Lunch, Wine and a View

Summer in the Rockies is the best backdrop for a  picnic lunch. We all know that it tastes better. I love physical activity, but it must lead to a meal. An early hike with lunch on a rock with a view, or by the stream. Biking to a cafe is very civil. And of course my fav... pack it all on a horse and find a magical spot. Whatever your pleasure, make it special.

I always bring Andi-Le's large cloth napkins. Besides the obvious job of a napkin, we have used them as seats, turnicuts, headbands, and bandannas. They wrap wonderfully around a bottle of wine for cushion as we ride. Making the picnic special without a lot of effort. Give it a try. Memories are made around meals and the people you love.

Til next week, xx

Andrea

Summer scenes from Aspen

Summer in Aspen is a paradise. Just ask any one one the street. Everyone is glowing with joy, especially after the long winter (for the locals) and the lucky guests of the town are thrilled to be here. People are biking, horseback riding, rafting, hiking, shopping and dining al fresco. I have always called it, "Camp Aspen". Ahhh to be outside and smell the mountain air on crisp mornings. Besides all the physical activities, There are all the cultural and intellectual events. The Aspen Institute, Anderson Ranch Arts Center and the Aspen Museum are a few of the venues to expand your mind. Jazz Aspen, this spring featured   Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Hudson, and Susan Tedeschi. All in my backyard. It is hard to pick and choose from all the daily options. If you don't believe me... check out this site www.absolutelyaspen.com to see all activities in this tiny mountain town. It is really astonishing.

I thought I would share some of the beautiful sites of the town.

The Roaring Fork River

Always a Rainbow.

4th of July

The Motorcycles always lead the parade

The firetrucks are always a fav

Dogs are always invited to the party

The Aspen Yacht Club is a hidden paradise

Watching the Regatta from the Kayaks

Out on the trail

Bushwhacking down the cattle trail

Happy Happy Summer!

til next week, xx

Andrea

Trunk Show

Welcome to Summer. The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen is always the kickoff to summer. A little rain didn't stop the sold out venue.  Everyone is rushing from one wine tasting to another cooking demonstration. Celebrity chefs educate and the attendees relish in all their senses and taste a bunch of wine. It is exhausting! and so much fun.

The highlight for me was the Grand Cochon. 10 chefs, 10 pigs, 1 Crown. A ‘snout -to-tail’ menu created from heritage breed pigs. Using all parts of the pig,  winners from the 10-city tasting tour, won the chance to compete for the crown at the Classic.

The goal of the Cochon is to help family farms sustain and expand their businesses and to encourage breed diversity. The culinary experience increases awareness of the sources that support a more natural, sustainable food system. The events draw together top chefs, winemakers, farmers, thought-leaders, foodies, food media and responsible consumers to celebrate artisan foods and producers. The room at the Jerome was filled with people with a passion for pig...It was fabulous and filling.  The chef's creativity was over the top. Lipitor, I need you now!

CheQuers of Aspen is carrying the Andi-Le Tableware line and hosted an Trunk Show in celebration of the Food and Wine Classic.  Here are a few images of the event. Please stop by and see the line of placemats and napkins. Bring some energy and fun to your entertaining. CheQuers is the place to find great home accessories and gifts.

Till next week, xx

Andrea

Livin' on the edge (a little)

MFK Fisher - “Keep it simple, but with a dash of hazard.”

This is one of my favorite quotes from Mary Frances  Kennedy Fisher, the famed female writer who extrapolated lessons on life, from food and life in Aix en Provence in France.   I love her verve. Her fascination with food and cooking was all about about life and art.  Fisher's stories are beautifully written  metaphors.

This weekend June 17-19 is the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen.  It is the kickoff of the summer season and the launch of Andi-Le Tableware at Chequers of Aspen. Stop by and the store and say hello, 5-7:00 PM  Friday and Saturday June 17-18. Browse the fabulous home accessories, get some great tips on entertaining, napkin origami and the "Art of the Table". Wine and hors d'oeuvres are provided by Chef C. Barkley Dodge. Chequers is located at 520 East Cooper St see the new collection. .

“Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.” Another great quote from Mary Frances that I live by... Make it fun, be creative and enjoy the process!

Til next week xx

Andrea

Scenes of Spring

Is winter over?When I moved to Aspen, as a full time resident, 17 years ago, I learned that no one plants anything until after Memorial day. Spring teases us with warm days and then BAM! more snow. Nightly, covering up my delicate flowers and keeping my fingers crossed . Now I just wait it out.

This year the mountain opened on Memorial day weekend for those who still haven't had enough. We have had a stellar amount of rain and snow this spring and the run-off could be epic!

Meanwhile here at the Ranch, we are busy getting getting summer underway.This involves a teams of workers. Window washers, painters, landscapers. The sprinklers must be turned on, the outdoor fireplace needs a tune-up and of course a Mr fix-it.

Gardening, is the most important thing in our world at this time. With such a short season, we need to get it gorgeous to get out and enjoy. Flowers, vegetables and herbs are planted and loads of ibuprofen are ingested. All the aches and pains disappear as we sit on out on the patio and know we have the next four months of summertime. Below are springtime images from Aspen.

Our vegetable garden

The crab apple tree in bloom and our water fall

The view of Snowmass Mountain taken on a horseback ride

The Roaring Fork River really is roaring

til next week, xx

Andrea