Colorado Springs, CO October 2022

ENJOY FAMILY TIME.

COLLECTION AND

HOME

UNIQUE FIND.

Julie Kay Design Studio is a full-service interior design firm + storefront

12245 Voyager Parkway Suite 174 Colorado Springs, CO 80921 719-375-3969

www.juliekaydesignstudio.com

COLORADO,

WE’VE HIT PEAK DAIRY.

Fresh, local milk delivered daily. A slow-and-steady, artisan process. Sustainable practices. Mountain-high standards. It’s the Colorado way, and it’s the only way we know how. High-quality dairy products handcrafted with care, time and good taste.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Food + Drink

Let's take a trip down memory lane.

Who remembers the burger joint 'Round the Corner on North Academy? A telephone decorated each booth. When you had perused the menu and decided whether you wanted the stroganoff burger or the guacamole bacon burger, you would simply pick up the phone and place your order. When it was ready, the telephone would ring, letting you know you could pick it up at the front.

That was high-tech gourmet in the '80s, right?

We've come a long way, baby.

These days, Colorado Springs' culinary scene is exploding... and aren't we lucky to be a part of it?

Say what you will about growth, but with growth comes new opportu nities for interesting cuisine and libations. In our September issue, read about Ambli Global Cuisine, Bonbon Bombardier, Happy Hour Donuts, Gather Food Studio & Spice Shop and The Garden. Take a peek at last month's issue, if you missed the article about what is rumored to be the nation's only lemonade taproom.

New eateries and beverage spots are cropping up every day – locally owned, small chains and some of the best national chains. Looking for something different? Check out a local speakeasy. Or swing by the Springs' new Tattered Cover Book Store to stock up on books with a beverage in hand.

In other words... Foodies rejoice!

You no longer need to visit the coasts for inspired food. The Pikes Peak region has endless options right here – no overpriced plane ticket required.

October 2022

PUBLISHER

Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Ashley Hamershock

ashley.hamershock@citylifestyle.com

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Hamershock, Rochelle Reeder, Sydney E. Nelson, Karen Mitchell, Kristian DePue

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stellar Propeller Photography, The Elan Studio, Danielle Massagee Photography, Margarett Hansen Photography, Pollinate Marketing, Yobel, Gather Food Studio, Exercise Coach, Manitou Springs

Chamber, Kira Whitney Photography, Kate & Calder Photography, Kara Hudzinski Photography, Sunchaser Studios, Nathan Toner Photography, Cassandra Kronberg, Rachel Rumple Photography, Miguel Casis

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Colorado Springs’ Labor Day Lift Off celebrated 46 years in 2022. 2: About 75 hot air balloons decorated the sky over the Springs. 3: The Lift Off is the largest free hot air balloon festival in the United States. 4: The Liftoff is an annual highlight for local residents. 5: Event goers enjoyed early morning balloon launches and evening balloon glows with over 75 balloons. 6: Colorado Springs Lifestyle Magazine flew with Albuquerque-based AERCO Balloon and Denver-based Finish Line Balloon Company. 7: Some of the balloons, preparing for liftoff. Photography by Margarett Hansen Photography

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @coloradospringslifestylemag

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Fall is here and we are ready for a foodie experience to usher in the new season. We are sharing some of the best spots around town with great atmosphere, seasonal menus, outdoor seating, and an elevated experience. Treat your taste buds this month and get out and experience what our area has to offer.

Stylish & Upscale Foodie Establishments

SHUGA'S: Shuga's. Need we say more? Inspired food. Elevated cocktails. Try Shuga's Favorite Cafe Tray. You're welcome. P.S. Did you know about the weekend brunch?  702 South Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO

JAX FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR - COLORADO SPRINGS: Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar. Lick-your-lips seafood right here in our landlocked state. Check out the daily happy hour from 3:30-5 pm.  11 South Tejon Street Colorado Springs, CO

DISTRICT ELLEVEN: District Elleven, spelled with two Ls. They don’t call their bites "bar food" for a reason. Tomahawk Waygu, anyone? And don't for get the 200 bottles of whiskey.   218 N. Tejon, Colorado Springs, CO

SHAME AND REGRET: Everyone has experienced it. So, someone named a bar after it, then cleverly carried the theme throughout with drinks like Drunk Dial and Midlife Crisis.  15 E. Bijou St, Suite C, Colorado Springs, CO

THE PUBLIC HOUSE AT ALEXANDER: Originally built in 1928, the Alexander building was once home to the Alexander Film company. Now, it houses a public house with delish food!  3104 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Shuga’s

A WORLD OF FLAVORS

ARTICLE BY KAREN MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE ELAN STUDIO

AMBLI GLOBAL CUISINE:

WHERE FOOD + CULTURE MEET

The sign reads: Ambli Global Cuisine.

