Unique Latin Meals

On a recent trip to Mexico, while having dinner with my daughter, it dawned on me that, while on the trip, we had been enjoying some wonderful Mexican cuisine. Not just the tacos, burritos, enchiladas we have all come to enjoy, and even associate with traditional Mexican foods, but some very unique dishes. And the more I thought about it, I realized that those unique dishes were not only Mexican, but Latin. Our travels have taken us to El Salvador, Colombia, and other Latin countries where we had enjoyed some delicious dishes as well. So I decided to explore a little, to find some of these dishes in Denver and Colorado Springs that could satisfy these cravings. So, read on as I share some of my finds with you, but remember, these are only a few. I suggest you get out and find your own (and also remember to let me know about them).

A listener recommended I try Candela Latin Kitchen in the Highlands district of Denver. Sat with Jess Vega, the chef, and he suggested we try the pastelon, a sweet plantain, beef picadillo and mozzarella dish with criolla sauce and a fried egg. Delicious! Also got some yucca fries, pescaditos (crispy smelts with an aji Amarillo mayo), and a Mexican bass ceviche.

For listeners in the Colorado Springs area, I heard about the Luna Mexican Market on South Academy. It’s a market, but with a lunch counter that offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican items. My daughter, when I recently joined her in Mexico, prepared a dinner of nopales (pictured). Crispy tortilla, black beans, ground cactus, and topped with cheese. I decided to try them at Luna. Different presentation, but same great flavor. Also got a Mexican street snack of mango with liquid chili sprinkled over it. Luna also offered elotes, a corn on the cob dish that I also enjoyed at Pig Latin. Pig Latin started as a food truck, but the owner was able to acquire a brick and mortar location at Union and Dublin in the Springs.

Back to Denver, I ventured into Garibaldi Mexican Bistro. If you are thinking of a typical, sit down, nice décor bistro, this ain’t it. Attached to a gas station in Englewood, this family owned place focuses on foods of Mexico City. I had both the taco azules and mixiotes. Either one could have been fine for a meal, but I just couldn’t resist trying both.

Finally, to Old Colorado City west of Colorado Springs, I enjoyed a lunch at Taste of El Salvador. On a trip to El Salvador with my daughter, we found a traditional food called pupusas. Loved them in El Salvador, so figured I would try them a bit closer to home. I had mine with a chicken dish and a side of rice and beans. If you are in the Denver area, I suggest getting your pupusas at Acapulco on East Colfax.

A quick note: the places I have suggested are, at best, casual places that are fun for a little adventurous dining, but other than Candela, which is very upscale, most of the places I have been finding are very good for a unique dining experience, but remember….casual.