Nacho Nirvana

Imagine a great chile relleno – a crispy wrap around a snappy chile filled with smooth, quality Mexican cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Imagine a great plate of nachos topped with a fresh zippy salsa. Now, imagine combining the two. Chile Relleno Nachos – Nacho Nirvana!

I’ve heard about this appetizer served at Los Dos Portillos in Centennial, Colorado. With an urge for Mexican food I talk Bob into heading to County Line Road and Holly. From the exterior Los Dos Portillos looks totally unassuming, it sits in the middle of a strip mall that includes a New York pizza place, a Thai cafe, childcare center and sports bar. The mall has its back to busy County Line – customers do not just stumble on this site. 

We arrive a little before 5pm and ask about the early dining special. The current feature includes a plate of the chile relleno nachos and two combination plates for $15.99. Such a deal! The nachos alone are usually $8.95 and combinations $10+ each. A well blended margarita, on the rocks with ice, costs just $3.95.

We dig in as soon as the nachos arrive, there’s immediate audible satisfaction. YUM! Bob ordered Combo #12 of beef burrito, beef enchilada and one beef taco. They happily substitute shredded beef in the burrito for ground beef at no additional charge. I opted for #13 of chicken enchilada, chile relleno, taco with rice and beans. We finish the plate of nachos but weren’t as successful with the combos. About half came home, enough for another meal. Pillowy sopapillas capped the meal.

By 6pm only  a couple of tables weren’t filled with hungry families. Even on a snowy February evening returning customers know Los Dos Portillos is worth the effort. One can expect a wait on weekend evenings. Service is efficient if sometimes impersonable. My only niggle is that the entrees came too quickly after the nachos were served, I would have liked to have had more time to enjoy the nachos.

We’ve always been enchanted with the shredded beef burrito, however I think a platter of chile relleno nachos, an order of guacamole and drinks would completely satisfy – nirvana.

When You Go: Los Dos Potrillos, 8251 S. Holly Street, Centennial, CO, 720-529-0299 and 10065 W. San Juan Way, Littleton, 303-948-1552. Open daily from 9am. Menu available online.