Issuu

O C TO B E R 2 02 0

The Food Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Nick Wood | nick.wood@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Happy October Fort Collins!

Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

OH, FORT COLLINS, ARE YOU IN FOR A TREAT. This month is all about sharing

L AYO UT DESIGNER

our expertise —from the now available at home dining courtesy of The Still, best

Dani Moore

ways to experience Puerto Vallarta to pizza made from scratch.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Natalie Dyer, Mia Laturnus, Mark Rush

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and find yourself doing, and eating the same things each day. We get it; we’re all busy.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Irene Middleman Thomas, Jahna Eichel, Mia Laturnus, Jenn Hand

But, this month, it is time to branch out and try new things. We’re here to point you in the right direction. This issue is packed full of unique stories , up-and-coming restaurant concepts not done before and, of course, an opportunity to learn more about the incredible members of our community. Happy October Fort Collins!

CORPORATE TEAM Nick Wood, Publisher

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

Proverbs 3:5-6 Fort Collins Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fort Collins area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fort Collins Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020

FEATURES 8 A Bold New Concept Restaurant Quality Dining At Home, Locally

14 For the Love of Food One Northern Colorado’s Take On Italian Fare

18 Puerto Vallarta Ready for you again

18 14

32 3 Tips to Help You Enjoy Eating Out—Guilt Free!

8 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Culinary Creations

Locally Owned

Road Trip

24 Local Limelight 26 DIY 32 Parting Thoughts

CULINARY CREATIONS

RESTAURANT QUALITY DINING AT HOME, LOCALLY

A Bold New Concept WHEN IT COMES TO INCREDIBLE CUI-

to provide you with the ability to purchase the

SINE, THE STILL WHISKEY STEAKS IS NO

options we serve to you at The Still.

STRANGER TO THE PERFECT MEAL. The Canteen, is a bold new concept that encom-

3. CHEF PREPARED, AT HOME

passes the quality executed at the restaurant

At The Market, the options are endless! We’ve

with the convenience of recreating favorite

created a convenient way to enjoy delicious and

dishes and drinks at home. It’s essentially a one

shareable dishes and meal kits at home. Pick

stop shop where guests will be able to explore

up hot or cold pre-cooked meals for your whole

their new offerings. You’ll be able to purchase

family, or just for yourself. This food travels well,

delectable cuts of meet from The Butcher Shop,

and goes down easy.

curated ingredients from The Market and craft whiskey and cocktails from The Bottle Shop. The

4. FULL SERVICE CATERING

Canteen will even offer a full catering experience.

No event is too big or too small, and it gets

We’re so excited to help our friends and part-

even better: we will bring the meat and grill it to

ners at The Still Whiskey Steaks introduce The

perfection on site.

Canteen’s new consumer channels. Whether as a patron within their wooded walls, or as a person on the go who wants high quality meat and is waiting for you!

MEET OUR BEEFTENDER, JUSTIN BOWERS

1. THE MEAT:

from Arizona and walked into The Still looking for

drinks to prepare at home, The Still Experience

Three years ago Justin moved to Fort Collins The Butcher Shop is where you’ll purchase

a job in a steakhouse. After learning his work his-

high quality meats you won’t be able to find

tory we hired him on the spot! He has more than

anywhere else. If you are unable to sit down and

13 years experience perfecting his craft as a meat

let us prepare a steak or pan seared salmon at

expert, including a steakhouse job in Arizona where

the restaurant for you, you can now take that

real horses parked guests’ cars in the parking lot!

same meat and put your own spin on it at home.

Justin has known several positions in his exten-

We’re even providing you with our expert grill-

sive career, from sous chef to kitchen manager to

ing tips and recipes to take with you.

butcher, but at The Still Whiskey Steaks we affectionately refer to him as the “Beeftender.” He’s in

2. THE DRINKS

the restaurant nearly every day to freshly cut and

At The Bottle Shop, you’ll be able to grab a

prepare and marinate each cut of steak, as well as

bottle of our favorite whiskeys, wine, or some

prepare the many other meats on our menu. He

of our handcrafted original cocktails. Our

is creative in the kitchen, a wealth of knowledge,

liquor purveyors have curated The Bottle Shop

and has great cooking tips.

