Paca Pantry is Alpaca and More.

Paca Pantry

133 East Center Street (Hwy. 491)

Monticello, UT, 84535

Phone: (435) 419-0750

Email: dpalpaca9@yahoo.com

Website for Ordering and Shipping of Items: alpacasofpetersprings.com, or find Wild Mountain Meats at Overstock.com

Free Wifi is available.

Five years ago, Dorothy Pipkin-Padilla, owner of Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch, had a wild idea.  Doing research, finding resources that suited her needs, Wild Mountain Meats was born.  This new business features Alpaca meat in the forms of burgers, ground summer sausage, chops, and roasts.  Experimenting with dehydration techniques, a line of jerky will be added to the lineup. 

It was no wonder that a shop would open one year later, featuring, what else, Alpaca products.   Made from the fleece (fiber), Paca Pantry features scarves, hats, shawls, sweaters, gloves, head bandanas and yarn.  The bestselling item though are the socks which have dedicated repeat buyers from locals and tourists yearly.  “What is so wonderful about alpaca fleece?” you might be asking.  Each shearing produces roughly five to ten pounds of fleece per animal, per year. This fleece, often compared to cashmere, can be turned into a wide array of products from yarn and apparel to tapestries and blankets.

There are two different types of alpaca fleece.  Huacaya fiber grows and looks similar to sheep wool, causing the alpaca to look fluffy. The second type is Suri and makes up less than 10% of the South American alpaca population.  Suri fiber is similar to natural silk and hangs off the body in locks that have a dreadlock appearance.  At Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch, Huacaya is what you can see; simply ask Dorothy for tour information.  I have visited the ranch, while some of the alpaca can be a bit standoffish; several will gladly come forth to be petted, or simply “vogue” for the camera.  The Ranch and Paca Pantry are associated with Airbnb.com | Vacation Rentals & More (‎www.airbnb.com/‎) which helps to promote both businesses to those planning on visiting Monticello and the surrounding areas.

The alpaca fiber products at Paca Pantry come from the herd at the ranch; the fleece is sheared, carted, woven into skeins, and knitted into wearable and comfortable art.  Looking for something unique to hang over a fireplace?  A lovely, soft, full body alpaca hide can be purchased.

Now every business owner needs a right hand person; Sue Morrell, former award winning “31 Bags” demonstrator, is Dorothy’s.  Besides doing sales and making sure the shop maintains its eye tempting look, Sue helps to promote.  Currently there is a 50% off sale on all remaining “31 Bags” from Sue’s personal stock.  I LOVE the thermal insulated bags that keep items frozen or cold for approximately five hours!  Quilters and other crafters will adore the many pocketed bags made just for this purpose.

That’s right, Paca Pantry is not about alpaca only; expansion of stock is key to keeping a business interesting to the public.  85-90% of items offered for sale are sourced locally; either through consignment, or purchased outright.  The other 10-15% are Utah products; Dorothy and Sue believe in “Shop Local, Shop Utah”.

So, what else can be found to delight any shopper?  Beautifully handcrafted pottery pieces by Tony Wojcik, Otis Wright and Cedar Mesa Pottery.  Unpainted ceramic pieces are a best seller for the at-home crafter.  Essential Oils, postcards, photographs, jewelry, furniture, and I could go on and go, but I will not.  What I will do is ask you to stop in and see for yourself. 

Paca Pantry has a vision, “To provide items that will satisfy locals and tourists alike”.  Dorothy and Sue are community conscious by donating to, and attending, events such as the Parks and Beautification Gala, Rotary Club, San Juan Hospital “First Baby of the New Year”, Holiday Gingerbread House Tour, and the Pioneer Day Treasure Hunt.  Book signings, like local author Eric Niven, are an enjoyable event at the Pantry itself; along with classes on essential oils and alpaca education.  In future, cooking demonstrations will be offered on alpaca meat, so expect to get some nifty recipes for home use.  Also included will be the foods of local cultures such as Native American, Mexican and the Pioneers.

Speaking of food, in the summer, stop in for a childhood favorite, well of mine at least, a rootbeer float; or a cup of gelato which is sourced directly from the Moab Brewery.  If you have not tried their gelato yet, you will be in for a real treat!

Pet owners, do not feel left out, items geared for your furbabies will be offered in the future as well!  Before I forget, book readers; drop off used books for store credit, or come in and see what titles are a “must” purchase.

Winter hours allow for a little time off, Paca Pantry will be open Tuesday and Friday, from 11am-4pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm.  With the holidays looming ahead though, there will be extended hours Thanksgiving week, and the week before and during Christmas.  There will be a huge sale period beginning November 15^th; 10% off ALL items in the shop, except for historically based pieces.  Looking for a special gift has now been made easier.

Whether a local or simply passing through Monticello; make a stop at Paca Pantry and shop!

Mary Cokenour

Blue Mountain Foods Enters a New Age.

