love your planet issue
HOW TO CREATE A
ART OF THE FARM
LOW-WASTE LIFESTYLE HEALING BENEFITS OF
WATER
HARMONIZE WITH THE SEASON
AYURVEDIC RITUALS
L I F E S T Y L E • C O M M U N I T Y • W E L L N E S S • N AT U R E • M O V E M E N T • A D V E N T U R E
WINTER + SPRING 2019 -2020
GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV
ADVANCED DEPRESSION TREATMENT
WITH TMS THERAPY TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) IS A PROCEDURE THAT USES MAGNETIC FIELDS TO STIMULATE NERVE CELLS IN THE BRAIN TO IMPROVE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION. TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION MAY BE TRIED WHEN OTHER DEPRESSION TREATMENTS HAVEN’T WORKED. TMS IS HELPING PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION, FOR WHOM ANTI-DEPRESSANTS AREN’T WORKING, FIND HOPE AND REMISSION.
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TMS is FDA Approved for the clinical treatment of depression.
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TMS offers a noninvasive, drug free way to stimulate the brain with very few, minor side effects.
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Patients have seen > 80% response and remission vs < 7% when on a third Rx trial.
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TMS is covered by major insurance carriers, including Medicare.
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TMS Solutions has the distinction of becoming the first civilian facility in the United States to have validation within the VA system and receive the protocol developed by Naval east s odoctors l u toni the on s and west coasts for the clinical treatment of PTSD using the Neurostar technology. TMS Solutions is excited to now be able to treat Veterans for PTSD using this protocol.
TMS
TMS so lu t i on s
Advanced Depression Treatment
#1 TMS Choice of Doctors
Source: Mark George, M.D. Biological Psychiatry Branch Division of Intramural Research Programs, NIMH 1993.
DEPRESSED BRAIN
NON-DEPRESSED BRAIN
A PET scan measures vital functions such as blood flow, oxygen use, and blood sugar (glucose) metabolism.
MAJOR DEPRESSION IS A BRAIN DISEASE
Source: Mark George, M.D. Biological Psychiatry Branch Division of Intramural Research Programs, NIMH 1993.
Refer to the ACTIVITY two images above. IS The image on the left, is BRAIN a depressed brain and the image on the right is a non REDUCED IN DEPRESSION. depressed brain. As mentioned above, the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device uses a targeted pulsed Ask Practice Name Practicefield, similar magnetic to whatis is used a MRI (magnetic if NeuroStar right forinyou Logo resonance imaging) machine to stimulate those areas of the at (000) 000-0000 brain that are under active in the depressive condition, all Let Your Best Self Shine. while the patient is wide awake and alert.
NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. Individual results may vary.
— TODD
Ask your doctor about NeuroStar TODAY! NeuroStar.com ©2018 Neuronetics, Inc. Malvern, PA
“I HAD TAKEN 11 DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS WITHOUT ANY RELIEF. TMS SOLUTIONS HAS HELPED ME GET MY LIFE BACK ... WITH A HAPPINESS I’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE”
Covered by most major health plans.
53-51416-000 Rev B 3/18
844.537.6747 • info@tmssolutions.com • www.tmssolutions.com
“MY BALLOON IS FULL AGAIN. THANK YOU TMS SOLUTIONS!”
