We found three unique local food and drink influencers shaping the way Northern Colorado discovers what’s worth tasting. We loved learning the stories behind their passion, what inspired them to start sharing, how they balance work and life, what keeps them motivated, the goals they’re chasing, their favorite hidden gems and more.
Alex Beyers
@eating_at_altitude
“After removing processed foods while doing the Whole30 reset, I experienced such a positive shift, but I found some of the recipes to be boring. I love to cook, so I started turning my favorite meals into healthier versions instead, and that’s where Eating At Altitude was born.
“My love for local content goes back to having a pull toward small businesses and what’s happening behind the scenes, the deeper story of a place. Northern Colorado is full of gems, both hidden and not. A couple I feel are still on the rise are Ollie’s Malasadas in Windsor and Fuego Pizza in Fort Collins.
“I thrive on discipline. I can push harder when I’m in a routine because motivation alone isn’t enough. Motivation ebbs and flows, but discipline is what actually keeps you going, even when you don’t want to push through.
“As for work-life balance, the hardest part is the behind-the-scenes work, like video editing. I hope I’m instilling in my kids how to properly nourish their bodies, but also teaching them that food is a place of comfort, creativity, joy and connection, not just fuel.”
Ashley Morris
@Ashleyluvstoeat
When I first moved to Colorado from New Jersey, I struggled to find food that compared to the diverse food culture back home. Eventually I started documenting the new places I was discovering and sharing the food I enjoyed here. That’s how Ashleyluvstoeat was born.
I live my life with the "I would rather it be an 'oh well' than a 'what if'." I would rather try and get rejected than wonder what would've happened. Genuinely, I just always want to get better and that is enough motivation for me! I think “Who cares?” is the best advice and not to get caught up in what other people think of you. Comparison is the thief of joy!
As far as my favorite gems go, Burk's Tavern in Loveland, GFL Pizza is absolutely incredible (the owner is from NJ but I promise I am not biased). Coco's Cafe in Windsor, and Daddy-o's Green Onion in Loveland has the BEST sandwiches, trust me!
Chet Moss & Sister Emily Drage
@lifeinnoco
It’s easy to find a restaurant. Finding the little place someone swears is worth getting off the highway for is different.
That’s the space Life in NOCO has grown into.
Behind the page are brother-and-sister duo Chet and Emily, sharing the restaurants, events, businesses and people that make Northern Colorado worth knowing. But the heart of what they’re building goes beyond recommendations.
It’s about creating community.
They intentionally seek out locally owned businesses, local events, charities and places people might otherwise drive right past. Because every time someone tries the restaurant, attends the event or discovers a business they didn’t know existed, another connection is made.
And those connections matter.
A strong community isn’t something that simply exists around us. It’s something we create by showing up for one another.
Sometimes that starts with something as simple as taking the exit and seeing what you find.
“Your appetite has an algorithm now, and the people behind your favorite food accounts know exactly how to feed it.”