Inaugural Taste of the Valley coming

By Ruthanne Johnson
MONTE VISTA—The first annual “Taste of the San Luis Valley” is an an exciting new, one-day event coming to Monte Vista to highlight the area’s local restaurants and food producers. It’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 in Chapman Park (U.S. Hwy 160 and Alder Street).
Inspiration for the Taste has been all the good places to go for food here in the Valley, says Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce member Jerry Apker. The five restaurants participating in the Taste’s inaugural year include: Monte Vista’s Mountain View Restaurant, Don Tomas Bakery, Quincy’s Steakhouse, Chef Charles’ Valley-famous, southern-style barbeque and Sylvia’s Ice Cream & Treats out of La Jara.
 “I wouldn’t miss it,” says Chef Charles of participating in the event. “It’s going to be a great way for everyone to taste food from a variety of different restaurants in one place. And it gives our businesses a boost. I think it’s great that Monte Vista is putting this on.”
Colorado Farm Brewery, San Luis Brewing and Square Peg Brewerks will be there pouring their specialty microbrew suds, making for a good variety of local beer to taste. And there will be about a dozen arts and craft vendors with items such as handcrafted soap, one of a kind home décor pieces, essential oils and photography.  
Music groups Indian Nickel and Mariachi Corazon del Valle will perform through the day, and the Colorado National Guard will have a special Humvee there and a jousting pit for the kids.
“People can come and have fun and enjoy some of their favorite dishes from around the Valley,” Apker says.  
So come hungry. And come thirsty. Visit montevistachamber.org for more information.


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