WINTER BACKCOUNTRY GETAWAY
MARCH 12-15, 2020 • RED MOUNTAIN ALPINE LODGE OUTSIDE OF OURAY, COLORADO Join Jessica Waclawski of Vail Relationship Institute, along with Kim Fuller + Bobby L’Heureux of In Your Element, for an all-inclusive, three-night stay in a newly built mountain lodge nestled in the striking San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Your expert guides will take you from yoga flow to the backcountry to surf + play in the snow. WWW.VAILRELATIONSHIPINSTITUTE.COM/WINTER-GETAWAY
sponsored content
1 1. Skigirl Fur Pom Beanie Give this awesome fur pom beanie to your favorite Skigirl this holiday season — and buy one for yourself! This wonderful hat is available in pink, black and cream with a large detachable real fur pom for easy washing. Faux poms are available upon request. Skigirl is a new company born out of the love for skiing and celebrating the joy and empowerment that comes from an exciting day on the slopes! This pom beanie is their flagship product. Located in Vail, their mission is to celebrate the Sisterhood of Skigirls! Skigirl is pleased to offer this beanie at a special price of $34.95 exclusively for CO YOGA + Life® readers! Use code COYOGA and get the discounted price of $34.95. www.skigirl.com
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THE CO YOGA + Life®
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Wish List
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2. Aspen Inspired Ceramics by MusicalMud Studios “True growth happens from the inside out.” This is artist and yoga instructor Lori A. T. Raper’s life motto and method for stretching clay to create aspen bark textures, making each and every mug, teapot, bowl, vase and lamp as unique as the trees that inspire them. These one-of-a-kind pieces bring the beloved beauty of Colorado’s outdoors in. www.musicalmud.com 3. Cooley Designs Eye of Rae Ring Thinking of popping the big question this holiday season? The Eye of Rae engagement ring is just the answer. This unique ring is made of 14k white and yellow gold with a beautiful marquee diamond as the eye and accented by nine channel set Ceylon sapphires. There’s only one answer she can give you, so call or stop by John Cooley’s studio on Main Street in Grand Junction to see what’s coming off his bench. Eye of Rae is $2995.00 970.250.3137 | @cooleydesigns on Instagram or Facebook 4. Wise Bar — The Original CBD-Infused Health Bar Organic, top-shelf nuts and dried fruit, vapor distilled CBD, compostable packaging. W- Artists eat Wise Bar W- Climbers eat Wise Bar W- Road Trip Takers eat Wise Bar W- Skiers eat Wise Bar W- City Folk eat Wise Bar W- Country Folk eat Wise Bar W- Yogis eat Wise Bar W- Desk Eaters eat Wise Bar W- Grandmas eat Wise Bar W- Grandpas eat Wise Bar WAnteaters eat Wise Bar W- Puppies want to eat wise bar (but we don’t let them) W- Teachers eat Wise Bar W- $59.99 per 10-pack www.wise-bar.com 5. “Restorative Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Poses for Relaxation and Healing" By Julia Clarke Recovering from an injury, an illness, or just interested in a natural way to relax? Restorative yoga focuses on simple poses in supported positions, encouraging deep relaxation so your mind can enter a peaceful, meditative state. Dive in with an introduction to the spiritual origins and rejuvenating benefits of restorative yoga written by Colorado author Julia Clarke. Find the right position to reduce lower back pain, relieve stress, breathe easier, improve your energy, and even prepare your body for childbirth — all with illustrated instructions to get you into and out of each pose safely and comfortably. $14.99 www.juliaclarkeyoga.com/book/ 6. “Underworld” by Cooley Designs This painting is a must have for art lovers and collectors. Depicting an underwater wonderland, “Underworld” is part of the Dreamscape Series from John Cooley, designer, jeweler and artist based in western Colorado. Visit his studio in Grand Junction to see other pieces from the series, 10 in all, and take a look at all the other pieces John is creating. “Underworld” is $1495 970.250.3137 | @cooleydesigns on Instagram or Facebook
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COLORADO IS PART OF THE YOGA + Life® FAMILY OF MAGAZINES.
