Perfect Pairings at Stem Cider
While Colorado holds the wonderful title of craft beer leaders, we are also home to many local wineries, cideries and coffee houses. The Ultra5280 Lifestyle section has had the privilege to try almost all of our state's staples and we will continue to do so long as there are more to try! Tuesday night we took it upon ourselves to branch outside of our white IPA and saison obsessions and taste some local apple inspired hard cider. We ventured into RiNo for Stem Cider's weekly Tuesday's Cider & Sides featuring four ciders paired with four pies from Long I Pie downtown.
Stem Cider opened January 2014 with just three ciders on tap and now have over 20 ciders that they rotate weekly based on the season. In addition to great hard cider, they host fun events like Trivia nights, bluegrass bands and special tasting events. Stem Cider's Tuesday night pairings are different each week, matching hard ciders with sides such as cheeses, pizza, macaroni, pie, etc. from different local eateries. For $20 patrons get to try the four selected ciders with four samples of whatever the side of the night is at their own pace from 6-9pm.
Here's the lineup for last Tuesday's Cider & Long I Pie and our thoughts:
"Redhead's Revenge" (Sweet potato ginger pie) & L'Acier Cider
The pie was a typical sweet potato flavor and consistency tasting like mashed sweet potatoes with ginger and brown sugar mixed in and surrounded by a thick flaky crust. The cider was crisp, acidic and not very apple flavored, reminding us more of a white wine.
"Grandma's Pie" (Spiced apple cranberry) & Crabby Neighbor Cider
The pie was a blend of soft cinnamon apples and cranberries minus all the gooey, sugary pie filling in most apple pies, fully surrounded by a thick flaky crust. Paired well with the tart, fresh taste of the cider made from Granny Smith and crab apples and aged to soften the sour flavors up a bit.
"Honey Flower" (Salted lavender honey) & Remedy Cider
This pie was our unexpected favorite! Who knew a lavender honey pie was so divine?! This was our first experience with such a pie and we are fans for life. While this isn't a typical holiday pie because of the summer ingredients, it is just as decadent and delicious as all the pumpkin cheesecakes and pecan pies. It smelled and tasted like a lavender creme brûlée, but with more texture. The Remedy cider tastes very much like a white IPA. Very heavy on the hops for those who don't drink much beer as it is dry hopped with cascade and citra hops. We felt it overwhelmed and clashed with the delicate flavors of the Honey Flower pie. But we are excited to introduce this cider to our wheat impaired beer nostalgic buddies!
"Drunken Nut" (bourbon chocolate pecan) & Branch & Bramble Cider
I love a good pecan pie for the holidays and I especially love a pie with whiskey or bourbon in it, I've been making them that way since before I was 21. So kudos there! This Drunken Nut lived up to my expectations with a thick inside that wasn't just that sugary corn syrup filling, but flavor and pecan dense. The nuts had a nice toasty crunchy texture and a rich but slightly bitter chocolate to round out the overall taste that was somewhere between sweet and savory. The Brand & Bramble cider it was paired with was almost sweeter in comparison and didn't really match the flavors in the pie. Instead, it was fresh, floral and fruity, and would have been great with the Grandma's Pie. Luckily, no one is orchestrating the tastings so you are free to taste and pair as you please.
Redhead's Revence & L'Acier
We were surprised to learn that the Ciders and Sides was a weekly occurrence and could not be more excited to see what our friends at Stem roll out for the next pairing. On top of their weekly events, Stem is also host to a plethora of board games and day time activities... Your first Bumble date, girls night out, and friends in town activities just got easier to plan! See you next Tuesday!
http://stemciders.com/ http://thelongipie.com/
The Weekend | 11 Denver Events to Kick-Off the Fall Season
Today officially marks the first day of fall, but Denverites are not buckling down in preparation of the coming cold. Rather than morn the end of summer, Denver is jumping into the season with more drinks, more bpms, and as always, just the right amount of weirdness (Weird Touch @ Syntax). Wether your ideal weekend is one in neons in the lights of Big Gigantic or swaying to the gentle vibes of The Album Leaf, like always, there's something for everyone in the Mile High city. Venture out and see what Denver has to offer.
FRIDAY, 9/23
Photo: Jim Mimna
Big Gigantic @ Red Rocks
Coming on the heels of their two sold-out headlining shows at New York City’s Terminal 5 and the release of their new single “The Little Things,” acclaimed electronic music group BIG GIGANTIC is to play Red Rocks both Friday and Saturday. The fifth installment of the Boulder-based duo’s massive hometown show—voted the #1 EDM show by Denver’s Westword in 2012 termed "RowdyTown V". Tickets here.
Show Ya Teef! Hosted by The Black Actors Guild
8 PM - 9 PM
Crossroads Denver Theater
(2590 Washington St)
Tickets here.
10$
Come and see why The Black Actors Guild has collected "Best of" Westword awards two years in a row in the return of the crtically acclaimed "Show Ya Teef" comedy experience.
