home JULY 2015on the range FARMAgriculture remains the TO TABLEheart of Adams County A photo essay with Fruition Farmsp10 p16eating myway throughicelandCurious cuisine froman isolated countryp24 JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 1

read spark online ADVisit anythinklibraries.org to access mobile extras and participate in discussions with SPARK online.

6 1016 When sparks are created, they light up a room. They travel and flow, gener- ating energy and inspiring creativity. In this same way, SPARK represents the energy and playfulness of the Anythink community – here in Adams County and across the globe – connecting readers with people, places, ideas and inspiration meant to educate and illuminate. Published quarterly, SPARK is available at all Anythink libraries and online at anythinklibraries.org. STAFF Creative Lead - Editor Library Director Erica Grossman Pam Sandlian Smith [email protected] [email protected] innovations Director Creative Lead - Designer Stacie Ledden Leilani Schrichten [email protected] [email protected] Board of Trustees Kerry Glenn Ray Coffey Linda Wisniewski Mizraim Cordero Lynne Fox The RLD Board of Trustees meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Locations vary and are published at anythinklibraries.org. Meetings are open to the public. On the cover: A farm-to-table dish at Mercantile Dining & Provision HOW TO REACH US Questions or comments? Call us at 303.288.2001 or email us at [email protected]. FIND YOUR LOCAL ANYTHINK Anythink Bennett Anythink Wright Farms 495 7th St. 5877 E. 120th Ave. 24 Bennett, CO 80102 Thornton, CO 80602 303.405.3231 303.405.3200CONTENTS JULY 2015 Anythink Brighton Anythink York Street2 Beer + Food 327 E. Bridge St. 8990 York St., Suite A4 Little Chefs Brighton, CO 80601 Thornton, CO 802296 Growing New Roots 303.405.3230 303.405.32348 Science for Foodies10 Home on the Range Anythink Commerce City Anythink in Motion14 Community Gardens and Markets 7185 Monaco St. 303.288.201816 Farm to Table Commerce City, CO 8002223 Creating in the Kitchen 303.287.0063 Visit us at anythinklibraries.org.24 Eating My Way Through Iceland28 Unique Dining Experiences Anythink Huron Street30 Your Quick Guide to Grilling 9417 Huron St.33 What are you thinking? Thornton, CO 80260 303.452.7534 Anythink Perl Mack 7611 Hilltop Circle Denver, CO 80221 303.428.3576

Beer + foodStep aside, wine; there’s a new pairing favorite in town.W ith the influx of craft beer pairing festival, BrüFrou, where local dishes they create,” says John Heins, production in Colorado brewers and chefs collaborate to ele- co-founder of BrüFrou. “A bit like a and across the country, vate the taste experience. wonderful wine pairing, when onemore and more people are finding tastes a well-paired beer with food,ways to make the most out of food “It has been great to hear the chefs pull they can complement each other in aand beer pairings. In fact, the pop- out the subtle nuanced flavor profiles way that subtle common flavors areularity of these combinations is so of their pairing brewmaster’s beer — enhanced and become more vibranthigh that Denver hosts its own annual oftentimes using those complexities to when enjoyed together.” inspire ingredients used in the one-biteNot sure where to start when it comes to pairing beer and food?“I try to find flavor harmonies in the food and beer,” says Julia Herz, craft beer program director for the Brewers Association.“For example: grilled, roasted and smoked protein paired with beer styles that emphasize roasted or smoke flavors – thinkstouts, porters and smoke beers.”American Wheat Ale Indian Pale Ale Amber Porter Imperial StoutBest with very light Best with strong spicy Great with a wide range Roasted or smoked food Overpowers mostfoods - Try salads, su- food - Try curryshi, vegetable dishes of food - Try chicken, - Try barbecue, sausag- dishes -Try foie gras or seafood, burgers es, blackened fish smoked gooseBuffalo Mozzarella or Gorgonzola or Port-Salut or other Tilsit or Gruyere Gouda, Parmesan orWisconsin brick Cambozola lightly tangy cheese cheddarFresh berries Caramel apple tart Poached pears with Chocolate peanut Dark chocolate truffles, dulce de leche butter cookies chocolate raspberry mousse cakeDive deeper Anythink BrewsThe Brewers Association offers a Anythink has partnered with localfree comprehensive Beer & Food brewery Beer by Design to bring youeducational course, co-authored by a the Anythink Pale Ale. This light paleCulinary Institute of America graduate ale has a golden-copper color with aand a Certified Cicerone (beer profes- light hop finish, a perfect brew for asional). Visit craftbeer.com/culinary for warm summer day. Visit the Beer bymore information. Design taproom at 2100 E. 112th St. in Northglenn and show your Anythinksource: Brewers Association library card to get $1 off a pint of Any-2 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015 think Pale Ale. This special brew will also be on tap at Anythink’s Backyard Concert Series.

