tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369561122011-06-07T23:52:13.711-07:00Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.comBlogger1751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-82384974210424733852008-07-31T15:49:00.000-07:002008-07-31T15:50:15.473-07:00

Our Dining Blog has moved to http://gazettedining.freedomblogging.com/See you there!

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-62687522349865707852008-07-18T07:18:00.001-07:002008-07-18T07:24:12.941-07:00

I just ate at Sakura on the west side last night. Man, that place is good.I always get the special rolls, then order more... and usually end up eating much more than I should, and spending more than I should.The Tokyo roll was great, with cooked snapper, shrimp tempura and other stuff.I got a call yesterday from a woman who'd had a terrible experience at another local sushi place. I don't want to

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-18584898504626163722008-07-10T10:25:00.000-07:002008-07-10T10:29:18.598-07:00

I love the new Jimmy John's sandwich shops, but I have an issue.I think it has to do with the construction of the sandwiches or maybe the heavy use of condiments. But by the time I'm almost done with the sandwich, the meat begins to slide out every time I take a bite. In one case, I was driving... and wearing cream-colored pants! (Yes, I've talked to my attorney about this.)Has anybody else had

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-14257447336004709752008-06-02T16:39:00.000-07:002008-06-02T16:42:05.061-07:00

I did the Sunday on the Town this week ... and, man, am I full?Highlights: Bacon-wrapped steak (and great opera) at The Famous, the seafood spread at MacKenzie's, the fish tacos at Nosh, the humus at Heart of Jerusalem, the seared scallops at Sonterra.Not only does this raise money for the always ailing Colorado Springs Philharmonic, it also introduces a wider audience to downtown dining. And

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-60367015170876703272008-05-12T09:33:00.000-07:002008-05-12T09:35:16.037-07:00

Eating Out With JakeThis last Saturday, May 10th, my family and I went to Vallejo's on Corona Street, near downtown, to eat lunch. Vallejo's is a small restaurant with lots of parrots hanging from the ceiling, which aren't real birds, and pictures of bull fighters and pretty places on the walls. We all started with chips and a very good spicy salsa. My sisters and I ordered off the kid's menu. I

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-32124513136439844622008-04-21T17:46:00.000-07:002008-04-21T17:49:10.092-07:00

EATING OUT WITH JAKEbyJacob Legg One of my favorite restaurants is Maggie Maes on Pikes Peak Ave.. This last Sunday my family went over there to have breakfast. When we got there we had to wait a while for a table because the place was packed. We were able to get one of the big booths behind the cash register. Our waitress, even though she was busy with several other tables, remembered

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-52688798781972760712008-04-21T17:18:00.000-07:002008-04-21T17:46:15.885-07:00

Here's a letter that we'll run, at least in part, in GO! on Friday.It's from the owner of New South Wales, who wasn't happy about Nathaniel Glen's mixed review last week:I have been the owner and operator of the New South Wales Restaurant for the past 16 years. I have worked in the restaurant industry for the past 30 years, in every aspect of the business.On April 11, The Gazette published a

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-87944768814283117812008-04-14T07:52:00.001-07:002008-04-14T08:00:35.072-07:00

EATING OUT WITH JAKEByJacob Legg This last Saturday my family and I went out and had lunch at The House of Saigon on 21st Street. The place wasn’t busy and so the owner of the restaurant had lots of time to visit with us while we ate. I thought the service was great. I had Shrimp Lo Mein with an egg roll and sweet and sour sauce. My sisters had Chicken Lo Mein with an egg roll also. My mom

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-83670125569054305232008-04-07T10:53:00.000-07:002008-04-07T10:56:02.756-07:00

EATING OUT WITH JAKEbyJacob LeggPanino's on 8th Street is much better than school lunch. The place was quiet when we got there, so we were able to choose a big round table tosit at. I picked spaghetti and a meatball with a soft bread stick fromthe kid's menu. My parents choose Paninos, which are a type of sandwich, and my sisters also choose spaghetti, but without the meatball. The food took

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-21390752530161233612008-04-04T10:16:00.000-07:002008-04-04T10:25:02.109-07:00

The Best of the Springs voting wraps up in a few minutes, and we'll have the most reader participation ever. ... I think we'll have about 2,000 votes. We had a few people comment that they miss the printed version of the ballot, but I feel a lot better about the online version being able to police ballot stuffing. Only one vote from one email address has been allowed.The Independent had a funny

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-67282321694482889932008-03-31T14:03:00.001-07:002008-04-01T15:26:58.060-07:00

EDITOR'S NOTE:Today our Dining Blog introduces a new feature, Eating Out With Jake, reviews from one of our younger readers. Local 9-year-old Jacob Legg feels passionately about food, and he knows how to express himself. Look for his reviews regularly in this space.By Jacob LeggThe next best thing to eating breakfast at home with my family is eating a yummy breakfast at Rudy’s Hideaway on South

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-65796502916086261132008-03-13T15:36:00.000-07:002008-03-13T15:38:13.114-07:00

Here's a letter from reader Tracy Miller:Recently, my husband, 9 year old daughter and myself went to Palapas Island Grill, based on a review I had read. We had a very disappointing visit. First, there was no children's menu, The menu itself was hard to understand and the fixed menu had all these little side notes that indicated the price would be much higher if you picked lobster, for example.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-43173820180654200852008-03-10T12:20:00.000-07:002008-03-10T12:31:00.168-07:00

