Cheba Hut Toasted Subs ~ regional chain : Colorado Springs, Colorado

First visit: May 2024 (Barnes @ Powers)

HQ: Fort Collins, CO (founded: 1998 in Tempe, AZ)

Locations: Their website is a bit tough to navigate, but it looks like they're in 15 states. There's 3 here in the Springs. Appears to be about 4 in the DFW area, though none near NE Tarrant.

Cheba Hut is all about the hipster weed culture. Though they don't use cannabis in their ingredients, everything else speaks to the stoner / Pothead Pixie crowd (for those that know the space rock psych collective Gong). This is where you get "toasted" subs (get it?). Munchies, higher experience, all these cultural elements are alive and well at Cheba Hut. I went to a decidedly non-stoner suburban location off of Powers, as I continue to mine my way through the area. A sandwich sounded really good, and I hadn't tried Cheba Hut though I'd seen them around town.

Walk in, and it looks almost like Illegal Pete's. Dark wood interior, everything green (of course), order up at the counter, full bar on the side. I went with the La Canna, which is their Italian, with meats, seasonings, and dressings. On their signature garlic bread. Even though they have a simple credit card machine, they have the audacity to flip an additional screen at you for an unearned tip. Again, I suggest you save that for the bartender if going that route. This is just a bad practice that needs to end soon. I suspect it will have to. I always punch in No Tip, but it puts me in a possible confrontational situation (not that I've ever experienced that). As for that bar, I took the time to analyze their taps. Relatively perfunctory with one standard local from Goat Patch. Wouldn't go here for the beer, I'll say that.

Grabbed a booth with my Public Enemy identifying stand (lol). Sandwich was out pretty quick. Wow - this is really great. It's like an elevated Quizno's (see what I did there?). Toasty and flavorful, the "shake" (seasonings) and dressing adding true value to the sandwich. The bread was delicious and perfectly crispy. Mrs. RJG would love it.

On the downside, if you're going to have a stoner place, you should play stoner music. Or at least something psychedelic. Nope - rap. Not the psych kind either. Boo!

Oh well, no matter, I came for the food not the bar scene. It's a bit pricey, but worth seeking out at least once a year. Into the RJG rotation goes Cheba Hut. Incidentally there's one here in Mega-Chain Valley near our house. That will probably be my next visit.

5/26/24 (new entry)

Colorado Springs

Daniel's Taco Shop ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024

First visit: Jul 2021

Founded: 2010

I really had no intention of revisiting Daniel's. I didn't consider them a "rotation" restaurant, and my first experience was good, but not great. It was lunchtime and I decided to try my recent "Pollo Asado" test. And look what popped up? It just so happens I was at an estate sale all of two minutes from Daniel's. As I read the below, it appears I wanted to try their tacos con salsa, and guess what I did? I went for three tacos: Grilled Chicken (they were careful not to call it pollo asado - more on this later); Grilled Steak (not carne asada); and Ground Beef. Received two salsas in small containers, one mild green, and the other a hotter red. Just as with Erickberto's last week, I passed on the guac and pico de gallo and made sure to have lettuce and cheese for the first two options. The older Hispanic gentleman (probably my age lol) running the counter is super nice. A few minutes later, my meal was delivered. These are massive tacos, similar to the burrito below. And that's where the superlatives end. The chicken didn't have a grilled flavor and was a bit tough. The green sauce was hotter than a usual mild, but too thin and didn't impact the flavor much. Exact same with the steak, and even though the red is hotter, it too was thin and not impactful. There was no other option to save these. The ground beef was better, wonderful crunchy homemade shell, and the meat looked heavily seasoned. And yet it also - strangely - seemed to lack much flavor. Overall Daniel's is a nice clean place, with large portions of food. But not one to tickle the tastebuds. Daniel's remains out of the rotation.

---original 7/1/21 review

Ah, B Street. Been many a year since I last found myself here. If memory serves, the original Earth Pig Records was on the block, and that's how I ended up here some 26 years ago. It's a mix of heavy industrial and Army grunts, with a side of head shops and strip clubs. So yea, the perfect RJG kinda neighborhood. Daniel's sits in a respectable strip mall (<> club) in the midst of all this. I was doing some thrifting down south, and wanted to try something new. Similar to last week's Felipe 109.