ARTICLE JAHNA EICHEL

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

LET OUR GRILL MASTERS TEACH YOU HOW TO GRILL THE PERFECT STEAK AT HOME IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS 1. Tenderize that meat! If you do not have a tenderizer at home, use a knife to poke holes into your steak so that it soaks up all of that special “The Still” Marinade. 2. Let the steak marinate for 30 minutes. Liberally rub in house seasoning and let it stand for two minutes. 3. Cook Until Desired Done-ness. Medium rare is about 125 degrees internal temperature. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the firmer the steak, the more well done it is. 4. Let it rest! Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes after grilling before cutting into it. Just enough time to put your favorite toppings on your baked potato, Enjoy! Coming this October, you’ll be able to visit The Canteen through The Still Whiskey Steaks website to conveniently place orders online. Don’t forget to tag @fortcollinslifestylemagazine

ins-

tagram with your photos from The Still Whiskey Steaks and The Canteen!

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

We’re a locally owned steakhouse featuring whiskey marinated steaks, a friendly flannel-clad staff, and an extensive selection of whiskies. Find our full menu & whiskey list at thestillwhiskeysteaks.com.

Whiskey-marinated Steaks • Local Whiskey Favorites • Genuine Hospitality • Comfortable & Enjoyable Atmosphere

• Make your reservation online or by calling 970.294.4360 • 151 North College Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 • (970) 294-4360 • thestillwhiskeysteaks.com

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LOCALLY OWNED

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

A NORTHERN COLORADO’S RESTAURATEUR’S TAKE ON ITALIAN FARE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MIA LATURNUS

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

IF YOU ASK ANY ITALIAN WHAT THEY

and

Growing up in an Italian neighborhood in

LOVE MOST ABOUT THEIR CULTURE,

Jason, shared their love of their Italian

Ohio, I was spoiled by all the great Italian

THEY WILL ALL GIVE YOU A SIMPLE

roots through friendship, pizza, and plenty

mothers and special ingredients from Italy.

ANSWER.

Family,

friends,

and

Business

partners

Tom,

John,

most

of wine. It’s not just about the food, it’s

Once you’ve been spoiled by an Italian

famously, the food. The spirit of eating.

about the art of the ingredients toohe con-

Mother, you are never the same.” Tom says,

Recipes and ingredients passed along from

cept behind what was once just a dream

with a smile on his face. “My pizza experience

generation to generation. The memories

between friends, is now PizzaVino.

started when I was 5 years old - mom and

made in the kitchen and the love and passion that comes from Italian cuisine.

One of the main ingredients in PizzaVino’s

I would make pizza together on Fridays. My

kitchen are the memories. The memories

dad would take me to his adopted Italian

PizzaVino NoCo Italiano was inspired by

that were made in their childhood kitch-

mother’s house, Mrs. Bufalini, and we would

just that. A little piece of Italy, brought to

ens, deeply rooted in the Italian culture and

sit for hours and eat homemade food. When I

Northern Colorado, started by the traditions

passed down between generations.

grew up, my uncle Leo would let me help him

that were inspired from gathering around

“All of us were lucky to have a childhood

the family tables. Well actually, their garages.

surrounded by family, friends and food.

cook pizza for my 30 cousins – needless to say, I learned from a saint.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED) John had a similar experience growing

that each of us had a connection to Italy,

up with a passion for authentic italian

great pizza and Italian roots that connected

food, and a mother that brought a piece of

it all.” John reminisced, while Tom added,

Italian traditions to their table. “My mother

“We made pizza together for the next 15

“O u r q u e s t i s

was 50% Italian, from the Abruzzo area of

plus years, and learned about wine and

Italy. As her mom and dad immigrated to

Italy over the years. About that time I also

to provide the

America in the 1920’s, they brought Italy to

started making homemade pasta like our

the Midwest. Gathering around the table

Italian mom’s made back home.”

best pizza

to make pasta, red sauce, lasagna, and

Tom took garage pizza to the next

sausage was a weekly tradition. As a kid I

level with the purchase of a portable

in town, the

remember when mom did not cook, we

wood fired pizza oven to make the “old

would search for my dad’s favorite food,

school” version of Neapolitan pizza. “We

best Italian

pizza. His quest to find the best pizza

would roll out the oven, fire up football

was a mission that still goes on to this

on the garage TV and make pizza all

food in town

day…90 years later. A Chicago native, he

day and night. One night, after a long

knows great pizza!”

