Crystal Park Cantina - 2.75*

Crystal Park Cantina
178 Crystal Park Road
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
(719) 685-5999
http://crystalparkcantina.com/ (not working)


Attire:            Casual
Company:      My Husband

RATINGS
The Grub:                    2 – Try It…
Service:                         4 – Gotta go!
Atmosphere:                3 - Savor It…
Cost/Value:                  $$ - Got a few bucks / Value 2 (O.K.)

 Ratings Key

General                      Cost/Value (based on a party of 2)
1 – No go…                 $ – Pinchin’ pennies (less than $10)
2 – Try it…                 $$ – Got a few bucks (less than $20)
3 – Savor it...           $$$ – It doesn’t hurt to drop a few (less than $50)
4 – Gotta go!          $$$$ – I just got a bonus ($100 +)

 

REVIEW
Nestled on the east end of Manitou Springs, right in the heart of a residential neighborhood, a great location for the locals and tourists.  This Spanish style building sits on the side of Crystal Park Road, leading up to one of my favorite neighborhoods in the area.  The new owners did a number on the inside of the restaurant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, it was beautiful.  I immediately funneled out to the massive patio with tons of seating to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.  Although the patio does overlook the road, it was surprisingly quiet and peaceful.  We were greeted right away by our server who provided excellent service and was great at exploiting the menu to its fullest.  Overall, the experience was very nice.  Friendly staff and beautiful atmosphere!

The Grub
Was O.K.  The chips and salsa, superb!  I have to give this cantina props on their salsa, it was beautifully complex and full of flavor.  The chips were fresh and crispy, and the salsa added a spicy pepper flair, with a great balance of cilantro and garlic.  My fish tacos were good, I was happy that I was able to get the fish grilled instead of fried.  I was missing a nice fruit salsa to top the fish tacos, the cabbage with fish was somewhat bland.  The tacos came with rice on the side as well as beans, and a dapple of salsa (pico) and guacamole.  The beans were lacking in smokiness, but entertained a slight pork flavor.  The rice, strange, to say the least…I did not find the rice drenched in butter to fit a Mexican restaurant.

So Great…
The salsa and chips, great job!  Perfect balance of flavors in the salsa and the chips were hot and fresh.  The service, very friendly and attentive staff and beautiful atmosphere and location!

The Bummer…

My expectations after the flavors I encountered with the salsa were high for the main course.  I found the flavor combinations in the beans and rice to be strange and non-harmonious at all.  I would highly recommend creating signature salsas for your dishes, especially a mango salsa for your fish tacos.  Let me know when it is on the menu! J

7-11 Slurpee Review!

Date Visited: Monday, July (7) 11, 2011
Heard About Via:  Co-worker

7-11
Downtown Colorado Springs
Attire:            Ball Gown (not really) 
Company:      3 Inconspicuous Co-Workers

RATING – 4/4 Stars
The Slurpee:                 2 – Try It… Service:                         4 – Gotta Go!  (They didn’t have to deal with us, just smile and wave)
Atmosphere:                  2 – Try It…
Cost/Value:                    $ - Got a few bucks




Ratings Key

General                                               Cost/Value (based on a party of 2)
1 – No go…                                         $ – Pinchin’ pennies (less than $10)
2 – Try it…                                          $$ – Got a few bucks (less than $20)
3 – Savor it...                                       $$$ – It doesn’t hurt to drop a few (less than $50)
4 – Gotta go!                                        $$$$ – I just got a bonus ($100 +)

REVIEW
Monday was 7/11 – Slurpee Madness – and upon my departure of the office, it was decided that a review must take place of the Slurpee.  A favorite pastime of mine as a child, this treat has inconspicuously moved into my subconscious, but it arose when an invitation came across my iPhone from a co-worker of mine.  “Bing!” and it read – “Trip to Seven Eleven for the free Slurpee Special.”  Then it hit me, today is… 7/11.  I accepted.  The rest is history.

