‘Glou’ is a French word which translates to ‘glug’. Comparable English words include ‘easy-drinking,’ ‘drinkable’, ‘chuggable’, ‘crushable’ and ‘yum-yum’, and all are excellent descriptors of Glou Glou, an outdoor patio dining experience (above) curated by Vanessa Trout (right), owner of Blanco Cellars and The Little Cheese Shop. | SOPHIA GOEDERT PHOTOS 
MEEKER I Vanessa Trout is no stranger to the business world. As the current owner of Blanco Cellars, The Little Cheese Shop, and now her patio Glou Glou, she has brought many shopping opportunities to the community. As a result, she is broadening her customers’ horizons with every purchase.
Glou Glou, which closely translates to ‘Glug Glug’ in English from French, is only a week old and offers a unique menu of small bites.
All of the items on the menu are made by Trout. She has been in the food and wine industry for the last 27 years, cheffing at different restaurants in Chicago. After that, she worked and studied in the wine industry, where she traveled around the world. Her background helped her create her unique menu.
Almost all of the dishes feature cheese and meat from her shop and from Off the Olive Branch, which is across the hall from Glou Glou. Throughout the year, the menu will begin to feature different items that are in season to get some new things cycled through.
The patio also serves various malt beverages. Ranging from loggers to light beers, IPAs, fruit, amber, and more. While also offering seltzers and non-alcoholic drinks. She tried to feature several different Colorado drinks while bringing in drinks people don’t usually see on the shelves. Since Trout also owns Blanco Cellars, where she sells various wines and spirits, she cannot serve any alcohol that isn’t fermented malt beverages. “It would be great to have a glass of wine out here,” says Trout, but instead, she offers a wide range of different beers.
The idea for the patio space presented itself when she moved to her current spot. With the new addition of a window, Trout started brainstorming ideas about empty space she saw every day. After the building owner agreed to help build the area, the start of Glou Glou was in motion.
When asked why she wanted to start Glou Glou, she said, “The patio was created to engage people in understanding and enjoying cheeses and meats from around the world.”
The patio was made to be versatile with the hope that everyone could have an opportunity to enjoy its amenities. Whether that be having a drink after work, private parties, or dinner with friends.
Glou Glou is located at 317 East Market St. and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m.
By Sophia Goedert – Special to the Herald Times
