Tag: Longmont

Good Eats Motivated by a Noble Mission

Longmont locals know of the Roost as a go to for excellent libations and an innovative menu. In recent years the owners added a roof-top patio, cementing its status as a top choice for gatherings of friends after a long work week, a date night outing, or family-friendly hangout on a sunny Colorado afternoon.

But before I start crowing about their Pork Belly and Bang Bang Cauliflower appetizers, however, I feel compelled to share that the owners’ backstory isn’t a typical “former software exec decides to quit corporate America to pursue his/her true passion and open a restaurant” situation. This venture was conceived around a message of hope, as you can read in greater detail on their About page. In short, the Roost is a realization of the dreams of two families, the Gafners and the Lances, who shared a calling to help families who wanted to adopt children but financially were unable to do so: “The Roost has committed from day one to giving 10% of their profits to helping families in the process of adoption.  They have started a partnership with Colorado Kids Belong to help Colorado children and youth who are impacted by foster care.”

The story behind the restaurant and owners dedicated to helping families.

I didn’t know about this mission the day I wandered in to sample their offerings, but found out after a delicious meal of Candied Bacon Sliders, while on my way to the exit. There, behind the hostess station, I noticed the wall adorned with photos and the same story of their philanthropic mission that you can also read on their website. I already knew I’d come back again and again before I learned about their vision (so many tasty things on their menu to try!) but this inspired me and cemented my loyalty to this elegant but cozy local venue that offers food to feed both your body and your soul.

Now on to the delights which comprise the menu. If I was forced to pick a top three (which I am now finding exceedingly difficult), the Smoked Quinoa Bowl is at the top from an entrée perspective: well-balanced flavors, with a delicate blend of warm spices, creamy squash and quinoa crunch, and topped with a generous amount of goat cheese for tart contrast. I prefer it with the grilled chicken, though trying this dish with salmon or shrimp are part of my future plans.

For those seeking heartier fare, the Short Rib Sandwich delivers. I’m a sucker for a good demi-glaze, but throw in roasted mushrooms and beef ribs so tender one can tell they’ve been lovingly braised for eons, and I am transported to the next level of culinary bliss. And, the Roost’s signature tots are a must on the side. If you wind up taking half of it home – it is quite filling – the flavors are even more intense and delightful the next day.

Short Rib Entree – the dinner alternative to the delectable lunch sandwich.

To round out my menu top three: the Polenta Bites. The chefly genius behind these should be commended. Crisp on the outside, gooey soft on the inside, drizzled with balsamic and smoked tomato puree, with an abundant helping of goat cheese crumbles, this appetizer is a do-not-miss. The perfect forkful includes a crisp corner of the polenta cake, a bit of goat cheese, and as much of the sauces one can mop up from the plate. All I can say is, it’s good I’m not a local in this neighborhood. If I had easy access to such a treat on a daily basis I’d have to invest in a new (bigger-waisted) wardrobe.

Looking for a new food obsession? Try the Polenta Bites with goat cheese, balsamic drizzle, and a house smoked tomato puree.
Ponzu Pork Belly Bliss.

Honorable mention must be made for the following: the Fried Brussels sprouts – crispy leafed, beautifully seasoned, with finger-licking good vinaigrette; Bangin’ Cauliflower – made famous on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, the spice and crunch are addicting and an excellent vegan alternative to Buffalo wings (order two portions to make a meal); the Ponzu Pork Belly – rich, smoky, decadent; Grilled Avocado – creamy, slightly charred, with house made tortilla chips; and the Thai Pork Tacos – summery fare with a harmonious blend of cilantro, spice, and minty ginger-lime crema to cool it off.

As I mentioned previously, the Candied Bacon Sliders are so good you’ll try to stop at one or two for decorum’s sake and quickly scrap the idea. I’m not ashamed to admit I ordered this appetizer for lunch when I met a friend recently, and polished off the whole thing myself. Three juicy mini beef patties on slider buns buttered and toasted just-right, topped with tangy blue cheese, a scrumtious onion jam, and fragrant garlic aioli. Very satisfying and on my repeat cravings list.

A wide array of libations are available for happy hour or anytime.

