We laughed, we laughed some more, we ate gluten free crepes and later ate lemon bars.  What a day!

The inaugural meeting of the Colorado Springs Local Foods Meetup happened yesterday.  After the fire, I wondered if other people would join me on my quest to support and eat in every locally owned restaurant in the city.  After all, why eat at chains when our own neighbors run some of the best restaurants around?  I set up a group on Meetup.com, planned the first lunch at Coquette Creperie, in Manitou Springs and waited to see what would happen.

It turned out to be a good idea.  Apparently, the best way to meet interesting, vibrant, passionate people is to set up an event at some place they want to go.

We ate all kinds of gluten free crepes with fresh ingredients.  The staff add to the charm of the place too.  I had made a reservation and they did their best to accommodate us though the numbers had changed.  They didn’t fuss when we all wanted separate checks and handled the chaos of our big, disorganized group with friendly grace.

With lunch complete and everyone satisfied, some of us headed to the latest Mile High Swappers Food Swap.  The group holds events every month here in town.  Everyone makes something and then we trade.  You would be amazed what your friends can produce in their own kitchens, at their sewing machines and even their computers!  The selection ranged from lemon bars to beef jerky to freshly harvested zucchini and honey from backyard bees.  We could even trade for the latest issue of Greenwoman magazine!

I had cooked vanilla apricot butter in my 80 degree kitchen the night before and it proved worth the extra heat.  I traded it for several things, including homemade basil syrup, which makes great soda.

I needed a cold basil soda by the end of the day.  It was 95 degrees and sunny, leaving me sweaty and exhausted.

What better way to end a good day than with a good nap?