International Expert Warns ‘There Is No Safe Level Of Lead Exposure’
by Julie Hayden
The Hancock Administration’s aggressive
development projects don’t just endanger the City’s parks, open spaces and
quality of life in its neighborhoods. Some worry they also put the health of
the City’s most vulnerable residents — children and the elderly — at risk.
“Denver has a lead problem,” says community
activist Bridget Walsh. “Just like in other cities like Flint, Michigan, the
lead in Denver’s water in homes and schools, in our air and soil, has been
quietly poisoning our children and us for decades.” Walsh is co-founder of CATE
— Colorado Advocates for Toxin Education, a not-for-profit group of concerned
citizens focusing on promoting education about toxins in our air, water and
environment, and engaging in collaborative efforts to reduce the impact of
toxins on Colorado residents.
To help get the word out and educate the
community, CATE partnered with the Vasquez/I-70 Superfund Site Community
Advisory Group (CAG) and sponsored a series of events featuring Dr. Bruce
Lanphear. He is an internationally recognized expert on the destructive ,
cumulative impacts of even low levels of environmental contaminants and
pollutants on all of us.
Forget everything you thought you knew
about lead exposure and poisoning. Dr. Lanphear emphasizes, “There is no safe
level of lead exposure.” He says 20 years ago, doctors mistakenly believed that
low levels of toxins found in the blood were safe. But he says all of the
current research makes it clear that “low levels of toxins cause irreparable
harm and long-term effects.” He notes even the CDC, Centers for Disease
Control, now states there is no safe level of lead in children’s blood.
Lanphear explains lead has been linked to
physical and cognitive problems in children and impacts IQ. Lanphear cites
studies that show even tiny doses of toxins like lead cause irreversible damage
to children’s brains and bodies. It’s not just children who are harmed. Lead
exposure is also linked to heart disease. Lanphear points out the common
mythology is to blame everything on the individual and focus on lifestyle
choices like smoking, obesity and exercise. But the truth is, Lanphear says
science shows there is an undeniable connection between low level lead exposure
and premature death from cardiovascular disease. Yet, he says, we aren’t doing
enough to hold our institutions accountable for cleaning up lead and other
toxic pollutants.
Walsh points to a study released in 2018
that revealed almost all Denver Public Schools tested positive for lead in the
water. The District addressed the issue when the levels hit a high or
“actionable” level but Lanphear notes again, “No level of lead exposure can be
considered ‘safe.’”
CATE members additionally worry about lead
impacting tens of thousands of Denver residents whose homes still have old lead
water pipes.
The I-70 expansion is also stirring up the
lead issue. Lanphear addressed the Globeville community about that. The I-70
expansion includes a drainage project involving the I-70/Vasquez Superfund
site. Lead and other toxins have been found in the soil there. Neighbors and
others like Walsh fear the development will stir up lead, metals and other
contaminants. “Lead and other toxins like air pollution impact all of us,”
Walsh says, “especially residents who live in heavily industrialized sections
of Denver, close to highways and around big construction projects.”
CATE and CAG members hope Dr. Lanphear’s
message about the cumulative impacts of toxins on our children will encourage
policy makers to adopt what Lanphear calls population strategies that target
lead and other pollutants. “We and our children are being exposed to unhealthy
levels of lead and other toxins in our environment,” Walsh asserts. “It’s time
for Denver residents to arm themselves with the latest scientific facts and
demand that Mayor Michael Hancock and Governor Jared Polis not only recognize
this public health emergency but immediately allocate sufficient funds to define
the extent of the problems and clean it up.
No Safe Level Of Lead In A Child’s Body:
International expert Dr. Bruce Lanphear addresses Globeville residents about
the dangers of even low levels of lead exposure to children and others in the
community.
Walmart Stores, Inc., the parent company of
retail behemoth Walmart, is suing half the counties in Colorado to lower its
property tax bills based on a shady legal idea known simply as the “Dark Store
Theory.”
Largest Retailer: Walmart has 96 locations throughout Colorado, making it the largest retailer in the state.
The theory says that the property value of
a closed down big-box retailer store should be tied to the traditional real
estate sales approach, where valuation is determined by the stores surrounding
it. Under this theory, a Walmart store that is listed for sale for $11 million
while a Hobby Lobby nearby is on the market for $5 million would be overvalued.
