For travelers staying on the main hotel strip in Grand Junction, Horizon Drive, there is no shortage of restaurant choices. One they may not know about, and should, is my new favorite lunch spot Spoons Bistro & Bakery.

Located on 12th Street, just south of the roundabout intersection with Horizon, Spoons is operated by and located in the new Hospice Care Center. It may seem a little strange that I am recommending hospital food, but that is because this is not your typical hospital cafeteria.  (It's also not your typical hospital, but that is another story.)

The dining room, open from 11:00 - 8:00 is tastefully decorated in earth tones and is calm and comfortable. Outside there is a large patio area with a fountain and lawn.

Food is ordered at a walk-up counter and customers are handed a pager that alerts them when their food is ready to be picked up. The menu consists of creative and tasty soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. They have also just added a daily express lunch special for those with limited time for lunch. On a recent visit I had a rosemary chicken panini that was very tasty and beautifully prepared and presented. On another trip I picked up their  pasta to go for a family luncheon. For about $15 you get your choice of pasta with Alfredo or marinara sauce and French bread. For an upcharge you can add chicken, vegetables, meatballs, or Italian sausage.

I ordered fettucini Alfredo with roasted vegetables, spaghetti marinara with Italian sausage, and two side Caesar salads. For $50 I had enough food to feed 6 people and lots of leftovers. The pastas were tasty, particularly the veggies on the Alfredo. The Caesar salads were good, with a cheesy-zesty dressing served on the side so they didn't wilt by the time we arrived home.

For dessert there is a pastry display with cheesecake, creme brulee, tarts, and other choices. There are also bags of cookies available for takeout.

It's nice to get a good meal, but it's really great to know that you are helping support the mission of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado while you do it. To find Spoons, look for the Miller Homestead on the  east side of 12th Street. The Miller Homestead, one of the oldest homes in Grand Junction, is beautifully landscaped this time of year with mounding flowers. The Miller Homestead houses the other Hospice food outlet, Cups Coffee House. Spoons is located in the modern building just behind.