After spending six years developing Zeppelin’s TAXI, the Comal Heritage Food Incubator has landed on the ground. new york times Named to America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 list, the restaurant has moved to a new larger space at nearby RiNo ArtPark (1950 35th Street).
“Comal’s new location will not only provide a great experience for our guests, but will also provide a more dynamic space for our attendees to make their dreams come true,” said a program from the nonprofit Focus Point Family Resource Center. Manager Seinabou Sohay said. Serving low-income households in the Denver metropolitan area. “We are very excited about Komal’s next chapter. RiNo Art District’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and creative community fits well with Komal’s mission of cultural exchange.”
Focus Point launched the Comal Restaurant Training Program in 2016 in partnership with Mexican women’s groups in neighboring communities such as Groveville, Elyria Swansea, Five Points and Cole. The idea behind it was to develop and support immigrants and refugees by teaching them the skills they need to run a food-based business.
Over the years, women from Mexico, Ethiopia, Syria, Venezuela and beyond have taken part, serving food from their home countries to hungry guests.
Komal’s new space offers more seating.
Linnea Covington
The old space was just 1,600 square feet, while the new space is 2,600 square feet and can accommodate more attendees (up to 20) and dinner. Indoors, he has space for up to 65 guests, as well as extensive outdoor seating facing the park.
Current program participants include Maria Elena Pérez, Silvia Alvarez, Silvia “Judith” Guevara, Selene Arteaga, Maricela Rivera Sánchez, and Zirnia Contreras, each with their own culture, recipes and goals into the incubator. For example, Arteaga, from Mexico City, used to teach cake making and now wants to develop her skills to run her own shop. A native of Sonora, Mexico, Perez emphasizes her hometown’s carne asada tradition and dreams of opening a coffee shop with a small space for events.
Comal’s summer menu includes el caribe o tilapia empanizadas with coleslaw and tostones.
Linnea Covington
Comal’s menu changes seasonally and sources produce from Focus Point’s sister company, Huerta Urbana, a nonprofit garden that doubles as an educational farm. We are now open for breakfast and lunch.
The summer menu includes ham, cheese and veggie burritos. Pipane chicken and rice and beans. Chili stuffed with sweet mincemeat. El Caribe or tilapia with coleslaw and tostones. roast beef tacos. grilled vegetables. And weekly chef specials.
The team is also working on obtaining a liquor license and plans to co-develop a beer with a nearby brewery.
The Comal Heritage Food Incubator is located at 1950 35th Street and is open Tuesday through Friday for breakfast from 8am to 10am and lunch from 11am to 2pm. For more information, visit comaldenver.com.