But assessors argue that this theory
completely misconstrues what gives a property its value: location. Walmart has
a long history of opening stores in areas that are strategically important to
the company, whether it provides logistical efficiency or a larger labor pool.
This strategy makes the company’s property more valuable because of the
web-like network that comes with it.
Walmart contends that its business
practices should not weigh into the valuation of its stores, and that argument
has gained little traction recently. In July, Colorado’s Board of Equalization
(BOE), the agency that sets property tax values across the state, denied
Walmart’s property tax complaint. This rejection prompted the retailer to issue
its lawsuits in county courts.
In August, a judge in Pulaski County,
Arkansas, rebuked Walmart’s argument that the company should pay fewer property
taxes because their stores are retrofitted to the company’s specific needs and,
therefore, cannot fetch a fair price on the open market.
The case in Pulaski County concerned a 2017
tax assessment of $145 million between Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Neighborhood
Market. Walmart tried to reduce the total assessed property value to $93.8
million, and then slashed the value to $74.3 million, a 48 percent drop.
Opponents argue that if Walmart prevails in
this argument, then the value of an empty store would be set by a vacant lot in
a different state.
Walmart’s Littleton-based attorney Brian
Huebsch tried to find a way around this impasse by arguing that Colorado county
assessors did not account for the store’s 24-hour operability into their
valuations. This causes the company to replace items such as cash registers and
furniture used in daily operations more frequently than other businesses.
Huebsch declined requests to comment on
this story, saying that he doesn’t comment on open cases.
The lawsuit also argues that Walmart is
experiencing difficulty reselling these items because other retailers are
closing, thereby reducing demand and value of the goods.
La Plata County’s assessor Carrie Woodson
told The Durango Herald that she and her staff have not seen evidence of
Walmart reselling its property, despite monitoring the company’s operations for
several years. In fact, Woodson asserts, she believes Walmart is actually just
throwing away their damaged products, making them fully exposed to being taxed.
Over $4.5 million in school district
funding was at stake in the Pulaski case while only $20,000 is at stake in La
Plata.
In Arapahoe County, Walmart sought to
recoup nearly $29 million in property taxes on eight stores located in Aurora,
Centennial, and Englewood. The company argued that “economic depression” of its
furniture and point of sale systems (POS) warranted a 25 percent reduction in
its tax value. Arapahoe County ended up settling the case with Walmart for a
12.8 percent reduction in its tax assessment, essentially handing the company
$14 million.
Other assessors, both in and out of
Colorado, are saying that this tactic is a symptom of a larger disease
spreading throughout corporate America. Namely, that megacorporations are
attempting to use their financial might to beat small counties into submission
in order to lower their property taxes.
One study by CityLab found that over 230
similar property tax claims have been filed across the U.S. since 2015, most of
which ask for a 50 percent reduction in tax assessments. However, a majority of
the claims were settled for 15 percent reductions because counties simply
cannot afford the cost of litigating the claims for as long as corporations
can.
Smaller counties typically feel the brunt
of this argument because of their fiscal constraints. However, all 32 Colorado
counties currently have plans to defend each other when the lawsuits are
brought before a judge.
Walmart brought in over $514 billion in total revenue, and employed over 2.2 million people across the country in 2019. The company earned a gross profit of $126 billion from its revenue. This represents a two-percent increase in profit from 2018. Walmart’s gross profits have increased every year since 1995.
“Mom & pop stores are not about something small; they are about something big. They are important … for providing us with intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and connection to our communities.” — Robert Spector
The commercial topography of Anytown,
America, is changing due to a distinct set of economic circumstances. The
buying power of large corporate entities and the low overhead of online
retailers are undercutting the profit margins of independent brick-and-mortar
businesses. As mom & pop shops give way to big box outlets, national chains
and web-based sales platforms, the independent business model is becoming an
increasingly difficult equation to balance.
