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T H E B E S T O F H I G H L A N D S R A N C H A N D LO N E T R E E
FOOD + DRINK H I D D EN G EMS
DESTINATION
OUTDOOR LIVING
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
|
CONSTRUCTION
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MAINTENANCE
15% Off New Clients | 303.795.1717 | DenverEliteLandscaping.com
MAKING DREAMS
come true
ONE HOME AT A TIME
Let us guide you home. Your Highlands Ranch real estate experts Alan Larson alarson@kentwood.com | 303-888-5064
Alan Larson
Todd Landgrave todd@kentwood.com | 303-808-6005
kentwoodrealestate.com
Todd Landgrave
LIFESTYLE LETTER
OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Jennifer Starbuck | Jennifer.Starbuck@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR
Grand Finales and New Beginnings
Sonja Nix | Sonja.Nix@LifestylePubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGERS
Joan Dameron | Joan.Dameron@LifestylePubs.com Jeni Fleck | Jeni.Fleck@LifestylePubs.com
OUR LAST DATE NIGHT ON THE TOWN, THE WEEKEND BEFORE COVID-19
AD DESIGNER
SHUTDOWNS, WAS AN UNPLANNED DINNER WITH LONGTIME FRIENDS. We
Miranda Williams
sat in the Friday-night crush at Ocean Prime DTC. It was loud, exciting and felt good to
L AYO UT DESIGNER
mingle after a long week.
Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
We stayed out too late and spent more than we should have. That impromptu double
Sonja Nix
date was meant to be — a grand sendoff to fine dining pre-pandemic. So grateful for
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
that night. We hope our Food Issue gets you thinking about what you're hungry for.
Jenae Lopez, Cameron Yarumian
The excitement of fashionably innovative cuisine? Or comforts of family home cooking? Maybe a mixture of both. Our Hidden Gems features the delicious creations of local business owners, from charcuterie delivered to your door, to an entire bakery case of gluten- and allergen-free treats. In Locally Owned, there's the entrepreneurial spirit of longtime Highlands Ranch residents who have recently purchased their local liquor store and are turning it into a neighborhood destination. Have a hard-to-find special request? They're on it. And, since most of us are eating at home more than ever, check out a beautifully remodeled kitchen from Eryn Caskey, owner of A Rustic Butterfly. Start an idea board and get working on your own updated dream kitchen.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Eating out definitely looks different from that March Friday date night. But as you can
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
see in these pages, South Denver is still dishing up.
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
Jennifer Starbuck, Publisher
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Ornery Olive Charcuterie Co.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON YARUMIAN 4
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
CityLifestyle.com/HighlandsRanch
Proverbs 3:5-6 Highlands Ranch Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Highlands Ranch area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Highlands Ranch Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
Start early,
SELL QUICKLY
This is the time of year when many people begin thinking about putting their homes on the market, especially in the singlefamily market. Our best advice is to start getting your home ready early. The more prepared it is, the better chance it has of moving through the process quickly. Here are a few things we recommend knocking out early: —
HVAC: Fall is a great time to get your HVAC serviced, especially if you’re thinking about listing your home. Hang on to your service record afterwards, too—it’ll help when it comes time for inspections.
—
Winterizing: Guard your home against things like burst pipes and overflowing gutters by winterizing early in the season. We also recommend removing dead trees and planting winter-safe varieties so your home will hold its curb appeal all winter long.
—
Chimney & Fireplace: This is one that gets missed a lot, but having your chimney and fireplace cleaned and serviced every couple of years can help minimize fire hazards and saves a lot of time down the road.
For a full list of suggestions, give us a call. We’re happy to help.
