Exciting food news in Montrose

Irecently took a road trip to Montrose to visit the award-winning Storm King Distilling Co. and check out their whiskies. When I arrived at 40 W. Main St., I not only saw their beautiful distillery, but was utterly STUNNED to see a gorgeous, recently restored, historic building next door. After a seven-year renovation project, it has opened as “The Association.” When I walked through the door, I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. Inside was a massive and thoughtfully decorated food hall and community space. I was greeted by co-founder and head distiller, David Fishering, who only learned of my impromptu visit an hour prior and graciously showed me around. Inside are multiple food vendors such as Layered, Meat & Gather, JitterSweet Espresso and Gelato Bar, and a retail store for Storm King Distilling Co. Featuring a variety of options, Layered offers fresh salads, wraps, burritos and a coconut chia oatmeal. They also have a “loaded mac ‘n cheese” that looks yummy. Starting this spring, Sushi on the Roll will join them serving delicious Japanese options.

Meat & Gather offers individual charcuterie plates, paninis such as the mortadella muffaletta stuffed with “pistachio mortadella, olive tapenade, basil pesto and provolone cheese.” They even have a dessert platter that includes macarons, petit fours, cheesecake bites, bonbons and assorted berries. JitterSweet brings a taste of Italy to the food hall. They have fresh espresso, gelato and even Italian affogato. Both Meat & Gather and JitterSweet are open Tuesday through Saturday.

The Association also has a lovely bar featuring Storm King’s creations, local wines and beers and a wide assortment of non-alcoholic options. There is lots of seating and space to be with friends, read a book, grab something to eat and just enjoy the moment. Events rotate and some days you might find dance lessons, a comedy show, and more. On the second and fourth Wednesdays, you will find Stephen Miller there playing the piano. Underneath the main level is a large event space called The Cellar that can be rented out for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.

Wrapped around the building is a patio where one can find a food truck such as The Codfather and Baan Thai. Baan Thai features Thai dishes and The Codfather sells fish and chips and regularly has a popular crab boil. Food can be eaten outside, brought inside or picked up for takeout. The Association is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each vendor has different hours, so check online for details. Their website is https://www.theassociationmontrose.com.

Not knowing about The Association’s existence, the original reason I drove to Montrose was to try Storm King’s whiskies, and I enjoyed learning more and sampling them. Ahren Henry was a delightful tasting guide and I bought a bottle of their 2023 winner called “Side Gig.” It won a blind competition at the World Whiskies Awards in London for the best American Whiskey. How wonderful that it’s from Western Colorado!

Storm King uses 100% Colorado-grown grain and make all of their whiskies in-house. Fishering is passionate about whiskey and told me, “I love whiskey. I love the spirit, the people that make it, the companies, the distilleries, the heritage, the culture, everything. I got involved as an enthusiast and then in 2017 my dad and I bought this property.” David’s wife, Sarah, is the manager of The Association and it is truly a family effort.

I asked Fishering for more details about the building and he commented, “The historic Montrose Fruit and Produce Association (now the Montrose Potato Growers) building is one of the most iconic buildings in town. The entire reason to buy the property in the first place was because this building is amazing. It’s simply an old brick warehouse, but it was the center of commerce and community back in the early 1900s (it was built in 1908). We wanted to create a space that makes people want to be here, a place for commerce and community, a place to belong to.”

Well, they certainly created a masterpiece for Montrose and the surrounding area and I hope something like it opens here in Grand Junction! I love the idea of a warm gathering space with indoor and outdoor options, delicious foods and beverages, classes, music and more. In the meantime, I will continue to be jealous of what Fishering, his family and various vendors have created. I wish them all the best and encourage you to check them out.

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