OUT AND ABOUT

After getting back from my (with the dog) June two week driving trip of the famous Alaska Highway, a trip that totaled over six thousand miles, I have really been getting out to a number of places, read a number of books, hosted the 23rd annual Taste of Douglas County.
*** By the way, a recap of the trip appears on my website – mikeboyle.com. There is both a blog with photos, or you can listen to the recap on my podcast.

Some of the places visited include Tacos El Patron in Centennial. Always good, locally owned and operated by the Pizano family, enjoyed the quesabirrria, the build your own bowl, a cold Mexican Pacifico beer.
I also made it, finally, to My House Café in the Safeway Center in Monument. BIG, hearty portions. I enjoyed the breakfast burrito with hash browns. Seven days a week serving breakfast and lunch.

I’ve become a fan of the 303 Sports Grill in Lone Tree (another location on Bowles just East of Wadsworth).. Had a great burger, wonderful buffalo wings, the Cuban sandwich, a Reuben, and most recently, , the Gladiator. Chicken and avocado.. Big portions, wonderful dog friendly covered patio with TVs. Also had a nice red chili.

The Taco House on at 1335 South Wadsworth, a West Denver staple since 1958, has a nice $7 lunch special. I had the burrada (basically a burrito smothered with enchilada sauce). Tuesday evenings offer a 2 for $22 special.

Had a gyros sandwich from the Yemen Grill in Auroora, a white gravy smothered breakfast burrito at The South in Englewood, spent a wonderful evening supporting TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, an organization that supports families of military service members who have died. The Coors Cowboys came all the way from Amarillo to cook FABULOUS prime rib dinners for the event. I have had some awesome mac & cheese bowls at I Heart Mac & Cheese, and a chicken Philly cheese steak sandwich at Capriotti’s.

Finally, don’t forget Casa Mata in Parker, breakfast tacos at IHOP, and the open face prime rib sandwich at Poppies, a long time Denver favorite since 1985, is out of this world.
And I haven’t even mentioned the Taste of Douglas County and all of the great restaurants that were featured there. Maybe check out www.tasteofdouglascounty.com.

A two week riding trip of the historic Alaska Highway, also known as the Alaska-Canadian Highway, or simply the Al-Can, put me a little behind on posting, but I have had some wonderful local experiences. By the way, yes, we, the dog and I, made it. From Denver through Wyoming, Montana, Canadian provinces Alberta and British Columbia and then “North to Alaska” the whole trip was 6,645 miles. Yikes!

By the way, a recap of the trip appears on my website – mikeboyle.com. There is both a blog with photos, or you can listen to the recap on my podcast.
Closer to home, the breakfast burrito at My House Café in Monument is worth a visit.

I also stopped in Masonville, Colorado, about 15 miles west of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir, to check out the new, but historic, Masonville Mercantile. Makes for a nice day trip.

Tried the new Boil Daddy off Powers and Stetson Hills in Colorado Springs. I had a combo platter. Place focuses on seafood. You check it out and let me know what you think. And stopped by the new Rock’s 24 Pizzeria on Highway 24. Chicago style pizza.

A listener told me about the specials at Buffalo Wild Wings. I like wings, so checked out the place in Castle Rock. Good wings, good specials. They will be participating in this year’s Taste of Douglas County coming up August 21st. See; tasteofdouglascounty.com

Checked out the Yemen Grill. Two locations. One in Aurora off Parker Road and Havana, and the other is by D.U. on East Evans (the old Fagan’s). Had a good, filling gyros sandi.

Finally, stopped by an old standby, The South on South Huron in Englewood. Wanted to try something different, so had the biscuits & gravy breakfast burrito. A very plain presentation, but good portion and very delicious. Always enjoy the dog friendly patio, friendly service. Most of the staff have worked there for years, so you will always find them upbeat and happy to serve you.

I‘m a little behind sharing a few places I’ve been, a few meals I have enjoyed. My excuse is that I took some time to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and new granddaughter.

