Las Caras ~ Denver, Colorado

Latest visit: Aug 2023

First visit: sometime in the summer of 2009

This is the last of my entries from the pandemic year of 2020. I hadn't been since January of that year, before we knew that our lives would be turned upside down. What hasn't changed is Las Caras itself. Everything is exactly as I remembered. The spicy salsa, the yummy marinated grilled chicken, and the excellent green chile. No more beer for me at lunch time these days, but I didn't deviate from the norm otherwise. I'm not in this part of Denver much anymore, but I'm glad I made the effort. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Colorado.

---original 1/15/14 review

So we continue our trek through the Denver restaurant landscape. We first discovered Las Caras in our summer townhome phase of Denver living (2009-2011). Las Caras was conveniently close to our place in SE Denver, and since I worked from home, it made the perfect lunch stop for Mrs. RJG and I during the week. Las Caras means "The Faces", and the name takes on more meaning once you realize the owner (or family member of the owner) is also an artist, and many painted faces adorn the walls.

So what separates Las Caras from the competition? A few things actually. The salsa that comes with the chips is quite good, but if you ask for the hotter one, you'll receive a dark green concoction that has this most unique smoked chile flavor, and packs some heat too. For an entree, be sure to get something with their grilled chicken. It's absolutely delicious. It's always tender, and features a marinate similar to what you might find at a Thai restaurant. It's not exactly that, but it's unlike any charbroiled chicken I've ever had at a Mexican place. And this being Denver, I of course get a chicken burrito and "smother it in green" - or more precisely in spicy green. Always ask for that if you are so inclined - as many of the Denver area restaurants have hotter chiles then they might let on. Fantastic! Mrs. RJG suspects there's some Oriental influence in their cooking, and I have to agree. I think that's one of their positive separators. And really, that's all there is to tell. Great chips, spicy salsa, smothered chicken burrito, and a Bohemia beer to wash it down. Reasonably priced, and a meal that feels healthy. Unlike some Mexican restaurants where you waddle out in regret, Las Caras always makes me feel fit for the rest of the day. The perfect lunch spot.

As such, on my last visit to Denver, I walked off the plane, into the rental car, and made a beeline here for lunch. It was... yea... perfect. Same as I had remembered from 2 years prior. The shopping center itself is completely different though. They bulldozed the Tamarac mall area up front and put up a Target and probably a few other things (it really does look way better). The strip center behind that, though, was given an upgrade and appears to be here for the long haul. This is where Las Caras sits.

If you're in the Tamarac Square area, or wandering Hampden around meal time - definitely stop on in, and grab some tasty and guiltless Mexican food. At least, on the latter point, it feels that way. We've been dozens of times, and it never fails to hit the spot.

2009; 9/2/10; 8/10/11; 1/15/14 (new entry); 4/11/15; 4/30/16; 11/11/17; 1/18/20; 8/27/23

Louie's Pizza ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023 (Briargate)

Locations: 5 - all in Colorado Springs

After all these years, I finally made it over to Louie's. This location existed even when I lived here close by in 1994 (version 1.0). But I never ventured in. Not sure why, though in those days I didn't care for reheated pizza as I hadn't mastered that art yet. I also wasn't aware that it offered dine-in with pizza by the slice. In any event, grabbed a large cheese pizza with Italian sausage and took it home. They offer cash discounts, so I took advantage of that. Much cheaper than the competition, so a good deal for those on a budget. Mrs. RJG air fried it a little bit to ensure crispness and a hot temperature. As soon as I bit into the crust I could tell this was conveyor-belt pizza rather than hand tossed. Of course I noticed that when walking in as well. And I can always use a little bit more sauce. Mrs. RJG was pleased though. We both liked the sausage and cheese. A solid option in town, but not the Springs' best.

8/13/23 (new entry)

Basecamp Sweets ~ South Fork, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

Since we already completely destroyed our normal diet on this trip, why not one more stop for ice cream? After crossing the beautiful Wolf Creek pass, you land in South Fork, a little village that could pass for a town in Austria if you didn't know any better.

Basecamp Sweets is a very large space, and is bright with hardwood floors. Very welcoming atmosphere. Once again I went for one scoop in a waffle cone. I saw him give me one scoop. Then 2. Then close to 3! My goodness, even more than the day before in Ouray. Again I went for Sea Salt Caramel - this time Nut replaces the word Espresso. Mrs. RJG got the same thing. Delicious though not quite as creamy as The Yankee Girl's ice cream (origin unknown). But here we were served by the owner, and he informed us that his ice cream comes from either Blue Bell (which we know all too well) and Kemps, of which our selection was made by. Who are they? They've been in business since 1914. They're from Minnesota, and this is the first time for us to run into their brand. Well it certainly is excellent ice cream! We sat in a couple of large comfy chairs and chatted it up with the owner.

