South Broadway Grill – Denver, Colorado

Neighborhood Comfort

It was a gray and damp Thursday night when we realized it was our last chance to take advantage of the Dinner Deal at South Broadway Grill in Denver. Listeners to the Warren Byrne Restaurant Show on KEZW 1430 Radio hear about a weekly Dinner Deal – a great incentive to get out to restaurants we’re unfamiliar with or to revisit tried and true favorites. The Meal Deals usually run from Saturday through Thursday evenings; we never cease to be amazed at how Thursdays slip up on us each week.

We abandoned the comfort of home and headed to South Broadway Grill which opened a few months ago. The location first saw a Mr. Steak restaurant back in the \’60s and has seen numbers of eateries come and go. The completely redone interior  is pleasing in its sleek urban simplicity, contemporary art and floral highlights. Bob immediately noticed an impressive orchid on the hostess stand. The host assures us that it’s real. We later learn that co-owner Carolyn Kinsella is a talented floral designer.

Carolyn along with husband Val Erpelding also own the extremely popular Breakfast on Broadway and Flower Wraps, a unique flower shop and full-service cafe.

Dinner started with the Broadway Salad – fresh spring greens, dates, figs, toasted almonds, goat cheese dressed with the house vinaigrette and topped with polenta croutons. I loved the salad, next visit I may make it my entree. Bob selected the grilled sole with a creamy caper sauce served with mashed potatoes and spinach. He ate the whole thing – there was no need for a to-go box. My choice was the pasta Fabiano. Sauteed chicken breast, broccoli,roasted cashews and penne pasta in a basil cream sauce. The cashews added a nice texture and flavor to an otherwise rather bland dish. A little added salt helped bring out some flavor. The ice tea received excellent reviews from both of us.

 A serving of chocolate chip caramel bread pudding to share capped our Dinner Deal. I watched dishes coming out of the kitchen, a number of sandwiches looked very appealing as did the buffalo short rib stroganoff. The clientele spanned the range from young singles watching a ballgame while eating at the bar to three-generation families with Grandma in a wheelchair. I’m thinking one of the circular corner booths will be just right for the next girls night out.

South Broadway Grill has a neighborly feel, I can imagine dropping in often if it were in my neighborhood. We found warmth and comfort in the food, service and setting even on a gray, damp evening.

When You Go: South Broadway Grill is located at 2200 S. Broadway, Denver, CO – one block south of Evans. They haven’t yet put up a web site, call 303-993-2301 for information.

Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

*Deal*

Perfect Landing – 10th Anniversary Specials

Looking for excellent food, a relaxed, comfortable dining atmosphere and super views of Colorado’s front range -plus a great deal? The Perfect Landing restaurant celebrates ten years at Centennial Airport with $10 specials worth the drive from anywhere in the Metro area. Or, fly in.

 During the month of April on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings Perfect Landing offers a half-dozen items for $10. We took advantage of the special on Tuesday night. Bob ordered the teriyaki glazed salmon filet served with rice pilaf and broccolini. He pronounced the salmon the best he’s had in a long time; he’s ordered a lot of salmon lately.

I selected the beef filet served with whipped potatoes and broccolini. Eavesdropping on the waitress at the table behind me, I heard her say that their chef cuts the filets himself. She added that the $10 special filet was just slightly smaller than the one on their regular menu. Mine was perfectly trimmed and wrapped in bacon. I’m not a rare beef eater so asked for medium; it was a notch under my idea of medium but not enough to send back. The meat was flavorful, tender and a very sufficient size. The potatoes were creamy and wonderful.

We devoured the warm,  in-house baked bread, crust ideally crunchy without being tear-up-the-roof-of-your-mouth tough. The bread center perfectly textured. There wasn’t a crumb left in our basket.

From past visits we remembered the key lime pie and added a dessert to our  order. The pecan pie, chocolate souffle cake and key lime pie are all made in-house. On every trip to Florida my sister and I search for the best key lime pie. Forget Florida, all we need do is go to Perfect Landing in Centennial – better than any other I’ve ever had.

Additional $10 anniversary specials include a bottle of cabernet or chardonnay wine and a la carte servings of shrimp scampi, 4-0z Maine lobster tail or 1/2 pound of Alaskan king crab legs.