If you haven't already, please take a moment to cast your votes in the Best of the Springs survey.CLICK HEREYou can win some major prizes here. We're talking $500 in certificates to your favorite 2007 winners. That would include Plate, Chopsticks, The Penrose Room.Plus, you could win a bunch of movie tickets for Cinemark or Tinseltown.So far, the response has been great. On Friday, we had more

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-70663529836252059352008-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:002008-02-27T15:08:18.163-08:00

Asian Garden, at 1747 S. 8th St., has started offering what I believe is the town's first Indian dinner buffet. It's $13.99. I was impressed. It had Lamb Vindaloo, Sweet Potato Masala and the usual chicken tikka masala, saag paneer and other typical lunch-time fare.It's smart because most Americans are most comfortable exploring other culture's cuisines on a buffet. You can see what you're going

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-75710542587931277352008-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:002008-02-25T08:40:48.495-08:00

The Chef's Gala, the top culinary event of the year, brought up the quality in just about every category Sunday, emphasizing comfort food like braised meats.The chefs at The Cliff House walked away with the Best of Show. Their buffalo chop with lobster ravioli was outstanding.The competitors represented some of the top chefs in town, with some notable exceptions. I didn't see Plate World Cuisine,

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-61627667623605326692008-02-20T12:46:00.000-08:002008-02-20T13:14:00.529-08:00

We've started working on our annual Best of the Springs section, and while there are always tough decisions to make, choosing Best New Restaurant is going to be especially tough this year.Do you go with Nosh, the hip tapas joint from Joseph Coleman & Co, or do you go with Palapas, the new seafood venture by Victor Matthews that is hoped to be the first in a chain.We may have to wait for Nosh to

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-63845636869501106162008-02-04T09:51:00.001-08:002008-02-04T09:52:26.207-08:00

Here's a letter from a reader about a new Italian place out east:A new place for you to check out and possibly add to your dining guide There's a new little restaurant in Falcon that I believe is note-worthy. It's called the CIAO BELLA. It's on McLaughlin drive across the street from the Safeway. The restaurant has 2 sections, one is the pizzaria, and although nothing fancy, their pizzas are the

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-32075791040965227362008-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:002008-02-01T08:52:05.528-08:00

We got this tip from one of our blog readers: Neil said... Big City Burrito has also closed. I feel like I'm in L.A. and that the La Brea Tar Pits are swallowing up all the mom & pop stores. This might only be the begining. Wholesale food prices are going up every week, by alot.Neil, we feel your pain.Let's tally the recently dead or soon-to-be-dead: Big City Burrito, Blue Vervain, Old World

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-30232917100554226982008-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:002008-01-23T13:57:08.004-08:00

I'd have added more exclamation points, but I ran out of room.We just got word this week that Blue Vervain, that gem of a restaurant at 56 Park Ave. in Manitou Springs plans to close in April.With their building up for sale, the sisters running Blue Vervain have decided not to renew their lease. Their parents had recently moved back to run a resort in South Dakota, and they've decided to join

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-64028398781449033632008-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:002008-01-17T10:05:17.776-08:00

Victor Matthew, the best self promoter in Colorado (who happens to be just about as talented as his promotion suggests), will open Palapa's Surfside Island Grill on Friday.Palapa's is a seafood restaurant chain, but Victor tells us his is an independent restaurant affiliated with the chain.Whatever. I just hope he can bring his Black Bear magic to this new Powers Boulevard place. We need a good

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-43985572174008897952008-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:002008-01-15T11:49:56.923-08:00

Here's what Teresa Farney has in her Table Talk column on Friday:The every changing world of restaurant chefs is on-going. This time, Seth Elwonger, the chef who opened Nosh, in the Plaza of the Rockies, is gone. Owner, Joseph Coleman, says “We’re working some things out with ticket time and improving service.” He’s not sure when or if a new chef will be hired.Hmmmm. Anybody know any more about

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-91867468237549219122008-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:002008-01-11T14:47:42.359-08:00

Another interesting critique from a reader:Irene ONeal [Katalou42@msn.com]You seem like the only person on the list that I can write to, since my comment pertains to something in the GO section. I have a complaint about the new restaurant critic, Nathaniel Glen. First of all, almost every week he has some little hole-in-the-wall joint that gets only two stars and a pretty bad review. Also, I

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-59264977053710170262008-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:002008-01-11T14:22:15.514-08:00

Thank you for reviewing Rhino’s Sports and Spirits in your recent GO section (ref: Rhino charges onto the sports bar scene). As one of the few locally owned sports bars on the east side of town, the owners, Dan, Rich, Rick and I were thrilled to see a review in the Gazette so soon after opening; we appreciate all the free advertising we can get!Being four retired military guys who also work

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-54451901558089677562008-01-07T09:58:00.000-08:002008-01-07T10:08:37.013-08:00

I'm bummed.I don't know why I have such an emotional attachment to this place. Maybe it's because I used to go to the Hungry Farmer and thought that was a fun concept with only one thing missing: good food.Then, Ranch Foods Direct comes in, fancies it up nicely, opens it as an upscale restaurant serving natural beef. A beef between the owners causes a split, and Calcrate pulls out with his

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-9471707187720324692008-01-04T15:30:00.000-08:002008-01-04T15:34:27.446-08:00

I've been thinking about The Gazette's business story on Sunday about the decay of South Academy Boulevard.I don't think there's any doubt that, economically, the strip has been on a slow decline. But that lowering of property values has had a positive result as well: the influx of great ethnic markets and restaurants.I just ate at Jamaican Flavor at South Academy and Hancock. Man, that was some