The Spice RackThink you know your parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme? Prove it with this quiz.Rosemary Cardamom Cumin Turmeric Basil Cayenne Sage Saffron1.___________________ 2.___________________ 3.___________________ 4.___________________This pale green herb This bitter and slightly This hot, red spice is This leafy herb hashas an earthy, almost hot spice is derived derived from a pepper, a distinct and strongpine-like, fragrance from seeds, popular in and is used to add kick taste, prominentlyand flavor. It’s fre- Middle Eastern, Asian, and color to a variety featured in Italianquently used to en- Mediterranean and of dishes. and Southeast Asianhance potatoes, soups, Mexican cuisines. cuisines. It’s the mainchicken and pork. ingredient in pesto sauce.5.___________________ 6.___________________ 7.___________________ 8.___________________Made from flowers, The fuzzy leaves of This ancient spice is This bright-coloredthis spice has a bitter this herb produces highly aromatic with member of the gingertaste. It’s often used as a mild taste with a a slightly sweet and family is used exten-an ingredient in curry, hint of mint. It’s often savory taste. Ground sively in Indian dishes,bouillabaisse and paired with heavy, rich from seeds, it’s often including curries. It’spaella. or creamy foods. used to help combat also sometimes used digestive issues. as a dye.1.Rosemary 2. Cumin 3. Cayenne 4. Basil 5. Saffron 6. Sage 7. Cardamom 8. Turmeric! Spice things up: Download hundreds of cookbooks using Total BooX. With Total BooX, there are no waiting periods or returns – keep the title forever. Visit anythinklibraries.org to get started. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 3

little by Melody Costa station encourages caregivers to helpCHEFS Children’s Guide, Anythink Brighton their child use the cookie cutters to make shapes. As they work togetherExploring early literacy C hildren are born ready to learn. molding the dough, the caregiver talksthrough cooking Everyday experiences from the to the child about texture, color and time of birth are helping them to hone shapes. This act of talking to the child4 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015 the early literacy skills they need to while they work teaches the child become lifelong readers. This doesn’t new words and sounds. By working mean that every day needs to feel like with the dough, a child improves the a school day. Rather, children learn fine motor skills needed later to be when those around them talk, sing, able to write. Another station has play and read with them during the children following a recipe to make most mundane of activities. a snack mix. This includes counting out the cereal squares, teddy crackers, This is something I continually tell the raisins and Cheerios. Caregivers are caregivers who bring their children encouraged to let the children place to the Littles programs at Anythink each item in a snack bag, all the while Brighton, designed for ages birth to 4 talking through the process. At yet years old. another station, caregivers help chil- dren follow a more in-depth recipe for Recently, the Littles program focused oatmeal cookies. in on food with Little Chefs. With this program, I want to show caregivers It’s so much fun watching all of the that they can use everyday activities caregivers get truly involved in the such as cooking to help their child activities with their babies, toddlers develop early literacy skills. Each and preschoolers. Since I’m the one station features signs explaining how to clean, they aren’t afraid of making a particular activity enhances an early literacy skill. The playdough

Little chef Jubilee B. Little chef Michael T. Little chef Efraim B. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 5messes, freeing them to truly have funwith their little ones. This is especial-ly true at my favorite station, wheretarps are laid out on the floor withlarge bowls of flour, mixing spoons,and flour sifters. Fine motor skills aredeveloped as the kids stir, dump andsift flour. Everyone becomes coveredin the white dust and laughter ensues.Through this program, customers areable to experience cooking in a wholenew way. Caregivers learn that theyhave the tools to be the most influ-ential early literacy teacher in theirchild’s life, and that sharing thoseskills can be fun and entertaining. ■! Littles programs will resume at Anythink Brighton this fall. Throughout July, young customers and their caregivers are invited to join the miniThinkers, interactive early literacy programs available at all Anythink locations. Visit anythinklibraries.org for dates and times.

Growing new rootsGardens help refugees adjust to a new lifeBetween language barriers, differ- ing economic systems and new of persecution based on their race, In 2014, Colorado cultural customs, adjusting to life religion, nationality, social group or became a new home in a foreign country can be a diffi- political opinions. Many have experi- enced war and other traumas.cult journey. For refugees, resettling in a new To help meet the needs of this par- to 2,287 refugeesland can include even more challenges. ticular group of individuals, severalIn 2014, Colorado became a new organizations have stepped up tohome to 2,287 refugees, the majority offer specialized help. Denver’s Emily and language, Denver Urban Gardensof whom are resettling in the Denver Griffith Technology School offers an has helped refugees transition to lifemetro area from countries like Burma, English as a Second Language course in the United States through a differ-Iraq, Bhutan and Somalia. geared just toward refugees. Similarly, ent means – gardening. in 2013, the University of ColoradoIndividuals that meet the officially School of Medicine opened the Colora- “We have seen that immigrant and ref-designated refugee status – the cur- do Refugee Wellness Center in Aurora, ugee families are really excited by therent Presidential Designation will al- Colo. The center helps treat refugees idea of gardening,” says Denver Urbanlow up to 70,000 refugees to resettle in while also teaching medical students Gardens Director of Development &the United States in 2015 – can come about global health needs. Communications Rebecca Andrusz-from a variety of countries and back- ka. “For some, it is certainly to helpgrounds, but all have experienced fear But beyond vital needs of healthcare6 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

