On The Border (North Academy Blvd)

Now, I know some folks scoff at On The Border, but for a couple of margaritas and some fajitas, it’s not bad. I know it’s not Mexican or even Tex-Mex, but the food is good, plenty, and reasonably priced.  And, we like Carolyn, the bartender during lunch time at this OTB.

Anyway, Mike and I stopped in at OTB and as usual, sat in the bar area. Carolyn was working so we got some chips, salsa and drinks right away. (Needless to say, Carolyn is very efficient.)  I didn’t get my usual margarita, but tried one of the new special ones: the skinny margarita.  It was a little too limey for my taste, so I’ll not order it again. Mike got a Mexican Mojito, which was nice and minty – really refreshing. That I would order next time, if not in the mood for a regular margarita.

For our lunches, I ordered one of the specials they are running right now – a couple of tacos you can mix and match. I usually get fajitas - so this was adventurous of me. I got the Achiote and Beef Brisket tacos, but I should have read the menu a little closer, as these were made with corn tortillas, which I don’t care for. Even so, the beef was really good and I ate the meat and filling out of that one. The Achiote (chicken/pineapple) was not so good – for some reason the flavors just didn’t seem to blend well.  Maybe it was too dry?  I'm not sure what type of sauce would have made it better ... I'll have to think about that.  Mike had the Tacos El Carbon and he said they were good.

We skipped the sopapillas – but if you do have room for desert, do get them. They’re not bad at OTB – especially when you pour some honey inside and roll it around to coat the insides. Even better with chocolate, too!

Overall – for a quick lunch of non-authentic Mexican food and a couple of drinks – yes, it’s going on the Do Again list.

Panda Express

Panda Express. Fast food; fast review.

Fried rice, any entrée, a couple of potstickers.

Do Again.

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

On the spur of the moment, we decided to try out the newly opened My Big Fat Greek Restaurant on North Academy (where the Macaroni Grill was, by Whole Foods).  When we walked in, we noticed that not much remodeling had been done; however, the bar area is now a little more enclosed that it used to be. There still is an open kitchen, along with comfortable booths and tables.

It was lunch time and the place was full – probably more because it’s new than anything else. We did get a table right away and immediately were offered menus and water.  Our waiter, Andrew, was actually from Kansas City and is here training the new staff to the ways of My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. He was very attentive and claimed to be Greek to boot – so he immediately recommended a couple of appetizers and a red, blended wine. We got a bottle of wine and ordered some dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) for Mike and the “braised tomato meatball” for me.  I personally don’t care for dolmades, so I had to rely on Mike’s opinion. He said they were good, but nothing special. The “braised tomato meatball” was good – but it was in fact a braised meat ball with some tomato and feta. It would not rank among my favorite appetizers. As we enjoyed our wine, we noticed others tables around us also ordered appetizers – and all the portions were generous. One appetizer I wished we had ordered was the mezze (four spreads with pita bread) – which really looked good.  If we come here with friends, we’ll be sure to order that.  And, I should have taken the hint with the size of the appetizers – as the main courses were also very generous portions.

For our main lunches, Mike ordered the Aegean Club (gyro, chicken, bacon, tzatziki, and chipotle mayo) with Greek Fries (fries with lemon, feta and Parmesan cheese). It was huge. In fact, with appetizers, if there was a group of 4, you could order two appetizers and the Aegean Club and have enough food for all. Anyway, Mike really enjoyed his Club – and the bite I took of it – yes – it was very good.  It was just a bit spicy – just enough to really enjoy! And, the fries with the feta and Parmesan were great!

I ordered the Pastitsio – pasta, ground beef and béchamel sauce, with veggies and potatoes. Here was my disappointment – when I got my plate, the meal was barely warm. I asked Andrew to take it back and re-heat it. When he returned with my plate, the temp was slightly better, but still not as hot as I would expect. The pastitsio was okay – in my opinion – just okay. I would not order it again.

