City Cast Denver Green Chile, Jolly Ranchers, and… the Cheeseburger? Colorado’s Claims to Food Fame
Nov 10, 2025
Dan Pashman, host of the James Beard Award-winning podcast The Sporkful, joins to unravel Colorado's culinary quirks. They dive into the origins of the Denver omelet and Jolly Ranchers, exploring local lore and nostalgic memories. The debate over Denver-style green chili versus New Mexico's version heats up, while the claim of Colorado as the birthplace of the cheeseburger sparks lively discussion. Pashman also shares insights from his quest on Colorado-style pizza, including his first taste of Beau Jo’s—it's a delicious journey through the state's food identity!
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Egg McMuffin Memory Trigger
- Dan Pashman recalls his dad's distinct "Egg McMuffin fart" that instantly transports him to childhood car rides after McDonald's breakfasts.
- He describes that smell as a Proustian trigger linking him to family memories and cravings.
Why Some Immigrant Foods Become "American"
- Dan explains how immigrant foods assimilate unevenly into "American" cuisine, with European foods becoming mainstream faster than others.
- He uses wonton soup vs. hot dogs to illustrate how longevity in the U.S. doesn't equal cultural adoption.
Jolly Ranchers Began On A Denver Ranch
- Paul Caroli tells the Jolly Rancher origin: Dorothy and Bill Harmson made candies at their Denver-area ranch starting after 1949.
- Their candy grew into the Jolly Rancher brand, later sold to Hershey's in 1997, and locals remember the factory smell.