NO ORDINARY JOE
Caffee Sanora
1245 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
The java poured at Caffee Sanora doesn’t taste like medicine, but dang, it’s good for you. A complex roasting process developed by cancer researchers preserves the antioxidants present in green coffee beans, giving the brew David Boyan pours a wellness punch rivaled only by certain green teas. The coffee packaged by Boyan’s sister down in Austin hits all the social hot buttons – organic, shade-grown, Rainforest Alliance – and kicks back a portion of profits to cancer-prevention research.
BUY AMERICAN
American Apparel
1512 Larimer St., Denver
Speaking of retail with a conscience, American Apparel opened its third Colorado store in Writer Square this month. Legitimately hip, genuine made-in-America duds for men, women, kids and dogs, at prices that rival Gap, but with the extra dough going toward worker wages instead of celebrity endorsements. AA has a “sustainable” line of 100 percent organic cotton, and all of the garments are cut and sewn in Los Angeles factories designed with worker wellness in mind.
TOP OF THE CLASS
Chez Lena
2508 Blichmann Ave.,
Grand Junction
This classroom-cum- restaurant may offer the best lunch deal in the state. Named for Lena Elliott above, president of the board of trustees of Mesa State College, and open from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, it boasts entrees as exotic as maple-lacquered pork roast and handmade pappardelle pasta prima vera for about $8 a plate, all prepared and served by students in the college’s 8-year-old culinary-arts program. Beyond the white tablecloths, though, don’t expect top-shelf ambiance. This is, after all, a learning environment. Reservations recommended: 970-255-2641.
