The Upslope

Headed to the Western Slope? Refuel in Grand Junction with Bin 707 Foodbar’s big-city eats.

By Amiee White Beazley for Aspen Times Weekly — Cover Story

With the Grand Valley’s long growing season, ample farms, developing oil and gas economy, and steady mountain biking tourism, it was only a matter of time before an exceptional restaurant opened. That eatery is Bin 707 Foodbar, a seasonal American bistro in Grand Junction.

Since the spot opened in 2011 (Bin 707 Food and Wine originally launched in 2008 but was reconcepted three years later), it’s helped ignite a culinary awakening. Locals flock for seasonal dishes such as the Roan Creek Ranch lamb served with a local apple and fennel purée and the mainstay Bin Burger with white truffle aïoli topped with a tempura fried heirloom tomato, La Quercia prosciutto, and a fried egg. “With great local produce and wine, we can literally source from our backyard,” says chef and owner Josh Niernberg, whose industry knowledge was honed at Denver locations such as Restaurant Kevin Taylor and by working with chef Sean Yontz. “We source local first, Colorado second, domestic third.”

Along with Bin 707, other indie  restaurants such as 626 on Rood and No Coast Sushi are evidence of the culinary revolution afoot. It’s one worth spending a weekend exploring. 225 N. Fifth St., Grand Junction, 970-243-4543, bin707.com