Walk in, and head to the counter. I ordered a Breakfast Burrito with eggs, bacon, and cheese (no potato), which is more expensive than the usual version. Why? Because they load the burrito with bacon instead, to make up for the lost potato. You really get your money's worth here. I also smothered it in the spicy green. So yes, definitely a very good burrito, though I wanted more from my smother. The green chile was truly a sauce, and it seemed like it came from a Hatch (brand) can. I don't think it did, especially considering this is much spicier than that, but it reminded me of Hatch from a consistency standpoint.  Not necessarily a bad thing, but I was looking for more... something. The building itself is nice - a bit warm in the summer. Nice modest interior - comfortable - with plenty of places to sit. I definitely want to come back and try their tacos con salsa at some point. 

7/1/21 (new entry); 5/24/24

Erickberto's ~ regional chain : Colorado Springs, Colorado

First visit: May 2024 (Barnes)

Locations: Colorado Springs (2); Phoenix (1), Escondido, CA (1)

Where to begin here? I'll start easy and go to the restaurant itself. As noted prior, I've been haunting the Powers corridor much more of late. So this Sunday I was looking for a new taco place to try for lunch. Using my new "pollo asado" method, up came Erickberto's. Never heard of it. The reviews seemed mixed and I was going to take a pass, when I realized that my schedule would have been completely out of whack had I taken option A. So I pivoted quickly while on the road and decided to give Erickberto's a try anyway.

I'm glad I did. It's a nice place in a decidedly gringo part of town, and it appears Erickberto's is some sort of chain - but not really. Walk in and order at the counter. I went with carne asada, pollo asado (of course), and a ground beef taco. She asked if I wanted pico and gauc with the first two. I stated definitely no, but I'm glad they asked! There's a 50 cent credit card fee but at least they don't ask for an unearned tip. A few minutes later out came three very large tacos, stuffed with meat. She also brought two packets of sauce, one a mild green and the other a hotter red. As well as an inhouse habanero sauce. Alright! I'm ready to devour these bad boys.

I started in on the chicken taco. Delicious - loved the flavor and the double soft corn tortillas. After a few bites, I added the green sauce. Not bad at all. Usually these greens are too thin with no flavor. This was probably still too thin but at least you could taste it. Then came the red. This is a good sauce. A little bit thicker (not much) and adds punch and a pepper flavor. I used these same two sauces on taco #2 - the carne asada. One of the complaints I read was that the meat didn't have much seasoning. I have to agree unfortunately. I liked the texture but it was too bland and it was lacking that char grilled flavor one expects. Next came the ground beef taco, this one stuffed inside a super crispy homemade shell. The shell was just as good as Tacos del Gordo, and the meat was heavily seasoned. I tried the habanero sauce, but it strangely wasn't that hot or flavorful. And it was too thin. I feel like that could change visit to visit where as the packet sauces will be the same. Next time I'll substitute the carne asada with something else (rolled tacos maybe?). All in all, an excellent visit, and in goes Erickberto's to the RJG rotation.

Now for the confusing part  - who is Erickberto's anyway? Well it is a chain but a very disparate one with no economy of scale to speak of. Their location in the Phoenix area has their own website. I found the one in California via Google Maps. And then there's two here, the other further north on Powers off of Old Ranch Rd. That location would be a lot easier for me to visit if I were to go their on its own without other agenda items.

Berto's seems to be a thing in the far southwest. There's Filiberto's, Riliberto's, and now Erickberto's. More about this phenomena here.

5/19/24 (new entry)

South Jersey Subs ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024

First visit: Oct 2009

Founded: 2009

As with Leon Gessi, it's time to get in an annual review of an old favorite. On this Friday, I had some morning meetings, and then decided to do the thriftin' rounds for my "break" before having to come back in the afternoon for more meetings. As I headed south, lunch time had arrived (around 11:00) and I was nearby. I knew what I wanted - The Italian Stallion. I was slightly disappointed on this visit because the bread wasn't very hot, which came as a surprise considering the below update. But otherwise I was satisfied. I'm not usually in this area during lunchtime, so it'll probably be another year before I get back. But I'm sticking with my "new usual". On the plus side, the little restaurant was very crowded, filled with white and blue collar workers. That's a good sign.

---7/29/23 update

OK, we're late for our annual review to a building I used to frequent weekly almost 30 years ago. And I found a new craveable menu item! The Italian Stallion. Not sure when it was added, or if it's been there the whole time, but it leapt right off the page to me on this visit. Essentially it's an Italian sausage pizza residing inside a sub instead of a slice of crisped dough. Great bread to keep the heat in. They did it perfectly. I burned the roof of my mouth - as it's been out of practice as noted on other recent reviews. No one makes the hot dishes hot anymore. Well that's not a problem here. Great sauce and gooey cheese. Need to come back more often than once a year.

