2008 International Blues Challenge.

Next up, Samantha Fish. Her self proclaimed influences include BB King and Bonnie Raitt, which, once you get a little taste of her belting vocals, will not surprise you. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Samantha is booked solid in her home state and beyond for the next year. One of my personal favorites, Rollin’ and Tumblin’, is just a preview for the upbeat show this girl puts on.

And for the third and final act, the grand finale…you’ll have to come out to Smokin’ Moes this Tuesday night to find out! Show starts at nine with a $20 cover- paying your way to dance all night long to a rare blues show in our home away from New Orleans! One other note- be nice to the door man, Art, and he might reward you with a dance.  We’d love to have you there to continue this fabulous blues party tradition with us in Winter Park.

Breakfast Hot Spots in Winter Park

Cosmic Dog Winter Park, Colorado

Cosmic Dog Burritos Winter Park, CO

We had a chance to visit the new Cosmic Dog Burritos this weekend and we were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was.  We had a couple of burritos and some queso dip with cheese and it was terrific.  I’m going to say the food quality is better than Chipotle and it seemed more “authentic”, whatever that means.

Sarah the twins and I shared a veggie burrito,  shredded carnitas burrito and some queso dip and chips with the salsa on the side.  The boys ate heartily and Sarah and I both thought the burritos and queso were awesome.  Price was reasonable and the decor is very Winter Park quirky in a good way.  There is no more need to trek down to Denver to get your Chipotle Burrito fix.  We have just as good if not better right here in Winter Park.

Right now The Cosmic Dog is serving only soft drinks but Fernand, the owner, says that the liquor license application is in process and they should have beer and margaritas in the next month or so.  My mouth is watering right now thinking of a Pacifico with some queso with chips….. YUM!

So all you WP locals let’s get out and support one of our own homegrown restaurants and  all you visitors to our piece of heaven here in the Colorado Rockies don’t miss out on a Cosmic Dog burrito.

New Openings in Winter Park, CO

There are lots and lots of new stores opening up here in Winter Park, Colorado.  Our town just seems to be booming with all the restaurants opening and the Rec Center open for the first day and all this just in time for Christmas.

First we have the Fraser/Winter Park Rec Center open for the very first day to what looks like universal approval here in the Fraser Valley.  We will be visiting this coming week and will let you know how the final product turned out.  From what I have seen it looks spectacular (I can’t wait to steam my old bones in the steam sauna).

Last night Alberto’s had a soft opening to get some of the kinks out before tonight’s official Grand Opening.  I heard that the food was terrific and the space looks just as good.  For those not on the know, Alberto’s is brought to us by the folks that own the Tabernash Tavern.  They have redone the space in Cooper Creek Square that most recently housed the Green Olive Italian steakhouse.  We will try to make it out to Alberto’s in the next week and let your know about their operation.

The Cosmic Dog Mexican Grill is also opening tonight.  I popped my head in today and the space looks pretty cool.  I got a chance to talk to Fernand, the owner, and he says they should be serving up some burritos  tonight.  He also said he was exhausted from their push to get open in time for the Winter Park holiday season.  I can’t wait to have a burrito this week.  Nice work Fernand on the space, it looks great.

Lastly there is Ziggy’s Doughnuts.  Our very own hot fresh doughnut factory located next to Fontenot’s Cajun Cafe in the Kings Crossing Retail Center.  Talked Ziggy today and he says they should be open by the 3rd of January.  Ziggy’s will have coffee, fresh donuts, and some video games set among a cool interior with counter service and tables and chairs.  Would be great if Ziggy could figure out a way to offer some wine and beer, anywho,  I’m am satisfied with hot donuts for now though.

So our little enclave of heaven up here in the Colorado Rockies just seems to be booming with all these openings.  It looks like the economy is tuning around and vacationers ans skiers are starting to return to the hills.  We got some unexpected snow the last few nights and everyone here in Winter Park is getting ready for Christmas.  All seems well in the Winter Park part of the world.

Doughnuts in Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Doughnuts

We have heard that Winter Park is getting it’s own doughnut shop.  Rumor has it that Ziggy and Barbara, owners of Polservice Cleaning Services, are opening a doughnut shop next to Fontenot’s Cajun Cafe in the Kings Crossing shopping center.  Go Ziggy go!!  We could use some good hot doughnuts up here in Winter Park and not those Safeway ones.

