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Is there anything better than a crisp Sunday morning in Colorado Springs? With a hint of rain scenting the air and the mountains stretching across the horizon? How about a spectacular brunch? One that offers bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s for only $10? Sound too good to be true? 

Well, look no further than Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern—a cozy little place tucked into a corner of northern Colorado Springs that gives you a perfect view of the mountainscape from the patio. The building exudes southern charm with whitewashed boards on the exterior and warm rich wooden tones on the interior. Bourbon barrels line the walls and mouthwatering southern smells permeate over the expanse of tables and booths.

And if the food wasn’t enough to seal the deal for me as Bourbon Brother’s being one of my new favorite finds in Colorado Springs, then the service certainly would’ve! The entire staff was friendly and our waitress went above and beyond to brighten an already wonderful day. With two toddlers in tow, she made sure to make them laugh and chat with them. As a mama let me tell you this makes a world of difference. I have to be selective about the establishments I take my family to and when I find one with not only delicious food but outstanding service that is kid-friendly? Forget about it! I’m all in!
 
Bourbon Brother’s Smokehouse and Tavern is clearly a brunch master but I’ll be heading back on lunch and dinner dates too! 

Cheers, 

ML

Molly E. Lee is an associate copywriter at Amy Puchaty Communications - a Denver-Boulder-based copywriting firm specializing in luxury real estate marketing and creative copy that inspires. Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

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​Craving a casual dining experience with five-star flavor? Look no further than Colorado’s own Crave Real Burgers. Perfect for families, girl’s night, or parent’s night out, this laid-back eatery delivers the best of both worlds—a chill atmosphere with killer food.
 
Friendly staff greet you upon entering the quaint shop filled with delicious scents of grilled to order dishes. One look at the menu and you instantly recognize that Crave isn’t messing around when it comes to creativity. Buckle up and leave your inhibitions at the door, because these burgers came to play.
 
With unique names like the Krusty, Luther, and Nutty Professor, these dishes are all they’re cracked up to be with out-of-this-world flavor combinations. Such perfectly-twisted combos include: Not Your Mama’s, a burger with cremini mushrooms, swiss, parmesan, onion strings, ketchup, and truffle mayo. The Campfire with a buffalo patty, raspberry BBQ sauce, crispy poblano rings, pepper jack, chipotle mayo, ketchup and avocado. There is even a peanut butter bacon jalapeno burger, a lamb patty and poblano burger, and so many more.
 
The husband opted for Not Your Mama’s and paired it with a bloody Mary that rivaled the best brunch spots. And even though I’ve been incredibly lucky in love, I opted for the Love Stinks--Crave’s award-winning burger. 
 
This perfectly seasoned patty was cooked exactly as ordered and slathered in a creamy garlic mayo, topped with crispy onions, roasted red peppers, a garlic cream cheese, and the mother of all candied bacon. Seriously, this bacon was so good I contemplated asking for a half-pound of it diced and stuffed into a waffle cone. Unfortunately, that challenge proved futile as I cleaned my plate—the burger’s flavor combos were unmatched and the delicate side of fries were perfectly crispy and salted.
 
A longing glance at the milkshake offerings put a smile on my happily sated face. The gloriously addictive bacon makes an appearance in their Velvet Elvis milkshake, giving me hope for the next time. Because with burgers this mouthwatering there will always be a next time. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming about that candied bacon.

Cheers, 

ML

Molly E. Lee is an associate copywriter at Amy Puchaty Communications - a Denver-Boulder-based copywriting firm specializing in luxury real estate marketing and creative copy that inspires. Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

A chilly night in the middle of spring provided the perfect opportunity to take a trip down The Rabbit Hole. At the bequest of a fellow author friend, we met for a late supper and some much-needed creative chit-chat. What better place for two bookworms to score some downtime than a restaurant boasting an Alice in Wonderland theme?
 
Situated in the middle of the sidewalk, The Rabbit Hole immediately transports you by ushering you down two flights of strangely narrow stairs. Commands like Push Me and Pull Me aid wandering patrons who happen upon the glass door entrance. Muted colored lights and smooth tunes set the mood as you find your table—a cozy atmosphere with a mish-mash collection of booths, barstools, and dark wood with plenty of secluded corners for conversation. A variety of white rabbit themed art adorns the walls and in a variety of sizes and shapes, creating the perfect fun-house, otherworldly feel.
 
