Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant: After one or two of the margs here, a person should eat something
(although the drinks do not contain any type of grain alcohol, contrary to urban myth). Food can
sometimes seem like an afterthought at this homegrown chain, a recent visit to the mothership (the first
restaurant, in Fort Collins) confirmed that Jose Cuervo’s largest customer is keeping on eye on its kitchens
as well. We always order tacos al carbon, crusty nuggets of grilled beef wrapped in soft flour tortillas,
and this time tried the enchiladas de espinaca, blue corn tortilllas stuffed with spinach, yellow
squash, red onion and cheese, and baked in a tangy tomatillo sauce. The kid’s quesadilla came with toasted
cheesy bits, smoky black beans and pea-studded Spanish rice. | 143 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins;
970-224-5428. Multiple locations, riograndemexican.com | Kristen Browning-Blas
Topper’s: Get off Main Street, or any intersecting thoroughfare leading to Aspen’s pricey places, and head down Mill Street to this funky little eatery that specializes in very good food at – comparatively speaking for Aspen – reasonable prices. Chef/owner Greg Topper (formerly of Ajax Tavern) abandoned the white-linen life to assemble wonderful flavors at his own place. Sit in or out, whether you’re in the mood for salad, pizza, pasta or one of his famed Aspen bowls. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.| 211A Puppy Smith St., Aspen; 970-920-0069|Ellen Sweets
Hopscotch Bakery: That Spanish Peak you
hiked up last weekend earns you a trip to Pueblo’s
Hopscotch Bakery for one (or several) of their addictive
lemon lipsmackers. These lemony cookie
bars are the real thing, tasting of creamy butter
and bright, fresh lemon. (Buy three, because you
get the fourth gratis.) Pick up a loaf of bread while
you’re at it (the brioche is especially good), and if
your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, grab a chocolate
at the kooky Exquisite Taste candy and gift
shop around the corner, where the sign says “Se Habla
Chocolate.” Now we’re talking. | 333 S. Union
Ave., Pueblo; 719-542-4467 | Tucker Shaw
