New families and new beginnings. As we prepare for the arrival of another life we celebrate the first these holidays. For Steph and Kiya their first gingerbread house came as a joyous celebration and reflection of the home we have created/create. One groovy thing about traditions is that they all have beginnings. So here’s to this year and the next, may we all have a grand adventure!

The Sommelier Journal recently published some photos shot in a preparatory dinner for the Iron Sommelier challenge at Ya-Ya’s.

Somm Challenge

“Boulder Kirtan” provides live ambient music during the class

Vital Yoga Highlands, after 10 years in a cramped rented studio, has come into its own. Their community of yoga practitioners and business, whom they refer to on their website as “family”, have moved to a new studio, the former home of the Colorado Ballet Company. Vital instructor Casey Kowal reflects, “they simply outgrew it [the old studio]. So when they saw the old Colorado Ballet Company building was for sale, they jumped on it.’

Yoga practitioners holding a pose.

Vital Yoga instructor Kitty Kreisburg helps fellow instructor Jennifer Lux

Cobra pose

Red Rocks amphitheater from row 23.

According to an article in NorthJersey.com, the moon was at its closest point to the earth, an event known as Perigee-syzygy, on March 19, 2011. It won’t be this close again, and estimated distance of 221,556 miles, until November 14, 2016. Though the difference in size of the moon to the naked eye appeared the same, it’s effect could be seen on the beautiful wash of light upon the silent stones of Red Rocks, CO.

West face on Red Rocks.

North face of Red Rocks with moon.

Far north face.

Northern face close.

Visitor Center.

Jason Duffy, Scott Hornick, Aaron Forman, Ryan Fletter, Aubrey Baker and Aaron Whitcomb

The first annual Iron Sommelier competition at Ya-Ya’s brought together the pairing talents of Aaron Forman of Table 6, Aubrey Baker of Del Frisco’s, Ryan Fletter of Barolo Grill and Jason Duffy and Scott Hornick of Ya-Ya’s. Each of the sommeliers was to select wines to complement chef Aaron Whitcomb’s 9 course meal. Results were based on guest appreciation, ultimately placing Aaron Forman as the winner.

The evening kicked off with a four wine reception and light appetizer of salmon, radish and fennel. As guests settled into seats the sommeliers and staff swiftly brought the scope of the evening into focus. This was to be more than a simple dinner. It was to be an extravaganza.

“SPRING” BISQUE Green Garlic Bisque, Blossom, Fresh Ricotta, Olive

Kinero, “Alice”, Grenache Blanc, Paso, 10

Stolpman, L’Avion, Santa Ynez, Cali, 07

Throughout the evening courses and wine rotations revolved seamlessly. One felt as if simply participating in the eating and drinking process they were part of an elaborate and honed system geared towards collective enjoyment. By the final course, a surprisingly fun and light Black Pepper Bacon Caramel Corn stuffed into classic popcorn boxes and laden with pirate treasure (yes, doubloons, jewelry and even fake mustaches), the overall energy of the restaurant was akin to a college party. Stuffy this event was not.

COLORADO LAMB RACK & LEG English Peas, Ras el Hanout Gnocchi, Heirloom Carrots

Villa Creek, Garnacha, Denner Vineyard, Paso, 08

Red Car, “Tomorrowland,” Syrah, Sonoma, 07

Throughout the evening the sommeliers poured wine not necessarily their picks. Each spent ample time with guests as they revolved around the restaurant, sharing stories, wisdom and good humor. At the end of each course servers collected voting cards that were tabulated throughout the evening.

Competing sommelier Jason Duffy of Ya-Ya’s

Competing sommelier Ryan Fletter of Barolo

Competing sommelier Aubrey Baker of del Frisco’s

Competing sommelier Scott Hornick of Ya-Ya’s

Winning sommelier Aaron Forman of Table 6 graciously accepts his award.

The final tally placed three sommeliers tying three course wins, so it came down to total votes captured, crowning Aaron Forman of Table 6 as the 1st Annual Iron Sommelier Champion. Managing Partner Scott Hornick explained his excitement saying, “it’s so great to have an event like this because none of us see each other as competition (in the market place). We’re all friends and it’s just fun to come together like this.”

To see more photos of the event go to www.facebook.com/RCVisual