Food + Beverage

Crispy, Flaky, Gooey Perfection

Dad’s Donuts: Perfecting the Fusion of the Croissant and the Donut Article by Rochelle Reeder | Photography by Explore with Media Photography - Stephen Martin 109 layers. That is the magic number after a four-month process to perfect the dough. High altitude is notorious for being the nemesis of a baker. Amy Fairbanks and Larissa Vendola were brought on by Altitude Hospitality Group to combine their knowledge of bread and pastry to create the recipe for Dad’s Donuts’ signature item—a...

Food + Beverage

Heroes in a Half-Shell

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar: Oysters and Seafood Served from the Coast to Colorado Springs Article by Kristian DePue | Photography by Poppy + Co and Silas Carter Photography Originally served in 17th century Europe, oysters now are considered a delicacy and offer several health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. Zinc comes to mind first, but they’re also high in protein, iron, and vitamins D and B-12. Oysters are reputedly good for heart health, low in calories, rich in...

Local Services

Next-Level Jelly

Jelly Madness: Creating Fresh + Unique Flavor Combinations Article and Photography by Cara Bukacek Long considered a breakfast condiment, jelly is a staple in most American homes. It comes in a variety of flavors with grape, strawberry and blueberry being the most popular. While these basic flavors are delicious, a local company has decided to take jelly to the next level by adding some creativity, fresh local ingredients, and a pinch of “madness.” Jelly Business Michael and Marielle Rieser...

Food + Beverage

Brew House is Growing

Goat Patch Brewing: Taking Itself to New Heights at Northern Location with Full-Service Kitchen Article by Kristian DePue | Photography by Goat Patch Brewing Company Goat Patch Brewing Company, a well-known and award-winning brewery, will soon open a second taproom and restaurant at 12245 Voyager Parkway. Expected to launch in spring 2025, this expansion is a major step forward, aiming to serve the growing Colorado Springs’ culinary community on the city's northside. Already a groundbreaking...

Event Planning + Services

Still Doing What They Love

Picnic Basket Catering: 35 Years and Counting! Article by Rochelle Reeder | Photography by Picnic Basket Catering A musician walks into a deli, managed by a student. They meet, discuss their dreams over a sandwich and almost 40 years later, they are partners in business and in life. Luck and ambition came together in success for Kathy Dreiling and Michelle Talarico, owners of the Picnic Basket. We came from a time where if “you really believed you can do something, you just do,” Dreiling...

Entertainment

Inspiring, Thought-Provoking Film

Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival Ready for 37th Year! Article by Ashley Hamershock | Photography by Rocky Mountain Women's Film The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is the longest-running women’s film festival in North America. Held annually in Colorado Springs, it offers a platform for independent filmmakers to present their work, often highlighting stories that are underrepresented in mainstream cinema. Made by Women “We are a women-led organization that elevates the voice of...

Food + Beverage

Experiencing Colorado Through Wine, Cuisine, Nature

Wines of Colorado: A Truly Unique Dining Experience Article by Cara Bukacek | Photography by Wines of Colorado & Cara Bukacek Nestled amongst the trees, at the base of Pike Peak, is one of the most unique restaurants in Colorado. The unassuming building has worn many hats over the last 50-plus years. Originally a 7-11 convenience store in the '70s, it went on to become a t-shirt store, a rumored bakery, and finally, for the last 30 years: Wines of Colorado. New Ownership In 2021, after years...

Event Planning + Services

Colorado Springs Distillery Week & Festival

Colorado Spirits Collective Presents Locally Distilled Whiskeys and Spirits Article by Cara Bukacek | Photography by Colorado Springs Distillery Week & Festival Did you know that there are over 100 craft distilleries in Colorado? Odds are, if you did know this random fact, it may be because of the Colorado Spirits Collective. Founder Matt Hondorf was inspired to create this online community after realizing in 2020 that there was a lack of information, reviews and representation across social...

Education

Made in the USA

Excalibur Outdoors: Local Business Now Crafting United States Air Force Academy Sabers Article by Ashley Hamershock | Photography by United States Air Force Academy, Association of Graduates, Air Force Academy Foundation, Cadet Connor Brezenski The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Saber. A symbol of integrity, honor and commitment. Receiving this 36-inch ceremonial weapon has helped tens of thousands of United States Air Force Academy cadets mark their graduations. The sabers also are...

Home + Design

A Kitchen Designed for Entertaining

Rich Schell: A Beautiful Redesign on a Tight Timeline Article by Rochelle Reeder | Photography by Libbie Martin Photography & Susan Briggs Rich Schell and Greg Wragge are no strangers to home renovations. Their Old North End home, built in 1969, is the fourth home and second major kitchen renovation in their 42 years together. Boasting midcentury architecture, Schell fell in love with the bones of the house. The home is unique and a perfect canvas for his transitional, curated and collected...