A trip to the Baja California peninsula of Mexico with my daughter, checking out new places in both Colorado Springs and Denver, and convincing a restaurant owner to initiate a great bargain meal for the enjoyment of my listeners and his customers, took up considerable time. Not using this as an excuse for failing to blog more often, but that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Ahi tuna salad in Todo Santos.
First, the Baja. Flew to Cabo, rented a car (rental rates are quite reasonable, but the mandatory insurance is outrageous), and took off up the coast to Todo Santos. It’s a beautiful, quaint community of artists and people looking for a more quiet piece of Mexico. Also home to the Hotel California. Been around since the 1950’s, offers great meals and a fun bar. No, has no relation to the famous musical group. Only eleven rooms. We loved it. Hard to imagine the fabulous meals we had at La Esquina, Bandera, and a seared ahi tuna salad (pictured) that was memorable.
Headed north to La Paz, where there is some great street art (pictured). Also enjoyed a quiet day at Isla Espiritu. Only four peeps, plus crew of two, on the boat. Love the secluded beaches of the Baja.
Street art in La Paz, Mexico.
Took Highway 1 down the Sea of Cortez back to San Jose del Cabo for two relaxing beach days and an opportunity to watch a great surfing tournament at a break called Zippers at Costa Azul. Alana Blanchard of the movie, Soul Surfer, was on hand to pass out the awards.
$5 Tuesday Burger Bash at Rocco’s Restaurant.
Closer to home, checked out the $5 Burger Monday at the Tailgate Tavern & Grill in Parker. So when Robert, owner at Rocco’s Italian Bistro in Colorado Springs asked about pumping up his Tuesday lunches, I suggested the $5 burger, with or without cheese, a heaping plate of fries (pictured). Started in early June, the response has been terrific. Every Tuesday, 11-2. Everybody welcome.
Other wanderings took me to the Dog Haus in Monument, Arlene’s Beans and The Stube in Palmer Lake, and the grand opening of Sopra in Colorado Springs. Also tried Uncle Maddio’s Pizza in Castle Rock. I recommend them all.
The new Office Bar & Kitchen is open in Castle Rock. Owned by same people who operate Bookmakers in Southeast Aurora. Reuben with homemade chips, and fish tacos for lunch (pictured). Both great. Also open in the new Viewhouse in Littleton. Fish and chips, and a kale salad on the roof top patio.
Fish tacos at The Office in Castle Rock.
All Star game dinner at Prime 112, Miami.
Finally, mid July found me with old pals in Miami for this year’s Major League Baseball all star game. The night before was our annual get together dinner (pictured), this year at Prime 112 on South Beach.
I could go on and on. After all, it has been about six weeks since I posted. But want to close with a listener suggestion: Durian fruit. Had to go to an Asian market in Denver to find it. Looks terrible, taste worse, but hey, always appreciate listeners contributing (or at least trying) to the show.
Durian fruit.