As we approach the big, beautiful doors, we are greeted kindly and with warmth. We take our place in chairs that swallow us up, inviting us to get com fortable—to stay awhile. We peruse the menu, decid ing on the tasting experience—putting our trust in Chef Ricardo Morffin.

WORLD INSPIRED

It’s five courses—each unique to its own part of the world—inspired by the vast travels of co-owners Pariza Mehta, Kelly Morrison and Chef Ricardo. At the discretion of the chef and our server (and accounting for allergies and food sensitivities), our meal’s several courses are decided upon and the plating begins.

No course is rushed, yet we’re never left waiting. Each movement of the fine dining staff is centered around us, their guests. Each of us is consistently at the forethought of their efforts. It’s felt; it adds qual ity and value to every moment spent in their space— it feels more like our space; and for a time, it is.

Each of the five courses is so perfectly developed that our palates will certainly try to drip saliva throughout the entirety of the evening, our bellies will beg for more and our reflection in days to come will have us booking our next visit soon. In the tru est form of Ambli, this food is unlike any other plate placed before us in our city.

THE TRIFECTA

Ambli came to life when Pariza’s dream to open an eatery met the kindness of Kelly over the table at a dinner party. Ironic? Their synergy led to an

immediate knowing that this would become. Their travels together began in order to eat more, taste fur ther and experience anything worthy of itself. Things started happening… Shortly after opening their first space, a grab-and-go they so lovingly refer to as Baby Ambli, Chef Ricardo came into the mix. He completed the trifecta of the restauranteur talent that has since opened two additional locations, ours being one.

Investors and developers sought after them after experiencing what they brought to the table. Their art is definitively, undeniably wonderful.

Pariza collaborates with bartender/server, Doug Kazley, to ensure the cocktails are fresh-squeezed delicious and burst with the right balance of flavor or spice. Pariza and Chef routinely labor over the details of courses to be procured with explicit detail in color, shape, size, and flavor combinations that your eyes are sure to consume first. Their knowledge of flavor parallels the staff’s focus on servitude. The attention to what each person wants and needs is the very air we breathe while dining.

INTENTIONAL, CREATIVE MENUS

Ambli’s team is everywhere and somehow nowhere, all at the right time, every time. With the owners’ ori gins and roots, from a mixture of East African, Indian, and Mexican, Chef Ricardo continues to build menus that are intentional, flavorful, approachable, and cre ative yet authentic to the country of origin. Together, they have emulsified the strengths acquired through out their upbringings, their travels, their life stories and folded them into a space that reflects what only passion can create.

After an explanation of the individual layers that make one whole bite most complete, we get to delve in. Upon our palate, it melts, we melt — heaven on earth.

One example is Ambli’s signature bite: the lobster shooter. It appears small but is packed with enormous flavor that encompasses coconut milk, garam masala, lemongrass and housemade red chile paste. It’s a memorable bite that leaves you wanting more.

With a pause between courses, anticipation cleanses my appetite as I prepare for another burst of expert preparation soon to arrive. And each one satisfies. I have yet to leave uncomfortably full or still hungry. It’s always just right.

CONTINUED >

Things to try another way: Book two seats at the bar for dinner. The experience of sharing bites of food from across oceans somehow feels more intimate when sitting beside the one we love. The glow of the ambiance around their beautiful bar feels even sex ier with someone’s warmth close to us.

Ambli... the place where food and culture meet, and the conversation begins.

Website: amblidenver.com/ambli-colorado-springs Facebook: @AmbliGlobalCuisine Instagram: @ambli_global_cuisine

719.896.4492 | THEBLUSHSALONCS.COM 1505 S. TEJON ST. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

BRING THE SPICE!

Gather Food Studio & Spice Shop: Inspiration for Everyone

ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY GATHER FOOD STUDIO

Fear causes us to miss out.

When my brother was younger, he refused to eat anything red for at least a year. That’s right. If it was the color red, he flat-out refused to eat it. His justification? He thought it was “hot.” To be fair, some red things are spicy, but not all of them. He missed out on apples, ketchup, and those little red pimentos in green olives – all of it.

OVERCOMING APPREHENSION

How many times do we have one poor experience that proceeds to paint our personal perspective?

