Since returning from my month long visit to South America, where I enjoyed some great eateries highlighted in an earlier blog written by my daughter, I have been busy checking out new restaurants and visiting old favorites up and down the Front Range, and then reviewing them on the air. Some of these include:
Arlene’s Beans & Salsa – You’ve got to love somebody who calls her restaurant “Beans and Salsa.” Arlene Padilla opened recently and is serving family recipes that she grew up on in New Mexico, and has been serving her husband and kids for almost twenty years. Not just beans, salsa, but great burritos, combo platters, and stacked enchiladas (pictured). Located in an old gas station, it is not a fancy place, but worth a drive to Palmer Lake.
Bookmakers – Mike Hernandez, who does a great job with Taste of Mexico in Happy Canyon and Blue Nectar Mexican Grill in Castle Rock, decided to go for burgers, bourbons, and brews. So Bookmakers is a small place in Southeast Aurora with good food and the feel of a neighborhood saloon. Chef inspired half pound burgers and a wide selection of bourbons and beers.
Rocco’s Italian Restaurant – Cannot thank Robert Tust, owner of Rocco’s in Colorado Springs, for once again hosting my annual Christmas Toy Drive to benefit TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), an organization that helps families of military service members who have died in the line of duty. On the night of the drive, he makes his entire menu available at a greatly discounted price, a price that encourages my wonderful, very generous listeners to attend and bring new toys for the children in these families.
Poke City – Poke is a Hawaiian food that is not only very popular in the islands, but has made its way to the mainland and migrated to Denver. Located in the Denver Tech Center just east of I-25, this place is family owned, super friendly, and the food is fabulous. It’s like a Hawaiian food Chipotle. You pick out the rice or salad, choose and add the protein, some sauces, a few add ons, in either small, medium, or large bowls, each served with miso soup. I love it.
Jozi’s Shebeen – Never had South African food? Never had a monkey burger or bunny stew? These are not made with monkey or bunny, but are very good and will give you an idea of what to expect should you venture to the Dark Continent. Located in Parker, you order at a counter where they are happy to walk you through the menu.
I’ve also enjoyed Torchy’s Tacos in Centennial, China Café in Castle Rock, and Vitality Superbowls in both Castle Rock and Cherry Creek.
Movie – Watched the movie, and then read the book, I Saw the Light. It is the story of Hank Williams, the singer and song writer who is probably the yardstick by which all country western performers are still measured today.
Books – I have been reading quite a bit, and can’t list all the books here, but you can never go wrong with the new releases of Michael Connelly and his new book, The Wrong Side of Goodbye, and The Whistler by John Grisham.
