Copper Kitchen (La Junta, Colorado)

Before heading out to Bent’s Old Fort last Sunday, Mike and I headed over to the Copper Kitchen in downtown La Junta for some coffee/tea and hearty breakfasts – and we weren’t disappointed!

When we got to the Copper Kitchen  - around 8:30 am – the place was packed. And, it’s a fairly large place: tables, booths, and even counter service. Given the banter between tables and wait staff, most of the crowd had to be locals. The Copper Kitchen appeared to be a family operation – kids were bussing tables and taking care of the counter customers – while Grandpa was manning the cash register. I think Gramps may have been the owner for quite some time – one newspaper article posted at the cash register was from the 50’s I think – and featured a very young Gramps.

We snagged a booth and immediately got menus and “Coffee?”,  which Mike got while I got a large pot of hot water for tea and an assortment of teabags.  We checked out the menu and what was being served around us.  I really thought Mike would go for the biscuits and gravy –the gravy literally came by the cup and the biscuits were obvioulsy home-made – but he chose pancakes.

Mike did the wise thing and asked the waitress how big the pancakes were – as they were listed on the menu as not just an order of pancakes, but in quantities 1, 2 or 3.  She said they were plate sized, so Mike got 2 pancakes and a side of ham.  I got my one of my usual breakfasts: steak and eggs.

While we waited, we again noticed the friendly, small town atmosphere – and the place was clean, very clean.  Always a plus!

When our food arrived – and it was fairly fast even as busy as the place appeared to be – it was all excellent. My steak was a good cut of meat – perhaps not quite as good as I’ve gotten for breakfast at the Bon Ton (in Old Colorado City), but good none the less. The eggs were done perfectly and the hash browns were standard hash browns. The only flaw was the toast was a bit underdone – but not that big of a deal.

Mike’s ham was not a pre-sliced slab – but appeared to be cut right off the ham given the varying thicknesses.  Fried and heated through.  His pancakes were fluffy and not a bit doughy – and they were, in fact, plate sized! 

We enjoyed our breakfast at a leisurely pace – then paid Gramps at the cash register – who threw in a joke as a bonus – and made out way out to the Fort, fully fueled up for the day!

Cooper Kitchen in La Junta – if we're ever there again - definitely a Do Again!

Boss Hogg's (in La Junta, Colorad)

After a half day at work, driving down to La Junta, going out to La Junta’s airport for their “Fun Day,”  then visiting Bent’s Old Fort, we were in the mood to just sit and eat (we’d missed lunch)  – before going back out to the Fort for the evening program!  Where to go?  We’d never been to La Junta before … so ….

We were staying at the Hampton Inn, so we asked the front desk clerk to recommend restaurants.  His first choice was Taqueria Mexico in Rocky Ford – he swore that was the best Mexican food in the area. Another place he recommended was Boss Hogg’s right there in La Junta, and since we didn’t feel like driving the 11 miles down the road to Rocky Ford, we opted for Boss Hogg’s.

Now, this was fairly early – say around 4:30 or 4:45 pm – and the parking lot was about half full – could be a good sign? And, speaking of signs, there’s a sign on the door with their dress code – no tank tops is all I can remember – so if you go there, call first to make sure you’re not violating their dress code!  (Really – a dress code in La Junta?!)

Since we’re not in jeopardy of being thrown out of the joint due how we were dressed, we went on in.  And, since we were just a bit tired and hot, we sat at the bar and had beer, just to kick back for a few minutes.  After we finished our beers, we got a table.  After checking out the menu – and me ordering another beer (surprise!!) – we ordered our appetizers.  I opted for the Rocky Mountain oysters – and, yes, I do know what they are … and Mike ordered the Chicken Butts. Chicken Butts, you ask?  Read on!

Now – when my oysters came – it was a huge serving, complete with fries. I gotta say – those were some really good Rocky Mountain oysters – the best I’d had in years – and even better than the ones at the Buckhorn Exchange in Denver – way better. Since I do enjoy them plain, I wasn’t too upset that the sauce they came with really sucked – it was some jellied, cold, red stuff  in a little plastic dish – I think is was supposed to be cocktail sauce – but if it was, it sure fooled me.  So, skip the sauce (or ask for some catsup and horseradish and make your own at the table) – but if you enjoy Rocky Mountain oysters – do get them.

Mike had Chicken Butts. Wow, them butts was good!  They were essentially poppers (jalapenos with cream cheese inside) but with a thin slice of chicken wrapped around them, then bacon around the whole thing. The flavors blended perfectly – and this is one dish I’m going to have to learn to fix at home. They were excellent!!

