Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we offer our opinions on the best Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems).
Some guys have bachelor parties that are X-rated. My son’s best man had a better idea: Dinner at family-friendly Casa Bonita, which is as G-rated as you can get.
It was an ingenious choice, and I’m still enjoying the fruits of that night last December: the iconic restaurant’s delicious house salsa, which they call Salsa Casa. I liked it so much that I currently have two jars in my refrigerator.
And when they’re gone, I will order more. I love this salsa with chips, but I also use it on tacos. No more grocery store salsa for me.
I hadn’t been to Casa Bonita since my daughter worked there 17 years ago, fresh out of high school. Before we explored Black Bart’s Cave, crammed into the puppet show and admired the cliff divers, we had an excellent dinner. I was shocked at how much I liked the salsa.
Obviously, salsa preferences are very subjective and personal. I’m sure some would say the Salsa Casa isn’t hot enough. Some, no doubt, would find it too hot. I thought it was just right, with lots of flavor.
According to the jar, ingredients include diced tomatoes (blended to a fine texture), jalapeños, onions, salt, garlic, cilantro, lemon juice, black pepper, coriander and cumin.
I knew better than to ask Casa Bonita’s PR team for the actual recipe — they are very secretive, after all — but I did want to know if it was developed in-house. They informed me that it is an “improved version of the original Salsa Casa recipe,” and was developed by celebrated Denver chef Dana Rodriguez when the kitchen was revamping the menu. I wanted to interview her, but Casa Bonita didn’t want that, either.
I hope someone there will tell her how much I like her salsa.
Jars have depictions of the famous pink tower and a “daring” cliff diver making a splash. The owners, Matt Stone and Trey Parker of “South Park,” have also reclaimed the restaurant’s old motto, “The Greatest Restaurant In The World,” which is also written on the jar. With a declaration like that, the salsa had better be good.
Salsa Casa is sold ($9.95 for a 16-ounce jar) in the restaurant’s gift shop, El Mercado, and is . They also sell Green Chile and “Muy Hot Sauce.” They can be bought in a three-pack with Salsa Casa for $16.95.
I knew our Casa Bonita bachelor party would be unforgettable. I’m glad I’ll be reminded of that night every time I hit the couch to watch a game with chips and salsa.
