Eklecticafe

That's right. An eclectic cafe. But one word.

Wow. This place wasn't even first on trip advaoros recommendation list of must-visits, but it was darn good! We got a chicken quesadilla with unique homemade salsa, chunky and not too spicy, and a gyro. The gyro came with either a salad or chips and was loaded with meat, tomatoes, red peppers, sprouts, and cucumbers and leafy greens.

I didn't notice where our food went, but it disappeared quite quickly. I left completely enamored with the place and its vibe. There was jewelry for sale lining the shop walls and in every table under the glass. The bathroom looked like a house if worship with it's odd colors and mother Mary. Except there was a ketchup bottle holding the hand soap.

The menu ranged from egg and bagel breakfast concoctions to a curry wrap or southwest burger. They had many pastries and fun coffee drinks too. I was at ease with the free wheeling' place. I should also mention they have ample outdoor seating under the shade of vines and trees. Quite pleasing to the senses.

Drifter's

http://www.drifterscookhouse.com/

In the middle of nowhere Colorado (that seems to be a theme running through my reviews recently) we stumbled across Drifter's Cookhouse. It looked like just another roadside general store, but after checking online reviews I found that it merited a trip, especially after comparing its reviews to others in nearby Walden, Colorado.

Entering the place we were greeted by the lush leather bar. Pretzels and tvs were lined around the room that was filled with wood and black leather comfy seats. The bar was quite impressive! A young boy who was barely old enough to speak was sitting at the bar, welcoming people as they entered and instructing them to sit wherever they liked. 

Potato Quiche with goat cheese, artichokes, and peppers

We sat in the main restaurant part of the building both times we dined there by a window hosting a hummingbird feeder and a jewelry box showcasing items for sale. What blew us away about the place was that the menu featured creative, adventuresome menu items that were prepared expertly. It's as if this gourmet gem was misplaced in the tundra!

Our first sampling there was of a three-item mexican fiesta dish. For 11 dollars we got a meal for one and split it three ways. It included: a carne asada taco, a pulled pork taco, and a chile relleno. To this day I will not forget the taste of the chile relleno - it was an authentic poblano chile full of flavor and not overcooked one hair. It was downright incredible how good that pepper (whole pepper with tail) tasted in contrast to every other relleno I've gotten while out eating Mexican fare. 

The two tacos were quite amazing as well. The pork was extremely well seasoned and not at all fatty. The carne asada came with an avocado slaw that was unlike anything I had ever had before. The meat was amazing but the combination all wrapped up in this little corn shell was just unforgettable. The meal was complimented by rice and beans, both well seasoned and more-than-edible, unlike most Mexican restaurants.

We didn't hesitate going back to drifters to experience their deluxe cuisine a second time. We went back for meatloaf and quiche - both adventurous orders I'd say. The meatloaf was out-of-this world delectable and the quiche was quite good too, although I'd say that the blend of flavors in this egg form was a little too creative.

Hiking opportunists stumbled upon quite a find in Drifter's!

two-color-eyed dog in front of Drifter's

Hammerheads

 http://louisvillehammerheads.com/

Recently on a Monday night based on a recommendation from a friend I dined at Hammerheads in Germantown. It was, well, interesting. The rec said that it was better than holy grale in terms of atmosphere especially. I couldn’t concur less!

We entered the yellow-colored walls that is the basement joint and joined a full house of 80+ degree heated bodies. Yikes, it was hot! We decided to dine outside, where we couldn’t drink beer and had no menu access or service. The waitstaff did accommodate us with service only after waiting about 5 minutes.

The waitstaff were very friendly and the prices were reasonable (7-11) but the beer prices were nothing to write home about. We ordered one brisket sandwich and one crab sandwich. The crab sandwich featured a jalapeno aioli which I wouldn’t have known were present if I didn’t read about it on the menu beforehand. The sandwich had a whole crab in it (!) with very delectable legs and arms and big claws (I don’t know what those things are called). But the meat of the crabs body could have been more flavorfully stuffed.

The brisket was downright bleh. The owner of said brisket said it was better than doc crows, but I was not amused by its natural state. It was rather fatty and unseasoned.. but then again I’m not a big brisket person to begin with (I prefer pulled pork).

All in all I don’t know if I’d go back there – at least not in the summer head. For what you pay for, I’d rather go for the full ambience at half the price and dine at holy grale.