If you’re ever in the mood for carry-out on a Friday night, and your ultimate destination is a couch at home, a thick blanket, and Netflix binging, pick up their Shrimp and Bacon Mac to fortify you. The portion is more than enough for two, so invite a cuddle-buddy or look forward to leftovers (with another round of Netflix?) the following day.

The Roost’s main room has garage door style windows that are open on mild days for an al fresco dining feel.
Suggestions for libations on the dining room wall.

Honestly, their rock-solid menu has yet to disappoint and I’ve dined at the Roost dozens of times over the last three years. Several entrees are in the realm of excellent, and many fall into the category of tasty comfort food I must have again and again. Combined with their behind-the-scenes passion for giving back and supporting families in need of help navigating such an emotional, challenging process as adoption, well – I think there aren’t enough stars in the rating system to truly express how highly I think of this lovely Longmont establishment.

*****

Update March 6, 2021: Dined at The Roost today for lunch with my mother and daughter, and discovered a several new menu items. Haitian Chicken – something to write home about, order this immediately, you won’t regret it. This dish includes a quarter chicken (leg, thigh) marinated in delicious citrus flavors, on a bed of white rice and black bean puree, topped with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. It’s not an exaggeration to say this is the best thing I’ve eaten in Longmont in ages. Honorable mention: the Steak Frites my kid ordered (she has a very mature palate). Topped with candied bacon and garlic sauce, the frites are tender and satisfying, and her steak was cooked to a perfect medium with a carmelized crust that was more than just eye candy. I pilfered as much as I could from her plate before I felt guilty; note to self, order this on the next visit. Mom’s The Roost Burger with crispy onion strings and garlic aioli topping, and a side of parmesan garlic tots, was also quite tasty, per her commentary. Afterwards, we barely managed the Apple Tart Tartine and Carrot Cake with vanilla ice cream and candied walnuts for dessert, but somehow we did manage. I may not eat again for days, but this was foodie bliss. Well done, The Roost. You continue to impress!

Sugar Pine: A Charming Gem in a Unique Colorado Neighborhood

Discovering Sugar Pine Grocery is the culinary highlight of my fall. This is not an overstatement, and my three visits and counting should make it clear that I’ve developed a full blown obsession. But let me back up…

One afternoon I was kid-free, thanks to my wonderful mother, and found myself scrounging for something to do. Anything really, to feel like I’d achieved “me time” in this two hour reprieve. After a somewhat disappointing non-hike with my dog Stella – I had geared up for leaf-peeping and elevation gain, toting a camelback loaded with H20 and snacks, my hiking boots ready for action, only to find my Google-researched destination that day was a perfectly flat lakeside stroll through a neighborhood – I was bummed out. No other way to say it. Stella looked disappointed too, accustomed to hiking mountainous terrain with me on a regular basis. Time was ticking and I knew there was no way to divert to a familiar trail and squeeze in a serious hike at that point. I was also hungry. Where could I go to shake off my frustration, and possibly grab a tasty bite?

I remembered fondly the little community of Prospect, nestled in the southeast corner of Longmont, with its colorful and widely varied architecture, cute shops, and grassy open spaces often graced with a food truck or two. This oasis was only minutes away. Reinvigorated, I tossed my gear into my Subaru, shedding the camelback and boots in favor of flip flops. I parked Stella in the back seat, and took off.

One of several open park areas for the residents of Prospect.

Cruising through Prospect I was delighted to see fall and Halloween decorations everywhere, as well as American flags proudly waving and yard signs promoting tolerance and respect for people of all races and creeds. Inflatable ghouls, skeletons, black cats, and spooky spiderwebs adorned many a shrub, tree, and porch. My drive around the small neighborhood yielded no food trucks, to my disappointment, but I enjoyed the abundance of vivid red and orange fall leaves covering the sidewalks. I decided to park and stroll, to gain a better look at the residents’ festive decorations. As I meandered, Stella frolicked beside me, her paws crunching in the leaves. I recalled that somewhere up ahead was a barbecue joint that had pretty good brisket, last time I visited. My stomach grumbled and I was pleased to finally have a mission.

So much Halloween spirit!