A long time Denver favorite, “Boogie” Bob Olsen entertains at the piano bar Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5:30-9pm. Our hostess gave us the option of being near the piano or further away. We enjoyed watching him play and his happy following.  At the cocktail bar and in the piano lounge area $5 appetizers are available from 5-7pm .

 The dining room overlooks Centennial airport’s runways  and the western horizon – a panoramic mountain view from Pikes Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park. We watch helicopters come in for a quick refueiling and planes, from small two-seaters to corporate jets, land and take-off. As we finish the last bite of key lime pie the sun sinks below the mountains, capping our evening with a technicolor light show.

Bob says he’s going back every week in April. We’ll see if that happens; however, I’d encourage everyone to put Perfect Landing on their radar.

When You Go: The Perfect Landing opens for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. Nancy’s Note – The breakfasts are tremendous. Dinner reservations strongly advised, especially on weekends and during the April anniversay special.

Gracie’s Station – Benson, Arizona

New in Benson – Gracie’s Station

I was thrilled when I heard a new restaurant had opened in Benson, Arizona. With much to explore in the area we’ve frequently stopped for meals, never finding one that especially excited us for a return visit. There was no question we would have dinner at Gracie’s Station.

It got even better when we discovered Gracie’s was next door to our hotel. We didn’t have to get back in car, we could stretch our legs and walk to dinner – yea! The building facade reminds us of an Old Western town movie set, a red stagecoach sits out front. The interior is fashioned after a late 1800s railroad station and decorated with railroad memorabilia and historic photographs. Each of three dining rooms reflect unique atmosphere – Jenny’s Hotel, TJ’s Round House and The Brothel. Of course, there’s The Saloon for before and after dinner beverages and Makena Kate Goods & Needs Store for a bit of shopping.

The menu presents a potpourri of choices. There are sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, steaks and pastas. Station Stop Favorites include good old fashioned comfort food such as meatloaf, turkey dinner, chicken pot pie, catfish and chicken fried steak. Each entree accompanied with soup or salad, homemade bread and two side dishes. Skillet corn bread, pueblo pinion-pumpkin bread and forge fry bread fills the enticing bread basket. Gracie’s offers an all you can eat fish fry on Fridays and prime rib on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We’re impressed to find gluten free items on the menu and a note that gluten free pasta can be substituted in any of the pasta entrees. What a nice option for those who need such consideration.

After dinner at Gracie’s we knew that new can be better. Welcome to Benson.

When You Go: Gracie’s Station is located just west of Hwy 90 south of I-10, exit 302, on the west side of Benson, Arizona. Open seven days a week 4-10pm.

One Negative: When we approached the Gracie’s hostess stand a half-dozen employees were grouped around a waitress who was having a hissie fit about something. My impression was that it was a conflict with the kitchen. Whatever the cause it was the wrong place to deal with the issue; not a good first impression for the customers. Hopefully this was an isolated instance and management is wise enough to remove such tantrums from the public view in the future. Our waitress was very pleasant and service oriented.

 

Pete’s Restaurant – Belen, New Mexico

Real New Mexican Food

During an Internet search I found multiple references to Pete’s restaurant in Belen; reviewers recommending the real New Mexican cuisine. No Tex-Mex here.

Pete’s stands across the street from the historic Harvey House next to the busy Belen railyard.

Founded by Pete  Torres in 1949, the restaurant follows his philosophy sixty years later. Pete believed chile was basic to New Mexico. He valued authenticity – his recipes are followed closely using fresh ingredients, and consistency of what the his customers receive.

Having skipped lunch we’re eager to dig into the crunchy tortilla chips and spicy salsa – highly recommended by Bob. The chile relleno plate entices Bob and fulfills expectations with perfect crisp rellenos, rice, beans, dinner salad and sopapillas.

Pete's Chile Rellenos

The staff willingly met my request to make a substitution on the stuffed sopapilla entree. I wanted to try both the chicken and beef instead of two of the same. They came smothered with green chile and accompanied with a choice of rice or beans. Flavors were exactly what I’d looked forward to. The spiced ground beef impacts intense but well balanced flavors. I’m certain it would make a great taco. Just planning ahead to my next visit.

I evesdrop on a table of locals discussing the high quality of Pete’s burgers. No doubt they’re good but I’m sticking with traditional New Mexican.