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-6864969787915657322007-12-31T12:59:00.000-08:002008-01-07T09:50:35.655-08:00

This is catfish as it was made to be: moist, slightly musty, coated in crunchy cornmeal. You can taste the bayou in every bite.I used to live in Florida, close enough to New Orleans to attract some great Cajun joints.This catfish, along with some outstanding smoky red beans and rice and delicious etouffee, was served up this weekend at Culpepper's Louisiana Kitchen.Now, I should explain that The

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-25865901588170688472007-12-31T12:50:00.000-08:002007-12-31T12:59:12.609-08:00

It seems like the more I cook around the holidays, the more I also want to get out ... and since I blew all my money buying my kids Rock Band (damn Microsoft for providing a microphone for tone-deaf kids-- that neighbor kid will be the death of me), eating out also means eating cheap.La Casita has been a regular stop this past week.I've been pretty good at avoiding fast food ... the exception was

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-77048438133756859662007-12-14T10:47:00.001-08:002007-12-14T10:53:12.678-08:00

Sometimes spending all day in the kitchen preparing the holiday meal just isn't possible. Or maybe it's possible, and you're just tired. Don't reach for the frozen dinner or call Domino's.I'm sure some restaurants in town will be serving Christmas dinner. One suggestion: Silver Pond, the best Chinese place in town is doing special holiday meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-67911016661898017302007-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:002007-12-04T10:56:38.797-08:00

Mike Boyle called a couple of days ago and accused me and my dining team partners of being food snobs.Mike is the guy with the Lunch Bunch. He has restaurant shows on Comcast and on KVOR. To him, the dining experience is much more about a combination of factors, with the ambiance counting for sometimes as much or more than the food.For instance, he'd have put the Stagecoach, SouthSide Johnny's

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-10979482608543634782007-11-28T13:14:00.000-08:002007-12-04T12:16:50.524-08:00

Reviews on our 2nd Annual GO! Dining Guide have been mixed.One of the most heated criticisms was this online post:All Vietnamese people in the US are Anti-Communist and we're here bacause of Communist. We're not happy to see Communist flag on Dining Guide. Since there is small community of Vietnamese here in this town, if not there will be a demonstration against this Dining Guide. Please find

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-92202584290400456322007-11-26T13:41:00.000-08:002007-11-26T13:50:55.281-08:00

I have this habit of structuring all my driving trips around food. When we go to visit the inlaws in Iowa, I usually like to go through Kansas City so I can stop at Jack Stack (a place that inspired and helped Randy Price get Slayton's going.)But this Thanksgiving, we took the northern route through Nebraska and figured the food would be ho-hum... until we discovered the phenomenal eatery, The

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-30820779709108211262007-11-19T15:29:00.000-08:002007-11-19T15:35:02.759-08:00

Looking for a place for a Thanksgiving meal that you don't have to cook? Here are some suggestions: Stagecoach Inn, Edelweiss, Doubletree Hotel, Briarhust, Home Town Buffet, Golden Corral, The Ritz, MacKenzie's.Of course, I'm open to other suggestions.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-60895095976626681622007-11-19T15:17:00.000-08:002007-11-19T15:29:13.386-08:00

Colorado Springs will be once-again getting a high-end seafood restaurant. We need one. The best seafood restaurant in town right now is English Dockside, which is good, but it's a low-end fried fish joint.Victor Matthews of Black Bear fame will open Palapa’s Surfside Island Dining on South Carefree and Powers (where Andy McCarthy's was).He says he plans to flying in fresh fish daily.We've seen

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-12685619406212556772007-11-16T08:52:00.000-08:002007-11-16T09:01:44.115-08:00

I got a tour of the new spa building in Manitou last weekend. This place is going to be so cool. First of all, there's a new Manitou General Store open there that serves Boulder Ice Cream, which may be the best ice cream in the world. There are plans for a winery, Divine Wines, complete with a tasting room, nearby.The lofts themselves are small, urban chic one-bedrooms and come with a very sweet

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-54598904563228497492007-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:002007-11-12T15:21:40.884-08:00

The Black Bear may be the hardest restaurant I've ever tried to rate. Why? Because it makes no sense. It's a roadhouse dive bar and some of the most inventive haute cuisine around. It is dingy and tacky and exciting and wonderful. It is one of a very few places I always want to go back to. Now... whenever I write a review, we hear from readers who have had a very different experience. If I say

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-58249746632723414852007-11-12T09:04:00.001-08:002007-11-12T09:04:51.375-08:00

Nathaniel Glen's review of the Black Bear Restaurant in Green Mountain Falls read like it was written by Victor Matthews, not a legitimate critic. I find it shocking that Glen would give four and a half stars to ANY restaurant that has the deficiencies of the Black Bear. Sure, some of the food is good. Some of it is even, on occasion, as good as Matthews thinks it is. However, it can be

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-17625491766896548922007-11-07T10:14:00.000-08:002007-11-07T10:40:33.599-08:00

Our Second Annual GO! Dining Guide will hit the stands on Nov. 21. It'll be more inclusive than last year, with 150 restaurants: fine dining, casual, you name it.I've put on a few pounds doing research, which ticks me off because Nate and Teresa haven't gained an ounce.But I don't expect your sympathy. Nobody feels bad for you when you SIMPLY MUST go out to eat every night.Still, consider this:

