Saturday, May 25, 2013
Comment Archives: stories: Food & Drink
Re: “Johnny be good”
Nice place for boomers to drink beer and laugh loudly, especially the "loudly" part as the place lacks any sound deadening. If you can't hear your dinner partner, why bother?
My cole slaw was the tiny minced variety with a corporate tasting milky watery dressing. It's 50-50 this came from SYSCO along with the other supplies. Nursing home food.
My "sauteed vegetables" were red/green bell peppers and onions heated in a pan; no zing at all and not my idea of what sauteed veggies should be. I'll stick to the delicious veggies at Saltgrass, and I was expecting something along those lines but what I got was something that should've been served on a Philly Cheese Steak, not as a side dish.
The "broasted" chicken was very good. The fried chicken at King Soopers is just as good and the breasts at Soopers are huge.
I enjoyed the beamed ceiling, which is really unique, but the dust bunnies hanging from it did not add to the mood one bit.
There is outdoor seating behind the place, which is decent, but neighboring businesses are grimy and give a post-industrial wasteland feel. There is outdoor seating in front, right on Nevada Ave, but who wants to sit there amid the auto exhaust fumes at rush hour, not to mention the noise. Even inside, we were pestered by aggressive flies.
Whatever happened to old time beer gardens surrounded by greenery and solitude?
Posted by
OldCrank
on 09/02/2011 at 7:41 PM
Re: “A shrinking feeling”
I typically don't comment on comment boards, but I do feel this restaurant deserves redemption. A friend and I, who are self-proclaimed above-average home cooks and always like to try new and eclectic restaurants, tried this restaurant last week. We had only appetizers and drinks, but we have been talking about it ever since. The mojo chicken chicharron lettuce wraps left us wanting more and the stuffed artichoke was delicious. We had several different drinks, spirits and local brews--all of which were fantastic--especially the white sangria! The creativity of the menu only added to the experience. The servers and bartenders were friendly and when the bartender suggested a drink, he offered up a replacement, in case I did not like his recommendation. I would describe the atmosphere as "upscale-casual"...which may not be a real thing, but I would be comfortable in jeans or a little black dress.
Of course I'll be back sooner, but I'm already planning my birthday celebration there NEXT August, so I'd hate to see a bad review shut this place down before then!
Posted by
beth
on 09/01/2011 at 3:10 PM
Re: “'F' is for ... food?”
$17 for noodles? guess you dont read the news
Posted by
apathetic
on 08/27/2011 at 11:42 AM
Re: “Side dish: Crazy wonderful offerings at Crave Real Burgers”
I'd definitely try Crave, but only if they used Ranch Foods Direct, or another hormone/antibiotic-free or grass fed beef. I assume the lamb is grass fed, but it would be nice if it was produced by some local folks.
Posted by
Lalahartma
on 08/17/2011 at 6:20 PM
Re: “A shrinking feeling”
*Please forgive any typos in my aforementioned comment. It was written on the fly. :)
Posted by
Ishhod
on 08/13/2011 at 2:21 AM
Re: “A shrinking feeling”
Well said Ishhod and Angelino! Heartily agree!
Posted by
Jessi Elizabeth Gerak
on 08/12/2011 at 8:41 PM
Re: “A shrinking feeling”
What quality reviewer orders the steak? How about the Rabbit Meatloaf? or some of the other dishes that represent their avant garde establishment? Seriously Bryce, WTF?
Posted by
masterchefoftheuniverse
on 08/12/2011 at 7:22 PM
Re: “A shrinking feeling”
I would have to respectfully disagree with this review on a couple points.
First off, The Rabbit Hole has never, to my knowledge, claimed to
source 100% local ingredients. Rather they, like a couple other
quality restaurants here in town; prepare their menu items with local
produce and meats when POSSIBLE. As any person well versed in the
culinary industry knows, that market price and availability of quality
ingredients is often times is in a constant state of flux. Especially
here in Colorado Springs.
Had the reviewer actually met with the owner and/or the head chef;
this crucial factor among others would've been more apparent and
clearly and fairly represented, rather than just assumed. After all
we aren't judging the restaurant's internal ordering metrics correct?
