Now onto the news!

Big thanks go out to the Denver Botanic Gardens for providing loads and loads of great greens over the past couple of weeks.  How awesome it is to have an organic, professionally tended garden less than 5 blocks from our front door.  Food can't get much fresher than that!  We've also been fortunate enough to be able to purchase great fresh veggies from other local growers like Granata Farms and Fairmont Gardens this summer. 

We had a surprise visit from one of Libby's former co-workers from Illinois last week who was in town to visit with her family.  What a treat to have a little blast from the past and to get to catch up on the latest news from old friends.  We just never know who is going to walk through the door!  Libby was so excited to see the Illinois license plates pull up, and sad to see them pull away. 

*********************We will be closed on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 for the holiday.***************************


Wish List
Registered Golfers or Sponsors for the Aug 3rd Outing - we're 1/2 way to our goal!!
To register, send checks made out to SAME Cafe to Katie & Rich Novak 2005 New Hampshire, Loveland, CO 80538 For sponsorship opportunities or questions call 970-980-1725

Large (33 gallon) trash bags - eco-friendly if possible
Toilet Paper

CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am - (at least) 2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
         
Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Watermelon Cream)

Tuesday
------------------------------
--

  

We were so excited to spend our weekend (Sunday and Monday) in the mountains (Thanks Jen & Jon.)  It was great to get out of the city and just relax.  Brad and I have been teasing each other lately that we have forgotten how to relax.  We need to find what our hobbies are again.  It has been a long time since we had the extra time.  Having both Sunday and Monday off has been a great blessing.  The fresh mountain air was rejuvenating and we even started to think about expanding our hours or the days we are open now that this is Brad's full-time job. 

Last week we were so touched by a woman who left a voice mail (When our voice mail was working that is-Comcast is still trying to solve the phone problem.  We apologize if you have been trying to reach us by phone.  When in doubt, email us!)  Anyway, this woman left a tearful message about just losing her fiance to heart disease.  She was reading the Cooking Light article about SAME when she found out about Vance's passing.  When I could finally call her back (wiping away my own tears) Stacey and I talked about Vance and how he was so special to her.  He would often times take a homeless man out to dinner, remembering himself what it was like to be homeless.  Stacey felt it was no coincidence that she was reading about SAME Cafe when she heard the sad news. She felt that was a sign and is setting up a memorial fund in Vance's name. Stacey and Vance and their family and friends will be forever part of the SAME Cafe family.  As we often say in my family, there are no such things as coincidences.  Please keep Stacey and Vance and their families in your hearts.



*********************We will be closed on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 for the holiday.***************************


Wish List
Registered Golfers or Sponsors for the Aug 3rd Outing - we're 1/2 way to our goal!!
To register, send checks made out to SAME Cafe to Katie & Rich Novak 2005 New Hampshire, Loveland, CO 80538 For sponsorship opportunities or questions call 970-980-1725
Large (33 gallon) trash bags - eco-friendly if possible
Toilet Paper

CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am - (at least) 2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
         
Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Watermelon Cream)

Tuesday
------------------------------
Roasted Red Pepper & Sun-dried Tomato Bisque
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Tuna Salad
Asian Slaw
Apple Pecan Blue Cheese Pizza with Cherry Balsamic Sauce
Pepperoni Pizza

Wednesday
------------------------------
Potato Leek Soup
Chicken, Bacon, Apple Soup
Greek Pasta Salad
Tomato, cucumber and gorgonzola salad
Margherita Pizza
Turkey Pizza

Thursday
-------------------------------
Cucumber Melon Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Orzo with citrus
Chicken Salad
Artichoke, Kalamata olives, capers & Garlic Pizza
Pesto Sausage Pizza

Friday
------------------------------
--

  

Some of you may have noticed that there is no longer a golf tournament food sponsor on our wish list.  We would like to thank the Dr. John W. Flory Foundation (of Dayton Ohio) for sponsoring the breakfast portion of the event.  We would also like to thank the anonymous donor who has provided funds to cover the lunch portion.  We are getting very excited as the Aug. 3rd date approaches -- with all the friends and family who have made arrangements to come, its shaping up to be quite a weekend! 

On Thursday of last week we had an in-house seminar with the current residents of the Romero House for Peace & Justice at Regis University.  After having lunch and doing a bit of clean-up, we had a discussion of the current state of poverty in the US as well as here in Denver.  It's great to see young folks who are so motivated and willing to get involved with real-life issues, and doing their part to make a difference. 