day of pizza making, we joked that the

Childhood memories of true, Italian style pizza is something special that

w i n e i n t o w n .”

resonates with Jason. “My love for

“Someday” is now a statement of the

pizza, family-style and fresh ingredients

past. On October 21st, 2020, PizzaVino will

started when I was a kid making pizza

be celebrating their one year anniversary

for my parent’s restaurant. My dad was

of their grand opening. PizzaVino contin-

known for his great pizza - thin crust

ues to draw inspiration from both Italy and

and great ingredients.”

the garage to bring an experience unlike

Great pizza was a mission for these

any other in Northern Colorado John expressed his excitement for

ing, became a tradition in their neighbor-

what the future holds for their little piece

hood garages. Taking these memories

of Noco Italiano, “The PizzaVino part-

and reinterpreting them into something

nership is a continuation of all the family

magical was a dream that they wanted to

traditions that each of us have lived over

share with Northern Colorado.

the years. Our quest is to provide the

“Food, family and fun has been a centersame neighborhood in Windsor over 20 years ago. As friendships grew, we learned

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

laughed and said, “Yeah, someday”.

three. What was inspired by their upbring-

piece of our partnership. We all lived in the

next level is to open a restaurant – we all

and the best

best pizza in town, the best Italian food in town and the best wine in town.” It started with love, and then came the pizza.

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ROAD TRIP

Puerto Va l l a r t a READY FOR YOU AGAIN ARTICLE IRENE MIDDLEMAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA, MARK RUSH

Marriott Puerto Vallarta

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

SÍ, YOU CAN VACATION AGAIN IN MEXICO, AND WHERE BETTER THAN PUERTO VALLARTA,(AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS PV) WHICH HAS TAKEN SERIOUS MEASURES AND INSTATED MANY SAFETY PROTOCOLS TO PROTECT STAFF AND VISITORS OVER AND BEYOND WHAT SOME OTHER TOURISTIC REGIONS HAVE DONE. From Denver, the direct flight is only about 3 hours, offered on several airlines. One of PV’s beloved and iconic properties, the Marriott, reopened to the public at a restricted 50 percent capacity on June 17, bringing guests back to the recently renovated (to the tune of $20 million) rooms and new common areas, including the largest infinity pool in Puerto Vallarta and Nosh, a bi-level, open-air bistro between the ocean beach and the pool, offering tantalizing authentic Mexican cuisine that I’m still fantasizing about four months later! Think towering ceviche tostadas loaded with avocado, fresh veggies and salsa, downed with a mango margarita and a cool ocean breeze on your face… while gazing out over the enormous meandering swimming pool, breaking waves and flower-filled gardens. Bonus: the Marriott is a ten-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. As to COVID-19, Marriott Puerto Vallarta upholds the exacting elevated hygiene standards and rigorous cleaning protocols Marriott International has put in place with its Commitment to Clean, as well as take additional steps to ensure all guests and associates feel safe. Staff AND guests are required to wear masks, (as at all Marriott properties, as of July 31, provided upon request) and all menus are digitized through a QR code, disinfectant wipes are provided in each room, hand sanitizer is at all restaurant tables. The property continues to actively monitor and follow guidance from both the local government and global public health authorities, and will evolve solutions as needed. Additionally, the property has received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp of Approval which certifies that the resort adheres to consistent global health and hygiene protocols. Puerto Vallarta, just a three hour direct flight from Denver International Airport, feels a world away, especially as the nip of the autumn air is arriving. It is well suited to travelers who want amenities and attractions such as lively nightlife, U.S. chain restaurants, big stores and malls, luxury spas, mega hotels, upscale all inclusive resorts, top-rated golf courses and activities that will appeal to the whole family.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its delightful colonial section and wide sandy beaches, as well as its thriving art, cultural and gastronomic scenes. It is also home to a beautiful, recently refurbished malecรณn (boardwalk), which is akin to an al fresco art gallery with fantastic sculptures and daily outdoor performances, as well as the sparkling blue Bahia de Banderas, which is backed by mountains with dense subtropical greenery. In just a few decades,

Marriott Puerto Vallarta

what was once a small seaside village has expanded along the coast in both directions, offering a wide variety of easy day trips for those staying for several days. Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of options for nature hikes, as well as oceanfront sports activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, ocean kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling. Deep-sea fishing in the area is excellent from November to May, and whale watching is popular from December to April.

