2015 Year in review

2015 was a very successful year for Let’s do lunch Northern Colorado.  It started with an enchilada inside a burrito at Palomino restaurant.

 

After that I found great burgers at Choice city butcher and Smashburger before crowning Big Al’s as my burger bracket champion.

 

 

I also had another great burrito at Doug’s day diner.

 

 

And I finished the year with Diners Drive-ins and Dives week where I visited The Lodge Sasquatch and Restaurant 415 which were both featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives.

  

2015 was a great year for Let’s do lunch Northern Colorado but I’m hoping for an even better 2016.

Tres Margaritas - Fort Collins CO

November 23, 2015

Tres Margaritas has been in Ft. Collins for years and recently moved into were Castillion’s Mexican Restaurant used to be. I had been to the previous location a time or two.

 

  
My dad and I stopped in for lunch at around 12:30 on a Monday and the place was not very full.  We were seated quickly and brought chips and salsa quickly. 

 

 The chips were okay and the salsa was alright.  We also had our drink orders taken, we both ordered cokes.  These came in cups complete with a CSU Ram logo.

 

 

Eventually we ordered I just decided to get one of the lunch combos which was a beef taco and a cheese enchilada and dad ordered a beef chimichanga. Both of these came with rice and beans. I really didn’t think any of my food was all that good. The taco was just a taco but the meat was mixed with some kind of sauce which I didn’t care for at all. The cheese enchilada was really quite bland and the sauce didn’t help much either. The rice and beans wasn’t too exciting either. Dad wasn’t so excited about his chimichanga either. I really did not like Tres Margaritas too much and there are plenty of other Mexican restaurants around that I would much rather go to.

4010 S College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80525

 

DDD Week: RESTAURANT 415 PART 2 – Fort Collins CO

On my second trip to restaurant 415 my dad joined me for lunch. It’s not exactly his type of place probably, but he decided to join me anyways. We got there around 1 o’clock we weren’t able to park very close so we had to walk a bit to get here. The place was pretty full but we were seated immediately at the only open table. While we’re there even more people kept coming in. It did seem like we had to wait a bit before our waitress arrived to take our drink orders but the place was pretty busy. When she was there to take our drink orders we both ordered cokes. In a few minutes she was back and we were ready to order. I decided to order the when pigs fly ($11) which was chicken and waffles. Dad got the bacon mac & cheese ($8.10) and we got a Mozzarella Fritti ($11) to share. I had never had chicken and waffles before but a friend recommended it here and it seems like it should be a good thing. After we ordered we waited for a while, but not an outrageous amount of time and our food arrived.

I wasn’t exactly sure why was called when pigs fly, although I should’ve since the menu said bacon time 100% real maple syrup, but I found out as soon as I got to the maple syrup and figured out there were pieces of bacon in it. This made the maple syrup even better than maple syrup already is. I thought this was real good on the waffle which was orange infused and very good. The fried chicken I was expecting pieces of fried chicken with bones but these were just fried chicken strips which is all right to do just different than I expected. These chicken strips were all right but seemed a little dry and the breading seemed extra salty in some places, but mostly tasted pretty good. Even though the chicken was a bit dry the maple syrup helped that out quite a bit. Overall I thought this was really quite good but could have been a little bit better.

 

The Mozzarella Fritti was basically like mozzarella sticks but they were square.  The plate came with four of them and was served with marinara. These were also pretty good and better than most mozzarella stick type things and the marinara was pretty good as well but seemed like there was kind of too much basil on top for me anyways. Dad’s mac & cheese was covered in a ton of bacon which he thought was really good and the mac & cheese under it was really good too. Dad said it was the best bacon mac & cheese he’s ever had.

 Although the menu here is a bit different there is a lot of good stuff in there including chicken and waffles and bacon mac & cheese as well as plenty of other things. If my dad was rating the restaurant he would say would say a five for the bacon Mac and cheese but a combination of all things I ate in my two trips I would give it four stars.

 

  

RESTAURANT 415

415 S Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80524

 

DDD Week: THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN PART 2 – Fort Collins CO

 On another visit to the Lodge Sasquatch I met a friend for lunch. When we arrived the place wasn’t to full, but they only had a limited number of short tables.  Everything else was the bar, high tables, and booths which none of those would work for me. So we had to wait for a few minutes for a short table to open up. Eventually we were seated and had our drink orders taken pretty quick. After not very long we were ready to order and when our waiter came back that’s what we did. My friend ordered one of the burgers with waffle fries. I decided to get the buffalo chicken sandwich with waffle fries.