Second, everything I personally have had off the menu has been unique
and refreshingly fantastic. Juicy Lucy, Airline Chicken, Rabbit
Meatloaf, Butcher's block, asparagus, Filet, are all on point. The
quality and price cannot be matched. This fine esstablishment is a
much welcomed addition to downtown Colorado Springs (I recall the
dismal days when all there was on Tejon was Jose Muldoons and Old
Chicago, Walgreens and a Gart Brothers. So yes I do speak with some
experience and authority)
All in all they're hitting the right notes in quality, consistency and
innovation. While at the same time maintaining a classy, relaxed, and
warm atmosphere (big kudos to all the staff! Front and back of the
house) something other nearby establishments could learn from.
Interesting side point: they're only 60 days old. Kinks are to be
expected (especially when the ones cited in the above article are
quite trivial in the bigger picture)
I do know that fellow patrons worth their salt will judge for
themselves on how excellent this place really is, rather than the
slanted viewpoint of the author of the above review.
Check it out for youself You will not be disappointed.
Cheers
Ishhod Collins
Posted by
Ishhod
on 08/12/2011 at 5:10 PM
Re: “A shrinking feeling”
“Expectations will only get you so far,” or so says Bryce Crawford in his recent review of the Rabbit Hole for the Colorado Springs Independent. Armed with his Thomas Keller Desk Reference Set and his magnifine glass he set out to review a fledging establishment that is attempting to do something unique in a city crowded with Applebee’s and Olive Garden’s. Not so long ago, when I was in culinary school I would whip out chocolates flavored with sake and lavender or rum and banana, and when my instructors would turn up their noses to that which my partner and I had created, we would quietly joke, “These people have noooo palette.” Well, Mr. Crawford, if I may, has no palette. What he calls “candied ginger” a more discerning tongue would call candied chives. What he calls “onion dip” is sour cream with herbs, not onions. Perhaps he is a smoker and has lost his ability to tell flavors, textures and colors apart? That would make sense to me. Furthermore, I feel that Mr. Crawford has lost the plot to some degree in his estimation, nay accusation that the Rabbit Hole is misleading the public by proclaiming that they serve locally sourced foods. Has Mr. Crawford even climbed off his desk chair to place an order with Sysco or worked directly with a farmer to ensure that they are growing that which his establishment requires? I’m guessing no, that the extent of his ordering at work centers on barking for a latte as the intern walks out of the office.
As someone familiar with the ordering of food for a restaurant and also with that which Colorado has to offer, I can tell you that it is not so simple as walking over to the window and yelling “I WANT LOCAL GOODS!” Far more complicated. In fact, Mr. Crawford’s hero du jour, Thomas Keller, has often taken heat from within the culinary community because he believes anything that can be gotten to his restaurants within 24 hours is “local,” making Maine lobster a local dish in the eyes of the French Laundry. In this day and age of industrially produced meats and vegetables it is next to impossible to offer all “local” goods without passing the expense onto the customer. What the Rabbit Hole does is sets its margins and allows the food reps to do their jobs. Is the rabbit in the rabbit meat loaf always from Colorado? No, often it is from Montana, which is still within the Rocky Mountains and, therefore more or less, local. The same is true for most of the dishes on the Rabbit Hole menu: they are as local as is humanly possible. It is a goal to be local, not a religion. Shame on Mr. Crawford for somehow implying dishonesty on the part of Mr. Campana and his associates. Maybe he could’ve made an appointment with the Mr. Campana and Chef Beemer, instead of playing phone tag?
In closing I would like to remind Mr. Crawford that what Joe Campana is trying to do is no small task: Open a hip joint in a down economy where one bad review can make or break you. Honestly, I get the feeling that there is more at play with Mr. Crawford’s sour attitude than just simply disliking his hovering waitress or his cold coffee (Maybe tell said waitress that your coffee is cold?). It’s a pity because if the Rabbit Hole sees success than it’s likely others will try their hands at opening an eatery that does more than serve bottomless piles of breadsticks and then Mr. Crawford will have more to do than try to sell ad space to MMJ dispensaries. But who am I? He’s got a copy of the French Laundry at home, so he must know what he’s talking about…right?
Posted by
AngelinointheSprings
on 08/12/2011 at 4:31 PM
Re: “Side dish: Notes on The Rabbit Hole”
If eating rabbit is offensive to you... simply don't eat it! There is a reason Elmer Fudd hunts the rabbit in cartoons.... Surprise!!! I think he plans to eat him!