Despite these daunting circumstances, a few
independent proprietors have found a way to stand their ground against the
seemingly unstoppable tsunami of hospital waiting room-like establishments and
soulless, whitewashed, cookie-cutter stores. While Denver’s ongoing
transformation into a generic urban sprawl mirrors that of most American
cities, a stubborn patchwork of retail holdouts continue to express traits of
their 20th Century DNA by operating with distinct, inimitable identities. These
holdouts are singular brands that cannot be duplicated or synthesized any more
than the personalities of their proprietors could be mimicked, molded or
mass-marketed.
This is by no means a comprehensive index, rather, it is a suggestion of infamous standouts across several industries — a list intended to expand the perception of your daily commercial options. Whether you must drive an extra mile, rearrange your schedule to make “normal” store hours or spend an extra buck or two — spending your hard-earned money in businesses with soul is damn well worth it.
Cigars On 6th
Cigars: Cigars on 6th is a welcoming place for sociable connoisseurs.
(707 E. 6th Ave., Denver, CO 80203)
A circle of ornate, leather-padded chairs
await tobacco connoisseurs, humidor aficionados and enraptured novices alike.
Visitors can expect knowledgeable advice on the nuances of different cigar
brands and can be reassured that at no point will they be harangued by salesy
pretense or over-accommodating smarm. You can choose from a world-class
selection, light up on the spot and relax into conversation with your
companions and other patrons while the game plays in the background on a giant
flat screen TV.
Rupp’s Drums
Drums: The gang at Rupp’s Drums offers personalized, world-class expertise.
(2045 S. Holly St., Denver, CO 80224)
This retail percussion mecca was originally
opened by the infamous Bob Rupp in 1984 and is revered among local musicians
and internationally renowned rock stars alike. Just about every stackable
square inch of space is occupied by the necessities of the percussive arts.
Every member of the sales staff is either a seasoned drummer, an accomplished
musician of another sort, a sound engineer or all three. You can expect expert
advice on every facet of their product line and practical suggestions based on
your specific needs. The difference between shopping here and going to a chain
store is the difference between front row seats at your favorite band’s live
concert and watching a video of said event shot on a wobbly smartphone.
Wax Trax Records
Records: Wax Trax Records boasts a massive collection of music across all genres. Wax Trax has been in Denver since 1975.
(620 E. 13th Ave., Denver, CO 80203)
This Capitol Hill landmark has been Denver’s
go-to place for recorded music since the early 1980s. Unlike corporate retail
stores, the staff are neither instructed nor inclined to adhere to the notion
of “the customer is always right.” You will not be bombarded by insincere
politeness or overly-helpful attention. Rather, you can expect to be left alone
to browse a staggeringly comprehensive offering of music across all genres. The
selection of domestic and imported music is unparalleled, and if you can’t find
what you’re looking for because you don’t remember the artist’s name or you
can’t spell — you may get the idea that you shouldn’t be there in the first
place. This mainstay has outlasted several pivotal trends, including the file
sharing fiasco, the music pirating era and the Independent Records location
that set up shop a few blocks away and recently folded. Wax Trax is currently
riding high on the wave of the vinyl record resurgence.
Mutiny Information Cafe
(2 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209)
Books: Book lovers will find their “epicenter of cultural mojo” at Mutiny Information Cafe.
A South Broadway landmark for years, this
one-of-a-kind bookstore, coffee bar, comic book shop, used record rack and
pinball arcade is what some refer to as Denver’s “epicenter of cultural mojo.”
Proprietors Matt Meygasi and Jim Norris personally curate every piece of
inventory — be it the latest issue of X-MEN or a newly-released, signed album
by Steve Earle. You can order a Thai iced tea, an Americano or a matcha tea
latte, grab a chair in one of the lounge areas and read, philosophize, play
chess, work on your epic poem or just stare at all the shelves and wonder where
to begin. Frequent poetry readings, musical performances, book signings and
presentations by literary luminaries make this place a shining example of what
can happen when you disengage from virtual media and go interact with people
the old-fashioned way — in person.