---original 7/5/21 review

A long time ago this particular building was my favorite go-to place in all of Colorado Springs. I had just moved here (December of 1993), and my friends that were responsible for that happening, had taken me out to a Mexican restaurant known as the Mission Inn (long out of business). As we were leaving, I glanced across the street and saw a place called Friendly's Subs. It just had the look. A perfect Regular Joe's Guide kinda place. Both these establishments were less than 5 minutes from my apartment. It was football season, and at halftime of the first game, I wandered over and ordered their half meatball and half sausage sub and proceeded to take it home. It was the single best hot sub I ever had to that point! I went back almost every Sunday through early 1995 when I had to move up to Denver for new work. I rarely ventured too far on the menu. The owners were two old friends from Vermont, who mail ordered the sausage and meatballs from Boston. That was their secret. And they had a great homemade Italian sauce to put on it. 

I reminisce about Friendly's because this location really hasn't changed all that much in 27 years. The friends moved back to New England a few years later and another buyer kept the name, but forwent the imports from Massachusetts. It was never the same. During the Denver summer townhome years, I had noticed they had new owners and a new name, and that was my introduction to South Jersey Subs. 12 years later, it's clear they have staying power. I have tried their meatball sub in the past, and while certainly very good, it didn't come close to the greatness of Friendly's. But again, nothing I've ever tried has either - and that's nationwide, including New York City, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia. On this visit I tried their 8" "Special Italian". It was a stuffed sandwich that's for sure. The "works" weren't sloppy enough for me, but definitely better than Colonel Mustard's that we recently spoke about. The Jersey Mike's chain is the current gold standard, and you have to clear that bar. South Jersey didn't make it. Ah well. 

The restaurant itself is as dingy as ever. They opened it up since the 90s (i.e. windows without coverings) - the old guys always had it closed and cozy. But it's more or less an old fashioned neighborhood divey sandwich shop. Not a lot of those still around unfortunately. We'll always come back, as long as the food holds up. We'll try something else on the menu. Something we wouldn't have had to do in 1994.

10/2/09; 7/13/18; 7/5/21 (new entry); 9/1/22; 7/29/23; 5/17/24

Leon Gessi Pizza ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024

First visit: Feb 1995

Founded: 1974

I happened to be in this part of the Springs on Thursday, and Leon Gessi offers an early lunch. It's about 10:30, time for an annual update. I've been once each of the last three years and one visit that goes back to my first tour here in the Springs. I was determined to try one of their baked subs and went forward with the meatball sub. The experience was like the below in terms of ordering, etc... Grabbed my table and waited. A few minutes later out comes the sub. Hmmm... Not quite as hot as I expected, though certainly hot enough for most I would suspect. I'm looking for bubbling mozzarella cheese, preferably charred. I wanted the bread to be more crispy. They cheated on the meatballs. I expected full homemade meatballs. What I got was meatball pizza toppings thrown inside of the bread. So no, that's not going to work. It wasn't bad of course, just not what I would want from a quality baked sub. It tasted exactly like it reads - a meatball pizza inside a sub. On the plus side they gave me a side of their sauce to douse it in. That did come out hot and it's very flavorful. I'll stick with pizza next time. Leon Gessi remains in the rotation.

---3/19/23 update

It's been exactly a full year since I last stopped by Leon Gessi, with the below review representing my last. Seems I'm in a pizza mood lately with Parry's and Walter's303 also getting some focus. As with the last visit, the slices were a bit stiff - seems a bit overdone in the oven. Though Mrs. RJG would like it this way! And because they may have been reheated one too many times, the sauce seems cooked out. On this visit I had one sausage and one meatball, and the toppings were generous. Maybe not the best pizza in town, but certainly worthy of an occasional visit. Seems if I order a full pizza, it might be better. Also eyeing their baked subs. For next time.

---original 3/19/22 review

Based on the dates above, you might think we've been long time regulars to Leon Gessi. But nope - this was only my second visit. The first was when my Old Man came into town during my first residence here in the Springs. I recall little about the experience. But I did recognize the building. It's a classic RJG styled old fashioned hole in the wall. Apparently they've been in business since 1974, and I would guess at this location. When you walk in, it looks like a Baltimore shotgun styled place. There's tables that line the window, and you order up at the counter. They give you a number and that's because there's ample more seating in the spacious back room through the hallway (again, recalling Baltimore) and there's also plenty of benches to enjoy outside. I ordered two slices - one plain cheese, the other with sliced Italian meatball. Both came out crispy and piping hot. The crust should probably have been a bit more pliable, and I never seem to get enough sauce, so it was a tad dry. I could see that changing visit to visit. Certainly a place worth adding to the annual repertoire, and probably more than that. We'll be back sooner than 27 years at the very least - we hope.

