LetsDigIn
The Durango (food) tango It has been a busy few months for the restaurant scene by Sinjin Eberle
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fter enduring the doldrums of the past couple of years, a new energy and excitement to the restaurant scene has been emerging (the 5th Dimension’s song “Age of Aquarius” is ringing in my ears). If you had asked me about that a few weeks ago, this would not have been the description that first came to mind. Over the course of this past spring, I have found myself somewhat frustrated, feeling there is a lack of new life, new inspiration and new excitement around dining here. Too much status quo, too much just hanging on, trying to recover and bolster business that was so deeply impacted by the challenges of the past two years. That’s not to mention the major shifts in employment and staffing we have explored previously in this column. It just felt heavy and exhausting and was making me a bit melancholy. Lola’s Place has become a go-to spot for food trucks, coffee and now, an outdoor bar spearThen it hit me one morning as headed by Ska Brewing./ Photo by Sinjin Eberle I was walking down Second Avenue to grab a latte after a workof the friendliest and chill settings in town. Pizza at Three Springs and really enjoyed it. out – holy cow, in reality, a lot has changed Just sitting at Lola’s and watching people It’s more spacious than the other locations, over the past few months in subtle increcome and go, I am reminded of the very with both a larger dining room and bar ments. Maybe I simply wasn’t paying attenreal sense of the relaxed, community vibe of space. It was clean, bright and quiet, and tion, but they have now all come together, “off main street.” People walking by with simply relaxing. Also, the Home Slice on seemingly at once. What sparked this maltheir dogs, catching up with neighbors for a North Main Avenue is slated to move to the let-to-the-forehead revelation was how minute while waiting for a Cuevas burrito closed down Bird’s location. What will quickly Lola’s Place, in what was the home or a salmon bowl from Rokko. I have really come of the closed Home Slice is still being of Cyprus Café and Eno Wine Bar, undercome to enjoy a latte from Taste in the late worked out, but I got a few hints of what went major transformation this year and morning, when the sun is bright, and every- might be coming, and it is quite exciting! noticing that kind of transition in other thing just feels fresh and calm. Reminds me Lastly, on a sad note, one more major venues across town as well. Guess I need to to appreciate the vibe of living in our little change is on the horizon for the regional get out more! mountain town. fine dining scene. Olio, the absolutely Let’s back up a bit. I loved Cyprus Café This is not to imply that Lola’s is the wonderful restaurant in Mancos, has anand Eno, especially the patio space between only place making changes right now. Just nounced it has been sold and will close at the two buildings. Through several transilast week, Matt Steffens and Brice Ward the end of July (and, according to the webtions and a few different iterations of owncompleted the purchase of 81301 Coffee site, does not have any more reservations ership, this particular spot has experienced from Durango Artisan Foods, which has unavailable until they are done for good). I plenty of evolution over the past 24 dergone its own transition – abruptly vacattruly loved Olio and always felt the kind months. As Lola’s was just starting out, it ing the kitchen space next to 81301 and of personal, intimate experience you could was pretty lean for such an amazing spot – opening the Provisions: A Local Gourmet have there was truly unique. The fact that only two food trucks (Cuevas Tacos and The Market retail space at 934 Main Ave. Just they made it so long in such a small space, Soup Palette) anchoring the space behind down the road, Union Social House also has in such a small town, truly reflected upon the patio, and that was pretty much it. For a a new food truck and expanded menu, the chef and staff, and their commitment long time, it made me wonder if that was which opened mid-June. Another few to quality and creativity. It was amazing, the limit of the vision (or resources) for blocks south, Farm to Summit is close to and I am quite sad it will be no longer. such a great location. opening their new storefront. As change reminds us, nothing lasts forToday it’s a different story with six offerAnother food truck switcheroo to note ever. But as we continue to emerge and ings available including the new Taste cofcenters around Anarchy Brewing on E. 8th grow as a restaurant community, I am confee shop, Thimbleberry Smoothie Co. (and Ave., which last year featured food from tinuously inspired by the hard work, insmoothie bowls!), Mountain Stir Fry and Juicy’s Shanty, a Caribbean and BBQ-oritention and creativity that this town, its Rokko Izakaya Japanese bowls and tapas, ented truck. Juicy’s migrated a few months farmers and providers, and customers all with Cuevas Tacos still holding down the ago to the VFW near Rotary Park, while bring to the table. I always feel better fort. Wrapping a bow around the experiChalkboard Kitchen, with its “comfort food, being reminded that we are all in this toence is the new, 8-seat Ska Brewing Outpost elevated,” taking the spot behind Anarchy. gether, and there is so much opportunity outdoor bar, where you can enjoy beer, For the first time last week, I ventured to keep growing and changing and evolvwine and batched margaritas in easily one out and tried the new (to me) Home Slice ing. It’s beautiful.
10 n July 7, 2022
telegraph
