Beyond Longmont: Mumtaz, Lafayette

A quickie today, while it's fresh in my mind. I know, I know....I'm SO behind but I'm feeling motivated. What gets me behind is that I feel like I have to go in order of my visits. I'm working on that. Maybe it'll be a new year's resolution? But for now....Mumtaz!

This little gem is in Lafayette on 287, just across from the Walmart. I think the first time I went was with some friends on the way home with the Pacific Asian Market in Broomfield. (Another place I should write about. It's worth a field trip if you've never been there. It's just fun...even with the fishy scent.)
I always get the Kefta plate, and USUALLY baklava. They also have Namura now, which is a cakey sort of thing.
The owner will happily explain the menu to you if you're not very familiar with the food. He's super nice and has a great memory for faces. I walked in and he said "Welcome back!" though it's been at least a year and a half since I've been there. It's things like this that make me go back places. If the food's good then that's great but when you feel genuinely welcomed it makes it a lot more fun to go out of the way to go somewhere.

If you've been to the Petra here in Longmont, they have many similar things; everything is homemade and fresh. His mother makes a lot of the food every day, at least she did when I went there the first time. I've never met her but I thank her and welcome her to come live in my house any day.
They also have great music! I get excited when I recognize one of the songs by Amr Diab.
He's a superstar in much of the world but we don't see much of him here. If you like a little world flavor in your music, check him out. :)
(I warn you...he's pretty dreamy and you may suddenly think you can bellydance.)
http://youtu.be/-hOMAUH4fvc

Check out their menu here! http://mumtazfood.com/


 

Loaf & Ladle

"The best soup & pie in Longmont!"

This is their claim...I have yet to taste the soup but can't argue the pie part!
This is definitely a new Blogmont favorite. It should have been years ago, but I didn't know!
Mom wanted an egg salad sandwich. I always want an egg salad sandwich. So we went. It's surprising how hard it is to find a good sandwich sometimes. (I make splendid egg salad but then I have to MAKE it.)
For our first experience we met Debita for lunch. Madre and I both got egg salad, hers on a croissant and mine on sourdough. Debita got a reuben. I love reubens and I MUST try theirs some day.
Mom loves the croissants because we have rationalized that it's ok for her to eat them, even though she's generally gluten-free, because croissants must be mostly butter anyway...right?
They even smell like buttery goodness. So yummy. I always get mine on croissants now. I actually have yet to order something that's not egg salad or pie. I'll try to change it up next time. But still with pie. Obviously.

It could do with a little update (or a retro "update" whatever that might be called) but I love it.
It's always packed with little crowds of silver-haired regulars, which tells you the service is friendly and the food is consistent.
Part of the reason I never went before is that it's only open 11am-4pm and closed weekends, but if you can make it for lunch it's definitely worth it. Prices are very reasonable, the owner is super friendly, soda's a little flat but I deal because they can give me cherry Coke, and you can get milkshakes and a couple other old-fashioned style drinks.

This is an Egg Creme. I haven't the slightest idea what it is but Debita liked it.

 

Check out the old-fashioned shake maker!

 

Note from experience: You order and pay at the counter. This might make you forget to leave a tip for your lovely waitress before you leave. Try not to forget! Now that I am familiar with the place I just tip when I pay, but I think since you don't pay as you leave like at most sit-down places your brain forgets to think of money stuff. Mom stopped back in the next day to leave our tip because we forgot. :D Oopsie.
Loaf & Ladle is somewhere you can go often because it's affordable and friendly.
I've seen menu photos somewhere out there on the internet and if I can find them again I shall post them but at the moment they are hiding from me.

Found it!
http://www.menupix.com/menudirectory/menu.php?id=700281

Caffe Luna

This little hidden coffee nook can be found just to the east of Roosevelt Park on Coffman.
I had never been there all my years in Longmont until this summer. I never even knew it was there until a few years ago. It seems to have a cult-like following of Luna fans, from what I can tell.
I had an Italian soda sort of thing and had a bite (or two) of my friend's Curry Chicken Salad and both were quite good.

They had a variety of tasty looking pastries lining the itty bitty counter but I didn't indulge.
Caffe Luna reminds me of old Penny Lane in Boulder, where we used to beg to go for classes in high school...and were successful a surprising amount of the time.
Caffe Luna has lots of books lining the shelves, seems like a good reading spot and has free Wi-Fi.