1/28/95; 3/19/22 (new entry); 3/19/23; 5/16/24

Birdcall ~ regional chain : Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024 (Dublin @ Barnes)

First visit: Jun 2021 (Dublin @ Barnes)

HQ: Denver, CO (founded: 2016)

Locations: 14 (+4). Colorado: 8 all in the Denver / Boulder metro except this one here in the Springs. Arizona: 3 (+2) all in the Phoenix area. Texas: 3 (+2) all in the DFW area. None in Tarrant County. Closest would be Carrollton (a former RJG homestead).

Back for my 3rd visit in four years. I am now spending more time on the Powers corridor, so that's why you're seeing more eastern Colorado Springs entries. On this visit I knuckled in my usual Nashville Hot chicken sandwich (stayed with "hot"), tater tots, and a regular soda. It still doesn't like my credit card (too advanced apparently) so I used my debit card this time. $15 later I await my meal. They ask for a tip. I do all the work and they want a tip. It's so ridiculous. Soon they'll ask we clean the bathrooms before leaving... Anyway, the large television screen told me my order would be ready in just over 6 minutes. Perfect. I get everything ready and wait. Uh-oh - 5 minutes in, it switched to "Soon". What does that mean? It means you're not getting the order when we said you would. Suddenly I'm at the airport with a delayed flight and no information. It was over 10 minutes before I got my order. So as much as I praised their system in the past, there's the downside. Missed expectations. It's worse when you're hungry. An additional 5 minute wait is hardly something to take to City Hall, but it does expose a weakness in the system. Regardless...

I enjoyed my sandwich (perfect heat level and temperature) as well as the tots, and even the fizzy drink was more tasty than normal. Birdcall stays in the rotation, though once a year is about right. Not a cheap date and my elbows hurt from scrubbing the floors...

---1/23/23 update

Didn't manage to visit Birdcall for all of 2022, though I had it circled to do so. Problem is I'm rarely in this part of town. Dublin is now the beginning (if coming from the north like us) of the "Powers nightmare" stretch, since they recently finished the Research Pkwy freeway bridge. I try to avoid the area, and will only come here if there's a garage or estate sale happening. Which is exactly the impetus of the first visit below. Well this time I made Birdcall the destination. After going to The Post, I wanted to contrast and compare. 

First thing I noticed is that they took down the confusing pandemic-era parking signs. Regardless, the drive-thru was much more popular on this day than dine-in. But for a sandwich like this, I'd rather eat inside. Went straight to the computer screens as noted below, and my chip reader credit card doesn't like to be swiped, so I had to order the old fashioned way via the barkeep. From there everything went as below, though now I have my name back lol. And I didn't get a beer either.

The Nashville Chicken on this visit was way spicy. And that's coming from me, who's constantly pushing for more heat. I did ask for the regular, not extra. But I wonder if they didn't mix that up on the order? That's why I brought up the credit card swipe issue above. Anyway - it was delicious (extra heat isn't going to deter me), and just as I remember otherwise. The tater tots were normal, no "tiger seasoning". I asked about that, but the gentleman that helped me gave a quizzical look. Not sure if I caught a special last time, or it's no longer on the menu (looking up - oh poo - I hate these online menus that insist you order something and they tell you they're closed. Jeez.). The lost art of IT (sigh).

Anyway... they were very good and he later offered me a sauce to dip them in, so I grabbed the sriracha aioli. That was nice of him and it was a good condiment. All in all, another great visit. Probably will be another year before coming back, but if in the area during lunch, I'll definitely stop in.

Since last year, Birdcall has expanded by 2 locations, now totaling 10. They added two to the Denver/Boulder area giving them 7 (plus this one Co Springs location). The Phoenix area dropped one, so they're down to Scottsdale. Most interesting to me is that they just expanded to the old RJG stomping grounds of Carrollton, Texas! Mr. Music - you need to go! As do my old NE Tarrant readers - it's not too far for something new like this.