“For some, it is certainly to help supplement theirfood budgets as they establish employment, butothers are just used to gardening and farming – theyenjoy it, it gives them confidence, and it helps feedtheir families.”Photos: Refugees work in the new freedom community garden in denverCredit: Daray Kiefel, courtesy of the trust for public landsupplement their food budgets as they Foundation and other non-profit and “Establishing a new life in a newestablish employment, but others are neighborhood residents, kids now country is an enormous endeavor,just used to gardening and farming – have a space to play while families especially if you are escaping a badthey enjoy it, it gives them confidence, can connect and learn from one an- situation,” says Andruszka. “The com-and it helps feed their families.” other in the gardens. munity garden offers therapy, a way to meet neighbors who might have aIn 2006, Denver Urban Gardens “Immigrants and refugees from different background, and can recon-established the New Freedom Com- rural and agrarian areas become the nect you with your home by growingmunity Garden in east Denver. Almost experts, the teachers, in the gardens, familiar produce.” ■all plots at New Freedom Community when in the rest of their life they areGarden are maintained by refugees struggling to learn how to fit into a ! To donate or learn about volunteerwho have resettled in the park’s brand new culture,” notes Andruszka. opportunities with Denver Urbansurrounding neighborhood. Since Gardens, visit dug.org. For morethe garden’s implementation, the For some, this means growing pro- information on how you can helpsurrounding vacant lot has grown duce from their native countries that refugees rebuild safe, sustainableto become a full-use park for the might otherwise be more difficult to lives in Denver, contact the ECDCneighborhood. With the help of The find, like bok choy. It’s through this African Community Center ofTrust for Public Land, Denver Parks cultivation of food and community Denver at acc-den.org.and Recreation, the Colorado Health that many Denver-based refugees are learning to start anew. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 7

fSCoIEoNdCEifeosrF ood is more than just a good What is umami? meal; it’s a process that re- flects the chemistry, biology The word umami translates from Japanese and earth sciences of our world. as “pleasant savory taste,” and is consid- From taste to evolution, science is ered a distinct taste category – the one at the core of cooking and eating. that gives a dish a particularly satisfying sensation. Scientifically, umami describes the taste of glutamates, amino acids that are found in a wide variety of foods. Glu- tamate-rich foods include cheese, walnuts, potatoes and mushrooms.The five primary taste sensations: Elevated cooking» Bitter » Salty Any Coloradan can tell you – altitude makes» Sour » Sweet a difference when it comes to cooking. But» Umami why exactly? As elevation rises, air pressure falls – and that low air pressure creates a lower boiling temperature for water. Since baking is such a precise balance of ingredi- ents, even a slight change in moisture can drastically alter your recipe. Precise adjust- ments can be made to your recipe depend- ing on the ingredients, but high-altitude bakers can use the following general tips: » Increase the amount of liquid » Increase the amount of flour » Decrease the amount of baking powder8 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

“If you wish to Unleash your inner scientistmake an apple pie fromscratch, you must first Anythink’s annual mySummer program explores theinvent the universe.” concept of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts– Carl Sagan and mathematics). Check out these upcoming programs:Evolutionary taste KidsAccording to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Amazing Feats of ScienceJohn McQuaid, flavor may have played Join Science Matters to explore a variety of science tricksa role in human evolution. His book, you can performan over and over again, including eggTasty: the Art of Science of What We Eat, inertia, spinning water, and more.suggests that primitive creatures needed Monday, July 13, 1 pm – Anythink Perl Macksharper sense to compete for evolutionary Friday, July 17, 11 am – Anythink York Streetsurvival, and that the types of food humansate impacted the growth of the human The Good, the Bad & the Uckybrain and body. Get ready for a dynamic presentation by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the “Host of Gross.”Health from the earth Through interactive activities, learn about all of the un- pleasant things the human body does to stay healthy.The association between the ground and Wednesday, July 8, 1 pm – Anythink Commerce Cityour guts is a hot topic in the scientific Tuesday, July 28, 1:30 pm – Anythink Brightoncommunity. Microorganisms like bacteriaand fungi may be tiny, but they are considered Teensvital to human health. As scientists con-tinue to map human microbes, many are Air Batterypointing to the soil as a vital source for the Create power out of air. Use everyday items to createmicrobiome communities in our bodies. an aluminum air batter that powers an LED light whileAccording to these theories, a healthy soil learning all about electricity and circuits.can contribute to a healthy body. Wednesday, July 8, 6 pm – Anythink Huron Street Thursday, July 9, 10:30 am – Anythink Bennett Wednesday, July 22, 3 pm – Anythink Brighton Wednesday, July 22, 3:30 pm – Anythink York Street Adults LED Bookmarks Using LED lights and copper tape, participants can create their own interactive bookmark. Wednesday, July 22, 6 pm – Anythink Huron Street JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 9

HOME ON T Agriculture lationship with the land remains this longstanding agricultural commu- remains the heart strong. Farm land accounts for more nity to help give newcomers a lens to of Adams County than three-quarters of all the land in understand the history and future of Adams County, including the almost the area.Step outside in Adams County, entirely agricultural communities Colo., and you’ll likely see a of Bennett and Strasburg. Adams “This is how we’re documenting population on the rise, com- County, in other words, is where history,” says Debra Bullock, secretary plete with construction and you’ll find the farms that set up shop and treasurer of the Commerce City new housing developments. One of the at Front Range farmers’ markets. Historical Society. “We find people fastest-growing communities in the who lived it, and we’re having them state, Adams County has experienced “Adams County is an agricultural document it for us. And that’s import- a 21.4 percent population growth over community – period,” says Clifford ant, because without it, we wouldn’t the past 10 years. Although the county Lushbough, chairman at the Adams know that story.” continues to experience all of the eco- County Historical Society. nomic and social shifts that come with With research help from these local rapid growth, agriculture remains at Lushbough, along with the other historical groups and longtime resi- the heart of the community’s identity. members of the Adams County His- dents, below are two stories that shaped torical Society, look at this connection Adams County’s agricultural landscape. As one of the only counties in metro as a way of connecting with the past Denver with an active farming to understand the present. Both the The Denver Poor Farm community, Adams County’s re- Adams County Historical Society and the Commerce City Historical Society Near 128th Avenue and Riverdale 10 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015 spend time collecting the stories of Road in Brighton, Colo., sits one of Ad-

