mountain standard | vail, co

Happy Tuesday! Hope you're staying warm and safe from the crazy snowpocalypse that's sweeping the nation. I know I am. I'm so happy Mr. H and I aren't on the road right now. Instead, I'm curled up at my house, drinking so much coffee I'm shaking, and eating this heavenly divineness. 

While we're on the topic of food and cold weather, there's nothing quite like comfort food to warm the body up when it's chilly outside. One of my favorite spots for delicious food that warms up the body and the soul is Mountain Standard in Vail. 

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Mountain Standard takes comfort food and adds enough of a twist to make it hip, while keeping it "standard" enough to stay true to the classic tastes that you crave. The restaurant's atmosphere mimics the menu... hip balanced with a causal mountain vibe. It's the perfect place to thaw out after a long day on the slopes. Don't miss our recommendations below (they are seriously musts!)...  

Mountain Standard // mr.&mrs.h's favorites:
➺ Oyster Shooter

➺ Carmelized Onion Soup
➺ King Salmon with coal roasted squash, brussels sprouts, Korean chili paste, black sesame, apple dressing
  
-mrs.h

the 10th | vail, colorado

Sorry we haven't posted our usual 4 or 5 posts a week. We've been on the road a lot lately. Even for us travel junkies, we're starting to crave a little time at home sweet home. However, there's nothing quite like a great adventure. 

{The 10th}

We were recently in Vail and found so many amazing spots to tell you about! Our first is The 10th Restaurant at Vail Mountain. Situated in the middle of the mountain, it's the perfect spot to ski-in and ski-out. (It's also near Gondola One for any non-skiiers in your group). You're welcomed into The 10th by an incredible staff and a perfect menu to warm you up after a few cold runs. My favorite part about The 10th is the slippers. Anyone who's skied knows ski boots are some of the most uncomfortable shoes known to man. When you walk into The 10th, you trade in ski boots for cozy slippers - it's heavenly! Make sure to make reservations... it fills up quickly. And, there are few restaurants who's views can top The 10th's. Try to get a seat next to a window... you won't be disappointed!

The 10th // mr.&mrs.h's favorites:
➺ Bloody Mary
➺ Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate (the best hot chocolate we've ever had!)
➺ Kobe Burger with Truffle Fries
➺ Bacon Hot Fudge Sundae, Butterscotch Ice Cream, and Banana Bread Brownie.  
-mr.&mrs.h

vert kitchen | denver, co

In her classic '80's hit Belinda Carlisle said, "Heaven is place on Earth" and when I'm at Vert Kitchen I have to agree. There are few things I love more than sitting on Vert's perfectly intimate patio enjoying great conversation over one of the freshest, most flavorful lunches in Colorado.  

Vert uses locally-grown, organic produce and all-natural, sustainable meats and you can taste the difference. All of their sandwiches, salads, and sides have the most mouthwatering flavor combinations... so much so that it's impossible not to steal a bite from your friend just to taste the deliciousness of another heavenly Vert creation. It's located in the charming neighborhood setting of West Wash Park. I can't think of a better way to spend a leisurely, Saturday afternoon in Denver than a walk through Wash Park finished with lunch at Vert. Every time I arrive in the Mile High City, Vert is the first place I want to go eat and it's always the place I crave most when we leave. 

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Lastly, don't step a toe outside of Vert's doors without trying their Fleur de Sel cookies. These cookies seriously are a form of heaven of Earth. They are more delectable than words can accurately describe, so just trust me and go try them (and all of Vert's other wonderful offerings) asap!
-mrs.h

true food kitchen

Have you ever wished that healthy eating was easy and always tasted great?  I've tried to eat a mainly raw diet several different times in the past few years, but the hassle and end result of most of my dishes deterred me from making it a lifestyle. But, as Marcus Mumford would say, "sigh no more" because Dr. Weil's True Food Kitchen takes all of my "road blocks" out of healthy eating and makes it convenient and tasty!

True Food Kitchen's slogan is "you don't have to be a die-hard Yogi to dine a True Food Kitchen" and it's so true. We were with a big group, some of us were intense health-nuts while others won't even eat a tomatoe. But, everyone walked away oohing-ahhing over their meal and their bodies thanked them for it too. 