--- original 6/5/21 review

Upon arrival, the first thing you see is a large informative sign that says "wait here". Wait for what? I was there before opening. Drive around the sign, and every parking space is marked "curbside pickup". Huh? Drove around again, and figured I should just park there anyway. I asked, and sure enough, that's what you're supposed to do. Birdcall needs to update their December pandemic look. No matter, once walking in, you'll be greeted with 3 computer screens. Go to any of them and swipe your credit card to get started. I did that - and Mrs. RJG's name came up. Huh? Ah, she went a couple of days prior with her official Mom, and I guess registered her name. From there, ordering was pretty straightforward. I went for the Nashville Hot chicken sandwich, tater tots, and - ah what the heck - a beer on tap. Easy settlement process and then Mrs. RJG's name was on the computer screen telling me to wait 4 minutes. I feel so transgendered. I'm so hip! Great - grabbed a bar stool and waited. So yes, they have a bar with about 6 to 7 taps. Then the screen said my order was ready and what bay # it was sitting in. There are many, but since I was essentially first, it was the only one there. Back to the bar stool, open the bag, and lets-a-get-a-started.

Oh I like these tater tots - a lot. Great seasoning - what they call "tiger seasoning". Lots of flavor, and tots are better than fries for absorbing the seasoning. Bite into the sandwich. While the word "crispy" didn't enter my mind, it certainly wasn't mushy or messy either. The Nashville hot seasoning had penetrated deep. Very flavorful and it packed a nice punch. You have a choice of hot or extra hot, but I just stuck with the regular. Good thing. I think extra hot would have been too dominating. Nice buttery bread top too. As for the beer, they have their own brand, called Birdcall naturally enough. Based on what I can tell, various Denver breweries will make a beer for them, so it's not a exclusive arrangement. This location had the Birdcall Pilsner, which is made by the Denver Beer Company, and I'll register in the Bier Reise shortly. It was delicious. They also had some local Colorado Springs beers. You wouldn't necessarily come here for the beer, but at least their selection is local. I happened to notice they have Tractor Beverages for the fountain drinks. They're a soda/drink maker from Coeur d'Alenne, Idaho and feature all natural, organic, etc, etc... Yea, yea, this place is all about being with-it. Personally I appreciate the unique brands.

Speaking of hip, Birdcall nails the modern way. Wide open spaces, industrial look, computer screens everywhere, craft beer, and "non gender" bathrooms. Or what we used to call "uni-sex". The more things change, the more they... yea. All that doesn't matter if the food isn't good, and most certainly is. We'll be back for sure. Oh, the ladies that work here were all uniformly nice and professional. 

This is definitely a different market than Chick-Fil-A or Popeye's. I would expect to see fast growth from this budding chain.

6/25/21 (new entry); 1/23/23; 5/11/24

Fogo de Chão ~ international chain : Denver, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024 (downtown)

First visit: Jun 2017 (Sao Paolo - Jardins)

HQ: Plano, TX (founded: 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil)

Locations: 67 in the US and 19 for the rest of world, mostly in Latin America. There's 2 up in Denver. DFW has 4 locations, but none in Tarrant County. The closest from our former homestead would have been in North Irving.

It's graduation season, and this time it's for one of my official nephew's college graduation up in Denver. Scheduled for Friday morning, I took the day off from work, and Mrs. RJG, her mom, and myself made the rush hour trek to downtown from the Springs. Then we get to listen to hundreds of names of people we don't know and scream wildly for our guy. Everyone who has been to these things knows the drill. Boring as all get out, but you have to be there for "support". My nephew is just like Uncle RJG and didn't even want to do it (I was the same in college), but the parents insist... After sitting through that torture, we get our reward. Lunch time! And on this occasion, Uncle RJG didn't even have to pay for it. Even better!

So as you may have noted my first visit to Fogo de Chão was in Brazil itself. I was in Sao Paolo for business while working for the global education company, and they treated us here one night (walking distance from the hotel too). The experience there was pretty much exactly the experience we had in Denver. If you've been fortunate enough to go one of these places, it's all about the meat. Skewers of them. Non-stop if you like. I highly recommend you go in as hungry as possible to enjoy the restaurant at its finest. They also have a salad bar with all sorts of interesting selections including deli meats and cheeses as well.