Show ya Teef is a high octane, interactive improv show full of original creations of all kinds. Be prepared to get involved, witness incredible talent, and take part in a slice of Denver culture!!
Local Natives @ The Ogden Theatre
16 & UP
8:00PM
Tickets: $32.50
Door Price: $35.00
Purchase here.
Come out and see the Local Natives debut their album Sunlit Youth. Digital download included with every ticket you order for this show.
Sassmouth, Alala.one, & Ejay pt. Hosted by Nocturnal
$10 at the door
11 PM - 5 AM
EKŌ HOUSE (5201 York St)
Musical exploration focused on duality and community.
SATURDAY, 9/24
The Album Leaf @ The Bluebird Theater
3317 E. Colfax Ave
16 & UP
8:00PM
Known for their artful light shows, A+ performance and tranquility, this show is the perfect way to spend your Saturday.
Renegade Craft Fair
Exdo Event Center (1399 35th St)
Saturday & Sunday 11 AM- 6 PM
Groove to sweet jams, as you browse world-class design and handcrafted goods by nearly 100 carefully selected indie Makers and artisans, including jewelry and accessories, home decor, apothecary, and art. Nom on treats by local trucks and food favorites, and enjoy an assortment of pre-packaged items by Dead Dog Chocolate, Strongwater, Teakoe Tea, T-We Tea, The Sophisticate's Tea, RedCamper, and Beautiful Briny Sea.
RiNO Oktoberfest
11am-10pm
The Rackhouse (2875 Blake Street)
Described as a 'bier drinking event', travel to Europe in the comfort of your favorite city. Ticket includes entrance to the festivities, your 0,5l mug, one liter of bier, and a donation to the RINO Art District, 'getting your good deed of the day out of the way' and buzzed in one fell swoop.
Check out more information and ticket pricing here.
Attending Breweries:
Great Divide Brewing Co.
Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Epic Brewing Company - Denver Taproom
C Squared Ciders
Ratio Beerworks
Our Mutual Friend Brewery
Beryl's Beer Co.
Black Shirt Brewing Co
Zephyr Brewing Company
Mockery Brewing
Stem Ciders
Weird Touch @ Syntax
9 PM- 2 AM
5$ Door Price
21+
Come get weird at Syntax this Saturday, 'all-vinyl dark disco, indie dance and weird house dance night'. It's sure to get you in touch with your dark side. The last Saturday of each month at Syntax.
Jazz on the Patio
4:20 PM - 8 PM
Vine Street Pub & Brewery (1700 Vine St)
Swingin' Denver and Vine Street Pub & Brewery present "Jazz on the Patio". The event features a free swing dancing lesson and live music provided by two of the best swing/jazz bands in town! Be ready for a West Patio party! We will be serving up our favorite beers and creating a special "picnic pack" special. Come support two of Denver's best features, Live Music and Great Beer!
Swing lesson: 4:20-5pm
Odessa Rose: 5pm-6:15
La Pompe Jazz 6:30pm-8:00
SUNDAY, 9/25
Westword Dish Hosted by Stella Artois
11 AM - 3:30 PM
Sculpture Park (1700 Speer Blvd)
21 +
DISH, Denver's all-inclusive food-and-drink sampling event, returns to Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. This 22nd annual celebration of the local dining scene will feature 40+ favorite restaurants of Westword food writers and readers. Beverage samplings from exclusive beer sponsor, Stella Artois, and other liquor sponsors, as well as a smokin' area dedicated to barbecue.
Adelitas, Syrup, Little Man Ice Cream, The Real Dill, Aikopops, Onefold, Biker Jim's, Americatus, Interstate Kitchen, Neighbors Wine Bar, Milk & Cake, Brazen, Keenwah, CO, Il Porcellino, The Orange Crunch, Frijoles Colorado, Amore Gelato, Jozi's Kitchen & Sheebeen, FIRE at the Art, a hotel and many more will all be dishing samples at DISH.
The Last Light- Zombie Shoot @ Flat Acres Farm
7 PM - 10 PM
11321 Dransfeldt Rd, Parker, Colorado 80134
30$
Come on out to enjoy the ride through the field and maze while shooting live Zombies. Admission includes the Gun, ammunitions and protective face gear provided by Fox Airsoft.
Tickets here.
Lifestyle | What We Thought of the Fleakin' Flea
It’s official! 2016’s first Flea of the year reigned in over 20,000 people this past weekend! And it was quite the spectacle too, as happy hipsters, baby wielding dilfs and local goods enthusiasts flooded the streets of Denver’s River North district. The crowds did surprise us, mainly due to the sheer chaos downtown that surrounded the launch of Denver’s new A Line... which had a wait of nearly two hours out of Union Station! Promptly abandoning our initial decision to check out the A Line launch party, we decided to ditch the lines and opt for artisan vendors, booze and to our excitement even more lines!