YOGA + Life® MAGAZINES Juli Rathke - Founder/Publisher The paper content of this publication has been certifiably reforested via PrintReleaf – the world’s first platform to measure paper consumption and automate reforestation across a global network of reforestation projects. LEARN MORE AT PRINTRELEAF.COM
CO YOGA + Life® OWNER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Fuller CO YOGA + LIFE® OWNER + DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Bobby L'Heureux CO YOGA + LIFE® CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chelsea Connolly CO YOGA + LIFE® EDITORIAL MANAGER Lexi Reich CO YOGA + LIFE® INTERN Hannah Bittrolff
photo: flickr.com/nicholas_t | CC BY
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Fuller, Bobby L’Heureux, Lexi Reich, Hannah Bittrolff, Juli Rathke, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Karstee Davis, Kaity Rose, Lisa Blake, Jessica Waclawski, Hali Love, Julia Clarke, Marie-Piere Belisle-Kennedy, Taylor Rose Worden, Dr. Penny Wilson, Wendy Wilkinson, Emma Athena, Selena Rodriguez, Shenna Jean, Caramie Petrowsky, Mitchell Milbauer, Carah Aviva Werheimer, Stefanie Arend, Sarah Tuff Dunn, Marisol Cruz, Jeff Jepsen
PHOTOGRAPHY + ART Rebecca Caridad, Matt Holmes, Kim Fuller, Juli Rathke, Taylor Rose Worden, Ethan Watts, Mary Pantier Photography, Christian Murdock, Zachary Kyra Derkseng, Patagonia, Jean Jullien, Meditation Station, Center for the Arts Crested Butte, Jes Kimak Photography, Angie Dornier, Hotel Boulderado, SCP Hotel, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Mitchell Milbauer, Terry Street Collective, Eberhard Grossgasteiger, CarlBar, Youssef Naddam, Blake Weyland, Forster & Martin Fotografie, Hali Love, Oliver Schwendener, Noah Webb, Selena Rodriguez, Johnny Wilcox, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Aspen Skiing Company, Dunton Hot Springs, Beth Grimes Yellowfeather Photography, Vincent Guth, David Billings, Dana Devolk, Kobu Agency, Ksenia Makagonova, SunWater Spa, Tourism Whistler, Asta Kovanen, Allie Smith, Jeff Jepsen, Brooke Lark, Colorado Environmental Film Festival, WinterWonderGrass Festival
REGIONAL SALES Bobby L’Heureux NATIONAL SALES Juli Rathke, Bobby L'Heureux SUBSCRIPTIONS Please subscribe to our magazine at www.yogalifelive.com/colorado ADVERTISING CO Office: 860.230.8650 | National Office: 815.414.YOGA (9642) bobby@coyogalifemag.com | www.coyogalifemag.com FEATURES If you would like us to consider you as a contributor, contact us at kim@coyogalifemag.com AFFILIATE OPPORTUNITIES YOGA + Life® Magazine juli@julirathke.com | 815.414.YOGA (9642) www.yogalifelive.com COVER Cover photography by Rebecca Caridad 2019-2020 CO YOGA + Life® Magazines. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been make to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.
Letter from the editor / Winter + Spring
DEAR READERS,
Y
ou could say the themes of our magazines most often emerge organically, in deep connection with what is currently relevant and energized in our state and beyond. Like seasons, inspiration and ideas come and go, and it seems important to capture them when they are at a peak of expression. This issue certainly was cultivated in this way, as the call to share more messages of sustainability with CO YOGA + Life® readers continues to grow. Is it not becoming increasingly apparent that we all need to participate in the well-being of our planet? There is perhaps no better time to reach your hands into the soil beneath you and get dirt under your fingernails, giving up fear of tarnishing your personal comfort or experience.
Easier said than done, but I think what we can each do is commit to simple and small practices that support the earth. Reading this issue is a great start, noting that our soy ink and reforested paper are chosen in the spirit of sustainability. You’ll read that Gregory Alan Isakov, the well-established singer-songwriter on our cover, also dedicates his resources and energy to a farm in Boulder County. We share how SCP Hotel Colorado Springs is setting the bar for sustainable hotel renovation and hospitality management, Emma Athena writes on shrinking glaciers in Colorado, while Selena Rodriguez explains how to embrace a lowwaste lifestyle. Page by page, story by story, our love of Mother Earth is ever-apparent in this publication. Not only are we happy you’re taking a moment to digest what we’ve offered you here, we’re relieved that you probably care too; that you love your planet the way she deserves and hold hope that we can all provide for her the way she does for all of us. As always, thank you for reading. And thank you for doing your part, too. In Gratitude, Kim Fuller, Owner + Editor-In-Chief kim@coyogalifemag.com
photos by: matt holmes; kim fuller
Based in Vail, Colorado, KIM FULLER is a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist in addition to her role at CO YOGA + Life®. She is co-founder of In Your Element, a yoga and outdoor adventure company, and a board member for the nonprofit Big Heart Big Hands. Kim has been published in a number of national publications and is the co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the publishing company behind CO YOGA + Life® and Spoke+Blossom. When she is not diligently writing and editing in her mountain nook, teaching yoga around town or finding a new adventure, find Kim at a local cafe or craft brewery where she enjoys the more indulgent side of inspiration. See more of her work at www.kimfullerink.com and follow her on Instagram @lifeinfull.