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-24627943642249627692007-10-17T12:47:00.000-07:002007-10-17T12:49:28.740-07:00

Last week, we ran a rave review of Henri's by Jorge.A few days later, we received this negative Henri's experience.... My husband and I stopped going to Henri’s some time ago due to the poor service, lack of cleanliness of the restaurant and poor food quality. I was pleased to see an article on Henri’s Reborn in the Friday Go of the Gazette. My husband, adult daughter and myself showed up at

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-88558766557680831862007-10-11T10:31:00.000-07:002007-10-11T10:46:06.542-07:00

I was thrilled to hear that what had been Orange Oasis, 5934 Stetson Hills Blvd., has been transformed into a Brazilian steakhouse.I love Brazilian steakhouses. I've been to Rodizio Grill in Denver and Texas de Brazil in Miami. The way it works is that after loading up on a high-end, tremendous super salad bar, you flip your shaker-like device from red to green. That signals the gouchos, men

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-30289825684468740582007-10-02T15:06:00.000-07:002007-10-03T11:39:19.159-07:00

As any journalist knows, the most interesting bits in any story often end up on the editing-room floor.Nate recently filed his review of Sabores del Peru, and it included this wonderfully horrid little anecdote about his first experience with Peruvian cuisine. Wearing my hat as "taste policeman," I cut it from the review. I know the argument that "people are eating breakfast while they read this

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-987109419241039022007-10-01T08:20:00.000-07:002007-10-01T08:25:49.405-07:00

Peruvian! Yes, we now have a Peruvian restaurant in town. It's very good, and you can read the review on Friday. I'm also excited that we got our first Brazilian steakhouse -- Alpha Grill at Stetson Hills and Powers. I'm a big fan of Rodizio Grill in Denver.. and I tried Texas de Brazil in Miami, which was phenomenal (and phenomenally expensive). Let me know if anybody has tried the new place.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-62073754259261652032007-09-21T07:20:00.000-07:002007-11-12T15:14:40.064-08:00

**** Right here! Due to a tight editing schedule because of the menu changes there, the stars got lost in the mix. But The Metropolitain is deeply deserving of these stars. Go check it out.Read this week's Gazette review of The Metropolitain HERE.

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-80704127259096967832007-09-18T14:35:00.000-07:002007-09-18T14:42:44.906-07:00

Nate loved the Fire Rock Grill, especially the smoked meats. But his affections for the restaurant apparently aren't universal.Diner Mike Ziegler, who's originally from Cincinnati, called to say his family's experience last weekend was horrible.He had the prime rib and found it so fatty, he could only eat half of it.Worse, he got the sense that the servers and the staff didn't seem to care about

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-176063976049775602007-09-10T14:10:00.000-07:002007-09-10T14:22:34.888-07:00

I lived in Falcon in the '90s, when it was just starting to develop as a Colorado Springs bedroom community.Your dining options back then were limited. Western Omelette had a small, short-lived outlet.S&S Subs attracted most of the diners.I drove through Falcon on Sunday and was amazed at what's become of the place. It's littered with fast-food joints: KFC/A&W, Wendy's, Sonic ... I'm sure there

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-32937660511280674582007-09-04T13:46:00.000-07:002007-09-04T14:55:50.314-07:00

I'm not sure if it was responsible of me -- after reading a New York Times story about dangerously high concentrations of mercury in New York's top sushi restaurants -- to head back out to local sushi bars.But I just can't stop myself.I checked out Tomo Sushi at Citadel Crossing this weekend. It was my first time visiting since Nate's less-than-complimentary review of the place.I found it fine,

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-23959311164969635882007-08-28T10:13:00.000-07:002007-08-29T09:50:14.204-07:00

I noticed that the Korean place in Old Colorado City that was next to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has closed (too bad, it was pretty good), and the sign says Tuscan Sun Italian Bistro.My wife thinks there's something about the word Tuscan or Tuscany that drives women wild.Unfortunately, now that corporate America has discovered that, every fast food place is offering a Tuscan chicken

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-32475394069831295742007-08-24T07:14:00.000-07:002007-08-24T07:32:31.811-07:00

In Go! today, I reviewed Romero's Cafe, a great green chili joint that I called "a true Pueblo gem."So what are the other Pueblo gems? Well, first let me say that I have a love for old-school, somewhat shabby family establishments in this category. There are other perfectly nice restaurants that, as someone who lives in Colorado Springs, I don't consider Pueblo gems because they are not Pueblo-y

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-38817730507040571382007-08-21T09:16:00.000-07:002007-08-21T09:21:35.756-07:00

OK, this is an unusual request. But Craig Anderson, who owns the strip center near 30th Street and Centennial Blvd. is looking for a new restaurant tenant in the place where the Acoustic Coffee Lounge used to be.Anybody have any ideas for him? Anybody want to jump in and live the dream of running a restaurant? If you do, let us know about it.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-68466317910056486782007-08-10T07:06:00.000-07:002007-08-20T14:01:02.897-07:00

This morning I gave Nosh the top rating for a restaurant, 5 Stars. Read the review here. It came after careful consideration and discussion, and I truly think the new restaurant, which specializes in small, inventive plates, deserves it.I'm sure some people out there who will argue with me, and I invite them to make their case by commenting below. But here's my take: Almost everything on the Nosh

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-51382260273400142692007-08-08T08:51:00.000-07:002007-08-08T09:01:02.125-07:00