Spice can be a source of apprehension for many. Perhaps they came from a family who didn’t use much spice in their dishes or maybe they were not taught how to use them. Salt and pepper might have been staples on the kitchen table growing up, but there are so many other options to add to one’s repertoire to satisfactorily elevate any Thursday night dinner.

Gather Food Studios Spice Shop was officially established in 2021 after about four years of keep ing spices in-house to create the blends necessary for their classes. After a while, they started getting requests for their spice blends, so students wouldn’t have to spend $40 on multiple jars of spices to create a blend they would use once or twice. As students of Gather Food Studios are able to take recipes home with them, they had the ability to re-create these dishes, but sourcing the spices was tricky.

So, co-owners Dave Cook, Jr. and Cortney Smith started there.

SPICES + OTHER STAPLES

They began selling their in-house blends and then expanded to carry other staples like pre served lemons and black garlic. Salt sourced from an underground ocean in West Virginia, olive oil from a family-owned, 100-year-old grove in Greece, or honey from local beekeepers at Lockhart Farms are all items you can find in the Gather Spice Shop, as well.

Asked what spices she would recom mend for the novice spice collector aside from salt and pepper, Cortney recom mended a good Spanish or Hungarian paprika, a Ceylon or Vietnamese cinna mon, and cumin. The Gather Spice Shop has some class recipes sprinkled about the store for shoppers who need a little inspi ration. Cortney and Dave are also around to aid in choosing what spices might be right for your home.

And classes are available for those who want to expand their cooking rep ertoire. It never hurts to learn from the experts.

Website: gatherfoodstudio.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @gatherfoodstudio

Suzan Pruitt

THE EXERCISE COACH: A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO WORKING OUT

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY E. NELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EXERCISE COACH

Let’s face it. Waking up at 4 a.m. every morning to tackle the Manitou Incline isn’t realistic for everyone. The hus tle and bustle of everyday life can make it difficult to fit in a sufficient workout and too often, the fitness plans we’re used to can be time-consuming, and monotonous. But exercise is important, and even a quick 20-minute work out can have a lasting impact on your health.

TECH + COACHES = RESULTS

Well, there’s good news, fellow Coloradans–those long, sweaty cardio workouts aren’t your only option for getting in the best shape of your life anymore. With a strategic com bination of technology and impassioned coaches and per sonal trainers, the Exercise Coach fitness studio contends you can now achieve maximum results in minimum time.

At The Exercise Coach, you can expect two customized 20-minute, coach-led sessions a week. Really, that’s it. Every workout at the Exercise Coach is so specifically tailored to your unique needs, 20 minutes is all it takes for an efficient and highly effective workout. The studio’s unique strength training technology and state-of-the-art equipment provide coaches the ability to track their cli ents’ progress and refine their goals.

“Our clients love being able to tangibly see their results through this incredible technology we use,” explains owner

and coach Nikki Suazo. “This equipment allows us to tailor every workout specifically to whatever our client’s needs and goals are down to the day.”

EMPOWERING CLIENTS

Coaches are diligent about getting to know their cli ents and fostering a relationship that empowers them to continue striving for their goals.

“Every client is set up for success the moment they walk in through the door and from then on out. All they have to do is show up and commit,” explains Nikki. “We’ve worked hard to create the ideal exercise atmosphere for our clients’ needs. We want them to feel safe and com fortable here, but also inspired and eager to continue their fitness journey.”

The Exercise Coach approach is safe, effective, and effi cient for people of all ages and fitness levels. Learn more and find out how the team at The Exercise Coach can help you get the results that matter most to you through the information below. Twenty minutes twice a week? What’s stopping you?

Website: exercisecoach.com/north-colorado-springs/ Facebook: @ExerciseCoachNCS

Instagram: @theexercisecoach

Craft Confectioners

Behind Bonbon Bombardier

From

ARTICLE BY KRISTIAN DEPUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONBON BOMBARDIER

Confiseur duo Jenny Bazzetta and Sean Price are the confec tion-creating couple who craft small batch candies and choco lates under le nom Bonbon Bombardier.

High school sweethearts, Sean and Jenny are from St. Louis. After college, they lived and worked in Tokyo and Yokohama for three years.

“My master’s is actually in East Asian studies,” Jenny says. “It was Japanese food that drew me, but I’m inspired by French and Italian confections.”

After returning to the “Mother of the Midwest,” the two spent a decade honing culinary skills–Jenny worked as a confectioner, while Sean helped build St. Louis’ food truck scene. Then, they moved to Colorado Springs, where they debuted Bonbon Bombardier in 2017.

