A conversation.

A chance encounter at Rock City Cafe transformed into an unexpected journey through Southern Colorado's hidden mob history. When I overheard locals discussing Pueblo's past, I couldn't resist introducing myself and my podcast—little did I know I'd soon be recording first-hand accounts of the Italian mafia's surprising influence throughout the 719 area code.

One gentleman shared how his Italian grandfather, having relocated from Memphis to Colorado Springs, once took a friend to Pueblo for a movie. Upon arrival, mysterious men recognized the friend, urgently demanding they "go back to Memphis now"—revealing connections between organized crime networks across state lines. This echoed an email I'd received from the owner of Ian's Pizza in Pueblo, whose establishment began after his great-grandparents abandoned their bootlegging business when threatened by the mob. The restaurant's curious name change from "Bessemer Drive-In" to "Ian's"—despite no family member having that name—became an inside joke about "Witness Relocation Pizza."

The conversation unveiled how the steel mills, labor unions, and immigrant communities created perfect conditions for mob influence throughout Southern Colorado. "The mob always follows the food," one participant noted, highlighting the intertwined relationship between cultural traditions and underground enterprises. Most fascinating were stories of tunnels originally built for moonshine operations that were later repurposed for discreetly transporting psychiatric patients—literal and figurative undercurrents of a history that shaped the region in ways many outsiders never realize. If these hidden stories of Pueblo fascinate you, discover more local histories and the people behind them by subscribing to the 719 podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

What happens when a family with a passion for Creole cuisine decide to take their love for family meals on the road? Discover the heartwarming story of Creole Roots, a food truck venture that transitioned from catering football games to delighting a broader audience with their New Orleans-inspired dishes. From humble beginnings to serving up crowd favorites like gumbo and red beans and rice, even during the hottest Pueblo summers, this episode celebrates the culinary diversity and deep-rooted family traditions that fuel their venture.

Ever wondered why many aspiring food truck owners find the journey more challenging than they expected? We unravel the impact of the movie "Chef" on the food truck industry and underscore the indispensable role of family support in these ventures. With heartfelt contributions from Janice and Janay, who share insights on their collaborative cooking process and the unique dynamics of involving kids and extended family in the business, the episode highlights the blend of passion and community that makes Creole Roots stand out.

Food truck events are more than just a gastronomic delight; they're a celebration of community and culture. Join us as we reminisce about vibrant food truck gatherings, recounting memorable experiences from the Battle of the Food Trucks to spontaneous meetups at Benning Lewis Ranch. Whether it's savoring a perfect Philly cheesesteak or laughing about a failed gumbo experiment, this episode paints a vivid picture of the joy and excitement that food truck culture brings. Plus, get a sneak peek of Creole Roots' future plans, including a second truck focused on delicious snowballs!

As "Big Tasty," his personal escapades in the realm of flavor have allowed him to craft a narrative that extends far beyond the plate. His adventure, complemented by "Captain Bungee's" own spirited journey, is where marketing meets memory. The result? A podcast episode that's seasoned with stories, and drizzled with the dedication behind their unique personas. From the origins of these engaging nicknames to the heartfelt recount of Big Tasty’s childhood culinary spark, this installment is a full-course meal of inspiration.

Step into the world of gastronomic delight, and listen to how one taste can convert a meal into something truly extraordinary. One bite of a Firebird chicken sandwich and your tastebuds will sing. But it's not all tasting notes!  We’re also sharing the inception of 'Return of the Mac,' where a love for '70s nostalgia meets Mac ‘n Cheese. 

Wrapping up with a side of solidarity, we explore the world of food trucks where the usual cut-throat competition gives way to a community bound by shared dreams and stainless-steel counters. We invite you into the lives of passionate foodies like Nick, Brie, and Eli who transform their culinary visions into rolling realities. Tune in and taste the commitment that drives local food truck entrepreneurs to dish out success, laughter, and mouthwatering bites, one parking spot at a time.

Ever been curious about the heartbeat of Southern Colorado's independent eateries and the vibrant tales simmering beneath their hoods? I'm Joe, your culinary storyteller, and after a little nudge from my mate Scott, I've whipped up a refresher to feed your curiosity and give you a taste of the 7 One Dine Podcast's essence. This isn't just about dishing up reviews; it's about plating the rich stories, the history, and the culture that season our local restaurant scene. Engage with us as we journey through the motivations and dreams of restaurant owners and the fond memories of their devoted customers, bringing you narratives that make our dining landscape so uniquely savory.

In this audio banquet, we set the table to discuss what 71dine stands for—no negative reviews, just the full-bodied flavors of positivity and community. No establishment pays us for our words; our only currency is the genuine tales that we share with you. So, pull up a chair, adjust your earbuds, and savor the tales that flavor our community, as we celebrate the passion and dedication that make Southern Colorado's independent restaurants the true cornerstones of our culture.

