The Froh burrito at Frisch Compassionate Eatery in Salt Lake City

The Froh burrito at Frisch Compassionate Eatery in Salt Lake City

I'm halfway home from Denver and stopped in Salt Lake City for dinner. A quick look on Happy Cow sent me over to Frisch Compassionate Eatery which serves an all vegan, plant-based healthy menu.

I tried the Froh which is their smothered verde burrito (brown rice, pinto beans, chick'n, and vegan sour cream) with grilled peppers and onions. It's served along with chips and salsa. Excellent!

The super helpful person at the counter suggested the blueberry Palmer and it was just the thing for a hot afternoon in Salt Lake City.

Check out the Frisch Compassionate Eatery web site for their hours and menu

Dino tracks, Red rocks, and Buffalo Bill on the Lariat Loop in Denver

Right outside of Denver is the Lariat Loop scenic byway with plenty to see. It's to the west of Denver in the foothills to the Rocky Mountains and makes a great day trip (or half a day) of driving and light hiking. Perfect for kids, too. And everything is free.

I found the Lariat Loop national scenic byway in my handy road trip book that's always in my car; you never know when you'll have time for a scenic drive.

I stopped at the Dinosaur Ridge visitor center where you can park. Then you walk up the road that is closed to traffic. Or you can pay for a ticket to ride the tour bus. You quickly climb up the side of the hill and get a nice view. There are sites marked along the route showing fossilized dinosaur tracks, plants, and geologic formations. What a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and learn a little.

Next stop is the Red Rocks Amphitheater and park. You can park and walk around this outdoor theater. The red rock outcroppings are dramatic, and the steep seating makes for a good urban hike. And the views down into the valley are nice. 

I had time for one last stop before the rain started so I drove up the winding road to the Buffalo Bill museum. Park for free then take the short walk to his gravesite. You also get a great view of downtown Denver.

The Lariat Loop scenic byway ends up in Golden, Colorado where you can stop for a drink or snack before taking the short drive back into Denver.

Make-your-own bowl at Grabbagreen in Denver

Make-your-own bowl at Grabbagreen in Denver

It's my last day in Denver and I had to keep looking for the healthy food joints. Grabbagreen is a national chain serving up fast, healthy breakfasts and lunches using mostly organic and local fresh ingredients. Choose one of their bowl recipes, or make one of your own. Either way, it's prepared fresh for you, and the staff takes the time to walk you through all your choices.

I went the make-it-your-own route. I had a bowl with quinoa, black beans, cilantro, and chimichurri sauce. Then you add five super nutrients; I picked corn, beets, tomatoes, carrots, and onions.

I hardly had time to sit down and they called my name to pick it up. The food was warm, the ingredients were very fresh, and it tasted great. I would eat here all the time if there was a location near by house.

Grabbagreen also serves coffee, smoothies, and juices.

Find a Grabbagreen location near you

Where to Eat in Denver  >>

Chilaquiles brunch at Cochino Taco in Englewood, Colorado (Denver)

Chilaquiles brunch at Cochino Taco in Englewood, Colorado (Denver)

My plan was to walk from the light rail over to a taco joint recommended to me and check out their tofu taco. But as it turned out, I arrived for the Sunday brunch which serves a different menu. I ended up with the chilaquiles which were very good and I'll return later to check out those tofu tacos.

Cochino Taco has a lively brunch. Plenty of patio seating and a nice menu of drinks. Why did I skip that Bloody Mary??

Where to Eat in Denver  >>

Herb Veggie Burger at Mellow Mushroom in Denver

Herb Veggie Burger at Mellow Mushroom in Denver

Mellow Mushroom serves pizza, burgers, and salads (and brews) in a funky, festive environment. Mellow Mushroom has locations all over the country, and a couple in Denver. I stopped by the one in Centennial. 

What sets Mellow Mushroom apart from other pizza joints (other than the decor) is that they can make any menu item into a vegan meal. They will swap in a soy-based product and vegan cheese if you ask. My server was super helpful in explaining all this to me. I've read plenty of reviews for the other locations and knowledgable staff seems to be the norm.

The Herb veggie burger patty is made with quinoa, kale, brown rice, and roasted mushrooms then seasoned with roasted garlic and shallots. It's juicy and delicious. The burger is finished with avocado, cheddar cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Wow this burger was great! (Remember you can ask to swap out the dairy cheese for vegan cheese.)

Super fresh veggies in the salad

You get a side of roasted potatoes which were also very tasty

Great food, great service, and plenty to look at Mellow Mushroom. Check it out!

Find a Mellow Mushroom location on their web site.

Where to eat in Denver  >>