Finally, the much-anticipated crêperie in the Rockrimmon Shopping Center (southwest corner of Rockrimmon Boulevard and Delmonico Drive) has opened. Crepe Amour Co., 207 W. Rockrimmon Blvd., owned by husband and wife Ed and Nadia Awell-Malone, is open for breakfast and lunch, serving an array of savory and sweet crêpes.
Cathy Werle, lunch chef at The Margarita at Pine Creek, took time to send a message with a shout-out for the new restaurant.
“The real hidden gem are the few dishes that feature flavors from her (Nadia’s) Ethiopian roots. World traveled, but her soul really shines in her Ful Medames (stewed fava beans with Ethiopian spices brought back from family visits) and her cardamom tea, which I sipped on while waiting for my order. It was filled with warm spices along with ginger and delicate lemon slices on top that brightened up the whole cup. It’s a sweet little spot that suits the neighborhood well.”
On a recent visit, we learned a bit more about the foods being served at Crepe Amour Co.
“We make crêpes from tiff,” Nadia said. “It’s inspired by injera, the traditional bread of Ethiopia. We can use it for both savory and sweet crêpes. It’s a nutritious grain and it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan. Of course, we have buckwheat and regular flour crêpes too.”
There are salads and other breakfast items on the menu like eggs Benedict. Espresso coffees are featured too. Hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Details: 719-394-4920, crepeamourco.com.
Hispanic and European bakery
Husband and wife Guillermo and Adriana Ramirez, along with Sandra Saavedra and Sebastian Romero, have opened La Concha Bakery & Coffee, 124 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Guillermo is the head baker, making classic Mexican and European breads, and Adiana is the pastry queen creating delicious sweets.
In addition to the multiple types of breads including sourdough and gluten-friendly and keto-friendly options, there are cakes, pastries, sandwiches and espresso drinks. Hours are 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Details: 863-330-9009, facebook.com/Bakelaconcha.
Paragon Culinary School update
Victor Matthews’ Paragon Culinary School, which is housed in the Briarhurst Manor, 404 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, recently updated The Gazette and wants to let readers know that the school is in full swing and better than ever even though the restaurant on the historic estate is closed. As a result of the announcement of the closure, Matthews noted that some people may be confused about the future of the building.
“The building was sold to H2 in 2024, and 404 Manitou LLC bought it a few months later,” Matthews said. “So actually, the restaurant and Paragon are tenants in the building. Paragon has been there since 2019 and we are working closely with the manor’s current owners through a carefully planned large-scale remodel. Paragon is doing great, and the building is receiving much needed renovations. Everyone that is there every day knows how good this is and that wonderful things about the building are coming. ... New paint, repaired roof, and so many other improvements have made it obvious that the future of such a beautiful landmark property is bright.”
Protein up
Folks looking for a fresh start to 2025 will find it at Snooze, An AM Eatery, 7587 N. Academy Blvd. Early this month the popular breakfast spot introduced a new permanent menu item: protein pancakes, with a whopping 32 grams of protein. The protein buttermilk pancakes get the protein boost from Bob’s Red Mill hemp protein powder. They are topped with fresh bananas, strawberries and blueberries and served with peanut butter maple syrup for drizzling.
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Also, the chain has introduced the Fresh-Start Duo bundle deal. For $12, you get the protein pancakes or the choice of other entrée bundles, which include the following:
• Protein trio omelet.
• Protein and veggie egg white scramble.
• Garden harvest omelet.
• Smashed avocado Benny.
• Bravocado toast.
• Vegan banana bliss pancakes.
• Breakfast berry yogurt bowl.
The bundle deals come with a choice of fresh-pressed juice or mocktail and will be available through Feb. 19. The protein pancakes are a permanent addition to the menu.
Hours are 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays through Friday and 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Details: 719-694-1360, snoozeeatery.com.
Aspen wine festival
Tickets for the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, June 20-22, will be available on Wednesday, beginning at 10 a.m..
The 42nd three-day culinary festival will feature an all-star lineup of celebrity chefs, wine and spirits experts, dozens of cooking demos, wine tastings, a legendary tasting pavilion in the center of town, and parties, dinners and special events.
Renowned chefs and culinary stars, including Maneet Chauhan, Ayesha Curry, Tiffany Derry, Tyler Florence, Carla Hall, Stephanie Izard, Kristen Kish, Padma Lakshmi, Martin Yan, Claudette Zepeda, Andrew Zimmern and the winner of “Top Chef” aeason 22, will lead cooking demonstrations and panel discussions. Wine and beverage seminars and tastings will be led by Anne Becerra, Julia Coney, Anthony Giglio, Ray Isle, Carlin Karr, Wanda Mann, Amanda McCrossin, Gary Obligacion, Mark Oldman, Femi Oyediran, June Rodil, Prairie Rose, Sabato Sagaria, Monica Samuels, Bobby Stuckey and Miles White.
Tickets start at $2,950 at classic.foodandwine.com/experience.
contact the writer: 636-0271.