Food, Food, Glorious Food

Some of us are happy to admit it, others like to pretend otherwise, but I personally love food. Living in Steamboat is a great place to be for that very reason. There’s a medley of places to eat and a million ways to work it off, especially once the snow melts. Whether you’ve just played 18 holes on Haymaker Golf Course, kayaked the Yampa, or hurtled down Mt Werner on your bike, one thing is for sure, you’ll be hungry.

Last month Steamboat Living Magazine published it’s annual Best of the Boat survey results. Amongst the wide-ranging categories, I am delighted to say there is an entire feature on dining. For all our Condos in Steamboat friends I have rustled up a taster plate of recommendations.

As the sun rises in the valley, join the long line of locals stopping at Mountain Brew for their daily caffeine fix. Give your day a hearty start with a plate of legendary eggs benedict at Creekside Café. If a sweet tooth is calling it has to be Winona’s on Lincoln Avenue. Take a seat by the window and tuck into what is possibly one of the world’s biggest cinnamon rolls. No time to sit? Swing by Milk Run for a sinfully delicious donut, but be quick as they’re gone come mid morning.

Before heading off for a day on the river, or a wildflower hike in the Zirkels, stop en route and bag a lunch from Backcountry Provisions. With sandwiches named Expedition, Avalanche, Ridgeline and Summit, it’s unlikely you’ll forget where you are.

Feeling peckish strolling around downtown at midday, make your way to the waters’ edge. Chill out for an hour or three on the patio at Sweetwater Grill. Sip a chardonnay and share an artisan bread plate, while the kids roam safely around the play area.

Sound a little too civilized? Saunter downstream to the Double Z Bar and BBQ. There’s no need for airs and graces here, just saddle up to the bar for a Buckaroo, or a plate of Rocky Mountain Oysters (that’s bulls cojones to you and me!).

Bring a little nostalgia to your dining experience and snuggle up in a booth at Johnny B Good’s Diner. Voted Best Children’s Menu, kids are encouraged to add to the Diner’s artwork while chowing on hot dogs, and best selling hamburgers. Continue reminiscing by swivelling on a stool at Lyons Soda Fountain, sipping a malt shake, while the juke box cranks out old time favorites.

For the more health conscious, fear not. Routt County is currently the skinniest place in the nation. Try a roasted beet salad at Sweet Pea Café, or Basil Chicken at Asian themed Sambi. Head to the mountain for sushi at Saketumi or call into Freshies and feast on a lip smacking vege burger.

Forget the calories at the end of the day, and sample homebrewed cherry ale at Mahogany Ridge. Brewed on the premise, their selection of beers perfectly accompanies the extensive menu. Tuna Cerviche never tasted so good.

Restaurants come and go, but in Steamboat there are several that have stood the test of time. Whether its local or visiting diners, like dogs to a bone, we cannot help coming back for more. As the 2012 Best of the Boat fine dining winner, nothing beats saving your pennies and savouring every last bite at Café Diva. If you want to be waited on like royalty and served food that you’d be happy to call your last meal, then book a table.

As the snow begins to melt, a new season will bring a whole host of fresh flavours to our table. So I challenge you to sample what Steamboat has to offer and get back to us with your own favorites.

Sample eating and story by Suzi Mitchell.