Cultural Foods
Food has always had a direct connection to our soul. Nothing seems to be as comforting as a dish that is a family favorite, a dish that tastes like home. Food can sooth a broken heart, warm a soul that is far from home and remind us of the feeling of being next to the ones we love.
Like arts, music, and dance, food reflects the culture of an area. Whether it is the method by which it is grown or raised, prepared, served, preserved, or eaten, food is perhaps one of the most personal and perpetuating means by which family and community traditions are kept alive. Within the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, where agriculture has served as the foundation of the region’s economy, food takes on an even greater importance.
The traditional foods of the area are simple and can be obtained locally or from family gardens. Maiz(corn), frijoles(beans), carne(meat), calabacitas(small summer squash) and tortillas(flat bread) form the staples.
“What is patriotism but the love of the food one ate as a child?”-Lin Yutang
Hispanic Foods
Heritage Area Breweries
Our local breweries not only provide unique and friendly atmospheres but they also lend a taste of our heritage. Sample exceptional microbrews made from local grains and flavors from small town breweries who are building a taste of our culture. See how they make distinctive local craft beers by taking a farm to table approach, brewing specialties for trains and local events and bringing back that small town feel though big taste.
The story of The Colorado Farm Brewery began over 80 years ago when Ray Coody (Cody) settled his young family in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. He hoped to create a sustainable living for his wife and two young sons, Billy and Bobby. He broke the barren soil and planted the seed that is now The Colorado Farm Brewery. Four generations later, his grandson and great-grandsons own and operate Colorado Malting Company and now The Colorado Farm Brewery on the same property where Ray homesteaded. In the tradition of their forbearer, Wayne, Jason & Josh have harvested the seed that Ray planted 80 years ago, creating a brewery unlike anything else in the world. Come experience the brewing renaissance!
With 10 beers on tap and Root Beer, they feature indoor and outdoor seating with horseshoes, a kids play park, rotating food options, live music and incredible views! The Colorado Farm Brewery is an immersive experience you’ll want to see.
The San Luis Valley Brewing Company is a small batch craft brewery and restaurant that opened its doors in downtown Alamosa in 2006. Scott and Angie Graber started the family-owned establishment in order to offer craft beers, great food and a unique atmosphere.
The building, located on San Juan Ave. and Main Street was once home to the San Juan Bank, when Alamosa was growing into a booming railroad town. Local designer Kris Gosar created the rustic yet modern dining atmosphere to reflect its history and it has become a go to spot for locals and travelers alike. Behind the bar you can still see the banks vault door featured as the centerpiece of the pour station.
Local favorites include: OL’ 169 OATMEAL STOUT, ALAMOSA AMBER, and GRANDE RIVER IPA
Mark Martinez and Derek Heersink are lifelong friends who met in the third grade and went on to open Square Peg Brewery in downtown Alamosa in 2017. Martinez is the head brewer and Heersink is the resident farmer and business/marketing manager. Their beers are “Farm to Tap”, which means they grow the barley and alfalfa they use to brew their genuine craft three barrel brews on a local Centennial Farm owned by Derek’s family. They have been farming in the San Luis Valley since 1897.
Derek & Lacey rebranded & renamed to Spare Keg in 2022.