I would like to take this moment to sincerely thank everyone who has provided me with their suggestions for the "Where in Jeffco should Simon go?" adventure. Since I first introduced it on April 30, 2009, your plethora of phone calls, e-mails and comment submissions in this blog have introduced me to an array of new places; places around corners and up streets I've never ventured before. It is also my earnest wish that, along with my joy of conducting these weekly interviews, you yourself have benefited from my endeavors by learning about the many wonderful places in your community.

It's my belief that by supporting local businesses, one invests in the productivity and longevity of one's surroundings. I hope you enjoy my adventures documented below and the many more to come.

Kindly,
Simon P.

They were hungry, so they fed them
By Simon Moya-Smith, July 23, 2009

It began with hungry children. The famished were Jefferson High School students living out of hotels or with extended family. They were unsure of where their next meal was to come from. Breakfast and lunch had been provided by Jefferson High, yes - but where then was their dinner to come from? That was the question which hounded Ken and Beverly Gadbois and their daughter Julia Fink.

As a result of their concern that another child or children would go without an evening meal, these three altruists gave birth to God's Table - a food pantry and an affiliate of the Food Bank of the Rockies.

Founded only five months ago in February, the Gadbois' and Julia have since been diligently working toward mitigating the number of kids, as well as their families, who go to bed on empty stomachs.

"We saw that there were families who were hungry," said Beverly. "My daughter Julia is the one that spearheaded this."

Since the humanitarian campaign began, God's Table's notoriety has grown exponentially. So much so that, according to Beverly, eight women paid Beverly and God's Table a visit to offer their services, whatever service they could do. At the end of that day, Beverly and those eight perfect strangers had organized a year's worth of community dinners.

Open on the third Saturday of every month, God's Table provides oodles of nonperishables and "teenager-friendly" meals to hungry families with food purchased at the Food Bank of the Rockies - all bought with donated money.

"The Denver Foundation gave us a critical needs food grant once in April and once in June," said Beverly.

God's Table has reminded me of a philosophical inquiry once made by a previous political science professor of mine: "What does it mean to live in luxury while others go hungry?" she asked the class.

"What a concept," I thought to myself.

These are tough economic times, my friends. People are losing jobs like trees lose leaves in the autumn. And those that have already lost employment are fervently in search. So, in the meantime, it would not be amiss to help our neighbors in need.

If you would like to donate to God's Table, be it with food or money, call Beverly Gadbois at 303-525-7685 or go to www.fsatat-yes.com.


Edgewater Inn: 57 years in the making
By Simon Moya-Smith, July 16, 2009

I'm old school. I wear peacoats, fedoras, and, if you stand close enough to my car, you'll probably hear some Frank or Dino (that's Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin) reverberating out my windows.

When it comes to dining out, I'm fond of old school Italian restaurants - and the Edgewater Inn, 5302 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater, fit that bill perfectly.

The Edgewater Inn has been serving patrons - not only in Edgewater, but also across the whole Front Range - for 57 years, according to co-owner Carolyn Di Pietro.

On July 11, I paid Di Pietro a visit and asked her why, nearly six decades after her father- and mother-in-law, Ben and Josephine Di Pietro, opened their doors, people still venture from far and wide to visit the Edgewater Inn.

Standing next to the restaurant's bar nestled in the center of the restaurant, Di Pietro pointed to its worn counter and said, "This bar is the same one from the 1960s. This place has the same feel as when it first opened."

Indeed it does. I bet you that had I walked into the Edgewater Inn in 1983 - the year of my birth - it wouldn't have been much different than my visit last Saturday - well, other than maybe a few old-school Broncos jackets draped on a few patrons.

It's not only the restaurant's ability to transport you like a fish on a hook to another era that keeps customers coming back, but also their famous Howdy Special.
The Howdy Special (as I'm sure some of you already know by now) is a tastebud-pirouetting, generously topped pizza. (They won't skimp on toppings. Trust me.)

Here's what makes up a Howdy Special: sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives and jalapeno peppers, which gives it a little kick at the end. Carolyn and her husband, Dick, boast that the fan-favorite also has a special house seasoning added to it.

Take an afternoon and relax inside the nostalgic restaurant or on its patio extension and have yourself a Howdy Special - 57 years in the making.
What was my favorite? The crust. I'm a sucker for a good pizza crust. All's well that ends well, even in food, my friends.

To learn more about the Edgewater Inn, or to hear about what else they have on their menu, call 303-237-3524.

