Virginia Ericson, co-owner of Flying Bear Pizzeria at Naturita Bicycle Company, let the San Miguel Basin Forum know there are lots of things happening at the West End restaurant, plus new food specials she wants all to be aware of.
Over the weekend, on Saturday, the Flying Bear hosted a “Ganjola Pizza Party” with live music by Oscar Lars. Ericson said the night included free pizza and music from 5 to 7 p.m. And, “Ganjola,” she explained, is a social media account and group based in Telluride, which is dedicated to “all things gondola and pot-related inventions."
Next up at Flying Bear is Miner’s Industry Appreciation Night, and that happens on Friday, Nov. 15, which is also the first of many smoked prime rib nights. Ericson said the evening is all about about pub games (including a beer pong game), mining stories and community connections with the area’s beloved miners.
Flying Bear will serve prime rib with loaded baked potatoes and sides of broccoli. Ericson confirmed the prime rib is from the Western Slope, but if she can afford it, she will buy it from an even more centrally located source in the future.
Cost for the prime rib dinner is $40, and folks can only dine-in for this.
"First come, first served,” Ericson said, though she added that people may call, text or email ahead of time to reserve a dinner. She said that’s not really required but it is recommended.
“Come out and share with fellow friends and neighbors in the industry,” she said. “We’re throwing a party for some of our most loyal regulars, who are miners.”
She added the prime rib special will continue on Friday nights this winter. She simply wanted to celebrate the miners for the prime rib’s debut.
Flying Bear is also the host of the West End’s poetry slam on the following night, an event that Ericson said was a huge hit last year. She’s happy to host it again on Saturday, Nov. 16, with doors opening at 6 p.m., and the readings starting at 7 p.m.
Then, area poets will read their work, including Ellen Metrick, Daiva Chesonis and Ruth Duffy. There is a $5 cover charge; And, Open Mic Night happens right after, so that others can also read their work or perform. All are invited.
Ericson said there are other ongoing winter specials the West End community should know about: Trivia Nights are happening on Saturdays; smoked wings are served on Sundays; “Lasagna Mondays” with salad and garlic bread begin at the end of the month; vegetarian protein bowls, featuring Wild Gal's Market vegetables and grains, happen every Wednesday; and a lunch — a pizza, soup or salad combo — takes place during the week. On Thursdays in the future, there will be live music and Open Mic Night, hosted by Johnny Dobbs.
And, there are sweets.
“We’ve expanded our desserts to include cakes, double-chocolate right now,” she said.
Those with questions should email virginia@pizzabikesbeer.com.