Joy Van Gilder, Broker Associate
Kara Wetherill, Broker Associate
(303) 908-5325 MOBILE jvangilder@sliferdenver.com
(720) 507-0790 MOBILE kwetherill@sliferdenver.com
visitthelandmark.com sliferdenver.com
INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020 FEATURES 14 Hidden Gems Bring Big Flavor Local Culinary Business Owners Bring Passion and Dedication and Spread Their Food Love in South Denver
18 Raising Your Spirits Good Spirits Liquor and Wine Reopens With a Colorado-Style Makeover
22 Cozy Spaces for Modern Living Eryn Caskey of A Rustic Butterfly Brings Her Own Aesthetic to Marry Rustic and Modern To Remodeled Perfection
22
26 Food For Thought Fox Hill Farm Brings Farm-to-Table Culture to Residents and Community
14
18 26
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
14
Local Limelight
18
Locally Owned
22 Renovate & Refine 26 Hot Spot 34 Culinary Creations
GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
Hops Harvesting Party at Fox Hill The Fox Hill Hops Harvesting Party took place on August 22nd. Attendees enjoyed good music and learned about the process of beer-making from fresh hops. People were able to take hops home with them to try their hands at home brewing!
3.
4.
1. Josh Branch and his fun music mix | 2. Hops before harvest | 3. Basket of hops | 4. Guest Greg Jensen enjoying the harvest
Fundraiser at Studio Med Spa benefiting Extended Hands of Hope Local business owner Monika Nielson organized a Sip and Shop event at The Studio Med this past month. The event hosted donated boutique clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry and so much more from Amazing Lemons, Mod Mountain, Giggleblossom and Mama Tribe (to name a few) to be purchased during the event. One hundred percent of the proceeds went to benefit the non profit Extended Hands of Hope, which is an organization dedicated to helping sex trafficking survivors.
8
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
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AROUND TOWN
What makes us different, makes us better!
EAT THE FROG FITNESS OPENING Eat The Frog Fitness is coming soon to Highlands Ranch. It's the first Colorado location to open. They offer highly personalized workouts in a studio setting. Founded in 2008 by Olympic Gold Medalist and Decathlete Bryan Clay and longtime gym owner Joe Culver, they recognized that athletic
www.heflebowerfuneralservices.com | (720) 344-6087
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training had become focused on appearance and weight, rather than physical function and endurance. To try out a free session, contact Sean Daily, at 303-729-3704 or visit eatthefrogfitness.com for a fitness assessment and personalized workout.
STARS IN ARTS GALA The whole family is invited to celebrate the past, present, and future of Performing Arts Academy in Highlands Ranch at the 7th annual Stars in Arts Gala. Tickets are now on sale for this exciting virtual event that will be held on Oct. 24. The silent auction begins on Oct. 20. PAA's Stars in Arts Gala will have one hour of live-streamed and pre-recorded video content that ticket holders can view from home, including student performances and interviews, a live auction, and messages from PAA Staff and board members. The Silent Auction portion of the Gala
Summer has come to an end. Your practice doesn't have to! During October, we are offering 5 classes for $50 to keep you on track. Call the studio today to get signed up!
303.362.0369
@honoryogahighlandsranch honoryoga.com/highlandsranch
8800 S. Colorado Blvd, Unit F, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 10
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
will be like years past, with an app that makes it easy to bid on the items you like! For the past 14 years, PAA has relied on donations to offer transformative performing arts education to the children and youth in South Denver. This year we have 100 hours to raise $100,000 to keep PAA funded through this
global pandemic. Performing Arts Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that is creating community, building character, and inspiring excellence through performing arts education. Gala tickets at PAAColorado.org/Gala.