Food and drink are good, atmosphere is quiet (maybe less so at peak coffe times) and laid-back, location is nice...near the park and bus stop. (If you don't like bus stop fumes however, you might want to stick to indoor seating.)
I personally prefer Ziggi's or Vita Bella over Caffe Luna but not really for any specific reason. They are just more my cup of...whatever I order. :) I think it might actually be a little TOO mellow for my taste. If I want quiet & calm I tend to stay home. But if you want mellow to mingle with your out and about then this might be a good spot for you.

When I visited they were NOT accepting credit cards but I think they were hoping to in the future so you might want to check before you go or make sure you have cash on hand.
 

Finally....amazing beans made by ME!

(This wouldn't load on my other blog for some reason so it's going here on Blogmont!)

This is the original recipe but I had to adjust a little bit as I was not cooking for 24 people.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mexican-Beans/

So here we go:

I start with about 1/2 pound of beans. That would have been good for us for dinner and maybe some leftovers.
I don't soak my beans but I do rinse them off before I throw them in the pot.

Put your 1/2 pound of beans in a medium sized pot with about 1 quart of water.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for 2-3 hours. (The original recipe simmers for 3 hours but it's four times as many beans as I'm using here so check after 2 hours or so and see if the beans are tender.)
After about 2 hours your beans will be fairly tender and the water will start getting a little "soupy."

I keep my beans simmering while I put on the bacon.

Cook 4 slices of bacon. When it's done take the slices out and chop them up.
I used about half an onion, half a jalapeno (I'd probably use more if it was only for me), and a small tomato. Dice these pretty small and toss it all in the bacon grease and cook for just a few minutes until your onions are tender.
You can toss the bacon back in and simmer a little longer if you need to.
Add a little bit of salt and garlic powder and anything else you might fancy.

(There's no tomato in this picture cause we didn't have any today. Add more or less of things depending on your taste.)

Dump this fabulous greasy bacon mixture in your pot of beans and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. Check them after about 30 minutes and see if they are as tender as you like.
I then use the potato smasher to smoosh them up a bit but not to the point of being totally pureed. I like a little bit of chunky bean bits left.

Ideally I'd get some queso fresco from el mercado but I forgot so I just toss my tortilla on the skillet for a minute to warm it up and chow down.

Winchell's Donut House

I love donuts. They are the perfect "food." This is just a fact of life.

For reasons that only angels know, the donuts at our Longmont Winchell's are totally dreamy.

My personal favorite is the blueberry fritter. If you ever want to see a grown woman pouting, follow me in there some day when they've run out of blueberry. It's pathetic.

But there's always bright sprinkles to cheer me up.

 

The people working there are also quite friendly, but I would be too if I was surrounded by donuts all the time.

I've been meaning to do an official comparison to the other donut places in town but, honestly, I just don't think I need to. I love this place!

(If you're a Krispy Kreme fan you can grab those at Ziggi's but I think they taste funny. All Krispy Kreme, not just Ziggi's....no idea why.)

The usual order for me and Debita. Nom.

Beyond Longmont: Rocky Mountain Chili Bowl

This is one of my better late than never posts!

During the ColoRODans car show extravanza this summer I smelled something good...
Then I saw the sign that said Green Chili Nachos. Obviously I followed the smell and got myself nachos!

My nachos were hot, fresh, and amazing. I was short 12 cents somehow but the nice lady said to not worry about it. So if you go....take 12 cents for me please!

Oh how I would love some of these right this minute.

You can get breakfast bowls, burritos, chili cheese fries, and other bowls of wonderful varieties.
They are in Denver but check their website or Facebook to see if they will be at an event in your area.
YUM YUM!
http://www.rockymountainchilibowl.com/

Oh yeah....

 

 

 

China Panda

The best Chinese food in Longmont can be found at the China Panda on the corner of 3rd and Main.
It's also in one of Longmont's cool historic buildings.

Your food comes out hot and quick and piled high. The lunch menu is a great deal.

If you've never been in the front door before (they deliver too...so you don't have to go in if you want to stay home in your jammies) it's a little...odd.
The front is like a little plant lounge. There's a little coffe joint down the hall and a couple other miscellaneous things. China Panda is to the right past the strangely placed iron-looking gate.
It's not the most beautiful dining experience of your life but I kind of like the cozy simplicity back there. Maybe they'll do a little updating some day but the food is the most important thing and it's not to be missed.