The Slurpee
It all depends on your “flav” – I am a berry girl…but that one was exploding and making strange sounds when the lever was pulled.  I then had to divert my selection to the Piña Colada flavor.  Interesting that 7-11 found this to be a lucrative flavor for the 7 year old market.  There must be something behind this.  The Slurpee was good for about 10 minutes, until it melted.  Then I found myself drinking a cup of syrup flavored like a Piña Colada – depressing.  It was trashed, not worth my calorie count for the day…

So Great…
The selection, and the thing was free, I don’t think you can beat that and if you are complaining, shame on you, just make fun of the experience… 

The Bummer…
The exploding berry flavor.  I was hoping to have flashbacks to childhood when I pulled that lever, that was interrupted by an awful sound that got me some looks.  No more to say…

GO get yourself a Slurpee today!

Camping Recipe - Tacos with Mango & Avocado Salsa

Who said that when you go camping hot dogs and s’mores are the only things that have to be on the menu?!  We had a really nice camping trip with the parents this weekend in a yurt west of Ft. Collins, it was quite the experience and we were able to enjoy a wonderful meal.  This meal is simple and lacks the herbs that I would normally like to add, but who wants to fool with that stuff when you’re camping, right?  Taka a break, check it out below.

What you will need (Serves 4-6):

The Tools                                                            The Food
Cutting Board                                                       1 Package 6” Corn or Flour Tortillas
Chopping Knife                                                    1 Can Fat Free Refried Beans or Black Beans
Cooking Oil                                                         1 Can Diced Tomatoes
Skillet                                                                   1 Mango
Spatula                                                                 2 Avocados
Mixing Bowl                                                         1/2 Lime
Salt & Pepper                                                       3 Bell Peppers – 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 red
Propane Stove                                                      2 Cups Shredded Mexican Cheese
Propane

1. Start heating the skillet over the stove.

2. Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour them into the mixing bowl.  Dice the avocados and mango and mix in with the diced tomatoes.  Squeeze the lime and add 2 tbsp lime juice and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the turkey meat to the skillet and cook until brown.  

4. While the turkey meat is cooking, slice the 3 bell peppers.

5. After the turkey meat is cooked, set aside and add the bell peppers to the skillet, cook until sautéed appropriately.

4. Remove the bell peppers from the skillet and add in the refried/black beans, turn the heat down to low and heat up.

5. In two 6” tortillas, spread on the refried beans or add the black beans.  On top of the beans add the turkey meat and bell peppers.  Top the tacos off with the avocado & mango salsa and cheese.

ENJOY!

Pikes Peak Brewing Company - 4/4*

Date Visited: Sunday, June 26, 2011

Heard About Via:  Twitter @cspringsbeer

Pikes Peak Brewing Company
1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr
Monument, CO 80132
(719) 208-4098
http://pikespeakbrewing.com/

Attire:            Casual
Company:      My Husband

RATING – 4/4 Stars

The Beer/Food:                     4 – Gotta Go!
Service:                                   3.5 – Savor It…
Atmosphere:                          4 – Gotta Go!
Cost/Value:                           $$ - Got a few bucks

Ratings Key

General                                     Cost/Value (based on a party of 2)
1 – No go…                               $ – Pinchin’ pennies (less than $10)
2 – Try it…                                $$ – Got a few bucks (less than $20)
3 – Savor it...                             $$$ – It doesn’t hurt to drop a few (less than $50)
4 – Gotta go!                              $$$$ – I just got a bonus ($100 +)

REVIEW
On a whim, I decided to go check out this brewery that I heard about on Twitter via @cspringsbeer on Sunday.  I had the day off from running, just took a V02 Max test and we had 3 hours before we had to be over to the in-laws for dinner.  I proposed my master plan to my husband and he said “sure!”  I didn’t expect us to be there for almost 2 hours, we had such a great time chatting with the staff and the owner, Dan.  We also met some really great locals that we chatted with and one that we can hopefully help promote his company.  All in all, we had a GREAT time and I would strongly recommend this brewery to you for both beer, and yes, the food (it was yum!). 