After not long of a wait our food was brought out. The lady that brought them out asked if we needed anything else and we said we could use some more napkins. She said she be right back with them but we never saw her again.

  Immediately when I saw my sandwich I knew there was no way I was going to be able to safely eat it without getting it all over me and my shirt. It was three chicken tenders on a toasted bun in Buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese dressing along with lettuce and tomato with waffle fries on the side. Since it wasn’t going to be so easy to eat I just took it apart and ate it that way. In a while our waiter came back and asked if we needed anything. We said some napkins. He left and immediately came back with napkins.  Which was good because they were definitely needed. I thought the sandwich was all right not that great, but not that bad either. I do think eating it as a sandwich and not taking it a part would have been better. Because it really ended up being like chicken wings with a toasted bun on the side instead of the whole combination. I did like the blue cheese a little bit and thought it was better than most. The waffle fries were really just waffle fries nothing exciting. My friend and I both basically thought this place was fairly average not too great but definitely not horrible either. I would rate the Lodge Sasquatch based on this visit three stars, but when I include the appetizers from the other visit I would bump the rating up to four stars.

 

THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN

151 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

  

DDD Week: RESTAURANT 415 – Fort Collins CO

On my first stop at Restaurant 415 I met a friend for lunch.  I ordered the ½ pizza lunch which came with a cup of soup or a salad and also included a drink ($11).  I got the pepperoni pizza, with a cup of soup and a soda.  The soup choices for the day were a tomato and pepper or veggie fiesta.  I picked the veggie fiesta soup.  My friend had one of the sandwiches with the tomato pepper soup.

 

This was a good pizza, but I think it might have been sitting there for a while kind of like pizza by the slice.  I really liked the thin crust that was a little charred in places.  The pepperoni was nitrate free, but it just tasted like pepperoni to me.  Also I thought the sauce was very good.  My friend and I both got the same kind of soup, so I’m not sure which one it was the veggie fiesta or the tomato pepper.  Whichever one it was I thought it was pretty good at first, but after a while I wasn’t so sure.

 

RESTAURANT 415

415 S Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80524

DDD Week: THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN – Fort Collins CO

On one visit I made to The Lodge Sasquatch I just ordered a couple of appetizers or items from the Trailhead section of the menu.  I especially wanted to try the green chili pork ($7.99) which was shown being made on the show and sounded great from the menu and I also ordered the white cheddar curds ($7.99).

  

The green chili pork was very good, it wasn’t so much like regular green chili.  There was so much pork that it was more like pork with some green chili.  There were a ton of large chunks of pork that were great and fell apart when you tried to cut them.  There was a decent amount of heat in this, but not an outrageous amount, I didn’t eat the roasted Serrano pepper (I think) that was on top though.  This was served with buttered tortillas. These were really good, and basically was like a quesadilla without the cheese and was a little crispy around the edges.

 

Now to the white cheddar curds, these were amazing.  These are the greatest cheese curds I’ve ever had anywhere and that includes some real good ones in Wisconsin, where they are everywhere.  They were pretty basic, just cheese curds that were battered and fried and served with ranch.  They were simple, but absolutely delicious.

 

Check back tomorrow for a post about RESTAURANT 415 and Thursday for more about THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN.

 

 

THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN

151 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
 

Diners drive Ins and Dives week

Welcome to Diners drive Ins and Dives week!  Earlier this year in April, Guy and the crew of the show came to Fort Collins, Colorado to film two locations for Diners Drive Ins and Dives.  Both of these aired this fall.  Here is a rundown of the two places.  Check back the rest of the week to see what I ate at these places and what I thought about them.
 

THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN

Address: 151 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Phone: (970) 682-2369

Hours: 11am-1am 7 days a week

Website: http://lodgefoco.com/

Contact: LodgeFoco@ltbconcepts.com

Menu: http://lodgefoco.com/menu/

Description from website:        

The Lodge offers high quality comfort fare amid Fort Collins’ culinary scene.

The name is inspired by Chef Aaron May’s handcrafted menu itself, featuring classic comfort foods reminiscent of hunting, fishing and ski lodges. The Lodge also serves up exceptional cocktails and a selection of draft beers to complement the menu. The Lodge is yet another restaurant concept delivered by Lettuce Turnip Beets (LTB) Restaurants. For more information, visit lettuceturnipbeets.com.

