Fire Noodles Ignites Monte Vista's Culinary Scene

In the heart of Monte Vista, a new culinary hotspot is drawing attention: Fire Noodles, an Asian-inspired takeout food trailer, has quickly become a local favorite.

Located at 219 Monroe Street, Fire Noodles is the brainchild of Aeon Saltsgaver, a Crestone native and Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, and his wife, Viviana Catacora, an engineer from Peru.

The couple's unique blend of culinary expertise and engineering precision is evident in every dish they serve.

After launching Fire Noodles in Del Norte in 2022, Aeon and Viviana dedicated two years to refining their offerings and building a loyal customer base.

Their hard work culminated in the opening of their Monte Vista location in December 2024, marking a significant milestone in their culinary journey.

The menu at Fire Noodles boasts a variety of fresh, made-to-order dishes.

Highlights include the Creste Fire Noodle, featuring lo mein noodles, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, radish slaw, Valley potatoes, broccolini, and a special curry sauce.

Another standout is the classic Pad Thai, composed of rice noodles, cabbage slaw, pickled peppers, onions, radish slaw, peanuts, egg, and a sweet and spicy sauce.

For those seeking lighter fare, the fresh spring rolls—made with rice paper, butter leaf, carrots, noodles, mint, and cucumber—offer a delightful option.

Aeon's passion for Asian cuisine began at the age of 14 during an apprenticeship at the Crestone Mountain Zen Center.

There, he was introduced to vegetarian dishes crafted from on-site garden produce, sparking a lifelong interest in Asian flavors.

Reflecting on this experience, Aeon shared, "That experience sparked my interest in that type of cuisine at a very young age."

Viviana echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their shared love for food and exploration.

"Every time I go to a restaurant, I'm passionate about those with generational recipes," she said.

"Going to restaurants brought us together, trying new food and doing some creative things. We are both into Asian foods."

Their commitment to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed.

Since opening, Fire Noodles has received an enthusiastic response from the Monte Vista community.

Viviana noted, "So far, we've gotten a great response to our food, and we are really happy about it. The next step is to expand, and for now, this is our fixed location."

Fire Noodles is open for takeout orders at 219 Monroe Street, Monte Vista.

To place an order, call 719-588-7970.

As Monte Vista continues to embrace new culinary ventures, Fire Noodles stands out as a testament to the town's evolving food scene.

With its unique offerings and dedicated owners, it's a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.