“I’m happy to praise Bonbon Bombardier to everyone,” says Carol Kim Song. “They are a gem. I love putting together gift bags for out-of-town guests, and Bonbon Bombardier’s candies are always the biggest hit.”

“Sean and Jenny’s candies take me back to Paris,” continues Song. “I used to live in Europe, and also New York City, so I’ve been spoiled with tasty treats. I’m incredibly grateful to have Sean and Jenny here in Colorado Springs.”

Sean and Jenny admit that their independent endeavor has its ups and downs, with demand being almost overwhelming during the holidays and wedding season—but Bonbon Bombardier was only a “side dish” until recently. The two worked other gigs, including intimate culinary experiences on special evenings. With rising demand, Bonbon Bombardier has now partnered with Front Porch Gift Co., which curates bespoke gift baskets that include apple caramels and seasonal pâte de fruits.

“When starting, we knew we wanted to work with small busi nesses that are making an impact,” says Brooke Waldo, co-founder of Front Porch Gift Co. “From the moment we first sat down with Jenny, we knew Bonbon Bombardier was something special, and we wanted to spread the word about their amazing candy.”

“Jenny and Sean are always championing others,” adds co-owner Lauren Kinder. “While every one of their products is absolutely delicious, it’s the heart and soul behind Bonbon Bombardier that make it exceptional. Brooke and I are proud to include their delectable treats in our gift boxes. Our customers tell us time and time again that they love Bonbon’s confections.”

What’s the future look like for Bonbon Bombardier?

“Everything is wide open,” says Sean. “We’re still growing, developing and offering more and more.”

Website: bonbonbombardier.com/

Facebook: @BonbonBombardier

Instagram: @bonbon_bombardier

Front Porch Gift Co.: frontporchgiftco.com/

Note: Brooke Waldo’s favorite Bonbon Bombardier confection is the salted coconut caramels; Lauren Kinder’s is the almond toffee cracker crunch.

Tiny Homes,

Helping Break the Cycle of Poverty

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY POLLINATE MARKETING

Sometimes, it just takes one person. One person to believe in you, to tell you you’re worth it and to show you how to make your dreams come true.

Working Fusion at Mill Street is doing just that by providing housing and resources to motivated young adults who happen to be housing insecure. This tiny village of tiny homes exists due to the efforts of parent organization We Fortify, which was created to shift vulnera ble young adults into emotional and economic stability and social connectedness through:

• Safe and dignified housing within a small, supportive community

• Individualized trauma-responsive care

• Life skills education

• Living wage career placement

• Homelessness Prevention

When Shelley Jensen and her husband were raising their children, their family mantra was to help anyone crossing their path who needed help. Through this, they learned about the cycle of poverty.

“As our children needed me less and less, I wanted to do something purposeful with my life,” Jensen said.

She began researching the idea of helping young adults who were housing insecure. That meant reading articles, speaking with local human services directors, taking trauma-in formed response classes and traveling to impov erished communities in India, Nicaragua, and Guatemala and Detroit.

The next steps were to find land and create a development plan. Jensen approached broth ers Greg and Rick Flaks, who were planning to scrap some homes on a small piece of land near Fountain and Sierra Madre, in an area known as the Mill Street neighborhood. Their father had purchased the homes in the 60s and 70s.

Jensen met with Greg and shared her vision. He told her: “I’d much rather serve young adults than put storage units on that property.” His brother agreed, and suddenly, Jensen had land.

THE VILLAGE

During the research phase, the idea of tiny home developments kept popping up. They were intriguing because they were a manageable size and energy efficient.

Working with multiple agencies and people, We Fortify was incorporated as a 501c3 at the end of 2019, with Jensen as founder & CEO. Working Fusion at Mill Street would be We Fortify’s first village.

In 2020, the Edson Foundation donated the funding to build the first tiny home. That donation inspired additional giving and in March 2022, the first five residents moved in. Eventually, 18 people aged 18-29 will live in this community, which Jensen describes as “an incubator for real life.”

Each resident signs a two-year lease, pays $600 per month and is responsible for his/her own utility bill.

“This was by design,” Jensen said. “We would not be fulfilling our mission if we did not properly prepare them for the real world and to be prepared, they need to have social and financial responsibili ties. These residents desire an incredible future, we help them get there.”

During their two years at The Village, residents receive trauma-informed thera pies, life skills education and training and placement in a living-wage position.

Partners such as Fostering Hope, CASA, DHS, Joint Initiatives and Pikes Peak Community College vet potential candidates and provide referrals for the tiny homes.

“After that, we interview the applicants and have a very transparent conversation around what we expect from them … and the support that they can expect from us,” Jensen said.