HRCA VIRTUAL TASTINGS While in person tastings are canceled for now, the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits have decided to bring the beverage tastings to you in the comfort of your own home. If you missed an event, no worries — download the shopping list and watch the recording. We have everything from cocktail creation classes, wine tastings, masterclasses and much MORE! Hope to see you at one of our upcoming virtual tastings. HRCAOnline.org
CURATE’S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Welcome the holiday season with the best local vendors, makers and artisans at Curate Mercantile’s Annual Holiday Open House Nov. 6-8. Featuring goods from more than 70 merchants, the open house will showcase the newest merchandise for the upcoming season. From home decor,
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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
Hidden Gems Br in g Bi g F lavor LOCAL CULINARY BUSINESS OWNERS BRING PASSION AND DEDICATION AND SPREAD THEIR FOOD LOVE IN SOUTH DENVER
High point Creamery's Erika Thomas
Owner: Erika Thomas Website: HighPointCreamery.com
If ice cream trucks of yore are kitschy, banal pleasures,
Cake, Berry Crisp and Dark Chocolate & Espresso Beans.
High Point Creamery’s motto “lavishly crafting joy” sums
Lest you think these flavors are too high brow for kids, they
up the differences. Their aptly named ice cream truck, Big
also offer velvety Milk Chocolate and Vanilla Bean. But kids
Pinky, replaces the tinny music and dulled images with
also love the unique flavor combos like, Cucumber Mint
brilliant, unusual flavor combinations. High Point Creamery
Sorbet and Basil and Blackberry Swirl.
was born from Erika Thomas’ trusty ice cream maker, and
Their innovative flavors even caught the eye of the
husband Chad Stutz’ love of eating ice cream. Founded
Cooking Channel’s Unique Sweets. In addition to the
in 2013, they opened their first shop in the Hilltop neigh-
ice cream shops and food truck, local residents can find
borhood. Big Pinky came next, followed by a catering cart
High Point Creamery products at Whole Foods. They
and two more shops in Denver’s hippest neighborhoods.
are also available for weddings, special and corporate
Now Thomas and Stutz call Highlands Ranch home.
events. Find their shops and ice cream truck locations
They offer signature flavors, such as TinCup Whiskey &
at highpointcreamery.com
Pistachio Brittle, Cookies (3 ways) & Cream, and Salty Dog Chocolate. Seasonal flavors for autumn 2020 include peren-
Favorite item:
nial favorite Joan’s Pumpkin Pie and they are bringing back
Basil with BlackBerry Swirl, such a unique flavor combo,
Zucchini Bread. New this year is Pineapple Upside Down
loved by gourmets and children alike.
14
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
ARTICLE SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERON YARUMIAN
High Point Creamery
DETAILS:
Wave the Grain's Allyson Kulinksi
The proverb “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” epitomizes Wave the Grain’s beginnings. The seeds were planted in 2014 when Allyson Kulinski’s son was diagnosed with Celiacs disease. “What is a mom to do with a teenage boy, but now all of his favorite foods are suddenly off limits?” In typical mom fashion, she started baking. But this comfort food was grounded in purpose; to find baked goods that were the opposite of the tasteless, cardboard-like experience typical of gluten-free food. She started selling her goods at farmers markets, then opened the brick-and-mortar store in 2018. Wave the Grain’s kitchen is 100 percent gluten free in order to completely eliminate the risk of cross contamination. Multiple varieties of baked goods; bread, cakes, pastries and other desserts are available every day. You can also pop in for an espresso drink and breakfast burrito or ramen to eat there or take to go. Wave the Grain features daily specials that change each day of the week, and are available as a special order any day of the week. Special occasion cakes, such as wedding or birthday cakes can be special ordered. They also offer a DETAILS: Owner: Allyson Kulinski Website: WaveTheGrain.com
Wave The Grain
large variety of take away meals and home essentials like eggs and yeast. They even offer a wide variety of pantry stable and baked keto items. The cannolis are particularly delicious. Wave the Grain is open six days a week, and offer online ordering and delivery. Find them at 8127 South Holly St. or wavethegrain.com
Favorite item: cinnamon rolls. Allyson created the recipe for a friend who loved them as a child and wished to continue the tradition with her sons who are highly sensitive to grains. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/HighlandsRanch
15
LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)
Ornery Olive Charcuterie Co.'s Lindsay DiDonna
DETAILS: Owner: Lindsay DiDonna Website: OrneryOlive.com
Ornery Olive Upon first glance, Olathe, Kansas and Florence, Italy
the Ornery Olive Charcuterie Co. The name comes
don’t appear to have much in common, but the Ornery
from the humble olive, a mainstay of Italian meals, but
Olive Charcuterie Co.’s Lindsay DiDonna found other-
sometimes not a favorite in the US. As she was creating
wise. Growing up in America’s heartland, her childhood
boards, she’d often get requests to omit the olives. To be
home on 40 acres of farmland was frequently filled
true to Italian tradition, she couldn’t leave this import-
with family and friends. Her mother and grandmother
ant part out, but the name recognizes how ornery this
entertained with lavish spreads of fresh vegetables,
little brined bite can be. In just eight months, business
meat and baked goods. It is no surprise then when
has grown exponentially through referrals and repeat
she met her Italian husband, they shared the love of
business into a full-time job.