Because I did have this knowledge from prior visits, I had a bagel and juice in the early morning to tide me over through the ceremony. My stomach started growling by the 633rd name called out. A couple of hours later, we're sitting down, and I'm ready to eat the table. Stick with water to drink. While in Brazil I made the mistake of a having a beer. You don't want to fill up on anything heavy like that. I did have a side of excellent white rice from the buffet for a light balance. And a salad with an excellent dressing. As for the meats, most are of the steak variety, with some pork (parmesan pork was my first offering on this visit), chicken, sausage, and lamb. I had one of everything they brought out. The only major meat they offer that I didn't get to try were the ribs. That was a bummer, but no matter, I was completely full. Didn't even have dinner though we were done by 2:00. Even as I'm writing this the next morning, I still feel full. Haha. BTW, I have to say that the meal is an absolute bargain in today's world. The lunch "Churrasco Experience" is $44. That's a steal considering how much great meat and other food you get. I swear you pay more at a Thai restaurant these days. Of course laying off alcohol will keep your bill way down. Which I advise in this case for appetite reasons.

Fortuitous that I heard from Mr. Music on the same day. We had gone to a couple of different Brazilian steakhouses the first year we moved back to DFW (2003), but not Fogo de Chao. He offers a "strategy" for how to eat at one of these places: 

Ahhhh, Fogo de Chao! I love going there... I used to overstuff myself every time, but learned to really just enjoy the experience and not worry about "eating my money's worth". I still eat plenty, but I love the atmosphere and excitement of going. I've been for lunch when it is 1/2 priced, bought gift cards when they offered an extra $25 for $100 of gift cards and even done the salad bar only for 1/2 price. I totally enjoy that since they have supreme prosciutto and homemade mozzarella as well as killer capicola, smoked salmon and the pork sausage and black bean stew (with maple bacon, rice and hot sauce fixins) all on the salad bar. I love all those weird salad items like artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, marinated mushrooms, the giant beets, asparagus and the tabouli salad too. But sometimes I just gotta have the meat!

I've learned what my favorite meats are. The pichana, parmesan rolled pork, and lamb chops with mint jelly. So I focus on them and sometimes have a little filet, ribeye, top/bottom sirloin or garlic beef but never all of them. I like the wine marinated chicken drumstick, but I don't like filling up on that either, so I indulge sometimes. I don't eat the mashed potatoes and only have a little polenta (if any) and maybe a cheese roll. I do love them but they fill me up fast. I've been wanting to go for happy hour and get the 1/2 pound pichana burger when it is 1/2 off.

Well, I wasn't planning on writing a guide to Fogo de Chão eating strategies, but there it is!

6/27/17; 5/10/24 (new entry)

Brothers Cousins Tacos ~ Los Angeles, California

OK - we have a new entry from Mr. Music who has been rather quiet of late. Let's see what he has in store for us today.

---

After seeing the video Mumbai Techno dude sent me about Brothers Cousins food stand, I had to had to had to go! And what a funny name! Lady Music wasn’t so sure about it, but she's a good sport and we trekked from southern Long Beach to Westdale (right off the 405) in L.A. between Santa Monica and Culver City. They don't open until 6pm. We figured it might be a mad house on the weekend and chose to go for dinner on a Weds. We got there just before 7pm and the line was already down the block. We talked to a fun couple in line who lives nearby and loves the place. They said the lines wraps around the block regularly. That just got me more excited than I already was! I felt like a 12 year old waiting in line at Disneyland! Lady Music said she was getting excited as well. 

From the line we could see the mountain of pork roasting on the biggest trompo I've ever seen! We could smell the delicious aroma of the meat a block away. We made our way up to the tables and saw the flames searing the pork. A giant pina (pineapple) mounted atop. Onions, jalapeños and habaneros were being grilled alongside the huge burrito and taco tortillas. A chef piled cheese on the tortillas and flipped them cheese side down to melt and char the cheese. if desired, a pile of rice and beans are added to the generous portion of meat shoveled onto the gooey cheesy tortilla. A separate grill had asada, lengua, tripa, chicken, whole potatoes (papas) and cactus leaves (nopales) cooking on it. All available along with other extras were available for the asking. I opted for the burrito with Al Pastor, beans, rice and grilled pina! Lady Music decided to go lite and try the tacos. One al pastor and one asada beef. You are handed a platter with your burrito (or in Lady Music's case, tacos). You can get a torta or something that looks like gorditas too. The grilled onion and peppers are self serve. Then you walk up to bins of toppings. Cilantro, diced raw onion, pickled onion and carrot, lime, sliced radish and cucumber and 4 salsas too; creamy green, tomatillo (verde), traditional tomato (rojo) and habanero. After you pile it on, they take the platter and roll up.your burrito. I piled it all on putting radish and cucumber to the side. 

