A Creative Haven: Exploring Stamford’s Hidden Playground for Food, Art, and Innovation
On a recent Friday night, I found myself visiting Stamford’s hidden gem: the GE Co Create building. Dubbed a “community playground,” this vibrant space houses a test and demo kitchen, makerspace, fabrication studio, and even CoBrew—a dedicated space for brewing creativity in more ways than one. While some areas were closed when I arrived, the location itself was stunning, and I couldn’t help but get excited about returning to explore all it has to offer.
The Co Create makerspace caught my attention right away. Imagine walking into a space where all the tools and resources you need to bring your creative ideas to life are just waiting for you. But my main reason for being there was the demo kitchen—a large, open, and fully equipped space that can accommodate 5-6 groups of cooks learning together under the guidance of a talented executive chef.
The atmosphere was electric. The Chef was busy creating pastor tacos, and the air was filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly chopped herbs, sizzling beef, and perfectly blended sauces. Watching such artistry unfold in the kitchen reminded me why food has always felt like home to me.
As the Chef shared his story and journey, it became clear that this wasn’t just about cooking—it was about building connections, nurturing creativity, and fostering mentorship. The space encourages entrepreneurs to come, learn, and develop their craft while also sharing their knowledge with others. It’s a vision of community and collaboration that felt incredibly inspiring.
Of course, tasting those delicious pastor tacos was a highlight, but what stayed with me long after was the potential of a place like Co Create. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother and mother, learning to cook with fresh herbs, vibrant spices, and vegetables. Whether we used a wood-burning stove (leña) or modern gas and electricity, those moments were about more than food—they were about family, culture, and love.
I couldn’t help but wish there were more spaces like Co Create across Connecticut, places where people from all walks of life could come together to innovate, connect, and create. It’s not just a playground for creativity—it’s a bridge between passion and possibility.
If you haven’t been to Co Create Stamford yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re there to cook, create, or simply be inspired, this is a space that truly has something for everyone. I can’t wait to return and try the CoBrew and makerspace—and who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one creating something next time.
Comments