Description from dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com:

THE LODGE SASQUATCH KITCHEN

When you come here you'll find exactly what the name suggests.. the best selection of your typical hunting or fishing lodge. At this amazing place, Chef Aaron May has put together a menu that will please everyone, especially if you love classic comfort foods. No true lodge would be complete without a great selection of draft beers and cocktails, so rest assured they've got you covered. The interior is also right on the money with their true stone fireplace, collection of chandeliers, wood beamed ceilings and their totally awesome pine-log bar. There is a great selection of meals as we hinted at earlier that you simply cannot pass up if you're in the area. Some favorites include the Smoked Chicken Nachos, Sweet Potato Tots, White Cheddar Curds, Hand Cut Sirloin Chili, the Official Sasquatch Burger or Pretzel Burger, Famous Fish Fry, Picnic Kabob, Beer Braised Brats, Skirt Steak Sandwiches, Taco Salad, Shrimp Ceviche or the Prime Rib which we love! Have fun guys! 

http://www.dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com/the-lodge-sasquatch-kitchen-colorado.html

Episode info from www.foodnetwork.com:

Name That Kitchen

This trip, Guy's checkin' out some righteous spots that say a lot in the name. In Fort Collins, Colo., an NFL pro and Triple-D alum team up on gangster green chili and mile-high burgers. In Falmouth, Mass., the quaint breakfast-lunch cafe putting out perfect pickle chips and a savory scone sandwich. And just outside of Falmouth, the family-owned favorite serving local soft shell crab and hearty kale soup. (Episode: DV2306H)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/2300-series/name-that-kitchen.html

Even NFL defensive end Jared Allen had to stop by

Heading to The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen in Fort Collins today. Great times and awesome food... pic.twitter.com/ZfCV8qYh2z

— Jared Allen (@JaredAllen69) April 23, 2015

151 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

RESTAURANT 415

Address: 415 S Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80524

Phone: (970) 407-0415

Hours:

LUNCH 11-2

DINNER 5-CLOSE

CLOSED MONDAYS

Website: http://thefourfifteen.com/

Contact: restaurant415@thefourfifteen.com

Menu: http://thefourfifteen.com/dinner.html

About Us from website:

Restaurant 415 is founded and owned by The Mason Street Five, consisting of Seth Baker, Justin Bernhardt, Amelia Mouton, Andre Mouton & Sean Olander.

With diverse origins, we have common roots in the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. Andre is a co-founder and former co-owner of the Rio. Seth, Justin, Amelia and Sean left the Rio at the begining of 2012 to start their new responsibiliites!

We also share common roots other ways:

 1. In our desire to create a great place to work for all of our work force.

 2. In our goal to make a positive impact on our community in a variety of ways, including the use of local providers for our food and services whenever possible.

 3. In our wish to establish a fun and comfortable place to enjoy creative cooking.

 4. We like to Keep It Simple!

 

Description from www.dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com:

The perfect blend of American classics with the new age twist to serve the best of both worlds when visiting Fort Collins. From the first moment we stepped in to this fantastic place we knew it was pure gold, and we're sure you'll agree. Operated by Sean Olander, Amelia Mouton, Seth Baker, Andre Mouton and Justin Bernhardt who make a great team. They each bring a unique perspective and their own set of skills to the operation with the results of some of the best dishes in the state. Stop by for any meal of the day or bring your party as they cater to all sizes, anytime. If you see a line, you know that it's the place to be for a reason. They have tons of amazing specials and some of the more notable dishes they carry include the Woodland Pizza, Chicken and Waffles "When Pigs Fly" special, variety of Mac and Cheese options, Shrimp and Grits, the Lunchbox Sandwich and plenty of drinks from the bar. A must-see place anytime you're in Colorado, enjoy every bite friends! 

http://www.dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com/restaurant-415-colorado.html

 

Episode info www.foodnetwork.com:

From Biscuits to Brisket

This trip, Guy Fieri's digging in to stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. In Atlanta, the down-home joint cooking up righteous chicken and biscuits and house-cured lox. Across town, the twin-brother team firing up Southern grub like brisket burger and chicken-fried ribs. And in Fort Collins, Colo., the funky cafe serving up vegetarian specialties like tomatillo and chickpea pizza and a savory cauliflower steak. (Episode: DV2304H)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/2300-series/from-biscuits-to-brisket.html

 