Rockmount Ranch Wear
(1626 Wazee St., Denver, CO 80202)
In 1946, “Papa” Jack Weil founded this
Denver institution that has organically grown into an international fashion
phenomenon. For three generations, these western-themed stylings have enticed
blue collar folks, alternative icons, country music legends and rock ’n’ roll
superstars. The company has remained family-run since its inception, was passed
down to Jack Jr. and is currently run by Papa’s grandson Steve Weil. Their LoDo
storefront avails visitors to a museum-like stroll through a rustic setting
abundant with western motif, custom embroidered shirts and everyday “ranch”
wear. Papa Jack was also the inventor of the snap-up button shirt, which has
been endorsed by the likes of Bob Dylan, Steve Buschemi and Elvis Presley.
Although internationally acclaimed and often imitated, the store and its wares
exude an undeniably genuine appeal to everyday people.
The Wizard’s Chest
Toys: Gift shoppers, game lovers and toy experts will find paradise at The Wizard’s Chest.
(451 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203)
This family-owned gift-shopping paradise
that first opened in 1983 has become a Denver institution. This 18,000 square
foot behemoth hearkens back to a time when kids’ games were played in actual
reality with tangible toys, inspired imaginations and physical human beings.
The original Cherry Creek location was moved to South Broadway in 2015 and
features, gifts, gags, gadgets and games of every imaginable stripe along with
costumes galore and a professional theater makeup department. Such gargantuan
retail overhead would spell disaster for a start-up, but decades of building a
large clientele has enabled proprietors to leverage their brand loyalty into a
real-life community of exciting weekly events. Meetups are held for fledgling
magicians, board game experts, Lord of the Rings lovers, Dungeons and Dragons
players, Star Wars geeks and much more. Their impressive calendar of
constructive extra-curricular engagement is no doubt one of the keys to their
long-lived success and a feature that would be impossible to replicate in a
corporate bureaucracy.
The new Denver location boasts an assembly line of sparkling, brightly-lit retail facades adorned by careful corporate branding. Yet, a few stalwarts of the old business model dare to offer personality, sincerity and expertise rather than the bland, sterile mediocrity that seems to be all the rage. So, the next time you see a storefront that is not emblazoned with a generic logo that has been burned into your psyche through mainstream marketing, take a chance and pop in. You just might experience what yesterday was commonplace and what tomorrow may be but a dusty memory.
The firing of Independence Institute’s Jon Caldera as a weekly columnist by The Denver Post is the latest of increasing number of voices stilled in Colorado and across the country for a real or imagined sin. Caldera’s crime was apparently talking about transgenderism without the sufficed sensitivity and in particular noted his belief that there are two human sexes. Caldera’s use of the word “transgender” rather than some other unspecified politically correct term which was, in and of itself, apparently a fire-able offense.
The firing made national news to which the
principal Editor of the Post Lee Ann Colacioppo responded with an Editor’s
Note. In it she denied the assertion of some that the Post did “not want to run
conservative columns about issues surrounding sex and gender.” She declared
conservatives could offer opinions on those subjects provided they used the
correct “respectful language.” She noted that the Post reserved the right to
edit any column and demanded that any columnist must work with them in a
“collaborative and professional manner” to strive to the goal of “respective
language,” implying that Caldera did none of the above. Caldera’s last column
is online and contained only four short paragraphs on the sensitive subject. It
is difficult to find exactly where in the column the disrespectful and
insensitive words were located.
Even in its diminutive state we believe
having a statewide paper like the Denver Post serves an important public
service and we are generally hesitant to pile on the ever-increasing criticism
of it, but this is too much even for this Editorial Board.
Caldera’s columns in the Post over the last
four years have been at times humorously provocative, but never meanspirited or
incendiary. Caldera heaped praise on the Post and Editorial Page Editor Megan
Schrader who fired him. Anyone who has ever interacted with Caldera would find
it difficult to take seriously the implication that he is not “collaborative”
or “professional.”
The real reason for the firing in our minds
is located elsewhere in the Editor’s Note where Colacioppo admits that some of
the Post’s readers find “offensive” opinion columns that do not comport with
the paper’s progressive bent. The Post works closely with the Washington Post
reprinting their articles and even editorials. It is clear that the Post would
like to emulate the Washington Post’s idea of a conservative in its “Turn
Right” columnist Jennifer Rubin who is now more rabidly left wing than its
“Turn Left” columnist. That apparently is the Post view these days of what
Colacioppo described in her Note as exploring “a variety of subjects and
feature[ing] a variety of voices.”