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contents / Winter + Spring
CONTENTS 40
LOVE YOUR PLANET 7
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Participate in your planet
10 ABOUT THE COVER
Gregory Alan Isakov
12 TEAM CO YOGA + LIFE
The people behind the publication
PROFILES
CO influencer // teachers + leaders // studios
14 COLORADO INFLUENCER
Chef + restauranteur Josh Niernberg
16 TEACHERS + LEADERS
Amy Ippoliti; Jeremy Wolf
20 STUDIOS
Kaiut Yoga; Revolution Power Yoga
22 RETREATS + TEACHER TRAININGS
What’s coming up in 2020?
LIFESTYLE
books // art // community // travel // what we love
24 “SOME STORIES” BY YVON CHOUINARD
Review by Sandy Ferguson Fuller
25 “YOU ARE HOME”
An ode to the national parks
26 "DO T.H.I.S." A NEW BOOK BY JULI RATHKE
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This systematic approach will change the way you make decisions forever
28 MOBILE MEDITATION
New studio on wheels in Fort Collins
29 CENTER FOR THE ARTS CRESTED BUTTE
Brand new center brings together all the arts
30 BULLET JOURNALING
Creativity, goals + community
32 CO GETAWAYS Hotel Boulderado; SCP Hotel Colorado Springs
36 TRAVEL + Cayman Islands + New Zealand 40 WHAT WE LOVE
Our favorite goods for Winter + Spring
42 COMMUNITY WELLNESS IN LONGMONT
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Terry Street Collective + Fluid IV Lounge YOGALIFELIVE.COM
Photo by: Jes Kimak Photography
68 YOGA + FITNESS
movement // seva // in the practice // retreats + trainings
44 SALUTE THE MOON
Julia Clarke shares a calming lunar yoga practice
47 FUEL UP WITH FOOD BARS
Our favorite easy-to-pack snacks
48 GRIEF SUPPORT NETWORK
Finding light through loss
50 YOGA’S DEEP GREEN ROOTS
A path for eco-conscious living
52 BALANCE OUT THE BURNOUT
Take a break
56 PICK YOUR TRAINING
Stay local or go immerse?
ayurveda // health // inspiration // food
74 AYURVEDIC RITUALS
Harmonize with the cycles of nature
76 WARM WATER SPAS
Wellness + workouts
78 WELLNESS PLUNGE
Kneipp hydrotherapy cure
82 UNBLOCKING LOVE
And revealing the path of healing
58 RETREAT TO COSTA RICA Visit this planet loving destination
85 RINGS OF RELATIONSHIPS
OUTSIDE
fresh air // environment // adventure // gear
60 MORE MINDFUL ON THE SLOPES
Be earth-conscious with your snow sports
62 ECHOES OF TIME
Colorado’s glaciers are melting
65 EMBRACE LOW WASTE Photo courtesy of: Dunton Hot Springs
WELLNESS
Your impact matters
66 DINING ADVENTURE
Pine Creek Cookhouse
68 YOGA + PLAY
Pair your flow with classic adventure
72 GEAR GUIDE
Outdoor goods for this winter + spring
COYOGALIFEMAG.COM
How to stay connected
86 RECIPE BOOK Chef Jeff Jepsen
90 SHOW LOVE FOR THE PLANET
Change how you shop, eat + clean up
EVENTS + DISTRIBUTION Colorado fun
92 GATHERINGS + WinterWonderGrass + Colorado Environmental Film Festival 94 EVENT LISTINGS
Winter + spring fun throughout the state
96 DIRECTORY
CO YOGA + Life® Distribution Partners
98 NAMASTE
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Q +A
profiles / About the Cover
Spotlight GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV
WHAT ABOUT THIS SEASON WAS DIFFERENT? I’ve been farming here for 15 years and we’ve never had a season like this. We had flooding, we have two plots in the back and we were pulling rotting turnips out of the ground — just bizarre weather where I think we got almost a foot of rain within an hour. It really set us back, we lost a lot, and it was really disheartening because you take it so personally when you put so much time into something. Luckily I’ve done this for a long time so I have a backup, but it was a volatile season. And it felt weird to complain about water in Colorado, because we don’t usually have this much. But it was the extremity of the weather — climate change is clearly happening.
