Denver Foodie Adventure: A Culinary Journey Through Chocolates, Artisan Cheeses & Effortless Steamed Mussels
Last Friday, my husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary, a truly special milestone. Instead of a traditional dinner, we decided to embark on a delightful “Foodie Day” adventure in Denver, just the two of us. This wasn’t just any day out; it was a carefully curated culinary exploration, starting with a cherished anniversary tradition: my husband getting me exquisite truffles. While our local Fort Collins area lacks dedicated artisan chocolate shops, Denver provided the perfect backdrop for a comprehensive taste test. Join us as we recount our unforgettable day, discovering hidden gems and savoring every bite, culminating in an unexpectedly simple yet delicious homemade meal.
Indulging in Denver’s Sweetest Treats: A Chocolate Lover’s Paradise
Our anniversary “truffle hunt” began bright and early after dropping our son off at school. First on our list was Enstrom’s Chocolates, a name synonymous with exceptional toffee in Colorado. This renowned company, which originated in Grand Junction, has expanded its reach with several locations across the state. Visiting their flagship store in Grand Junction, where you can actually watch the chocolate-making process, is an experience we’re eagerly anticipating in October! During our Denver stop, I sampled a selection of their truffles, which were good, but it was their legendary toffee that truly stole the show. Its buttery, crunchy perfection left such a lasting impression that I already know what I’ll be stocking up on during our next visit.
Next, we ventured into Roberta’s Chocolates, a whimsical establishment that proved to be incredibly fun and unique. This isn’t your average chocolate shop; they embrace creativity with offerings like chocolate-covered bacon, and chocolates molded to resemble deviled eggs and light bulbs! Beyond the novelty, Roberta’s boasts an impressive array of fresh fudge in exciting flavors such as “cookie jar,” classic toffee, and even a “Broncos” themed variety. The truffles here were a definite highlight for me. I particularly adored the rich Butterscotch Caramel and the surprisingly refreshing Rootbeer truffles – flavors I wouldn’t typically expect but thoroughly enjoyed. The playful atmosphere and innovative confections made Roberta’s a memorable stop on our chocolate tour.
Beyond Chocolate: A Journey Through Artisan Bread and Fine Cheeses in Denver
Our foodie day wasn’t solely dedicated to chocolate, much to my husband’s delight! We also planned to visit a couple of artisan cheese shops. En route to our first cheese destination, we happily “stumbled” upon The Denver Bread Company, an unexpected gem. The moment we stepped inside, the air was filled with an intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread. The friendly lady at the counter was incredibly helpful, guiding us through their impressive selection. What made their daily special Jalapeno Corn Bread truly unique was the finely ground cornmeal, giving it the soft, yielding texture of regular bread, rather than the coarser crumb often associated with cornbread. It was absolutely incredible. I later transformed some of it into French toast for my husband, and he raved about it! The Denver Bread Company is also famous for its gigantic Boule, a massive round loaf. We bought one and ended up cutting it into quarters to freeze, ensuring we could savor its deliciousness over time.
After our delightful bread detour, we finally arrived at St. Kilian’s Cheese Shop. While I wouldn’t call myself a huge cheese enthusiast, my husband certainly is, and he thoroughly enjoyed sampling various cheeses to find his favorites. He walked away with two exceptional selections: Valedon, a robust blue cheese from Spain traditionally wrapped in grape leaves, offering a unique flavor profile, and a generous wedge of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano. The shop also boasted an impressive selection of high-quality Italian cured meats, making it a true haven for charcuterie lovers.
A Midday Culinary Delight: Pizza Perfection at Osteria Marco
Regrettably, I was so immersed in the moment that I forgot to capture any photos of our lunch, but rest assured, it was absolutely incredible. We dined at Osteria Marco, a highly-regarded Italian restaurant nestled in downtown Denver, renowned for its exceptional pizzas. Of course, that’s precisely what we ordered! I chose the Carbonara pizza, a rich and decadent choice topped with a perfectly fried egg. When my husband sliced into it, the yolk deliciously oozed over the savory ingredients, creating an explosion of flavor. He opted for the Spicy Italian Sausage pizza, which was perfectly balanced with caramelized onions and a subtle kick from Fresno chili peppers. Both of us unequivocally declared it the best pizza we had eaten in years – a truly memorable meal that perfectly punctuated our foodie tour.