While we enjoyed our visit to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant – there were some kinks they need to work out. We noticed several servers walking about with food trying to find the right table to deliver it to – and I noticed one table had to ask for water twice.  But, I think it was just new restaurant mistakes – and they’ll figure it out shortly. 

We remarked that coincidently (if you believe in coincidences, which I don’t) first time we went to another Colorado Springs area Greek restaurant, Jake & Telly’s in Old Colorado City, it was not to long after they opened and they definitely had some kinks to work out that night. Since then - it’s become one of our favorite places! So, we’ll give My Big Fat Greek Restaurant a chance, too.

All in all – I’ll put My Big Fat Greek Restaurant on the Do Again list – but I’ll be sure to explore the menu a bit more on our next visit!

IHOP (Southgate area)

After John and Mike installed some bees in the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo observation hive (and I mostly watched), we stopped for a late breakfast at the IHOP at Southgate. The place was fairly busy; it looked like a lot of military, families, retirees - typical Colorado Springs crowd.

We got a table without waiting and our server was right there to take our coffee and tea orders. While service was good, the place really did look a bit shabby and run down. The carpet could have used a good cleaning (or replacing) and you could tell the booths have had a real work out over the years. (When I lived in this neighborhood, the IHOP was on the other end of the shopping center - I don't know when they built this one, but it can't be too old.)

We ordered standard breakfast meals: eggs, omelets, pancakes, etc. My eggs were done just like I ordered them (over-medium) and the bacon was, while not crispy, not underdone either. The hash browns were the standard Denny's/IHOP/Perkins (no more Perkins, though)/breakfast-anytime place hash browns. I ordered toast, too - which came with not a bit of butter on it!  (Alas ...no butter at the table either.) 

Everybody was satisfied with their meals - it was pretty ordinary fare - and for a quick breakfast stop at IHOP - it was just about what you'd expect.

Do Again?  Maybe - but given the shabbiness of the place, I'd probably opt for somewhere else next time. 

EDELWEISS (34 East Ramona - between S. Nevada and S. Tejon)

After a mid-morning appointment at Evans Army Hospital, Mike and I wanted to stop somewhere on the south end of Colorado Springs for lunch - you know, one of those places we don't get to very often - but not a chain restaurant. I suggested the Edelweiss - a Bavarian place situated on Ramona Avenue between South Nevada and South Tejon. The building is very German-looking and I know they had done some remodeling in early 2001 to preserve its looks. When you walk into the front, you're immediately transported to southern Germany:  Garmisch, Oberau, Oberammergau, Munich. And the dining room is typical Bavarian hunting lodge style - big fireplace, animal heads around the room, comfortable tables with colorful tablecloths, and big Bavarian blue and white flags.  German, definitely German.

Since the day was nice we opted for their Biergarten - which is one of the best outdoor dining places in Colorado Springs. There is some refuge from the sun, but not so much that you might as well be inside. We immediately ordered a couple of beers, Warsteiner Pilsner for me and a Dunkel for Mike. They came quickly - in big mugs - along with brotchen (bread). As we perused the lunch menu, we enjoyed being outdoors - and back in Germany. 

For lunch, I ordered the jaegerschnitzel - pork (unbreaded) with dark "hunter's" gravy and mushrooms, spatzle and veggies. I'm a sucker for jaegerschnitzel - I just love the gravy! Mike ordered the Cordon Bleu sandwich with potato salad.

Service was very good and our lunches came in short order. While my meal was excellent - the German potato salad that came with Mike's sandwich was the show-stealer of the meal. It was just like Dad (my grandfather Charlie Snyder) used to make.  A bit vinegar-y, a bit sweet, some chunks of potato, some a bit more mashed up.  It was really, really (really) good. They got the seasonings just right on that one.

If you visit the Edelweiss and your meal doesn't come with the potato salad, you'd be wise to ask for a side dish of it - it was that good.  Really!!