More S'mores Latte for me, please
By Simon Moya-Smith, June 29, 2009

Starbucks, eat your heart out.

In this edition of "Where in Jeffco should Simon go?" I drove just 15 minutes west to Evergreen and paid Wayne and Cheryl Brown, owners of Camp Grounds Coffee and Eatery, a visit.

As I drove, the dense mountain air pleasantly bombarded me with the intoxicating scent of pine and, well, purity, as it charged through my open windows like an ocean breeze. (Aren't we lucky to live in such a place where it only takes 15 minutes to get away from it all? I'd say so.)

The Browns, familiar with my columns, lured me with one of my many vices: a flavored latte (sneaky, sneaky).

"When should we have your S'mores Latte ready?" asked Wayne in an e-mail last week.

I couldn't resist.

Upon arrival, I could immediately see why they coined it "Camp Grounds." The coffee and eatery shop is rustically decorated with its mountain-esque decor. (There's even a fireplace nestled in the middle of the shop with family pictures cradled on its ledge.)

"What can we get you?" the cordial owners asked me.

"Let's start with a S'mores Latte," I said.

Wayne dished up the drink and brought it over to my table, which sat next to an enormous window providing a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains.

"Oh, wow," I said to myself. Not only was the presentation of this latte impressive with its chocolate syrup, whipped cream and crumbled graham cracker crumbs, but the flavor was exquisite.

My taste buds obviously pirouetting, I then ordered their Tia's Croissant, which is a B.L.T. with avocado. Named so after their daughter - she being the concocter of the refreshing sandwich - it also comes with large helping of crispy potato chips.

If lattes aren't your thing, you can always enjoy one of the many other sweets Camp Grounds offers. They even have s'mores on a stick. You must go and see how they creatively thought this one up.

A family affair, both Wayne and Cheryl's daughter and son-in-law work and barista at the shop where latte art is their niche. You literally sip art.

Camp Grounds is located at the Bergen Village Shopping Center, 1254 Bergen Parkway, #D-122, Evergreen.

For more information, call Wayne and Cheryl Brown at 303-679-1311 or go to www.campgroundscoffee.com.


The Tamale Kitchen and the Avilas
By Simon Moya-Smith, June 25, 2009

I'm probably the only one of the Moya clan who doesn't have a penchant for hot chili.

My grandpa, Ernie, will often goad during dinner, "Here, have some. It'll put hair on your chest." I usually quip back with, "I think you've got that base covered, grandpa."

But when I visited an old friend, Chez, at the Tamale Kitchen - his family's Edgewater restaurant - he made sure I was given the hot chili and not the extra hot. My reputation precedes me.

Chez and his father, Nick Avila, and almost the entire family, operate the Tamale Kitchen, located at 2045 Sheridan Blvd. Suite D, Edgewater.

I paid Nick and Chez a visit on June 20 where we sat at a table nearest the window overlooking the rippling waters of Denver's Sloan's Lake Park and talked family, Edgewater and, of course, the Tamale Kitchen.

"The majority of our food is gluten-free," said Chez. "We use vegetable oil instead of lard."

Amid our conversations, Chez mentioned a Latin delight I hadn't heard of before.

"A Mexican egg roll?" I inquisitively asked him.

"Yes," he said. "One comes with beans, cheese and chili ... you're going to like it."

"Well let's try some," I said eagerly.

The first dish I had on their menu was a tamale plate. The meal comes with three tamales with chili, a side of beans with cheese and, of course, a dense helping of rice.

If you're a vegan or a vegetarian, there's a good chance you'll enjoy their vegetarian tamales. I had one and honestly, as I told Nick, I really couldn't tell the difference in flavor - it was just that well seasoned.

Then came the egg rolls, both flanked by a bed of lettuce and tomatoes on the plate.

I took my first bite ... "These are sort of like little chimichangas," I said to myself. (Chimichangas, if you're unsure, are deep fried burritos and also the meal by which Dustin Hoffman made famous in Meet the Fockers by shouting it incessantly.)

As I sat enjoying my Mexican egg rolls, I relished in the outstanding view, the family conversations behind the counter reminiscent of home and the modern Latin decor the Tamale Kitchen illuminates from, when I was interrupted by another thought.

"Whoa, that's hot chili!"

For more information about the Tamale Kitchen, call 303-993-5651.

A Manhattan-style bagel in Golden
By Simon Moya-Smith, June 18, 2009

Just because you're not a New Yorker doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fruits - or bagels - of the Big Apple.

