Ahhhhhhh the shoulder season…time for some to enjoy the low traffic flow and take advantage of short lines at the post office (new and old.) Time for others to prolong 2000- gr8 as some snow continues to fall and a little extra work leads to a (repeat) happy powder run. And lastly, time for our favorite local eateries to wrap up finances from a successful ski season and leave our tummy’s to grumble in the melting snow.

Craving the perfectly sized, artisan crafted bagel, un-toasted? Too bad. Though I hear that the jumbo “New York Style” carb-bombs available in the freezer section have sufficed if disguised with homemade mexican veggie cream cheese. Mmmmmmm Mexican… Salivating for warm tortilla chips with the pricey but perfect ramekin of guacamole to match? Thankfully local favorite Pica’s will continue to welcome diners with their fresh and fast service. Feel like traveling west in the brain-map of culinary cravings to spice things up at Teton Thai? A disappointing trip to the patio will inform that their doors shut on April 14th.

“Cook at home!” you may suggest. A fair proposal until we add up the cost of individual ingredients to make Mom’s Conquer The Food Pyramid, Twice-Over Chicken Casserole that can cost upwards of $45 per pyrex dish. I argue that it can be much more cost and time efficient to work and play all-day and support local restaurants at night- especially when it’s only eating for one or two.

Alas, some savvy restaurants are attending to the “stay north” while everyone else “heads south” crowd. The Blue Lion will take 20% off of your bill if you ask for the local special. Abuelito’s will offer 2 for 1 margaritas the size of your head, and there’s still Brew pub happy hour from 4-6 and that’s just a stroll from the office.

There are some frustrating aspects of the off-season that we must accept. Take away our short gondi trip to some of North America’s most expansive and easily accessed terrain, tell us that we are fortunate to have had such a season that throwing on the skins to work for turns shouldn’t bury us by days end, but PLEASE consider our basic needs. Our narrowed choices for dining during the off-season could likely end any local’s quest to stay fueled with locally prepared food while preparing to dust off the bike or break out trail shoes.