 415 S Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80524

Burger Bracket Final: Big Al's vs Smashburger

Place	Big Al's Burgers and Dogs
Location	Fort Collins, Colorado
Best Burger	60/40 burger
Size	4 or 5 ounces I would guess
Price	$7.99
Best side	fries
Price	included
Total Price	$7.99 combo comes with fries and drink
Menu Description	60% beef and 40% bacon patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and sauce
Toppings	60% beef and 40% bacon patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and sauce
The 60/40 burger is just like their regular cheeseburger, but taken to a new level.  The burger patty is 60 pecent beef and 40 percent bacon.  This was a great tasting burger and more greasy because of the bacon, and tastes even better because  bacon makes everything better.  On top of this was lettuce, tomato, pickles, diced onion and a thousand island type sauce which were all good toppings. The fries were thin cut and I was surprised at how much I liked them.   Also included in the combo was a drink.
	vs.
Place	Smashburger
Location	Fort Collins, Colorado
Best Burger	Classic Smash
Size	1/3 pound is my guess
Price	$4.99
Best side	fried pickles
Price	$2.99
Total Price	$7.98
Menu Description	American cheese, smash sauce, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on an egg bun
Toppings	American cheese, smash sauce, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on an egg bun
This burger had very good flavor and was smashed and greasy and on top of that there were good quality toppings which included a whole slice onion as well as good lettuce, tomato and pickles. It was hard to eat though with the lettuce having most of the sauce on it. This along with it being very greasy made it so you can easily make a mess. The fried pickles were delicious, very greasy but delicious and they went perfectly with the  ranch dressing.

*The pictures are of my favorite burger at each place, however the side dish with them wasn't my favorite side dish I tried at either place.

	Big Al's	Smashburger
Bun	x
Burger	x
toppings		x
Fries/Side Dish		x
Overall Enjoyment	x
These 2 burgers were really quite similar, but I prefered Big al's 60/40 burger.  Both were great tasting burgers but I think the bacon inside Big Al's made it just a bit better.  The toppings at smashburger were better and there were more of them, including a whole slice of onion.   Smashburger's was also a bit bigger.  Both were about the same price, but Big Al's included a drink.  Big Al's also has the advantage of being a local place, there is only one Big Al's whereas you can find Smashburgers  located all over the place.
Winner
Big Al's Burgers and Dogs

What’s for Lunch Tortilla Marissa’s– Ft. Collins CO

October 5, 2015

 

I ordered a two item combo with a chile relleno and a steak burrito, although I think I just got shredded beef.  I thought they were both pretty good, but the burrito was a little on the small side.  This combo came with rice and beans.

 

Tortilla Marissa’s
2635 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525
 

Burger Bracket Round 2: Big Al's vs Crown Pub

Place	Big Al's Burgers and Dogs
Location	Fort Collins, Colorado
Burger Ordered	60/40 burger
Size	4 or 5 ounces I would guess
Price	$7.99
With	truffle fries and a drink
Price	added truffle fries for $1.49
Total Price	$9.48
Menu Description	60% beef and 40% bacon patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and sauce
Toppings	60% beef and 40% bacon patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and sauce
The 60/40 burger is just like their regular cheeseburger, but taken to a new level.  The burger patty is 60 pecent beef and 40 percent bacon.  This was a great tasting burger and more greasy because of the bacon, and tastes even better because  bacon makes everything better.  On top of this was lettuce, tomato, pickles, diced onion and a thousand island type sauce which were all good toppings.  I upgraded to truffle fries for $1.49, these were good fries, but I think I would have been better off with the regular.  Also included in the combo was a drink.
VS.
Place	Crown Pub
Location	Fort Collins, Colorado
Burger Ordered	Relleno Royale -
Size	1/2 pound
Price	$13.95
With	pub chips
Price	included
Total Price	$13.95
Menu Description	Pepperjack stuffed chili with chipotle mayo, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun.
Toppings	Pepperjack stuffed chili with chipotle mayo, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun.
This burger was really good, It had a bit of char to it and it was a good size at half a pound.  On top of that was a roasted chili stuffed with pepper jack and chipotle mayo, none of these seemed to have much heat.  I really enjoyed this burger, my only problem with it was the chili was rather small and it was just down the middle, so a good portion of the burger didn't have any of the chili or cheese on top. I thought the pub chips were excellent and there were plenty of them.

	Big Al's	Crown Pub
Bun		x
Burger	x
toppings	x
Fries/Side Dish		x
Overall Enjoyment	x
These 2 burgers were quite different but I prefered Big al's 60/40 burger.  Both were great tasting burgers but I liked the bacon inside Big Al's.  Crown pubs was very good with the stuffed green chili on top though, but I just didn't like it as well. Crown pubs cost quite a bit more but was quite a bit bigger.  I really enjoyed the pub chips and prefered them to the truffle fries at Big Al's.  At either place you can get an excellent burger.
Winner
Big Al's Burgers and Dogs