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

Marriott Puerto Vallarta

Most of the Marriott is again open to the

Puerto Vallarta Marina

public, including its restaurants, private beach, Kids Club and Splash Area, as well as the resort’s seasonal sea turtle release program, which, when nature permits, invites guests to learn and take part in the conservation of the region’s Ridley Sea Turtle. Guests can rent out paddle boards and kayaks at the activity center. A delightful option for foodies is to book a private dining experience in the hidden away herb garden, available to one party at a time. Better yet, add a tequila tasting of the resort’s own proprietary tequila, or opt for a world-inspired dinner with sommelier-selected wine pairings. If traveling in late October, plan to experience one of Mexico’s most lively holidays, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Puerto Vallartastyle. On November 1, the historic town of Puerto Vallarta honors the dead with colorful ofrendas (offerings), a Dead is Alive parade, and other festivities, (which may depend upon the pandemic situation at that time.) Dance on the cobble-stoned streets with your face painted as a skeleton, visit the decorated cemetery along with local families celebrating their departed loved ones with graveside meals and beverages. The Marriott shares its local culture with guests with a Celebration Beyond Life Dia de los Muertos Dinner and Party on-site. Learn the long-held traditions involved with the holiday through the staff’s own altars set up for guests to enjoy, and enjoy live folkloric music entertainment, and a special traditional menu while connecting the present with the past to remember loved ones, all done with social distancing and safety measures. The region’s rich culture also shines throughout Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s programming, from a tequila tasting led by the resort’s onsite tequila sommelier and spa treatment inspired by local Huichol traditions, to local flavor.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

Author, Irene waiting for table side cuisine

Marriott Puerto Vallarta

Special COVID-19 offers: Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s Workcation

WORK, PLAY AND STAY:

Package includes an upgraded ocean view room, daily breakfast as

Members of Marriott Bonvoy™ will receive an exclusive, pre-

well as unlimited wifi and local calls, two days use of a private Bali Bed,

ferred rate (“Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate”) on this 5 nights

an hour use of a private conference room per week, office assistance

or longer promotion when they book rooms via direct Marriott

services for printing and IT, 20% off food and beverage, one tequila

booking channel such as Marriott.com, worldwide telephone

tasting for two adults, unlimited use of paddle boards and kayaks, daily

reservation center, mobile app or directly at a hotel. Member

happy hour at Nosh Restaurant and Bar (two for one drinks from 6pm-

Rates are valid for Marriott Bonvoy members only; to join visit

7pm), a discount on in-house car rental agency, unlimited coffee or ice

www.MarriottBonvoy.com. Be sure that Promotional Code LTS

coffee and one complimentary Guacamole and Chips break per stay.

appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making

Guests will save up to 40% with a minimum 10 night reservation with

your online reservation, or call 1-800-228-9290 in the US and

promotion code LTS, which is valid for travel through December 2020.

ask for promotional code LTS.

Restrictions and black out dates apply. Marriott Puerto Vallarta has a flexible 24 hour cancellation policy on all promotions. 22

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

www.puertovallartamarriott.com

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Photographer Spotlight MEET FORT COLLINS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER NATALIE DYER

vow renewals and family sessions to large-scale confer-

OF OUR ERA. Everyone has hundreds, maybe thou-

ences, businesses and weddings.” Natalie told us.

sands in their pocket. Photographers are the dedicated

Natalie has an innate talent for finding the best loca-

and passionate individuals who are willing to give their

tions. Her expertise allows the photo subject to walk away

lives, too often quite literally, to show us what needs to

with photos with a perfect backdrop that fits the needs

be seen, what needs to be known.

of each particular shoot. If there is hidden gem location

A Colorado native & CSU alumni, Natalie is a portrait

in Northern Colorado for photoshoots, Natalie will find it.

photography who uses our beautiful state to pull inspira-

“My passion for photography grew because it

tion for her creativity. Natalie graduated from Colorado

became a way to showcase you and your passions.