gathering with close friends and family to enjoy a meal
Ornery Olive is an Ambassador of Divina, which supplies
and good company. Ornery Olive was formed in this
all of her olives, as well as jams and spreads. Ornery Olive
shared history, then fostered during their honeymoon
also partners with Murray’s Cheese of New York, and other
through Italy, where Lindsey became fascinated with
small enterprises to offer the finest ingredients on their
cured meats, cheese, olives and fruit. Once at home in
boards. Find them at orneryolive.com or @orneryolive.
Highlands Ranch, she frequented markets to select the
Favorite item:
finest accoutrements and started creating charcuterie boards for their personal events. After many requests
Caramelized Onion Jam and Chili Fig Spread paired
from friends for her boards for their own parties, in
with Fromager D’Affinois or any triple cream brie that is
March of 2020, Lindsey made it official and started
buttery and mild in flavor.
16
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
Even long-time industry innovators like Epicurean Catering have had to get creative when the food industry was so significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded in 1984, founder Larry DiPasquale wanted to create a different experience for his clients than was currently available from other caterers. He set out to freshly prepare food at the event location, instead of offsite as was the industry standard at that time. Today, Epicurean is an award-winning industry leader which has branched out to be the exclusive caterer for top Denver venues, Professional Sports Hospitality, and restaurant concepts along side its traditional wedding and event catering. No stranger to reinvention, Epicurean Catering has now also created a whole new way to reach its clients in these uncertain times. Meals on the Move is Epicurean’s answer to take away, served with the refinement and precision they are known for. The offering includes hors d’overs spreads, executive box lunches as well as individual meals, bowls and salads, Meals on the Move serves both business style gatherings, as well as home servings. At the very beginning of the pandemic, Epicurean DETAILS: Owner: Larry DiPasquale Website: EpicureanGroupCo.com
Epicurean Catering
fed 20,000 meals to front-line workers with their Feed Your Community efforts. Coming up next they plan to offer frozen family-style meals. These meals are inspired by the nostalgia and comfort of TV dinners, elevated to Epicurean’s standards. Online ordering available, as is pick up and delivery. Find them at epicureangroupco.com.
Favorite item: Noel Cunningham’s Spaghettini with Baby Clam Sauce, Larry’s favorite to cook at home. The recipe can be found in Epicurean’s upcoming cookbook. CityLifestyle.com/HighlandsRanch
17
LOCALLY OWNED
GOOD SPIRITS LIQUOR AND WINE REOPENS WITH A COLORADO-STYLE MAKEOVER
Raising Your Spirits MIXED DRINKS OR CRAFT COCKTAILS.
counter was moved to the front of the store so
Neat, shaken, stirred or floated. In a chilled beer
that customers are greeted as they enter.
mug or a fluted stem. However you like your drink, Good Spirits has you in mind.
