mountain getaways
El Moro Spirits & Tavern
The Strater’s Diamond
Belle Saloon
& Spirits’ menu literally highlights the
local farms and ranches that provide
the ingredients. The drink menu is extensive, and to appease the ghost of the
felled sheriff, a bottle of whiskey and
glass sit at the ready behind the bar.
A symbiotic relationship also exists with ranchers, restaurateurs and
Durango’s numerous craft brewers.
Spent grain from the brew process
feeds local beef cattle and pork, resulting in nutrient-rich meats found
on many menus. Steamworks Brewing
Co. has taken the relationship a step
further as the brewpub is recognized as a national leader in pairing
30 FOOD TRAVELER | WINTER 2013
its award-winning craft beer and
foods. The Steam Team was invited
to prepare the first-ever beer and
food pairing dinner at the prestigious
James Beard House in New York.
Steamworks features a large menu
of taste-tempting items, and is often
lauded as a gastro-pub.
A haven in winter, Durango is the
town that embraces Purgatory at
Durango Mountain Resort, a complete,
contemporary ski resort that offers a
quintessential Colorado winter experience. Averaging 260 inches of snow
annually, Purgatory is known for big
storms, sunny days, sparsely populated
slopes and rarely any lift lines.
The resort, located a short 20 minute scenic drive outside of town, was
originally founded in the 1960s, but in
recent years has enjoyed tremendous
growth with a $50 million investment
including the stunning Purgatory
Lodge in the base area.
With nearly 90 trails and five terrain
parks spread across more than 1,300
acres, Purgatory is also recognized for
its great food. On the mountain is one
of Colorado’s top- ranked ski resort
lunch spots, the Backside Bistro. With
views of the San Juan Mountains, it
provides a feast for the eyes as well
as the body.
After a day of skiing, the scenic indulgence continues from Purgatory
“Beach” for appetizers and libations
as the alpenglow stretches across the
Needles Mountains. Inside the lodge,
Purgy’s features fine dining after 5
p.m., and as is traditional in the town’s
restaurants, local meats and produce
are incorporated into the menu that
includes a range of American and
European style dishes with a southwestern flare.
Durango celebrates what is unique
about the town and its people – keeping it “local.” Not much, if anything, is
fabricated in this mountain berg. For
a “real” experience, sample all that is
Durango, Colo., www.durango.org.
TOP LEFT: IAN THOMPSON; RIGHT: HALEY L. KING; BOTTOM: JASON PENDLETON
Steamworks
Brewing Co.