And with that - we took our big fat bellies back home to the Springs and arrived in the early evening. A wonderful short trip. Back to work on Monday. Ugh.

8/10/23 (new entry)

The Peak Deli ~ Pagosa Springs, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

Time to head back on home... Did some thrifting in Durango, and then began the journey back with one thrift stop in Bayfield. For lunch, we didn't want much more than a sandwich, so The Peak Deli was an obvious choice. Small place with seating indoors and out. We each got a hot sub (mine was the Italian). Everything about it was delicious except it wasn't very hot, which is strange to say the least. Worth going to though if looking for a lunch on the lighter side.

8/10/23 (new entry)

Carver Brewing ~ Durango, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

While Mrs. RJG just presumed we were going to bed next, I was still thirsty and wanted to try one more brewery, so we waltzed on over to Carver, one of Colorado's oldest brewpubs dating back to 1988. Somehow we missed them in our other two trips to Durango (2009; 2018). No time like the present. Sat at the bar, and I ended up getting 2 more beers while Mrs. RJG really enjoyed their homemade non-alcoholic ginger beer. She has a new favorite to seek out when we go to breweries. Friendly bartending and great drinks made for the perfect close to a great day.

8/9/23 (new entry)

The Office Spiritorium ~ Durango, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

As you can imagine, after a large Italian meal, a big portion of ice cream, and a beer - we weren't exactly starving for dinner. We stayed at the historic Hotel Strater (wonderful hotel), and decided to walk the entire downtown. Even though we pigged out for the duration of the day, we most certainly did our fair share of walking starting with the morning hike. So we did at least manage to burn some calories. After wandering around aimlessly for close to an hour, we decided to settle in at the bar that is attached to our hotel. We were feeling hot, so the dark and air-conditioned place was much welcomed. We sat upstairs and were mostly ignored by the waitstaff, but we weren't in any kind of hurry either. We each had two glasses of wine and ordered a grilled chicken sandwich that we split. The perfect remedy to the large portions we indulged in earlier the day. And very good tasting too. There was a performer on this evening, playing the usual hits of the 70s on his acoustic guitar and singing. It was more annoying than pleasurable for us, but the crowd liked it (mostly older than us - hard to imagine), so what do we know?

8/9/23 (new entry)

Avalanche Brewery ~ Silverton, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

If going into Ouray is the most beautiful drive, then going south into Silverton is the most hair raising. You need to be on high alert for this drive, with many hairpin turns with no railing and straight drops of thousands of feet. It's also beautiful, and since everyone is going so slow, there's plenty of opportunity to take in the sights.

Silverton is one of the most isolated towns in Colorado, and it shows. It's a bit rundown on aggregate, with most of the money pouring in from the Durango-Silverton railroad tourist crowd. Well heeled hundred-millionaires and billionaires can fly their private jets into Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, but there is no such potential option in Silverton. And the winter represents total isolation with scary drives to Durango as the only point of refuge.

In any case, after the exhilarating ride into Silverton, it was time for an ice cold beverage. Last time (again, 2018) we tried the Golden Block Brewery, so it was Avalanche's turn. We walked the whole town prior, and then settled in for one beer each, as we still had the Durango drive to do (much easier than from Ouray). Solid option - much brighter than the dark saloon feel of Golden Block, which I'd give the nod to if choosing between them, including beer taste.

8/9/23 (new entry)

The Yankee Girl Ice Cream Shop ~ Ouray, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

If there's a more beautiful drive in the country than going south into Ouray, I've not experienced it myself. We've been to Ouray twice prior, both times going north from Durango (also stunning). Even though we stuffed ourselves at lunch, we decided that ice cream was in order for a dessert. The old rationalization that we're on vacation, ya know?

I got the Sea Salt Caramel Espresso ice cream. I mean, seriously, there can't be a better flavor combo for Mr. RJG at this stage of my life. Asked for one scoop in a waffle cone. I'm pretty sure I got 2 scoops, as did Mrs. RJG (I forget what she got now). Delicious and creamy, probably the best ice cream we've had in ages, besting even Josh and John's for my current palate. We walked around the entire town while licking the ice cream. With plenty of envious stares from passers by, some inquiring where did we get such a concoction of goodness.