Another Artisan Cheese Stop: The Truffle Cheese Shop
Following our amazing lunch, our gastronomic journey continued to another dedicated cheese establishment: The Truffle Cheese Shop. This adorable little shop immediately charmed us. Beyond offering an exquisite selection of cheeses, they also stocked supplies for aspiring cheesemakers, an interesting touch for enthusiasts. I was particularly struck by the sheer size of their Parmesan wedges – the largest I had ever seen! My husband, ever the connoisseur, sampled a few more varieties and ultimately settled on Comte, a magnificent Alpine cow’s milk cheese originating from Eastern France. Its nutty, fruity notes were a testament to its quality and craftsmanship.
Sweet Endings: Delights from Molly & Maggie’s Bakery
Right next door to The Truffle Cheese Shop, we discovered Molly & Maggie’s, a charming little bakery that was simply too inviting to pass by. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a delightful aroma and an impressive display of cupcakes, cookies, and various bars, including some gluten-free options. As a chocolate lover, I naturally gravitated towards the chocolate cupcake generously topped with a rich Nutella buttercream – pure bliss! My husband, on the other hand, chose a classic vanilla bean cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a tempting raspberry crumb bar. The cupcakes were incredibly moist and bursting with flavor, exceeding all expectations. While I didn’t get a chance to try the crumb bar, my husband assured me it was equally delicious, quickly becoming a new favorite.
A Stop at the Butcher: Premium Steaks and Fresh Seafood
To truly broaden our culinary horizons and gather ingredients for future gourmet meals, we made an exciting stop at a local meat market. Unfortunately, I was so captivated by the selection that I forgot to snap any pictures! The variety of different cuts of meat was astounding. We’ve often talked about trying our hand at preparing prime cut steaks at home, so we decided to splurge a little and picked up two magnificent New York strips. The market also boasted an impressive seafood counter, and the mussels had literally just been flown in that very day. My husband, a keen seafood enthusiast, simply couldn’t resist their freshness and appeal. Later, these prime steaks proved to be absolutely incredible; they just melted in your mouth. While prime cut meat can certainly be pricey, the experience rivals that of an expensive steakhouse, making it a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions.
Our Final Sweet Stop: Dietrich’s Chocolates
As our incredible foodie day in Denver drew to a close, we made one final stop at Dietrich’s Chocolates, a charming, smaller shop located conveniently close to Denver University. By this point, time was of the essence, as we needed to head back to pick up our son from school. Despite the rush, I was thrilled to discover they had my all-time favorite truffle flavor: Amaretto! The rich almond liqueur-infused chocolate was a perfect cap to our sweet journey. My husband, meanwhile, selected a colossal pecan caramel turtle, a delectable treat that was almost a meal in itself. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with delicious discoveries, even if it was a quick dash.
Bringing the Day Home: Discovering the Ease of Steamed Mussels
We arrived home just in time to pick up our son, and with the fresh mussels we’d acquired, I suddenly had a delicious challenge: learning how to prepare them for dinner! To my surprise, steamed mussels are incredibly easy to make. I followed a simple recipe, and the results were phenomenal. My husband absolutely loved them, and I’m certain this delightful dish will become a regular feature in our household very soon. The fresh ingredients we picked up throughout our Denver foodie day truly inspired a wonderful homemade meal.
I truly hope you enjoyed reading about our anniversary foodie day as much as we enjoyed living it! If you ever find yourself in the Denver area, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by and exploring these wonderful establishments. Every single one was a hit, offering unique flavors and memorable experiences. From artisanal chocolates to gourmet cheeses, delectable pizzas, and the surprising ease of cooking fresh seafood, our culinary adventure was a resounding success.
Easy Steamed Mussels in Garlic, Butter & Wine Sauce
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 2 Tbls Butter
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
- Parsley to garnish
- Crusty bread for dipping
Instructions
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, typically 3-5 minutes.
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Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to combine evenly.
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Pour in the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
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Carefully add the cleaned mussels to the pot, then cover tightly with a lid. Stir the mussels every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The mussels will be fully cooked and opened after approximately 10 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
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Transfer all the mussels and their delicious broth into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with plenty of crusty bread for dipping!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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