Impromptu Aspen....

I spent the week after Mother's Day in Illinois at my mom and dad's.  I did, of course, indulge in my favorites while I was home...Monical's Pizza to be more specific.  It was delicious and I really enjoyed being home and seeing all the blooming flowers and green grass before I returned to Colorado.  With the arrival of the weekend, came an impromptu trip to Aspen.  The Drive By Truckers were playing at Belly Up in Aspen and having recently been introduced to them, decided "why not"?  What I hadn't counted on was being open to the Meat Puppets who were the opening act...Let's just say on the when choosing to "take it or leave it", I'll leave the Meat Puppets.  Anyway, this time of year in Aspen (which I believe they refer to as "mud season" was far from fabulous.  It is not the Aspen that comes alive during ski season or during the summer with the Food and Wine Festival, etc. etc.  This past weekend included a high school Lacrosse tournament and from what I understand Aspen's Prom.  It was however, a welcome break from people.  There was no waiting in line or waiting for a table, everything was ready and waiting.  Dinner was at La Cantina, the same place I dined last summer when I went to see Rufus Wainwright.  Something had changed, either the food or my memory, because I was far less impressed with my meal this time.  The saving grace, as far as meals go, was breakfast at this little place called Poppycock's.   They have some really delicious Oatmeal Pancakes that they describe on the menu as a "must try"...so I did and they were delicious.  It ended with a beautiful, sunny drive back to Denver on Sunday.  I was lucky enough to stay put  this week, but put in a lot of hours, so not much cooking going on this week.  I will say lunch at Udi's (the cuban sandwich to be specific) was extremely good.  I've been working on Inspire for June today and hope you try some of those recipes too!