Wish List
Registered Golfers for the Aug 3rd Outing
Paper Towels

CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am - (at least) 2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
         
Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Watermelon Cream)

Tuesday
------------------------------
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Cold Watermelon Gazpacho
Mandarin Orange Cashew Salad
Shrimp & Arrugula Salad
Caramelized Onion & Artichoke Pizza
Sausage & Mushroom Pizza

Wednesday
------------------------------

--

  

We had several visits from area schools last week.  We think it is awesome that so many teachers are making a point to teach their classes about economic diversity, and to show them first hand how it is possible for them to have lunch and make a difference all at once.  Last week we met children from the Denver Academy, Escuela de Guadelupe and the Academy at High Point.  If you are a teacher and have an interest in taking a field trip to the cafe, just give us a call or send us an email and we'd be glad to set it up with you!

For the past few letters we have had Golf Tournament Food Sponsor on the wish list, without really explaining what it is we are looking for.  This year's tournament will be held at City Park Golf Course on August 3rd (only 2 months away -- be sure to sign up soon!).  Don't worry -- there's no bulk food preparation skills required!  The food is going to be prepared by the course restaurant, and we are looking for an individual, group, or corporation who would be willing to sponsor the cost of the food.  For our expected turnout of 80 golfers, that would amount to around $300 for breakfast and $900 for lunch.

Wish List
Golf Tournament Food Sponsor


CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am - (at least) 2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
         
Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Watermelon Cream *NEW*)

Tuesday
------------------------------
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Turkey Noodle Soup
Greek Veggie Pasta Salad
Caesar Salad
Tomato & Bleu Cheese Pizza
Ham & Pineapple Pizza

Wednesday
------------------------------ --

  

As summer comes upon us and the school season draws to a close, it is time to say goodbye to our interns from Skyland Community High School.  James and Auriel have been great to have around this semester, and we will miss them this summer.  Coincidentally, we also say hello this week to our new placement from Work Options for Women, Ms. Bonnie.  Bonnie's first day is today (Tuesday), so be sure to welcome her when you stop by.

We have had a great response already from the Cooking Light article which appears in the new June issue.  They included lots of fun pictures, and even a couple of our favorite recipes.  This morning I'll be speaking on the NPR show Splendid Table as well, so be sure to tune in if you happen to have the time. (*update - it won't air until sometime in June, so we'll post another note when we hear when that will be)

We had a great visit last weekend from Keith and Jan from Spokane, Washington.  They currently own a small cafe/teahouse (SereniTea) in a transitional neighborhood up there, and are seriously considering switching over to the pay what you may model.  We wish them luck in their process, and hope that any of you in the area will be able to stop by and support their endeavor!

Wish List
Golf Tournament Food Sponsor
Paper Towels
DIshwashing Liquid


CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am - (at least) 2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
         
Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Watermelon Cream *NEW*)

Tuesday
------------------------------
Beef Stew
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Panzanella (Bread Salad) w/ Tomatoes & Spinach
Cobb Salad
Bacon, Dates & Bleu Cheese Pizza
Minestrone Soup
Sweet Pea Soup
Pan Bagnet (Tuna) Salad
Mixed Bean Salad
Chef's Choice Pizzas

 * menus subject to change *

  

Anyone who was at the Rockie's game on Saturday night might have seen Brad down on the field just before game time.  This was part of the Americorp award we received last Monday, and all the award winners were brought on the field and introduced.  Many thanks go to the Americorp organization and to the Governor's office for the experience. 

If you are a subscriber to either the local 5280 or the national Cooking Light magazines, keep an eye out in the June issue for mentions about the cafe.  The Cooking Light article is even supposed to include several of our favorite summer recipes, which will definitely be working their way into the rotation as the warmer temperatures approach. 

This week's menu contains the first cold soup of the year - Chilled Cucumber Mango.  If that won't take down the temperature on a warm day then I don't know what will!  Of course the hot soups are still around for a while as well, and if you haven't tried the Apple, Tomato & Bacon soup then come on down and try a cup this Wednesday. 

