My last week on the slopes was terrific!

I got in late Friday night, picked up my rental car, it was a nice little hybrid, still not 100% used to all of them so I’m not always sure when they’re on!

It started to rain as I started driving, then snow, then hail, sleet, snow, in that order. Two hours later, I was in Frisco, hoping to pick up a few essentials for the weekend. Not much open at midnight, including walmart, what?

I got to the Doubletree, the points were too good not to use. My room looked out over the mountain and I could see one of the lifts. I was actually staying behind Beaver Run Resort, where I stayed a few years ago for New Year’s Eve, fun. 

I got up, went down to the ski shop and rented skis that they fitted to my boots that I had with me, breakfast, ski clothes, it feels like a helmet day and then hit the slopes. 

I picked up the skis, walked across the parking lot, put my skis on and woosh, right down to the first lift! This is the way to live!

I skied a few hours, took a break for some hearty tomato soup, minus the recommended grilled cheese, then headed back on the slopes for a few more hours. 

I thought I’d go back to the room for a bit, not sure if I’d go back on the slopes, but a rest was in order.  The best part of staying on the mountain, or very close, is that you have choices of where to rest, you don’t have to stay on the mountain the entire day. 

I took my skis to the ski valet, yes, I said ski valet! The hotel doesn’t want skis, poles or boards in the building, so they have a valet, works for me!

I got some work done, rested and eventually, I got motivated. I went to the bar/ restaurant, they have apres-hours and on the balcony, you can make smores! That was fun! 

I got a few recommendations for dinner, nothing panned out until I found Piante Pizzeria! I told you about that last night, yum!

Day two I was up at 730am, breakfast and then on the slopes by 9am, I got to make some of the first tracks down the mountain. 

I skied until about 12pm, headed into the hotel, showered, finished packing and finished my pizza, still good! Then got in the road, stopped at Whole Foods for something to have for my flight, then off to the airport. 

I’m glad I left when I did, it took about three plus hours. Bag drop, gas, rental car return, get to the gate, plenty of time. 

The flight was uneventful and I’m back in Chicago for a new week. 

I’m in Breckenridge and let’s just say, as hippy dippy as it is trendy and it’s Colorado, the vegan pickins are slim. To none…

I used my fabulous Happy Cow app and found Piante Pizzeria, the only vegan option in town. Plenty of veg – friendly, this was vegan! Off I went. 

It’s got a nice atmosphere, cozy and intimate, there are only about six, maybe eight tables, and four spots at the bar, which is where I sat, facing the open brick oven.

I am always skeptical, even when it says vegan, so I always ask on the first few things, then I’m good. It didn’t even register that it was 100% vegan when I walked in and when I asked my favorite question “can you feed a vegan?” Enthusiastic yes was the response!

Now, I don’t know how many people in the place were actual vegans or with a vegan or just up for a new experience.  Who cares! Everyone was enjoying themselves. 

They had three appetizers, the rest of the menu was salad and pizza, I really liked that. They use cashew cheese and have daiya cheese for anyone with a cashew allergy, but we know how feel about daiya cheese.  I was happy. They even have vegan New York cheesecake, but I was full!

I didn’t really read the entire menu, I found what I was looking for…a white pie! Really? Sold! It’s my favorite pizza and something I cannot get anymore. Sigh. 

I looked at it, realized it had mushrooms and nixed those. What I didn’t realize until it was about to go into the oven…arugela. 

What? A white pie us just that, white on white on white. Olive oil, garlic, ricotta cheese and mozzarella, that’s it. White. 

I didn’t let them make me another, it would be fine. I could see spinach or basil, just not sure about the salad. I was ready for a new adventure. 

It came out and did not disappoint. The cheese was creamy and melted, the garlic was tasty and the crust nice and crisp. Did I wait like I should have to not burn the roof of my mouth? Of course not! This is going to annoy me for days! Ouch!

I ate half and although I knew I could eat the rest, I decided to not pig out and took it with me. Any guesses what’s for lunch tomorrow?

I got to chat with the guy making the pizzas, said he’s only eaten these vegan pizzas and lost ten pounds? What? If that worked, I’d move in!  He was fun to chat with, almost like not eating alone!

The wait staff is terrific and friendly and on the way out I had the opportunity to talk with the owner’s wife, a really lovely, genuine person. 

I liked their version of repurposing items. The giant sauce cans were pizza stands and they have a small library, which they bring your check in to the table, very clever!

If you have the opportunity to be in Breckenridge and you’re looking for vegan, pizza or something different, check them out. They’ve been open since January 27th and I expect they’ll be doing some great things in the future! I look forward to my next trip to Breck!

https://piantepizzeria.com