A reader emailed me with the perfect solution to all the Fine Arts Center's problems:Brent Beavers.You remember Brent. He was the chef at Sencha. Not only is he a phenomenal cook, he also has a whimsical artistic streak, creating Literary Dinners that pair costumed book readings with multi-course themed meals.Since losing Sencha and getting canned from the Metropolitain (he apparently was less

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-12768526827898239462007-08-01T14:46:00.001-07:002007-08-01T14:47:05.521-07:00

YOU WON'T FIND THIS REVIEW IN FRIDAY'S GO! READ NEXT POST TO FIND OUT WHY.By Nathaniel GlenTHE GAZETTEIt’s fitting that the Fine Arts Center’s new restaurant, Café 36, is named after the building it’s in, not the food it serves.The museum, built in 1936(hence the cafe’s name) has always been one of the most brilliant in Colorado Springs. Even the most enticingly elegant dishes would be upstaged

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-43781913326016251492007-07-31T14:47:00.000-07:002007-07-31T15:05:36.190-07:00

We'd planned to run a not-very-complimentary review of Cafe 36 in the Fine Arts Center on Friday.But we got word today that the chef was on the way out.OK, do we run a negative review of a restaurant that's about to lose its chef?We decided that wouldn't serve readers. Instead, I'll write about the decision, as well as our hopes for what should be in that lovely space.What's the deal with

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-2416197669483301472007-07-24T15:48:00.000-07:002007-07-24T16:01:52.747-07:00

The little place tucked behind the FAC Modern is becoming the hot new place in town. I absolutely love it! It's a tapas (or small plates) place at dinner and a Blue Starrish place at lunch. The buffalo burger is THE best in town and the mushroom asparagus souffle is phenomenal.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-90523950294224190942007-07-17T11:32:00.000-07:002007-07-23T08:46:36.473-07:00

I just read a thought-provoking piece in the New York Times about how a cultural disconnect between Americans and Japanese sushi is leading to the demise of the blue fin tuna. Here's a sample:WITH the depletion of bluefin tuna in our oceans now front-page news, people around the country have been sharing with me their confusions and fears about eating sushi. I think that we — and our fish —

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-43485423146832028432007-07-16T12:49:00.000-07:002007-07-16T12:51:51.105-07:00

In what has to be a record-breaking demise, The Original SoupMan — the restaurant that inspired the “Soup Nazi” episode of “Sienfeld” — has closed.The chain soup place at 10 S. Tejon St. had opened on April 30.It had some fine soups, but the prices were ridiculous.We're wondering what will come next on that prime spot on Restaurant Row.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-4418073938080454832007-07-02T13:55:00.001-07:002007-07-02T14:03:19.257-07:00

I was in Santa Fe this weekend for opening night of the opera. Yes, whatever else you want to say about Nathaniel Glen, you can't say he doesn't love a good dose of culture from time to time. Anyway, while I was there, I had time for only one lunch, which is tough. I've been a fan of The Shed downtown for years, but people had strongly recommended Tomasitas. So I took a chance. Tomasitas was good

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-68384922640785933812007-06-15T07:30:00.001-07:002007-06-15T07:31:09.330-07:00

I appreciated the Sheldon's review by "Nathaniel Glen", or whatever her real name is (she's a he, but that's ok - ed), as far as it went, but what was missing was recognition that Sheldon's isn't just a local restaurant, it's a local institution. Below is a brief review of Sheldon's that I wrote for the Gabby Gourmet Restaurant Guide several years ago. The Shermans, who own the restaurants,

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-79319107250984715702007-06-11T13:07:00.000-07:002007-06-11T13:18:58.897-07:00

Based on a Sunday dinner, the new restaurant at 1747 S. 8th St. (former home of Spring Buffet) may be the best Indian-Napalese restaurant in town.The soups were better (and cheaper!) than the Soup Man, and the Tandori Chicken was so good, I was wondering why you'd ever have chicken any other way. Moist, spicy. Ummmmm.The shrimp masala also was outrageously wonderful. The shrimp was perfectly

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-15942330877661343072007-06-04T08:27:00.000-07:002007-06-04T08:45:45.959-07:00

Did the Sunday on the Town yesterday and I'm still recovering.This is a fund-raiser for the Philharmonic in which you pay one price to tour downtown sampling items at most of the restaurants.The highlights: Listening to Judeth Shay Burns sing while sipping wine and noshing on a morsel of bacon-wrapped tenderloin at The Famous.Also, the tortilla soup and the band at Nosh, the FAC Modern's new eats

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-34371789257077491352007-06-01T08:03:00.000-07:002007-06-01T08:23:05.768-07:00

I lived in Tampa for 12 years on a steady diet of Cuban food, most of it from the streets of the nearby cigar town of Ybor City. I was thrilled when a new Cuban place opened recently. Cubanacan has all the great stuff I was missing: Cuban sandwiches, chicken in yellow rice, picadillo ... Unfortunately, during our first visit, the waitress didn't tell us about the lunch specials for $6.99.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-21095071285727712222007-05-17T10:54:00.000-07:002007-05-17T11:03:11.267-07:00

I hate when this happens, but it's inevitable. Our critic Nate Glen pans San Jose Family Restaurant, one of my favorite restaurants in Friday's paper.A few years ago, our former critic Tom Karpel trashed Paravicini's, the best Italian place in town.What's an editor to do?If I fired critics with whom I disagree, I'd got through them every week.And the fact is, I still respect Nate, and my opinion

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-54961657299970837342007-05-14T14:28:00.000-07:002007-05-14T14:36:20.458-07:00

Jose Muldoons reopened Friday, after a two-month remodel. It looks very cool. Although I've never been a fan of the faux cracked stucco Mexican restaurant cliche, which is now used in the front room, the back rooms are much more open and bright, with fireplaces everywhere and a beautifully expanded patio.It will continue to rock at happy hour.My issue with Jose's has been one of value. You go for

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-16756786756716004702007-05-11T06:58:00.000-07:002007-05-11T07:00:33.104-07:00

Today in the Gazette we reviewed Nana Longo's a great Italian lunch spot with a Pueblo accent. Which begs the question: where are the great Italian places in Pueblo. I don't know any of them. Suggestions?