Flew into Puerto Vallarta, but spent most of the time in La Cruz, a small village about an hour north of PV. If you ever decide to visit the area, check out El Ring in La Cruz, and El Cafelito in Punta Mita for breakfast, Makai in La Lancha for lunch, La Negra in Bucerias (get the rib eye tacos – wow!) and Mauka in Punta Negra (the shrimp meatballs were delicious and very unique) for dinner. I loved Cenaduria in Bucerias for a real TRADITIONAL Mexican dinner, but may be a little out of your comfort zone (but if you dare, and can find a cab that knows where it is, the enchiladas were terrific)

A couple of other real local places you might enjoy, I know I sure did, were La Tia in Puerto Vallarta, and Cenaduria in Bucerias. Both well off the beaten path, a little hard to find, but worth the effort.

A LOT closer to home, a listener suggested I check out the Red Ilama just east of Park Meadows off County Line. Beautiful décor, a little expensive, but very good Peruvian cuisine. The octopus and beef heart both made an impressive presentation, tasted good. We had started with two appetizers, and with dessert, we left more than full. My suggestion would be to take baby steps if you visit. Will save both your belly and your wallet.

Visited the new La Loma in Parker. Fish tacos, $24, were very good. Included black beans.

Cheba Hut – I had never visited. Thought it was just another sandwich shop. Had two of their biggest sellers, the White Widow Chicken, Bacon and the La Canna Italian. I’ll go back. They offer craft beers and liquor, have a nice outdoor patio, and rooftop dining.

FINALLY, made it to Casa Bonita. Had a ball. A friend is a member of their Premier Club, so he gets an early warning about when ressies will open up. Casa Lager, made specially for Casa Bonita, was very good. Margaritas were great. I had the carne asada taco salad. Big portion, good flavor. Others in party each had something different. Everybody very happy, satisfied. Sopapillas good, but server suggested flan. It was OTHER WORLDLY. A MUST.

A few places I have been, a few meals I have enjoyed, a few things you might want to check out:

Easter Sunday – Did an Easter remote broadcast, maybe a first for me, at India’s Restaurant, 8921 East Hampden. Kris, the owner, offered an all you can eat buffet for only $21.95. Big crowd. People really appreciated being able to dine together on such a busy day at a more attractive price point than so many other places.

Capriotti’s – tried the pastrami fries (pictured on my social media page). Wild, delicious.

Tacos El Patron in Centennial has build your own bowls. I liked the idea. Big, filling.

There is a new Playa Bowls, a franchise out of New Jersey, in Castle Rock. Smoothies, acai bowls, healthy. Other locations around the Denver metro area. I am a big fan of acai bowls and they have good variety, do a good job. Coming to Parker soon.

Goat Patch Brewery in Colorado Springs (on North Cascade) has added a new location on Voyager north of town. Put in their own pizza kitchen, hired Jay Gust, longtime, very talented, chef to create the menu. I had the Mountain Man pizza (basically a meat lover).

I have found that the buffalo wings on the hot table at my local Safeway to be very meaty and good. Other varieties offered, but I go with the buffalo. NOTE: Friday is $5 sushi at this store. Ten pieces, different kinds.

Jesse’s NOLA in Parker has a jambalaya, gumbo combo called Gumbalaya. Very good.

Drove to Hudson for a burger at Pepper Pod. Fresh, hand pattied, BIG.

In the old Tokyo Joe’s at Dry Creek and Yosemite, there is a new Mexican place called Sabroso. Full service bar, plenty of inside and patio seating. Order at the counter and they bring your order to you. Had the birria tacos. Very good. Not inexpensive, but very good.

A few places I visited, checked out, tried over the last few weeks include Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in the Denver Tech Center. EXCEPTIONAL restaurant. Food, service, ambiance. We started with the crab cakes. Entrees included the steak medallions, sea bass, and scallops. Three medallions were crusted with pepper, one with bleu cheese, and third with horseradish. Medium rare, red center, warm through. Excellent. Chocolate lava cake with ice cream and fresh berries for dessert.

A Mexican dish which recently arrived on the local dining scene is the Quesabirria. Looked like a deep fried taco. Usually stuffed with beef. I occasionally get mine with chicken. Recently enjoyed a BIG platter at Casa Mata in Parker.

I’ve also enjoyed the dish at Los Dos Potrillos in Castle Rock and Tacos El Patron in Centennial. Tacos El Patron also puts out bowls. Build your own. A great filling, but inexpensive lunch option.

Recently tried the jalapeno burger at IHOP in Northglenn. Yes, it was hot, but very flavorful. Other burger options available.