 

Firehouse Gallery

I can't remember what the awesome exhibit I went to on this particular night so I will just say...
Visit the Firehouse! There is always something unique awaiting you there.

http://firehouseart.org/

Cleaned out your closets lately? Kitchen cabinets?

Maybe you recently had a change of style? Change of decor? Shopping spree?

Did you move in with your honey and now you have two of everything?

Have your kids grown up and out of their old clothes?

Have you been bulk buying or splurge on the 10 for 10 at King Soopers and can't possibly eat any more?

Is your garden taking you hostage and your friends sick of your produce?

Just feeling like doing a good deed?

Whatever it is...maybe you'll consider donating some items to help out your community.
To make it easy peasy for you, I will come pick up whatever items you'd like to get off your hands and deliver them to the OUR Center.
Of course, cash donations are always great and I'd be happy to deliver those as well (or purchase specific items for you that you wish to donate) if you are comfortable with me handling it.
I DO love shopping the 10 for 10, but I never need 10 of anything!

Here is a list of the most urgently needed items:

Diapers

Cereal

Baby Food

Clothing

Pasta, Rice

Toilet Paper

Canned Food

Bottled Water

Shampoo

Infant Formula

Other regularly needed items:

CLOTHING AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Clean gently used clothing

Shoes/socks

New underwear

Coats/jackets/hats/gloves

Suits/dresses

Bedding items, towels

Small kitchen items

Dishes/pots/pans

Small appliances

Silverware/utensils

Purses/wallets

Eyeglasses, sunglasses

Sleeping Bags (new)

 

FOOD, GROCERY, AND PERSONAL CARE

Dry cereal

Grains/rice, beans

Infant formula

Canned fruit and vegetables

Canned soups

Tuna and canned meat

Diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6 needed most)

Pasta-Macaroni and cheese

Tomato products

Fresh vegetables

Plastic/paper grocery bags

Personal care items

 

INFANT AND CHILD CARE ITEMS

Washcloths (new)

Canned fruits and vegetables (not mixed)

Baby wipes (unscented)

Construction paper (new)

Paints/brushes (new)

Non-toxic markers

Play-doh

Sidewalk chalk

Bubbles

Contact paper

Non-toxic watercolors

Please Note: We cannot accept any toys (including stuffed animals) or books.

 

GENERAL SUPPLIES & TRANSPORTATION

RTD bus passes

Grocery store gift certificates

 

If you want me to come pick up items email me at KathayJ@Yahoo.com, leave a comment or contact me on Facebook!

 

If you want to donate on your own or find other ways to help, you can visit their website- http://www.ourcenter.org/

You can donate online or on the phone.

7 West, visit #2

The first time I went to 7 West was for breakfast. It was acceptable; your basic breakfast stuff and I left with a full tummy.

I still haven't had the pizza yet but I went back again and tried the Italian Sub and it was super good!
My dining companions had a small pizza with roasted tomatoes and cheese ravioli and it was a happy table all the way around.

The bread for my sub was really excellent and it was packed full of meat and olives. If you don't like olives, this would be problematic, but I love them.

Fries were almost perfect and a bottle of rootbeer complimented it all nicely. With baseball on the TV I was surrounded by all my favorite things!

Both times I've been in it's been all but empty in the diningroom but there's always folks out on the patios. And the servers are extremely friendly. I certainly have reasons to go back there.

More niceness from La Vita Bella

There are so many things to try there! The chai muffins are delish and they have gluten-free ones too.

To get my total sugar rush for the day...or week...I tried an iced Mexican mocha and a pecan roll.
YUM!

The Mexican mocha has a little bit of spice to it which goes splendidly with the chocolate bits.

The pecan roll is nice and gooey. All their homemade goods are great there.

I like this new art they have...so I took a picture. Taadaaa...

 

Thank Goodness for Germans!

I've got a few favorite spots to hit when I go to the Longmont Farmers Market...Papusas, popcorn, white chocolate bread...but one fabulous day I saw this sign and possibly squealed with delight!

