I grew up in Minnesota, tapas weren’t part of our culinary “hotdish” vocabulary. Being a curious foodie, I have sampled tapas on various menus, however this evening I experienced tapas. Invited to Seasons Rotisserie and Grille with my favorite dinner companions (my children and their grandma) I was properly introduced to something that soothed my culinary passion: Tapas. Before rushing out the door, I logged on the internet for a brief introduction to tapas and was intrigued by the delightful promise of this small-portioned cuisine that also claimed to encourage conversation (I am a mother of teenagers, need I say more about conversation?). Seated at the intimate kitchen bar reserved for single seating tapas menu, our server Chloe enticed us with her description of fresh local radishes, harvested less than an hour ago, paired with smoked sea salt and anchovy butter. For a moment our budding conversation ceased as we sampled the crunchy, salty, buttery first course. I eavesdropped as the chefs chatted over the bar about the local lamb cuts and tempted us with a flat of plump ripe figs perched out of reach behind the glass. Next item was house pancetta wrapped fresh figs served with a slice of blue cheese and walnuts. Again silence as we savored each bite and pondered how to eat a whole sun-ripened fig that threatens to burst with juice at first bite? The chefs chopped, sliced, and seared on their side of the kitchen bar and kept us entertained with their precise technique and casual conversation as if they were unaware of the bustling restaurant.. Local Foxfire lamb tartare, topped with Foxfire egg yolk and served house-made poppyseed crackers. I was in love with tapas and intrigued with the sensual descriptions as we received each course. Fried baby artichokes with spicy dipping sauce; James Ranch Andala and Belford cheese with Mondo Vecchio porcini salami and sopresata. Our senses feasted on each dish and we laughed and chatted about things from grades to politics to lost loves. More than a sampling of hand-sized cuisine, my first true tapas experience at Seasons was a satisfying culinary pageant of exquisitely prepared, fresh local cuisine, filling as a meal and at the heart of good conversation. At the moment it’s a bit of a secret, however now that you are in-the-know you can make a reservation to enjoy Season’s tapas.
Art With Purpose
Art for the pure enjoyment of art is often why a person purchases a particular piece from Sorrel Sky Gallery. Then there are times when art serves a specific purpose. The oil paintings of local artist Sharon Abshagen transport the viewer away to the mountains and valleys, rivers and Aspen groves of our region. A physician from the East Coast visited Sorrel Sky Gallery over the weekend and selected a wonderful piece by Sharon for just that purpose; to transport his patients to another place far away. For many patients, art in the waiting or exam room can often lend a peaceful dimension to a stressful environment. We are honored to know that a vision of Durango’s surrounding majestic landscape will serve such a comforting purpose. Kay Ford, Marketing Director, Sorrel Sky Gallery
America the Beautiful
Watching the wonderful annual fireworks display here in Durango on the evening of the 4th of July was like watching a temporary piece of art created with each explosion. I longed for some of the colorful combinations to remain “painted” on the night sky. How fortunate we are in Durango to be blessed with so many wonderful ongoing displays of color and light and movement in the works of art featured in our many galleries. Each new workweek I walk into Sorrel Sky Gallery I am greeted with a new splash of color with our ever changing art presentation. Changing out, rehanging and relocating our art and artists brings new life, energy and interest to the gallery. Consider following suit in your own home…art need not be stagnant to be enjoyed. Switch things out; shake it up a bit and enjoy a fresh new “explosion” of color frequently. In the meantime, enjoy the fresh new look of Sorrel Sky Gallery with each visit! Kay Ford, Marketing Director, Sorrel Sky Gallery
Sunshine, Durango and Art – What Could Be Better?
The sun is out, it’s a great day to be in Durango and I’m surrounded by
art. Does it get any better than this? The value of the sun and the location go without saying, but did you know that viewing art has health benefits? One of our customers just made the comment that “coming to Sorrel Sky Gallery is like getting a massage”. I knew exactly what he meant, but he went on to explain that it is a relaxing place to visit. A gallery, versus a museum, is a place where one can invest in the fine art and jewelry on view. But it also means that visitors are welcome to simply amble thru the gallery taking in all that the art on view offers in terms of reflection and beauty and interest. We so enjoy sharing the stories of the paintings, pottery, sculpture and jewelry and of the artists whose extraordinary talents we represent. Enjoy Durango for the natural beauty that surrounds us in the landscape and in the diverse offerings of our talented artists.
