A Colorado Springs Legend in Progress
March 31, 2008 | 
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Martin Troy, Assistant Manager of Jack Quinn Alehouse and Irish Pub, is not your average restaurateur. He is a combination of regular guy, organizer, initiator, and man about town who understands what his clientele wants and how to give it to them. When you walk into Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse & Pub establishment on 21 South Tejon Street in Colorado Springs, you will see the results of Martin’s organization, class, and attention to ambiance.
Martin and his crew have prepared a truly Irish style celebration for Quinn’s 10th anniversary, which just happens to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day. Preparations have been made to create the best Irish bash ever. The Quinn “family”, among them local fire fighters, young professionals, college students, and members of the military, make this unique Irish Pub their exclusive meeting place and watering hole. Here are the reasons why.
First and foremost, Martin ensures that Quinn’s Irish fare is authentic. He’ll have no beef in the Irish stew, to be sure. It is lamb, or nothing. And that is freshly made soda bread, if you please. The Alaskan cod in beer batter is a real tradition, and beef boxty, a kind of Irish finger food, makes the clientele’s mouths water nightly. You will have to sample these delicacies on more than one visit in order to enjoy the subtle flavor differences of each dish.
The beverages available are as authentically Irish as one will find in the Emerald Isle. The ever-present Guinness is served at exactly the correct temperature. An army of Irish whiskies lines the downstairs and upstairs bars. You may require some time to take in the eye appeal of Quinn’s Irish ambiance whether you sit in the more private, wooden “parlors” or the hand-rubbed wooden bars on both floors. Make sure you look on the walls, where mementos of the best football (soccer) teams decorate the walls. And then you have the lovely Irish colleens whose portraits grace the stairwells. They are sure to bring back memories of days gone by.
If you are over 21 years of age, you will be welcome to partake of authentic Irish libations. If you are not, you can still enjoy the traditional Irish step-dancing tunes, Sean Nôs (old style) music, and the ever present fiddle and bodhrân (Irish drum). Quinn’s advocates celebration of culture through music, dance, food, and conversation for those who enjoy camaraderie as a lifestyle.
Thank you, Martin. You have made our day, and hopefully many more!
- M
Culinary Delights Await You at Carlos Bistro
January 30, 2008 | Email This Post
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When you enter Carlos Bistro and Oyster Bar in Colorado Springs, be warned. Resign yourself to be pampered and tempted with the finest array of cuisine this city has to offer. Carlos and Marcia Echeandía have created a veritable oasis that will delight your palate and serenade your senses. The Carlos Bistro experience is one of dining at its best.
Carlos Bistro and Oyster Bar is the culmination of a young boy’s dream. As a youth, Carlos knew that entertaining with flair would become a major focus of his life. He was “a natural”, attending to his parents’ guests at dinner parties in their home, observing how the courses were served, taking note of which wines compliment each course. Carlos admits that his ancestry and upbringing paved the way for him to become a restaurateur and more, a connoisseur of fine cuisine and elegant dining.
Carlos’s university degree provided additional fuel for his culinary fire. After graduating with a business degree in his native Peru, he set out for the United States where he spent the next years learning the U.S. restaurant scene. He and Marcia worked as a team in the business sector and on the home front; they raised a family and worked together to plan for their own venue when the time was right. When they made the big step to open their restaurant, they knew “it was time.”
“Marcia is in charge,” Carlos told us. She and his chefs focus upon a successful dining adventure from beginning to end. “Marcia is crucial to our success,” he continued. “She’s my anchor. She sees to all the small details, prepares the decorations by hand, gives everything that extra attention, and makes sure that everything we serve is perfect.”
Carlos’s international company of six chefs, Gilda, Dan, Omar, Ben, Sergio and Hugo, have created a blending of American cuisine with unique styles from around the world. They design each dish to please the palate and the eye, nourish the body, and regale the spirit. Remember, you were warned!
“Our chefs are family,” Carlos said. “They have been here with me since the very beginning. They have passion, creativity, art, and love for what we do here.”
If you are a newcomer to Carlos Bistro, please ask the talented wait staff to assist you with suggestions. They are trained to be prompt, helpful, unobtrusive, and attentive. They will suggest beverages that best suit your dining choices, and you can be assured that Carlos, tie over his shoulder, will visit your table to be sure that you are enjoying your meal.
Once a Carlos Bistro aficionado, always a Carlos Bistro aficionado! From the fresh crab cake first course, or just-flown-in oysters on the half shell, to a perfectly seared prime filet cooked to your order, and finished off with the smoothest of fresh cream and berries, you will have just enough time to check your calendar and make a reservation for your next eating extravaganza.
The Record+ cannot speak too highly of Carlos Bistro and Oyster Bar. It is the stuff that dreams are made of, and we trust you will make them part of your special times as well.
1025 S. 21st Street
Colorado Springs, CO
471-2905
Lunch and Dinner: Monday through Friday
Dinner Saturday
- M
The Cherry Tree is Blooming in Colorado Springs!
October 31, 2007 | Email This Post
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Never fear, Sakura Sushi & Grill is here! On the west side of Colorado Springs, at 30th Street and Colorado Avenue to be exact. Proprietors Nancy Jang and Hyung Jun Jang decided that luscious Japanese cuisine was sorely lacking on the west side of town and took it upon themselves to raise the culinary bar for sushi enthusiasts.
Make no mistake about it, Sakura [Japanese name for “Cherry Tree”] has become famous for much more than sushi. Generous servings of tempura and succulent red radish, barbecued Korean style short ribs, and soul-soothing soups are just the tip of the culinary iceberg for those searching for a truly innovative sampling experience. Nancy and Hyung wanted to establish a friendly atmosphere for their patrons, and they have taken pains to provide colorful varieties and samples for all to share. Nobody leaves Sakura as a stranger. “We are all family,” Nancy comments.
The Sakura Sushi & Grill V.I.P. membership card is a another “plus” for patrons. One simply signs up for this card while at table, and virtually in minutes Nancy returns with your own personalized V.I.P card that keeps track of what you spend and provides a lovely credit payback that can be used to order at a later time.
There is yet another “must see” that Nancy and Hyung have created for their extended family. Be advised to pay special attention to the unique sushi platters that Nancy and Hyung have created for you. “Silver,” “Gold,” and “Bronze” platters contain a plethora of luscious sushi rolls, individual sashimi bites, and finger-licking creations that are guaranteed to please. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a group of diners enjoying the colors, textures, and tastes of the edible works of art in on their dining table.
The ample dining room seats around 95 diners, and the lounge is nestled next to Hyung’s workspace, so people can enjoy watching him prepare the food as they enjoy good conversation and consume edible delights. Young diners will love Sakura Sushi & Grill as well because the wall cum fish tank houses guppies that approach the glass to be fed. Their varied colors, sizes, and shapes mesmerize the most sophisticated viewers, young and old.
Now you have it.
Sakura Sushi & Grill
3117 West Colorado Avenue
Telephone: 579-0252
You owe it to yourself to dine in a pleasant atmosphere with prices that treat you kindly. See you there!
M
The Caspian Cafe
August 15, 2007 | Email This Post
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