by: Janet Day

The ancient history of Colorado, and North America, can be found in the state’s Southwest region, which reaches from the central mountains to the Native American ruins and natural wonders of the Four Corners.

From the ancient Anazasi cliff dwellers at Mesa Verde to hard-rock miners to today’s restaurants catering to vacation-home owners, cooks in the state’s southwest rely heavily on traditional foods like corn, beans, produce and lamb. Immigrant railroad workers had a strong Italian influence on the local food that can still be seen today.

Tribal and Mexican cuisine also remain powerful influences on the foods of the Colorado Southwest. Anazasi beans take their name from the mysterious ancient culture that disappeared centuries ago. The small community of Dove Creek is known as the Pinto Bean Capital of the World. One of Butch Cassidy’s favorite saloons was reportedly in the community of Rico. Ruins-rich McElmo Canyon near Cortez is home to new wineries including Guy Drew Vineyards and Sutcliffe Vineyards.