Food
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The secret is in the sauce By Bob Yates
Jun 1st
The Boulder Bulletin/June 2026 My father was a raconteur, a storyteller. After he’d finish serving a particularly delicious
tale, he’d give you a knowing Irish wink and offer an epilogue for dessert: “It’s mostly true. And
the parts that aren’t make it more interesting.”
That’s how it is with Jay Elowsky, who everyone calls Pasta Jay after the name of the
Italian restaurant he’s operated on Pearl Street for nearly 40 years. He tells story after story, and
that every good story—like every good sauce—needs a little seasoning
you’re not entirely sure which parts are true. But it doesn’t matter. As a chef, Pasta Jay knows
that every good story—like every good sauce—needs a little seasoning.
How does a Polish kid from Bay City, Michigan, end up running the most successful
Italian restaurant in Boulder, with a second operation in Utah and jars of rich, red sauce sold in
supermarkets across the country?
After a brief and incomplete stint as a student at CU-Boulder in the early 1980s, Jay
headed to California to work in his Uncle Sonny’s pizzeria. There Jay learned Italian recipes
handed down from Sonny’s great, great grandmother, “Mama Genovese,” who was the cook for
King Victor Emmanuel of Italy in the 19th century.
Absorbing everything Sonny could teach him, Jay convinced his parents to loan him
$50,000 so he could return to Boulder and open his own Italian restaurant, which he called Pasta
Jay’s. The Mall on Pearl Street had recently opened, but Jay chose a spot for his restaurant a
couple of blocks west of the Mall, in an old house at 925 Pearl.
“Everyone told me not to open on the West End,” Pasta Jay recounts now about his 1988
decision. “They said it was off the bricks, and no one would come there. Well, it was an instant
success. From the first day, there was a line out the door. We could barely keep up.”
The first day for the new restaurant was September 16, 1988. That afternoon, before
opening the new place, Jay and his parents hurriedly painted bright red some old chairs they had
procured from CU to use in the restaurant. When they opened that evening, the second customer
through the door was George Karakehian, the proprietor of Art Source on the Pearl Street Mall.
“After George finished his meal in the newly opened restaurant,” Pasta Jay recollects, “he got up
to leave. But the chair stuck to him. The red paint hadn’t dried yet. George and I have been
friends ever since.”
In 1989, the year after opening Pasta Jay’s Restaurant, the Boulder City Clerk observed to
Jay that the CU football team was looking for a meal sponsor, someone who could feed them
before games. Jay volunteered but was told that university rules required that the school pay
something for the food. So, Pasta Jay charged the team $1 per player for dinners.
Feeding the football team lasted more than 30 years. Along the way, Pasta Jay started the
Buffalo Stampede, a Pearl Street tradition on the night before every home game, which continues
to this day. There is Buffs paraphernalia throughout his restaurant. Jay estimates that he serves
5,000 meals every CU graduation weekend.
Jay estimates that about ten percent of his diners are CU students. Another 20 percent are
tourists, and the rest are locals. “We are very family-oriented,” Jay explains. “I judge our success
by how many highchairs we’re using. I want families to be able to afford to feed their kids.” A
long-time leader in Downtown Boulder, Pasta Jay understands that Boulder residents are the key
to continued success. “We have to get families downtown. We need to keep the locals coming
in.”
Now at the corner of Pearl and 10th Street, a few yards east of the original Pasta Jay’s
location, Jay figures he has served between 200,000 and 250,000 meals each year since 1988.
That’s nearly 10 million pizzas and plates of pasta over the course of four decades.
“Through the years, we’ve added more sauces,” Pasta Jay explains. “We now have
something for everyone.” Jay says his favorite item on the menu is stuffed shells. That and the
chicken parm are the two most popular items in the restaurant. If you look closely at the menu,
you’ll notice that some dishes are named after regular diners and local luminaries. “Even my dad
has a dish on the menu, and there’s a drink named after my mom. It’s kind of cute.”
The same age as me and approaching retirement, Pasta Jay has been gradually handing
over the reins of his Boulder and Moab restaurants to his daughter Josie and his son Jay Wyatt.
“Jay Wyatt started bussing tables in the restaurant when he was 11. The other day, Josie was in
here at 2 am, learning recipes.”
Like Nicole Hurdle at Hurdle’s Jewelry, Zoe Polk at Pedestrian Shops, and Chase
Kraegel at Peppercorn, Jay’s kids have had to earn their place as next generation inheritors of a
long-time downtown family business. “I am harder on them than I am on my own employees,”
he says of Josie and Jay Wyatt. “They can stay here in the restaurant, or they can start their own
businesses. It’s up to them. But I am always asking them, ‘What are you doing to build your own
empire?’ They have worked for where they’re at. They’re doing a good job.”
The millions of plates of pasta and pizzas that Pasta Jay has served over the decades have
included meals for visiting luminaries to Boulder, including the Grateful Dead and the Dali
L
Lama. And Jay says he’s proud that the Sundance Film Festival is coming to Boulder next year.
“While Sundance will give us a big boost in January, what it really does is puts us on the map.