Blue Mountain Foods

64 West Center Street

Monticello, Utah, 84535

Phone: (435) 587-2727 or 2451

Website: http://bluemtnfoods.com/

Hours of Operation:  Monday thru Saturday  8am – 9pm, Closed Sundays

In June 2017, the owner of Blue Mountain Foods, and former mayor of Monticello, Doug Allen, heard the call of retirement.  He heeded that call by handing the reins and ownership over to his daughter, Stacy, and her husband, Jeremy Young.  The Youngs are no strangers to Monticello or Blue Mountain Foods, as they grew up in this small town, and worked at the store.  As Jeremy puts it, “food markets are in their blood”.

By the way, Jeff Allen, Stacy's brother, is the third partner in the new ownership.  He is sort of the "silent partner" and enjoys being behind the scenes.

They weren’t always in Monticello and prior to moving back, had resided in the Lone Star State of Texas for 13 years.  However, Monticello was calling and it was, and always will be, home.  This hometown couple, married 22 years, raising a family, found another need to be “food aware”, food allergies affected, not only themselves, but family and friends.  As they talked more and more with, not just locals, but tourists visiting the area, food allergies and illnesses seemed to be becoming a major issue.  Label reading and researching became a must; as Jeremy states, “Blue Mountain Foods is a fun place to be a foodie”.  So no wonder, during my interview with this friendly, lovely couple, we hit if off so well, we were foodies!

Jeremy and Stacy also believe that listening to their customers is a key factor for a successful business.  New items and brands were introduced to Blue Mountain Food’s shelves, many gluten free and vegetarian/vegan friendly.  Jeremy acknowledges that, “In this time where online food shopping is easy, less costly and more convenient; it is hurting the supermarket industry which have to now find ways to compete to stay in business.”

Another huge change is the loss of the Western Family brand that had been on the shelves for over 50 years.  This brand pulled out of Associated Foods, the main supplier to Blue Mountain Foods, prior brand was Best Way, and it would have been too costly to switch suppliers to keep Western Family.  So the Youngs stayed with Associated Foods and have switched to the Food Club brand, which has been on supermarket shelves for over 100 years!  Beginning April 4^th, a two week case lot sale of Western Family brand will be the ending of an over half century relationship.  Food Club brand will then be adorning the shelves with their green labeled products.

 

But wait, there’s more change in store (yes, pun was intended) for Blue Mountain Food’s loyal customers.  Online meal kits (Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and others) have become a huge seller, not just for guaranteed freshness, but ease of preparation.  Blue Mountain Foods has teamed up with Home Table to offer 3-4 weekly choices for your evening meal pleasure.  These meals can be ordered in advance or simply walk-in, make your choice and buy to try.  A few examples are: Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Pot Pie, Pork Yakisoba or Salmon Quinoa.  Currently the meals offered only offer a service of two at $15/kit.  Unlike the online meal kits that lock in consumers to a mandatory weekly delivery, Home Table will be buy as you need.

This foodie will definitely be trying out a couple of kits and will be reporting about the experience at a later date.

The Youngs are very interested in the “Shop Small, Shop Local” movement, especially the introduction of “cottage businesses” to San Juan County.  At home cooks will be licensed to prepare, package and sell to individuals, as well as small shops within the area.  For example, wouldn’t you rather have pure, delicious, locally produced honey than something shipped in from China?  Guess what, that product from China isn’t even real honey, it’s flavored syrup!  Another reason to join us foodies in reading labels and knowing for certain what you are truly consuming.

Expansion for Blue Mountain Foods is looming on the horizon, either for the current location on West Center Street, or the purchase of a larger property in Monticello.  For the Youngs, they are focused on hometown roots and loyalty; on bringing in products locally sourced, fresh and healthy; helping people deal with food allergies and illnesses; and most important of all, listening to their customers, whether local or visitor. 

Best wishes to Stacy, Jeremy and Jeff; let’s all of us help them achieve their goals!

Mary Cokenour

Jackalope Trading Company Portrays the Southwest.

Jackalope Trading Company  

188 South Main Street

Monticello, Utah, 84535

Phone: (435) 459-1107

Hours and days of operation are Tues-Thurs (9am-6pm), Fri-Sat (10am-8pm), Closed Sun-Mon.

The Jackalope, aka The Warrior Rabbit, was first encountered by John Coulter, the first white man to set foot inside, what is now known as, the State of Wyoming.  By the 1940s, Douglas, Wyoming was known as the “Jackalope Capital of the World” being overrun by the pesky critters.  The legislators knew a good legend, and tourist draw, when they saw it, so in 2005, the Jackalope became Wyoming’s “Official Mythical Creature”.  These creatures are most definitely not on the endangered species roll, so the Douglas Chamber of Commerce issues thousands of Jackalope hunting licenses; despite rules specifying that the hunter cannot have an IQ higher than 72 and can hunt only between midnight and 2 a.m. each June 31st.