The Flea was already pretty packed by the time we arrived an hour after it opened on Saturday the 23rd. It was also larger than we expected, spanning out on all sides of the ExDo building. There were booths lined along three sides of the venue coupled with a food truck courtyard, complete with seven food trucks and two ice cream trucks. The bars kept the lines moving as thirsty shoppers flooded their fronts hoping for New Belgium craft, margaritas, cocktails and other domestic spirits.
The long lines, excitement and flawless djing from veteran flea curator, Tobias Krause caused some of our four legged friends to take shameless (and adorable) naps right in the center of the of all the commotion.
There were over 150 vendors this time making it one of the largest Denver Flea’s to date and what seemed like one of the most popular (next to their super Holiday Flea we reported on early December). As usual, there were lots of clothing companies, body products, homemade foods and jewelry, all kinds of art and some unique home goods and furnishings.
One of the reasons we've flocked to the Denver Flea numerous times is the diversity of unique finds situated in a fun, party-like atmosphere. You're always greeted with a boozy beverage ticket, lots of local snack samples and plenty of pretty people watching. Between all the stunning handmade pieces, art, clothes, food and people, the Flea is a nonstop beauty overload. You will most likely leave with a couple cool new things, a full tummy, plenty of FitBit steps, and a renewed appreciation for the artistic spirit thriving within Denver.
Here's to lookin' at you Summer Flea. Fleak on, fleaks. Fleak on...
Lifestyle | Calling All Fleaks! | Spring Flea - April 23rd & 24th
The Spring Flea will take Denver's River North district by storm this weekend as over 100 vendors flood the streets for an indoor/outdoor market celebration! We promise you this is not an event to miss, so many local and unique finds, your closet and friends with Spring birthdays will thank you. Not in the shopping mood? Don't fret! Chill out in their lounge by HW Home, throw back a few New Belgium beers and enjoy music by local artists. Click here to get your tickets ahead of time!
The Logistics:
When: Saturday/Sunday, April 23rd & 24th
Where: EXDO Event Center (1399 35th Street, Denver, CO)
What: Entrance costs $5, but includes 1 free drink ticket.
Vendors To Keep An Eye On:
The Real Dill
Billie
Craft Boner
Spinster Sisters
Lifestyle | Friday Night Bazaar
Guess what? There’s a hip new event in Denver’s RiNo district every Friday night, hard to believe, right? In case you haven’t heard about it (gasp) or gotten to go yet, I will give you the rundown.
Friday Night Bazaar launched four Fridays ago in a cool warehouse right next to Denargo Farm & Truck food trucks. It will continue every Friday from 6pm to midnight as “a highly focused, weekly artisan event that combines vintage crafts, food, and live music.” When you first arrive there may be a little line, but I made good use of my time by eating a bowl full of something warm and delicious from one of the many food trucks outside. They ranged from BBQ, Indian, Tacos, Pizzas, Crock Pot themed, and gourmet grilled cheeses.
Once inside the donation-based event there are a few more food options, which also change frequently, as well as free samples. According to their Facebook page, which will give you some insight each week on what to expect, one new vendor this Friday will be Kettle Head Popcorn. They offer unique flavors, including organic, gluten free & cooked fresh-to-order popcorn at the Bazaar. Also featured will be Red Camper’s Picnic Supply line, with six different marmalades infused with various spirits. Perfect for morning toast, right? There was also some all-natural, homemade beef jerky and ginger beer, baked goods, salsas, and Mile High Urban Farmscaping was teaching people how to design, plan & cultivate their own food.
In addition to all the food vendors were of course a good range of local artists looking to sell their craft. Over the two Fridays I have been, there was a lot of lovely handmade jewelry, some beautiful textiles made into purses, pillowcases, etc., environmental art, flora & fauna, paintings, custom woodwork and vintage clothes for sale.
And to set the mood for all of this good shopping and food sampling was live music and a wrap around bar! The live music acts change each Friday, the two times I went they were some form of upbeat jazzy rock or swing, one act playing at the beginning & one towards the end. There is an area in front of the stage to dance, and people weren’t afraid to use it. Behind that, and on both ends of the center bar, are wooden picnic tables for people to eat, drink, and be merry. Although the Bazaar gets busy, people are continually trickling in and out so you can snag a seat eventually. And when you eventually, or immediately, get over to order yourself a drink there is a decent selection with a red & white wine, Deep Eddy Vodka, a few featured cocktails of the night, a few beers, and sodas.
The Friday Night Bazaar is worth checking out, and I personally like that it opens (and actually draws a crowd) at six pm so I don’t have to wait to get my Friday night started. I am also excited to check out their summer counterpart, The Big Wonderful. It started last year, and reopens next month, Saturday May 2 in a big grassy field at 26th & Lawrence.
Located at 3530 Brighton Blvd. Denver, CO
https://www.facebook.com/fridaynightbazaar
http://shop.redcamper.com/collections/picnic-supply
-Tiffany Candelaria