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-45030504998752027622007-05-08T09:26:00.000-07:002007-05-08T09:35:32.516-07:00

I tried to go to the Soup Man for lunch yesterday. The restaurant that inspired the "Seinfeld" "Soup Nazi" episode has been expanded into a national chain, and the soup fans are lining up.I arrived just before noon and the line stretched back farther than I could see. With limited seating, I saw my chances of getting soup and a place to eat it as being slim.No soup for me!But I snuck back on the

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-5776859960166137142007-05-07T16:05:00.000-07:002007-05-22T13:49:02.184-07:00

The region's first falafel stand has opened in Manitou.I stopped by the Heart of Jerusalem Cafe on Saturday and had a great sandwich for $5.I loved that behind the order window, I could see what seemed to be most of the Abukhdeir family.The young boy Ameer, who almost accidentally charged me $500 for my sandwich, was charming. He asked if I would put his name in the paper. (Hey, Ameer, at least

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-28478564738076625812007-04-27T06:25:00.000-07:002007-04-27T07:28:26.886-07:00

We ran a review of Will's Sports Pub featuring Fanz Bistro in Go! today. Aside from the ungainly name, I'm really a fan of this place. Yes, many of the high-end dishes are a little off, but the bar food is great and the place has great service. I hope the Will's/Fanz relationship will prosper for many years.To read the review here.What was your last visit to Will's/Fanz like? Leave a comment

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-13987038593834308492007-04-23T13:03:00.000-07:002007-04-23T13:07:46.433-07:00

Mother's Day isn't until May 13, so you still have plenty of time to make reservations for that special brunch ... if you want to eat at the corner greasy spoon.If you're looking top-of-the-line: Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain, Briarhust, Sunbird ... you're just about out of luck. Very few seatings are available at these spots.Maybe you should forgo the buffet and go for some of fantastic

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-6972991370663736752007-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:002007-04-20T08:18:08.619-07:00

The Gazette reviewed a nice little Mexican spot this week called Tino's. One of the highlights was the seafood-rich siete mares soup.Read the review here.Has anyone else been to Tino's? What were your impressions?

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-23242045318687336842007-04-18T10:27:00.000-07:002007-04-18T10:31:48.949-07:00

I've been chowing on a lot of different calamaris recently, and I've noticed there are basically two schools of restaurants. Those that will serve the tentacles along with the rings, and those that just serve rings. Rings only definitely has less of and ewwwww factor, but I've got to say, there is something I like about eating a little tentacle. Sure, it tastes the same, but maybe it's a

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-43845727428100944412007-04-16T10:29:00.000-07:002007-04-16T10:36:47.485-07:00

I applaud Tomo's owner for his gracious response, and am sure Tomo will get over its initial growing pains.A brief explanation is needed for readers.There have been a range of opinions over the descriptions I used when reviewing Tomo Sushi.Let me briefly explain how they came about.1. People were angree that I wrote that it was a good thing I didn't say Konichiwa to the sushi chef, because he was

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-37850401536373422892007-04-13T09:35:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:37:14.350-07:00

We just ran a review of Samba Brasil (http://www.sambabrasil.us/)It's a great place I've been going to since it opened. Exciting news: Rich, the owner, is refurbishing the kitchen so he can expand the menu this summer. He doesn't yet know what he'll add, but it should be worth checking out.What do other people think of this little hideaway?

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-72867132009451010832007-04-10T09:18:00.000-07:002007-04-10T09:37:38.498-07:00

A new sushi joint Yoo Mae has opened at 21 E. Kiowa St., taking the place of what had been a tiny Japanese place and a bakery.I checked it out this weekend, and it was very good. A simple, clean look with lots of bamboo, and JJ from Fujiyama behind the sushi bar.I tried the Dragon Roll and a bunch of others. The service was very friendly and prompt. The fish was fresh and delicious.The only issue

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-36142348163411081702007-04-09T12:37:00.000-07:002007-04-09T12:45:22.018-07:00

I have a geographical generalization to make: 90 percent of all authentic, immigrant-owned Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs occur in a triangular area between these three intersections: Union and Platte, Platte and Academy, and Academy and Hancock. Can anyone help me make those points more specific? Are there notable outliers?Oh, by the way, here's a tattoo of a flying taco:

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-28431355331739741412007-04-06T06:39:00.000-07:002007-04-06T06:42:52.113-07:00

Despite what my column in the Gazette said today, Adam's only refuses to serve RED meat. The place has lovely chicken, salmon and shrimp. A line was taken out during the sausage-making that is the editing process. Even with the mistakes, I on our part, let me say again that I give Adam's high marks in every category. The place is beautiful. The food is beautiful. The service is beautiful. Just

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-74325121445606831592007-04-03T13:45:00.000-07:002007-04-03T13:50:26.589-07:00