The menu ranges from fresh salads to killer pizzas and juicy burgers. I've listed our favorite entrees below. But, I can't end without mentioned the "natural refreshments." These juices can't be missed on a trip to True Food Kitchen! They are all delicious and if you're with a group of people (who aren't weirded out by germs), I'd advise you to all order different juices because it's so fun to try a sip of all of them!

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Our suggestions: Wild Mushroom Pizza, Mediterranean Chopped Salad with shrimp, Grass Fed Bison Burger, and the Summer Market Salad. 

Find out if there's a True Food Kitchen near you!

lost valley ranch: the perfect summer vaca

July always feels like the hight of summer to me. There's nothing like the Fourth of July -- all that red, white, and blue; the hot dogs; and the heat -- to make you feel like summer is in full force. In an ode to summer, I want to highlight my all-time favorite "family summer vacation spot," Lost Valley Ranch.

Lost Valley Ranch is a place where I've made countless summer memories. My family started going to Lost Valley Ranch in the mid-90's. I would highly recommend it to any one looking for a great family vacation where you can really experience the West, create amazing family memories, and have activities that the kids will love! 

Lost Valley is located in Sedalia, CO. It's an easy trip from either Denver or Colorado Springs (Tip: If you fly into Colorado Springs, add a day or two onto your trip and stay at The Broadmoor. It's one of our favorite places to stay in the Springs.) From the food to the lodging, Lost Valley takes it's guests back to the classic "americana" family vacation. I can't imagine anything more perfect for a summer vacation.

Whether you're 7 or 77, you feel like a real cowboy or cowgirl out on the trails surrounding the ranch. (Note to parents: My siblings and I always hated when our parents put us in "kid programs" on vacation... until we came to Lost Valley. They have the most amazing Kids Staff and activities. We had so much fun we couldn't wait for our parents to drop us off each morning.) If you're not a expert horseman, not to worry, Lost Valley has excellent horses and they offer beginner to advanced rides every morning and afternoon. No matter you skill level, you'll be safe and happy getting to see the West on the back of a horse. Fishing, hiking, massage, swimming, and trapshooting are also options for guests who want to take a break from the saddle. 

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If you've been looking for that "perfect" summer vacation for your family, look no further than Lost Valley. And, when you go tell them mr.&mrs.h sent you! 
-mrs.h

Mex in Denver

Looking for the best tacos in Denver? Look no further than Pinche Tacos.

Thanks to the recommendation of fellow blogger Bradley Nesbitt (Flutter By), Mrs. H and I landed at Pinche Tacos during a recent trip to Denver.

I have to admit that growing up in Alabama didn't prepare me to be a Mexican food critic, but dating Mrs. H (well at the time Miss N) while she lived in Dallas did provide a rather speedy education.

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    Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey - sounds like a good recipe

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Our waitress, Riley, did a great job of steering us in the right direction. Her favorite Margarita is the Jalisco Donkey Show and her favorite taco is the Carnitas.

I have to agree with her on the Carnitas - the pork was so juicy and tender!

For this South Alabamian, Pince Tacos is a definite must when visiting the Mile High City.

-mr. h

"if you're going to San Francisco..."

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The Mama's and the Papa's advised those going to San Fran to wear flowers in their hair. Here at the mr.&mrs.h guide, we advise you to add another item to your list when heading to the City by the Bay... make a stop by Tartine Bakery.

Yesterday was my (mrs. h) birthday. I would give anything for the days when we lived in NorCal and would celebrate my b'day in SF. I made sure that we went to Tartine for breakfast to get a morning bun - my favorite. And, we'd usually make another stop that afternoon for a loaf of fresh baked bread--that is if we made it in time. The line starts before 4:30 p.m. (approximately the time when the loaves come out of the oven) if you don't get in line in time you'll miss your chance to taste the heavenly treat of Tartine's bread... plus what could be more perfect than enjoying bread in the city where sourdough became famous? (They have great lunch items too - salad/sandwiches, etc - if you're in the Mission District around lunchtime.)

So, if you're going to San Francisco be sure to stop by Tartine with some flowers in your hair.

-mrs.h