THE RANGEams County’s community focal points, a place for individuals to work and fact, that the Denver Poor Farm wonthe Adams County Regional Park & improve their lives. the Progressive Breeders Award ofFairgrounds – a center for rodeos, the Holstein-Friesian Association offairs and concerts. But before the Despite those intentions, the Denver America four times.land was used for family gatherings Poor Farm saw its fair share of trou-and entertainment, it was home to an bles for decades, marked by unsan- “It became a very profitable loca-entirely different group of individuals itary conditions, crime and a 1911 tion,” notes Debra Bullock, secretary– the poor and indigent of Denver. outbreak of tuberculosis. According and treasurer of the Commerce City to Albert Foos, a Brighton resident Historical Society. “It was very im-In 1898, the City of Denver purchased who grew up at the farm with his portant in the community because of350 acres of what is now the region- family, the Denver Poor Farm took how much they were farming, whichal park to serve as an area to send a turn for the better when Harold fed the farm’s residents. They alsoindigent patients from Denver Gen- Lascelles, a former agricultural gave [extra] food back to Denver Gen-eral hospital, creating what would extension agent, took over as farm eral to help feed patients there.”become known as the Denver Poor superintendent in 1937. LascellesFarm. Since no public welfare system helped transform the Denver Poor In conjunction with the farm’sexisted until 1933, Denver officials Farm into a self-sustaining and at sustainable success, its roughly 300used the Denver Poor Farm for five times even profitable farm, which residents also enjoyed recreationaldecades to relocate some of the city’s included cattle, pigs, chickens, activities. Foos recalls the farm as “aless fortunate residents. With a farm, gardens and one of the finest dairy big happy family” where employeesinfirmary and residential housing, herds in the state. The dairy aspect and residents worked together andthe land was meant to help provide of the farm was so successful, in enjoyed social activities like horse- shoes and cards. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 11

Denver poor Despite the turnaround, the Denverfarm residents Poor Farm was finally dismantled inPhoto courtesy of Albert Foos 1952, when Denver mayor J. Quigg Newton ordered its closure. The orderDenver poor farm was met with controversy, as localfamily house residents and politicians speculatedPhoto Courtesy of Albert Foos its potential future and uses for help- ing community members in need. ByDid you know? 1959, the Denver Poor Farm was sold to Adams County under the conditionsThe Rocky Mountain Arsenal put Commerce that it be used as a golf course, fair-City on the world stage in 1942, when it was grounds, race track and recreationalused as a chemical weapons manufacturer for park, serving the next generation ofWWII bombs. Today, it’s one of the largest ur- Adams County residents.ban wildlife refuges in the country, with nearly17,000 acres of open lakes, wetlands, prairie From internment campgrasslands and woodlands. to farm life12 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015 Just down the road from the Adams County Regional Park & Fairgrounds, Bob Sakata takes a seat in the office headquarters of Sakata Farms. He shows off his desk calendar, filled with tasks and meetings. At age 90, he shows no signs of slowing down. Over the past 70 years, Sakata has grown his farm from its original 40-acre swath in Brighton to 2,500 acres that stretches across Adams and Weld counties, yielding produce such as sweet corn, cabbage, broccoli and onions. Farming comes naturally to Sakata, who grew up on a 10-acre farm in California. But his journey from California to Colorado wasn’t without tribulation. In 1942, just months after the bomb- ing of Pearl Harbor, President Frank- source: “Mule-deer” by Oborseth via Wikimedia Commons

lin D. Roosevelt authorized Executive “What I went through Bob sakata in hisOrder 9066, sanctioning the removal [in the internment camp] brighton officeand incarceration of Japanese-Amer- was unconstitutional...icans on the West Coast to designated But I have no remorse. ment of Agriculture’s commodityinternment camps. This same year, I look back as if it was credit advisory board. Sakata and hisSakata and his family were relocated a blessing in disguise. I wife were also instrumental in found-to a camp in Topaz, Utah. After his re- would have never settled ing the Brighton Community Hospital.lease, Sakata came directly to Adams in Colorado and seen a In 1994, the Emperor and Empress ofCounty, with the hope of starting over bright future and experi- Japan paid Sakata Farms a visit duringwith his own farm. enced the good fortunes a rare trip to the United States. of American democracy.” Part of the reason for this prosperityThe choice to farm in Colorado was is his ability to take risks and forevera clear one. Sakata came specifically keep working toward new goals. Heto the state because of Gov. Ralph also is quick to credit his wife, Joanna,Carr, one of the few politicians at the and his faith.time to publicly decry the Japanese “I believe in perseverance,” Sakatainternment camps. Carr was outspo- says. “The failures I’ve experiencedken about defending Japanese-Amer- brought me to better days, and I re-ican rights, and urged Coloradans to frain from using the word ‘successful.’welcome them to the state, a stance Success should never be final.” ■that many speculate cost him hispolitical career. Sakata expresses astrong appreciation for Gov. Carr,and even recognizes a silver lining inhis imprisonment.“What I went through [in the intern-ment camp] was unconstitutional,”he states. “But I have no remorse. Ilook back as if it was a blessing indisguise. I would have never settledin Colorado and seen a bright futureand experienced the good fortunes ofAmerican democracy.”And Sakata’s future was certainlybright. He’s credited with foundingand growing one of Adams County’smost successful farming operations.He was appointed to the U.S. Depart-Dig deeper into the pastThe Adams County Historical Society & Museum is located at 9601Henderson Road in Brighton, Colo., and features historical photo-graphs, artifacts and farming equipment. Open Tuesday through Satur-day from 10 am to 4 pm, visitors are welcome to browse the buildingson their own or call ahead for an educational tour guide at 303-659-7103. Cost is $3 per person.The Commerce City Historical Society works with local students toshare the history of Commerce City through interactive events, con-tests and school curriculum. The Commerce City Historical SocietyMuseum, located at 7450 Highway 2 in Commerce City, is open onSaturdays and by appointment. Email [email protected] more information. source: JAUdaLYm2s0c1o5untAyNhYiTsHtoINriKcLaIlBRsoAcRiIeEtSy.&ORmGus|eu1m3