Overall, it gives Boulder more of a national presence.”
As proud as he is of his kids and the restaurant he has built up over the decades, Pasta Jay
says he reminds himself to be humble, to help those who are less fortunate. “We have served
homeless people meals out of the back door of the restaurant,” he says. “We have to be actively
involved in the community. I keep learning. I try to give others a helping hand. I keep reminding
myself: It’s about how you treat other people.”
Boulder Braces for Hunger Crisis as SNAP Ends Nov. 1; Food Banks ‘Out of Food
Oct 28th
BOULDER, Colo. – October 28, 2025 – With federal SNAP benefits expiring November 1, Boulder faces a severe food emergency. Local journalist Jann Scott emailed City of Boulder Communications Director Sarah Huntley and City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde on October 27, warning: “We are getting requests for emergency food bank locations starting Nov. 1 when SNAP runs out. Plus, govt workers are furloughed or fired.”
Scott told officials the city’s two main food banks are depleted. “The 2 Boulder food banks you listed are out of food,” he wrote. “I think we have a big problem.”
City Communication Senior Program Manager Lyndsy Morse-Casillas responded, acknowledging “increased need across our community.” She directed residents to Boulder County’s website for federal service impacts and listed Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), Harvest of Hope Pantry, and Boulder County AIDS Project as resources. She also promoted Boulder County Findhelp, an online tool launched this year by the Boulder County Family Resource Network.
Food bank leaders confirm the crisis. EFAA told Boulder Channel 1, “We do not have enough food. Shelves are bare; we’re rationing what little remains.” Harvest of Hope Pantry said, “We’re out of rice, pasta, canned vegetables—donations can’t keep pace.
”The loss of SNAP coincides with over 1,800 local government workers facing furloughs or termination due to federal and state budget cuts. During the pandemic, the City of Boulder and Boulder Valley School District opened emergency food sites. Scott pressed city leaders: “What are you doing now by Nov. 1?”No new city-run pantries are planned. Officials rely on nonprofits urging donations and volunteer support
Residents in need should visit findhelp.org/boulder or call 211. However, the city of Boulder needs to step up and open its’s own food bank now
Boulder County has 7.8 million dollars for Covid Baby Sitters no strings
Mar 17th
Applications for Survive and Thrive Close On March 28
Funding is available for child care providers and nonprofits offering essential safety-net services.
Seguido en español.
Key points:
- The application window closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 28, 2025. Application support is available.
- The program provides $7.8 million in one-time funding to support local child care providers and nonprofits offering essential safety-net services.
- All eligible organizations that apply during the open window will be considered for funding.
- To receive this information in another language, email HSCommunications@
bouldercounty.gov or call 303-579-6971.
Boulder County, Colo. – The application for the Survive and Thrive grant program – which offers $7.8 million in one-time funding to support nonprofit organizations and child care providers in Boulder County – is currently open. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 28, 2025. All eligible organizations that apply will be considered for funding.
The Survive and Thrive program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is designed to help those impacted by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes any unlicensed individuals who watch children in their home (known as Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers). Agencies and individuals will be awarded funding from $5,000-150,000, with amounts varying according to the applicant, the population served, and the impacts felt due to the pandemic.
“Child care providers and nonprofits have been essential in supporting our community throughout the pandemic – the Survive and Thrive program is one way we can help them recover and continue their important work” said Program Manager Emily Darrell. “We encourage all eligible organizations to apply for this funding, and we hope you will also help spread the word to our family, friends, and neighbors who might not realize they qualify for this opportunity.”
Survive and Thrive Eligibility Criteria
Organizations eligible to apply for the Survive and Thrive grant must:
- Have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with ongoing effects.
- Have provided services in 2020 and/or 2021.
- Be located and provide services within Boulder County.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Additional requirements apply for child care providers and nonprofits:
- Licensed Child Care Providers must serve children in the 0-5 age range and have proof of licensure.
- Nonprofits must be based in Boulder County, provide human services or social safety net services, and have proof of 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) status.
- Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers must serve children in the 0-5 age range, be based in Boulder County, and have proof of child care services provided.
For full eligibility details and to apply, visit the Boulder County Survive and Thrive website.
Application Support is Available
If you have any questions about the application process or eligibility, support is available. For questions related to the application itself, contact AidKit (support@surviveandthrive.
Additionally, Boulder County is hosting virtual, drop-in office hours with bilingual (English and Spanish) staff:
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 12-1 p.m.
Join the Meeting
Meeting ID: 252 745 349 938
Passcode: Pv2PH2aQ +1 720-400-7859, 270520924# United States, Aurora
Phone conference ID: 270 520 924#
Monday, March 24, 2025 – 5-6 p.m.
Join the Meeting
Meeting ID: 233 034 318 03
Passcode: Ue2Gk27f +1 720-400-7859,176810448#
Phone conference ID: 176 810 448#
About the American Rescue Plan Act in Boulder County
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, to help communities recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the ARPA, Boulder County was allocated $63,359,749 to assist with recovery efforts. Boulder County is committed to using ARPA funds to support equitable recovery and address the ongoing challenges faced by local communities.