After we got our appetizers, we ordered dinner.  (Sometimes I deliberately delay ordering dinner so it doesn’t come while I’m still on the appetizers.)  I had a steak (naturally) and Mike ordered the chicken fried steak. The meals came with salad bar and potatoes (baked for me, mashed for Mike).  And, with that – we headed to the salad bar.  I was impressed with the quality of food at the salad bar – fresh lettuce, all the dishes full, and everything crisp and looking good. The only complaint was the dressings were not labeled, so it was a guessing game between the blue cheese and creamy Italian (maybe?). 

We were about three quarters of the way through our salads when our dinners came. Now – here’s couple of other minor complaints – dinner came out way to fast, our appetizer dishes had not been cleared and my potato came with little packets of “whipped spread” – not butter. But, after I dressed my spud with the “whipped spread” and sour cream, I checked out my steak – which was good.  Done right, a good cut of meat – yea, I can eat this! It was actually just a bit Pittsburgh’d – which I love – so I was happy with that.

Mike’s chicken fried steak was obviously just fixed – not re-heated or frozen – and he said it was way better than the one he got a Mason Jar (Colorado Springs) a few months ago. His only complaint was the gravy was a bit bland – not seasoned enough.  The portion was really big and it came with a huge mound of mashed potatoes – no skimping here!

Side note:  Mike and I like seasoned food – not “hot” seasoned, but highly spiced and seasoned.  Hence, we may sometimes mention that a dish is bland – but to most people, it’s probably okay.

Anyway – by this time, our appetizer dishes, along with our salad dishes, are still on the table. It’s getting a little crowded.  Mike commented that it must be a Union operation and the waitresses can’t bus tables – and busboys can’t bus while people are still at the tables. Actually, after a few minutes, the waitress cleared a couple of plates, but not all of them … what’s up with that?  But, what the hell … any place that serves Chicken Butts can’t be all bad.

And, actually, it wasn’t.  The prices were reasonable – especially since we got appetizers with the dinners – and the food was, for the most part, good. But, the Rocky Mountain Oysters and the Chicken Butts … well – they kicked butt!!

So, if I’m ever back in La Junta and the choices of places to eat (other than Subway, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut) are limited – yes – I’d Do Again … but I might only get a couple of appetizers (Rocky Mountain oysters and double order of Chicken Butts) and the salad bar – and skip the rest!

AJ Spurs (Santa Maria, California)

Howdy, pardner!  If’n yer ever out in Santa Maria, stop by AJ Spurs for a slab of steak ‘n’ all the sides you kin handle!  It’s mighty fine eats!


Yes – I took a quick, overnight, trip to Santa Maria (California) this last week for work and about the only activity of note was, in fact, dinner at AJ Spurs!  It’s a Western-kitschy motif place – lots of western themed photos and items (including a stuffed buffalo). There were about eight of us at dinner, and the restaurant had no trouble finding seats for us – in the jailhouse section of the place.  Very apropos given the company I was keeping that evening!

AJ Spurs offers a variety of steaks, along with its “Santa Fe Suppers” and the “House Specialties.”  One specialty is a 35-ounce top sirloin and you get an AJ’s T-shirt if you eat it all.  The other specialty is a pair of 6-ounce filets, one with lobster and Hollandaise and the other with shrimp and Béarnaise.  (“Don’t get saucy with me, Béarnaise!”)  I almost got that one – yum!

Along with the meal is a pot of “vaquero soup” with salsa and beans to mix in.  The soup (actually more of a stew and served family style) is excellent … you can actually make a meal just of that!  Other sides included with the meals were salad, AJ’s spuds (sliced, baked potatoes, also served family style) and an old fashioned root-beer float or after dinner liqueur for dessert.

We asked for separate checks, which was no problem for the AJ Spurs staff, and all ordered our dinners.  I opted for the 10-ounce filet, with sautéed mushrooms, and ordered a bottle of Firestone cabernet to share.  The pace of the meal was excellent – the servers knew what they were doing.  And, when the salad came – it was fresh and crispy with a generous side of dressing.

My steak was excellent – a good cut of meat and done just right. The AJ’s spuds were tasty and seasoned nicely, but after the soup/stew, salad and some steak, I just ate a couple of bites of “spuds.”   Others at the table commented that their meals were excellent – of special note was one of the evening’s specials – the salmon (with tortellini) – which got rave reviews, as did the pork chops.

The only negative to note was the sautéed mushrooms – they were obviously canned mushrooms, heated with scant butter.  Not really sautéed.   A bit of a disappointment given how everything else was very, very good!