After finishing off our lunches and beers, we splurged and got a piece of their sachertorte to share - dark chocolate cake with raspberry jam between the layers, chocolate ganache, and whipped cream garnish on top. It was perfect and I'm glad we just got one piece to share.

All in all - an excellent excursion to southern Germany - without leaving town! Edelweiss - we'll be back!  You're on the Do Again list for us!!

Outback Steak House (I-25 and Woodman)

Since we missed Young Mike's birthday in July, we took him and Lauren to the Outback Steak House for his belated birthday dinner (I-25 and Woodman; Young Mike's choice for his birthday dinner). Mike and I got there a few minutes early and staged ourselves at the bar to wait. Mike had a Manhattan and I had the Sydney Cosmo - both were excellent.

Service was very prompt, although the bar was not overly crowded.  We were offered menus and when we said we were waiting to meet some folks, we were asked if we'd like appetizers. The bartender was not being pushy - it was clearly a nice offer to make our wait more comfortable.

Once our guests arrived, we re-seated ourselves in the bar area at a booth. Immediately, our server, Marlene, came over with offers of water and drinks for the new arrivals. She was very efficient and attentive (so much so that I contacted the manager to compliment her), but not hovering.

We ordered appetizers - a half Bloomin' Onion(r), some coconut shrimp, and one of the current specials, Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread. No complaints about any of these dishes. The Bloomin' Onion(r) was crisp and spicy; the coconut shrimp with the Creole marmalade was tasty and the Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread was very good - spread with goat cheese and topped with peppers and chicken.  I don't know how long the Mediterranean Chicken Flatbread will be offered - or if they're considering making it a permanent addition - but if you stop by Outback while they're running this special, you might consider trying it.

While we were visiting and sharing appetizers, we ordered out dinners.

I had another special they were offering - the filet with crab legs with a baked sweet potato and small salad. I asked for the filet medium with "extra char" and I was not disappointed! It was perfect. For a while, Outback got into serving very thin filets - and while this was not the thickest I'd ever seen, it was an improvement over what they were serving a while back.  My salad was fresh with plenty of blue cheese, and my sweet potato was done nicely with some brown sugar on top (which I realized after I'd received it - I'd forgotten to ask for it with only butter - my fault).  I did end up taking some steak and crab home, as the meal was generously sized.

Mike had the prime rib his for dinner - which he said was excellent. Young Mike had the sirloin and crab legs and Lauren had a salad with an order of the crab legs. No complaints about any of our food selections - as usual, Outback served up a good meal!

Since it was Young Mike's belated birthday dinner, he had the carrot cake for his dessert - another special they are running right now.  He said it was good - and since I'm no carrot cake fan, I'll just take his word for it!

Overall - between a good meal (well worth the price) and excellent service - yes, we'd Do Again at Outback Steak House!

Sunbird (I-25 and Garden of the Gods area)

Just when you think I only write good reviews – here’s comes  … well … read on.

We had a Mensa “Mix & Mingle” event at the Sunbird last night. The Sunbird (off I-25 and Garden of the Gods) has a beautiful view of the mountains and a panoramic vista of Colorado Springs and all points east. There’s a large, comfortable patio (with its own bar), an inside bar area with plate glass windows all around, and a gracious dining room with expansive views. Last night, for Happy Hour, there was even a trio playing on the patio – and they were good!

I was really looking forward to this, as the Sunbird is just beautiful … but Mike and I have found service and food there to be very inconsistent. One time it’s good (or even bordering on fabulous) but the next time it pretty much sucks. This was a “suck.”

