Salt + Lime is a wonderful Mexican restaurant in downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I wanted to enjoy a rooftop dining experience before leaving town, and I had heard good things about this restaurant.
The decor is really cute and modern. I had to wait a few minutes for a rooftop table to open up – worth the wait. I ordered a mocktail at the bar, which is a concrete with a black and white tile base.
Once at the rooftop table, I enjoyed another mocktail because there were just so many yummy options. The server brought over chips and salsa. I am telling you, they are crack. Whatever seasoning they sprinkle on top, it is addictive, and I am slobbering just thinking about it. As the food connoisseur I am, chips and salsa just wasn’t enough. The chorizo fundido combined with crack chips are fabulous.
I ordered two tacos the al pastor and the lamb. Honestly, all other tacos are trying to be this al pastor taco. So much so, I ordered another one. I just about exploded. The bison burrito: also wonderful. No one gets to go out to eat with me without sharing at least a bite. Not sorry.
I didn’t have room for dessert, but the menu looked yummy.
I highly recommend this fun restaurant. The view is unbeatable. So grab a bite, grab a drink, and send me the recipe for the crack chips!!! I’m desperate!
I am obsessed with Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain. I have been going for as long as I can remember. There are trips to Steamboat Springs, and all I remember is begging my mom to take me to the soda fountain. I discovered phosphates here.
Lyon’s is a fully functioning drug store located on Lincoln Avenue in downtown. With a pharmacy and other drug store necessities, it also sells beautiful cards, crafts, and home goods. I made use of the drug store part to get some first aid items because I actually ripped my toenail off at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Ouch!
The Soda Fountain is towards the back on the left side of the store. The floor is black and white tile. The stools are red. There’s a jukebox. Honestly, it’s as straight out of the 1950’s as I have found yet. They have food, but most people come for the ice cream in the summer. A kid cone is only $1, so you have no excuse! I love the phosphates, which if you don’t know what they are, they’re also known as Italian sodas in coffee shops. Fizzy, flavored yumminess. I suggest blackberry.
I am not lying when I say, I went every day I was in Steamboat. The workers behind the counter actually learned my name.
I love independent bookstores. I try to shop at and support them as much as I possibly can. When I travel to new places, I’m trying to visit as many local bookstores as I can. I think they’re a unique look into the towns they inhabit. Off the Beaten Path is Steamboat Springs’ local bookshop, which has been open since 1990. I have been stopping in every time I’m in town my whole life.
Walking into Off the Beaten Path is a fun experience. There are huge windows letting tons of natural light into the store, which would be very dark otherwise due to the wood. There is nature inspired art everywhere. Large multi-colored leaves hang from the ceiling. A New Release room is at the front of the store with other sections scattered throughout the store. An upstairs area has new and used books with extra seating for reading, working, or people watching. They have cute items too. I almost bought a fox shaped mug. I did buy a small bag with the words goal digger written on the front.
They have a beautiful selection of books ranging from best sellers, to indie, to children’s, and more. I always love seeing what local bookstores choose to include in their inventory, and Off the Beaten Path does not disappoint. I could have bought more than I did, but I have a huge stack waiting for me at home.
I have several books I absolutely adore. I love finding different editions. Off the Beaten Path had some hard to find versions of the classics. I caved and bought a leather bound edition of Edith Wharton’s Age of Innocence because it’s one of my favorites.
In the middle of the store, there is seating around a full cafe supplying baked goods and quirky drink options. They have great Seven Layer Bars. Their coffees are named after famous books and iconic characters. I tried several, and they were all yummy. The baristas were really lovely and competent. They do serve alcoholic beverages, but I’m sober.
I have a hard time working places outside my own home environment. I was so comfortable in Off the Beaten Path I was actually able to sit down and get work done not once but twice.
I grew up going to Steamboat Springs, Colorado because my grandparents own a condo on the mountain. In the three decades I have been visiting, the town has changed drastically, but Mount Werner has stayed the same. I hear mountains don’t change very quickly.
The beginning of the hike!
My family is very outdoorsy. I, myself, have waffled between outdoorsy and hermit. The last time I was in Steamboat with my family, my allergies were at an all time high, and I was suffering from an undiagnosed heart condition. Suffice to say, that trip earned me a non-adventurous-curmudgeon award within the family unit. (Also, during that trip I ended up in the hospital on a completely unrelated thing, so I wasn’t feeling real great.)
This trip was completely different!