After we stuffed ourselves with soup/stew, dinner, spuds, bread, etc, there was still dessert, which came with the meal.  Seven of us opted for the after dinner liqueur … surprise, surprise!  It was a concoction of cream, something chocolate and vodka, I think.  (Does that give you a clue to how much wine I had?) Anyway – it was a nice touch. Even for a Western- kitschy place like this!

So … AJ Spurs?  Yes, I’d Do Again … ‘specially if’n I were in Santa Maria ‘n’ hankerin’ for a beefsteak  … I’d sure as hell mosey on over ‘n’ get me some of that thar good eats.

Golden Bee at the Broadmoor Hotel

After a morning at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, seeing all the wonderful animals (especially the tiger and the red river hog babies) , checking in on the observation bee hive, riding the sky-ride, and taking a ton of photos, Mike and I discussed where to go for lunch. Since we really don’t venture much on the south side of town, we tend to visit our favorite places when we do happen to be in that area.  I suggested “The Bee.”

For those of you not familiar with the Golden Bee – it’s an English pub that was first imported to New York, then moved to the Broadmoor Hotel in the early 1960’s.  The wall panels, fixtures, bar, and ceiling are all reportedly authentic – and the place is just as cozy as all get out!  We always take out of town visitors there just to see the bar and woodwork.  I’ve got photos, but I need to figure out how to get them into my blog!

Anyway – the place was not crowded (it can get very, very busy during the height of summer and when there’s a convention at the Broadmoor Hotel) – so we snagged a table right away.  The waiter, Michael, got our beer orders – and left us to peruse the short menu.  When Michael brought us our beer, we asked him for the standard, complimentary basket of crackers and pot of soft, spreadable cheese that the Bee has been offering for years.  (I know;  I’ve been going to The Bee since about 1975. I even have a bee from way back then!  More about the bees later.)  While Michael was obviously trying to boost his tips from the tourist couples seated in the back, we wrestled with lunch choices.

Mike opted for the Cottage Pie – beef tips braised in Guinness stout with mushrooms and potatoes and I ordered the fish and chips.  Come on – an English pub – somebody had to order fish and chips!  While we waited for our lunches, Michael asked how I was enjoying the beer (which, unfortunately, I can’t remember what it was!) and I told him it was a bit dark for my taste.  He swept up the glass and brought me a glass of beer much lighter and much more to my liking.  Thanks!!

After a very short wait, here came lunch. Mike’s Cottage Pie was really spectacular!  Hot, meaty, flavorful – really extraordinary.  Comparatively, my fish and chips were … well, fish and chips.  And just okay – not great, just okay.  The fish was battered nicely, but kind of bland. I expected just a bit more “spice” in the batter – and the chips were, like the fish, just a bit bland.  Nothing to really complain about, just a bit bland. The coleslaw they came with was, however, really good.  It was, contrary to the rest of my meal, seasoned nicely! 

If you happen to be at The Bee, I would definitely recommend getting one of the pies for your meal. Well worth it.  Especially if it’s a fall or winter day – what a nice, cozy lunch to enjoy! There’s several other dishes I would like to try – like the navy bean and banger cassoulet or the Essex hot roast beef on a baguette!

About the bees – for years, The Bee has had embroidered bees that are sticky on one side. The staff flick the bees at you so they stick on your shirt – and it’s really quite fun.  As we were walking out the car after our lunch, here comes Michael – waving a card with 4 bees on it – he had neglected to flick bees on us – but made sure we got our bees anyway!

Speaking of bees, I worked with the Broadmoor last year to try to get them to establish a bee hive there. I’m still pursuing the idea - but they seem bent on the beehive being on the golf course.  I’ve tried to tell than a flat rooftop would actually work better – especially considering bears roam the area.  I’ll approach them again this winter – and if they turn me down again – I’ll go to the Antlers and let them be the premier hotel in Colorado Springs with a beehive.  We’re already behind Denver (the Brown Palace has a beehive, as do numerous first-class hotels in San Francisco, Washington DC, Dallas, etc, etc. You’d think the Broadmoor wouldn’t want to be left in the dust on this!)

Anyway – yes, I’ll keep the Golden Bee on the Do Again list. Even if the food sucked, I’d still love the place for the bar, woodwork, crackers and cheese, beer … and the bees!!

Famous Dave’s (8330 Razorback Road)

Mike and I stopped by Famous Dave’s for a quick lunch. We’ve always enjoyed their barbeque and although there may be other places better, Dave’s is certainly, for us, one of the most convenient.