We gathered on the patio just about the time the rain started. One of our group wanted to move inside, which seemed like a good idea at the time. So, since only a couple of us had ordered drinks and tapas – we opted to move inside. Our server assured us our tab would follow us to the inside bar as well as our tapas orders. Once we got a large table put together, the rest of the group ordered drinks. Meanwhile, one member of our group ordered another beer. Drinks came, but no beer. He ordered again … and after quite a long wait … finally got his beer. All the while, members of our group have ordered plates and appetizers. These seem to be delivered to the table with some speed.  But…

We had to ask for napkins and silverware and small plates to share the food. We got napkins – no silverware. (I finally had to get up and find a server and ask again for silverware.) It got even more interesting as we ate, as we noticed that it seemed as if the servers would only deal with one person at a time.  At one point, a server picked up a used dish that was sitting in front of me – and another in our group at the table picked up a used glass (full of used toothpicks, bar napkins, etc) to hand to the server and as the server walked by her, she motioned with the glass and began to hand the glass to the serve. She was completely ignored. This was not the only time we noticed this peculiar behavior at our table – one person would ask for something, and another would begin to ask a question or to order something – and the server would just walk away. Not even “Can I get anybody anything else?”  And – there appeared to be abundant servers – lots of them walking around – but seemingly unorganized. What was up with that? It happened enough that we all commented on it – and we’re not talking once or twice – at least 5 times!

Now – I’m still waiting for my pancetta-wrapped shrimp and Al is still waiting for onion rings – the ones we ordered outside – before the rest of the group even ordered their food. I asked the server about them and was told she would check on them. Others ordered more food and got their food. We get another round of drinks. (Except the beer guy. He asked for another beer – which never did come.)  Again, I ask about the shrimp and onion rings – and am again told by the server she’s check on them. After the third time, I told our server that if we didn’t get our orders immediately, I wanted to see the manager. Well, that lit a fire under whoever and one of the managers came scurrying over. She assured me she would personally check on our order, which she must have, as our tapas order came shortly. She explained that the patio person thought the bartender had put in the order and vice versa. Okay, mix-ups happen – but why did I have to get a manager involved after asking three times?

I had ordered pancetta-wrapped shrimp – and here’s what I got: two medium shrimp on a skewer with a thin (and narrow) slice of pancetta that could barely reach around the shrimp. There was also a pile of something cold on the plate – I’m still not entirely certain what it was – it kinda tasted of like a cucumber salad but it was brown – so I’m not certain. This dish was not worth the $7 price listed on the menu … but to give the manager credit, she “comp’d” that and the disastrous (and disastrously late) onion rings that finally came with an odd sort of dill and mayo sauce – which didn’t compliment the small serving of onion rings at all. BTW - Al asked for ketchup for the onion rings, which he never did get.  He never got his other beer either – Al left a grumpy man – he’ll not be back to the Sunbird any time soon.

Here’s the good news – Mike said the Meatball Sliders (a Happy Hour special) were good – but I just realized that we were charged $9 for it, not the $7 listed on the menu.

Another piece of somewhat good news … someone else in our group ordered a Sunbird Combination Platter to share with the group; it consisted of a Spinach & artichoke dip (which was very garlicly), crab stuffed mushrooms, cornmeal crusted Calamari and beef Skewers.  The calamari and beef skewers were actually the best of the selection.

One more good news item – they were trying a new drink that evening– a lemon/raspberry drink that was actually quite refreshing. The problem was, as confessed by the bartender, who was really doing his best to keep up – is that they sprang this new drink on him only that day and he was overwhelmed by all the drink orders – the specials along with the bar and dining room orders. He was trying to keep up, but simply could not. Sunbird management - are you listening?

So, overall – here’s my assessment:  once again the Sunbird disappointed us.  More than anything else, the poor and confused service really did them in for us. I can forgive an overpriced dish if other dishes are reasonable – I can even forgive an order mix up – it happens. But, during this latest visit to the Sunbird, there was just too much wrong to be happy about the experience.  Do again?  I think not – at least not until we hear it’s drastically improved or management/ownership changes. 

Texas T-Bone (near North Academy & Union)

Last night, neither Mike nor I felt like cooking and we didn’t have anything thawed out, so we buzzed down to one of our favorite quick steak places – Texas T-Bone on North Academy and Union. 

