Korilla BBQ Food Truck.

While on my way to watch the Mavericks/Laker's game at the Uptown Tavern in Denver, I noticed a bright orange food truck parked in the Steuben's Food Service parking lot. The smell of steak adorned with Korean spices wafted through the air and I could not help but cross 17th Street and investigate the situation. The food truck had New York state plates, and offered only one food item: a prime rib steak bbq burrito, complete with cabbage, rice and a spicy Korean special sauce. I decided to wait until after the game, when the line died down and I was hungrier for this Korean-Mexican fusion bundle.

After ordering a burrito to share with Chad, it took only a minute or two for the burrito to be wrapped up in a foil blanket and passed through the six foot high window, ready to be devoured. One of the coolest aspects of this food truck was that the Korilla guys had placed mirrors over the food prep area so that the customer, standing way below the actual food window, is able to see the assembly of the Korilla burrito.

Although the cabbage was cut in big chunks, making it difficult to eat with finese, the thinly sliced prime rib was delicious. The meat to veggie to rice ratio was right on target, and the Korean spicy sauce left my lips burning and hungry for more. This burrito definitely did not taste like tiger meat. Check out Chad enjoying his Korean-Mexican specialty below.

www.korillabbq.com

Two Fisted Mario's

After a long day of donning a flower-covered sun hat and sipping mint juleps, I was ready to soak up the bourbon and satisfy my taste buds with not one, but two slices of delicious cheese pizza. I decided to stop by Two Fisted Mario's, a staple of LoDo late night, located on Market Street right next to Croc's. Luckily, it was early enough in the evening that the restaurant was not packed and I only had to wait the five minutes it took to heat up the pizza before I was stuffing the gooey cheese and delicious red sauce in my mouth. This pizza had some of the best crust I have had for a while. It was chewy and soft and piping hot, fresh from the oven. As a huge red sauce lover, I think that this pizza could have used a bit more sauce, but that is just me being picky. Overall, the pizza was totally satisfying and definitely conquered my pizza cravings. I will definitely return to Two Fisted Mario's... perhaps for late night next weekend?

Two Fisted Mario's

1626 Market Street
Denver, CO

www.TwoFistedMarios.com

Brown Palace.

Ever since I moved to Denver I have been dying to attend tea time in the lobby at the Brown Palace Hotel. When my mom visited last weekend, I thought that it was the perfect opportunity to round up some of the girls and head over to the hotel to enjoy a traditional English tea time

I am quite particular and un-adventurous when it comes to tea, so I ordered my usual Earl Grey, but the girls and my mom tried out some unique blends, such as the vanilla and red rooibos tea selections. My tea was delicious, and everyone else loved their pics as well.

The real stars of tea time, however, were the scones, finger sandwiches, and tea cakes brought out to enjoy along with our tea. The plain and raisin scones with Devonshire cream and delicious jams were amazing. I could not stop coating each bite of scone with the two condiments and was sad when all of the scones were gone! The cucumber sandwiches and the turkey and hummus sandwiches were delicious, and though I am not a mayonnaise fan, everyone else enjoyed the chicken curry sandwiches as well. My favorite sweet treat from this platter was the meringue sandwich with a lemon cream and fresh raspberries inside-- to die for. I could and would eat an entire plate of those meringue sandwiches!

Although I would reserve it for a special occasion, I would definitely return to the Brown Palace for tea time. The staff was wonderful, and all of their different accents really added to the atmosphere-- as did the pianist and harp-player. There were also a lot of historical pictures and stories that explain that many famous women, such as Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt. So cool.

Brown Palace Hotel

321 17th Street

Denver, CO

www.brownpalace.com

Protos.

Due to the cloudy skies and sudden drop in temperature, I decided that eating pizza on the couch while watching a '70s bank heist film was much better than going out, or eating cold cereal at home. As I was headed to the Highlands, swinging by Proto's Pizza was the best option (note: it also happens to be Chad's favorite pizza place).

I have tried Proto's pizza before, however this was the first time that I actually set foot inside the restaurant, and I must admit the inside was quite cute! First of all, I am a sucker for exposed brick, so that was obviously a high point. The restaurant is split between a bar area, and a dining area, both of which appeared homey and welcoming. The people who worked there were all very welcoming and split up duties between pouring me a diet coke, ringing me up and boxing my large cheese pizza. I was in and out of the restaurant with time to spare on my 6 minute parking meter!

Though I must say that I am usually a fan of a thicker, chewier crust, Proto's' thin, almost cracker-like crust was a nice change from the norm. There was the perfect cheese to sauce ratio on the pizza, and while I definitely ate more than one piece, I did not feel too full (as I usually do when I stuff my face with non-thin crust pizza) to eat a few Oreos afterward. Although I missed the thicker crust, I kind of liked the warm crispy cracker crust, and I think that I will definitely return, perhaps next time ordering pineapple on top of my cheese pizza, or one of their numerous specialty pies!

Proto's Pizzeria Napoletana

2401 15th Street

Denver, CO

www.protospizza.com

Twits.

For the latest on what I am eating, follow me on twitter.

@MarielEats

Lola's

The girls and I headed to Lola's for a Saturday night ladies night and I was pleasantly surprised. I had passed this spot while power walking a few times and was interested to try it out, and this weekend I finally had the chance!




Highlights:
(1) Table-side guac. We not only was our medium-spiced guacamole amazing, I could not stop reaching for the homemade (and still hot!!) tortilla chips.
(2) Amazing margaritas that taste fresh-- not like the pre-made, extra sugary, bottled mix.
(3) Corn/squash/goat cheese stuffed poblano was amazing. I could not stop picking at it until my plate was clean!
(4) Weird, yet cool bathrooms. Sea glass doors and Villeroy and Boch sinks. Nice touch.

Would definitely return again, especially when it is warm out, to sit on the outdoor patio while overlooking the gorgeous Denver skyline.

Lola
1575 Boulder Street
Denver CO
www.loladenver.com

Sushi Sasa.

As an east coast-er, it is hard for many of my friends and family to understand how I could possibly not enjoy seafood. To be honest, I am a texture person, and that slimy, smooth feeling of fish slipping down my throat is the last thing that I would consider appetizing. That being said, I do enjoy going out for sushi--vegetarian sushi that is. The girls and I decided to venture to Sushi Sasa, as not only does it hold great Yelp reviews, but the restaurant has been recommended to all of us by various individuals throughout Denver.

I ordered the miso soup and split an order of sweet potato tempura sushi, and an order of veggie sushi. The miso soup was delicious and did not have too much salt or tofu pieces. The sweet potato tempura sushi was excellent-- sweet, yet savory, and the crispy texture contrasted very nicely against the rice. The vegetable sushi, consisting of veggies I had never tried such as burdock root, kampyo and daikon, all of which I looked up online before leaving home, was actually quite delicious. The girls enjoyed their tuna sashimi and diablo rolls. All in all, a success, and a restaurant definitely worth trying.

Note: This restaurant is a little hard to find as there is not a clearly marked sign over the entrance of this restaurant. The entrance is on fifteenth street on the right-hand side just before you cross the bridge into the Highlands. Parking is available in the rear.

Sushi Sasa

2401 15th Street

Denver, CO

www.sushisasadenver.com