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24 Adams County 37 Community Gardens39 & Farmers Markets Gardens 1. Arapahoe Ridge | 13095 Pecos St, Westminster, CO 80234 2. Coronado Hills | 8300 Downing Dr, Denver 80229 3. Glacier Park | 12060 Jasmine St, Brighton, CO 80602 4. Hulstrom | 11551 Wyco Dr, Northglenn, 80233 5. Della Villa | W 72nd & Raleigh, Westminster, CO 80030 6. Semper Garden | W 92nd & Pierce St, Westminster, CO 80021 7. Elm Tree Gardens | W 113th & Navajo, Westminster, CO 80234 8. Crossroads Church | 53 E 128th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241 9. Good Shepherd United Methodist | 3960 W 128th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241 10. Village Baptist Church | 4550 E 128th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241 11. Crossroads of Northglenn | 451 Malley Dr, Northglenn, CO 80233 12. Stonehocker Historic Park | 10950 Fox Run Pkwy, Northglenn, CO 80233 13. St. John’s Lutheran Church | 11040 Colorado Blvd, Northglenn, CO 80233 14. Amazing Grace Community Church | 541 E 99th Pl, Northglenn, CO 80229 15. Intercession Episcopal Church | 3101 E 100th Ave, Northglenn, CO 80229 16. Church of God Seventh Day | 9375 Gaylod St, Northglenn, CO 80229 17. Mapleton Skyview Campus | 8990 York St, Northglenn, CO 80229 18. Anythink Wright Farms | 5877 E 120th Ave, Northglenn, CO 80602 19. Anythink Perl Mack | 7611 Hilltop Cir, Denver CO 80221 20. Anythink Commerce City | 7185 Monaco St, Commerce City, CO 80022 21. Hinkley High School | 1250 Chambers Rd, Aurora, CO 80011 22. Spencer-Garrett Park Garden | 11009 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045 23. St Mark’s Lutheran Church | 111 Del mar Cir, Aurora, CO 80011 24. Brighton 27J Garden | 18551 E 160th, Brighton, CO 80601 25. Northern Hills Church | 5061 E 160th, Brighton, CO 80602 26. Boys & Girls Club | 1800 Longspeak, Brighton, CO 80601 27. Los Valientes Garden | 7290 Magnolia St, Commerce City, CO 80022 28. Sunshine Community Garden | 7111 E 56th Ave, Commerce City, CO 80022 29. Heartland Urban Garden | 10566 Memphis St, Commerce City, CO 80022 30. Regis/Berkeley Neighborhood Garden | 3333 Regis, Denver, CO 80221 31. Goathill Gardens | 7275 Samuel Dr, Denver, CO 80221 32. Park Lane Elementary | 13001 E 30th Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 33. South Middle School | 12310 E Parkview, Aurora, CO 80011 34. Adventist Gardens | 781 S 5th Ave, Brighton, CO 80601 35. Denver Street Gardens | 1119 E Denver St, Brighton, CO 80601 36. Ken Mitchell Gardens | 889 Kinglet Court, Brighton, CO 80601 37. Northgate Gardens | 4801 Mt Evans St, Brighton, CO 80601 38. Zion Gardens | 395 S 14th Ave, Brighton, CO 80601 39. Eagle View Community Gardens | 1150 Prarie Cir, Brighton, CO 80601 40. STEM Lab Magnet School | 11700 Irma Dr, Northglenn, CO 80233 41. St Stephen’s Lutheran Church | 10828 Huron St, Northglenn, CO 80234 42. Belle Creek Community Garden | Belle Creek Blvd & E 107th Pl, Henderson, CO 80640 Markets Time TBD (August 22) A. Brighton Market Day 300 Strong Street, Brighton, CO 80601 B. Mile High Flea Market Farmers Market 7 am-5 pm Fri, Sat, Sun 70007 E 88th Ave., Henderson, CO 80640 (Year round) C. Palombo Farms Market Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm, 11500 Havana St., Henderson, CO 80640 Sun 10 am-5 pm (beginning June 26) JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 15

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Farmto tableA fter the success of chef and restaurateur Alex Seidel’s Fruition Restaurant in Denver, he knew the next step in his restaurant journey wouldtake on a whole new dimension.“I’ve been cooking for a long time,” Seidel says, “but Iwanted to know more about my food and know whichquestions to ask.”Enter Fruition Farms, a small farm in Larkspur, Colo.,purchased by Seidel in 2009. At Fruition Farms, you’llfind hogs, bees, and produce, along with a herd of fairysheep – the first sheep dairy and creamery in Colora-do. A farm-to-table approach is now the foundation forMercantile Dining & Provision, Seidel’s latest award-win-ning restaurant located in downtown Denver’s newlyrenovated Union Station. Along with chef and proprietorMatt Vawter, Seidel transforms this dining experienceinto one that is inspired by the land, the seasons and thehard work and harvest of his farm.PHOTOS: Kent meireis David Stephen, farmer at JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 17 fruition farms

