Vendor Spotlight

Owner: Greg Greisen

Product: Gluten-free, turkey green chili

Fun Fact: Greg wears flip flops nearly year round.

Deal: Mention this blog post at time of purchase and get a $1 off through the end of the season. (not good with any other offers)

There's no denying that Loco Bueno is, as they say, crazy good green chili and owner and mastermind behind the delectable sauces, Greg Greisen, is determined to keep it that way.

Loco Bueno got its start after Greisen and his wife Lisa dazzled friends and family on football game days with their homemade green chili. After much encouragement from their friendly fans, Greg and Lisa decided to embark on a new culinary journey. 

The two dabbled in the kitchen tweaking the recipes for months before settling on the three flavors (mild, hot and extra hot) that are now available.

"There's a lot of pork green chili's out there," said Greisen. "So we wanted to do something that set us apart."

The scrumptious green chili is only available at the Farmers' Markets on Tuesdays in Loveland and beginning Oct. 10 on Sundays as well from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Drake Road Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Greisen's favorite part about the Farmers Markets, for which he began selling at in October 2011, is the camaraderie behind the scenes, among the vendors, who have, for Greisen, become a permanent part of his life.

"I love being out there with all the different people, both vendors and customers," he said. "The vendors is almost like a little community with everyone watching out for each other."

Greisen wasn't always a business proprietor and owner, he has also worked as a graphic artist with his wife at Grandin Graphin Design. However, his long standing skills in the kitchen range back to his first few jobs as a teen.

"I started as a dishwasher in restaurants at 16 or 17 and then moved up to a cook," said Greisen. "I probably did that for 4 or 5 years."

Greisen also received a cookbook from his parents during that time and that is where he first experimented with green chili, which over the years he would tweak to fit his tastes and needs to what it is today. He feels that cooking is not just a necessity, but should be viewed as more than that.

"I love cooking, it's almost like a way of art," he said. "I love cooking for people; it's almost therapeutic."

For newcomers to the market, Greisen explains that it's important to just get out and support your local producers and you won't be disappointed.

"You get local, fresh products," Greisen said. "Everything I've tried at the markets is good."

At each Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday location from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Farmers' Markets will have donation buckets available for accepting cash. On Sunday, June 24, the market will be accepting donations of packaged undergarments including socks and underwear for the victims.