They have some seats, but like us, most people just took their food to their vehicle. It was like a parking lot party! People bustling and chatting, lots of music playing and feasting on the goods! The pastor was a hit and was moist and flavorful. And with so many ingredients, the burrito was a myriad of yummy tastes. Lady Music got an asada taco and found the meat a little plain. I had to agree. Although she loved my burrito almost as much as me! The price? Fugetaboutit! With a large horchata and tax, it was under $18! I also gave a healthy tip! It was a fun experience and great food. I am looking forward to another trip! Lady Music wants the nopales next time. BTW, there are two locations which are about 7 minutes apart. They are literally on either side of the 405 at National. We decided to try the original on Sawtell. Well go to the other on Sepulveda next time! 

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ca51Z1uDSoc?si=ZOAyi3Si8tR0NwjD

- Mr. Music review

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue ~ national chain : Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024 (Interquest)

First visit: Apr 2007 (Kihei, HI)

HQ: Honolulu, HI (founded: 1952)

Locations: There are 6 locations in Colorado, including two here and the other 4 in the Denver-Boulder metro. DFW houses locations in Plano and Arlington, but none in NE Tarrant. Wikipedia says over 200 total. I could count them on the website, but it would take awhile, so we'll go with this.

This is only my second visit to L&L, and as you can see, our first was in Maui. At that time Mrs. RJG and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary. And we just passed 27 years, so that's a long time ago. I'm not really sure why it's taken me so long to revisit, considering there's been one off of Powers since we moved here. Recently they opened up here in mega-chain valley, right near our house, so I decided it was high time I get over there.

It sits in a small strip center between Bonchon and Rush Bowls. That's three Asian themed restaurants in a row. The other anchor is Shipley Do-Nuts. That and Bonchon are in the RJG already, with Bonchon needing a revisit soon. Rush Bowls doesn't really look like our thing, but we'll keep an open mind. Maybe Mrs. RJG would go for it.

In any case, I parked up front, walked in and ordered at the counter. It's a large menu and I settled on their signature BBQ chicken with two sides of rice. I got a mini, which believe me, is more than enough unless you're really hungry. The chicken was delicious, moist and flavorful. The rice was cooked properly and they have the ever elusive Sriracha (Huy Fong) on the tables to douse it in. Not a cheap meal for fast food, but you do get full at least. They ask for an unearned tip (though I'll state the counter service was friendly). All the same, L&L goes into the rotation. I'd like to try other items on the menu too. I'll probably go more than once a year. Next time I'll grab it to-go. Those little recycled cardboard containers are not big enough for the meal, and I'd rather use real utensils. Besides I can enjoy some television and a soda at home. With a big ol' plate as well.

4/8/07; 5/9/24 (new entry)

Dion's ~ regional chain : Colorado Springs, Colorado

First visit: May 2024 (Colorado Springs)

HQ: Albuquerque, NM (founded: 1978)

Locations: 29. New Mexico (23): 17 in the ABQ area; 2 each in Santa Fe and Las Cruces; 1 each in Roswell and Clovis --- Colorado (3): Two in Denver and this one in Colorado Springs --- Texas (3): Two in my old college town of Lubbock and one coming soon in El Paso.

Dion's has an image problem. For years I thought they were just a regular diner. They were just wallpaper to us in all of our trips down to New Mexico. I never once thought it would be a place to try given the abundance of other options. Imagine my surprise when I learned they were a pizza chain. They are? In any case, it took me another couple of years to finally step foot in one, our sole location here in the Springs. Mrs. RJG ran up to Denver for some family business, so this gives me a chance to recon these places for the two of us.

Not only is the image outside confusing, but so is the inside. It looks all the world like a Perkins (same color scheme even) or a Village Inn. If they used the logo as I have it shown here, I would have been better informed - but they only use the more generic cursive spelling on the sign without the image. 

It's a sizeable restaurant, though it's still a quick serve place that even sports a drive-thru. I think the idea is to order online and then pick it up at the window. In any case I went about ordering a 12 inch pizza with Italian sausage and a small drink. They said it would be ready in 20 minutes. Sort of irritating that they don't have the drink machine in the restaurant itself, and you have to ask for refills (they're free). And the small is really small, so I had to do that twice. I felt like a pain, but they were nice about it at least. Hey, pizza makes me thirsty! At least they didn't ask for an unearned tip.