The Beer/Food
I really appreciated the level of service that was offered to us upon entering the brewery; I really didn’t know what I wanted, as I really don’t drink beer much anymore.  I was asked to describe flavors that I liked and I wound up with a glorious Belgian Ale before me.  First of all, I really enjoy the fact that it comes in a giant wine glass (wink wink) and the body of the beer does not feel like it is adding to “my body” as I am drinking it…  I apologize, but I cannot and will not pretend to review beer, I will look like an idiot.  But, what I will attempt to do is on a scale of 1 to 10 tell you how good this beer was compared to other Belgian Ales I have tried in the past, 9.  Does that work?  It was good.  I got to sample a lot of their other beers, which were excellent as well, I have to give them 4* for the delivery on their specialty, their beers.

We hadn’t eaten lunch, so I was starving, when we first got there it appeared that they did not have food, but then a glorious moment happened, I saw food on the menu, yes!  As I was scanning over the menu I found a lot of great choices and settled on the soup.  Much to my dismay they were out for the day, so I decided to pass on the food all together.  First of all, I feel like I am committing a sin by drinking a beer (yes, I know…strange) and then to add on a pulled pork sandwich…I would not be feeling good about myself that day.  In the midst of conversation with a local, the owner’s wife came zooming around the corner with Turkey Panini’s in hand!  She was so excited to announce that she could provide a meal for my husband and I.  I have to admit I was somewhat skeptical as they arrived, but thought…why not?  All I have to say is that the sandwich was freakin’ fantastic…I was blown away.  The cracked pepper, the bread and the cheese were the perfect combination of flavors, this baby was great.  Now don’t get me wrong, you won’t be getting gourmet, as chips and a pickle come on the side…but this Panini hit the spot!


So Great…
The beer!  I have to say that besides Bristol, this is some of the best local beer I have had in a long time.  Now, I don’t get out much (beer wise), but I really, really enjoyed this beer!  Beyond the beer was a team of great owners who really care about what they are doing and have taken a giant leap of faith for something that they believe in.  With that combination you get passion, and passion equates to excellence.  

The owner, Dan, having fun!

The owner Dan and his wife are fun loving and joyful sprits ready to serve and welcome you in to try their beer and food.  We had such a nice time talking with the locals and laughing with the staff and owners, this experience was above and beyond my expectations for the day.  I was having so much fun, I even kinda blew my cover…not sure if that was the Belgian Ale or the fun I was having…

The patio!  Beautiful, have to come back just to sit outside, we didn't that day because of the heat, but a must!!

The Bummer…
This is my least favorite section, but one that I feel is necessary.  This is the whole reason I am “undercover.”  I want to bring real reviews from me to you.  I am not a fancy food critic, when I walk in the door I am just another customer, therefore, I get to report to you the “real” experience that I had.  My only 2 critiques would be for such a great Turkey Panini, find some great Kettle chips or a different kind of chip, it would dress up your sandwich more and compliment something great that you already have going for you.  My other thought is on the food…if you have food on the menu, I would try to have it there if people want to order it.  If it is a pain to stock all that food, just do “specials” of the day, that way you don’t feel the pressure of having to stock such a variety of menu items all the time.

Great job guys, we’ll be back! J

R&R Coffee Cafe

Date Visited: Saturday, June 18^th, 2011
Heard About Via:  Twitter

R&R Coffee Cafe
11425 Black Forest Road #6
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
(719) 494-8300
http://www.rnrcoffeecafe.com/

Attire:            Casual
Company:      My Husband

RATING – 4/4 Stars

The Coffee/Baked Goods:      4 – Gotta Go!
Service:                                   3.5 – Savor It…
Atmosphere:                           4 – Gotta Go!
Cost/Value:                             $ - Got a few bucks

Ratings Key

General                                               Cost/Value (based on a party of 2)
1 – No go…                                         $ – Pinchin’ pennies (less than $10)
2 – Try it…                                          $$ – Got a few bucks (less than $20)
3 – Savor it...                                       $$$ – It doesn’t hurt to drop a few (less than $50)
4 – Gotta go!                                        $$$$ – I just got a bonus ($100 +)

