Enchanted Grounds

Ooops, I missed a month…

I blame the weather and some technical difficulties. The rest of you can feel free to blame ME.

Sorry folks.

The Wired West returns for a busy June, featuring reviews of Enchanted Grounds in Highland’s Ranch and The Pantry in Minturn. Weather permitting, we’ll also do some iced drink profiles. We may well post an entry or two directly from Red Canyon Cafe – which now offers complimentary wireless internet. Sincerest apologies to any anti-internet patrons. At least you’ve still got Zach’s – which is now open until 9 p.m. (Wow. I’ve got a lot of information to update on this site…)

Nutty Irishman

Where: Covered Bridge Coffee
Size: 8 Oz.
Price: $3

A latte with hazelnut and Irish Cream flavor syrups. The espresso was standard Loaded Joe’s fare and the steamed milk was well done, but the syrup combination wasn’t great. I guess I’m just not a big fan of flavor syrups in general. I’d stick with the latte … with a double shot.

Covered Bridge Coffee

Recently acquired by the owners of Loaded Joe’s in Avon, Covered Bridge Coffee offers the same solid cup of java – plus breakfast sandwiches made to order.

Zumi’s

Plunging Westward is pleased to present its first Wired World entry, also the first in an irregular series entitled “Massholia.” Zumi’s (of Ipswich, MA) is one of our all-time favorite shops here at Plunging Westward, and a fine choice to officially begin the Wired World series.

If you’re a square there is a good chance that you won’t realize this place is the real deal. No couches, no books, no smooth MUZAK – it’s as much an ice cream place as it is a coffee bar.

A twenty-something girl with tousled hair and a sweet smile, twisting the handle of a huge old Italian espresso maker — one of the great, sensual symbols of our INFORMATION AGE.

I asked her “Do you have WIFI in here?”

Se replied: “Some people can get it in here, some don’t… so… maybe.”

I like this answer. I like this answer even more than “yes, and it’s free.”

Here’s a translation what she said: There is a universe of possibilities out there. Some are free and some are not free. Some are legal and some are not legal. Some require you to think and act and make things happen for yourself, some don’t. Good luck.

This place does open mike nights, shows the work of local artists, and is extremely vocal about fairly traded beans. These are the symptoms of having a big, red, blood-pumping heart.

And the espresso, oh the espresso…. Clean, strong and flavorful. Would be a bargain at twice the price.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Earl Grey

Where: The Bookworm
Size: 16 oz.
Price: $2.25

I’ve saved the most direct coffee replacement for last. A cup of black Earl Grey tea is a fine alternative to coffee, with a unique, rich flavor and a respectable dose of caffeine. The Bookworm serves up a fine cup of this coffee-shop classic, complete with the mandatory baby biscotti.

Hot Chocolate, Take Two

Where: Rimini
Size: 12 oz.
Price: $5.50

Rimini Hot Chocolate is just that – chocolate heated to the melting point, to which is added a little milk, cinnamon and sugar. The result is a thick, sweet and slightly tangy beverage, served with your choice of whipped cream or marshmallows – or, as this reviewer prefers, whipped cream and marshmallows. Strong enough to completely mask the optional shot of espresso, the Rimini Hot Chocolate is easily a contender for best in the valley. At $5.50 for a small cup, it might seem expensive but for two facts: 1)The mark-up at the Beaver Creek Starbucks means you’re probably paying about $4 for a more “standard” hot chocolate, and 2) That small cup will settle in your stomach like half a loaf of bread. It probably wouldn’t be wise to hazard a “large” size, even if one existed.

Bhakti Chai

Where: Yeti’s Grind
Size: 20 oz.
Price: $3.75

Locally brewed in Boulder, CO, Bhakti Chai is like “regular chai” – with the volume turned up to 11. A strong dose of ginger and spice gives this Masala chai its unique – in this consumer’s opinion, superior – and powerful flavor. While Bhakti Chai is perfectly capable of standing alone, you can also add espresso for a “dirty chai,” Kenyan coffee for a “Barakti Chai” or chocolate for something good but, to date, unnamed. Note that the cinnamon sprinkle is not standard. It was added for contrast purposes – a glassy white drink in a white ceramic mug doesn’t take the best picture – but actually complimented the Bhakti Chai very well.

African Nectar

Where: Loaded Joe’s
Size: 16 oz.
Price: $2 (per tea bag, $3.50 w/ biscotti)

So you’re at Karaoke night at Loaded Joe’s, it’s just over one hour in and you’ve already finished your initial mocha. You’re good for at least a few more hours, and you’d like something to sip – but, this late at night, more caffeine is probably a bad idea. Now is the time for a cup of Mighty Leaf’s African Nectar, a rooibos blend crafted with relaxation and calm in mind. African Nectar needs no sweeteners, managing to be “fruity” without being tangy, sour or unduly sweet. A Razzleberry Crunch biscotti from Wally Biscotti provides the perfect complimentary taste.

Mayan Hot Chocolate

Where: The Bookworm

The Mayan Hot Chocolate adds a dash of cayenne and other spices to bring you chocolate that’s “hot” in more than one way. The Mayan Hot Chocolate is tasty, but requires diligent stirring to keep all the spices from settling at the bottom. Even so, your last gulp is probably going to be fairly potent. The additional baby biscotti are, of course, a Bookworm standard.