Speaking of burgers, enjoyed a sunny lunch on the patio at Courtyard Social in Castle Rock. I have tried many of their dishes. Everything bagel Reuben sandwich, prime rib green chili, flatbread, ahi tuna nachos, but had never tried a burger. My vote? Yes, give it a try.

Finally, on the burger front, on a listener’s recommendation, went to GennaRae’s on 28th in Denver. Tiny place, but great, hand pattied burgers. BIG! Place only offers burgers and wings. Wings were AMAZING. Got mine with buffalo sauce. Some of the best I’ve had.

A couple of more places worth mentioning: Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings. A few locations in Denver metro and one coming soon to Voyager and Interquest in Colorado Springs. And The Office Kitchen & Bar in Castle Rock offers a really good Reuben sandwich.

Been a wild, busy two weeks that included not only restaurant visits, books read, but a week long trip to Mexico with a group of listeners.

Since my last posting I visited, at a listener’s suggestion, the Firehouse Barbecue in the Black Forest. Located in a gas station convenience store. The Q is smoked fresh daily. Had the hot link sandwich for lunch and the two item meat platter with GREAT green chili mac & cheese and baked beans for dinner. Also tried the brisket. Wow! If you want to eat it there, they have outside tables.
Stopped by the My House Café in the Safeway center at Monument. Breakfast and lunch. Place was packed. Obviously a locals favorite. Checked out the new Mashawi Damascus on Wilcox in Castle Rock. Went with an old favorite, the gyros sandwich. Big, filling.

For the Mexico group trip, decided to fly into the brand new Tulum International Airport. Easy, breezy. Nobody there. Immediate immigration processing, luggage retrieval, and transfer to all inclusive resort. Felt like we were on a new adventure. No nonstops out of Denver at this time, so we connected through Houston.

Upon return, scheduled our Fall trip to Mexico. Cancun, November 4-11. Details on my website calendar. Staying at one of my FAVORITE properties – RIU Palace Kukulkan. Suggest you get your deposit ion early to lock in early bird price.

Hosted the KNUS Morning Show with Jeff & Bill Wednesday, the 26th, at IHOP Centennial. BIG crowd, good food, great specials. Thanks to all who joined us.

Events coming up in March include Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Arelita’s Cuban Restaurant, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Saint Patrick’s Day, Restaurant Show Book Club meeting at the Viewhouse Centennial, and Panino’s in downtown Colorado Springs. See website for updates and details.

Been a busy two weeks, so let me catch you up on some of my wanderings.

Enjoyed a wonderful, sold out Inauguration Party January 20th at the Viewhouse Centennial for President Donald J. Trump. Happy people, lots of photos, food food.

Took a wonderful day trip to Hudson, Colorado. Enjoyed a fabulous, HUGE plate of Dave’s Biscuits & Gravy at the Pepper Pod. Been around since 1913. Owned and operated since 1977 by Dave and Beth Martin with their Hyde Park culinary school graduate daughter, Amy Jackson, heading up the kitchen. Breakfast, lunch, dinner 6 days a week (closed Tuesday). Next visit I plan to enjoy the Junk Burger (their name for it) or the pork chops.

Also in Hudson, a listener suggested I get a pizza from Ben’s. Very enjoyable. Different types of pepperoni to choose from. I got the “baby” pepperonis, Usually hard to find.
Headed up to Masonville to visit the old mercantile store. Being renovated with hopes to open sometime early Spring. Nice drive. Finished by relaxing at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Local owner of eight IHOP restaurants invited me by to meet, chat, possibly work together on a Saturday night Meal Deal. Check the website calendar to see if, when, we get it scheduled. Also, they have convinced me that their pancakes really are THAT good.

Reading – I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. Had him on the air with his more recent book, Year of the Locust. Loved it, loving I Am Pilgrim. Both long, but worth it.

Finally got by Hammond’s Deli in Old Colorado City. Great pastrami sandwich, their signature sandwich. Big, thick, lots of meat. Not inexpensive, but very good.

Mid afternoon, HEALTHY snack – Yeah, I like some junk food pick me up middle afternoon, but a friend turned me on to healthy RXBars. Variety of flavors, about six different offerings. Maybe three egg whites, cashews or peanuts, maybe dates, more, all blended together in a bar. Found at Natural Grocers in the energy bar section. About $2.69 each.