Have not heard of a name or when the store will open but apparently there is a sign on the door of the future space.  May we suggest the names Doughnut Bowl or The Powdered Doughnut or The Six Inches of Freshies Doughnut Shop.  OK OK I will stop, but I am excited that WP is getting a doughnut shop.  We are finally getting a couple of modern mans necessities in Winter Park.  First we have the Fraser Rec Center, or whatever the final name ends up being, and the Cosmic Dog Mexican Grill and now our very own doughnut shop.  Homer Simpson would be in heaven!

Well, good luck Ziggy and Barbara we here at Winter Park Lodging Company, especially me, will help to make the store a success, as much as my waistline can handle anyways.

Deno’s Mountain Bistro Winter Park, CO

Vino at Deno’s Winter Park

I got my first chance since we had the twins to hit the town in Winter Park without the wife and kids.  Sarah and the boys were down in Denver visiting the grandparents and doing some Christmas shopping and I was able to paint WP town red.

Met a couple of friends at Deno’s Mountain Bistro for the Vino at Deno’s.  This is Deno’s tasting flight of two wines paired with appetizers for the nice price of $10.  The wines were a Vouvray paired with an artichoke bruchette and Pinot Noir paired with shrimp on a rosemary skewer.  Very very tasty and the presentation was low key and accessible as it should be here in Winter Park.  Teddy, Deno’s son and now owner, was the host with the  heavy pouring hand and had some very good knowledge of the wines we were enjoying.

After the tasting I had the Chicken Marsala that was awesome!  Tender chicken breast in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms over a bed of pasta with spinach.  Deno’s is now making homemade bread that was also fantastic. Must have come straight from the oven.

Check out Deno’s Facebook page for deals and specials.

We ended the night at Ullr’s the new bar that took the Silver Bucket’s space in the Conoco shopette.  That is for another post though.

Blues Show at Smokin’ Moes in downtown Winter Park this Saturday!

Grand County Blues Society is at it again! If you’ve never heard of the Grand County Blues Society, you’re missing out on some of the most passionate Blues supporters out there. Once or twice a month these guys bring the Blues to Winter Park by hosting a great band at our very own Smokin’ Moes Ribhouse and Saloon, located in Cooper Creek Square. Check out their website where you can read more about what they do and check out upcoming shows. The shows are always a blast; be ready to dance to some fabulous live music and enjoy Smokin’ Moes’ famous ribs.

If you take a break from tearing up the dance floor during the show, track down one of the Blues Society members with your questions about blues music , you won’t be disappointed! This Saturday, they’re hosting John Richardson and the Jelly Roll Bakers (Johnny O and Andy Irvine) at 9pm. You can check out a quick bio about these guys on the Blues Society website.

Hope to see you there!

Ranch House Restaurant at Devils Thumb Ranch | A Review

Ranch House Restaurant @ Devils Thumb Ranch

With the start of the ski, holiday and lodging season coming upon us, Sarah and I decided to get our beloved babysitter and have a date night without the twins.  There was a little debate as where to go but our old haunt the Ranch House Restaurant won out. Actually, we were headed to Heck’s Tavern up at Devils Thumb but they were closed and the staff pointed us to The Ranch House were we really wanted to go anyway.

On the way in Sarah tripped over what looked like a frozen cow pie and took a doozy of a tumble.  Probably shouldn’t have laughed but when someone falls and is not seriously hurt it is a sight that makes me chuckle.  We were welcomed by one of our employees as we walked in and felt among friends in the subdued atmosphere of the Ranch.  The restaurant was fairly busy, and by the time we ate, the bar  had a brisk business going.

We ordered a nice bottle of Pinot Noir and split a pear salad to start.  Salad was awesome and perfect for two people.  Sarah had the ravioli and I had a burger with blue cheese and bacon.  Burger was fantastic but a touch on the expensive side.  The ravioli was also very good.  We finished with two deserts, getting ready for ski season I guess, that were both fantastic.  I had the white chocolate bread pudding and Sarah had some chocolatety chocolate thing that was just awesome!

I have always have loved the Ranch House room and the food was great on this particular evening.  Service was very good but a bit stressed out toward the end of our dinner.  Understandable as everyone is on pins a bit as the season begins.

If you have not been out to Devils Thumb Ranch for dinner you are missing one of the best in Grand County.  The room itself is worth the drive out to Tabernash.

Reservations strongly recommended for the Ranch House Restaurant, 970-726-5633.  I prefer to eat at the bar and people watch some but the tables are very nice also.