Half way up!
I am now older and more mature… I also am completely aware of my physical impairments, so hiking is no longer viewed as the soul sucking activity it used to be.
The second full day in Colorado, I convinced my partner-in-crime into a hike up the mountain by way of small lies and a lot of “It will be an adventure!” and “You can do anything! You’re a Marine!”
Here’s some back story: My grandparents’ condo is located on the mountain. You walk out the back door, and voilà there’s the hiking trail. There is a gondola that will take you up the mountain for a small price of $25 per person per day. I’m a big ole cheapo. I like spending money, but I much prefer saving money. Why spend $50, when we can just hike? Exercise and savings! Plus it’s free to ride the gondola down the mountain. From the gondola drop off point, it’s another 1.5 miles to the peak of the mountain. The views are stunning, by the way.
We started our hike at 10:30 am with an expected arrival time of 1:30. The last gondola down the mountain is at 4:30. So there would be plenty of time to hike up to the peak and back down. I would convince my P.I.C. of how good of an idea this was on the first leg of our hike. Our four mile hike to the gondola ended up being seven miles because of a wrong turn. We managed to find a bike path that lead us the last half mile. My P.I.C. carried the backpack full of camera equipment, and I hauled a heavy backpack full of water bottles and a book. I’m a book blogger; a book is always necessary.
Altitude really is a kick in the ass.
We made it to the gondola drop off point at 2:00. Two realizations dawned on us: 1. Look at all the people! 2. Dark clouds.
As we made our way up the mountain, we passed several people hiking down the mountain. We saw one biker going up the mountain, but he turned around at the two mile mark. I don’t blame him; he’s a winner in my book. All the people were at the top of the mountain. They were in hiking clothes, but not the sweaty, gross, wheezing blobs of former human beings my P.I.C. and I were. These athletic appearing beings were walking around with cute hair and makeup, taking pictures, and saying things along the lines of “So beautiful!” “What a hike.” and “This is going to look great on Instagram.” A few started on the trail down the mountain (cheaters). Most hopped back on the gondola they so obviously rode up on. LIARS!!! All of them liars. They did not earn those social media posts because they cheated and spent the money to ride the gondola. We were the real hikers! We earned the pictures we were never able to take because……
I made it!!!
At 2:00, we still had time to hike to the peak. BUT!!! As the trees started to open up into the clearing, I saw the dark clouds. On top of a mountain, dark clouds are never a good thing for hikers. Storms roll in with frightening rapidity over the mountains. Being caught in a storm on a mountain let alone at the peak is not only scary but down right dangerous. We decided to stop to refill our water bottles and grab a snack. I have been in the unfortunate desperate sprint from peak to gondola because of a storm before. It was not a position I desired to be in again, but I was hopeful the clouds would roll pass.
Mount Werner is a skiing mountain in the winter. In the summer, it is a biking and hiking haven. Where the gondola is housed on top of the mountain, there is a bar and restaurant for those wanting to eat with views. There’s an indoor area and a large patio. It’s not cheap, but it is pretty. As I ordered my french fries, the bartender said, “Do you have anywhere to be in the next several hours?” I replied, “I’m on top of a mountain, so probably not.” “Well, that’s good because they just shut down the gondola without warning due to lightning. You could maybe make it if you ran.” I’m not a runner, so I made myself comfortable waiting for my fries.
I took literally a handful of pictures waiting for my fries and sandwich. Thank goodness I did. Right after our food arrived, I felt a thud on my head. Hello hail! We quickly stuffed all our belongings and the very expensive camera away before running inside. It was official, the gondola would not be starting back up. A bus started its way up the mountain to pick up everyone who didn’t make it onto the gondola.
I have to tell you, almost nothing about that day went as planned. It was definitely an adventure. I really loved seeing the storm come in over the mountain. The sky was dark. There was lightning and thunder and hail and a ton of rain. It was an afternoon I will never forget.
I hadn’t been to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in nine years. Almost exactly. The first full day in town, I wanted to walk around and scout out all the new stuff. I walked passed Bésame, smelled what was wafting out the door, stopped to look at the menu, and I knew I would be back before long.
Fast forward a couple days.
Sneak peek!
The decor is fabulous. At the bar, there are blue velvet chairs. Equal parts comfy and luxurious. There are floor to ceiling windows looking onto downtown, which open up during service to let in the fresh mountain air. There is a small patio with four tables. Succulents adorn each table. The dining area is beautiful decorated with dark wood. An upstairs has extra seating for parties or the busy season. Spanish music plays in the background. (I danced on my way in and out.)