“Everyday someone walks in with a confused look on their face and asks if they are in the
Longtime Highland Ranch residents Nikki
right store,” Tom says, describing the change in
and Tom Dempsey moved here from out of state,
interior. “We have to reorient them as to where
and intended to stay for just a few years. But like
everything is located. We have so many cus-
many transplants, fell in love with the state, then
tomers who compliment us on the friendly staff,
each other and have lived in Highlands Ranch
remodeled store, and incredible selection.”
for more than 20 years. The community liquor
Even though they both were in medical
store they patronized and had become friendly
devise sales for many years, they’d never
with the staff was at times out of the products
worked together.
they liked to buy, so when they learned the
Nikki says “I love working with Tom. Everyday
longtime owners were selling, they decided to
I am amazed by his creativity and his incred-
take the leap into something new. The Covid-
ible work ethic.”
19 pandemic slowed the process of purchasing
Tom agrees, saying “we learned how to divide
the shop, but they knew that the location of
and conquer key tasks. The important part is to
the shop was very promising, and wanted to
recognize each other’s strengths and trust in
provide an inviting, friendly, and well-stocked
one another. We have found that it has actually
neighborhood liquor store. The name “Good
been rewarding for our relationship.”
Spirits” stands for what they want to create, “when you’re in here, you’re in Good Spirits.”
Since opening, Good Spirits has tripled their inventory, offering a wide range of standard and
The first thing they did was work with pro-
unique wine, beer, spirits, cordials, liqueurs and
fessional designers to completely redesign the
mixers. Both big and small Colorado brewers
interior. Colorado’s own thriving brewing and
are robustly represented here with 440 options.
spirits industry, alongside mountain architec-
The whiskey section is particularly impressive.
ture served as inspiration. Like Coloradans, the
Well-known brands, such as Stranahans, sit
interior is warm and welcoming, with a rustic but
along side smaller Colorado distillers Laws,
modern charm. At the advise of their contrac-
Leopold, Elkins, and 10th Mountain. In the back
tor, Fountain Gate Property Service, Colorado
of the store is a tasting area, which will open
Beetle Kill Pine is featured predominantly, both
once Covid restrictions lift. Customers can join
for the aesthetic, but also the scent. In addition
their free whiskey club to hear first about spe-
to a professionally designed interior, Good
cial discounts and rare allocated bourbons.
Spirits hired graphic designer Matt Dowling to create their vintage styled logo. The checkout
Delivery via goodspiritsliquor.com or the Drizly app.
ARTICLE SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY JENAE LOPEZ
18
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
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RENOVATE & REFINE
Cozy Spaces for Modern Living ERYN CASKEY OF A RUSTIC BUTTERFLY BRINGS HER OWN AESTHETIC TO MARRY RUSTIC AND MODERN TO REMODELED PERFECTION ARTICLE SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY JENAE LOPEZ Eryn Caskey of A Rustic Butterfly
CLASSIC. Simple. Rustic. Modern. These are the words Eryn Caskey use to describe her own aesthetic that she brings with her design and remodel business, A Rustic Butterfly.
F i n i s h i n g To u c h e s :
Eryn Caskey grew up in Southern California, and had a natural knack for strong interior design. At a young age she found she was skilled in decorating and arranging furniture to create livable spaces. She then worked in a lighting showroom and for a lighting design firm as a teenager and young adult. Upon moving to Colorado in 2010, Eryn managed the buildout of a new commercial space for a tech firm, which gave her exposure to broader interior redesign projects. A Rustic Butterfly grew from Eryn’s hobby of refinishing old furniture. She posted a wine bar cabinet she’d redone on
Weathered blue stain pine on the pantry barndoors
Carbon grey stain on the kitchen island legs
Honed Italian marble subway tiles for the backsplash
Natural wood and wicker accessories
Facebook, and received a large amount of positive feedback. She began to get requests for refinished and custom-built pieces. After working several more years in a corporate environment, all while refinishing furniture on the side, she branched out on her own in 2013. Eryn began to build A Rustic Butterfly’s following on social media which continues to be a main source of exposure and referrals. “I love old things. I find meaning in everything and know that things that were once beautiful can be made beautiful again with a little love and work,” Eryn says, describing what inspires her. 22
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/HighlandsRanch
23
RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)
Eryn Caskey of A Rustic Butterfly is known locally for her innovative barndoor designs.
