A Trip to Estes Park

We wanted to give our new floors one more day before we started living life on them once again.  So as the floors continued to dry unheeded, we took a drive up to Estes Park.  Usually Estes is one of our favorite quick go-to spots, but this time it was rather uninspiring, to say the least.  The air was smoky and hazy from all the current fires, the colors were not as vibrant as they usually are, and we did not see any critters at all, with the exception of a dead raccoon on the side of the road.  However, there was one delicious bright spot that made our day a success.

Larry originally wanted to go to another restaurant in the heart of Estes, but because it was a very warm day, the streets were crowded and we decided to find something else instead.  We chose well indeed.  We chose a very cozy, comfortable little independently owned and operated adobe style Mexican restaurant called La Cocina de Mama.

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La Cocina de Mama is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they also have a food truck as well.

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At first, we were seated inside the restaurant because there was nothing available outside, but we jumped at the chance to dine al fresco as soon as something opened up.   The inside of the restaurant was decorated with brightly colored authentic Mexican decor.  It was very cozy and inviting.

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Despite the smoke, the skies were blue and it was a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine out on their patio.

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Some mountain flowers to help brighten the day.

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This sign just seems to sum it up perfectly, no matter what life throws at you.

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The food was muy delicioso and fresh.  Larry ordered a trio consisting of a beef chimichanga, a chicken burrito and crispy chili relleno.

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I ordered a pork or al pastor dish with peppers and onions and flour tortillas.

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Both plates were huge and there was no way we could finish them.  But that’s OK.  We ate what we could and took the rest home for another tasty meal to come.  Our food was cooked to perfection and the staff were very friendly and helpful and everything was served con una  sonrisa grande or with a big smile.  We definitely chose very well and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal, which totally made our day.

 

La Cocina de Mama is owned by Miguel Santana Gonzalez.  It is located at 361 South Saint Vrain Avenue in Estes Park, CO.  You can contact them online at http://www.lacocinadmama.com or by phone at (970) 586-9001.   When visiting Estes Park, it is definitely worth while venturing off the main street to enjoy a little taste of Mountain Mexican food.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone.  ‘Til next time.

 

 

 

Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people.

26 thoughts on “A Trip to Estes Park”

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