We declined the dining room seating and opted for the bar area. After we got seated, we ordered a couple of beers and the smoked salmon spread appetizer (chunks of salmon, cream cheese, capers and chipotle peppers served with grilled flatbread) and checked out the lunch menu. The salmon spread is one of our Dave’s staples – and  it really is good – if you go to Dave’s and enjoy smoked salmon – be sure you order it.  I’m trying to replicate that recipe at home – so far without much success.  I think I need to up the capers and peppers.

Anyway … Don’t ask me, ‘cause this rarely happens, but both Mike and I ordered the same lunch – the two meat combo, both with a couple of ribs and the brisket.  I did get coleslaw while Mike got the potato salad – but otherwise all the same. And, for the first time since we’ve been going there – Dave’s was a bit disappointing. When our lunch came, we dove in, but the ribs simply weren’t the usual meat-falling-off-the-bone tender and the brisket was pretty flavorless.  I told Mike maybe I should have chosen the pulled pork and he said he wished he’d gotten the BBQ Stuffed Potato (which he had once before and raved about).

Service was good – but short of excellent.  I don’t know if the bartender was just bored with her job or if she was having a bad day – but it seemed to be an effort for her to check on us, clear plates, etc.  She did all that, but, again, it seemed more like a chore rather than cheerful service.

So – bottom line – Famous Dave’s?  I have to keep them on the Do Again list for now – if for nothing else than the salmon spread.  But if the next time we go there results in the same level of review – I’ll really have to reconsider if the salmon spread is really worth it!!

Bon Ton (in Old Colorado City)

This past Sunday, after getting up at O-Dark-Thirty and heading over to Memorial Park for the balloon launch (see my photos on Facebook), Mike surprised me by suggesting we go to the Bon Ton in Old Colorado City (Colorado Ave and 26^th) for breakfast.  Of course, I was entirely agreeable to this!

The Bon Ton is a fairly small place, with older furniture inside and a well-worn décor. But – definitely homey and comfortable. The patio is delightful – umbrella’d metal patio tables and chairs surrounded by a fence covered in greenery.

But, since it was just a bit chilly out, we decided to forgo the patio and eat inside.  (By the way – I love dining al fresco – I do it whenever I can … even after I discovered it didn’t mean” dining in the nude.”)  As we went in the front door, we were greeted by a cheery “Good Morning;  sit wherever you want!”  and  an “I’ll be right with you.”  And, she was – we got our drink coffee and hot tea orders in practically in the same moment we sat down! I was a bit surprised that the place wasn’t busier – as we were two among only about 6 people there and it was probably pushing 7:30 or 8 am. 

After reading the somewhat smudged and crinkled menus, printed newspaper-style with witty stories and jokes scattered in with the food selections, we ordered our breakfasts. Mike ordered the corn beef hash with eggs and I opted for steak and eggs. Since this wasn’t our first time there, I had expectations – and hopes – that the steak and eggs would be as good as before.

And – I wasn’t disappointed!  The steak was tender, done perfectly (medium), not a bit of gristle or fat. For a breakfast steak – in my opinion – you can’t beat the Bon Ton.  Every time I’ve gotten a breakfast steak there – same results.  A really good cut of meat and done exactly right. I had ordered eggs over medium and, just like the steak, they were perfect.  A generous serving of hash browns and some toast. Boy, was I set for the day!  Mike said the corned beef hash was good (and probably not from a can) and his eggs (medium) were done just right.  After a short time, the waitress was back with fresh coffee for Mike and more hot water for me and she checked on how our meals were.   “Excellent.”

Just a side note here:  from where I was sitting, I had a partial view into the kitchen.  Things looked clean and organized.  Definitely a plus.

All the time we’re eating, the place is getting busier and busier. By the time we finished up and left, about half the inside tables were full and just about all the patio tables were occupied. No doubt the Bon Ton would just get busier and busier as the morning continued on – it’s quite a popular place …  and for good reasons – good food, good prices, and good service. 

The Bon Ton is open 7 days a week, from 6 am to 3 pm and they serve breakfast all day.  I think the next time we go there, I’ll try the Eggs Benedict – it’s one of those dishes by which you can really rate a restaurant.  But, given our experiences at the Bon Ton – I would expect Eggs Benedict to be Eggs Excellent!  The Bon Ton is definitely on the Do Again list!

Kura Japanese (Research & Union)

Sunday night and we didn’t feel like cooking … so we called Lauren to see if she wanted to join us at Kura Japanese (Research and Union), which is nearby her house.  I had heard that Kura had expanded to add 5 (I believe 5) teppan tables and two tatami-style tables and I wanted to check it out.

