Bottoms Up

Working within the constraints of our high-desert climate, local farmers and agriculturalists continually provide our community with just about anything we could ask for. Thanks to these fine folks, top-quality vegetables, fruits, cheese and meats aren’t hard to come by. Demonstrating just how good we have it, the Durango Farmers Market played host last Saturday to the third annual Iron Chef Competition. The yearly event pits two local chefs in hat-to-hat combat to shop, prepare and present their dishes, using only ingredients from the market - and all in an hour and  half. Tickling the judge’s tastebuds the most was local “renegade chef” Dennis Morrisroe, who took home the gold by a scant 2½ points. Here’s a look:

  • “Renegade Chef” Dennis Morrisroe oils up for a fresh tomato salad.
    “Renegade Chef” Dennis Morrisroe oils up for a fresh tomato salad.
  • Chef Charles Childers, of Nature’s Oasis, turns down the heat after an intense skillet session.
    Chef Charles Childers, of Nature’s Oasis, turns down the heat after an intense skillet session.
  • A spicy ribeye rub-down.
    A spicy ribeye rub-down.
  • Moments from victory, this pair stops the clock with a handshake.
    Moments from victory, this pair stops the clock with a handshake.
  • Bon apetít. Locally grown veggies and ribeye with a savory marinade.
    Bon apetít. Locally grown veggies and ribeye with a savory marinade.
  • Discerning local palate and City of Durango Councilwoman Sweetie Marbury carefully judges her first bite.
    Discerning local palate and City of Durango Councilwoman Sweetie Marbury carefully judges her first bite.

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows