moving to Durango, Colorado (Cortez, Aspen: short sales, foreclosures, hotel)

[NW Crow]

There is plenty of chipping away that can be done to the advertised ideal of Durango and on occasion I'll do it too. But when I hear it coming full bore here I usually find myself feeling that critique would apply as much or probably more in most or all other CO mountain resort towns and that despite its issues Durango is a pretty decent area for many. I say area because I think of "Durango" as Durango metro which includes all of LaPlata county (Grandview, Dur West, Hermosa, Bayfield, Vallecito, Hesperus and all the subdivisions in between) or even Durango extended to include the neighboring counties that partially depend on Durango for work, trade, medical, etc. If one can't find a niche in this extended urban area to their budget and liking then they probably need to look at a very different area. Aspen or Telluride over Durango? Ok if it appeals more with their average real estate prices 3-5 times higher (and rent at least twice as high) and more elitism. To me there is more more to tweak Aspen or Telluride about regarding accomodating the non-rich than Durango, by far.

[CrabcakeTony]

I've been out West and through Durango twice (to ride the train) for vacation - and like the area. I am a Chef with 19 years experience (fine dining - and also make one seriously mean bad-@ss crab-cake, Eastern Shore style). Anyone on the board can tell me how pay is at the local restaurants? My wife is a waitress, so am also interested about how they do. Thanks!

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by CrabcakeTony

I've been out West and through Durango twice (to ride the train) for vacation - and like the area. I am a Chef with 19 years experience (fine dining - and also make one seriously mean bad-@ss crab-cake, Eastern Shore style). Anyone on the board can tell me how pay is at the local restaurants? My wife is a waitress, so am also interested about how they do. Thanks!

I'm from Charm City, where the best crabcakes are at Faidley's or the now-closed Snyder's Willow Grove. If Durango doesn't work for you, come to Colorado Springs and show them how crabcakes are done.

[CrabcakeTony]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

I'm from Charm City, where the best crabcakes are at Faidley's or the now-closed Snyder's Willow Grove. If Durango doesn't work for you, come to Colorado Springs and show them how crabcakes are done.

Hahahha - well Mike, you know you gotta start with great, well picked, backfin or lump - which ain't cheap no more. I don't load mine up with breadcrumbs and other junk. An old cook from Accomack that I worked with when I was young(er) taught me how to make 'em. They still have the lumps in them when you get your plate! Unfortunately, most people won't pay for them - as good backfin or lump is rather expensive (but worth it, IMHO) !

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by CrabcakeTony

Hahahha - well Mike, you know you gotta start with great, well picked, backfin or lump - which ain't cheap no more. I don't load mine up with breadcrumbs and other junk. An old cook from Accomack that I worked with when I was young(er) taught me how to make 'em. They still have the lumps in them when you get your plate! Unfortunately, most people won't pay for them - as good backfin or lump is rather expensive (but worth it, IMHO) !

I know exactly what you're speaking of. Good 100% jumbo lump crabcakes are rare and worth the price which is about $15/each. FWIW: In Colorado Springs we have the state's only 5-star resort with a dozen eateries, to wit: The Broadmoor. We sit at the base of Pikes Peak and have damned good scenery here. My first visit to Durango was about 1995 or so, to ride the train, which is awesome. If you can afford Durango it's a great place to live.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by CrabcakeTony

I've been out West and through Durango twice (to ride the train) for vacation - and like the area. I am a Chef with 19 years experience (fine dining - and also make one seriously mean bad-@ss crab-cake, Eastern Shore style). Anyone on the board can tell me how pay is at the local restaurants? My wife is a waitress, so am also interested about how they do. Thanks!

My emphasis bolded above. Answer: Not near enough to live much above a semi-starving, subsistence existence in Durango.

[CrabcakeTony]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

My emphasis bolded above. Answer: Not near enough to live much above a semi-starving, subsistence existence in Durango.

Damn, downright depressing. I would have figured with a great tourist economy the F&B industry in Durango would be doing well. I only saw a few job openings in town in the local paper on-line help wanted, but they were for Prep Cooks and Dishwashers. Turnover must be low. Oh well, scratch Durango from the list. Thanks for the reply!

[CrabcakeTony]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

I know exactly what you're speaking of. Good 100% jumbo lump crabcakes are rare and worth the price which is about $15/each. FWIW: In Colorado Springs we have the state's only 5-star resort with a dozen eateries, to wit: The Broadmoor. We sit at the base of Pikes Peak and have damned good scenery here. My first visit to Durango was about 1995 or so, to ride the train, which is awesome. If you can afford Durango it's a great place to live.

I have met a few of the Chef's at ACF gatherings in years past. Dynamite operation. Too big for me at my age. I like the 140 or so seat stand alone operations that you can be creative and cater to the clientele - and be hands on. I have my source for seafood on the Eastern Shore. Been buying from them for over 10 years - best picked crabmeat, soft shells, etc. Are U getting hungry yet?

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by CrabcakeTony

I have met a few of the Chef's at ACF gatherings in years past. Dynamite operation. Too big for me at my age. I like the 140 or so seat stand alone operations that you can be creative and cater to the clientele - and be hands on. I have my source for seafood on the Eastern Shore. Been buying from them for over 10 years - best picked crabmeat, soft shells, etc. Are U getting hungry yet?

Oh oh baby! Softshells! Lightly floured and sauteed in butter, with a bottle of Natty Boh Premium.....ahh, the good old days.

In our house we swore by an Eastern Shore brand, IIRC it was Meredith's, but the memory is fading....

I'd drive to Durango for such a crabcake, ride the train, drink some wine on the platform by the train yard.....and consider it a treat well worth the drive.

[Rainbow Demon]

The ski areas cater to high-end dining experiences over towns like Durango...and thus...there are many chefs in the high country with many years of experience. (often with their own restaurants). High-end hotels/etc. also employ chefs with high standards....and there are "private" chefs as well.

Yes, I am hungry, tony. What's for lunch? ;-)