Jon Caldera
We understand the temptation. Every month
we receive no small number of calls and emails demanding that we cancel Peter
Boyles’ column. Boyles was once iconoclastic on the left and these days is more
often iconoclastic on the right. Similarly, every time we run a guest editorial
by Dr. Jack Van Ens, who is on the left side of the aisle and very much
anti-Trump we get calls and emails demanding he be removed from our editorial
page. Perhaps we are old fashioned, but why would anyone want to read just the
same viewpoint over and over. Of course, one could refuse to read the columns
one doesn’t agree with, but today’s cancel culture demands that voices one does
not agree with must be silenced, permanently if possible. We think the Post
greatly underestimates the intelligence of its readers and pays way too much
attention to the twitter mob.
Our publisher certainly understands the new
“cancel culture.” After 10 years being on radio, he was fired from 710 KNUS for
making a one-line dark humor joke, which he genuinely regrets, about how boring
the impeachment hearings were. The station was inundated with calls that he be
fired, not by listeners who were very supportive of him generally, but
professional “astro turfers” on the left. His firing by Salem Corporation was,
of course, not sufficient for the professional astro turfers as he, his wife,
and their 8-year-old son were then subjected to a barrage of the crudest,
obscene death threats imaginable, almost all from people who never listened to
the radio show or even previously knew it existed. They went after the
associations he had long been part of, and many individuals he was friends
with.
They, of course, also threatened this
paper’s advertisers. Luckily, we at the Chronicle are used to it. On January 7,
2015, Islamic terrorists massacred 12 employees of Charlie Hedbo magazine in
Paris, for cartoons they found “insensitive” and not sufficiently “respectful.”
While many news publications including the Chronicle declared “Je suis
Charlie,” the Chronicle took the extra step and printed on its editorial pages
every offending cartoon. The employees of the Chronicle and our advertisers
were threatened with every type of violence and death threat possible.
Most, but not all, of our advertisers
refused to be intimidated and we were fortunate that many businesses rallied
behind us and were repulsed by the tactics. The paper emerged stronger than
ever. As far as most of us are concerned, as in 2015, it is once again “Je suis
Charlie.”
“Every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes
by Luke Schmaltz
Psilocybin mushrooms occur naturally in many areas of the world.
On May 14, 2019 Denver’s profile as a
one-of-a-kind American city expanded in dimension. Initiative 301 passed by the
slimmest of margins (50.6% to 49.4%) which enacted the decriminalization of
psilocybin — the active substance in psychedelic mushrooms.
Those who are curious as to what may happen
next can refer to the cannabis legalization history book and take note of a few
crucial milestones. Firstly, psilocybin is not yet legal, it has simply been
demoted to “the lowest legal priority” according to Decriminalize Denver, the
grassroots political action group that introduced the measure. This important
step toward legalization means that, at some point in the future, anyone over
21 will be able to legally purchase psilocybin mushroom products and services
in a retail or clinical setting. Currently the City of Denver’s policy is to
devote zero resources to the prosecution of psilocybin with a review panel in
place which will intermittently assess public and fiscal impacts of the
measure.
Just as the monetization of marijuana
continues to prove, when a controlled substance with numerous benefits becomes
legal, innovation and entrepreneurship flourish. In the case of psilocybin,
however, consumption on a massive scale as in the cannabis industry is
tentative, due to the distinct differences between the psilocybin and THC. The
greatest of these being that magic mushrooms do not have the same widespread
appeal as marijuana. Regardless, impending legalization harkens the creation of
a new segment of commerce that will, for a while at least, be unique to the
Mile High City.
An Element Of Familiarity
Like the marijuana flower, “magic”
mushrooms occur naturally across the world in dozens of strains with varying
potencies. Once mature, the dried caps and stems can be consumed raw or added
to food and beverages for greater palatability. Also, psilocybin holds great
allure for recreational substance users while presenting untold value for the
medical and wellness fields.
