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| The Lunch Bunch: Cilantro Fusion
Odds are pretty good your office party is off this year, but if you still want to gather the troops for a little holiday fun, we’ve got the place.
Head down Stout Street, just a block off the 16th Street Mall, and look for the awning that reads “Mexican Cuisine.” There, you’ll find Cilantro Fusion, a restaurant featuring delicious traditional Mexican food.
There’s plenty of seating available – order at the counter for lunch, or experience sit-down service for dinner. Just be sure you’re hungry – really hungry. On a recent lunch run, we ordered two “Half and Half” combos (cilantro soup with half a quesadilla and pozole soup with half a chicken torta, both $7.50) and we were both so full we didn’t need to eat dinner.
Happy hour specials include a bucket of six Coronas for just $10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Who needs the office party, anyway?
Cilantro Fusion, 1531 Stout St., 303-685-4986, cilantrofusion.com
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Get yer warm, delicious cookies here!
Get about half way down the steps of Republic Plaza around lunch time, and we dare you not to be lured into the Santa Fe Cookie Co.
You see, the aroma of fresh-baked cookies just can’t be denied – which is why this bare-bones storefront draws in a steady stream of customers seeking just-out-of-the-oven treats. Homemade oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, double chocolate, pecan praline, peanut butter, shortbread with pinon, almond crisps and coconut macaroon (plus brownies and cupcakes) were all available during our recent visit.
Owner Debbie Kuehn has run the company in various locations since 1985. She’s been in this spot since May of last year, and tells us business booms at lunch time.
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The set-up is simple. You’ll find Kuehn busily pulling batches of fresh-baked cookies from an array of ovens, bagging them and setting them on the counter. You select your faves and stuff $1 in a plastic jug for a bag of three cookies. Did you get that? One dollar for three cookies. Pick up a whole box and you’re sure to earn the title of Office Hero.
Just how many cookies does Kuehn bake a day? “A lot,” she says. “Hundreds.”
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And the most popular? Good ol’ chocolate chip.
“They’re good,” Kuehn says. “Plus, it’s cheap and it’s easy.”
Just don’t be surprised if “cookie break” becomes part of your daily routine.
Santa Fe Cookie Co., 303 16th St. #12a, 303-623-0919
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Get Girly at Cali & Mo
If you’re looking for a unique fashion item or gift idea – you know, something special you can’t find at just any chain store – you’ll want to be sure to visit this darling boutique.
Located on the second level of the Pavilions, Cali & Mo is a locally-owned mixture of modern and vintage home décor, gifts, women’s clothing and accessories, says employee Erin McLauthlin.
“There’s a really eclectic mix of fun stuff,” she says. “The owners also support local artists.”
We pored over vintage blazers (around $40), big fashionable handbags (around $95) and vintage-inspired necklaces ($60-$75). Scarves, tea pots, vintage slips and feminine picture frames also caught our eye.
And when you’re on the hunt for that perfect accessory for all your upcoming holiday events, you’ll definitely want to stop by this store, owned by Allison Leyn (of California, aka Cali) and Vicki Raichart (of Missouri, aka Mo). We’ll be seriously surprised if you leave empty-handed.
Shopping hint: Check the Cali & Mo Facebook page regularly for the latest sales and deals.
Cali & Mo, 500 16th St., #222, 303-892-1200, open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
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