Wish List
Golf Tournament Food Sponsor
Paper Towels
DIshwashing Liquid


CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am - (at least) 2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
         
Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Watermelon Cream *NEW*)

Tuesday
------------------------------
Vegetable Soup
White Chicken Chili
Roasted Red Pepper & Sun-Dried Tomato Bisque
Chicken Salad
Spinach Quinoa Salad w/ Cherries & Almonds
Sweet & Spicy Pepper & Sausage Pizza
Spinach & Artichoke Pizza

  

A great article came out in the March 24 issue of Woman's World Magazine this week.  In addition to this, there was a story in the Denver Voice and The Denver Daily News recently.  The great publicity just keeps coming!  We are so excited for these opportunities to reach more people and to spread the word.  

We went and spoke at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS a couple of weeks ago and now some Benedictine students are stopping in.  The school is on Spring Break this week and a few students have come in to have lunch and one is even coming in to volunteer.  We are excited to have this connection to such a fantastic community of young people.

We know you are probably tired of reading about the golf tournament but we want to pose a challenge to all of you this week.  Your mission, if you choose to accept it is, to get 1 person to sign up for the golf tournament by April 1.  The proceeds from one golfer provides SAME Café with a donation large enough to feed 5 people.  If you sign up a foursome, that group is providing SAME with a donation large enough to pay our electricity bill for one month.  Here are the details:  

Sunday, August 3, 2008
Shotgun start
City Park Golf Course,
Denver, Colorado
4 Person Scramble

$85 Registration per person includes green fees, breakfast, lunch, prizes and a $10 gift certificate to City Park Golf Course.
To sign up or ask questions, please email Rich and Katie at richandkatie_61701@yahoo.com or call 970-980-1725.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available.  Please contact us if you are interested in hole sponsorship, prize donations or title sponsorship.

Wish List
20 Quart Professional Mixer
Dish Soap
Organic Coffee

CAFE HOURS
Tuesday-Friday: 11am-2pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays

Weekly Menu  
Featuring Oogave Organic Sodas! (GRAPEFRUIT (NEW), Mandarin Orange-Key Lime & Ginger Ale)

Tuesday
-------------------
Chicken Noodle Soup
Potato Soup
Cool Couscous
Greens with Veggies
Southwestern Veggie Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza

Wednesday
------------------------
French Onion Soup
Ham & Black Bean Soup
Mixed Greens
Fruit Salad
Mushroom & Artichoke Pizza
Pepperoni, Sausage, Black Olive Pizza

Thursday
--------------------------
Sausage & Greens Soup
Lentil Stew
Garlic Potato Salad
Watercress & Orange Salad
White Pizza
Ham & Pineapple

Friday
--------------------------
Pea Soup
Taco Soup
Artichoke & Orzo Salad
Apple & Chicory Salad
Bacon, Spinach, Tomato Pizza
Pesto & Artichoke Pizaa

Saturday
--------------------------  
Asparagus Soup
Chili
Chicken Couscous salad
Spinach and Pear Salad
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Greek Veggie Pizza

  

  

About three weeks ago, Brad got a phone call during the day at the restaurant.  The caller on the other end asked Brad, "Do you guys do any public speaking?"  Brad told her about some of the small events that we have done in and around Denver and asked what she had in mind.  That is when Brad heard about Social Justice Week at Benedictine College and how they wanted us to be speakers.  When Brad shared the news, we decided that we just had to go and share the story of the cafe.

We just arrived back from our trip to Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.  It was an awesome (quick) weekend that we will both remember for a long time.  The students and faculty of Benedictine are amazing people.  They are dedicated to bringing about change in the world.  The spirituality and hospitality that we witnessed this weekend was touching and inspiring. 

 Our trip started on Sunday, February 17.  The plan was to fly out of DIA at 6:55 a.m.  When we left our house around 5 a.m. we knew that Kansas was experiencing some rough weather but Southwest Airlines said we were on time.  Instead of being on time our 6:55 flight was canceled due to ice and snow in KS.  We later found out the KCI airport was closed.  We decided to put ourselves on the standby list for the 11:30 flight - which was also canceled.  We finally made it out at 3:00 and arrived at KCI at 6.  Tatum McWhirter, president of Hunger Coalition at BC and the person responsible for getting us to BC, picked us up and we drove the 45 min. to Atchison. 

We found ourselves in good hands.  Tatum had a great plan for the weekend even though our plans had changed many times through out the 9 hours we sat and carried 100 cookies around the DIA airport.  Everyone tried to con us out of a few cookies.  We even tried to use the cookies as a bribe to get on an earlier flight but it was futile.  The good thing about this delay was that we had time together and time to work on our presentation.  Being so busy with both of our full time jobs didn't leave us with much time to prep this week.  God works in mysterious ways. 