Too full for dessert but interested in the pineapple cream pie we ordered one slice to go. The yummy bedtime snack makes us wonder why we’ve never before heard of pineapple cream pie.

We agree with Pete’s motto, “We’re not the best because we’re the oldest; we’re the oldest because we’re the best.”

When You Go: Pete’s Restaurant, 105 North 1st Street, Belen, NM, 505-864-4811.

The Sunnyside Cafe – Highlands Ranch, Colorado

I want to like the Sunnyside Cafe in Highlands Ranch. It’s a couple of miles from home, locally owned with fair prices. After our first visit today I’m on the fence. Maybe everyone was tired at 1pm but that shouldn’t be our problem. We were seated promptly but without a great deal of warmth. The waitress mirrored the same behavior, efficient for the most part but not many smiles.

Bob and I both ordered sandwiches accompanied by our choice of fresh fruit, french fries, cottage cheese, house potatoes, onion rings, sweet potato  fries, soup or salad – a nice variety. Bob went for the BLT and fresh fruit. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with sweet potato fries. The toasted whole wheat bread came topped with apple slices and chopped chicken mixed with grapes, walnuts and green onions in a light dressing. It was a generous helping and tasty if not outstanding. The sweet potato fries were nicely seasoned but not very warm, by the time I was done eating some were hard as tree twigs. Bob judged his sandwich lower with a “I wouldn’t order it again” rating. The bacon was extremely hard, not crisp – probably prepared in advanced and allowed to dry out. The dish of fruit was fresh not canned or frozen. Ice tea acceptable but wasn’t refilled until we were presented with the bill.

The Sunnyside has an extensive breakfast menu that is available from opening until the 2pm closing. Perhaps our mistake was selecting sandwiches. If breakfast is the specialty, sticky with breakfast – scrambles, skillets, omelettes, benedicts, south of the border selections, plus traditional fare such as biscuits and gravy or hash and eggs. Gravies, soups, dressings and desserts are made from scratch in-house. Once again, we missed the specialties – our mistake.

The restaurant opens for breakfast and lunch daily and on Saturday night for dinner and live local jazz. There is a full bar. Sunnyside originated in La Puente, California in 1980 and the interior mildly reflects a  California/Mexican decor.

We will return to Sunnyside Cafe for breakfast and another chance to show us friendly service and quality food. I’m still straddling the fence but trying to look on the sunny side.

Los Dos Potrillos – Centennial, Colorado

Nacho Nirvana

Imagine a great chile relleno – a crispy wrap around a snappy chile filled with smooth, quality Mexican cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Imagine a great plate of nachos topped with a fresh zippy salsa. Now, imagine combining the two. Chile Relleno Nachos – Nacho Nirvana!

I’ve heard about this appetizer served at Los Dos Portillos in Centennial, Colorado. With an urge for Mexican food I talk Bob into heading to County Line Road and Holly. From the exterior Los Dos Portillos looks totally unassuming, it sits in the middle of a strip mall that includes a New York pizza place, a Thai cafe, childcare center and sports bar. The mall has it’s back to busy County Line – customers do not just stumble on this site. 

We arrive a little before 5pm and ask about the early dining special. The current feature includes a plate of the chile relleno nachos and two combination plates for $15.99. Such a deal! The nachos alone are usually $8.95 and combinations $10+ each. A well blended margarita, on the rocks with ice, costs just $3.95.

We dig in as soon as the nachos arrive, there’s immediate audible satisfaction. YUM! Bob ordered Combo #12 of beef burrito, beef enchilada and one beef taco. They happily substitute shredded been in the burrito for ground beef at no additional charge. I opted for #13 of chicken enchilada, chile relleno, taco with rice and beans. We finish the plate of nachos but weren’t as successful with the combos. About half came home, enough for another meal. Pillowy sopapillas capped the meal.

By 6pm only  a couple of tables weren’t filled with hungry families. Even on a snowy February evening returning customers know Los Dos Portillos is worth the effort. One can expect a wait on weekend evenings. Service is efficient if sometimes impersonable. My only niggle is that the entrees came too quickly after the nachos were served, I would have liked to have had more time to enjoy the nachos.

We’ve always been enchanted with the shredded beef burrito, however I think a platter of chile relleno nachos, an order of guacamole and drinks would completely satisfy – nirvana.