Please check out the Overtime podcast on my website Home Page. Spent an hour with Steve Shaw, owner of the Black-eyed Pea Restaurants, discussing how to own a restaurant. Not a lecture, just a couple of guys talking about how to get started. Hope you enjoy!

A few things I did this week…..
Parker – A listener suggested I try Perfect Time Café, 10471 South Parker Road. Loved it! Met Mary Flores, the owner. Huge three egg omelet with hash browns. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Denver – Lunch at Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, 9th and Jersey. Tenderloin sandwich with home made pasta salad. Owned by Jimmy Lambotos, LONG time restaurant owner, operator. Lunch and dinner five days a week, brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Denver – The Porchetta House, 1510 Humboldt. Radio station GM had tried it. I didn’t even know what porchetta is. Hard to find, Ask for AJ, the owner.
Hadn’t been to a Jamba Juice in awhile. Stopped by, got a smoothie, but found out that they serve acai bowls. Going to try one soon. Love acai bowls.
Viewhouse Centennial – Had our Restaurant Show Book Club meeting this week. Joned by Colorado author, Peter Heller, and featured an interview with David Baldacci. For lunch I had the two-for-$13.99 meal deal. Nice side salad followed by cheeseburger. Next meeting is Wednesday, March 26. Everybody is welcome.

What am I reading? Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard have a new book, Confronting the Presidents. A brief, five or six pages, summation of each president. Gives you a history, but also lots of human interest and personal stories about each.

South Broadway – While driving, I saw a new Manning’s Steak House. Original is on West Alameda, and does a great job. Will get to this location soon.
Just read Blood and the Badge by Michael Cannell about two rogue NYPD cops. Interview coming up with Michael this weekend. If you miss it, check out the podcast. Inviting Michael to appear at the March book club meeting.

2025, The Year of the Caller – Just some of the restaurants that have supplied gift certificates to give away to on air callers include Butchery Steak House, Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shops, Billy’s Old World Pizza, more. Taking a lot of on air calls in both Colorado Springs (studio line 719-388-0391) and Denver (303-696-1971).

Thanks for reading Out and About. Please feel free to contribute. Follow me on social media

Something new has come to The Restaurant Show. Listeners and other followers often ask me where I’ve been, what I’ve done throughout the week. They know about the shows on the weekends, many join us at the various restaurants offering Meal Deals, some are in the Book Club, and a few even travel with us to exotic places.

But in an effort to share more of my wanderings, Out and About has been created. It will be timely, updated on a regular basis. It will be different from the website home page, the website calendar. It will be different from the Platter Chatter list of upcoming events distributed at restaurant appearances. It may be updated weekly, maybe every few days, or even maybe daily if the need arises, and the news worth sharing. So, a few examples…

This Week;
Breakfast at The South at South Huron in Englewood. Met show webmaster Ed Wilkes for lunch. Got there a little early, 10:30ish, and found out they are open and serving breakfast daily until noon. Score! I had the breakfast quesadilla, Ed had the breakfast tacos. Both delicious, and as always, The South gives big portions and great value. Monday through Friday ask for Michelle, day bartender and manager. Been there 25 years. You’ll love her.

A Snow Day – Went to Granelli’s Pizza in Castle Rock for a great, Chicago style pepperoni, sausage, and jalapeno pizza. Dine in is nice, especially since they have a liquor license.
What am I reading? Just finished Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey. Stories of wrongfully convicted individuals, and the Innocence Project’s efforts to gain them freedom’
Another – Just read Blood and the Badge by Michael Cannell about two rogue NYPD cops. Interview coming up with Michael shortly.

2025, The Year of the Caller – Contacted a number of restaurants and asked for gift certificates to give away to on air callers. Everyone said “yes.” Will be taking a lot of on air calls in both Colorado Springs (studio line 719-388-0391) and Denver (303-696-1971).
Dairy Queen – Two double patty burgers for $7 is one of the best deals in fast food segment.

Mentioned show webmaster earlier. He’s Ed Wilkes (ed@gearsetmedia.com). Does a fabulous job, easy to reach, share ideas with, marketing oriented, and reasonably priced. He can help!

Thanks for reading the new Out and About. Check back often for more restaurant updates and experiences, books, movies, TV shows. Please feel free to contribute.