“I learn every day that the chefs come to visit the farm – it helps me learn how to grow.” –Ilse Anderson, horticulturalist at Fruition Farms Iise anderson, horticulturalist at fruition farms18 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

Alex seidel at fruition farm’s cheese roomJULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 19

“Lots of farms try to grow every- thing under the sun. We like tofocus on a dozen or so things sothat we can grow an abundance of them and really use them.” –Alex SeidelMercantile chef matt vawter 20 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

Boulder natural crispy half chickenPHOTO ESSAY JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 21

Marrow bone brÛlee with carrot pancakes “When a box of arugula shows up [at the restaurant], the chefs understand what it took to getthat box – and they think about it when they cook and present it.” –Alex Seidel

Creating in the kitchenAn interview with Anythink’s newest board memberL ynne Fox is the newest member of the Rangeview Library District Board of Trustees. As a health science librarian and former Ward 3 Thornton City Council Member, Fox brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. But library services aren’t her only passion. Fox is an avid cyclist, an admirer of art and architecture, and a food enthusiast.We caught up with Fox to chat abouther culinary inspirations and why cook-ing is a transformative experience.Q: Tell us about how you first be- it. I think I’d be great on one of those “Cooking is a transforma-came interested in cooking. shows where they give you ingredi- tive experience so it’s noLynne Fox: I hated home ec, and when ents and you have to cook a meal. I’ve wonder writers and film-Mom made us take a turn cooking, I cooked enough now that I can impro- makers want to build theirwas a disaster. I once set our oven on vise without too many disasters. stories around it.”fire! I did learn the basics, though.But when favorite dishes prompted Q: Any favorite restaurants? it as a starving young artist in Paris. Ian “I love you, Mom” [from my son], LF: Just about anything locally owned. recently read Wolf Hall and Bring Upthat was the positive reinforcement I Our favorites in our neighborhood the Bodies, and I love how Cromwell’sneeded to be a better cook. are Sushi Tokoro and Pho 7 at 120th interest in good food plays a part in and Colorado. We have semi-regular the story. Some novelists can makeQ: What are your go-to dishes that Sunday breakfasts with our nieces at the food seem like a character in theiryou enjoy creating? Pete’s Cafe and Lisa’s Place (both on story, like J.K. Rowling in the HarryLF: I make scones that everyone loves, Washington Street, south of 102nd). Potter series. She actually inspiredmostly because I love traditional My husband and I love Via Toscana in entrepreneurs to recreate some of herEnglish tea. My son loves my Pioneer Louisville for special occasions. foods like Bernie Botts’ Every FlavorBaked Macaroni and Cheese – it’s not Beans and Butterbeer frappuccinolike any other because it uses chunks Q: Do you listen to music while you at Starbucks. There’s so many greatof cheddar rather than a sauce. And I cook? If so, what? movies – and they are usually upbeatlove using my pressure cooker. I start- LF: I have 4,000 songs on my iPod, and put me in the mood to cook. Ied with a 1940s-era model that my so I’ll put it on shuffle and see what recently watched Chef (2014) starringgrandmother used. I’m an impatient comes up. There’s a bit of everything: Jon Favreau. An all-time favorite iscook so it’s perfect for me. I make classical, ragtime, blues, folk, rock, ’80s Mostly Martha (2001). And of course,risotto and pork green chili (with pep- and local artists. It’s always a surprise. Como Agua Para Chocolate (1992) ispers from our garden) and shredded a classic. Cooking is a transformativepork for BBQ. I make my own stock to Q: What are your favorite food-in- experience so it’s no wonder writersuse in my pressure cooker recipes. spired books or films? and filmmakers want to build their LF: Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast stories around it. ■Q: Where do you find culinary is an all-time favorite of mine. Heinspiration? savoured great food when he could get JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 23LF: Everywhere – cookbooks, the Inter-net, Facebook, friends, the PBS Createchannel... I love to experiment, and I’llsee a recipe or taste a dish I like, thenthink about how to adapt or change

Eating my waythrough Iceland EinstÖCK WHITE ALE MIXED WITH HERBAL TEA PHOTOS: BRADLEY MARTIN24 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

by Erica Grossman surprise that Icelanders have also found Puffin Creative Lead, a way to use the ground for cooking. Anythink Innovations Department In certain areas, visitors can dig holes Yes, the adorable birds are served up in volcanic ground to cook food on on plates throughout Iceland. Vest-One of my favorite ways a picnic. In the small inland town of mannaeyjar (the Westman islands), a to explore a country is Laugarvatn, the Fontana spa operates a dramatic archipelago off the southern through its cuisine. It’s geothermal bakery, where they pro- coast of Iceland, is home to the world’sa way to teach history, explore duce a special rye bread, baked in the largest puffin colony, which scientistslanguage and understand the land. ground. The bread is hearty, soft, and estimate to include up to 4 millionThis felt especially true during a just a tad on the sweet side. individual puffins. When cooked, thisrecent visit to Iceland, where foodhelped guide our understanding of Geothermally baked rye breadthis fascinating, isolated country ofvolcanoes, geysers and glaciers.Here’s a look at some of my favor-ite Icelandic dishes.Geothermallybaked bread Iceland air might be chilly, but in a country of volcanoes and hot springs, the ground can be extremely hot. Hot springs and geothermal baths are an essential part of Icelandic culture – even the smallest of towns has a public bath for soaking – and a considerable portion of the country’s energy is generated from geothermal power. So it’s noSmoked puffin (left), accompanied by guilemot andgannet, other seabirds of iceland JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 25

