The weather and the abundant sun in the area makes the Grand Valley an agricultural mecca and it is Colorado's top wine producing area. With all of the Grand Valley's agricultural riches, it's no surprise restaurants are taking advantage of local growers who supply ultra-local, fresh fare to wineries, farmers markets, and restaurants in the area. Grand Valley restaurants embodied the locally grown, fresh-food movement long before it was popular. In recent years, a few ambitious chefs and winemakers have helped turn the Grand Valley region into a legitimate culinary destination. Bin 707 Foodbar owner and James Beard nominated chef Josh Niernberg's philosophy of "local first, Colorado second, domestic third", has been serving responsibly sourced fare since 2011. In addition, Peche, 626 on Rood and the Winery are just a few of our restaurants that have won awards and made national news.
The town of Palisade is the epicenter of Colorado's nationally recognized wine production community with over 25 wineries. Palisade is a charming town along the Colorado River and is about 10 miles east of Grand Junction. TripAdvisor.com has named Palisade as one of the top ten best wine destinations in the nation.
The Ordinary Fellow Winery, Restoration Vineyards, Carlson Vineyards and Colterris are some of the stand-out wineries. In the spring, summer and fall, the wineries are packed with locals and tourists, sampling the wines and listening to live music on the lawn.
Besides a thriving wine industry we have a robust craft beer crowd that is making their own recognition. With 7 breweries, you're never far from a fresh craft beer! Four years ago I helped a couple from Denver purchase a historic brick building in downtown Grand Junction. After two years, they transformed it into the popular Foam and Folly Brewery. A different food truck is featured 4 nights a week so you can have a freshly cooked bite with your brew.
During the summer and early fall, we have the best Farmer's Markets from our rural farms and ranches bringing their goods to town. Grand Junction Farmers' market is on Thursday, Palisade's on Sunday and Fruita has their market Saturday morning. Everything from peaches, cherries, apricots, apples, tomatoes, lettuce, corn and more can be found around town.
The Grand Valley also has the "Field to Fork Organic Farm that operates a 20,000 square foot greenhouse, a two acre orchard, pasture raised chickens for eggs and meat production as well as pasture raised hogs. They are certified organic by the USDA.
Field to Fork also operates a Supper Club by celebrating the summer farm bounty with an extravagant dinner in the orchard. There is also a wood-fired Pizza Supper Club that makes the most delicious Italian style pizzas and roasted veggies.
Kulina LanI is the most popular bakery in town. You can buy their bread in their store, at the Farmers' Market, Field to Fork Organic Farm or Blaines' Market. All of their breads, pizza and pastry are naturally-leavened with sourdough, no commercial yeast is used. The bread list is extensive and these are some of my favorites: Double Olive (Kalamata, Green with pimento), Fresh Rosemary with Olive Oil, Fig & Thyme, 4 Seed with Cumin and Old World.
Writing about Food and Wine in the Grand Valley would not be complete without mentioning Peach Street Distillers in Palisade. From fruit to glass, every spirit they make is hand-crafted right in Palisade. They start with local fruits and grains that deliver maximum flavor and high proof in a single distillation, and the barrels bring out the unique colors and flavors in each of their spirts. Peach Street Distiller has a mouth-watering menu of appetizer's, tacos, salads and sandwiches to savor with your spirts. My favorite is the Jackalope, squares of fresh flatbread with gin, olive tapenade, mozzarella, provolone blend and fresh herbs that is drizzled with fresh local honey.
Now that you know what we have here, it's time to visit and sip and savor the flavors of the Grand Valley
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