The January issue of Food & Wine forecasts the restaurant trends of 2009, and one of those predictions–grocery shops–is already in the works here in Denver.

Of course, there are Uptown’s Marczyk Fine Foods and the eight-month-old Urban Pantry on South Broadway, but now Patrick Mangold-White (Gaia Bistro) is hoping to bring the trend to Highland at West 32nd Avenue and Julian Street.

Mangold-White, who co-opened Platt Park’s Pajama Baking Company (but is no longer affiliated), is working to open an indoor-style farmers’ market with a small cafe, goods from a featured farmer and Colorado producers, local baked goods, and high-end sodas. (Think the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco on a small scale.)

“I’d love to bring in some artisan shops,” says Mangold-White. “I want to complement the block; I don’t want to be competition or piss anyone off.”

Bonus: Fuel Café, one of our favorite new eateries, also receives a mention in the foodie mag for its Thursday-night dinners. And, a few pages later, chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson from Frasca shares a recipe for antipasto salad.

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.