Sunday, February 12, 2012

Beaver Creek, the Superbowl and a Cookhouse

The second day of our staycation was easy and relaxed.  We left Breckenridge late on Sunday morning.  I woke up right on cue at 6am, but quickly realized I did not have to get up for anything.  It took me another 30 minutes to will myself back to sleep, but once I did I slept until 9am! It was glorious!!
Of course, I had to make a quick phone call to my mom back in Denver and check on Chance before I could start my late day. After confirmation from my mom that Chance was in fact fine with out me and that we did not need to rush home...it was time to head farther west into ski country.  

Max and I loaded up the Jeep and headed out to Beaver Creek and our condo in Avon.  Beaver Creek is my favorite mountain.  Probably just because I know it the best.  It helps a lot to know what is where so you don't end up on any "dark riders" on accident. It's hard to explain, but something about Beaver Creek is just relaxing to me.  Plus, I love skiing with Max when it is just the two of us.  When we are skiing together he is really patient and gentle with me. It's weird... I know but I don't ask questions.  I just go with it :)

We enjoyed every minute of each other's company and had a great day skiing and catching up on life with each other.  

We left the mountain in great spirits and decided to go and shower and relax before we headed to Nick's condo for the Superbowl. We always have fun at Nick's house.  All of his friend's are so inviting, relaxed, and easy to get along with.  Everyone pitched in for Superbowl snacks.  We completely overindulged on chili dogs, chips, cheese, and some awesome cajun shrimp.  
I think everyone watching the game wanted the Giants to win except for John who was born and raised in Boston and a die hard Patriots fan.  At least he was a good sport about the loss.  I'm sad that we have to wait months before we can relax while watching another football game.  Sigh...

The next day Max and I skied Beaver Creek together again and just enjoyed the morning.  I was super excited because I had made us reservations at the Tennessee Cookhouse for dinner.  A friend recommended this place to us and I am so glad that we went to check it out.  I think we have found a new spot to take all of our out of town guests too.  Check out their website and make reservations if you are ever in the area! This was one of the best date nights Max and I had ever had. 
You start your dinner experience at the base of Ski Cooper.  You get the option to rent either nordic/cross country skis or snow shoes to make your way to dinner.  Dinner is a one and 1/2 mile hike to a yurt on top of the pass.  

Max convinced me to try nordic skiing for the first time ever.  At least in the before picture we look confident and like we might know what we are doing.  

Holy bananas! Why are all new things hard.  What is that saying?  Try something that challenges you every day...check.  I definitely do that!
(Max said that he fell coming around this corner so he had the camera set up and ready for action.  He knew I was going to fall and wanted the perfect action shot...well done babe!)

Wait is that Cook?  When Cook's girlfriend had to go home to Denver and I learned that he was the only other one of our friends in town for the night...we invited him to dinner with us.  We just didn't have the heart to make him sit in our condo alone while we went on a new adventure. Besides, Cook is part of the family and we love having him around always.  

This is the path that we skied to dinner.  It was absolutely beautiful and lined with tall trees and breathtaking views the entire way up!

Getting closer.  I can't wait for dinner on the mountain top.  

After about an hour or so skiing we arrived at the Tennessee Cookhouse.  One little yurt in the middle of no where.  It kind of reminded me of Alaska which may have been why I loved it so much.  

We were quickly greeted with the wine list as a reward for making it to the top.  We decided to try out the Peter Lehmann Clancy's.  His name has two n's but still...it was a sign. 

The entire place was very warm and inviting.  It was completely heated by this old wood burning stove.

They had a fully stocked bar. 

Mostly, I was just happy that I got to snuggle up to my guy.  

Appetizers were bruschetta, figs filled with goat cheese, and pork sausage.  All of it was amazing!

The next course was a choice of a soup or a salad.  I got the salad with feta, pears, and a pomegranate vinegarette.  

Max and Cook both chose the soup and said that it was amazing as well.  



For the main course, I ordered the rack of lamb.  It was absolutely perfect.  Max and Cook both had the elk tenderloin.  

Last but not least, dessert was a strawberry rhubarb pie.  I'm not a huge pie person, but this pie was divine! 

What made our dinner and experience even more unique was we ended up being the only people there for dinner all night.  We had the entire place to ourselves. 

After dinner we were treated to a full moon and the most relaxing and fun ski down.   


Who doesn't love a good meal and a new adventure?  Can't wait to go back!

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