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.
After a tour of a nearby wildlife refuge we tried the Northfield Ling & Louie’s for lunch. A friendly greeting and immediate seating started everything off on a pleasant note. Our booth was against the wall separating the dining room from the kitchen; the top half was a frosted glass water wall. The gentle flowing water sound hid any kitchen noise. The west wall was all windows looking onto the patio and landscaped grounds.
diced pineapple, red peppers and a sweet citrus sauce. Brown or jasmine rice accompanied both dishes. The orange flavor was very evident in my chicken nicely blended with the mild chilies, a little zip but certainly not spicy hot. I liked that the waitress brought two plates when she first approached the table, we were prepared to share. We enjoyed generous servings of both entrees and still boxed some to go.
One of eight Colorado hotels named to Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Top 500 Hotels.” This is the fourth award Denver’s 
Bring your pet with you – a 
In addition to bar seating there are a dozen tables and booths – today filled with families, teens, Harley bikers and gray-haired geezers. Nancy was working behind the bar this afternoon. The local sitting next to Bob informed us, “She’s been my therapist for years.”
Our first day in Jupiter usually finds us at Schooner’s Restaurant for a late lunch. The casual, relaxed atmosphere proves to be a necessary respite after several hours at Mother’s assisted living facility. The patio beckons us to sit back and enjoy an icy drink while lunch is prepared.
Service is almost always friendly and attentive. During our last visit on Martin Luther King Day they were obviously slammed but the staff worked together to get everyone served and keep drinks refreshed. Our only complaint over the years has been that they don’t automatically serve a roll, crackers or bread with our favorite salad. We’ve learned to ask for a roll when we order and the request is always met.
Colterra Restaurant
The risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan was topped with a grilled chicken breast. The rice the perfect texture and balance of flavors. I’m easily bored with chicken breast, however this was excellent quality, cooked just right. I soon decided I was eating the entire entree, nothing was going home for later. Pat reported her bolognese delightful, “I could go in the kitchen and lick the pan.”
A recent brunch visit withfamily and friends satisfied appetites. Several of us ordered Eggs Mazatlan. The large flour tortilla stuffed withthree scrambled eggs and guacamole and topped with white cheddar cheese and green chilepleased hungry tummies without feeling heavy. Salsa, sour cream and tortilla chips – thin, crisp and warm – served on the side.
With 11:00 am reservations our party could order from both the breakfast and lunch menus. We ran the gamut from eggs Benedict and waffles to fish and chips and the Red Baron Reuben. The Piper Club looked large enough to feed an entire flight crew.
But, let’s get to the food. Bob ordered the Tuscan style meatloaf, topped with porcini mushroom gravy, served on garlic mashed potatoes, accompanied by sauteed veggies. The meatloaf slice was thick and generous – enough for lunch the next day. The potatoes perfect and the gravy exceptional. I selected a pasta dish of capellini, shrimp, tomato cream and basil – heavenly. I was certain I would take some home for Monday lunch but didn’t put my fork down until I picked up my spoon to get the last sips of sauce. We finished the evening sharing the fall fruit bread pudding with frangelico caramel – lovely.
Where To Go - Travel USA 