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WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAMDenver Buffalo Companyby Madelyn Miller
Buffalo must be one of the oldest favorites in America. "Now maybe we're learning why the Indians and mountain men of the last century, who lived largely on buffalo meat, were so hardy and long-lived," according to Roy Houck, Founder of the National Buffalo Association. We have realized that buffalo is a healthy alternative to America's high fat and cholesterol diet. Turns out buffalo is one of the tastiest and healthiest meats you can eat. It is higher in protein and lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, chicken and most chicken. Buffalo is so popular in Denver, Colorado, that one whole restaurant is completely devoted to Buffalo. Not just buffalo meat, but buffalo art, and clothing made from buffalo is featured at the Denver Buffalo Company. You can visit the gift area in the restaurant, but I'm not sure if that is something you want to do before or after you eat. And you will eat well at the Denver Buffalo Company. It is a dining experience born of Western heritage, but unique in the spirit and flavor of a new frontier. The ranch traditions of hospitality and homespun friendliness mean you can count on a welcome smile, a good meal and plenty of lively conversation. You'll be greeted at the door by "Spot" their own stuffed and mounted two-year-old 1500 pound buffalo. I confess to finding him a wonderful photo opportunity. He stood still, and made me look a lot thinner by comparison. The year-round patio, The Tumbleweed Terrace, offers a light breezy indoor/outdoor setting. On a sun-filled day, the scent of fresh flowers in redwood planters and the aroma of the rotisserie warm up your taste buds.
Start with a Buffalo roundup, a variety of delicious buffalo sausages, including Italian, spicy Polish and bratwurst, accompanied by unique smoked buffalo tongue. You might want to share this because there is definitely enough buffalo tongue for two. The person who brought me to the Denver Buffalo Company graciously(?) offered to let me have it all. ($7.95) No matter what the season, try the Christmas Chile. It's perfect for those who can't make up their mind. A flour tortilla divides a bowl in half, one side filled with Chile Verde, the other with Chile Rojo Bowl. ($3.95) The Western Rueben features thinly sliced grilled corned buffalo and Swiss cheese with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on rye. ($7.95) Another popular dish is the Buffaloaf. If you not a meat eater, don't despair. Order a 'BLUFF"ALO veggie sandwich, with tomato, cucumber, avocado and sweet red onions piled high on a baked croissant spread with tangy scallion cream cheese. ($7.25) No one offered me buffalo ice-cream, but I would not be surprised if they were working on it.
Great food, artwork and shopping. To me that is the ultimate Rocky Mountain High.
If it is not on your itinerary, you can order from their catalogue. 1-800-buy-buff Photos courtesy of the Denver Buffalo Company and Madelyn Miller |
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TM
Just like fashion seems to have cycles, so does food. One
years' trendy food like quiche or fondue is replaced by new favorites, and
sometimes even old favorites like meatloaf and comfort food.
Indoors, beneath the oak rafters, a canvas mural encloses
the room, featuring a stage and dance floor. 
The Denver Buffalo Company invites you to tie up your horse
and settle in. (Parking is a bit difficult in the area, especially at lunch)
They encourage you to get up and roam around anytime to see the artwork and
store within their spread.
The GALLLERY is where the Old West meets the New West,
featuring local and regional artists who have a unique vision of the Western
experience. It serves as a window to the ancient worlds of the Anasazi, the
Plains of the American Indian, and turbulent times of the American cowboy as
seen by today's foremost Western artists.
Browse through the MERCANTILE where you'll find Western
apparel, leather, jewelry and accessories. You'll also find an assortment of
handmade Native American artifacts, including headdresses, robes, drums,
clothing and more. Also featured is a fine buffalo leather accessory collection
tanned in the USA and designed and produced in Italy including briefcases,
handbags, agendas, and wallets.