Greeted by an old western building, R&R Coffe Café sits right off of Black Forest road in the heart of a large bed of trees.  Upon our arrival, we could hear the conversation and laughter into the parking lot, as one of their dining areas had open walls.  The coffee shop was endearing and charming upon entering, with coffee permeating the air.  We were greeted by a small line of eager customers ready to order their morning coffee and breakfast.  Like any savvy store, tempting baked goods lined the wall in which the line was formed.  Between the cake, scones and blueberry muffins, we decided to sink our teeth into the blueberry muffin.  As I approached the register, I was greeted with a very kind smile and helpful attitude, I could tell that they were all very busy and focused on ensuring the timely delivery of their customer’s meals and coffee drinks.  I ordered 2 cups of coffee with a blueberry muffin.  The cashier directed me to the coffee dispensers that stood behind me and handed me a bag and a sheet of plastic to grab my blueberry muffin from beneath the glass display dish.  While all of this was going on, I started to hear bluegrass in the background, I thought they must have turned on the radio, nope, I turned around to find a group of young teenage boys playing instruments and singing in the corner of the dining room.  They sounded amazing and it tied the whole wonderful experience together!

The Coffee/Muffin
The coffee was excellent, I had to sample all of the roasts and really enjoyed the Costa Rican decaf, but there was no way that I was going to be drinking decaf, so I went for the Forest Mist Blend.  This blend was sweet & mellow, with tones of roasted oak.  It was soo smooth and silky, very good blend and I am tempted to purchase a bag of it next time I am up at R&R.  We had to get the muffin because #1 it looked amazing and #2 I was not counting calories on Saturday (shhh…don’t tell my trainer).  The blueberry muffin was extremely MOIST, not too sweet and was baked to perfection!

So Great…
The atmosphere!  This coffee shop embodies the Colorado western charm that everyone hears about and wants to experience when in Colorado.  This is a MUST for locals and a place you need to bring any family and friends who visit you while in Colorado Springs.  The coffee bean bags draped on the ceiling, the red, warm paint, the locals coffee mugs hanging above the barista stand, the music, the outdoor setting and so much more really make this an experience that cannot be missed!

The Bummer…
The ordering process.  Like most small joints, the ordering process still resorts to a pen and paper, nothing against that, but I felt because of that, there was a bit of disorganization.  I am sure it is not like that when they are slammed like they were this past Saturday, but my steamed soy milk ended up at the back of the line behind 15 mocha lattes.  I ended up waiting almost 15 minutes to get some steamed soy milk, I think a POS system and communication between the casher and the barista would have helped.  The only other change I would make would be to add MORE blueberries to your blueberry muffins.  They are AMAZING, but lacked the flavor of the blueberries throughout the yummy muffin.

Great Job you guys, it was fun!

El Padrino - Tequila Lime Cream Sauce, Yum!

Date Visited: Tuesday, June 15, 2011

Heard About Via:  Friend's Recommendation

El Padrino
13425 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80921-7648
(719) 487-2727
http://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Padrino-Mexicano/144516582052

Attire:            Casual
Company:      My Husband

RATINGS

The Grub:                    2 – Try It…
Service:                         3 – Savor It…
Atmosphere:                2/3 - Try it/Savor It…
Cost/Value:                  $$ - Got a few bucks

Ratings Key

General                                               Cost/Value (based on a party of 2)
1 – No go…                                         $ – Pinchin’ pennies (less than $10)
2 – Try it…                                          $$ – Got a few bucks (less than $20)
3 – Savor it...                                       $$$ – It doesn’t hurt to drop a few (less than $50)
4 – Gotta go!                                        $$$$ – I just got a bonus ($100 +)

REVIEW
What a beautiful place, in a brand new building, El Padrino sits right on the corner of North Gate and Voyager.  The outside of the restaurant looks very up-scale, romantic and draws you in.  My favorite part upon arriving, was being greeted by HUGE Spanish doors that sit on the inside of the main entrance.  They were exquisite.  As you enter the restaurant, the room is split before you the dining room on the left and the bar on the right.  It is not huge and definitely has a “cozy” feel.  I did not get the opportunity to see if they had a patio, but if so, it would be with incredible views.  This restaurant seems like a great place to hang out with friends on a warm summer day and sip on margaritas…I did not get the chance to try a margarita last night, but maybe we will go back just for that some time!