In this edition of "Where in Jeffco Should Simon go?" I headed west to Bid Daddy Bagel, courtesy of Denver Post sports columnist Mike Kliss.

I got a call from Mike one day as he sat at Big Daddy Bagel, 106 N. Rubey Drive, Golden, reading a YourHub.com newspaper. Right off the bat (and maybe in between bites), he told me that he enjoyed my column (this is the part where I blush) but that I also needed to "check Big Daddy out" and pay them a visit.

After a long conversation about the city of Golden and, of course, bagels, I told Mike I would definitely be stopping by. On June 10, I commandeered my grandfather and we went and paid manager Steve Klinger, of Golden, and his team a visit.

Now, folks, there's one thing I definitely enjoy seeing, of which I saw immediately walking into Big Daddy: people at a table, having a cup of coffee, talking and laughing. That says, "This is a comfortable place." in my opinion.

"What would you like, grandpa?" I asked my partner in crime.

"You know, I think I'll have that cinnamon roll," he said pointing his finger to the elevated menu. "And a cup of coffee, please."

Steve and I sat and chatted at a table while grandpa nibbled his pastry and sipped his coffee.

"These are just like east coast bagels," said Steve, a New York City native. "We've got 18 different bagels."

Steve began to list the different types of bagels Big Daddy has when he mentioned one I had never heard of before.

"A salt bagel?" I asked inquisitively.

"Yeah, people say it tastes a lot like a pretzel."

"That's new to me," I said.

"How you doing over there, grandpa?" I asked him as Steve and I stood up from the table.

"Mmm, mmm," my grandpa yummed after taking a healthy bite of his cinnamon roll.

"I tell you what, that's a pretty darn good cinnamon roll," he said to Steve enthusiastically.

For myself, I had a cinnamon, raisin bagel with strawberry cream cheese and a coffee.

"We need to come back here," I said to grandpa.

For more information about Big Daddy Bagel, call 303-279-1481.

Street vendors rush to beat the rain
By Simon Moya-Smith, June 11, 2009

I don't speak Spanish. But on June 7 I certainly gave it a valiant effort.

In this edition of "Where in Jeffco should Simon go?" I was transfixed on an idea, an epiphany if you will, that came to me as I drove west on Colfax Avenue: "Why not interview a street vendor?" I said to myself.

As I made a right onto Wadsworth Boulevard, there was a woman, adorned with tattered clothes and a weather-beaten cap, and two children, a girl and a boy, standing adjacent to her selling burritos and tamales out of a cooler.

I then made a U-turn, parked my car on nearby residential street and walked my way toward them.

"Hi!" I said. "What kind of burritos do you have?"

The woman, speaking in a very thick Spanish accent said, "Beef, chicken and bean."

Anyone who knows me intimately knows that I can never turn down a bean and cheese burrito. My grandpa, Ernie, frequently asks me, "Are you ever going to grow out of those things?" With a smirk, I just respond with a, "Nope."

As I stood there, nibbling away, I introduced myself as a journalist and asked the woman if I could bother her with a few questions. She said, "Sure."

With as much Spanish as I could muster, I asked her how business was. She said, "It's OK. It could be better. It's hot out and I hope to sell all of (the burritos and tamales) before the rain comes."

"Do you make all of these by yourself?" I asked her.

"No. Me and my children make them together. We make them and walk over here to sell them."

"How many times a week do you come out here to sell them?" I asked.

"Almost every day, but not always here. We go where the people are. If someone is already there selling what we do, we'll go somewhere else."

After finishing my delicious bean and cheese burrito (it sincerely was a dense and bountifully flavored burrito), I thanked and complimented the three before asking her where I could find them again if I had a hankering for another. She said, "You may find us here. If not, we'll be around here somewhere."

Submit to your Sicilian sweet tooth
By Simon Moya-Smith, June 4, 2009

While some may scream for ice cream, I myself will forever be that guy in the distance shouting, "How about giving me a cannoli instead?"

Last Saturday, I stopped by Dolce Sicilia (translated into English as "Sweet Sicily"), located at 3210 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, to indulge in some of the Italian bakery's succulent sweets.

Owner Francesco Spatola, a native of Palermo, Sicily, sat down at the table with me as I nibbled on a sweet, beautifully decorated cannoli. We discussed the history of the bakery and of north Denver itself - a community rich with Italian-American heritage.