Now for those of you (yes, the two of you) who have no clue as to what a Jackalope is, it is a species of antlered rabbit, mostly brown in color (genetics does produce other colors occasionally), between 3 to 5 pounds in weight, and can travel up to a speed of 90…yes, 90, miles per hour.  They’re said to be a cross between a pygmy deer and a vorpal bunny (ala Monty Python and the Holy Grail), therefore, extremely aggressive and vicious.  This species is not North American specific, but has cousins in Germany (wolperdinger) and Sweden (skvader) with illustrations depicted in 16^th century scholarly works!  Then, of course, there are those who have to take the fun out of the legend by stating a virus called papillomatosis, or Jackalopism, creates certain growths, caused by a parasite, to harden on the top of a rabbit’s head, resembling horns.

Local artisan, Melinda Redd (formerly of Michigan) and husband, Adam Redd (born and raised in Monticello, Utah) have taken the Jackalope, the historical concept of the trading post, and the aura of the Southwest to create a unique shop.  Jackalope Trading Company opened in June 2017 after many months of renovation, persistence and hard work.  Entering inside, you are greeted with warm, welcoming smiles; southwestern/blue grassy music plays in the background.  The wood plank flooring and log beams; antique furniture and goods for sale throw you back to the 1800s when the West was being won. 

Melinda Redd is a renowned photographer, artist and jeweler; her crafts are displayed around the shop and upon the walls.  This was her inspiration, to show and share her craftsmanship with locals and visitors alike.  However, Jackalope is not just all about Melinda; local artisans of San Juan County, or Utah, are seen, “Buy Utah” is the main theme in goods for sale.  Native American jewelry, with certificates of authenticity, are carefully watched over by one of the Warrior Rabbits.  The Free Trade program is exhibited in the beautifully crafted baskets from Africa and Vietnam; a good cause to help these countries develop business and employment.  There are food items also, such as dried sausage and sweetly delicious licorice (my favorite!).

Visiting Monticello and can’t carry all your purchases with you?  Melinda and Adam will gladly ship it to your home, or other location, even if they’re a gift.  Special orders are a pleasure to create!    A small town shop that will certainly succeed with the support of Monticello’s small town community, and visitors, like you!

Mary Cokenour

Sandstone Tires - A Public Service Warning.

Sandstone Tires

138 E Center St
Monticello, UT 84535
(435) 459-0038

Website: http://sandstonetire.com

Two weeks ago I take my car to Sandstone Tires in Monticello, Utah because it would pull to the left, not a lot, but still it shouldn't be doing that; also it would shimmy between 50 to 60 miles/hour. They give me a wheel alignment and balancing, then tell me I need new rotors because that is what is causing the problems. Really? Anyway, not only does the car now pull to the left immediately, but the shimmy is constant.

My husband decides to take it to Chip's in Moab for another opinion; I need a new caliper disc to stop the shimmy, so the part was ordered. My two rear tires were so worn down, the metal was showing; I had already traveled to Cortez, Blanding and Moab since going to Sandstone. I could have blown both tires and who the heck knows what would have happened to me. Oh, and the rotors, they were fine and didn't need replacement.

Sandstone Tires brags about being the best tire place around...and they didn't notice the extremely poor condition of both tires!?! Looks like they were more interested in bilking me, than in doing a professional job. Avoid Sandstone Tires like your life depends on it....actually, it does.

I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!

Mary Cokenour

UPDATE: On several occasions I called Sandstone Tire to speak with someone about the rotors, but was told each time "to call back later". When I called later, I was told the same thing again; since I was getting no satisfaction, I was forced to write this review.

Now someone has been trying to bully me into removing the review. Apparently this person is showing their lack of integrity by making threats. Is this supposed to be an example of maturity? Why is this person even getting involved in a situation that has nothing to do with him/her? That is correct, "him/her", as they do not have the, again, integrity to even sign their full name to the threat. As to Sandstone Tire, who are they to then go and give out personal information from my vehicle record to this person at all?

Sandstone Tire made a mistake that could have caused me an injury; they will not own up to it or take responsibility. The mistake was VERIFIED by an independent mechanic, so I have written only truth and facts in my review. As Jack Nicholson said in A Few Good Men, "you can't handle the truth!".

Update March 10, 2013 On March 9, 2013, the owner Scott S. posted this response on Yelp.com: Scott S. of Sandstone Tire 3/9/2013 Information was given correctly, Customers wish to get second option. I am glad to help those who need it and appreciate it. Its too bad that there are a few out there that can just never be happy. We offered to do the exact same work that was "done else where" but we only can only suggest if customer wants to go else where then that is there business. We offer only the best customer service possible, and all employee have professional training.

...and here was my response back to him: March 10, 2013 - The owner finally decides to speak up!?! Too bad he couldn't be bothered to speak with me when I called three times BEFORE the vehicle was taken elsewhere. Each time I called I was told, "We're busy and can't take a message now". Stop making excuses Scott; especially 7 months after the issue. The response of a good and responsible owner should have been, "I am so, so sorry this happened. I was not made aware of the problem by my employees; what can I do to rectify it?" But no, you're just pushing the blame onto the customer, displaying further unprofessional behavior, and proving my review is truthful. Thanks!

Mary Cokenour