I think the ice cream shop is related to the The Yankee Girl Restaurant on the south end of town. This restaurant appears to have replaced the Red Mountain Brewery that we went to the last time we were in Ouray (2018, almost 5 years to the day). As for the origin of the ice cream, this remains a mystery. They don't make it onsite. The young man behind the counter stated "I think it's from Arizona". So there you have it.

8/9/23 (new entry)

Pahgre's ~ Montrose, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

I think Pahgre's needs some narrative. So after Mrs. RJG and I finished an hour long morning hike and did some thrifting, we were both starving for lunch. Over the years we've transitioned from a hearty lunch to that of a big breakfast. We're beginning to slide that scale back to lunch. Back in the day, that always meant Mexican for us. But neither of us are feeling that way ever since our last trip to New Mexico, which seemed to satiate that appetite for a long time. Italian is not something we do often anymore, especially for lunch. In reviewing our options, Pahgre's looked perfect.

Upon arrival, it occurred to me that restaurants like Pahgre's don't exist much anymore. Colorado Springs, for example, has no such place. What am I referring to? Well, for those who have followed this blog since its advent, you know I'm a big proponent of the old school Italian restaurant. The kind that started in the 1920s and 30s and continued on opening into the early 70s. I grew up in places like that. Many of those are now of course closed, but the few survivors have actually thrived in modern times. Colorado Springs and Denver certainly have places like that. But that's not Pahgre's pedigree. Their blueprint would be the restaurants that came around starting in the late 70s and proliferated in the 80s and 90s. More wide open spaces, with natural sunlight coming through. And large menus, with an emphasis on family. This is the model that Olive Garden and Carrabba's exploited and ultimately became very successful with. But what of the independent Italian restaurant like this? Where are they? Reasonable prices, large portions, and tasty Italian meals. Funny how you don't miss something until it's gone. Pahgre's opened in 2014 in the fast growing agricultural and outdoor recreational town of Montrose. It reminds me so much of the 1990s - optimistic times, happy customers, and kind service. 

And great food! The chicken parm was perfect. I substituted spaghetti for the prescribed fettuccini, because I prefer the thinner noodle. And they baked it! Yea! And I loved their red sauce, much better than what you get in most places. Mrs. RJG got the primavera which she declared was great especially given the care of how they cut the vegetables. And she got a side of meatballs, which we split. These are some of the best meatballs I've had in many a year - and again that red sauce is delicious. What a great meal. Service was very slow - because the place was packed. And this was on a boring old summer Wednesday at 11:30 in the morning.

We need more places like Pahgre's. I want the 90s back!

8/9/23 (new entry)

Pomona Brewing ~ Montrose, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

Not willing to concede the evening yet, I wanted one more beer at a different locale from Horsefly. We ended up here at Pomona, which is newly opened. Wide open space, a large bar, and delicious beers. They also have a short order kitchen. Probably our favorite brewery of the trip, so perhaps next time we go here for dinner instead.

8/8/23 (new entry)

Horsefly Brewing ~ Montrose, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

Neat darkened atmosphere inside with plenty of covered outdoor seating. In a rare twist, Mrs. RJG enjoyed her tacos more than I enjoyed my burger. I'm always weary of a well done hamburger coming out 5 minutes after I order it. What does that tell you? It had been sitting around on the grill. And it tasted like it too. So as a brewpub, it was just OK for me. I guess I'll get the tacos next time, if there is a next time. Beers tend to the sweet side, which Mrs. RJG did not enjoy.

8/8/23 (new entry)

Spenny's Ice Cream Stand ~ Gunnison, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2023

Essentially a repurposed trailer serving ice cream, which they get from Third Bowl. This ice creamery is based in Hotchkiss, a town we have yet to visit (about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Gunnison). We might have a reason to now!

Ice cream was very good, served up by a nice and pretty young lady. We sat in the nearby park chairs and watched traffic roll down US-50, before hitting a couple of thrift shops. 

8/8/23 (new entry)

Mr. Ed's Family Restaurant ~ Canon City, Colorado ***CLOSED***

First and last visit: Aug 2023

In what appears to be a first for the RJG, we arrived to a sign saying that the 53 year old business is closing next week! We went anyway, and it definitely would have been worthy of repeat business.

The full story of their closing is written here. I love the 1970 architecture and old-school diner mentality. My dad would have loved this place - no doubt being allowed to smoke the day away with refills of decaffeinated coffee. Food and service was great, proving the owners and waitresses had no intention of short-timing it. Glad we got to go once anyway!

8/12/23 (new entry)

Aroi Thai ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: Aug 2023; Feb 2023 (Mrs. RJG)

First visit: Jan 2019

So they do have wine and beer! OK then, maybe more visits a year.

