The "Colorado Fusion" appetizer sampler

Samplers are always a hit, but this one is a home run. We use three terrific apps on this plate that give the guest a good idea of what to expect of our "Colorado Fusion" themed menu. First, the buffalo "pot pies" on the left feature our shredded ancho-coffee buffalo short rib meat, blended in a pot pie style filling. The pastry we use is nothing more than pate choux. A savory profiterole makes for a combination of a pot pie and a slider. Second, the chipotle goat cheese dip. This one has gone over very well on any menu its appeared on, so we stuck with it. We send the hot dip in a wonton cup, and serve it with toasted flat bread triangles. The third fusion dish on the menu is a chorizo stuffed calamari rellano. Traditionally, rellanos are stuffed peppers. We twisted the idea and actually stuff calamari tubes with chorizo, corn, cheddar cheese and cilantro. Once stuffed, the calamari is breaded in a cornmeal crust to give it the nice southwest feel. The whole plate is garnished with a cilantro chimichurri, a sweet red pepper coulis and creme friache.