A New Retail Market
Palatability has long been an issue with
psychedelic mushrooms, as most who have partaken attest that chewing the dried
fungi is less than pleasant. So, it stands to reason that the first retail
products will address this objection — most likely with the same creative gusto
seen in the cannabis industry. One can expect chocolate bars infused with
“shake” — a term for ground-up mushroom caps and stems. Other anticipations
could also include gelatin capsules, peanut butter (creamy or crunchy), green
tea bags, jars of honey, pasta sauces, and smoothie-ready fruit medleys — all
infused with specific doses per serving of psilocybin. Although tax revenue on
these gross sales may pale in comparison to the cannabis numbers, there’s no
doubt that this new market will produce jobs and stimulate commerce.
Guided “Trip” Tourism
Once psilocybin can be legally sold and
openly consumed, all-inclusive magic mushroom experiences may further expand
Colorado’s tourism appeal. These “trip” packages would most likely include
measured doses in the preferred method of ingestion, a controlled environment
based on the clients’ personal tastes and a shaman-type guide to administer the
proper amounts and lead the weekend adventurers through each phase of their
journey. These psychedelic retreats could be marketed as self-care vacations
and consciousness-expanding getaways.
Alternative Treatment Clinics
Magic mushrooms can be cultivated in artificial environments.
The prescription opioid crisis has proven
that assigning a pill to every affliction may not be the best long-term
strategy. In a search for non-addictive compounds for treating difficult
maladies, science and medicine have discovered some compelling therapeutic
aspects of psilocybin. Studies by the Heffter Research Institute,
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the Beckley
Foundation have proven the efficacy of psilocybin in treating depression,
addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, cluster headaches, anxiety and PTSD
among other conditions. Upon legalization, health and wellness professionals
may be setting up psilocybin therapy practices that treat the root of health
problems instead of masking the symptoms.
Peace Of Mind Services
Aside from recreational allure and
therapeutic potency, perhaps the greatest benefit magic mushrooms have to offer
is inner peace. A 2016 FDA-approved clinical trial called the NYU Psilocybin
Cancer Anxiety Project revealed that psilocybin had a profoundly positive
effect on those struggling with end-of-life issues. Specifically, through
measured, guided doses, cancer patients experiencing depression and anxiety in the
face of impending death were able to confront their fears and find peace of
mind. This profoundly valuable service will no doubt find a robust clientele
when psilocybin becomes legal. Palliative care clinics designed to help
patients enjoy their final days with clarity and mental tranquility may carve
out a significant market share. Rather than being a sad and somber last chapter
of life, hospice may present a final opportunity for the dying to celebrate the
beauty of life.
Psilocybin has not been decriminalized in America since the 1970s, which puts Denver at the forefront of territory that has been unexplored for the last 50 years or so. With legalization a distinct possibility, so too are the possibilities for new segments of commerce forged by highly valued products and services.
True Food Kitchen: Outside True Food Kitchen in Cherry Creek. Image by Jessica Hughes
A national chain that has found a home in
Denver’s Cherry Creek shopping district, True Food Kitchen is a casual, yet
chic, healthy dining option. With earth-like elements including green chairs, a
butcher block bar, and speckles of greenery at each table, you can’t help but
feel good about eating here. Offering both seasonal dishes and staple items,
patrons will enjoy a full menu of soups, salads, pizza, bowls, burgers and
sandwiches, and an assorted mix of healthy entrees. Even their cocktail menu
leaves little guilt on the table with their Beets by Jon (organic vodka, red
beet, lemon, and pineapple) and their Juniper Rose (rose-in-fused gin, lime,
grapefruit, thyme). Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
Try: Spicy Panang Curry ($14)
Vital Root — Location: 3915 Tennyson St.
Vital Root Outside: Vital Root, located in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood.
Vital Root: Sunflower Risotto at Vital Root.
Found in the hip and trendy neighborhood of
Berkeley, Vital Root is a local food company committed to providing nutritious
and delicious food. The multi-level modern space, filled with botanical art and
good, clean food, offers both weekend brunch and an everyday menu, plus grab-and-go
food options and a happy hour you can feel good about with their $4 juice of
the day. Using ingredients such as coconut, dates, sunflower and avocado oil,
and ancient grains, their food is designed with the healthiest ingredients as
possible. Dedicated to those with food allergies and dietary restrictions, an
outdoor sign asks that no outside food or drink be brought indoors as they
operate a gluten-free kitchen.