Nathaniel's review of Tomo Sushi prompted a few angry comments about what's been perceived as an anti-Korean bias.Here's the main line in question from the review: For all the attention he gave the fish, he paid none to us. Not so much as a “konnichi wa,” which is good because I’m pretty sure he’s Korean. Here's an email we got that took issue with that line and others....First of all, let me

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-49858874489908130592007-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:002007-04-02T09:19:43.724-07:00

A reader just asked a very good question. In a post below, I asked for votes on the best Taqueria in Colorado Springs, and he asked, "what counts as a taqueria."The lines are blurry. Literally a taqueria means a place for tacos. Practically, I would say it is a small Mexican restaurant with a limited menu that caters to Mexican immigrants, not Gringos.It will have tacos with various kinds of

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-40089499278658904872007-04-02T09:03:00.000-07:002007-04-02T09:10:18.570-07:00

Since we ran our review of Tomo Sushi Friday, the owner has called to say the restaurant is getting more sushi chefs, which should improve the flow of service.Have other folks had similar poor service there? What are your impressions of the place.

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-7832949076848309162007-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:002007-03-26T10:07:16.861-07:00

Well, what about the latest review, where I gave Saltgrass steak a totally average rating?Am I way off base? Give other readers the real scoop by commenting below.

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-11322945297195480002007-03-26T09:50:00.000-07:002007-03-26T09:55:14.102-07:00

Readers, help! I need to find the best taqueria (not Mexican restaurant, but taqueria.) Give me your suggestions.

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-62891626641594135132007-03-21T17:04:00.000-07:002007-03-21T17:12:36.196-07:00

I've been working on a review of a new Japanese restaurant on Academy, Tomo Sushi. It will come out in a week or two, but it made me want to talk about a fantastic place in Denver called Domo.Let's be honest. Most Colorado sushi restaurants are pretty much the same. The quality of fish and the presentation and the goofy names they give to the big, Americanized rolls changes, but other than that,

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-77774676520473900992007-03-12T15:03:00.000-07:002007-03-12T15:16:14.233-07:00

There are fancier breakfasts in town, to be sure. But my family had a breakfast on Saturday at Western Omelette at 16 S Walnut St. that was pretty close to the best breakfast I've ever had.Part of it is I love the meetin'town atmosphere. You got your bikers and college profs sittingside-by-side. Walls littered with tomahawks, dream catchers, bikeposters andthe requisite jackolope. The food is

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-63399235599480501762007-03-12T09:56:00.000-07:002007-03-12T10:03:56.533-07:00

I hadn't been to Antonio's for years, and was never much of a fan. But I heard that the owners who took over a couple of years ago made some outstanding changes.So, I dropped by Sunday night. It was slow, and there was no music, live or otherwise.I sampled the dipping menu ... you get a bunch of shrimp, steak, chicken (or, all three, as I did) and you dip them into a spicy mango sauce or a jerk

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-2300170654457819602007-03-08T11:02:00.000-08:002007-03-08T11:05:24.406-08:00

So, what do you think of Nathaniel so far?It was his decision to review Marigold, a local treasure, as his first review. I think it was a good one. He wants to make it clear that we're not just going to look at the new places, but mix in plenty of old favorites.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-2117630101147766322007-03-07T13:12:00.000-08:002007-03-07T13:13:17.824-08:00

I would like to suggest that your new dining critic should have breakfast at RUDY'S LITTLE HIDEAWAY on South Nevada Avenue in Colorado Springs! Their Huevos Rancheros and Full House Breakfasts along with their Pancakes, are the very best and satisfying around. I believe their breakfasts are "the best kept secret" of S. Nevada Avenue. My son took me there for Mother's Day Breakfast several

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-70731413666079268882007-03-06T09:50:00.000-08:002007-03-06T10:23:48.072-08:00

After not having stars (or forks, or martini glasses, or any other symbol to sum up our take on a restaurant) the Gazette is bringing back the old restaurant rating system. Sort of. We'll have 1 to 5 stars. I'm borrowing from the New York Times, but sliding the scale down a little. The Times scale doesn't give a star unless a restaurant is good. In Colorado Springs, few places would earn even

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-4953366966419837752007-02-26T14:20:00.000-08:002007-02-26T14:30:37.680-08:00

I wanted to pass on a quick tip. I've found good road food.In Fairplay, if you're hungry, visit Beary Beary Tastee Bakery (600 Main Street Fairplay, CO 80440 (719) 836-3212) The little yellow bakery has a cheesy name, but the owner/baker makes everything from bagels to scones from scratch every day. I got a blueberry scone ($3) and it was delicious, heavy and loaded with butter.

Nathaniel Glenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159050087199699914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-12170885990991465672007-02-26T12:27:00.000-08:002007-02-27T08:53:11.538-08:00

My Sunday was nuts.The Colorado Springs Chorale Chefs’ Gala, my favorite foodie event of the year, was on Oscar night!I nibbled on scallops and elk, then sprinted down the hallway to the hotel bar to see who won for best screenplay.I'll give you my hurried take on the gala.. but first, here's the report from our food editor, Teresa Farney, who also was a judge in the competition....The Rocky

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170981207858866452007-02-08T16:28:00.000-08:002007-02-08T16:33:27.886-08:00

OK, I know this whole vote-for-a-critic-thing is silly. But we're very serious about hiring the right candidate. So if you're voting for your favorite critic candidate on gazette.com, please read not just the pizza blurb but the previous full sample review as well.If you're reading the samples on this site, please click on the January archive to get the early entries.So, what do you think of this