Las solicitudes para el programa Progresando Juntos se cierran el 28 de marzo.
El financiamiento está disponible para proveedores de cuidado infantil y organizaciones sin fines de lucro que ofrecen servicios esenciales de protección social.
Puntos clave:
- El plazo de presentación de solicitudes finaliza el 28 de marzo de 2025 a las 11:59 p.m. Se ofrece asistencia para llenar la solicitud.
- El programa proporciona una financiación única de 7.8 millones de dólares para apoyar a los proveedores locales de cuidado infantil y a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que ofrecen servicios esenciales de protección social.
- Todas las organizaciones elegibles que presenten su solicitud durante el plazo establecido serán consideradas para recibir financiamiento.
- Para recibir esta información en otro idioma, envíe un correo electrónico a HSCommunications@
bouldercounty.gov o llame al 303-579-6971.
Condado de Boulder, CO – Ya está abierta la solicitud para el programa de asistencia Progresando Juntos, que ofrece 7.8 millones de dólares en fondos únicos para apoyar a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y proveedores de cuidado de niños en el condado de Boulder. El periodo de solicitud se cierra a las 11:59 p.m. del 28 de marzo de 2025. Todas las organizaciones elegibles que lo soliciten serán consideradas para la subvención.
El programa Progresando Juntos, financiado por la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (ARPA, por sus siglas en inglés), está diseñado para ayudar a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que ofrecen programas esenciales de protección social, así como a los proveedores de cuidado infantil, incluyendo proveedores del tipo Family, Friend, and Neighbor (personas cercanas a las familias, como parientes, amigos o vecinos, que ofrecen cuidado infantil), que se han visto afectados por los efectos continuos de la pandemia COVID-19. Las agencias y personas podrán recibir entre $5,000 y $150,000 en financiamiento, dependiendo del solicitante, la población que atienden y el impacto que la pandemia haya tenido en ellos.
“Los proveedores de cuidado infantil y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro han sido fundamentales para apoyar a nuestra comunidad durante la pandemia. El programa Progresando Juntos es una forma de contribuir a su recuperación para que puedan continuar con su importante labor”, dijo la directora del programa Emily Darrell. “Invitamos a todas las organizaciones elegibles a solicitar esta financiación y les pedimos que ayuden a correr la voz entre los proveedores del tipo Family, Friend, and Neighbor, quienes podrían no estar al tanto y perderse esta oportunidad.”
Requisitos para Progresando Juntos
Las organizaciones interesadas en esta oportunidad de financiamiento deben reunir los siguientes requisitos:
- Haber sido afectadas negativamente por la pandemia COVID-19, con efectos que aún persisten.
- Haber prestado servicios en 2020 y/o 2021.
- Estar ubicadas y prestar servicios dentro del condado de Boulder.
- Ser mayor de 18 años de edad.
- Además, se aplican requisitos específicos según el tipo de solicitante:
- Los proveedores de servicios de cuidado infantil con licencia deben atender a niños de entre 0 y 5 años y presentar prueba de licencia.
- Las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro deben tener su sede en el condado de Boulder, prestar servicios humanos o servicios de protección social y acreditar su condición de 501(c)(3) o 501(c)(19).
- Los proveedores del tipo Family, Friend, and Neighbor deben atender a niños de entre 0 y 5 años, residir en el condado de Boulder y presentar pruebas de los servicios de cuidado infantil prestados.
Para conocer todos los requisitos y presentar una solicitud, visite nuestro sitio web Progresando Juntos.
Asistencia para llenar la solicitud
Si tiene alguna duda sobre el proceso de solicitud o de los requisitos, tiene ayuda a su disposición. Para sus preguntas relacionadas con solicitud, póngase en contacto con AidKit (support@surviveandthrive.
Además, el Condado de Boulder cuenta con un horario de atención al público, de manera virtual y con personal bilingüe (inglés y español):
Martes, 18 de marzo de 2025 – 12-1 p.m.
Únase a la reunión
Identificación de la reunión: 252 745 349 938
Código de acceso: Pv2PH2aQ +1 720-400-7859, 270520924# Estados Unidos, Aurora
Número de conferencia telefónica: 270 520 924
Lunes, 24 de marzo de 2025 – 5-6p.m.
Únase a la reunión
Identificación de la reunión: 233 034 318 03
Código de acceso Ue2Gk27f +1 720-400-7859,176810448#
Número de conferencia telefónica: 176 810 448#.
Acerca de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense en el condado de Boulder
La Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (ARPA, por sus siglas en inglés) se promulgó el 11 de marzo de 2021 para ayudar a las comunidades a recuperarse de los efectos de la pandemia del COVID-19. Como parte del ARPA, al condado de Boulder se le asignaron $63,359,749 para ayudar con los esfuerzos de recuperación. El condado de Boulder se compromete a utilizar los fondos de ARPA para apoyar una recuperación equitativa y abordar los retos actuales a los que se enfrentan las comunidades locales.