State University with a music degree, changed her mind

Whether it is your wedding day, your business, or your

about her career path and jumped headfirst into start-

family, photography is such a selfless art. I love getting

ing her photography business.

a glimpse into your authentic life and celebrating YOU

“For me, photography started one summer at my

through my photos. I emphasize natural light and can-

grandmother’s farmhouse. I snatched a camera and ran

did moments, focusing on love, beautiful details and

around taking photos of every farm animal, flower or

people. I’m lucky that all my clients end up feeling like

person on the property. Since then, I’ve photographed

friends! My clients value beautiful photography and

all around the country, ranging from intimate events like

make it a priority in their lives.”

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE JAHNA EICHEL | PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE DYER

PHOTOGRAPHS ARE THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

Natalie wants our readers to understand the power of printing your photos. Computers fail, social media isn’t forever and if you don’t have a physical, printed photo of the moment, you could lose it forever. Photos are memories and memories make up your life! So print your photos, hang them up in your house and cherish them forever When she’s behind my camera, you can find her teaching percussion to local high schoolers, eating at a local restaurant with her boyfriend, Nico and dog, Maya, and visiting local greenhouses to fuel her obsession for houseplants “my boyfriend complains I have too many, but is that even possible?” She asked. We are incredibly grateful to have Natalie serve as a photographer for Fort Collins Lifestyle Magazine. You may have also seen her work published in the Coloradoan and the Greeley Tribune 2016-2020. She’s also served as Photo Editor for Rocky Mountain Student Media and the CSU Collegian in 2016, ‘17 and was published in Study Breaks magazine in 2016 and 17. Natalie is teaming up with CC’s Flower Truck to offer holiday mini sessions on October 25th. Learn more at www.nataliedyerphoto.com and follower her on Instagram and Facebook at @nataliedyerphoto, you’re sure to see some behind the scenes photos of our upcoming issues! Na

ta l i e

D ye r CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

DIY ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

Pumpkin Pe r fe c t i o n PUT THE CARVING TOOLS DOWN + CHECK OUT HOW YOU CAN ADD SOME PIZZAZZ TO YOUR PUMPKINS WITH JUST A PAINT BRUSH

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

THE

CREEPY C R AW L E R

For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.

Paint

your

“background”

pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

DIY (CONTINUED)

THE

METALLIC

MASTERPIECE

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

Start with several mini pumpkins. (We prefer to use fake ones so you don’t have to worry about leaving them out too long!) You’ll also need some white paint, metallic paint and black paint. Twine is optional to add a slightly rustic vibe to the stems.

Paint all of the stems with black paint and wrap some with twine if desired. Then, create

several

different

looks with combinations of metallic and flat paint. Make extra creepy “oozing” pumpkins by allowing paint to run down the sides.

Don’t feel limited to solid colors! Experiment here with different patterns and textures (like painting over lace or using a sponge to apply paint instead of a brush), and add some extra sparkle with glitter!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

DIY (CONTINUED)

Go to the “dark side” with this design that requires matte black paint, white paint, some metallic paint (for an out-ofthis-world vibe) and some newspapers. Be careful—this one could get messy!

Leave your stems natural or cover with metallic paint if desired. Then, coat your mini pumpkins in matte black paint— be sure to cover everything!

THE

G A L AC T I C GOURD

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

You can leave some matte black, but for an extra touch, lay out newspaper and splatter your white paint onto some of your black pumpkins. Bonus—as long as you catch it before it dries, any paint should be easily removed with some warm water.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

3 Tips to Help You Enjoy Eating Outâ€”Guilt Free!

AUTHOR: Jenn Hand is a Duke University trained health coach, certified nutritionist and founder of www.jennhand.com. 32

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

WE OFTEN THINK OF GOING OUT TO EAT AS

you tend to make better food choices (and

A GUILTY PLEASURE—ONE LOADED WITH

there’s less need to rely on willpower).Most peo-

INDULGENCES, TONS OF CALORIES, AND

ple adopt the opposite approach: we think we

DECADENT CHOICES.

shouldn’t eat a lot because we will eat a ton at

In anticipation of a dinner reservation at our

the restaurant. But the reality is, when you aren’t

favorite restaurant, we often face the “you SHOULD

absolutely starving, when you’ve had something

get the healthy option” and guilt over ordering

to tide you over, you won’t need to eat an app,

something rich.

an entrée, and a dessert. You will feel satisfied

But going out to eat CAN be a guilt-free experience.

with less because your body is more balanced.

