Food trends and exciting food news

Irecently had fun being interviewed by Colorado Public Radio’s talented and charming Ryan Warner. He asked me about being a food writer, how food trends in western Colorado have changed and what some of my favorite places are to eat. In addition, he wanted us to visit a restaurant and record a program. We spent almost two hours in Delta at A&M.Creations on 305 Main St. and had a delicious blast with Alena Windedahl-Simms and Manny Sena. I was intrigued to watch a radio program being created about food since food is generally experienced through taste, sight and touch and not through hearing. Thus, Warner recorded the sounds of mushrooms sizzling in the deep fryer, dishes clanking onto the table and more. The whole process was fascinating and creative. I’m excited to listen to the program when it airs. Be sure to check out this yummy restaurant if you haven’t already.

I’m excited to see that Community Food Bank has purchased the 7th Street Deli across from St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. According to their executive director, Alisha Wenger, they are “converting it to a new concept as the 7th St. Community Café.” What a creative idea! This will be an affordable, healthy restaurant with proceeds going to benefit the Community Food Bank. You can learn more about it and how you can help them raise funds for start-up costs by going to their website at http://www.foodbankgj.org.

Conchita’s Authentic Mexican Tamales, located at 545 North Ave. in Grand Junction, is soon to be opening their doors! The grand opening is scheduled for from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. They will feature savory vegetarian and meat tamales and also sweet ones. Other food items will be available and I look forward to seeing their menu. I wish them well with their new business!

A delightful Dogs and Donuts Event will be held from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2350 G Road in Grand Junction. Proceeds go towards the Western Slope Center for Children.

According to their website, “Join us for a morning of furry fun at our ‘Dogs and Donuts’ event! Whether you’re a dog lover, a donut enthusiast, or just looking for some family-friendly entertainment, this event has something for everyone.” There will be an obstacle course, face painting, photo time with Rachael their certified canine companion, costume contest and more! Tickets are available at http://www.eventbrite.com and http://www.centerforchildrencac.org and cost $10 per person or $25 for a family.

The 29th annual Empty Bowl’s fundraiser will from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Tickets are $25 and include your choice of a beautiful pottery bowl and lunch with soup and dessert. Money raised at this wonderful event will help support the Grand Valley Catholic Outreach’s soup kitchen. The location is at 245 S. First St. in downtown Grand Junction.

JJangs Korean Barbeque restaurant is moving forward! I recently noticed some activity with construction and signage outside. Located in the former Chuck E. Cheese location at Mesa Mall in Grand Junction, it will be good to finally see that space vibrant again. I don’t know the official opening date, but I look forward to trying them in the, hopefully, near future.

La Pasadita Market, just celebrated their Grand Opening at 422 32 Road in Clifton. This store has a variety of foods to choose from, including some Mexican and El Salvadoran favorites. Seafood, meat, produce, frozen pupusas, tortillas, beverages and more are some of the many items you can find.

I enjoyed sampling a variety of tasty treats at San Jose Bakery at 507 30 Road, Grand Junction. It was tantalizing to see so many beautiful, fresh-baked goods at this pandaneria. My favorite was a fantastic bolillo relleno. This football-shaped loaf of soft, white bread was stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños. Oh my! I was so hungry I forgot to take a photo and had to stop myself from eating the whole thing in one sitting.

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

A&M.Creations’ owners, Alina Windedahl-Simms and Manny Sena, made a feast for us to sample during a recording of Colorado Public Radio’s Colorado Matters show. We had such delicious fun!

Photos by CHRISTINE GALLAGHER

People check out hundreds of hand-crafted bowls before making their selection and eating soup at the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at Catholic Outreach in 2023. This year’s annual fundraiser for Catholic Outreach is Oct. 12.

DALE SHRULL/ The Daily Sentinel

Delicious delights at San Jose Bakery

Have fun at the upcoming “Dogs and Donuts” event!

Photo by ANNIE LAMPARD, DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AT THE WESTERN SLOPE CENTER FOR CHILDREN

Delicious delights at San Jose Bakery

FOOD NEWS

ALLAGHER