MUNCHIES Meet the vendors

friend Patrick Ayres in January 2023. clydespies.com

Uniqueness: Alec: We adhere to strict traditional methods in their preparation and baking. Our dough is made from authentic Italian “00” flour with a cold fermentation for 48-72 hours; our sauce is made from Italian San Marzano tomatoes; and our toppings are made with labor-intensive care. The pizza is assembled after hand stretching each dough and then fired in a 750-degree oven burning only Colorado peach wood for just a few minutes.

Alec Nelson/Patrick Ayres, Clyde’s Pies

Clyde’s Pies whips up Italiano-style, wood-fired pizza that you take home from the alley window or get it delivered upstairs to the Commons. It was founded by Clyde Nelson, who arrived with his family in 1989 as executive chef at The Home Ranch. After retiring, he started Clyde’s Pies, fueled by a love for wood-fired cookery, selling it to his son, Alec, and his

Restaurant background: Alec: Clyde spent 30 years at the Home Ranch as their executive chef, building a wood-fired brick oven as the centerpiece of its outdoor kitchen and quickly becoming passionate about that method of cooking. I learned a lot from him over the years, mostly from being kitchens as a kid. But I’ve served tables in a few restaurants, helped my dad open Clyde’s Pies and have learned a lot about the art of making Neapolitan pizza.

Patrick: I’ve been in the restaurant industry in some form or another since I was 16. My first job was as a busser at the Yacht Club, where Aurum is now. Since then, I’ve cooked in Seattle, Louisiana and around Colorado. I opened Cloverdale Farm and Restaurant here in 2016 and have been working with the Clyde’s Pies team nearly three years, buying into the company in January.

Commons atmosphere: Alec: We love it. It’s in a great building with a lot of personality and offers something for everyone and every occasion. It can be a great place for work or meetings during the day and turns into a fun lively bar in the evenings. It’s got big open spaces great for socializing as well as cozy, more private corners on the upper level. And the deck with a view of Howelsen is awesome in the summer.

Steamboat props: Alec: Steamboat is a beautiful place full of genuinely friendly and active people. I love having the opportunity for so many outdoor activities right at my fingertips, including mountain biking, paddleboarding, hiking, camping, skiing and more. I’m also a big fan of the adult and youth sports communities. I’ve enjoyed coaching