A menu offering everything from local beef burgers to bacon wrapped rabbit meatloaf makes the Eat Meorder easy to follow. Eclectic Drink Mecocktails provide the perfect pairing to whichever dinner adventure you’ve chosen to partake in. While the White Rabbit--a vanilla martini with a flaming marshmallow on top—is their most popular, who could resist The Mad Hatter? A Colorado Bourbon Manhattan on the rocks? I don’t need a calligraphy label to tell me which one to choose.
 
Warm booths tucked into separate rooms with rock walls and paint splattered borders, remind me of some of the best pubs I visited in London. Food made in house, drinks created to call to any literature lover’s heart, this is one experience that shouldn’t be missed when heading downtown. 
 
Be well-prepared to lose a few hours underground indulging in the best the Rabbit Hole has to offer. The time-suspending effect was welcomed after the daily grind, and the trippy dining ambiance will leave you asking yourself: Why is a raven like a writing desk? The answer lies beneath downtown Colorado Springs, where the food transforms and the cocktails are magic. 

Cheers,

ML

​Molly E. Lee is an associate copywriter at Amy Puchaty Communications - a Denver-Boulder-based copywriting firm specializing in luxury real estate marketing and creative copy that inspires. Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

Now this is exciting news! Huge congrats are in order for Boulder's own Alpine Modern Café for being named one of the best places to buy coffee in the world by Financial Times. Ethan and I love to pop into Alpine Modern after our hikes along the Chautauqua Trail, and sit outside on the deck with an espresso, or cappuccino.

Their coffee is really, really good. Trust me, I am somewhat of a coffee aficionado. You know the type. One of those people who grinds the whole beans and uses filtered water in their home brew. Yep, that's me. I live for a good cup of coffee, a perfectly poured Americano, an artfully frothed latte. Just writing about it makes me want one!

​E and I stumbled upon this little gem when we moved back to Boulder earlier this year and fell in love. Excellent service, friendly people, chic atmosphere (yet totally laid back) plus an ideal location inside a restored Chautauqua cabin nestled in the Central-Hill neighborhood. One look inside and you'll be plotting your next #instaworthy post, and rounding up your pals for a coffee date. Below is a snap of E's drink. Just look at those heart-shaped swirls. Oh, and did I mention they also serve wine and beer? No matter who you come with, Alpine Modern Café aims to please.
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For a laid back evening out nothing beats a cozy corner booth at The Lounge enjoying a few bubbles and bites with friends. Whether you're pre-gaming for a show, or spending quality time with your significant other, this trendy watering hole affords several things I look for in a "lounge" - cool cocktails, eclectic digs, and snappy service. The Lounge, located right next door to the iconic Boulder Theatre, has all three and more.

First, let's talk about what surprised me the most - the food. You can browse the menu here. Who knew the little hole-in-the-wall "theatre bar" offered such tasty eats?! Their menu includes a delectable array of small plates, charcuterie, gourmet sandwiches, and build-your-own flatbreads. We ordered the prosciutto sandwich on toasted baguette with chèvre, dressed in a balsamic reduction and fresh greens. It arrived on a slate cheese board - bonus points IMO. I found the meat-to-cheese-to-drizzle ratio just right, and the sweet and savory combination of crisp prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, warm bread, and delicate balsamic greens were in a word - perfection.

I sipped a glass of Prosecco, while my husband enjoyed a local brew, however the beverage menu has so much more to offer than that. Next time I'll try one of the signature craft cocktails like Rosemary's Sipper, a concoction of Fireside bourbon, rosemary simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of bitters, or the Peg Leg Punch, with pineapple infused Peg Leg rum, a squeeze of fresh lime, and cinnamon simple syrup - simply typing the ingredients of these lounge libations makes my mouth water. The Lounge also serves fine wines by the glass and microbrews, with nightly specials ranging from 1/2 price wines-by-the-glass Wednesdays, and the ever so cheerful late night $6 beer + a shot after 9:00p.m. - if you're into that sort of thing.

Thirdly, the atmosphere. It's a tiny, quaint place, dimly lit with exposed brick, featuring a classic wooden bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to 14th Street. The setting is warm and textural, but nothing too fancy - just a couple of corner booths outfitted with fluffy cushions and velvet throw pillows, met by a number of barstools, tables and chairs. Faint music plays in the background, but I'm sure during concert hours the 111-year-old venue would bump tunes right through the wall, and make you feel as if you have a front row seat. Another perk - The Lounge is connected to a side entrance for ticket holders to effortlessly head into the show. 