Langoustine, an arctic lobster, served at Matur og Drykkur in reykjavÍkseabird is tender and red, but with Iceland for more than 1,000 years. Hot dogs are ubiquitous throughouta taste simultaneously gamey and Like yogurt, skyr is high in protein and the country. You can find them at afishy – puffins, after all, survive on a commercially available plain or in a stand on the side of the road, your localdiet of fish. My travel companion aptly wide variety of flavors. gas station or onboard a ferry. Madedescribed it as “bird sushi.” mostly of Icelandic lamb and dressed Fish & seafood with remoulade and pylsusinnep, aSkyr brown mustard, Icelandic hot dogs are Whether it’s lobster soup, dried a quick, easy meal for those on the go.Iceland’s yogurt-like dairy product, cod chips or monkfish, there’s noskyr, is one of the biggest staples of shortage of excellent, fresh seafood Lambthe Icelandic diet. Massively popular throughout Iceland. From the timeas a breakfast meal, skyr has been of Iceland’s settlement, fishing has In addition to hot dogs, lamb canproduced and eaten throughout been vital component of Icelandic be found in a number of dishes and life. In addition to being a main food served in a number of styles. Originally26 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015 source, fish also serves as an essen- brought to the island by early Viking tial export and source of industry, so settlers in the ninth century, Icelandic much so that fishing feels intrinsically sheep were vital to the survival of the tied to the Icelandic identity. A trip Icelandic people. In addition to being to Reykjavík’s Maritime Museum is a a food source, their thick coat is used great place to help fuel your appetite to create a versatile wool used in for seafood and learn to appreciate its traditional Icelandic sweaters, worn by roots at the center of Iceland’s devel- locals to stay warm in cold temps. ■ opment as a nation. ! Fun Fact: Iceland currently ranks Hot dogs #1 on the worldwide life expectancy chart for men. For all its interesting and historical sea- food dishes, one of the most popular Icelandic food dishes is rather pedes- trian – the hot dog (psylur in Icelandic).

reykjavÍk, iceland’s capitol cityIcelandic hot dogs Iceland in 8 courses For a taste of Iceland, visitors to Reykjavík should stop at Matur og Drykkur, a restaurant located in the city harbor. Matur of Drykkur offers a variety of traditional recipes expertly prepared, but the eight- course Icelandic meal is an abso- lute must. This particular evening, the meal included: dried fish, cured arctic char, twice-smoked lamb, salted cod croquettes, halibut soup, leg of lamb, skyr and Ice- landic-twisted doughnuts. Special Icelandic drink pairings – including wine and white ale infused with tea and herbs – are also available.Smoked lamb, served at Matur Got the travel bug?og Drykkur in reykjavÍk Use Rosetta Stone to brush up on your foreign language skills. Visit anythinklibraries.org to learn more. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 27

Casa bonita Credit: Pop Culture Geek via Wikimedia Commons A side of something Different From cliff divers to cannibalism to airplanes, Colorado has no shortage of unconventional, if not bizarre, dining experiences. For a memorable dinner, consider spicing things up with a visit to one of these restaurants.Casa Bonita Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseLakewood, Colo. Boulder, Colo.Forever memorialized in an episode of South Park, Casa Bonita A gift from Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, thehas been delighting diners for more than 40 years. Go for the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a beautiful and unique spaceentertainment, including cliff divers, mariachi serenades, pup- for a cup of tea or a full meal. Built entirely by hand withoutpet shows, arcade games and a trip through Black Bart’s Cave. the use of any power tools, the Dushanbe Teahouse embraces artistic Persian motifs, hand-painted ceilings and the work ofThe Airplane Restaurant master woodcarvers.Colorado Springs, Colo.Ever look forward to your in-flight meal? We didn’t think so. Alferd Packer Restaurant & GrillBut at The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs, you might University Memorial Center, University of Colorado, Boulderjust change your mind about airplane food. The restaurant is CU-Boulder grads will recognize the name of the campus’housed inside a 1953 Boeing KC-97 that seats 42 passengers. main cafeteria and restaurant, named lovingly for Colorado’sIn addition to an elevated dining menu, customers can also most famous cannibal, Alferd Packer. Displaying slogans likelearn about aviation history through pictures, memorabilia and “Have a friend for lunch!” you can’t help but chuckle with yourrare artifacts. order. Painted murals show Alferd’s journey through Colorado.Colorado cuisine Melons Rocky FordA guide to the culinarygoods of the Centennial PeachesState PalisadeFrom chiles to peaches, The Denver OmeletteColorado is home to a wide Denvervariety of culinary delights.Here’s where you can findyour favorite state foods.28 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