Pull up a chair and get comfy—Joe’s back from holiday hiatus with a bellyful of stories that are as rich and savory as grandma's secret recipe. Today, we're going beyond the frying pan and into the fire, as Dr. Taco joins us to stir up a candid conversation that's bound to leave you hungry for more. From the heartwarming tale of Jack McPain's cookbooks to the sweet, sweet victory of seeing our own culinary creations grace those pages, we're simmering up a batch of stories that remind us why we fell in love with food in the first place.

As I swap out the stethoscope for a spatula, I'll share the saga of my transition from the ER to the bustling streets of Playa del Carmen. You'll ride shotgun on a journey that spans from food truck dreams to rubbing elbows with culinary giants. But it's not all about the glitz and gastronomy—tune in as I reflect on the impact of my son's daring leap from ski slopes to emergency services, and how these life decisions can echo in the kitchens we run and the meals we craft. It's a story of change, challenge, and the spices that make life worth savoring.

Wrap up this feast of an episode as Dr. Taco and I toast to the unsung heroes of the food industry—the food trucks and independent restaurants. Whether it's the 70-year legacy of a diner or the spicy anecdotes of a Pueblo eatery with mafia ties, these stories are the lifeblood of communities and the soul of our dining experiences. So, as you savor this episode, remember it's more than just about what's on the plate—it's about the tales, the people, and the passion that season our world with flavor.

Ever wondered how food can connect people across cultures and generations? We bring you a fascinating conversation with the charismatic and innovative, Carlo, otherwise known as Dr Taco. Carrying the culinary traditions of his family, Carlo's intriguing journey tells a tale of flavors and spices that trace back to his experiences in Mexico. His food truck, an embodiment of passion and creativity, champions the importance of open-air markets, local growers, and farmers, underlining the significance of sustainable food cultures.

As we embark on this gastronomic journey, we venture through personal encounters and cultural traditions that transcend borders. From participating in a birthday party in Italy to cheering at a rugby game in Rome, we remind you of the essence of open-mindedness and family values. Be prepared to be moved by a touching story of a family uniting over a TV show recipe, underlining the power of food in fostering bonds and traditions. As we step into Carlo's kitchen, we discuss the thrill of culinary creativity and how it adds a pinch of joy to our lives. So, strap in as we take you through an adventure of food, culture, and heartfelt stories.

Get ready for a delicious journey of discovery as we converse with the fascinating Dr. Taco, a man who seamlessly blends careers in medicine and food like a perfect salsa! As a fervent foodie and a practicing medical professional, Dr. Taco's intriguing life story is a spicy blend of passion, dedication, and delicious flavor. From his early days learning to cook in New Mexico to pursuing medicine in Guadalajara, and eventually running successful restaurants in Mexico and a food truck in the U.S., Dr. Taco's tale is sure to inspire you.

In the second part of our chat, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of running a food truck and how it differs from a traditional restaurant. With insights shared by our guest, Dr. Taco, we bring to light the flexibility that a food truck offers, the tight-knit community it fosters, and the unique challenges it presents. Discover how this booming business model is changing the culinary landscape, allowing restaurant owners to cater at events and reach a wider audience. Tune in to understand the importance of adaptation and multi-tasking in small businesses, and don't forget to sample the delectable flavors of Dr. Taco's food truck on your next culinary adventure!

Prepare to embark on an incredible journey with our vibrant guest, Christina, the award-winning owner of the Go Fish food truck in Colorado Springs. From her transition from a career in teaching to whipping up fishburger sliders, her story is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we navigate the flavorful streets of Avenue 19 and uncover the secret behind the success of Go Fish.

This episode isn't just about fishburgers and food trucks! Christina's dedication to maintaining impeccable standards in her service and food quality is a lesson for all aspiring entrepreneurs. Her candid discussion on the importance of consistency and community-building within the food industry is something to savor. And the camaraderie among food truck vendors? It's as palatable as her award-winning sliders!

Hold onto your headphones because we're not stopping here. Next, we're setting the stage for Dr. Taco and his tantalizing tale. And don't forget the upcoming 719 Battle of the Food Trucks cookoff, where you'll get a taste of competition, creativity, and community. From the power of word-of-mouth to the impact of online foodie groups, this episode is a delectable blend of business acumen and culinary passion. So, get ready to fill your ears with the sound of sizzling success!

Ever passed by an establishment and wondered what stories it holds within its walls? We're setting out on a fascinating journey, guided by our friend Terry, a London local with a unique perspective on customer experiences. We're spilling the beans on the power of online reviews and how they shape our choices. Ever think about the impact of a stellar first impression and the role of a "shameless plug"? We've got you covered!

We're turning the spotlight to the local businesses that form the lifeblood of our communities. Come with us as we explore one of our favourite spots in Colorado Springs - Slice 420. Unearth captivating tales like the history of a 90-year-old restaurant that has withstood the test of time, or a restaurant that was once a part of a mafia's moonshining run. Meet Terry, whose website brings to light the narratives behind establishments rather than just offering reviews and ratings. Ever considered how much customer service impacts a business's survival? We're tying it all together in an engaging discussion that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the essence of every establishment. You can catch all this and much more on the 7 One Dine podcast, available on all major podcasting platforms.