This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Jennifer Ferguson, the founder of Discover Longmont Tours, invited the Longmont Observer to join their newest offering of local food tours: a weekday dinner tour in Longmont.
I arrived at the overflow parking lot of the Cheese Importers, where I and around 10 others waited for the tour to begin. A little after 5:30 p.m., the Brewhop Trolley pulled in, we hopped on board and headed off to eat and drink at three restaurants throughout the evening.
Similar to the Saturday morning tours, Jennifer gave a brief history of how Discover Longmont Tours got started and what we should expect from the evening's tour: a 30-45 minute stop at each restaurant where we will be given samples of food and a drink. She also mentioned that "the main goal of the tours is to try places and then go back for a full meal another time. The low pressure format is really working to create new favorite places and regular customers."
First stop: EAT Taco|taco in Prospect New Town, which opened its doors on March 21, 2018. One of the owners, Chad Lewkowski, introduced himself and showed us to our community tables. While waiting for the food we were able to meet and get to know other people on the tour.
We had chips & salsa to start, followed by a house margarita, and a carnitas taco made with crispy citrus pork, pickled onions, queso fresco, chile arbol, jicama, and grapefruit. A non-spicy version of the taco was also offered.
As the trolley took us to the second destination, Jennifer mentioned that in addition to Sip & Savor Mondays, Discover Longmont Tours also offer a progressive dinner food tour every other Wednesday. This tour starts off with an appetizer at the first restaurant, a main course at the second, and a dessert at the end. All meals are, of course, paired with a libation. For the month of April, TREAT Snack House, Motherlode Cafe, and BIN 46 Wine Bar & Restaurant are part of the dinner tour.
Our second stop was The Wild Game, who offered a buffet-style sampling. Before we ate, Deena Stuerman, Director of sales and marketing of The Wild Game, gave us a tour of the facility and highlighted the other services they provide.
We all got to try two types of pizza, chicken wings, and pork sliders. Crispy brussels sprouts, made with a balsamic reduction, crispy bacon, and parmesan, were also provided and were my personal favorite. For drinks, we were given the choice between one of three beers. I went for the Shake, a chocolate porter brewed by Boulder Beer Company.
For our last stop, we went to East Moon Bistro. We were again treated to a buffet-style of appetizers, entrees, and sushi: sesame balls, gyoza, chicken lettuce wrap, lava roll, california roll, and spicy crab meat roll. Libation-wise, we were able to drink peach sake and white wine (oops, forgot what kind).
And as David Lewis, owner of the Brewhop Trolley, drove us back to our cars, everyone broke into song (and occasionally a dance) to the music that came on the radio.
At $20, I think this is truly a cost-effective way to try the delicious food at restaurants you may not have been to in Longmont. Not to mention a fun way to meet new people.
To learn more or to go on the tour yourself (or with a date), please visit the Discover Longmont Tours website. If you are a restaurant owner and would like to participate in the tour, please contact Jennifer Ferguson via email. Note: the food and drinks offered at each restaurant may change for every tour.