Next up, the service. As someone who formerly waitressed her way through college, I can vouch for the friendly and attentive service staff at The Lounge. From the chatty bartender riffing with the locals, to our skillful and congenial waitress, to the additional hands who helped refill waters and clear plates, everyone made an effort to provide us with a relaxed, yet top-notch lounge experience.

See! Look at our happy faces. It was a Friday night after a long week. We are both overworked, tired, and rallying for a night out with friends, yet we're smiling and having a blast. That says a lot. A little friendliness and tasty beverage go a long way in my book. Additionally, the venue itself was, as always, a fabulous place to catch a show. The history of the building is fascinating! You can read about it here. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself. There are so many reasons to love a date night out at The Boulder Theatre Lounge.

Cheers and happy sipping, 

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work has appeared in numerous print and digital publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

​I’m not sure if it was the exposed brick walls, the glimmering chandelier, or the mocktails made of lemon curd and fresh rosemary, but this little gem off Erie’s historic Main Street had me at hello. I first visited 24 Carrot Bistro back in December 2016 while on a business trip with my husband. With a few hours to kill before our flight, we zeroed in on a warm spot to shake off the winter chill and landed at 24 Carrot - a must-eat, farm-to-table bistro that has now become our favorite place for craft cocktails and “food that gets you thinking.”

​Since moving back to Boulder we make it over to 24 Carrot often - for date night, for lunch, for the occasional cocktail and dessert, we can't get enough - and now we can't wait to show off our new local haunt to family and friends when they visit. Affordable, attainable and sustainable, 24 Carrot Bistro was recently voted "Best Restaurant" in Yellow Scene Magazine’s 2017 Best of the West: Readers' Choice Eats, the people’s choice for dining in Boulder County, and named “Best New Restaurant” in Boulder Weekly back in 2016. 

Anyone who dines here will quickly see why 24 Carrot is becoming a Northern Colorado favorite, and it starts with ​Executive Chef and Proprietor Kevin Kidd. The culinary genius throws down in the kitchen like an a seasoned artist brushing paint to canvas. With a fresh spin on classic dishes, Kidd composes New American Cuisine using only the highest quality, seasonal and local ingredients, challenging customers' palettes by elevating the ordinary with modern and surprising twists that keep you guessing.

The menu changes often, featuring exquisite plates such as Coriander Ahi Tuna, Roasted Duck Breast, Pork Tenderloin and Pan Roasted Sole, served alongside satisfying staples, like the Bistro Burger – one of the freshest, tastiest, juiciest burgers you will ever sink your teeth into – and the Brick Chicken, a mouthwatering organic beauty, paired with quinoa-chickpea cake, chard, arugula, and mustard cream. 

​If that's not enough to tempt your taste buds, the hand-crafted cocktails at 24 Carrot are sublime, made with house-infused syrups and spirits like thyme-extracted vodka, to bacon fat-washed bourbon poured over a delightfully carved sphere of ice. Try the classic Bloody Mary, if you’re into that sort of thing, which is as savory and tart as it is beautiful, rimmed with a smattering of spices and salt, topped with banana peppers and fresh veg. Or better yet, sample the Frothy Sour pictured above - the photo speaks for itself.

Bar team leader, DJ Riemer, is the man behind 24 Carrot's award-worthy libations. In fact, all his cocktails are made from scratch, using liqueurs, shrubs, foams, bitters, tinctures, infusions and syrups made in-house. You really can’t go wrong here, and for those of you taking a break from the bottle, $4 house-made sodas will do the trick. A number of enticing combinations like Blood Orange & Basil, Lemon Shrub & Cardamom, and old-school goodies like Scratch Lemonade or Cherry Limeade are all on the menu.

​The ambiance is in a word, enchanting. Refined yet quaint. Warm and inviting. Fresh yet familiar. 24 Carrot is all the things you want as a diner, and not easy to find, nor replicate. It's a place that harkens back to a time when you could sit down and visit, enjoy a quality meal at a quality price, get exceptional service, and walk away with an experience that's worth every penny. 24 Carrot has this in spades. 

​Cheers and happy dining! 

AP

Amy Puchaty is a professional writer whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work appear in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post and Dallas Business Journal. Learn more about Amy at www.amypuchaty.com/about