When You Go: Los Dos Potrillos, 8251 S. Holly Street, Centennial, CO, 720-529-0299 and 10065 W. San Juan Way, Littleton, 303-948-1552. Open daily from 9am. Menu available online.

 

Ling & Louie’s – Denver, Colorado

Ling & Louie’s

Asian Bar and Grill

While in Scottsdale a couple of years ago we visited Thaifoon for dinner. We loved every bite and left licking our lips. In the midst of planning our next Arizona trip Bob recalled that yummy evening. Checking the Scottsdale CVB website I discovered Thaifoon was history. Yet, the restaurateur, Randy Schoch, behind  Thaifoon is also the founder of Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill. The concept being a fusion of the best traditions from the Far East and the West. The good news was we didn’t have to wait until we made it to Arizona. Denver has two Ling & Louie’s, one downtown and one in the new Northfield Stapleton shopping district.

 After a tour of a nearby wildlife refuge we tried the Northfield Ling & Louie’s for lunch. A friendly greeting and immediate seating started everything off on a pleasant note. Our booth was against the wall seperating the dining room from the kitchen; the top half was a frosted glass water wall. The gentle flowing water sound hid any kitchen noise. The west wall was all windows looking onto the patio and landscaped grounds.

We both ordered fresh-squeezed limeade – refreshing with just the right balance of sweet and citrus tang. We ordered from the Chop Chop Lunch menu with entrees at $8.99. I choose the Orange Peel Chicken, described as crispy chicken stir-fried in a citrus-soy sauce with fresh orange peel and mild chilies, on a bed of crispy spinach. Bob selected Ling’s Sweet & Sour Pork – crispy pork tenderoin wok-tossed with diced pineapple, red peppers and a sweet citrus sauce. Brown or jasmine rice accompanied both dishes.  The orange flavor was very evident in my chicken nicely blended with the mild chilies, a little zip but certainly not spicy hot. I liked that the waitress brought two plates when she first approached the table, we were prepared to share. We enjoyed generous servings of both entrees and still boxed some to go.

Lunch was very good, not quite was outstanding as we remembered from Thaifoon but memory often plays that trick. We will gladly return to try Firecracker Chicken with Broccoli, Korean Sizzling Salmon or Evil Jungle Princess Shrimp

When You Go: Ling & Louie’s, 8354 Northfield Blvd., Suite 1710, Denver. Hours Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm. Happy Hour 3:30-6:30 daily. The majority of dinner entrees are priced in the mid-teens.

Additional locations: Downtown Denver in the Tabor Center, 1201 16th Street and Scottsdale in the Shops at 9400, 9397 E. Shea Blvd.

Mosaic Restaurant – Suburban Denver

Sweet Potato Fries – Oh My!

The sign says, “Mosaic, Unique Cuisine.” The menu says, “American cuisine with global influences.” I say, “Delightful” – especially the sweet potato fries. Lunch at Mosaic restaurant offers a new twist to a favorite side dish. The rich orange fries glisten with a coating of  “secret” glaze. Our waitress could tell us there was honey, cinnamon and red pepper involved but said they kept the rest of the recipe a secret. I’m guessing there’s some citrus involved, perhaps juice of an orange. Even with honey the fries are not overly sweet. Skip the sandwich just bring me the fries. If you have an aversion to sweet potatoes there is a choice of regular fries.

 I selected the Wild Prawn Po-Boy enhanced with Cajun mango mayo, butter lettuce & grilled Roma tomato on focaccia bread. The Cajun mango mayo added just the right amount of zip. Bob started with a bowl of tomato basil soup with wasabi cream before the Peppered Turkey and Bacon Panini served with basil avocado pesto and melted Gouda cheese on focaccia bread. Attention to detail is evident in the presentation of all dishes. For my next luncheon visit I want to try the Shrimp Lollipop and Eastern Style Lobster Roll.

I’m certainly enticed by the Chipolte Lobster Macaroni and Cheese on the dinner menu described as, “Orange scented lobster tail sauteed with cavatappi pasta & lobster meat, topped with parsley infused oil & lobster chipotle cheese sauce.” The listing of Small Plates also tempts with unique preparations from flat bread to scallops. An extensive wine list ensures a good match with your chosen entrees.

Mosaic is a stand alone building on the southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and South Oswego, three stoplights east of I-25. The interior pleases with an unusual gas fireplace, nicely spaced tables and colorful place settings. A see-through aquarium separates the bar and dining room. Service was attentive and friendly without being in your face.