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170710582940337352007-02-05T13:21:00.000-08:002007-02-05T13:23:02.970-08:00

Carlos’ Bistro Owner Carlos Echeandia’s necktie is thrown nonchalantly over his left shoulder. At first, it seems the fashion accessory is meant to be kept from spilling on the plates he brings to the table. When asked about it, he says, “I wear a tie to be formal, but if it is over my shoulder it means everyone is welcome even if they come in jeans or shorts or ties. All are welcome

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170699266462313072007-02-05T10:13:00.000-08:002007-02-05T10:14:26.596-08:00

Not Peak Performance at Summit The Broadmoor’s latest restaurant, the cosmopolitan Summit, is not quite up to peak. We were highly impressed upon our arrival by the Valet’s prompt scamper on such a cold night and the warm, friendly welcome by the Hostess and staff. The restaurant is beautifully yet casually decorated in warm hues and soft lighting, and despite its location at the Broadmoor,

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170697306598731872007-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:002007-02-05T09:41:46.676-08:00

THE OMELETTE PARLOR Shout it from the rooftops: The Omelette Parlor is Colorado Spring’s best homestyle breakfast place. Not a morning person? Cold and gray outside? Never you mind. It’s always summer on the farm here and the hens lay golden eggs—the better to make delectable omelettes, of course. (And skillets, pancakes, and Belgian waffles.) Consistently voted “Best

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170693749851635452007-02-05T08:42:00.000-08:002007-02-05T08:42:29.863-08:00

"Famous Dave's"This is superb barbeque! The menu has a wide variety to choose from and all entrees are excellently prepared with just the right amount of sauce so not to be over powering. The "sweet and sassy" salmon is the best in town. It is grilled until it is fully cooked but not dry. It is succulent with the juices, spice, and sauce making your mouth water before each delicious bite

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170442217341567902007-02-02T10:49:00.000-08:002007-02-02T10:50:17.366-08:00

FAMOUS DAVE'S LEGENDARY PIT BAR-B-QUE Just a quick and inexpensive airplane ride from the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport away, among other destinations, lies the ever expanding, brightly lit tourist trap that is Las Vegas, Nevada. I personally visit Las Vegas regularly, not to gamble or to gawk at the showgirls, mind you, but simply to eat. In general, any tales of culinary enjoyment

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170435040797332442007-02-02T08:49:00.000-08:002007-02-02T08:50:40.803-08:00

Because of a Spam-Block issue, this submission didn't appear until now. Ed.Fabulous Cocktails, Brilliant Menus, Delectable Eats, Cozy Spots —that's what MacKenzie's is all about.MacKenzie's Chop House Restaurant719 635 3536128 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs http://www.mackenzieschophouse.comHow it rates out of 5 X'sFood Quality XXXXService X½Comfort/Ambiance XXXXParking XWebsite

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170375089591968882007-02-01T16:11:00.000-08:002007-02-01T16:11:29.603-08:00

Best Pizza in Town? Rotelli strives to prove it I am originally from Baltimore and my husband is from New York. We know good pizza. We have lived in many places, but wherever we have lived, we have always searched out the best pizza in town. So, when we arrived in Colorado Springs a year and ½ ago, we began asking the locals, “Where is the best pizza in town?” Rotelli has been the

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170373084049849742007-02-01T15:36:00.000-08:002007-02-01T15:38:04.063-08:00

My apologies to the author that somehow this didn't get posted earlier. Ed. MACARONI GRILL Walking up to the door of Macaroni Grill I’m always struck by the yummy, smoky smell. My mouth is watering for the Chicken Marsala, which I know to be the best in town. I love the sauce that’s used on the chicken, with the mushrooms and the caramelized, roasted garlic! This night, however, with a

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170372107519902662007-02-01T15:18:00.000-08:002007-02-01T15:21:47.540-08:00

La Casa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Cantina “Peso Little – Get So Much!” Nestled in the heart of downtown Monument is a restaurant that used to be one of the area's best kept secrets, a little place called La Casa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. Judging by last year's expansion to accommodate the growing number of customers, La Casa Fiesta's secret is out.

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170371796868175922007-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:002007-02-01T15:16:36.906-08:00

Barbeque at the Bird Dog I’ve been hearing for weeks about Bird Dog BBQ so when I noticed the article inviting people to send in their reviews I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to see what the fuss was all about. I looked up the address on the Internet, called a friend to meet me there and off I went on a barbeque adventure. The restaurant is in a strip mall, and although I

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170360993535903272007-02-01T12:15:00.000-08:002007-02-01T12:16:33.606-08:00

The Golden Bee I’m very particular about the way my meat is cooked and where it comes from. For example, just the thought of lunch meat makes me nauseous– the way it’s cut into slimy slabs and packaged in weak cellophane. Eeew! I love meat, but it has to be fresh, not crammed in a can of Progresso “Rich and Hearty” soup, and when I order it, I don’t want it drenched in crimson, mooing off my

Warren Epsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380058278882753710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956112.post-1170352373079898642007-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:002007-02-01T09:52:53.090-08:00

The Margarita at PineCreek Food is my life; it makes me tick, smile, and at times, my pants a little too tight. I dream about food, plan trips around food. I wake up hungry and go to bed thinking of what I'll cook up tomorrow. I don't want to settle when it comes to food and dining; its too important to me so why should you? Instead of telling you why not to go somewhere I want to tell you

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