Gregory Alan Isakov on His Passions + the Planet interview By Karstee Davis
I
n 2000, singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov moved to Colorado to attend horticulture school at Naropa University in Boulder. Isakov was born in South Africa and immigrated to Pennsylvania with his family when he was just a young child. But as an adult, Colorado is where Isakov has chosen to put down roots, quite literally, with a farm in Boulder County and a barn that houses a recording studio where he wrote and recorded his last album, “Evening Machines.” I was able to grab a few moments of time from this busy man-of-many-talents, just hours before his show at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, and days before he left for a European tour.
HOW DO YOU STAY EARTH-FRIENDLY WHEN YOU ARE OUT ON THE ROAD? Touring is not a marvel of ecology in any way. You’re in a bus with 11 other people, we get big jugs of water instead of bottles. It’s hard to stay ecological, we think about it a lot. We bring our own mugs everywhere, and we do the little things that we can. IF YOU HAD TO PICK ONE THING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE — MUSIC OR FARMING — WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE? People have asked me before, that’s funny! I have no idea, I don’t know if I could. For me, I’ve been doing both for so long, and I think that the challenge is how to make a music career fit around a season, and I’m getting really close. It’s been really exciting. WHO HOLDS DOWN THE FARM FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARE GONE? I have one friend who lives at the farm that does our orders, we mainly do restaurants. We have 11 restaurants that we grow for, and
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Photo by: rebecca caridad
Farm to Music
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WHAT DOES “LOVE YOUR PLANET” LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? It’s easy when you live in Colorado to be connected to the land here. The natural world is so strong and has such a big presence … I think that’s why I’ve stayed for so long. Along with that, I’ve farmed here for a long time; I know the soil really well. Well, this year’s a little different (he laughs) but for the most part it’s such a huge character here.
so I do deliveries a couple times a week. So Nat, my friend, kind of gets my back when I’m gone. But in the summer we aren’t gone that often, maybe a week. (Here are a few of the restaurants where you might be able to order something grown at Isakov’s farm: Arcana, Oak, Blackbelly and Mateo in Boulder; Beckon Call and Moxie Eatery in Denver.)
It’s easy when you live in Colorado to be connected to the land here. The natural world is so strong and has such a big presence … I think that’s why I’ve stayed for so long.
I’VE HEARD THAT PEOPLE CAN GET SEEDS FROM YOU TOO, IS THAT TRUE? I grow for a seed company called Lineage Seeds (a company started in Boulder, owned and operated by Jared Hagood). I do an heirloom corn and a bean. HOW DOES THE ENVIRONMENT SHOW UP IN YOUR MUSIC AND SONGWRITING? I think sense of place always seem to make it into my writing. I think I have a different kind of style of writing where nature comes into it a lot as characters. And I don’t know why that is … I’ve always looked up to writers like Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen who can tell a really amazing story in a song, and I just don’t write in that style, but I really look up to it. But yeah, it just seems to be the natural way I do it, there are a lot of natural elements that make it in. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG? I love the song “One of Us Cannot Be Wrong” by Leonard Cohen. I think it’s such a beautiful song, it might be my favorite one ever written.