The dwellings are bright and airy, accented with wood and other thought ful touches. All come furnished and the residents take everything with them when they leave.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Jensen said partners already are request ing additional communities.

Meanwhile, Jensen’s family is building Hygge House near the Working Fusion village. The first floor will have a demon stration kitchen, a Care and Share pantry, living garden towers and more. The second floor will provide dedicated office space for We Fortify and partner organizations and the upper floors will house apart ments. It’s expected to open in 2023.

What does We Fortify need to continue its work?

“If I say “Show me the money” … would that be too forward?” Jensen laughed. “Seriously, there are so many great ways to be a part of this village.”

They are launching a campaign “It takes a Village to finish a Village.” The goal is to raise $400,000 by December 24 to cover the last of the infrastructure costs and future operations. It’s also possible to purchase furnishings for the homes through the website. Or to volunteer.

“If you love gardening, join our Fusion Friday team.  If you are good at teaching, become a life skills tutor, if you are good at planning events, help our Ambassador of Fun get it done. We match our volunteers to projects that speak to them,” she said.

Finally, if you have a parcel of land under one acre and would like to learn more about private/non-profit partnerships, contact Shelley at shelley@wefortify.org

Website: workingfusion.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @workingfusion

“This was by design. We would not be fulfilling our mission if we did not properly prepare them for the real world.”

- SHELLEY JENSEN

Tricia Turk

Happy Hour Donuts

BY SYDNEY E. NELSON

LOCAL COUPLE

BOOZY

BY HAPPY

Boozy donuts.

Need I say more? Probably not, but this is one story you don’t want to miss.

About two years ago, Gabby and Ryan Main lost their jobs due to the pandemic. One day soon thereafter, they drove past a wellknown chain donut shop. Gabby wanted to stop for a donut, but her husband Ryan wasn’t really feeling it. Tragically, no one had a donut that day.

BUT WAIT...

Luckily, it was the spark of something wonderful. Insistent on satisfying her craving, the next day Gabby got to work making donuts in her own kitchen. What started as a day of donut-mak ing turned into eight months of refining and perfecting some thing unique and scrumptious.

Have you ever heard of a boozy donut?

“I thought, ‘No one does boozy donuts,’” Gabby explains. “I couldn’t get the vision out of my head. Together, Ryan and I had the drive, the vision, the willpower to follow through; all we had to do was perfect the donut.”

So, that’s exactly what they did.

AND THEN...

Donuteers Gabby and Ryan proudly opened Happy Hour Donuts and began offering delectable boozy donuts with flavors such as Champagne, Strawberry Margarita, Guinness Chocolate, and Maple Bourbon (just to name a few). They make an array of non-alcoholic flavors, as well. Take a peek at their website to explore and dream.

Anyone can place an order for any occasion through their easy online ordering system.

“We make donuts for weddings and parties, and we frequently do pop-ups around town,” Gabby says. “We love this community, and nothing makes us happier than getting to serve them in such a fun and unique way.”

“We dream of opening our storefront here in Colorado Springs. We would love to share our donuts every day of the week with the amazing community who has helped us build this dream one donut at a time.”

In the meantime, to treat yourself or wow event guests, you can order online through their website or follow them on social media, where they announce their weekly pop-up locations.

Website: happyhourdonuts.com/

Facebook + Instagram: @HappyHourDonuts

ARTICLE BY KRISTIAN DEPUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MASSAGEE PHOTOGRAPHY & POLLINATE MARKETING

THE GARDEN: CONGREGATING IN COLORADO SPRINGS

The Garden is a pavement-turned-pub in the heart of Colorado Springs, thanks to the inspired aspirations of school teacher Julie Nasser, co-owner and operations manager.

A BIERGARTEN LOVE LETTER TO THE CITY UNDER PIKES PEAK

Having lived in the Springs prior, Nasser and her husband moved to New York but were drawn back to the city, citizens and sunshine of Pikes Peak.

“First of all, what’s not to like? Colorado Springs is amaz ing. The mountains are right there,” Nasser says with enthu siastic emphasis, pointing westward. “Ultimately, the peo ple brought us back. Everyone is just so friendly and open.”

With the Nassers’ homecoming, something had noticeably changed: they found themselves nestled in a new energy.

“When we came back, we asked, ‘What is happen ing ?’ The city had ignited,” exclaims Nasser. “There was this new, bright vibrancy.”