These photos are taken from two different trips to Bésame. I was too full for dessert the first time; I had to go back in order to try their kickass desserts. The first time we sat on the patio, and the second time we sat at the bar. There’s just the right amount of shade to make it fabulous.
Patatas Bravas. Oh boy!
The service was impeccable. Hayzen was our server and the bartender both times. Being a non-drinker who still likes unique, fancy drinks is not always easy for bartenders. He is my new favorite, so if I come into a pile of money and have an event, I will hire him immediately. I had a virgin peach mojito (fantastic) and then a virgin spicy, sweet passion fruit margarita. Seriously, amazing. Not only is he a talented tender of bars, he is incredibly personable, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about the restaurant.
The food was fantastic. There is a smatter of South American and Spanish dishes. I saw Patatas Bravas on the menu and, duh, had to order it. Then I ordered the Tostada de Vieja Ropa. I dated a Cuban for a bit in college, and he introduced me to Vieja Ropa, which is now one of my favorite foods. I have high standards and Bésame met them. What I loved about the dish: it was served on a sweet plantain disk. Believe me, it’s awesome! The kitchen accidentally made an extra order of their special of the day, which was a chorizo tostada with a small green salad. Hayzen – being the fabulous man he is – sent it our way. He jokingly said “Just leave a good review!” Little did he know, I was already geared up to write this phenomenal review. I should probably go post on yelp too…. Anyways! The chorizo was awesome. I don’t love refried beans because they usually have an au de tin can after taste. Not these! Yum. The table next to mine wanted me to let you all know the ceviche was the best they’d ever had. I am inclined to believe them because they were older with what seems like a good handful of money by their dress and jewelry. Anyways, the ceviche is always changing depending on the fresh fish market, and that day it was made with salmon.
Who could want a better dessert?
For dessert on the very last day in Steamboat Springs, I enjoyed the Kaffir Lime Churros and the Banana Bowl. Hayzen said the Kaffir Lime Churros have a slight fruit loop taste because of the unique flavor combination. He is not wrong. It’s not in an intense fruit loop flavor, and it definitely does not have the refined sugar throat coating quality. It’s served with frozen wine grapes and a Mexican hot chocolate dipping sauce. The Banana Bowl came highly recommended, and I will recommend it to you. So good! I can’t even describe it to you in any other words than heavenly.
So the reason the food is so delectable is because everything on the plate is made in house. It’s hard to beat fresh ingredients. It’s even harder to beat food made in house. You can taste the difference in the tortillas and plantains and especially in the refried beans. Pickled onions are amazing when they are freshly pickled. I love that sweet crunch they added to the Vieja Ropa!
I went to Bésame for lunch because we were trying to keep vacation costs low by cooking dinner at home, and lunch tends to be cheaper for equally great food. (Pro tip: go out for lunch on the weekends, you’ll save a bunch!) Anyways, it is definitely more expensive than McDonald’s, but it is affordable and a really wonderful experience. I would like to go back and enjoy dinner; the menu is bigger and looks delightful.
If you’re ever in Steamboat, this is the place you need to go to!
I love style, fashion, accessories, etc. I have since I was a little girl when I would go shopping with my mom and grandma in New Orleans. As I have gotten older, my style has evolved through the years. I have received so many compliments and questions about what I wear through the year and a half I have been blogging. Bookish Liaisons was started with an all encompassing lifestyle thing in mind, so now I’m dipping a toe into something else I love!
I met Paulina Tobon of Luca Love last spring, and I fell in love with her business and bracelets. I love that this blog and my social media has allowed me a platform to advocate for causes I am passionate about. When I decided to this step, I immediately thought of Paulina. I wanted to make my first style post special. Luca Love, a small, local, female ran business, is exactly where I want to start. I decided to take the plunge because Paulina is from Colombia, and her business does a lot of good in Colombia. I just read the Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras, who is a Colombian author.
I have a really simple, understated, and easy sense of style. I may be fancy, but I like fancy to be quick and affordable. Bracelets have always been the bane of my existence. I love them. I want them. I hated wearing them because they’re impossible to put on by myself. Not anymore! Luca Love bracelets are super easy to put on because they cinch. They’re also incredibly cute. I have four in blacks and whites because they go with everything.