The Grub
The value was decent, the food arrived fast after ordering.  I ordered the tequila lime chicken (~$11), good presentation with a wonderful melody of vegetables in the calavacitas on the side.  They mixed in bacon for the meat, which gave the side dish a nice smoky flavor, I pushed a majority of the bacon to the side but the residuals of its effects were tasty.  The tequila lime cream sauce draped over the chicken was phenomenal, but the rice left much to be desired.  It was overcooked and the tomatoes did not taste fresh.  Overall the food was decent with a few excellent flavors in select items, yet there was a lack of cohesion amongst the playing parts in the dish. 

So Great…
The tequila lime cream sauce!  Wow…very well done El Padrino.  The service was also phenomenal, my water did not remain empty for more than 2 minutes and all of the staff was all very friendly and accommodating.  The atmosphere also provided a warm and cozy feel.

The Bummer…
The chips & salsa.  Beyond the amazing service and scrumptious tequila lime sauce, the chips and salsa were the most disappointing to me.  Again, lack of fresh flavors left me wanting more.  The hot salsa was pretty good, but lacked personality and complexity.  The mild salsa was “pasty” and watery…missing salt, garlic and cilantro for that extra pop.  I also have to say that my chicken was a bit tough and the chicken breast itself was pretty small (there is something kind of funny about this sentence….)…I am being serious, but I really don’t know how else to write this sentence, haha… J

Great Cabernet for Dinner Tonight

337 - 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
http://www.337wine.com/Wines/

From: Lodi, California

Ratings:
Wine: 3 - Savor It...
Value: $ - Pinchin' Pennies (~$12)

Where to Buy in Colorado Springs?
http://www.337wine.com/WTB/




Review

Right off the top I get the aroma of dark cherries, as I swirl the wine around in the glass…as soon as I take a sip the flavor of spice hits every taste bud on my tongue, followed by an intense blackberry flavor.  The finish is smooth after the flood of mocha flavor that hits the back of your palate, while the intense spice still sits on your tongue.  A must try at a great value!

Musings - the story behind the selection...
I love sending my husband to shop, not just for food, but for wine as well, his reasoning for picking out the wine is hilarious and whimsical, I love it.  9 times out to 10, he ends up landing some great wines and he did with the 337.  We admittedly ran out of our “2 Buck Chuck” (blush blush) and I went to grab a nice wine to pair with our dinner and I grabbed this one.  When I asked my husband why he picked that particular wine his response was, “I recognized the label, we’ve had it before.”  After a somewhat frank and witty conversation, I had to relent and pretend like I thought we had it before, but I still don’t think we have…

This point leads to my next, which is my amazement at how “programmable” we can really be when it comes to purchasing a bottle of wine.  I see it all the time, a guy all dressed up, hair slicked back, cologne permeating the isles…scanning back and forth down every isle from every region and country, just looking for a bottle of wine that “looks good” and isn’t too cheap, I doubt his dinner date will know the difference anyway…   Labels sell, and I think this one got my husband, because it is a sleek label and man they make the wine sound good on the back!

Now, to give my husband and all the other guys out there a break, I have to admit, I was very driven by the wine labels and the statement that they made, until I started getting more into wine and reading Wine Enthusiast.  After this slight paradigm shift in my thinking, a majority of my purchasing became dictated by the prestigious pallets of the Wine Enthusiast.  I slightly struggle with this and try to venture out because I feel that a lot of those wine ratings are “political,” therefore I try to “follow my…nose?”