EVERYTHING EXCEPT... CRAFT BEER GARDENS

However, after experiencing craft beer gardens in nearly every New York neighborhood, the Nassers kept wishing for something similar — and, with enthusiastic encouragement, were ultimately con vinced to create one themselves.

“We started playing around with the idea, one thing led to another, and here we are,” says Nasser, smiling.

The open-air venue lives at the crossing of Costilla and S. Nevada, and with a good company of neighbors: Kinship Landing (a boutique hotel), White Pie Pizzeria, Loyal Coffee and more. Being a neighbor is what Nasser has built The Garden upon, and it shows.

“The Garden is a gorgeous, relaxing environment offering unique experiences to our community,” says Rachel Laufer of Grilled Cheese Food Truck, which serves on the open terrace.

“The Garden hosts yoga, local vendor markets, movie nights and a range of live music,” continues Laufer. “It is a bar, but also a family environment with a lawn, often becoming a play area for children and adults alike.”

One of the live performers, Nick Davey, says: “I’m very well looked after by the friendly staff, and I love the overhead doors which allow playing indoors while reaching guests outside.”

ROTATING BEVERAGES + FOOD TRUCKS

Community is integrated into The Garden’s menu, as well.

“We offer a range of rotating local beer, wine, dis tilled spirits and the Springs’ best food trucks,” says general manager, Maddie Fielding. “The Garden is a wonderful place to enjoy your favorite local bever ages with our phenomenal staff, who are filled with positivity and kindness. It is a special community.”

What does Nasser have to say when reflecting on having transformed a vacant parking lot into a warm, congregating space?

“We’re just really happy to be a part of Colorado Springs and how it’s growing,” she says. “We’re so excited to see where this neighborhood goes because so much is happening. Everything is just exponentially growing around us but still feels small, socially. I run into familiar faces all the time. Downtown Colorado Springs is really special.”

Website: thebeergardencos.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @thegardencos

Books, Beautiful Books

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STELLAR PROPELLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Tattered Cover Book Store Expands into Colorado Springs

Ahhhh, books! One of the great joys in life. We read them for knowledge, for escape, for inspiration. We read because it brings us joy, gives us permission to cry and expands our world. We read because we can.

Where do you buy your books? When was the last time you wandered into a bookstore? How about an independent book store? You now have another choice in Colorado Springs.

TATTERED COVER BOOK STORE

Tattered Cover is one of the original independent bookstores, dating back 51 years in the Denver area. It now has eight loca tions, including the recently opened Colorado Springs location.

“The energy in Colorado Springs is just contagious,” said Kwame Spearman, co-owner and CEO. “Tattered cover has a history of going into up-and-coming and thriving locations.”

Tattered Cover landed a primo spot at 112 N. Tejon, next to Savory Spice and across the street from Cacao Chemistry. And this new location? It is lovely.  Knotty wood shelves with out backs allow the original brick to peek between books. Staff and others’ handwritten recommendations hang on brightly colored rectangles below works they loved. A quaint patio out back beckons for coffee with a friend.

Grab an armful of books to peruse and head upstairs—an entire level dedicated to lounging, reading, chatting, working or daydreaming. It’s cozy here. Eclectically outfitted with tur quoise carpet and every vintage of furniture from charming antiques to simple, modern pieces.

The whole shop feels like part bookstore, part library. A familiar-feeling nook to slow life’s busy pace for a moment.

“We’ve got chairs and couches and tables just about every where,” Spearman said. “Take three books off the shelves, put two books back. … I think we are coming out of a period in which we were extremely isolated. There’s nothing more experiential than walking into an independent bookstore.”

NEW, USED + SIGNED FIRST EDITION BOOKS

Tattered Cover has all the latest, greatest books. It also has a robust used book section.

“Let’s be honest, a $30 hardcover book is, in many ways, a luxury purchase,” Spearman said, adding that Tattered Cover wants to offer books at every price point. “We really want every member of the community to feel welcome at our store.”

For those looking to save a few bucks, check out the space under the stairway for pre-owned novels, biographies, selfhelp books, kid’s books, young adult titles, fiction, non-fic tion, and everything in between.

And if you’re looking to revamp your current library, you can sell your used books to Tattered Cover for store credit. Sell books to buy more books—a solid plan for keeping your brain and wallet happy.

Perhaps even use the extra money to join the Signed First Edition Club. Members receive one signed, first edition, newly published work of fiction per month. You can enroll (or gift someone) with a three-, six-, or 12-book subscription.

BEST CELLARS CAFÉ & BAR

Have a little time to linger? Grab a coffee. Or tea. Or craft beer. Or hand-selected wine. A limited food menu is coming soon, too.

