Author Archives: steve

About steve

Steve Alcorn is the CEO of Alcorn McBride Inc., a company that designs products used in nearly all of the world’s theme parks. He is the author of many books, including historical fiction, romance, young adult novels, and many non-fiction books including How to Fix Your Novel, Building a Better Mouse and Theme Park Design. During the past decade he has helped more than 30,000 aspiring authors structure their novels through the online learning programs of 2000 colleges and universities worldwide. Learn more at writingacademy.com

Element 47

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Dessert
Scallop
Amuse bouche
Lobster terrine with citrus
Bar
Outside seating

**** (4 stars)

This is a pleasant restaurant in Aspen’s most famous hotel. It’s probably not quite as good as that description would suggest, but perfectly adequate.

We had the five-course tasting menu, which was well presented, but without any real knockout courses, although there were tasty components in each.

We also had both the sommelier and premium wine pairings. In each instance the premium wines were MUCH better. Service by the sommelier was friendly and informative.

Food service was pretty slow, but the lovely outside summer dining area provided a pleasant venue to pass the time.

While neither the meal nor the wines were knockouts, the pricing was certainly fair for what we were served.

Element 47
675 E Durant Ave
Aspen, CO
81611
(970) 920-6330
https://www.yelp.com/biz/element-47-aspen-2

Cream Bean Berry

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Interior

***** (5 stars)

Excellent local ice cream maker with a great assortment of ice cream and sorbet flavors. There are several choices for cones and cups, or you can have a unicorn sundae, which is served in a cup with a cone (and some magic) on top. They also make floats with sodas or coffee. The line can go out the door, but moves right along.

Cream Bean Berry
1021 Main Ave
Durango, CO
81301
(970) 903-1300
https://www.yelp.com/biz/cream-bean-berry-durango

El Moro Spirits and Tavern

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KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower)
Honey Sambal Lollipops
Smoking Hot Toast
Wall o’ booze
Interior

***** (5 stars)

Really nice selection of small plates, larger plates, sandwiches, cocktails and beers. Limited and somewhat eclectic selection of wines.

We loved the lollipops, a spicy take on chicken wings using drumsticks and a wonderful sweet/spicy sauce, plus a green curry dipping sauce. The Korean Fried Cauliflower was also great.

The bar offers an enormous collection of spirits, and some talented mixology.

El Moro Spirits and Tavern
945 Main Ave
Durango, CO
81301
(970) 259-5555
https://www.yelp.com/biz/el-moro-spirits-and-tavern-durango

Desert Bistro

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Hawaiian sea bass
Bison
House salad
Citrus salad
Bruschetta
Ground pork in phyllo dough
Bread service
Exterior
Entry
Dining room

***** (5 stars)

Fantastic gourmet dining in the heart of Moab. Truly creative cuisine artfully presented.

The citrus salad is really refreshing. My bison tenderloin was tender and perfectly cooked.

Extensive wine list. Friendly service.

Desert Bistro
36 S 100th W
Moab, UT
84532
(435) 259-0756
https://www.yelp.com/biz/desert-bistro-moab

Patio Drive-In

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Cinammon and mint shakes
Classic Burger plus bacon with onion rings
Classic Burger with curly fries
Exterior
Counter
Interior

***** (5 stars)

Fantastic burgers in a great retro seeing. Burgers come with lettuce, tomato, and all the fixin’s. Great shakes, too. Sides include giant curly fries and onion rings. Friendly service.

Patio Drive-In
95 N Grayson Pkwy
Blanding, UT
84511
(435) 678-2177
https://www.yelp.com/biz/patio-drive-in-blanding

Trio American Bistro

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Elk
Copper River salmon
Focaccia bread
BLT Soup
Mussels
Exterior
Open kitchen
Interior

***** (5 stars)

Delightful gourmet food in the center of Jackson Hole. Really nice wine list.

The place is popular and can get noisey, so I suggest sitting at the counter that looks into the open kitchen and the wood fired oven.

Excellent mussels were a great appetizer. Salmon and elk were both good entrees. Friendly and professional service.

Trio American Bistro
45 S Glenwood Dr
Jackson, WY
83001
(307) 734-8038
https://www.yelp.com/biz/trio-american-bistro-jackson

El Abuelito Family Mexican Restaurant

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Huge margaritas!
Chalupa, enchilada, Chile relleno
Exterior
Interior

**** (4 stars)

Competently executed Mexican food in a pleasant environment. Where else can you have enchiladas while watching skiers (although we were there in July). Well-stuffed chalupa, very tasty Chile relleno, so-so cheese enchiladas. HUGE margaritas!

Good service and nice ambiance.

El Abuelito Family Mexican Restaurant
385 W Broadway
Jackson, WY
83001
(307) 733-1207
https://www.yelp.com/biz/el-abuelito-family-mexican-restaurant-jackson

Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli

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Deli
Ice cream

**** (4 stars)

Considering the sandwiches here are prepackaged, they are surprisingly good, well-being stuffed with fresh ingredients. There also an assortment of to-go snacks and ice cream to enjoy while you wait for the geyser.

Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
1001 Old Faithful Rd
Yellowstone National Park, WY
82190
https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-faithful-inn-bear-paw-deli-yellowstone-national-park

Slippery Otter Pub

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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
BBQ Chicken Hawaiian pizza
Beer samplers
Sign
Exterior
Interior
Bar

**** (4 stars)

More of a sports bar/fantastic restaurant than a pub, but they do have a great selection of beers on tap. BBQ chicken Hawaiian pizza was okay but the crust want great. The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger was excellent. Friendly service and open late.

Slippery Otter Pub
139 N Canyon St
West Yellowstone, MT
59758
(406) 646-7050
https://www.yelp.com/biz/slippery-otter-pub-west-yellowstone