Steve Replogle

A traditional lunch with traditional Mexican-American dishes. Enchiladas smothered in melted cheese and red sauce, a crispy chile relleno, traditional tacos in the hard shell, rice with kernels of corn and other interesting bits and pieces, thick refried beans, corn chips and red salsa. There was one item with a difference - Mexican egg rolls! They were quite good, crunchy and also chewy, served with a small side of tasty green chile. I would like to go back soon just to try them again. On a Sunday afternoon, the place was moderately busy, but the two young women working the dining room were attentive and cheerful.

How did I end up here, at this True Value store? It is off my usually well-worn and rather beaten path. Oh, I remember! I was nearby, at City Floral, and I needed something for my garden that they didn't have. True Value was close, and they did have what I was looking for. Now, I tend to go to them for all my plant- and yard-related purchases. The entire store is quite a marvel, however, for it is well-stocked, with lots of useful stuff, and some unexpected and fun odds and ends. It's an interesting place, then, for browsing. The members of the staff have always been friendly and helpful. There's a bicycle shop inside, too.

Five Guys came along just when it was needed. Everyone was tired of McDonald’s, and Burger King, and their kind. Worse than tired - people were annoyed, irritated, disgusted even! But there were no other options. No new burger joints that offered better alternatives.

Then our heroes arrived. Five of them, of course! The first Five Guys opened on South Parker Road. It was a bit too far for me, although I made it there once in a while. Now there’s this one - on South Colorado Boulevard. So convenient!

Before they ever opened in Colorado, good stories about Five Guys were spread by word-of-mouth and online posts. I’m happy to tell you that the rumors were true! That feeling you first had from McDonald’s or Wendy’s a long time ago, but thought had perhaps vanished forever? It’s alive and well at Five Guys. The burgers and fries taste really good - the same way I suppose a Big Mac or a Whopper first tasted to previous burger-buying generations.

The Five Guys philosophy has been justly lauded (again, by word-of-mouth and online posts). I can tell you that, in my view, their approach works well. My only advice is to order less than you might think. Even a small order of fries is a lot at this place!

When I was in my twenties, a day trip by bus to Boulder was a fun experience. My friends and I didn't go with any specific goals in mind, just hanging out on the 16th Street Mall, perhaps visiting a bookstore or record shop. I can't imagine spending a day so aimlessly now, and sometimes that’s a shame.

In those old days, there were one or two reliable places for lunch or dinner, and Falafel King was one of them. Such good Mediterranean food - no wonder their hummus is now featured at Whole Foods, Alfalfa's, and similar outlets. Times may have changed for me, but Falafel King is still around, and I enjoy visiting the Colorado Boulevard location. It brings a little bit of Boulder to Denver, and has a bit of the feeling of those older, younger days, too.

For another review of this establishment, see "Falafel King Rules the Plant-based Falafel Empire" by Amber Taufen in the March 6, 2012 issue of Westword.