Not gonna lie, I wore them every day when I was on vacation in Colorado. I received so many compliments. They’re just enough sparkle without being distracting.
I could tell you about Luca Love myself, but I decided to do a little Q&A with the founder Paulina!
Short Bio My name is Paulina Tobon, and I am the creator of Luca Love Bracelets. I graduated from the University of Houston Bauer Business College. Currently I spend most of the year in Houston, but I travel to Colombia often. I love to be outdoors and have a dog obsession. I also enjoy music, reading, and practicing a healthy and fit lifestyle.
What gave you the idea to start Luca Love? The idea for Luca Love started after a study abroad in Southeast Asia with the University of Houston. I was working on a microfinance project that helped families in need through business. I always had a passion for travel, philanthropy, artisan work, and entrepreneurship. After the study abroad, I learned that I could mix all the things I love while creating a career at the same time.
Why bracelets? I have always had a bracelet/accessory obsession. Every time I traveled, I bought bracelets and artisan work. I love the concept of wearing something that tells a story, has a message, or a meaning.
When did you start this journey? To be honest, in a weird way, I think I started this journey a long time ago. I’ve always been a dreamer. As a little girl I would always come up with business ideas and different ways of creating things I could sell. After I graduated from UH, I knew where my heart belonged, and I haven’t stopped since. Luca Love started in the summer 2015.
How did you come to the name Luca Love? Luca Love was named after my uncle Luis Carlos. I took the first two letters of his initials to create the name. He dedicated his life to helping others. My uncle made a huge impact in my life and many others. The name was the perfect fit.
I know part of your business is giving back to your community. How do you do that? What inspired you to do so? We give back to the community through opportunities of employment to low-income Colombian women and through education. Luca Love sponsors a free English program to a rural community in Marinilla, Colombia. I believe the way I was raised has a lot to do with it. My family always taught me the importance of giving back and helping those in need. I remember my parents would sponsor kids in need with their education. My uncle who was another father figure to me also lived his life in service for others, and it’s something I always wanted to continue.
As a woman and a Colombian woman in the United States, was starting your own business? I was born in the US, then moved to Colombia, then back to the US, and I think the cycle is never ending. I like to say I live in both places. I was never intimidated to start a business because of my gender or race. I believe they are my strong points. I was more intimidated by the fears of uncertainty. Was my business idea strong enough to make a living off of? Was I dreaming too much? Was I crazy for believing I could make an impact? Was the market going to value my product and mission?
I sure hope you say no, but I have to wonder. With the current political climate, have you experienced any change in your business or how people treat you? Sometimes we do receive comments like, “You’re in America you need to make jobs here,” but we explain that Luca Love goes beyond borders and believes in creating bridges of opportunities. Plus, aren’t I an American along with my US sales team?
What impact are you hoping to have in the U.S. and in Colombia? I just want all of us to understand how much of an impact we each can make when we join forces. We are global citizens. We all have so much to offer in our own unique ways. I want people to celebrate and embrace their differences and at the same time realize we have so much in common. I specifically want to fight against stereotypes and ideas that are destructive to our growth as a nation and as individuals.
Your family is in Colombia and a huge part of the business. Has it helped your family grow closer? Extremely. Conversations are now beyond feelings of distance and saying “I miss you.” Having a business has also taught us the importance of clear communication, personal growth, and development. It has made us so much stronger.
Do you go back to Colombia often? For work, fun, or both? I go to Colombia at least once a year and definitely a lot of both!
What is something people don’t know but you want them to know about Colombia? Colombia is more than Pablo Escobar and cocaine. Colombia is a country filled with beautiful passionate people. Despite our rough history we believe in a better and brighter future.
What has been the best part of owning your own business? The people we’ve met along this journey, and the impact we’ve all made on each other. The stories we’ve heard, the opportunities we’ve received, and overall the connections made with amazing people from all kinds of backgrounds. Hands down.
What advice would you give to young women wanting to start their own business. To love the process. Sometimes we are so focused on that end result that we don’t enjoy the journey. The journey is not easy. It is a lot of hard work, and you come face to face with a lot of fears. You have to overcome those fears and doubts in order to keep growing. Also, celebrate the milestones! Acknowledge how awesome you are and boost up that confidence. You are capable of great things 🙂
Anyways! I will be hosting a giveaway with Luca Love tomorrow through my Instagram, so keep an eye out for that. I absolutely enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about her and her business journey. I hope you love it as much as I do!!!
