One of the best ways to dive into the culture of a region is to eat the food. Travelling in Europe this was an easy thing to do as neighboring countries frequently used diverse assortments of ingredients, spices and cooking methods. In the United States, however, such diversity is more often the exception. For example, there is practically no different between the cuisine of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Connecticut. Maryland is famous for crabs, Maine and Massachusetts for lobster but there the differences end. Colorado, however, is a different story. The Centennial State straddles the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, imbibing culinary influences from both. This article details some of the signature dishes that a visitor to Colorado should make a point to try.
Chili – If you’ve never had chili out west, you’ve probably never experienced just how intricate, diverse and delicious this dish can be. Chili in Colorado comes in many different varieties. Oskar Blues brewpub in Longmont services chili made with elk and bison along with a side of corn bread. The Lazy Dog sports bar in downtown Boulder makes pork green chili. Inspired by my surroundings, I make it a point to make chili at least once a month between October and April. One of the great benefits to making chili in Colorado is the diversity of the meat and beer, two integral ingredients to a great chili. I prefer to use bison meat with a bottle of Hazed and Infused (Boulder Beer), jalapeño peppers and at least three different kinds of beans.
Rocky Mountain Oysters – It’s sort of an urban legend among servers in Colorado that tourists occasionally order this staple of cattle country expecting sea food. However, the truth is that most tourists know what they are (pan fried bull testicles) and if they don’t their server will tell them just to be sure. Still, most bars carry Rocky Mountain Oysters and people do order them. I first tried this delicacy at the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in Nederland last March. As part of the festivities, First Street Pub and Grill hosted an “oyster” eating contest. Samples of the delicacy were also available on the bar. After some soul searching I tried a piece. I have to tell you, they’re not half bad. Rocky Mountain Oysters are tender and taste a bit like tofu or soy chicken. With horseradish and catsup they’re actually a savory snack. Since then I’ve ordered a few baskets at the Lazy Dog or the Dark Horse, sports bars that both sell this dish of the plains.
Elk – The Rocky Mountains are elk country. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and you’re likely to see hundreds of these majestic ungulates. Frequently you’ll also see harems of elk descend into the town of Estes Park itself eating grass and landscaping along the side of the road. It’s not easy to get a hold of elk meat to cook for yourself; you’re best bet is to know a hunter. However, there are a number of restaurants that serve elk in one form or another. Fine dining restaurants like the Green Briar Inn, Flagstaff Restaurant or the Red Lion in Boulder all serve elk steaks. I had elk tenderloin at the Green Briar once. It was a bit overcooked but tasted pretty much exactly like venison. The Wapiti Restaurant in downtown Estes Park actually serves elk burgers which are a bit greasy but tasty nonetheless. Roadside stands and country stores throughout Colorado also sell elk jerky.
Edibles – Colorado is at the forefront of the medical marijuana industry nationwide. Boulder, Denver, Nederland, Estes Park and many other towns have MMJ dispensaries that operate according to state guidelines. Patients with valid MMJ red cards can go to these dispensaries to purchase cannabis products for private consumption. For those who prefer not to smoke, a number of licensed gourmet food companies have sprung up to provide patients with their medicine in the form of food and drink. Dispensaries now sell gourmet quality cookies, brownies, granola bars and even cheesecakes that have been prepared with “cannabutter.” Keef Cola is a softdrink made with cannabis while Cheeba Chews are marijuana in gum form. Ganga Gourmet in Denver serves marijuana infused products from pizza to chocolate cake.