Next time you want to enjoy an anxiety free restaurant outing, here are three things to keep in mind:

3. TAKE IN THE WHOLE RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE.

1. CHECK OUT THE MENU PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE RESTAURANT.

When faced with choices that aren’t our norm, it’s easy to slip into our minds and think “well if I

This is a great strategy, as it can prevent the

order the cheesesteak and fries, I can go to the

“order overwhelm”. If you know what your options

gym tomorrow for an hour longer and work it off”

are, you are much less likely to order the first thing

or “I should order the salad. But I really want the

you see on the menu (which could end up being the

pizza. But I had a cookie today already. Oh screw

double bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and

it, I’m off my diet anyway, I’m getting the pizza.”

mozzarella sticks). You can see the selections and plan accordingly.

We can have full blown conversations in our heads about what we should eat, what we really

Looking at the menu beforehand allows you to

want to eat, what the person next to us is order-

create some options to go in with. Maybe you allow

ing, and on and on. When we’re in the guilt or

yourself to order something on the healthier side

the food battle, we’re missing out on the whole

but go in knowing your “splurge” will be to split a

experience and pleasure of eating!

dessert. Or maybe you decide you really DO want

When we actually take a second to BE in the

that double bacon cheeseburger with the works.

restaurant: staying present for the conversation,

Whatever you end up ordering, the point is that you

noticing the décor of the place, enjoying the

can look over the menu and know what is available.

company we’re with, tasting the flavors of the

Preparation and planning is a wonderful tool to help

food we’re eating, we’re able to get out of our

when you feel guilty about the high calorie, heavy

minds and into the experience of going out to eat.

menu options at a restaurant. If you go in with a

It’s a completely different experience when

general plan of what you will order, it takes much of

we’re not racked with guilt! While it can be hard

the stress (and guilt!) out of the equation.

to be mindful, it is huge help in getting out of our heads and allowing ourselves to enjoy the food,

2. HAVE A SNACK 1-2 HOURS BEFORE YOU GO.

the conversations and the pleasure of eating out.

If you “save up for” eating out, the plan usually

It’s also important to remember that this

backfires. When you don’t eat during the day in

is just ONE evening of many, many times you

anticipation of going out to eat, you will most likely

will eat in your lifetime. There’s no need to beat

arrive at the restaurant starving. This does not bode

ourselves up with guilt when we end up eating

well for your food choices since we start the meal

more than we usually do at a dinner with friends.

with extremely low blood sugar, which means that

It’s a hard habit to break because we want to eat

our body craves an instant hit of energy (think high

healthy all of the time.

carb or high sugar options).

Remind yourself that it is just one outing;

When you have a snack an hour or two before

you are allowed to take in all of the pleasure

the dinner, your blood sugar will be balanced and

in enjoying northern Colorado’s finest restau-

stable. And when your body is balanced and stable,

rants—guilt free!

CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins

La Creperie & French Bakery A U N I Q U E PROV I D E R O F FR E N C H CU I S I N E 2 7 2 2 S C O L L E G E AV E N U E | F O R T C O L L I N S 9 70.2 24.26 40 w w w.f o r t c o l l i n s c r e p e r i e b a k e r y. c o m

Fort Collins Lifestyle | October 2020

interior design concepts

Let us help you design and remodel your space. Specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom remodel.

Showroom open by appointment only. Please call 970-223-4759 to schedule your consult today.

7499 WESTGATE DRIVE #103, WINDSOR

(I25 & HWY 392)

| (970) 223-4759 | INTERIOR-DESIGNCONCEPTS.NET

SO MUCH M O R E THAN A LIQUOR STORE

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