COVER STORY: Filipino restaurants and food trucks in Colorado

do from their days living in a suburb outside of Seattle. Cambronero’s experience came from working at Jewel Box Cafe, while Solemsaas has worked at Peet’s Coffee and Tea and espresso stands.

In fact, espresso stands were commonplace in the northwest territory, so bringing this concept to Colorado paved a way to penetrate the Castle Rock market.

They both experimented with recipes, collaborated with local sourcing, and conducted cold calls to businesses around Castle Rock. These cold calls landed the coffee cart business at regular weekly spots including Iron Mule Brewery, Crush Wine Bar, Pinnacle in Crystal Valley Ranch, and KinderCare Castle Rock.

“We created Coffee Sarap to showcase Filipino culture to our community by sharing our flavors through specialty beverages and food items,” said Solemsaas. “We aim to create an inviting and inclusive space for anyone to feel welcome when they visit Coffee Sarap.”

Looking Ahead

Coffee Sarap’s newest drink is a Bubble Tsaa (tea). Coffee Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan in the 80’s and is a mix of tea, milk, flavor, sweetener and contains chewy tapioca pearls in the bottom.

Looking ahead, Cambronero and Solemsaas are eyeing the possibility of owning a brick-and-mortar site, but still operating a coffee cart for festivals and community events.

Curious about Coffee Sarap’s Filipino flavors or their October schedule? Check them out at coffeesarap.com or connect with them on Instagram @coffeesarap or Facebook @coffeesarapco.

Mary Jeneverre Schultz is excited about the Ube lattes, not because of their purple color, but because ube is made of a delicious yam from the Philippines.

COFFEE SARAP MENU

Boracay Dreams Halo Presko Mestiza Morena Palawan Dreams Pandan Latte Pandan Milk Pandan Presko

The Lola Ube Latte Ube Milk Ube Presko

Boracay Dreams Pandan Milk Ube Latte

Filipino Restaurants in Colorado

Adobo Restaurant and Food Truck 3109 N. Federal Blvd., Denver 1309 26th St., Denver adobodenver.com Chibog (Food Truck) Facebook and Instagram: @chibognow https://chibognow.com ChowSun 830 S. Buckley Rd., Aurora, CO 80017 chowsunaurora.com Filipino Belly (Food Truck) fb.com/TheFilipinoBelly2020/about instagram.com/the.filipinobelly2020 (720) 645-5088 Filipino Food Truck 4305 E. Platte Ave., Colorado Springs Filipinofoodtruck.com (719) 321-1316 Ihawan sa Colorado (Food Truck) See schedule at: instagram.com/ihawansacolorado Julie’s Kitchen 3750 Astrozon Blvd., Colorado Springs fb.com/people/Julies-Kitchen-ColoradoSprings/100057719267309 (719) 596-4019 Manila Bay Restaurant 13800 E Mississippi Ave., Aurora, CO 80012 manilabayrestaurant.com (303) 751-2561 Rj Foodies and Catering Services (Filipino Food Truck) 4102 Harrison Rd., Colorado Springs rj-foodies-and-catering-services.ueniweb.com (719) 217-5093 You-Ka Café 3743 Blooming St., Colorado Springs You-kacafe.com (719) 309-6934

Colorado Facebook Groups:

*Tindahang Filipino sa Colorado (TFC): Home-cooked chefs fb.com/groups/475880109772858 Taste of Filipino Food fb.com/groups/1604094173153019