…They say. In other words, check here often for news and updates.
Settle up and settle in. Check the latest news at Looking Glass – what’s moving and shaking, and what to expect for what’s just over the horizon. And when there’s an event taking place, check here too for details and how to register.
If you haven’t yet made plans for Valentine’s Day/night/weekend in Looking Glass, Parker or beyond, never fear! Here are a few last-minute ideas for eating out, eating in, and/or racing your favorite valentine to the finish line.
A Parker Colorado strip mall is not where you’d expect to find two highly-acclaimed semi-finalists for The 2025 James Beard Awards.
But here they are, the husband-and-wife team of Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent, who opened the Poulette Bakeshop in 2021 and are staring down their second nomination in the category of Best Pastry Chef and Baker. And if you drive by their Hess Road establishment in Parker – minutes from the new homes for sale in Looking Glass – you may see patrons lined up outside to sample their sweet and savory pastries.
Love at First Whisk
Ramos and Nugent have impressive resumés — the two fell in love while working under world-renowned chef Joël Robuchon, who was awarded the title “Chef of the Century” in 1989. After that, the pair packed their bags to travel the world and learn from the celebrated master chefs of Europe. They toiled in Michelin-star restaurants from France and Spain to Switzerland and were chosen to join El Bulli — San Pellegrino’s Best Restaurant in the World — the 13th and 14th Americans to be asked.
Ramos and Nugent were also selected to work at The Fat Duck, which set them on an educational journey with legends, including a stint of classical French tutoring at Pierre Hermé in Paris.
Trained By Europe’s Best
“We have been the recipients of priceless training by some of the best chefs of our time,” said Nugent.
After returning to the United States, the pair’s reputation earned them entry into pastry programs in Chicago, Beverly Hills and San Francisco before relocating to Parker where the married couple have family. “Our many years of education allowed us the opportunity to create Michelin star style pastry and confections in a large-scale environment,” said Ramos on the bakery’s website.
“The techniques we use at Poulette Bakeshop have been a specialty of the French patisserie for hundreds of years and are difficult to master.”
“We believe in the tradition of our craft,” said Nugent. “Throughout our careers Alen and I have driven the concepts of other great chefs but feel that now is our time — to make our dream a reality.”
European-Inspired Delicacies
Specializing in “Americana with a European influence,” patrons of Poulette enjoy sweet delicacies, like Ducasse cakes and Gianduja macarons, as well as tried-and-true favorites like almond croissants and stuffed Berliners. It’s not uncommon for items to sell out – given the stellar reviews online – it’s a wonder they can accommodate the demand!
Your mouths may water just reading about/looking at photos of Poulette’s creations from sweet and savory breakfast pastries (Chorizo and Spinach Strata, Hatch and Cheddar Scones, and Cock-a-Leekie Pies) to sweet treats that make every weekend special (Churro Croissant Twist, Cheese Brioche, Vanilla Bean Spandauers, Butter Croissants and Pain au Chocolat).
Plan wisely if you want to experience artisanal bliss because Nugent and Ramos’ pastries are in high demand! The Poulette Bakeshop, at 19585 Hess Rd. #107 in Parker is open Wednesday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — or until they sell out.
Two Miles From Town: Looking Glass
The master-planned community of Looking Glass in Parker is close to all things needful and gleeful! These convenient Parker neighborhoods are nestled in 130 acres of open space with five pocket parks, 22 miles of trails and paths, community connections plus access to multiple recreation, entertainment and shopping possibilities. Stop by the beautiful model homes from D.R. Horton, Taylor Morrison, and Dream Finders — from the $600s. And later this year, even more new homes will be available from Richmond American Homes — both single family and paired homes!
Temperatures are rising in Parker and surrounds — which may give you the (mistaken) impression that winter is waning. Don’t be fooled. There’s more snow and cold brewing in a future front so don’t put your snowblower in storage just yet.
With more first-time home buyers hunting for new construction options, builders in the master-planned community of Looking Glass have been personalizing ranch-style and two-story designs for a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
New Year’s Resolutions…have you made any? Already broken a few? Surveying the last two weeks’ worth of musings on the internet there’s no shortage of suggestions. Here’s a small sampling — a variety of unusual resolutions to consider — including a few psychological and character building suggestions we’ve NEVER heard before!