One of my favorite things in the world. They go by a few different names but I'll never pass up a chance to stuff my face! Grandma calls them "cabbage pockets."
During my Kansas years bierocks (don't know if there's a standard spelling on this but that's how I spell it) are a common sight, not to mention a full on necessity at fairs and events.
Hays, Kansas is home to many a German and they sure do love their bread-wrapped food. It's one of the perks of Kansas!
I make my own every so often but it's kind of a process. I use crescent roll dough because it's pretty easy (I smoosh the little triangles together) but I think everyone makes them a little different. Throw a little mustard on there and you are set!

These folks also have brats, strudel, amazing soups, and other home-baked treats.  It's comfort food...at least for the 1/4 of me that's German I guess. I don't think my Irish part will complain about cabbage and bread though.
Once the cold weather gets here there's not much better than fresh bierocks and some potato soup. Mmm....
 

Random Blogmont Tip of the Day

I was heading to meet Debita this morning for breakfast and I needed to stop at the ATM.

The best place to stop on my end of town is Safeway...but the ATM was out of order. Annoying.

I was already running a little late and didn't want to go across town for a different ATM or use one that wasn't for my bank. As you know, using ATMs other than your own charges you service fees and junk like that.

Then my moment of brilliance.

I buy a cheapo impulse item from the self-checkout and ask for cash back! Clever!

No service fees at the self-checkout.

The 99 cents I spent on Tic Tacs is cheaper than the fees would be anway.

And now I have Tic Tacs!

 

Used Book Emporium

Books! Books! Books!
Everybody loves a new book. Or an old book. Or a new old book or an old new book.
Whatever your preference, this is a pretty good place to start.

They have oodles of stuff, good prices, and it's just fun to browse and see what you want that you didn't even know you wanted.
Amazon doesn't offer that bookish smell.
It doesn't hurt that my book-obsessed mum has loads of credit there that I borrow. :D
(You can take in your old books for store credit. It's now a never-ending loop I think.)

Personally I think it's good for a sudden attack of shopping syndrome. You can buy a few books for not too much, learn something, and spend a while browsing. It's a good deal.
I can't imagine why anyone would buy new children's books. They are insanely expensive and you can let your kiddo go wild throwing books in the basket for much cheaper here.

Stop in next time you're strolling down Main or check out their website for more info!
They need to get themselves a Facebook page, says I!

Update: Snarf's

I discovered that the Snarf's in north Longmont (just East of Main on Mountain View) does indeed serve breakfast!
I haven't tried breakfast yet but I certainly hope to one day soon.
My previous post claimed that Longmont didn't have a breakfast serving Snarf's...it was apparently all lies.

And look at my beautiful sammich. My regular Italian dream. Mmmm.

Abbondanza Pizzeria

I've been told I am mistaken about the name of the artist I wrote about previously, so....guess I'll have to do some research.

**Update** I had a lightbulb today...the artist I like (I bought a print of his a couple years ago after seeing it in Abbondanza, and the bird print below is his) is Bob Glassman. I was mixing up Glassman and Goff (owner of Abbondanza.)
So, thanks to whoever brought that to my attention...

I love pizza. I like Chicago style, NY style, frozen style, my own invented styles, all of it.
With the occasional exception of Old C's Double Deckeroni (omg) Abbodanza is almost always my top choice for pizza dining.

(I just now realized they have Zucchini Stix! Must have those!)

It's just good. It's not like anything mind blowing, no new pizza revelation, it's just good pizza.
They also offer an ideal pizza eating environment.
Downtown Longmont, Main St. people watching, the beloved brick walls, and games! Yay! It's an awesome place for kids because 1) kids like pizza, and 2) there are games on the tables.

I like getting the 2 slices and a drink deal.
When I'm feeling fancy I'll get the Greek or something with a little more flare to it.
According to the mom, the gluten-free is pretty good though she seems to not like to eat it when she can smell all the regular gluten-full crust floating around. Understandable, but at least you've got options.

It's been a while but we got the Dinosaur Eggs ages ago and they are terrific. It's like a little one meatball calzone! Perfect!



And an extra Blogmont bit of advice...if you're planning on pizza during an ArtWalk or Downtown event, go EARLY or be prepared to be smooshed in cause it is the place to be. They usually have a stand located on a side street as well if you're just looking for the basic cheese or pepperoni slices.

Like them on Facebook or check out the menu on their website: http://www.abbondanzapizzeria.com/index.html

Norm's Dog Biscuits

On a little roadtrip to Avogadro's in Ft. Collins we came across these doggy treats.