The ornate boulder dushanbe teahouse credit: Kvng, wikimedia commonsCascades Restaurant Alferd Packer, 1842-1907Estes Park, ColoradoLooking for a dining experience that combines fine dining, spectacular views and a A Civil War veteran, Alferd Packer trav-love of horror? The beautiful Cascades Restaurant is located in the historic Stanley eled to the Rockies as a prospector inHotel, best known for its inspirational role in Stephen King’s novel The Shining. search of gold. In 1873, he and a partyKnown as one of the most haunted hotels in America, you can book a Ghost Adven- of 21 men made their way from Utahture Package and stop by Cascades to fuel your ghost hunting. to Colorado. After successfully making their journey through Montrose andNot to Miss Gunnison, Packer and five others decid- ed to continue the expedition throughLooking for even more interesting dining experiences? Try these restaurants. the Rocky Mountains in February ofThe Sherpa House Restaurant & Cultural Center, Golden, Colo. 1874, despite the harsh winter condi-The Bucksnort Saloon, Pine, Colo. tions. After becoming lost in the snow,Coney Island Hot Dog Stand, Bailey, Colo. the group ran out of food. Though thereThe Buckhorn Exchange, Denver, Colo. are several differing accounts of what happened next, Packer signed a confes-Bison Wine sion in 1874 that indicated he murderedNorth Park Western Slope a fellow party member in order to eat him. After escaping jail in Saguache,Chiles Carrots Colo., Packer was discovered living inPueblo Greeley Wyoming under an alias. After being re-captured in 1883, he signed anotherApple Cider Sweet Corn confession and faced multiple trials andPenrose Olathe sentencings. Packer’s life has inspired several pop cultural references, includ- ing Cannibal! The Musical, a 1993 film made by CU alums Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of South Park. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 29

Summer is time for sunshine, long days and backyard cookouts. Take the kitchen outside with these grilling basics.30 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

The Press TestRelax your hand and pressyour index finger on thefleshy area between the baseof your palm and thumb.Compare this to your meatin order to gauge the level ofdoneness. RAW RARE MEDIUM RARE MEDIUM WELL DONECleaning CutsKeeping your grill clean isessential. Invest in a goodgrill brush, clean often andconsider lightly oiling thegrates of your grill.TempsUSDA Safe Minimum Cooking TemperaturesGround meat & meat mixtures: 160°Steaks, roasts & chops: 145°Chicken, turkey & poultry: 165°Fresh pork & ham: 145°Quick tip! VeggiesAdd wood chips to a charcoal grill to Vegetables are great for the grill. Consider eggplant,add a smoky flavor. asparagus, onions, mushrooms and corn as special standouts. Marinating your veggies prior to grilling will Get inspired: Stream complete seasons help boost their flavor and keep them from sticking. of Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour and Mike Amos’ Cooking for Kids using hoopla digital. All you need is your Anythink card. JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 31

Fave food flicks There’s nothing like a good movie to inspire your next meal. Here are some of Anythink’s Collection Develop- ment team’s favorite food films. » Ratatouille » Super Size Me » Julie & Julia » Jiro Dreams of Sushi » Toast » Like Water for Chocolate » Chef » The Hundred-Foot Journey Titles available on DVD at your local Anythink.32 | ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG JULY 2015

Whatare youthinking?“Sometimes we must simply try and try again, keeping at it until we achieve the desired results. It seems to me that in thisrespect cooking is not different from any other human activity. We must keep trying because good cooking is a pleasure weshould not forgo.”– Benedetta Vitali, SoffrittoIoften compare our work in libraries with cooking and restau- The library experience is defined by our generous sense of rants. One of my favorite restaurants is Zibibbo in Florence, hospitality, our informal learning philosophy to our love ofItaly, run by Benedetta Vitali. She has created a simple, spare, getting our hands dirty while we learn to make seed balls,but rich atmosphere with mahogany wood floors and earthy mud pies or even cherry pies, or while growing herbs in ourwatercolor paintings framing the walls. Her food changes community gardens.with the seasons, fresh from the local markets and vineyards.She often greets guests and asks if she can assist in trans- Our community gardens team recently had an abundance oflating the menu or offer advice. She understands that eating organic tomato plants. Bill sent an email to the staff asking iftogether should be a multifaceted experience combining anyone wanted any additional plants – he had too many tofood, friends and stories. handle in his garden plot. I asked if I could adopt one, may- be two. I didn’t want to be too greedy. Later that afternoon,She believes that good cooking is something that you must Bill stopped into my office with four San Marzano tomatomaster by choosing the freshest ingredients, cooking with plantings. These are some of the rarest of tomatoes thatlove for one’s family and friends, and by experimenting. make the richest tomato sauce. This gift from Bill is just oneSometimes the recipe doesn’t quite work, because we are hu- of many that he gives away freely every day – sometimes itman, but we shouldn’t abandon our quest to acquire the skills is a story, sometimes an idea or a small joke. On this day, itand experience necessary to be successful in the kitchen. was a rare tomato plant. I will do my best to care for these delicate, gorgeous tomato plants and raise them to harvest.Just like these experiences, when you enter our libraries Hopefully, we will have an abundance of tomatoes to sharethere is an expectation that something wonderful is about to through the season.happen. One of our team members, like Bill Zorack, mightcatch your eye and then you are in for a treat, maybe a story. At Anythink, we approach our work as if we were chefs,Bill loves to talk about Anythink and how we have evolved scientists and gardeners – everything is a bit of an exper-from a place where you might not want to spend too much iment and each day is a unique opportunity to refine ourtime. Today, each library detail is cohesive and thoughtfully craft. When you layer people, ideas and stories, you get theplanned, from the way the books are displayed – so you can’t richness of an Anythink experience. We keep evolving andhelp but want to collect a basketful and just sit and read all growing because creating a curious life is essential to theday – to the distinctive library cards. You can choose which human spirit.card reflects your affinity, from creative rainbows to blacktechno to calming green nature. – Pam Sandlian Smith | Anythink Director JULY 2015 ANYTHINKLIBRARIES.ORG | 33

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