24
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
The Franktown project featured here was a complete remodel. There were a few physical challenges, some floor work to move water lines to create room for the radiant heat. But her client was very open and turned the reins over to Eryn. Like most of The Rustic Butterfly’s work, this project features custom designed and built pieces. The vent hood was built by Eryn herself, as were the barn doors and finished in a carbon gray stain for rustic elegance. She designed the island legs to make the island more furniture-like. The floating shelves were also custom built to fit the space. She added detail by varying the double stacked upper glass cabinets and crown molding. Client Eric Kulby says “Eryn and her team were dedicated to detail, professional and timely. Eryn brings a real creative mind that helped Susan and I out when making tough decisions with style. Rustic Butterfly was a great experience and we look forward to the next project.” Eryn truly enjoys the challenges of being one of very few women owned remodeling businesses. “I work alongside my team and do the hard work and heavy lifting, getting my hands dirty.. I do run into the occasional guy who talks down to me, questions my process, vision, and design. But it is my project, my team and my work, so we make it happen.” CityLifestyle.com/HighlandsRanch
25
HOT SPOT
FOX HILL FARM BRINGS FARM-TO-TABLE CULTURE TO RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY
26
Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
ARTICLE HANNAH ECHOLS GRIESER | PHOTOGRAPHY JOLIE RODRIGUEZ
Food For Thought PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS EATING. For people who eat three times a day, that equates to around 1,092 meals a year. And that goes without mentioning the snacks and desserts that are sandwiched in the midst of a busy schedule. In this fast-paced environment, it is all too easy to be thoughtless about the food we consume and its origins. Fox Hill, a residential community planted in the Franktown countryside, is making sure that isn’t the narrative for the members of their neighborhood. After all, it’s hard to ignore where your food comes from when the farm is right across from your house. The crowning feature of Douglas County’s newest custom home development is the fully sustainable garden and orchard located on-site that will provide residents with produce boxes on a weekly basis. On both sides of Flintwood Road custom homes are growing from the ground up right along with the produce. At the top of the hill, the original farmhouse oversees her domain and sits adjacent to the farm and greenhouse. The farm includes everything from bees that produce local honey to a pumpkin patch for kids to play in during the fall. Unexpected vagabonds, a tribe of 9 deer, also meander around the farm and periodically thieve a few vegetables. “They do look healthier than they did a couple months ago,” jokes Shawn Lopez, the farm manager. Shawn is the main man for just about everything around the farm. As the farm manager, he ensures that all of the farm’s processes are connected and functioning well. This is the first year that Fox Hill will distribute produce boxes. According to Shawn, the boxes will include chilis, squash, lettuce, herbs, flowers, fennel, and a crowler of beer. “We promised the community all of these services, so no matter what we will make it work,” Shawn says. Shawn is especially interested in their hops, a plant cultivated to brew beer. Long vines of hops dangle on wooden posts and almost seem to dance in the slight breeze. They’re adorned with thousands of green, pinecone-like blossoms. When torn in two, the fuzzy hops release the unmistakable aroma of bitter, citrusy beer. All in all, the hops will produce one barrel (about 31.5 gallons) of IPAs and lager for the community. “Your average beer starts as a dehydrated, pelleted hop. They’re kind of gross,” Shawn says. “If you go to the store and see limited release or seasonal beer, it’s made from fresh hops like these.” Natural and fresh is the goal. Fox Hill Farm has 52 free range chickens that strut openly around the farm. Their coop is cheekily coined “Cluckingham Palace,” but most of the time they’re out exploring their surroundings.