Since the weather looked a little threatening, we opted not for the open patio but the enclosed patio area. The breeze was pleasant and it wasn’t too hot. We started off with martinis – thank you, Texas T-Bone – you finally got the BIG green olives for your martinis, not those little tiny ones you used to serve!  Eric, our server, was good, although we were actually taken care of by at least three other folks during the course of the meal.

As usual, we opted for salads for the first course – I just love their idea of a salad “menu” where you mark ingredients and topping and just hand that to the server. Makes it so much easier and I can get just what I feel like eating that night.

Anyway, the salad greens were fresh and the topping not skimpy at all.  They are generous with their servings – and if Mike and I had the same tastes, I’m sure we get one salad and split it – but – alas – sometimes, he likes strange things on his salads.

For our meals, I had the filet mignon with baked sweet potato and Mike had their steak and baby back ribs combo.  Neither of us had had their ribs before and after I sampled one, we agreed that the ribs were good (not great, but good). Not too saucy, which is the way I like them, but the sauce was … sauce. Nothing to really jump out at you to say “I’m a unique and tasty sauce; put more of me on those ribs.” The ribs were very meaty, though, and well cooked.

My filet was excellent – done just right (medium). I was disappointed, however, when I asked for it to be Pittsburgh’d and Eric informed me they won’t do Pittsburghs anymore. Bastards! Next time, I’ll just ask for “extra char.”  (After some research, I think it may be because some cite “Pittsburgh” as charred on the outside and basically raw on the inside. Others just consider “Pittsburgh” as charred outside and inside done to requested temperature. Maybe the “raw” makes them scared of doing a steak “Pittsburgh” style)  And – given the size of the filet – plenty to take home and have for lunch the next day.

Anyway - Texas T-Bone is great for a quick salad and steak. No complaints, conveniently located, good service, good food.  No question – it’s on the “Do Again” list.

Navajo Hogan

If you’ve spent any time in Colorado Springs, you’re familiar with Navajo Hogan’s on North Nevada. The huge neon sign in the form of an Indian (American, not Asian) and the unique bee-hive shapes of the building – not to mention all the motorcycles parked there most weekends – it’s really an icon here in the “Springs”!  If nothing else, you need to go there just to see the building from the inside – it’s on the National Historic Register and it’s really is a marvel. Built by Nicholal Fontecchio in 1935 to resemble a hogan (and complete with the Broadmoor for evening entertainment in Colorado Springs), the ceiling domes are pieced together with no nails – in a bee-hive or “hogan” shape. Navajo Hogan’s has been a bar, strip club, restaurant, dance club, biker bar, etc, but maybe now that Johnny Nolan is involved (that’s Johnny of Southside Johnny’s, a great local pub on South Tejon), the old place may be able to really stabilize into a successful North End hangout – and not just for the biker crowd.

Anyway – we ate there the other night with the Mensa group and it was very nice. Roomy; accommodating (as we kept adding people); service was very good (no problem with separate checks); there were about 10 different beers on tap; and my burger was really good. (For those that don’t know me, I rarely eat hamburgers – but when I do, I usually enjoy them!) I had the bacon blue cheese burger with sweet potato fries (extra for the SPFs). Other orders around the table were the Philly steak sandwich and different salads, not to mention other variations of burgers and fries.  Everybody was satisfied with their meals and prices were reasonable.

When we left, we lingered by the front door to read the history plaque posted there and a man approached us, obviously associated with the restaurant, and asked how our meals were. He didn’t introduce himself, but I think it may have been Johnny or at least the manager of the “new” Navajo Hogan’s, anyway – he seemed genuinely concerned about our answers. He confessed that his cook was new and was having some troubles getting the burgers just right – but we assured him everything had turned out fine. As long as Navajo Hogan’s staff shows this same personal concern and service remains good (as does the food), Navajo Hogan’s will once again be an iconic (and good)  place to take visitors … or just grab a beer and a burger!  We'll add this to the Do Again list!

