What’s new?

The eagerly anticipated opening of the new Bin 707 has occurred!

Located at 400 Main Street in downtown Grand Junction, this is the third restaurant by acclaimed chef, Josh Niernburg. (The other two are nearby — JoJo’s Dinette and Taco Party.) I’m hearing great things and look forward to dining there.

Hours are 4:30 to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and I’m thrilled they take reservations.

Fruita now has a tasty new Vietnamese restaurant called Blue Lotus.

Located at 152 S. Mesa St., it even includes pool tables in an adjoining room. I enjoyed the vegetarian noodle soup with rice noodles, vegetables and mushrooms. My friend loved their bánh mi sandwich and egg rolls. Service was friendly and fast and I think it will be a good addition to Fruita.

New restaurant, 476 Food District, will be opening shortly in the space next to Five Guys in Grand Junction.

(2480 Highway 6 & 50) They will be featuring a menu with Korean, Thai and sushi options. The name of the restaurant is a combination of the owner’s lucky number and a nod to the variety of countries’ cuisines offered. They also own 476 Eatery in Hotchkiss at 107 W. Bridge St. I’m curious about their eclectic menu and when I saw mango sticky rice on their menu, it definitely got my attention!

Monarca Taqueria & Cantina will soon be a new restaurant in Clifton located at 3210 I-70 Business Loop, Unit G. You may have tried their food truck featuring massive papas cargadas (loaded potatoes), tacos, burritos and quesadillas. I look forward to viewing their menu and I imagine it will be quite yummy.

Cruise Control Kitchen + Cellar in downtown Grand Junction (555 Colorado Ave.) now has their kitchen up and running and features an assortment of “Chicago-inspired” foods. I was just in Chicago for the James Beard awards and had so much amazing food!

Cruise Control’s co-owner, Patric Matysiewski, gave me lots of terrific suggestions for places to try while I was visiting.

Their menu looks tasty and has something for everyone. I can’t wait to bop over and try it soon.

I recently took a fun (and delicious!) world whiskey class with the Western Slope Whiskey Club. I was particularly intrigued by the whiskey from Kyro distillery in Finland. Our guest presenter, Travis Gale with Maverick Beverage Company, showcased unique whiskies from around the world.

You can learn more about upcoming events at www.westernslopewhiskeyclub. com.

The Colorado Lavender Festival will be next Saturday, June 29 in Palisade’s Riverbend Park, 451 Pendletone St.

There will be farm tours, cooking demonstrations and more. I love seeing all the creative ways people use lavender in food and beverages. Go to www.coloradolavender. org to get tickets and see the schedule.

The Grand Junction Jackalopes have new concession stand offerings! I’m going to be heading over to watch a game and sample some of the interesting choices such as mimosas and truffle fries. Keep your eyes open for a future column about my experience.

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

Cruise Control’s Italian beef sandwich topped with giardiniera (Photo by Patric Matysiewski).

Chicago at night during the James Beard awards. Cruise Control in Grand Junction now has a restaurant with “Chicago-inspired” cuisine. (Photo by Christine Gallagher).

Vegetable noodle soup, Banh mi, at the Blue Lotus restaurant in Fuita. (Photo by Christine Gallagher).

CHRISTINE G ALLAGHER