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HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
“ They promised the communi t y all of these ser vices, so no matter what we will m a k e i t w o r k .”
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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
“You’re not going to find free-range chickens roaming around like how we have them here,” Shawn says. “In the store, ‘free-range’ typically means that they’re just fenced in rather than caged.” Another unique quality farm-to-table produce provides is the exclusivity of plant types. Fox Hill has lemon, lime, and spicy basil as well as blue and Indian corn— all varieties that cannot be found in the supermarket. Much of the produce is grown inside of the greenhouse. This allows the farm to provide year-round produce, even in a state like Colorado where the growing season is squeezed between snowfalls. Produce is simply grown inside of the greenhouse and transplanted outside once it becomes warm enough. Perhaps the most magical element of the greenhouse is one you wouldn’t expect— fish poop. The farm has plenty of tilapia that are fed organic, vegan food. Their waste is distributed as fertilizer to the fruit trees outdoors. Meanwhile, bacteria breaks down and purifies the fish’s urine, which provides clear water to hydrate the indoor plants. Because of this system, Shawn hasn’t had to fertilize anything inside of the greenhouse. To add organic or vegan fertilizer would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition to being economically sustainable, the farm-to-table system is efficient in just about every other realm as well. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council report titled ‘Wasted,’ transporting food from farms accounts for 50 percent of land use in the United States and 80 percent of all freshwater used. Shawn notes that over 50 percent of food produced on farms in the United States is lost in the transportation process. At Fox Hill, there is no waste due to transport— the consumers are all local, and the food that isn’t consumed by residents will be donated. Fox Hill only constitutes one neighborhood. However, if other residential areas follow suit in the future, leaps and bounds of progress Fox Hill Farm manager Shawn Lopez
can be made toward more mindful and sustainable communities.
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REDEFINING YOUR OUTDOOR
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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
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CULINARY CREATIONS
Perfect Banana Bread
NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE SNACK CAKE, THIS JUNIOR LEAGUE RECIPE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND ARTICLE CARRIE LEIGH HUCKABAY PHOTOGRAPHY BETHANY FIELDS
WHEN I WAS A NEW BRIDE, WAY BACK IN THE ‘90S, I RECEIVED MANY SHOWER GIFTS THAT WEREN’T ON THE REGISTRY. You’ve all been there, right? Someone went off book. Along with many curiosities, I got a copy of Necessities and Temptations, The Cookbook of the Junior League of Austin, Texas. I’ve made dozens of recipes from that cookbook, but everyone’s favorite is the Banana Bread. I know what you’re thinking. Yawn. Turn the page. ‘I already have a favorite banana bread recipe.’ Whatever your excuse is for not making this recipe, I’m telling you that it isn’t good enough. Make it today. Over the years, I’ve added and subtracted ingredients, so this isn’t exactly what the Junior League put out all those years ago, but it’s certainly worth a try! INGREDIENTS Bread: + 1 1/2 cups sugar + 1/2 cup butter + 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening + 2 eggs + 4 ripe bananas, mashed + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + 4 tablespoons buttermilk + 2 cups all purpose flour + 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda + 1 teaspoon salt Topping: + 6 tablespoons butter + 10 tablespoons brown sugar + 5 tablespoons milk or heavy cream + 3/4 cup chopped pecans PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs and add to sugar mixture. Add bananas, buttermilk and vanilla. 3. Sift together flour, soda and salt. Add to banana mixture. Beat well. 4. Pour into two greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3 inch pans.
Carrie Leigh Huckabay is an actress, playwright and avid cook. Find her @carriehuckabay or CarrieHuckabay.com
5. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until bread pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool. 6. To prepare topping, melt butter in saucepan. Add sugar and milk. Cook until syrupy. 7. Remove from heat and add chopped pecans. Pour over bread and place under the broiler, watching closely for 5 minutes or until browned.
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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | October 2020
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