Photos by: rebecca caridad
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER UPDATES? Yeah, we’ve been working on a new album, so that should be coming in 2020. +
KARSTEE DAVIS is a writer and yogi living in the Boulder area. She has written for Folk Rebellion and for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. You can find her at www.purifiedoutlook.com or on Instagram @purifiedoutlook.
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profiles / Behind the Pages
CO YOGA + Life®
meet the team KIM FULLER Owner + Editor-In-Chief
BOBBY L’HEUREUX Owner + Director of Partnerships
Based in Vail, Colorado, Kim is a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist in addition to her role at CO YOGA + Life®. She is co-founder of In Your Element, a yoga and outdoor adventure company, and a board member for the nonprofit Big Heart Big Hands. Kim is the co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the publishing company behind CO YOGA + Life® and Spoke+Blossom. When she is not diligently writing and editing in her mountain nook, teaching yoga around town or finding a new adventure, find Kim at a local cafe or craft brewery where she enjoys the more indulgent side of inspiration. See more of her work at www. kimfullerink.com and follow her on Instagram @lifeinfull.
At the heart of his work, Bobby thrives on community and connection. As cofounder of Jaunt Media Collective, the company behind CO YOGA + Life® and Spoke+Blossom, Bobby successfully develops and sustains collaborations with entrepreneurs and businesses all over Colorado and beyond. Bobby lives in the Vail Valley where he teaches yoga and runs Big Heart Big Hands, a non-profit that supports mountain safety and awareness. He is an ambassador for Lululemon and Lolë, and his yoga classes are always led with a big smile and a relaxed demeanor. www. bigheartbighands.org
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CHELSEA CONNOLLY Creative Director With a cultivated eye for design, Chelsea's work has been influencing luxury publications and brands for over a decade. Chelsea calls Breckenridge her home but the Colorado native has been shaped personally and professionally by living all over the world. In addition to designing CO YOGA + Life®, you'll find her spearheading the look and feel of award-winning beauty brands, world-class restaurants and bespoke boutiques. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys the Colorado outdoors, live music, yoga, entertaining, traveling the world and spending time with her husband and two young sons. Follow her on Instagram @thechelseaconnolly.
JULI RATHKE YOGA + Life® Founder + Publisher When Juli was in 8th grade she knew she wanted to influence in a big way and had the dream (among many) of becoming a magazine editor. Well, she did more than that. She has been publishing magazines since 2002 and is the founder of the YOGA+Life® brand. In addition, she is a multifaceted business woman, author, speaker and influencer bridging the gap between the yoga and business worlds. Follow her IGTV musings and see what’s next as there is always more with her family adventures, her entrepreneurs' #ExpertsClub, her new book DO T.H.I.S., and word travels at @julirathke or www.JuliRathke.com.
LEXI REICH Editorial Manager After experiencing a yoga ashram nestled in the mountains of Colorado, Lexi became enthralled in the practice of yoga and meditation, and earned her yoga teacher training at the sacred space. Originally from Chicago, Lexi loves the holistic lifestyle she found in Colorado, and combining this passion with her writing is what makes her truly happy. As a Journalism and English major at the University of Colorado Boulder, Lexi spends most of her time reading novels and writing for her poetry and reporting classes. Besides this, you can find her hiking or traveling. Follow her on Instagram @lexi_reich.