We are now in our 15th year of this blog and Mrs. RJG has decided to get into the action! I don't think either of us went to Aroi Thai last year. She went solo on this trip. Let's see what her experience was.

---2/3/23 Mrs. RJG notes

I get there around 11:00 and I’m starving for lunch. I’m craving Red Curry with Chicken. I get a hello right away from sweet young lady. I like the jazz lounge music playing in the background, unusual these days - I love it! Already a few people are eating, mainly military "hangry" men. My food arrives -  perfect portion for lunch. It's hot and creamy with my favorite vegetables and nicely cut chicken! I ordered medium hot and it was perfect - I enjoyed it a lot! Now I need to find a lady friend to enjoy Thai food with and head to the American Classics antiques afterwards. A perfect day that would be.

---original 4/10/21 review

As you know, Thai food is a favorite of the RJG. We haven't really found the place here in the Springs, but if we were to pick one, it would probably be Aroi Thai which finishes a tad bit over Arharn. They recently moved (as of last month) to the former Bhan Thai location, a place we tried not long after moving here and didn't care for it. Aroi's former location on Powers and Galley was a true hole in the wall. While certainly it was charming in its own way, the pandemic decidedly ruined in-person dining. Their new location is much larger and nicer. The decor seems to indicate that this was once an Italian restaurant. In any case, a welcome development for Aroi Thai, and watching the number of to-go orders along with a fairly good sized sit down crowd, it appears the restaurant is well on its way to making it to the big time.

Which is fine with us. We ordered our staple Butterfly Shrimp. This is a smaller version than we're used to. 5 fairly small fried shrimp - though excellent tasting all the same. Mrs. RJG went with ginger chicken and vegetables. When I looked up, her plate was completely clean. So we'll presume she enjoyed it. Aroi Thai is one of the few places to have traditional Pad Gra Prow (there are various spellings, but this is how they have it) with a fried egg option. It's so nice not to have to explain this to the wait staff. And many Thai restaurants don't even offer it. And yes, I went with Thai Hot as well. The whole shebang. It was a bit drier than usual - I typically like it that way, though this time a little more sauce could have helped. It wasn't really Thai Hot, more like normal hot. The fried egg was flash fried crispy, just the way I like it. I think the primary issue on this visit was the basil wasn't as flavorful as it needed to be. Not sure it was just a bit older, or that the Springs has trouble obtaining fresh basil. That probably will change visit to visit. Which we intend to do.... 

If we could make a request, we'd like to see Aroi Thai get a liquor license. Being the alcoholics we are, we associate Thai food with white wine. Having dinner with a glass of water just isn't that much fun. Sure it will add $20 to the bill, but it's worth it. Perhaps the RJG should become lobbyists and push for BYOB (about the only thing we miss from Texas...)

11/16/19; 4/10/21 (new entry); 2/3/23

Back East Bar & Grill ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: Jul 2023

First visit: Jun 2022

Other location: Monument

Had the chicken parm this time on a dinner visit. Crispy breaded chicken, delicious slightly sweet red sauce, on top of al dente capellini. Large portion - perfect.

---original 6/26/22 review

I'd had this placed circled for years and finally made it over for lunch. It's a classic sports bar / tavern with television screens everywhere, a sizeable bar area, and lots of tables. It's a very large space overall. The separator here is the focus on New York / New England styled food, and apparently it's the official Buffalo Bills game watching place here in town. In my mind, that means both an Italian and seafood focus. I stuck with the former, though they also had some fetching Colorado looking items as well. But for the first visit I went with a meatball sub with a side of tater tots and asked for "dragon sauce" to dip them in. About the best meatball sub in the area these days is Trivelli's Hoagies that we've written about. Their heritage is in Philadelphia, but the owner has long sold out and it's now run by Asians. It seems they've maintained the recipes, but it's not the real deal. Not like the old Vermont heritage Friendly's Subs that we reminisce about on occasion (now Jersey Subs, and not the same). Well we now have a new champion: Back East Bar & Grill. Four big thick meatballs doused in a delicious tomato sauce, gooey cheese, on a wonderfully textured bread. The meatballs are delicious on their own, but it's the sauce that makes the difference. Not sure when Italian restaurants forgot how to make a decent tomato sauce, but that's not a problem here. Makes me want to try something more pure Italian for dinner. And I must try a pizza at some point. I'll get tater tots any chance I can over fries, and the Dragon Sauce is indeed their hottest blend. I loved it. Superb service on this visit as well.

6/26/22 (new entry); 8/1/23