Steamboat Ski Resort is legendary for it’s Champagne Powder.  It’s a place I love to ski.

From trail rides to taking a dip in hot springs, I can spend days adventuring this time of year in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  But, this blog isn’t about exploring the great winter outdoors.  Oh no, it’s about food.  Can’t have a great day of skiing or adventuring without a good breakfast, right?  Days before I get to Steamboat, I start thinking….about breakfast.  Here’s why – several places combine two of my favorite cuisines – Southern and Tex Mex.  Breakfast in Steamboat is drool worthy.  Eat at one of these two places (or both!) and you’ll understand my obsession with breakfast in the Boat.

Being a Southern girl from South Carolina, I know grits.  I’ll dive into great grits – anywhere, anytime.  Since I lived in San Antonio, Texas, for 10 years, I’m also a Tex Mex breakfast aficionado.  In Steamboat I can satisfy my cravings for both cuisines!

On my recent visit, the first morning was spent at Creekside Cafe.  I debated between Rancheros or Benedict.  Their Benedicts are legendary so I went with one of those.  I decided on the Californian with grilled tomatoes, avocado, and sweet pea micro greens topping poached eggs on English muffin.  It’s the healthy version of a Benedict!  To add a Southwest flair to my grits, I wholeheartedly went with the green chili cheese grits.  When the plate came I giggled with glee, then dove into a great breakfast of a legendary Benedict paired with some of their famous green chili, which has a definite kick to it.  The grits topped with bubbling cheese and green chili on top – Oh. So. Good.

After breakfast, I had to go hiking at Fish Creek Falls to work off what I ate.  The falls are an icy sensation in winter.

The next morning, I headed over to Freshies.  It’s another locals favorite.  In fact, locals turned me on to both places and I’ve been a repeat customer for over 6 years.  Any place that has the tag line “for the love of food” had me at hello.  At Freshies, I went Tex Mex all the way and ordered the Rancheros.  For the side I went for their green chili stone ground grits.  It’s a Southern and Tex Mex match made in Heaven.  That breakfast sent me happily off into a food coma, and dreaming of my next visit to the Boat.

So when you’re cozy by the fire sipping coffee in your condo on a cold winter morning, remember…..there’s amazing food calling your name.  Whether heading to Creekside Cafe or Freshies, go early so you don’t have to wait.  After fueling up for the day, get out there and enjoy the winter wonderland of the Boat.