“What we’re trying to do across all of our stores is really increase the experience,” Spearman said.

So next time you’re downtown, stop by. Grab a beverage, read some words and support a local business. Afterall... “Better to take a book and not have time to read, than have time to read and have no book.” - Ancient bookworm proverb

Website: tatteredcover.com/ Instagram: @tatteredcoverbookstore Facebook: @tattered.cover

Kwame Spearman

RACES ARE BACK FOR 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF MANITOU SPRINGS

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANITOU SPRINGS CHAMBER

Who puts the “fun” in funeral? Well, Manitou Springs, of course, with its annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival.

Haven’t been? Picture this: Dozens of hand-built “coffins” on wheels manned by costumed, five-person teams – “Emma” in the coffin and four “mourners” push ing the rigs 195 yards down the street to the finish.

And while the races are the centerpiece, this event is a full-day affair. Started in 1995, it’s based on the story of a local resident who was buried at the top of nearby Red Mountain in 1891. Over time, erosion exposed her coffin, and it slid down the hill into the canyon, where it was found and eventually reburied.

The coffin races are held the Saturday before Halloween, which is Oct. 29 this year. Festivities start at 9 am, when shuttles and party buses start rolling. There’s a parade at noon, followed by the races. Stay for the after party, which includes live music, food, a beer garden and award presentations for the fastest teams, best Emma, best entourage, and the winner of the Coffin Cup.

Book a “Ghost Stories of Old Manitou” walking tour later that evening to hear true stories of real people from Manitou Springs’ history.

Still want more? Visit Miramont Castle the Friday before the races to attend Emma Crawford’s annual wake. Say your final goodbyes to Emma and learn about the Victorian era’s mourning practices. Tours are followed by a buffet dinner. Tickets sell out early for this popular event.

Website: emmacrawfordfestival.com/ Facebook: @ManitouSpringsEmmaCrawfordCoffinRaces Instagram: @emmacrawfordcoffinraces

FASHION... WITH A STORY

ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOBEL

Quality, One-of-a-Kind, Hand-Crafted Pieces

“I love your watch; it’s so unique.”

“Thank you – I love it too. It’s actually handmade. I don’t know the guy personally, but I know his story. The watch brand is Hot & Tot. The maker’s last name is Hottentot; he took a twist on his name and turned it into a brand. For every watch purchased, a tree is planted.”

It’s fashion with a story.

Yobel Market here in Colorado Springs is a collector of this story and countless others.

SUSTAINABLE, FAIR-TRADE FASHION

Two local townies met and married here in Colorado Springs. They were both passionate about sustainable, fair-trade fashion and customers of Yobel Market in its infancy. When the owner of Yobel was planning on expanding her annual travel, she approached Emily and Clay Ross about the Market.

“It’s not for sale,” she told them. “But, if it were, I would want you to be the buyers.”

Emily had always dreamed of being a fashion designer. She recalls sewing her own clothing during childhood, including her own prom dresses. Red carpet couture was her favorite. As she got older and started to look at college, she notes that the cost of attending a prestigious fashion school was out of the question. Not only that, the more involved she got in the fashion world, the more disillusioned she became.

“The [fashion] models live in a crazy scene, and then there is an understanding of where the clothes came from,” Emily said.

She recounts that the world she had loved for so long just didn’t match up with her personal values. Although she still loved fashion, she had a heart to change the scene of it.

So Emily took a job in human resources. And she con tinued to make ethical, sustainable, slow-fashion choices in her own closet. A few years down the road, she heard about a company called Toms. She researched the com pany and found that its values aligned with hers and she became a loyal customer. At one point, she was able to meet the founder and pass along a few designs of her own. Toms actually produced at least one of those designs and that happens to be the first shoe that Yobel carried.

YOBEL STOREFRONT

Emily and Clay became the owners of Yobel in September 2019.

Soon after, they opened their storefront on 11 E. Bijou St., where they source ethical, fair-trade, sustainable, slow fashion. They carry quality, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces using recycled and up-cycled materials that are eco-friendly. And they can’t wait to tell you the stories behind their pieces. Dutch wood watches, leather from Kenya or jewelry where the proceeds go to assist ing victims of sex trafficking – everything in this store is sourced with the goal of assisting others toward success.

If you want to truly wear your values on your sleeve, Yobel has the conversational pieces to allow you to do so.