"(Dolce Sicilia) has been here four years. It'll be five in April of 2010," said Francesco. "My family passed down this tradition, and I just love it."

I would too, if I were Francesco. Stroll into Dolce Sicilia and immediately your eyes will be pleasantly inundated with everything you'd expect to see at an Italian bakery: fresh made pastries, tiramisu, racks of freshly baked bread and, if it's about lunch time, just tell Francesco, his mother or his younger brother, who both also work at the shop, that you'd like to try one of their calzones, a Sicilian-style pizza or even some meatball and/or sausage lasagna. They'll whip it right up for you.

"We make everything in-house," said Francesco politely, brandishing a smile that traveled from ear to ear.

And the decor? Oh! Fuggedaboutit!, as some of my New York City paisans would say. Dolce Sicilia has a feel of "the old country" with its rustic painting and the ever-popular red and white checkered table cloths.

"It's more laid back," said Francesco, who also says that he frequently caters parties and events in the community (lucky party-goers).

I've got one word and one word alone for Francesco, his family and Dolce Sicilia: bravo.

To learn more about this locally owned Italian bakery or to find out what else is on their menu, give them a call at 303-233-3755 or go to www.dolcesiciliabakery.com.

On deck for "Where in Jeffco should Simon go?" I've got another jeweler to visit, a bagel shop, a meat market and, well, that depends on you. Keep those calls and e-mails coming with suggestions.


A jewelry shop, art gallery hybrid
By Simon Moya-Smith, April 21, 2009

In order to enter Anthony M's Visions in Gold jewelry store, 6789 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, you must first be buzzed in by either Tony or Gayle Maschari-Mohr, shop owners. Since their shopette houses more than a handful of diamonds, this safety feature is obligated by their insurer.

Once you get buzzed in (which is, of course, a quick process), you'll immediately be greeted by two things: a batch of cookies and Dakota, Tony and Gayle's K-9 welcome party.

If you can pull yourself away from the complimentary cookies or ever farther away from their free coffee long enough, you will notice that this jeweler not only offers their patrons a place to purchase emeralds, diamonds, gold, gems and much more, but that Tony and Gayle also offer art aficionados goodies for the eye as well, with their art gallery aptly called Elements Gallery.

Five years ago, they purchased the retail space due west of theirs and turned it into a venue where local artists display their work in more than a variety of mediums.
"We wanted to do something that gave back to the community that gave so much to us," said Gayle, an artist herself. "So we opened the walls between the locations and opened the space to the many local artists that were just starting off and were not sure how or where to exhibit their works of art - a place to get their feet wet as they say."

Every eight weeks, Elements Gallery hosts a "Meet the Artist" night where more than 200 of Anthony M's Visions in Gold "regulars" partake in the art and wine and cheese tasting.

"We have Cheery Creek style but with Wheat Ridge pricing," said Gayle.
If you need a watch that's in need of a battery, they do that. If you're a guy looking to propose to your girlfriend but not sure how to go about it, they'll help you out as well. And (how fun is this?) Tony is well versed and trained in the upkeep of pre-Columbian jewelry.

If you're looking for a fun and local art exhibit to go to, have some jewelry to purchase, or maybe you have some pre-Columbian art sitting around that could use some sprucing up, give them a call at 303-424-1881 or go to www.visionsingold.com.


Now that is what I call a heckuva pie
By Simon Moya-Smith, May 14, 2009

A pie can be measured in many ways: by its density, crust (the crescendo of the pie, in my opinion), aroma, its presentation and, of course, flavor.

My friends, it is with great jubilee (for I am surely a pastry and pie aficionado) that I share with you a local pie palace that not only practices warm and friendly customer service, but also meets and surpasses my amateur pie evaluation.

In this edition of Where in Jeffco should Simon go?, I ventured to Granny Scott's Pie Shop, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, thanks to a tip from YourHub.com user Daryle Ann Hise, of Lakewood.

True to form, and like so many other small businesses I've been to, Granny Scott's Pie shop's grandeur is found inside its walls, for it's shared shopping mall exterior does not do it justice.

Enter the shop and you'll be suddenly struck by the intoxicating aroma of pastries, pies, locally roasted Coda coffee and the fresh deli goodies Granny Scott's offers its lunch patrons.

And although their lunch menu was tempting with its list of soups and sandwiches made with bread baked there in the shop, it was Granny Scott's pumpkin pie I was after (My grandfather and I can "wipe out," as he would say, a pumpkin pie in one sitting).

