Fall into food

This is a great time of year to be outside savoring the weather and numerous festivals throughout western Colorado. Have fun and take advantage of all the delightful opportunities that autumn brings! Please be sure to check directly with the businesses to learn more details.

Beer Fest — Have fun at the “Friends of the West Invitational Beer Fest” from 1-5 p.m. on Oct. 3. This event is a celebration of beer, brewing and camaraderie. Tickets are available at www. events.beerfest.com.

There will be unlimited beer samples from 30 breweries across the state with proceeds benefitting the Avalon Foundation and the Colorado Brewer’s Guild. Ramblebine Brewing and Base Camp Beer Works are hosting this event. You can find it on Main Street in downtown Grand Junction in conjunction with the Art Fest.

Cedaredge Applefest

— Enjoy apples galore at the annual Applefest in Cedaredge from Oct. 2 to Oct. 4. Their press release notes, “Held during the first full weekend of October in Cedaredge, this long-running festival celebrates the local apple harvest with over 150 vendor booths, food stands, an antique tractor show, and pie-baking traditions.” There will also be live music and activities for the whole family.

Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar — Owner Taryn Brooks recently received a 2026 Frontline Hospitality Tourism Worker award. According to the press release, these “individuals exemplify the welcoming spirit that makes Colorado a memorable destination for visitors from around the world.” It goes on to note that through “exceptional service, professionalism and dedication to guest experiences, these hospitality professionals help showcase the very best of Colorado tourism.” Many congratulations to Brooks and the fun restaurant in downtown Grand Junction at 555 Colorado Ave!

Delta CattleWomen Dinner — On Nov. 13, the Delta CattleWomen are hosting a fundraiser that will include a dinner, dance and auction. It will be located at the Delta Elks at 563 Main St. The event helps support agricultural education, scholarships and beef promotion. There will be a catered prime rib dinner and only 150 tickets available. Tickets can be purchased in Delta at the Sisson Feed & Seed and the Delta Elks.

Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs — Located at 2480 U.S. Highway 6 & 50 next to Five Guys, this franchise restaurant is now open. According to their press release, this “marks Fuzzy’s first full-service location in Colorado.

Guests can enjoy Fuzzy’s laid-back vibes, tableside service and bold flavors through its lineup of signature tacos, nachos, creative cocktails and margaritas. The restaurant is locally owned and operated by John Cassity, a 20-year Grand Junction community member with deep ties to the area through his support of Colorado Mesa University, local schools, first responders and youth sports. The opening will also support Grand Junction in creating 50 new jobs for the community.”

Nourish Our Farmers Coalition — According to the Valley Organic Growers Association, this program supports “the mental, physical, and economic wellbeing of agricultural producers in Delta County by fostering connection, reducing isolation and building a resilient community.

We believe healthy food systems begin with healthy farmers and we work collaboratively to support agriculture in our region.” Prepared meals are provided to local farmers and crews as needed. This organization also connects regional resources such as primary care physicians, mental healthcare and funding assistance to agricultural producers. To learn more about Resources for Agricultural Producers and the Nourish Our Farmers Coalition, visit www.vogaco.org/nourish- our-farmers/.

Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard — This is the season to head over to their beautiful Palisade orchards and do some apple picking. They are located at 281 33 Road.

In addition to picking apples, you can enjoy some wine tasting while you are there. On Oct. 21, head out to the Redlands and sample their wines at the Meadowlark Garden Center from 5–8 p.m. at 2259 Broadway. There will be live music and you can shop at the greenhouse and the garden market on a beautiful autumn evening.

Rides, Rhythms & Ribs Fest — On Oct. 4, this festival will be serving local barbecue, games and live music. There will also be a beer garden, karaoke, and rib cooking and eating contests.

It will take place at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater (Cerise Park).

Sister’s Soup & Salad — A new restaurant is coming to Delta!

It will be a lunch spot featuring fresh food, a salad bar, soup bar, baked potato bar with various toppings, locally baked breads and locally baked desserts. They are hoping to use as much local produce as they can at the restaurant. They will be located at 1680 Rodeo Way and the current plan is an early October opening. According to their Facebook post, “We know Delta could use more healthy, fresh and quick lunch options, and that’s exactly what we want to bring to our community.”

Something Sweet, LLC — This bakery has moved from the Mesa Mall food court to Citrola’s Italian restaurant at 755 Horizon Dr. in Grand Junction. Be sure to call ahead or look online for the most up-to-date hours during this time of transition. Baker Ariel Potter makes delicious desserts and this sounds like a promising move.

Tepanyaki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar — The hibachi restaurant at 752½ Horizon Dr. is no longer open.

I spoke with someone at the adjacent Ramada Inn who noted that it has closed and the building is for sale. No other details are available at this time.

I will be interested to see what new goes in there and I would love to see an entertaining and tasty hibachi restaurant come into the Grand Valley in the future.

If you have any foodand beverage-related events or information you want readers to know about, email me at AllThingsFoodChristine@gmail.com.

Celebrate apples galore at the annual upcoming Cedaredge Applefest. (Christine Gallagher photo)

The new Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs restaurant has opened in Grand Junction. (Christine Gallagher photo)

Lemon blueberry scones with a brown butter lemon drizzle from Something Sweet. (Photo by baker Ariel Potter.)

Enjoy some beer at the upcoming beer fest! (Christine Gallagher photo)

Have fun picking apples in Palisade at the delightful Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard. (Christine Gallagher photo)

FOOD NEWS

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