Website: shopyobel.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @shopyobel

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 1ST

Oktoberfest

PIKES PEAK LAGER HOUSE | 12:00 PM

Head downtown for Oktoberfest shenanigans during a two-day Tejon Block Party weekend! A weekend full of drinking games, pretzel necklace-making kits, costume contest & $30 for a souvenir stein & fest beer fill… with $4 fest beer refills all day! Live music & DJ’s all weekend. Saturday from 12-9pm and Sunday from 127pm. pikespeakbrewing.com/event/oktoberfest-block-party-hosted-by-the-lager-house-downtown/

OCTOBER 5TH

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

PIKES PEAK CENTER | 8:00 PM

In a 20-year recording career that began when he was just 16, Shepherd has established himself as an im mensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-demand live act, and an influential force in a worldwide resurgence of interest in the blues. Tickets range from $39.50-$65. broadmoorworldarena.com/events/detail/ kenny-wayne-shepherd-band-3

OCTOBER 7TH

Mark Chestnutt

BOOT BARN HALL | 7:00 PM

Mark Chesnutt is one of Country’s true musical treasures, with 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums, and five gold records. Chesnutt got his start in the honky-tonks of Beaumont, Texas. Tickets range from $59-$79. bootbarnhall.com/?loxi_pathname=%2Fmark-chesnutt-284

OCTOBER 7TH

First Friday at the Fine Arts Center

FINE ARTS CENTER | 5:00 PM

Come see what's on display at the Fine Arts Center. Drinks and small plates available in Deco Lounge. First Friday attendees get free access to the Fine Arts Center Museum.  fac.coloradocollege.edu/event/first-friday/ 2022-10-07/

OCTOBER 14TH

Menopause the Musical

PIKES PEAK CENTER | 7:30 AM

Celebrating over 20 years of female empowerment through hilarious musical comedy, the international hit show Menopause The Musical® is now in its 21st year and 17th as the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history. Tickets range from $41-$57.  broadmoorworldarena.com/events/detail/menopause22

OCTOBER 22ND

Fallidays in Old Colorado City

OLD COLORADO CITY | 12:00 PM

A full day of fun! Concerts at Bancroft Park include Roma Ransom from 12pm - 2pm and County Wide from 3pm - 5pm. Street Activities throughout Old Colorado City, including a balloon artist, henna tattoos, sidewalk sales and more. Free. shopoldcoloradocity.com/fallidays.html

OCTOBER 29TH

John Mulaney

BROADMOOR WORLD ARENA | 7:00 PM

John Mulaney is a two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian. He has hosted Saturday Night Live five times and starred on Broadway. Tickets range from $60.50-$130.50. broadmoorworldarena.com/ events/detail/johnmulaney

SALT Contemporary Dance

ENT CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 7:30 PM

SALT Contemporary Dance will perform an awe-inspiring mixed repertoire program featuring work by re nowned choreographers. With the technical mastery of SALT's dancers, these pieces take audiences on a jour ney that explores self-discovery and beauty of the natural world. Music by Strauss, Bach, and Handel. tickets. entcenterforthearts.org/3662/3663

The Coroner's Ball, A Carnival of Curiosities

COLORADO SPRINGS CITY AUDITORIUM | 7:00 PM

Be warned: this will be a Halloween party like no other! Enjoy a costumed celebration of the mystical, myste rious, and macabre. There'll be a carnival of curiosities, live entertainment, and a true crime scary story series with El Paso County Coroner, Leon Kelly. Various events from 10 am-midnight. eventbrite.com/e/the-coronershalloween-ball-a-carnival-of-curiosities-tickets-411641820767

ingredients:

FOR THE APPLE CAKE:

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon Gather Holiday Baking Spice or Apple Pie Spice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 apples, peeled, cored and small dice

• ½ cup walnuts

FOR THE SPICED WHIPPED CREAM:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 pinch sugar

• 1 teaspoon Holiday Baking Spice or Apple Pie Spice

instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and parchment a 9 x 9 cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, holiday spice and salt.  Set aside.

3. In a large bowl or with a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.

4. On low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients. Stir in apples and wal nuts. Spoon into pan.

5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. While cake is cooling, beat heavy cream, sugar and holiday baking spice together until peaks form.

Serve cake topped with spiced whipped cream.

ARTICLE BY GATHER FOOD STUDIO

SPICED APPLE CAKE WITH SPICED WHIPPED CREAM

The Porsche Cayenne GTS delivers an unparalleled driving experience matched perfectly for a Colorado driver. As we launch into Fall and prepare for Winter, your car should too. All wheel drive, Porsche driving DNA, and all of the luxury appointments you could ask for makes the Cayenne GTS an ultimate road warrior.

Porsche Colorado Springs today and