Limey


Have you been to Lime? It's a Mexican restaurant with four locations in Denver. They have a killer cocktail menu and some pretty good food, but I must say, I think I'm too old to eat there.

I have had the (unfortunate?) luck to visit lime on 'Taco Tuesdays' both times I've eaten there. The crowd is what you would expect on a night when they offer $1 tacos. The tacos are good, by the way, I'm just not into the crowd that specifically visits a place so they can have dinner and a drink and walk out for less than $10.

We've been to the Larimer and Landmark locations. Both are good spaces, and the Larimer patio is especially excellent. The patio is the ONLY place you should consider sitting on 'Taco Tuesday' (and possibly other nights of the week - I'm not sure), otherwise, if you're over 24 years old, you will be totally unable to hear your dining companion under the best of circumstances.

The service has been decent at both locations and the food decent or better than decent as well. Their hand cut tortilla chips and salsa are delicious and will shut you up while you wait for a drink during the taco chaos. After that, we tried the ceviche, which was quite good, if a bit unimaginative. A very generous portion of shrimp and unidentified whitefish in a low slung glass with tortilla chips and slightly underripe avocado was a crowd pleaser despite some minimal shortcomings.

I had the shrimp fajitas (despite the fact that whenever I (very infrequently) order fajitas, I feel like I must be in a freaking Applebee's or something). The portion was VERY generous and really quite tasty. Lots of shrimp mixed with lots of onions and a few other token veggies such as zucchini and peppers. A stingy portion of guac and sour cream (where's the fat, people?) and some nicely spiced rice and black beans rounded out the dish. A nice feature is that you can mix corn and flour tortillas, pleasing everyone. I mention that because you should SHARE this dish - it's too much for one person!!

My companion had tostadas, which were good- but remind you after you start to eat them that everything you've eaten and snacked on thus far is just another version of a tostada. Veggies, crispy tortillas, guac, etc. It's sort of redundant. But well executed.

So the net is, good food, good, hip vibe, really loud and pretty fun - but if you're over, say, 31 or so, it will make you feel old to be there. Maybe I should try Sunday or Wednesday next time...

www.eatatlime.com

Nutty snacks

I love nuts. They're good for you and it easily allows for a healthy salt fix (if you're able to eat them in moderation, of course). I'll eat roasted, salted mixed nuts, or take raw almonds or cashews or a mix and make my own. This following is a basic guideline, but keep in mind you can easily alter the flavors with different spices or reducing sugar, etc. Be creative - try different salts (smoked salt, maybe?) or add some lemon zest or freshly picked herbs other than rosemary (minced oregano? fresh thyme?). Give it a go - they're easy and they are perfect cocktail or pre dinner snacks!

Caramelized nuts (modified from 'A Kitchen Safari' by Yvonne Short)

1 c raw almonds, cashews or mixed nuts (check the bulk aisle in your supermarket)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 c soft brown sugar
Sea salt or Kosher salt
Cayenne pepper
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced

In a large frying pan, melt the butter. Toss in the sugar, salt, a healthy shake of cayenne (to your taste!) and the rosemary. Mix over the heat then add the nuts. Fry until the nuts are coated in a salty-sugary glaze. Perfect yin-yang combo!

Delicious with a cocktail hour drink!