YOGALIFELIVE.COM
profiles / Colorado Influencer
Chef + Owner of Bin 707 Foodbar, Tacoparty and Dinnerparty Grand Junction
Q +A
interview by
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kim fuller
J
HOW DOES YOUR WORK AS A CHEF, RESTAURANT OWNER AND ENTREPRENEUR GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO “LOVE YOUR PLANET?” We created Bin 707 Foodbar in 2010 with the intention of showcasing local and regionally sourced ingredients. We saw the opportunity to tighten the distribution channels, lower the carbon emissions and support sustainable agriculture here in Colorado’s Grand Valley for the benefit of all of us in the community. I believe the ingredients which grow here allow us the opportunity to make food that is unique to here. Promoting and perpetuating that model creates a far more sustainable food system than glamorizing imported and rare products as has been the norm for so long. HOW DOES THE EARTH PROVIDE INSPIRATION AND/OR MOTIVATION FOR YOU IN YOUR ENDEAVORS? The better the ingredients we have to work with, the better our food tastes. The more we take care of the soil, the better the ingredients. The healthier the soil, the less chemical intervention is required for the crop. Finally, the less chemical intervention required for the crop, the more efficient a crop can grow — ultimately requiring less water. This is true in all agriculture; vegetables, grapes for wine, grain for distilling, brewing and culinary uses, cannabis, etc. This premise has motivated us to work towards implementing restaurant composting on a scale large enough to help support the farms we work with. Mesa County doesn’t currently have a community supported composting program set up at a scale large enough for restaurant partners — we hope to help find some solutions for this in the coming year.
YOGALIFELIVE.COM
photo by: Cat Mayer
JOSH NIERNBERG
osh Niernberg is a fourth generation Coloradan living with his wife, two sons and their dog in Grand Junction, Colorado. As a chef and restauranteur, Niernberg says his focus is on exploring Colorado cuisine through the use of local and regional ingredients and techniques. Here’s more on Niernberg and how “love your planet” is consistently integrated into his life and work:
photo by: Cat Mayer
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLANTS OR PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS TO COOK WITH AND WHY? I like to showcase lesser known and unique ingredients available to us here in the western slope. Elephant heart plums are my favorite, blue corn from Durango to make nixtamal for our tortillas at Tacoparty, Longhorn Sumac and all of the incredible flowers we get to play with from Sweet Pea’s Garden and Sage Creations in Palisade, all of the incredible peppers that grow so well here, green chiles which then can be dried to make locally grown pasilla, ancho and guajillos; (not period) using vinus vineferia (wine grapes) to make verjus and in place of citrus, apple cider vinegar from Hotchkiss apples to make fruit gastriques, which we also use on our menus in place of citrus. If we had a flavor profile in western Colorado, I would like to imagine it's sage, juniper and guajillo.
create something special and unique to western Colorado, because ultimately, the proximity to incredible ingredients, the quality of life and access to outdoor recreation is greater here than anywhere else I’m familiar with! WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR WORK? To continue to focus on community supported composting programs on a commercial level; to potentially partner with the cannabis industry to help create some closed loop cycles of using restart compost to increase
soil biodiversity for hemp farms; encourage hemp farms to use cover crops such as rye which can be harvested and used for culinary and distilling purposes here in the Grand Valley. This is kind of a modified www.zerofoodprint.com program which I’m focused on. We also have another concept or two in the works which I’m excited to launch when the time is right! Hopefully within the next 12 to 24 months. +
www.bin707.com www.tacopartygj.com
A tablescape from Dinnerparty
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE RIGHT NOW IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AND WHAT FRUSTRATES YOU THE MOST? I appreciate an emphasis to procure better quality products from more sustainable sources. I appreciate technology enabling chefs to stay more dynamic and informed than ever before to not only allow us to work with better ingredients, but to allow us to work together in sourcing and distributing ingredients from lesser known and rural regions. Ultimately that creates better product, better value and lower carbon emissions. I’m frustrated by the challenges faced daily as a restaurant operator in western Colorado, like fighting for relevance in a community that traditionally hasn’t supported culinary artistry while competing with chains on pricing. Paying and providing above state average wages and implementing policy that prevents our staff from working traditional long restaurant hours in a community with a 20 percent lower than state average household income — and doing so in an economy that exports 99 percent of our hospitality workforce to the Front Range, all while watching our prime cost rise annually. Trying to do what is best for our local economy and environment becomes a greater challenge daily. It is a labor of love, a mission to provide a sense of place and
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