TGI Friday (I-25 and Woodman)

Last night I went to TGI Friday (I-25 and Woodman) for a financial seminar a Mensa friend of mine invited me to - the seminar was great, by the way - but since this is a restaurant review ... here we go!

The first time Mike and I went to TGI Friday (yes, the same one - about 5 years ago) - we were seated and then we waited and waited. Meanwhile, tables around us - full of folks who came in after us - were getting drinks and their orders were being taken and even delivered.  We were completely ignored.  We left and as we walked out the door, the manager asked how we enjoyed our visit. I replied that we were leaving because we couldn't get waited on and I told him what had happened.  Mike was at the car ready to leave, but the manager convinced us to come back in, be reseated in a different section - and he would comp our meals.  Right answer!  We ate dinner there that night - a good meal - but it wasn't high on the list. Still isn't our favorite choice, but if a bunch of people want to go there - we wouldn't object! (In fact, the Mensa group would meet there once a month to play Trivia - but we stopped because they wouldn't change the TVs from sports to Trivia.)

Last night - I found out they have a meeting room in the back you can use for free for events like this seminar or a meeting.  Nice!  Back to the meal - I ordered the Cobb salad - the greens were fresh, chicken done nicely, etc.  They did skimp a bit on the dressing. While the meal was good, I'd not make a special trip there for the Cobb salad - or probably for anything else. Again - if I was with a group, I wouldn't object to TGI Friday - but I wouldn't select it on my own.  Do again?  Only for a group activity where I didn't have much say in where we went!

Outback Steak House (New Point Center, off Constitution and Powers)

We went to the Outback Steak House at the New Point Center (off Constitution and Powers) with the Mensa group - 13 of us! Delightful company - especially since my friend Susan joined us.  As to the service and food ... service was great - they had our tables set up with the 1 1/2 hour wait (actually, it was much closer to an hour) - and as far as I know, only one order got bollixed up (mine). Drinks were excellent and fast - salads were fresh and dressed nicely. Bloomin' onions crispy and seasoned just right.  Everybody's food seemed okay - except mine!  I asked for my steak "Pittsburgh" style (really charred on the outside and rare inside) and the waitress asked the manager if they could do that. He said yes, Pittsburgh would be no problem. When I got my steak, tender as it was, it was simply really rare. No char - and, to be honest, a bit too rare!  Be advised - they do NOT know how to Pittsburgh a steak!  Bastards! 

Other than my steak not being done correctly - the rest of the evening - both company, food and drink, was GREAT!  Overall - Yes - DO AGAIN!

MacKenzie's Chop House

This is one of our favorite spots in Colorado Springs - convenient when there's a show at the Pikes Peak Center and a great place to show off to out-of-town guests! Anyway - we stopped by there for drinks and appetizers/tapas before the Steep Canyon Rangers with Steve Martin played at the PP Center the other night. If I could get the managers/owners of MacKenzie's to do one thing - I'd tell them to hire Ramsey as the full-time bartender (and pay her what she's worth) or get Sean back! While service was okay - it was not up to par with either Ramsey or Sean. There's a lack to personal attention to the customers - the bartenders are just that - bartenders - and too busy, to boot! Sean and Ramsey always recognized the regulars, service was FAST, and you felt special when they were behind the bar.

As for the appetizers - the spinach dip was good - served in a bread bowl can never be wrong. The carpaccio was wonderful - sliced thin, flavorful, with just perfect capers, toast, onions and garlic. And, of course, I got the bacon-wrapped, blue cheese stuffed dates. Simply to die for. Really. Excellent! Love the dates! Did I say the dates were great? Well, they are!

So after a couple of Killer Kool-Aid’s for me and Chop House Manhattans for Mike, and tummies full of appetizers - off to the Pikes Peak Center. MacKenzie's? Definitely DO AGAIN!