About 15 minutes later my pizza arrived. It certainly looks good! On the plus side it appears they use real Italian sausage, looks homemade even. The cheese is gooey and they season it. On the downside it wasn't really that flavorful and the crust was more chewy than crispy. It wasn't doughy though. I think Mrs. RJG would thumb it down, though she wouldn't have made a face either. It's not good when Mrs. RJG "makes a face." It could have also used more sauce. It seems I always say that. But the best pizzas tend to be saucy in my mind. 12 inches is a little too much for me in one setting, though I still managed to devour it haha. 10 inches would have been better.

The restaurant was largely empty and it feels chain-y. Only teens and young adults were working there. On the whole I'd say it was good and certainly wouldn't object if someone wanted me to take them there. But I don't see Dion's going into the rotation either. It wasn't anything special.

According to their history, Dion's was supposed to be Dionysus, but they saved some money on their sign by shortening their name (lol). It was a Greek restaurant but most patrons liked the pizza, so they decided to focus on that instead. They've done quite well with the concept.

5/5/24 (new entry)

Rosie's Diner ~ Monument, Colorado

Latest visit: May 2024

First visit: Jun 2019

This is only my second visit to Rosie's, the first with Mrs. RJG five years ago when we had a late breakfast. At that time I was heavily into smothered green chile burritos, and I tried their variation. It was OK, but not exemplary. I vowed to return and try traditional diner fare. And five years later I finally fulfilled that promise. While Mrs. RJG is keeping her mom company, I found myself alone for a solo outing.

Rosie's is truly an old-fashioned diner, or at least made to replicate one. Lots of chrome, and solo counter seating for wayward travelers. On this visit I stayed true to my mission and had a cheeseburger and fries... ...with a mocha milkshake. Well... I just had too! To me shakes represent the old school diner experience as I recall them in the 1970s. For the burger they ask "pink or no pink". Mrs. RJG would like that! I went no pink myself. All came out as expected. Very good on the whole and worth a return visit. The shakes are old fashioned, and they have a separate metal container for you to pour in the remainder. In my case it was a little over two glasses full of ice creamery goodness. I walked out more stuffed than I prefer, but every once in awhile "ees OK" to do that. Next time I'll probably lay off the shake, despite my enjoyment of it.

I arrived right around 11:00 on a Saturday and it was packed. I can't remember the last time I saw a packed house on a Saturday for lunch. The prices are reasonable, though still no bargain. It's just a popular place. They're only open for breakfast and lunch and they close at 2. No late night eats here. Service was great as well.

The history is a bit confusing, and it would seem you are eating at a chain. Essentially Rosie's started as the Silver Dollar Diner in New Jersey and ultimately ended up in Michigan. Those of us of a certain age will remember Rosie the Waitress (as played by Nancy Walker) and she was a fictional character at that diner. Always picking up everyone's mess with Bounty paper towels, one of the most successful ad campaigns ever. They then renamed the diner after her! It appears they tried to "chain the concept" but it doesn't look like that ever got off the ground. There is another Rosie's up in Aurora, but it seems to be of a different ownership with the same concept.

6/29/19; 5/4/24 (new entry)

Tacos del Gordo ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

First visit: May 2024 (North Academy)

Other locations: South Academy; Union; Fountain

As noted here on the RJG a few times, getting tacos in Colorado Springs is a dicey proposition. Admittedly I tend to enjoy more gringo oriented fare, and some of the places in town are hardcore. But if there's one dish that seems to give the game away it's pollo asado. If they take the time to grill a chicken then it seems that I will enjoy the restaurant.

That axiom proved true again. I ordered three tacos: Ground beef, carne asada, and the aforementioned pollo asado. They have a salsa bar and I put a ladle full of all three they offer into the cups provided. Once the meal arrived, I started in on the ground beef taco. Oh yes - super crunchy and crispy homemade shell. And the beef was heavily seasoned. Excellent by itself (I'll get to the salsas in a minute). The carne and pollo are served street style with onions, cilantro served on double corn tortillas. They also offer guac for both, but I passed. These are fully loaded so you get your $3+ each moneys worth. Both were fantastic, the former with a charbroiled steak flavor and the chicken was very flavorful. As for the salsas, the green is real thin and fairly tasteless. Not sure there's any reason to have it. The red was also very thin but did carry spice, but not much flavor. The thick textured red was the money sauce. Spicy and very flavorful. Unique too. Loved it and made each of the three tacos better. It's all you need really.

The restaurant was clean and the service was friendly. And they don't ask for an unearned tip. My kind of place! Into the RJG rotation Tacos del Gordo goes.

5/3/24 (new entry)