Helpful items to satisfy your springtime needs

Compiled by Jay McKinney

Turn Anything Into an Edible

Since the legalization of marijuana, companies across the state have been creating new and interesting ways to responsibly consume. With the launch of ebb, a new THC dissolvable created by TasteBudz, marijuana users now have a healthier option for getting intoxicated. TasteBudz is a leading figure in the Colorado cannabis industry and this latest product is a universal powder that can be added to any food or beverage to make it into an edible. Colorado-based entrepreneurs have introduced this product as an alternative to edible offerings and have prioritized health and wellness by including functional ingredients like electrolytes and vitamin C. As with any product containing THC, you still need to be cautious, but with ebb you can feel a little healthier next time you consume marijuana.

First Bite Gives Back

After the Covid-19 pandemic forced many restaurants to close their doors, First Bite: Boulder County’s Restaurant Week decided to get creative. In November 2020, First Bite published A Bite of Boulder as a way to support local restaurants and provide diners an opportunity to cook delicious meals from home while restrictions were in place. The cookbook includes over 40 recipes from 30 of Boulder’s top restaurants as well as many stories about the dishes and the culinary masterminds behind the food. The interesting stories, vivid photography and assortment of incredible recipes make this cookbook a great gift for Boulderites and anyone who enjoys cooking at home.

To make it even more appealing, 50 percent of the book’s proceeds go directly to the participating restaurants, which has generated over $80,000 thus far. “I am immensely proud of our team to be able to support our restaurants in this way,” says Jessica Benjamin, the owner and producer of First Bite. “This cookbook has been such a special project that kept diners and restaurants connected throughout the last six months. Every single purchaser of the cookbook and diner at these restaurants should know that they contributed to making this possible and we are grateful for their support.”

The book retails for $30 and can be purchased through the First Bite website, as well as other local Boulder establishments such as Boulder Bookstore, Savory Spice Shop, Sweet Ruckus Gifts and others.

Celebrate Celiac Awareness Month with a Gluten-Free Beer

Multiple Denver metro breweries have joined forces to bring consumers a tasty gluten-free beer in honor of Celiac Awareness Month. Brut Together Brut IPA is a refreshing light beer characterized by a hop-heavy dry Brut flavor and fruity notes of pineapple, orange and mango puree. Broken Compass Brewing, Peak View Brewing Company, Sparge Brewing and Holidaily Brewing Company are among the 11 breweries that helped bring this beer to fruition and show support to nearly 3 million people who suffer from Celiac disease within the U.S. The beer was brewed at Holidaily Brewing Company in Golden, which is dedicated to brewing only gluten-free beers.

“Celiac Awareness Month is important to us because it affects so many people in our community,” says founder of Holidaily Brewing, Karen Hertz. “Our beer is made with 100 percent gluten-free ingredients so even the most gluten-sensitive consumers can enjoy a delicious craft beer.” The Brut Together Brut IPA will be available to consumers on draft at the participating breweries starting May 5 and 6.

Cinco de Mayo Specials

Taco Johns:

The taco franchise that started and even trademarked the popular weekly event “Taco Tuesday” will be offering five beef softshell tacos for $5.55 on Cinco De Mayo. Find one of the Colorado locations and don’t miss out on this once-a-year deal.

On the Border:

It’s no secret that margaritas and Cinco de Mayo go hand-in-hand. That’s why On the Border is offering its Grand House ‘Rita for just $5 on May 5. For an extra $1.50, guests can upgrade to a fruit-flavored margarita and if they want to upgrade even more, they can choose to add a Gold Tequila Meltdown for an additional $1.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom:

Who said a pizza place can’t celebrate Mexico’s famous holiday? From now until May 9, Old Chicago is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Mini Tour, featuring an assortment of Mexican beers and four specialty cocktails. Choose between a Watermelon Margarita, Mexican Mule, Chocolate Churro shot or a classic shot of Patron and celebrate Cinco de Mayo properly.

WeldWerks Brewing:

If you’re an adventurous beer drinker, WeldWerks has something to interest you. The Hot Sauce Barrel-Aged Taco Gose was originally brewed for the Great American Beer Festival a couple of years ago and contained more than 600 pounds of fire roasted tomatoes along with an assortment of spices. Now they’ve brough the recipe back in a smaller batch that has been aged in BLiS hot sauce barrels and it is described as tasting like a taco. Head down to WeldWerks while the supply lasts and challenge your taste buds with this unique beer.

Stem Ciders:

Forget the margaritas and Mexican lagers, Stem Ciders’ Chile Guava is made with fresh-pressed apple juice but contains a prominent fruit-forward flavor from the use of guava puree. The use of guajillo chiles follows the fruit flavor with a kick of heat and makes this cider an unconventional libation to pair with your favorite Mexican dish on Cinco de Mayo.