Norm's Dog Biscuits are all REAL ingredients. I could eat them...if I desired...which I don't. But I could!
Plus, look how cute the face is.
Turns out these are from right here in Longmont!
Simple, natural little treat for your pup (or you if you're in to that sort of thing.)
Our princessa Lola likes them, so they must be good.

Check them out on Facebook or their website: http://www.normsdogbiscuits.com/

Artist: Anne Hayes

Don't you love it when you find something new and unique that somehow fits into this perfect little space of life?

I'm not sure how often it happens but it's always an impressive turn of fate...or something.

I was attending the volunteer orientation for the LCJP (Longmont Community Justice Partnership) and there were several seemingly cool and interesting people there. We went around the group and each told what our ideal super power would be. Mine was to be able to speak and understand any language that has ever existed. Someone else actually said they were going to pick the same thing! How fun!

Anyway, a couple of us were chatting over break and one mentioned that she had an upcoming art show at the Longmont Center for People with Disabilities. This person turned out to be Anne Hayes. She's an awesome artist who has traveled the world and has super power dreams of making art in the sky. Whoa!

Anne tells us she has an exhibit called “Bare Naked Women and Their Birds.” (My mom loves birds!) Then she says she has a collection called “Women Who Live with Goats.” (My mom loves goats!) Anne gave me a flyer for her upcoming art show and while reading her bio, I see that she suffered a brain injury years before and it sort of guided in developing her art. My mother also suffered a brain injury years ago. They must meet!

We stopped by her art show and it was even cooler than I anticipated. So many women and birds created from nature. Anne combines found objects such as sticks, feathers, leaves, bits of fluff, seed pods, fabric, etc...to create unique and awesome art. (My mom also collects sticks, feathers, and nature bits.)
If you ever see a show I definitely recommend seeing the pieces in person. There are so many little details that you miss even if you go to the show twice!

And if you're curious...Anne and mom hit it off immediately. Hopefully they'll become great pals and go on twig hunting expeditions together. :)

"Brigette" now has a happy home in mom's house.

If you're interested in seeing more of Anne's art let me know and I can put you in touch with her. I believe she's in the process of getting a website of some sort up and running.

Santa Fe Coffee & Burrito Company

I used to love Swanky Frank's. It's smokey grossness was part of it's charm. But I'm totally biased about retro diner/cafe places. I could be eating with a rodent AT the table and I'd still think it was a cool place. I do like rodents though...

But Swanky Frank's is long gone and has been replaced by the Santa Fe Company.

It is charming and pleasant with NO grossness.

The first time I went I wasn't in the burrito mood so I went for a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage. It was delicious. Nice homey pancakes. Mmm. Mom had a burger with AWESOME french fries. They should serve fries with everything there. Next time I go back I might just get breakfast with fries. Don't judge. It's basically the same thing as hash browns.

The owner is so sweet I could pinch his cheeks. He definitely wants to make sure everything is good and you are properly taken care of.

The second trip was pretty exciting. I got a breakfast burrito. And by “burrito” I mean-- tortilla wrapped monstrosity of tastyness. (This is mom's arm next to my breakfast.)

 

Aside from it's hugeness it was yummy. Usually when you get potatoes in a burrito it's more of a filler than a taste addition. These potatoes were so GOOD. I don't know why. It's a mystery. But they weren't mushy, they were flavor coated.

Mom got the oatmeal which was surprisingly exciting! She got a little assortment of raisins, Craisins, brown sugar, and cream. I ate several spoonfuls. It was good enough for me to pause on the burrito front and save it for later so that I could eat the rest of my mother's breakfast. It was also a very cheap, filling, tasty breakfast. What else can one ask for breakfast?

Mocha maybe...which I had. It was more coffee than chocolate, which works for coffee people but next time I'll ask for more chocolate. He came over and said he could add more but I was more interested in drinking it than bothering the sweet man.

I'm sure it gets busy busy at peak breakfast times but I always go a little later and it's very nice and the service is quick.

I would go there every single morning for breakfast if I had the funds for it. I look forward to trying more menu options but we'll see if I actually order something new next time I go or get the oh-so-exciting oatmeal! How do they make it so nice??

I also love the classic car that's always out front. So pretty...