Try: Sunflower Risotto ($13)
Vert Kitchen
Vert Kitchen: Salad du Marche at Vert Kitchen.
Location: 704 South Pearl St.
Nestled between the homes of North
Washington Park, Vert Kitchen offers a small café space with big flavor.
Serving up lunch and brunch options made with organic and locally sourced
ingredients, you will no doubt feel good about what you are eating. Everything
is made in-house using French cuisine techniques, 100% organic produce, plus
all-natural and sustainable meats and dairy. Take a sip at the café and bar for
freshly brewed coffee, natural wines, and premium beers. Enjoy your meal
indoors in their cozy café atmosphere or take yours outside to their backyard
patio-filled, with green and garden elements.
Try: Salad du Marche ($16)
Green Seed Market
Location: 2669 Larimer St.
Located inside the Denver Central Market,
Green Seed Market is a neighborhood market with a twist. Pick your poison of
fresh vegetables and fruits for purchase or order a custom soup, salad, veggie
bowl, acai bowl, smoothie, or fresh juice to take home with you. With a focus
on offering the produce of the season, Green Seed Market is dedicated to bringing
foods to the neighborhood most would not find at their local grocery stores.
Try: Gangsta’s Paradise ($9.50)
Whole Sol Blend Bar
Whole Sol Blend Bar: Fresh juices from Whole Sol Blend Bar.
Location: 1735 Chestnut Pl.
Home to Denver and Boulder’s only USDA
certified organic juice bar, Whole Sol offers a fresh twist on healthy foods.
100 percent dairy free, gluten-free, and organic, you can feel confident what
you order is good for your soul. Known for their smoothie bowls and
cold-pressed juices, you can’t go wrong with either. Don’t want to eat it as a
bowl? Just ask and they will turn your bowl into a smoothie. Take your bowl to
the next level with additional add-ons including their own Newtella, greens,
granola, and plant protein.
Try: I Like You Matcha ($10)
Just Be Kitchen
Location: 2364 15th St.
A haven for the food conscious, Just Be
Kitchen serves up 100 percent gluten-free, soy-free, and grain-free food
options that cater to Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and AIP friendly diets. A seasonal
menu offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner options. Plus, an entire menu
dedicated to the Whole30 diet, including its very own bone broth bar. For
sipping, try a gluten-free beer or a crafty cocktail using reduced grain-free
spirits.
Try: Radiant, sweet potato gnocchi ($12.50)
Mercury Café
Location: 2199 California St.
Get a mix of it all at the Mercury Café.
Known for its dance lessons and live music, the restaurant has also made a name
for itself for its fresh organic dishes. Everything on the menu is gluten-free,
except the bread. Get down this year with organic foods and a dance lesson or
two.
Try: Pagan Vegan Plate ($10)
Superfruit Republic
Locations: 7483 E. 29th Pl. &
1776 Broadway, Suite 115
A fast-casual café, Superfruit Republic
serves up tasty acai bowls packed with the nutrients a healthy body craves.
With two locations now in Denver, visitors can choose from organic acai bowls,
fruit smoothies, and fresh juices. Add a boost to your bowl or smoothie with
coconut flakes, goji berries, or any fruit/nut blend.
Try: The Blueberry Pumpkin (large bowl
$9.50)
Watercourse Foods
Location: 837 E. 17th Ave.
Catering to vegans everywhere, Watercourse
Foods serves up what they call “vegan comfort food.” With their fresh
ingredients prepared daily and friendly atmosphere, they make eating healthy
easy to do. With an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, plus salads and
sandwiches and dinner entrees, visitors can eat healthy all day long. Don’t
forget to wash your food down with locally brewed kombucha on tap!
Try: Za’atar Eggplant ($16)
Vitality Bowls
Location: 2702 E. 3rd Ave., Denver, CO
80206
A national chain restaurant, Vitality
Bowls, offers a location in Denver’s Cherry Creek shopping district. With
smoothies, bowls, salads, paninis, soups, and juices, there are options for any
meal of the day. Their signature bowls and smoothies are made with the best
ingredients available and do not include fillers like artificial preservatives.
Gluten-free options are available.