Posted by
Jules Lepage
on 08/06/2011 at 6:54 PM
Re: “Thai-hot, and not”
Yep, same Glacier. The UV location is a branch (or franchise?) of the Boulder-based company. Bhan Thai was sourcing from Glacier before they had a COS location.
http://www.glaciericecream.com/colorado.ht…
Posted by
Aaron Jakos
on 08/04/2011 at 9:53 AM
Re: “Thai-hot, and not”
Hi Aaron,
Good to know and thanks for sharing. Are we talking about the Glacier ice cream that opened in University Village in July, 2010? That's who's making it for them? Regardless, can't wait to try their version.
Posted by
Matthew Schniper
on 08/04/2011 at 9:21 AM
Re: “Thai-hot, and not”
About the Thai Iced Tea ice cream....
No real "creative thinking" or "experimentation" there. I've been eating Thai Iced Tea ice cream for years from Bhan Thai on Centennial. They put in a Glacier Ice Cream stand a few years back and have a few flavors created especially for them, included Thai iced tea. It's AMAZING, and needs no "dialing in."
Posted by
Aaron Jakos
on 08/04/2011 at 7:47 AM
Re: “Gold Hill Java: Peaks and valleys”
I have eaten there several times and each time had something completely different. The bumble wrap is great and the new "the works" bagel is incredible. My family and I have never had a bad drink or meal at Gold Hill Java Downtown. I would recommend this coffee shop over any other downtown for its quiet, welcoming atmosphere and amazing friendly staff! Don't let the Indy discourage you from trying this new place you will be pleasantly surprised and you'll recommend it to all your friends and family. I have recommended it to all my friends and family and they have given it rave reviews. AS usual the Indy doesn't know what they are talking about and last I looked they aren't food critics they are biased writers with their own agendas! rag paper to say the least.
Posted by
sunlover
on 08/01/2011 at 1:19 PM
Re: “Gold Hill Java: Peaks and valleys”
Gold Hill Java is a wonderful new neighbor to north-end Tejon businesses, residents, and shoppers. The coffee shop is always sparkling clean and comfortable. The staff is friendly and welcoming. So far, we've tried the M wrap, the Bumbel wrap, and Polly Olly wrap--they've all been delicious. And that bite of fudge included with meals is heavenly! Give them a try--we don't think you'll be disappointed. John and Pam Ramsey, Tejon Street Music.
Posted by
GuitarStore
on 07/29/2011 at 3:07 PM
Re: “Side dish: New ownership at Arabica”
Boo Arabica! The man that bought the place didn't even know what half the dishes were, let alone how to make them right. We ordered Foul medames (that's the name on the menu by the way) and he had no idea what it was. Why would you ever buy a restaurant of a specific culture and cuisine you know nothing about? And adding burgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese... really. Colorado springs does not appreciate cultural diversity or food, and restaurants Americanize everything here. I'm very very disappointed with this ownership switch.
Posted by
MimiFace
on 07/20/2011 at 10:46 AM
Re: “We eat again”
I live walking distance to India Palace, and so it's my go to "I don't feel like cooking" place to eat.
Every time I have eaten there since the new management has taken over, each and every dish has been spot on and perfect.
In fact, I enjoyed the Lamb Korma much better here at India Palace than I did while I was in England at no less than 3 curry houses that I went to. (My fiancee is from England, so he eats a lot of curry)
The Chai tea is a wonderful blend for when I want to be decadent.
Suddenly it makes sense where I had seen Raj Kumar before, I used to eat at "Taste of India" (it was a friend of mine's favorite curry house). Thank you for that realization as I couldn't place where I knew him from.
Posted by
ErinAfterMidnight
on 07/02/2011 at 5:53 PM
Re: “Sushi bard”
No More Bluefin!
Colorado Springs, jump on the train: http://culinary-colorado.com/2010/12/03/pr…
Support your local sushi restaurants that don't serve bluefin (restaurant pledge at www.bluefinboycott.org), not overfishing.
Posted by
C Kilduff
on 06/23/2011 at 1:53 PM
Re: “Side dish: Jamaican moves in at old El Tesoro”
Spice Island was very tasty - loved it. We tried a bunch of different things and liked them all. Jerk pork, brown stew jerk pork, beef patties, codfish balls, pepper shrimp, and the delicious home-made cornbread and jam, plus the sides. I'd write a review in your restaurant guide but the restaurant isn't listed yet... The staff was all very friendly. We'll go back!