Delicious smells teased my nose as I approached the corner of Coffman Street and Tenacity Drive. Did I mention Prospect has brilliantly named drives, such as Tempted Ways, Confidence, and Half Measures? Along with Neon Forest and Incorrigible Circle. If you visit the Prospect Website, they are the self-proclaimed “Coolest Neighborhood in America” and I have to agree – the experimental architecture is of every flavor and of such unique design, I’ve been enamored of this place since they built it. But I digress. Back to the amazing aromas that led me by the nose to the now former location of the Rib House in Prospect. That business, I learned, shuttered years ago, to be replaced by Sugar Pine Grocery and Catering. This stumped me for a moment, my brisket craving full-blown after all the walking. Yet as I took in the Sugar Pine storefront I was optimistic about this new find. If you could judge a book by its cover, this small, cozy shop promised good food, hospitality, and fresh produce and bakery treats.

On the approach to Sugar Pine.

Sugar Pine’s patio was fully decorated for fall, with sheaves of corn stalks, pumpkins, wrought iron tables and red umbrellas, delicate white string lights, and heat lamps at the ready for outdoor diners. A sandwich board sign announced “Lobster Roll Special today”, which clinched it for me. In years past, I had the habit of visiting Maine and Nova Scotia every summer, so know a good lobster roll when I see one. Those travels were log ago and I had yet to find a rave-worthy roll in my land-locked Colorado home.

Pumpkin carving contest display on the Sugar Pine Patio.
Stella wanted to help with the lunch order.

With some effort, I hooked Stella’s leash to the shop’s patio fence. She was convinced she was entitled to go in and put up a bit of a protest. Once she was settled I eagerly stepped inside to order.

Just inside the door I found a center table piled high with organic produce such as fresh pears, peaches, apples, fingerling potatoes, and vividly striped heirloom tomatoes. Baked goods bookended the produce and I immediately began stacking my impulse purchases on the amused cashier’s counter: peanut butter cookies with a chocolate drop in the center, lemon cake, walnut brownies, and even a baked bone-shaped biscuit for my dog. Of course I added a few peaches and a pile of tomatoes, which were firm and bursting with fragrance. The micro cherry tomatoes were sweet flavor bombs (I had to eat a handful right after purchasing).

Bright, clean, airy interior offering a variety of gourmet treats.

I ordered the Maine Lobster Roll, noting for a future return that Connecticut style, served warm in a buttery seasoning, was also available. Some day I’d have to try one, but I’m a diehard Maine roll fan. In my opinion, you can’t beat cold lobster salad with a hint of mayo, squeeze of lemon, sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a toasted butter split roll.

Note to self: Come back and try everything!

A mere five minute wait later and I was dining on just that – an excellent execution of a classic Maine Lobster Roll. They were generous with the lobster meat: claws, knuckles, sweet delectable bits. Expert level on the mayo and herb application (not too much, just enough to hold the whole enterprise together), and the warm bread was soft on the inside with the perfect buttery crunch on the outside. Topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon for tang, and I had to remember to slow down and pace myself instead of inhaling the goodness.

No contest, this is the best Maine Lobster Roll in Colorado.

The mixed greens salad I enjoyed on the side is worthy of mention. Pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, crisp lettuces, pumpkin seeds, and a tangy vinagrette were a lovely compliment to the richness of my sandwich.

Bounteous cold case with cheeses, meats, dips, veggies, and to-go entrees.

To date I’ve returned to Sugar Pine three times, and each and every time the lobster roll is what I order. To go I’ll take the cookies and produce and fancy cheeses – pro tip: try the herbed chevre or truffled salami in their cold case, or an entree of braised short rib with whipped potatoes – but the Maine roll is what keeps me coming back.

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Heather, during one of my visits. Much like her shop, she is cheerful, unassuming, and welcoming. I told her enthusiastically of my obsession with her lobster roll, which she informed me used to be an occasional special and is now permanent on their menu. I almost did a happy jig when she shared that.

At last visit I discovered they’d acquired their liquor license.  I convinced my mom to leave the house that day to join me for my now weekly lobster roll ritual and we were pleasantly surprised by the beverage menu. The addition of a sparkling flute of prosecco to our meal was a lovely compliment to the sweet lobster as was the side of hand cut shoestring French fries (also new).

Sugar Pine has figured out the secret formula for a perfect, cozy, neighborhood bistro. Their menu, ambiance, location, and bakery treats all add up to pure magic.