Try Mosaic’s sweet potato fries, if you find better anywhere else let me know. I’ll be glad to put them to the test.

When You Go: Mosaic is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Call 720-308-0994 for reservations. Directions, online reservations, menus and additional information on their website.

Farro Italian Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Farro Italian Restaurant

I get excited when I hear of a new restaurant opening close to home. Anticipation builds when I hear the chef/owner is Matt Franklin. He’s built quite a reputation in the Denver area as chef for several years at 240 Union. Weeks before the restaurant opened I hear Franklin talk with Warren Byrne on The Restaurant Show, confirming he’s opening Farro, an Italian restaurant in a shopping center at County Line and Holly. I feel like a kid waiting for Santa.

A couple of weeks after opening we head to Farro for Sunday night dinner. The room is warm and comfortable, booths are roomy, tables well spaced. Staff is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and preparation. As the evening unfolds we’re especially impressed with how the staff works together as a team. Operating partner, John Richard, is very much in evidence – from greeting to busing tables with a smile.

But, let’s get to the food. Bob ordered the Tuscan style meatloaf, topped with porcini mushroom gravy, served on garlic mashed potatoes, accompanied by sauteed veggies. The meatloaf slice was thick and generous – enough for lunch the next day. The potatoes perfect and the gravy exceptional. I selected a pasta dish of capellini, shrimp, tomato cream and basil – heavenly. I was certain I would take some home  for Monday lunch but didn’t put my fork down until I picked up my spoon to get the last sips of sauce. We finished the evening sharing the fall fruit bread pudding with frangelico caramel  – lovely.

After tasting Bob’s  on that first visit I’ve lusted for my own serving of Tuscan meatloaf. Last night, after Bob’s art show when we wanted a comfy dinner to celebrate his Best of Show, Farro felt like the perfect place. Friday night at 7:30 they were filled but the wait was only 15 minutes. The hostess was most accommodating, giving us a choice of table or booth as they became available.

Sorely tempted to order the evening’s special of roast pork loin with butternut squash risotto, I stuck to my plan for meatloaf. It was as good as I remembered from that one bite weeks ago. I even liked the squash in the sauteed vegetables. That’s an accomplishment, Matt. Bob feasted on salmon, capers, pine nuts and pansetta with spinach risotto and veggies. His report was glowing. We shared Tiramisu in a Jar for dessert, I could have eaten the entire perfect balance of flavors all by myself. Not that I needed it. Every bite disappeared.

Farro is the kind of place you can comfortably take the kids, or grandma or meet another couple for wine, dinner and conversation. We’ll be going back to work our way through the menu of pizzas, pastas, menu entrees and specials. A restaurant well fitted to the neighborhood is a treat, when the food is this good it’s a treasure.

When You Go: Farro Italian Restaurant, 8230 S. Holly, Centennial, 303-694-5432. Open daily at 4 pm.

Racines – Denver, Colorado

Let’s Meet At Racines

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch or late night, “Let’s meet at Racines,” is a familiar refrain. Just south of downtown, near the intersection of Speer, Lincoln and 6th Avenue, Racines is a convenient choice from almost anywhere in the Metro Denver area. Even better, there’s free parking in their multi-storied garage.

A recent brunch visit withfamily and friends satisfied  appetites. Several of us ordered Eggs Mazatlan. The large flour tortilla stuffed withthree scrambled eggs and guacamole and topped with white cheddar cheese and green chilepleased hungry tummies without feeling heavy. Salsa, sour cream and tortilla chips – thin, crisp and warm – served on the side.

The BanditoSpecial of eggs scrambled with corn tortilla strips, white cheddar cheese and pico de gallo, accompanied with refritos, salsa and a flour tortilla, quickly disappeared from Michael’s plate. Bob opted for a tuna melt.

The restaurant was filled yet service was efficient with food arrived hot. We called ahead to put our name on the wait list, table was ready when we arrived. Consistent food quality and service combined with location keeps us saying, “Let’s meet at Racines.”

Racines, 650 Sherman, Denver, 303-595-0418. Opens at 7 am Monday-Friday, 8 am Saturday & Sunday. Full menu served until midnight Wednesday – Saturday, 11 pm Sunday – Tuesday.

Photograph from Racines