Fun facts are more fun if they're really facts.
Russ Rigtrup
via the Internet
Bland Ambition
It's not easy being green:I am writing in response to Patricia Calhoun's October 14 "Chile Today" column, concerning green chile. I was born and raised in Denver; however, I currently reside in Minnesota, land of the blandest food you can imagine. (They have three spices here that they cook with: salt, pepper and ketchup. I'm not kidding.) After growing up with the Mexican food in Denver, you cannot imagine how much I miss it. Over the last few years, I have continued to work on the art of cooking green chile, but I just can't quite get it the same as my favorite restaurants (it gets closer with each attempt, though). I make the trip back to Denver at least once every six months, often bringing back a gallon or two of my favorite chile.
Mexican food in Minnesota leaves a little to be desired; honestly, if I am hungry for Mexican (and do not feel like cooking), I go to Taco Bell. Pretty bad, huh? Very few people here have ever heard of green chile.
In my travels through the United States, I always seek out Mexican food, and I can never find green chile on the menu. I honestly did not know that this was something considered a Denver-only cuisine until reading Calhoun's article. Now it all makes sense.
Michael Roth
via the Internet
Bar none:Toby Keith sang the song "I Love This Bar." The Bamboo Hut has evolved the greatest cooks in the heart of Denver. I believe in redemption! Many of the faithful ones have either moved on to greener pastures or died. J.R. is a man who fulfilled his dream 25 years ago by his hard work and devotion. He did the impossible, and that's put his money where his mouth is. You tasted it! He is a legacy, a veteran who served his country in Vietnam, a husband, a survivor, a grandpa...and a loving uncle. Yes, times change and so does food. I can only say, thank God for Grandma Perez's chile.
One more thing, Pat Calhoun: I only read Westword when I want to sit on my throne, but after stumbling on your "Chile Today" article, I'll bring it into my office. Way to go. One more for the 'word.
Angelo Anthony Perez
Denver
Read Alert
Making book: Christopher Benson's "Read On," in the November 4 issue, was a great article! Very insightful and fun to read, which complements the topic. I would definitely like to read more from him.
Amy Harrison
Littleton
Let's Hear It for the Boys
Positive energy:After reading Michael Roberts's November 4 Locals Only review of The Skinny, I just wanted to say a few things about Yo, Flaco! These guys are, to say the least, sick as hell, and every time I see them, it makes me wonder why the hell they're not super-famous. They have dope beats and phat lyrics and are all well-grounded! I know they try to keep their music positive, not just for their fans, but also for their own mental health. Unlike many others, they don't do it because they want to be known as "clean-cut"; they do it because they know positivity breeds positivity. My husband and I have seen them in clubs from Denver to California, and it's always a sick-ass show.
Oh, yeah, and if you're single, there are always hotties there -- guys and girls!
Teena Schenck
via the Internet