Owner Larry Green, who shares the title with wife, Roxie, says that it is their "comfy decor" and incomparable, hand-made pies that turns a first-time customer into a lifetime patron. I would have to agree. Stepping inside Granny Scott's felt like I was back at grandma's house. The decor is that of the turn of the century, plush with decorations immediately transporting you to a simpler time.

And how was their pumpkin pie, you wonder? A slice straight from heaven, dear friends. Larry and Roxie's award-winning pies will see me again very, very soon.

For more information about Granny Scott's Pie Shop, call 303-986-6240 or go to www.grannyscottspieshop.com.

Since I first introduced Where in Jeffco should Simon go?, I've been pleasantly inundated with calls and e-mails with suggestions of places I should visit. Keep them coming!

Gold's Grocery, a pleasant place
By Simon Moya-Smith, May 7, 2009

I believe I've had my driver's license for almost 10 years now.

And in the span of that decade, if I've driven through the intersection of 26th Avenue and Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge once, I've driven through it a thousand times, as they say.

And have I stopped at Gold's Grocery, 10021 W. 26th Ave., Wheat Ridge, to fulfill my curiosity about what they had to offer a patron? Regrettably no. Until recently.

In this first edition of Where in Jeffco should Simon go? I chose this little-known, north Jeffco grocer, courtesy of Carol Holtgrewe, of Wheat Ridge. Carol, who has been a faithful customer of Gold's Grocery for 20 years, phoned me last week and said that I had to go and pay them a visit, for their service is incomparable and their store is simply "pleasant."

So, indeed I did.

It would be appropriate of me to say that this store, possibly erected in the earlier part of the 20th century, and like so many of its contemporaries, provides the eye much more on the inside rather than its exterior. Walk through the automatic
doors and you'll immediately realize that this is no ordinary grocer. Yes, Gold's Grocery has almost everything you'd find at any other store - meats, breads, canned food, fresh produce ( the majority provided by Colorado farmers), and also a hot deli - but then you begin to ask yourself, "Where are all the crowds, lines and typical grocery hustle and bustle?" With great relief, it was nowhere to be found. The aisles were calming and serene, as if the store itself inspired you to take your time.

Owners Bob and Joanne Gold, (both very kind and obliging during my visit) informed me that Gold's Grocery is about family treatment. A large number of their own family work at the store and they want their customers to feel as if they are family, too. And to Carol Holtgrewe, they've succeeded in doing just that. "It's one of the best kept secrets in the area," she said.

To learn more about Gold's Grocery, call 303-232-8849.

On deck, I'll be visiting a pie shop, a jeweler and a bagel shop. Do continue to call and e-mail me with more suggestions or just post your suggestion in the comments box below this blog.


Where in Jeffco should Simon go?
By Simon Moya-Smith, April 30, 2009

Sundays are contemplative days for me. For the most part, I do practically nothing other than read a book over a cup of coffee or sometimes tea. But in the end, it's a day designated for me and my thoughts alone.

As I sat at a local coffee shop, lost in my cerebral, I pondered what it was I wanted to write about in my column this week. Always striving to provide you with a stimulating narrative you'll think about throughout the day, I finally landed an idea prompted by my surroundings. Sitting there in that coffee shop, I realized I had chosen that specific location based on one factor and one factor alone: familiarity. I've known that locally owned cafe for oodles of years. But I know it's not the only of its kind. I'm sure there are many more just like it - but where?

As a result of last Sunday's contemplative endeavors, I am poised to begin an adventure across Jefferson County, which I will then log in this column for your pleasure. It is my intention to visit local businesses - cafes, restaurants, jewelers, choclatiers, art galleries, so on and so forth - and other locations with the particular honor of documenting and photographing these places I'm sure I've driven past, but have never ventured into. But, of course ,I will need your help. Tell me about the many places you know of and probably love to visit. How long have you known the place? Who told you about it? And also, what makes it so unique, so exceptional that you think we should all know about it?

Each week, I'll select one Jeffco location from your submissions and make my way down there. It doesn't matter what it is. It could be a little-known restaurant (by now you should know how much of a diner I am), a dance studio (you'd truly be surprised at how well I can move my hips) or even a secluded park area you visit that maybe you think others should partake in.

In order to post a request, you'll need to be a YourHub.com user. It's a very simple process that's free of charge. Just click the 'Register' link at the top left hand corner of this page. The site will then walk you through the very easy process.

Cheers, my friends.

"Simple" Simon Moya-Smith