Mama Louise ~ Centennial, Colorado

Latest visit: Aug 2022

First visit: sometime in 1998

So I received an email from one of the non-business hotel chains I frequent. They informed me that I would forfeit my points unless I did something on the account. Some of you may remember our visit to Prescott Valley, Arizona a year ago February to tend to Mrs. RJG's Official Mom. We stayed the week at this chain that I don't use for business - because it was a much better deal. A fine hotel too. It was too much investment to let the points go, so I suggested to Mrs. RJG that we should make a date of it, and eat, drink, and spend the night in Denver at one of their hotels to maintain status. No family allowed!  So that day happened this weekend. It has been over 3 years since we last visited Mama Louise. Pre-pandemic. It could have been 24 years since we last went - and absolutely nothing has changed. Thank goodness. In an era when the restaurant industry seems to be in a tailspin, it's comforting to know that Mama Louise still exists in a romantic past. We both ordered the chicken parm, our favorite dish from here. Mine with Pasta Louise sauce, hers with their house red. It still comes with a simple house salad and minestrone soup. Absolutely delicious - still the best Italian restaurant in Colorado. And with Pietro's closing in Dallas, maybe in the country. Obviously we haven't been everywhere, but this is the competition for us. We also ordered a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. One difference we noted is it seems we got more chicken than in the past, and less pasta. You would think it would be the other way around! Not complaining at all - though more pasta would have been nice. I can eat those noodles without any seasonings and still love it.

The overall bill was expensive as was expected, but they were never cheap. Also they now add a surcharge if you use a credit card. Not happy about that. Cash only may make sense for $20 and under, but not for $100+ meals. Oh well - we don't go enough to warrant attention to the criticism (we didn't say a word of course). But Kent still remembered us - all these years later! Love this place.

--- original 7/11/13 review

Continuing with our favorite Denver area restaurants, here is our go-to Italian place. We first started going to Mama Louise not long after they opened in the Tech Center (Arapahoe and Dayton) around 1998 or so. (Prior to this there was a burrito place - I believe it was called Jalapeno's that we had eaten at a couple of times). After about a year of infrequently visiting, Mrs. RJG and I became regulars. Rarely would a week go by where we wouldn't venture up from Parker (The Pinery really) for a dinner. Usually on Friday night. Even on snow nights, we would go. Not long after we relocated back to DFW, owner Kent moved his establishment east to the Piney Creek area of Aurora (later known as Centennial). I can remember going to the original DTC location as recent as 2004 on a visit, so this must have happened shortly thereafter. The new location is a wonderfully decorated restaurant. Kent has been there since day one, and he's always pleasant and glad to see you. For years, his Mom would be by his side ensuring all was running smoothly. Apparently she had knee surgery not long ago, and is now traveling the world. So you won't see her anymore! :-) The family originally had a restaurant in Highland as far back as 1978 (I can't remember the name - but I don't think it was Mama Louise) and closed down. Kent is the son of the founder and restarted the tradition in 1997/8, as stated above.

I can only use the term "best" or "favorite" in relation to the places I've frequented. But what makes it so special for the RJG? Because they have the best chicken parm I've ever had. Anywhere. In the world. I like my parm crispy, and that's what you get at Mama Louise, along with an incredible seasoning mixture unlike anything I've ever had. Make sure you ask for Louise Sauce with your pasta. It's a spicy concoction made up of Italian sausage, ground beef, and tomato sauce. It's extremely flavorful and comes with a nice kick. Each meal starts with a minestrone soup, which I quite like, though it's not a traditional recipe (it's more like a noodle / bean soup with celery). This is followed by a cold iceberg lettuce salad, that is pleasantly simple with an excellent homemade Italian dressing. And they have fine desserts as well. And a decent wine list. This is also Mrs. RJG's favorite, and in a rare case of solidarity when it comes to food selection, she also loves the chicken parm. Excellent all around.

1998; 1999; 2000; 2001; 12/27/02; 7/14/04; 7/9/10; 4/17/12; 7/11/13 (new entry); 5/14/14; 7/31/19; 8/28/22