Tatum had arranged for us to have dinner with an intimate group of students from BC.  They treated us to the most amazing food I have had in a long time and I didn't have to do the dishes!  A lot of the pizza items on our menu this week were inspired by the meal we shared Sunday night. 

15 volunteers showed up to help "storm the dorms."  Students took samples of our cookies around to all the dorms on campus and tried to spread the word about Social Justice Week and invite students to our talk.  These students went out all around campus encouraging others to come and listen to what we had to share.  Lauren Steinkoenig was one of those people who helped storm the dorms.  It was great to see and visit briefly with her. 

We retired to the Abbey Guest House where Tatum had arranged for us to sleep.  It was a simple, quiet space for Brad and I to rest after a hectic day of travel.  We truly enjoyed the quiet time to rest and prepare for the next, exciting day. 

On Monday morning we had breakfast in the Holy Grounds Coffee House where we met Chris, Autumn and Dr. Bunch for a chat and great coffee.  This little coffee shop is such a great space for the BC community. It is fairly new (within the last couple of years) and has a motto of "student run from the grounds up."  We really enjoyed hanging out there and talking business with Dr. Bunch.

Emily Brenner then toured us around the beautiful campus.  We saw the Abbey Church and met President Minnis. We also enjoyed the challenge of traversing the campus through the ice and snow left by the previous storm that kept us in Denver for those few extra hours just the day before.  The tour of the town of Atchison followed where we saw Amelia Earhart's birthplace and much of the town. We ate lunch in the CAF and made an announcement about our talk and went to Dr. Bunch's Entrepreneur class.  Brad and I shared the time line of the restaurant and fielded a few questions.  It was a great warm up for us. 

We got to hang out with Dr. Bunch for a bit afterward where we got to make lots of connections to other ideas and organizations.  We met Lauren and her friend Meredith for coffee in a cute little space downtown.  After a quick visit, Dr. Bunch left us to visit more.  Lauren gave us a tour of her dorm room and we showed off the Abbey Guest house.  We had a few minutes to rest and relax prior to having a fabulous dinner prepared for us by Dr. Coronado. 

We began to prepare for our talk by rehearsing together in our guest room.  Brad and I were furiously writing notes.  Neither one of us have had an audience so large.  We tried to calm our fears by reminding each other that it is easy to talk about something that you love.  We knew that Tatum was picking us up at 5 so we changed our clothes and gathered our stuff.  I had the computer, Brad had the notes (or so we thought.)  It wasn't until dinner was almost over and Brad realized that he had grabbed the wrong piece of paper.  He and Dr. Coronado went to retrieve the correct notes while Tatum and I went to set up the slide show.  As the time got closer and it was taking longer and longer to get the projector up and running, my nerves began to take hold.  Once Brad returned from his note taking adventure, we were able to come up with a backup plan.  We probably should have had one before.  The good thing was we had never done the presentation WITH the PowerPoint so it didn't really shake us that much that we couldn't get the technology piece figured out.  We minutes to spare, Dr. Coronado came to the rescue and the technology guys got it figured out.  We had a PowerPoint after all!

Brad and I talked for about an hour about the cafe.  We told the story of how it came to be and why we wanted to create the cafe.  It was great to share about the miracles of the cafe and how God makes things happen here for us.  We talked about treating each person who walks through the door with dignity and respect.  We were both nervous in spots and were overcome by emotion at one point that we both teared up (when we were telling the story of Hazel Drapper - if you don't know that story you should ask us about it - you'll cry too.)  Once we got it back together, we shared with pride what SAME Cafe has become.  It was a moving experience for us.

The meet and greet that followed in the Holy Grounds coffee shop inspired us.  We talked to students, faculty, and friends of the school until almost 10 p.m.  They seemed fired up and ready to make change happen in Atchison.  Hopefully, we were able to share the story of the cafe in a way that challenged them to follow their hearts.  It was the words of someone experienced that allowed us to take the leap in Denver. 

After another great night's sleep in the Abbey Guest House, Tatum and Emily picked us up bright and early at 4:45 a.m.  This time the trip was much smoother with no delays.  We drove straight from the airport to the restaurant where we opened the cafe for another day of service.