When we walked in, we got a tatami table right away and noticed that the expansion added lots of room, especially in their bar area.  We were not in a position to observe the teppan tables and chefs – so I’ll have to save that review for another time. The place was about half full – about what you’d except on a Sunday night. The remodeling was nice – spacious and lovely.

We ordered our drinks and spicy edamame, along with a couple of rolls (the lobster roll and another one which I’ve not forgotten now what it was called – and their menu is not on line so I can’t look it up).  The spicy edamame was really good – that’s a definite Do Again – but I was a little disappointed with the rolls.  The rice was not sticky enough to hold it all together and each slice fell apart too easily, especially when dipped in soy sauce.  Also, the fish pieces where quite thin – I’m used to a bit fatter pieces of fish from our usual sushi joint (Jun’s).  The plus side: the rolls’ slices were just a bit thinner than usual, which made them easier to enjoy. Did that make any sense?

Just a note, too … Mike had ordered green tea – and when it came, the cup was so hot that he couldn’t even hold it. Ouch! Hot tea is one thing, but burning hot in a hot cup – not good.

Anyway, after we polished off the edamame and rolls, we ordered a couple of more rolls – one was the Special Rainbow Roll and another one that I’ve since forgotten (bad Sandy!). Same comments as above … fish just a bit skinny and rice fell apart. All was tasty – just not firm enough together.

Granted, I’m no sushi expert, but I think overall, I’d rather go to Jun’s – a bit more generous slices of fish, a little cozier (either the Dublin Jun’s or West Side Jun’s) and the variety of rolls at Jun’s maybe just a bit better … I’ll have have Mike take me to Jun’s so I can write a review of it …  Although Kura does have dragon eggs, which Young Mike likes!  So – overall, there’s pluses and minuses to Kura. Given a choice, I would opt for somewhere else for sushi, but it wasn’t bad enough that I would protest if others wanted to go there. Do Again?  Yes, if for nothing else than the spicy edamame … but I would skip the rolls and try something else off the menu.

Duke's Diner (out in Calhan)

If you happen to find yourself out in Calhan, Colorado, around lunch time - you'll find there's not a whole lot of choices for places to eat.

Mike and I happened to be out there Monday and the ribbon shop we needed to visit was closed, so we decided to grab some lunch and check back to see if the ribbon shop was open later.  Our lunch choices were the local Subway or Duke's Diner. Rooster's Pizzeria was closed. Since we always like to visit local establishments in small towns like this, we opted for Duke's Diner.

Now, Duke's is right next door to Rooster's Pizzeria (in the same building, in fact) - and I was a bit confused when we sat at a booth and the waitress laid down Rooster's menus.  Mike had to explain to me that Duke's and Rooster's shared a kitchen, which would naturally explain the menu cross-over.  Not really - but I'll go along with it!

Duke's is very laid back; lots of John Wayne photos, posters, and memorabilia. A place for locals to hang out - everybody knows everybody. The wooden tables toward the front seat 8 to 10 people, so I imagine this might be a sort of community meeting place at times.

The waitress (forgive me, I didn't get her name) was really hustling, even though there weren't many other customers. We ordered our food and listened to the country music playing over the sound system.

Our food came out quickly - I had the pork tenderloin sandwich with sweet potato fries.  I'm a bit of a pork tenderloin sandwich snob. I'm from Butte, Montana, where Pork Chop John's and Muzz & Stan's Freeway Bar Wop Chop are among the finest cuisine that city has to offer. I've actually driven out of my way to go through Butte just to stop at Pork Chop John's for a "loaded" pork chop to eat while driving over the Continental Divide to reach home.

Anyway - the pork chop sandwich was excellent. I fixed it up "loaded" style (mustard, onion and pickles) and commenced to enjoy.  The breaded cutlet was just the right size (not hanging too far over the Kaiser-style bun) and cooked to perfection.  Tender, no gristle, not dried out ... just perfect. The sweet potato fries were crinkle cut, just a smidge overdone, but tasty none the less. 

Mike had the patty melt - which he declared was good. His fries (regular fries) were obviously hand cut, given the variance of thicknesses, and Mike said they were good. I'll have to take his word for it.

After we finished our excellent lunches, our most efficient waitress replenished our drinks and then hustled back with the bill. Overall - a really nice experience. 

Yes, if I happen to be back out in Calhan about lunch time - Duke's will be a Do Again ... unless Rooster's happens to be open. I just wonder which menu I'll get - a Duke's or Rooster's!!??